Pro-protein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) the ninth known member of the mammalian serine proprotein convertase (PC) family, and plays an important role in low density lipoproteins (LDL) metabolism. Once secreted, PCSK9 binds LDL receptors (LDLRs), targeting them toward intracellular degradation through an endosomal/lysosomal route. Inhibition of PCSK9 can reduce LDLRs degradation and increase the expression of LDLRs in the cell surface, resulting in an enhanced recycling of LDLRs and a reduction in the levels of LDL cholesterol. Hence, inhibitors of PCSK9 suppose a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia.

Discovery of PCSK9

PCSK9 was first described as neural apoptosis-regulated convertase 1 (NARC-1) in studies of cerebral neuron apoptosis, suggesting that it could be implicated in the differentiation of cortical neurons ^[1]. Concomitant and following studies in patients with familiar hypercholesterolemia revealed the clinical importance of PCSK9, showing that patients with gain-of-function mutations presented increased levels of cholesterol in plasma (i.e. hypercholesterolemia) due to reduced expression of LDLRs. In contrast, loss-of-function variants of PSCK9 are associated with a reduction of LDL cholesterol levels and a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. The role of PSCK9 in LDLRs and cholesterol metabolism has been confirmed in animal models. Thus, mice overexpressing PCSK9 show a reduction in the expression of hepatic LDLRs and hypercholesterolemia, whereas knockout mice for PCSK9 present decreased levels of plasmatic LDL cholesterol because of increased expression of LDLRs ^[2][3].

Gene and synthesis of PCSK9

Under normal conditions, PCSK9 has a half-life in plasma of approximately 5 minutes. PCSK9 is the ninth known member of the mammalian subtilisin (S8) serine proprotein convertase (PC) family that carries out the proteolytic maturation of secretory proteins such as neuropeptides, prohormones and cytokines. Humans have nine different PCs that can be divided between S8A and S8B subfamilies. PCSK9 is classified in subfamily S8A ^[4].

The human gene for PCSK9 is 22 kb length and it is located in chromosome 1p32.3. It contains 11 introns and 12 exons that encode the 692 amino acids of the enzyme. The sequence of the protein is characterized by a signal sequence (amino acids 1-30), a prodomain (amino acids 31-152), and a catalytic domain, followed by a C-terminal region of 243 amino acids which is rich in cysteine and histidine residues Fig. 1. PCSK9 is mainly expressed in the liver, intestine and kidney, and it can also be in the nervous system. It is synthesized as a precursor of ~74 kDa that is processed in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) where it undergoes cleavage of its signal peptide and intramolecular autocatalytic cleavage producing a ~60-kDa catalytic fragment. The autocatalysis of the zymogen takes place between Gln152 and Ser153 ^[5]. This cleavage is necessary for transport from ER to the Golgi body and for secretion. The cleaved prodomain of ~14 kDa remains associated with the catalytic domain, which is unique to PCSK9. This facilitates protein folding, permits the mature protein to move from ER into the secretory pathway and regulates the catalytic activity of the enzyme by blocking the access to the catalytic site Fig. 2? ^[6][7].

PCSK9 can be found in plasma in two forms: the mature and secreted form of ~60 kDa, and as an inactivated fragment of ~53 kDa produced by the cleavage of the mature form at the motive RFHR218↓ by other proprotein convertases, mainly furin and/or PC5/6A ^[8].

In humans, PCSK9 circulates in plasma in a phosphorylated state and it has been shown that it is phosphorylated at the Ser47 and Ser688 by a Golgi casein kinase-like kinase ex vivo. This phosphorylation might be important to protect the propeptide against proteolysis ^[9].

Binding to LDLR

Yamamoto et al., described a two-step model wherein the Pro-Cat domain of PCSK9 initiates contact with EGF-A of the LDL receptor at neutral pH. An antiparallel β-sheet is formed between residues 377– 379 of PCSK9 and residues 308–310 of EGF-A. The complex PCSK9:LDLR is internalized and exposure to the low pH environment of the endosome, where the CT domain of PCSK9 binds the Ligand-Binding domain of LDLR. This interaction impair the ability of the receptor to adopt a recycling-competent conformation and promote trafficking of the PCSK9-LDLR complex to the lysosome (Yamamoto, Lu et al. 2011).

In the absence of PCSK9, lipoprotein binding to the LDLR leads to receptor-mediated endocytosis. The low pH environment of the endosome induces a conformational change in the LDLR, resulting in discharge of bound lipoprotein ligand and interaction between the β-propeller segment and ligand-binding repeats 4 and 5. This event permits the segregation and separate trafficking of the LDLR to the cell surface and the lipoprotein ligand to the lysosome, respectively (Yamamoto, Lu et al. 2011).

It is believed that the transition from neutral pH at the cell surface to low pH in the endosomal compartment activates a “histidine switch” that promotes the mentioned intramolecular interaction between receptor domains. A critical aspect of this conformational change is that it promotes ligand release, thereby facilitating receptor recycling to the cell surface, where it is available for another round of endocytosis. PCSK9-mediated interference with this process causes the LDLR to traffic to lysosomes, where it is degraded (Yamamoto, Lu et al. 2011).

Kinetics of PCSK9

Under normal conditions, PCSK9 has a half-life in plasma of approximately 5 minutes. It has been showed that in humans and mice, LDLR is a major regulator for PCSK9 levels and clearance, therefore in the presence of an additional copy of LDLR in the liver (induced by transgenic expression) reduces the half-life of PCSK9 by 50%, to 2.9 minutes, whereas in the absence of LDLR, the half-life of PCSK9 in serum is prolonged between 3–10 times above normal.

The kinetics of wild-type (WT) PCSK9 binding to LDLR shows Kd(poner d pequeña) values that range from 90 to 840 nM at neutral pH, and its affinity to LDLR becomes ∼100-fold higher at lower pH with Kd(poner d pequeña) values ranging from 1–8 nM. (Relacionar con los cambios estructurales de arriba)

PCSK9 binding to LDLR has been described as biphasic, with a first rapid phase characterized by a half-time of 6.6 minutes, which accounts for 35% of the equilibrium binding and a second slow phase whose half-time is 94 minutes. Similarly, 25% of the PCSK9 bound to LDLR dissociates during the rapid phase with a half-time of 19 minutes, while the remaining PCSK9 dissociates slowly with a half-time of 297 minutes.

Despite the rapid binding of PCSK9 and internalization of LDLR by hepatocytes, PCSK9-mediated degradation of LDLR in vitro has only been observed after several hours. It was further shown that, at least in mice, PCSK9 remains intact in the liver for up to 4 hours after its internalization, thus suggesting that other events might be required in order to allow PCSK9-mediated degradation of LDLR (or LDLR mediated degradation of PCSK9).

(Giunzioni and Tavori 2015)

You may include any references to papers as in: the use of JSmol in Proteopedia ^[10] or to the article describing Jmol ^[11] to the rescue.

PCSK9 as a therapeutic target

Regarding the fact that PCSK9 reduces the LDL-R and thus LDL-C clearance from blood, high concentrations of this protein in plasma increase risk to suffer from cardiovascular diseases. Effect that has been considerably reversed when studying loss of function mutations in PCSK9 which conditioned self-processing and secretion. Hence, several studies approaching alternative treatments against hypercholesterolemia using PCSK9 as new target to avoid side effects of statins treatment. To this end inhibitory strategies against PCSK9 are under investigation with different approaches that can either prevent the protease from binding LDL-R or inhibiting its synthesis and processing.

Extracellular inhibitors

Their strategy is focused in the reduction of PCSK9 function or its plasma level. The two main inhibitors are:

==== Monoclonal antibodies ====

They constitute the most successful strategy via sequestrating in plasma circulating PSCK9 binding to a specific epitope in the molecule. By 
binding to the catalytic domain and prodomain of the protease they neutralize PCSK9 activity, thus, preventing its interaction with LDL-R. 
In clinical trials they reached a maximum a suppression of plasma free PCSK9 after 4 to 8 hours of administration achieving a 65% reduction of 
LDL-C in healthy patients and a 60 to 80% reduction in patients with hypercholesterolemia. 
There are three known mAb that have reached the clinical trials evolocumab, alirocumab and bococizumab. Only the two first 
antibodies are fully human while the last one is approximately 3% murine which has been withdrawn due to anti-drug antibodies responses. Out of 
metanalyses it has been addressed that they reduce cardiovascular mortality as well as the rate of myocardial infarction. Both alirocumab  
(Praluent®) and evolocumab (Repatha®) received FDA and EMA approval and are indicated as complement to diet and maximally tolerated 
therapy for the treatment of adults with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia or clinical atherosclerotic CVD requiring additional 
lowering of LDL-C.

Pharmacodynamics: 
Antibodies interaction with PCSK9 is based in EGFA binding site of the peptidase. In affinity studies, unravelling of the mechanism of 
interaction of antibodies with PCSK9 was carried out using an antibody phage library. Among them, the one which most potently inhibited 
PCSK9/LDLR was antibody 33 (Fab33) also known as RG7652 causing a reduction of LDL-C levels in humans. Its epitope is centered on EGFA binding 
site and the antibody engages to it by 5 (H1, H2, H3, L1, L3) of its 6 complementary-determining region (CDR) loops. As well an additional 
hydrogen bond is formed by residues near the heavy chain residue 73. An approximated 950 Å2 surface area is buried at each side Fab33-PCSK9 
contact with 73% of this area buried by the heavy chain. Thus, mechanism underlying interaction is based in the CDR-H2 loop of the Fab33 which 
is projected to the N terminal groove of PCSK9 which is normally occupied by P'helix. Consequently P'helix, which by its P1' Ser 153 and P3 Pro 
155 residues stabilize the bound of PCSK9 to LDLR-EGFA domain via polar and Van der Waal interactions, is displaced and cleaved (In downstream 
P'helix Arg165-Tyr166 residues).

Pharmacokinetics:
Recommended doses are 75 mg and 140 mg for alirocumab and evolocumab respectively via subcutaneous (SC) administration every 2 weeks. In case of 
uptriation for an additional lowering effect entails 150 mg dose every 2 weeks for alirocumab and 420 mg dose every month for evolocumab, both 
subcutaneously. Specifically, for alirocumab 75 mg SC administration in a Phase I study caused a complete loss of free PCSK9 between day 3 
and 4 causing a maximal reduction of LCL-R at day 5. Compared to this, 150 mg reached the same effect in just one day and persisted for 10 days. 
Uptriation dosage in alirocumab achieved a reduction below 70 mg/Dl in LDL-C in 79.3% of patients. Also this dosage adjustment for both ab 
increased HDL-C by 4.6 % and 7 %  in alirocumab and evolocumab as well as 2.9% and 4.2% increase of apoA1 lipoprotein respectively. Upon PCSK9 
binding to the mAb, LDLR levels increased, thus, more LDL particles where internalized. They are effective both as monotherapy or combined with 
statins at the maximum tolerable dose, besides this, they reduce lipoprotein A up to a 30% which is a risk factor for development of CVD. 
The average half-life of mAb is 2.5-3 days and the elimination of the complex with PCSK9 may probably have a similar mechanism to PCSK9-mediated 
degradation of LDLR via endosomal/lysosomal route.

==== PCSK9 binding Adnectins ====

They are a group of proteins based in the 10th type III domain of human fibronectin. Their affinity and specificity towards the 
therapeutical target is increased by molecular engineering of its loops via introduction of surfaces that bind to it. Similarly to the variable 
regions in the antibodies, they have β sheet fold structures with diversified loops. One of these molecules studied in clinical trials is known 
as BMS-962476, a 11kDa polypeptide combined with polyethylene glycol (PEG) which increases its pharamacokinetics to subnanomolar affinity 
binding. Molecule is apparently safe and well tolerated and rapidly reduces free PCSK9 (90% with > 0.3 mg/kg dose) and LDL-C, this last 
achieving 48% maximal dose-related reduction. The duration of their effects is dose dependent the lower the dose the faster the return to base 
line levels of PCSK9.

Pharmacodynamics: 
When bound BMS-962476 progenitor adnectin covers 910 Å2 of PCSK9 surface close to the LDLR binding site. It binds to a concave pocket 
(compromising just 37 aminoacids in human PCSK9) in the catalytic domain generating contacts with the residues from N-terminus and FG loop 
of adnectin. The loop constitutes approximately the 70% of contact surface consisting in a chain of stacked residues together with PCSK9 while 
N-terminus contacts solely with D 374 residue (where one of the possible gain of function mutations can occur) of the catalytic domain. FG loop 
conformation is stabilized thanks to interactions of β-sheet, hydrophobic and charge to charge nature with several protease residues. Due to the  
interaction PCSK9 suffers a conformation change in which the loop of 212-218 residues in the asymmetric unit is partially folded away from 
catalytic burying one of its residues in the prodomain of the second molecule in the asymmetric unit. Consequently, adnectin and EGFA cannot 
simultaneously bind to PCSK9 which is competent with BMS-962476 ability to competitively displace LDLR EGFA binding to PCSK9.

KD value at 37º is of 1.3± 0.2 nM consequently they have an elevated binding affinity. Adnectin causes a potent inhibition of the PCSK9 
with an IC50 of 2.0 ± 0.6 nM and in cell based inhibition assays the adnectin restored completely LDLR activity with an EC50 of 31 
nM. Thus, preventing the binding and LDLR-PCSK9 cointernalization, increasing receptor recycling and LDL uptake. In transgenic mice expressing 
human PCSK9, BMS-962476 reduced potently free plasma PCSK9 with an ED50 of approximately 0.01mg/KG. For those mice overexpressing PCSK9 
with a strong cholesterol phenotype, cholesterol fell approximately a 35%, 3 hours after intraperitoneal injection of BMS-962476 (levels 
returned to baseline after 48 hours). As well, level of human PCSK9 in plasma rapidly decreased to 0 due to adnectin high affinity and fast 
binding to circulating PCSK9. Consistent with this there was a lowering in plasma apo B and apo E containing lipoproteins concentration and an 
upregulation of LDLR activity in the liver. The percentage of free protease was rapidly supressed in more than 99% together with the reduction 
of 55% of cholesterol in cynomologous monkeys treated with BMS-962476. 

Pharmacokinetics: The average half life of BMS-962476 is of 108h and has an elevated clearance with a Vd of 86 
ml/kg after a 5mg/kg dose administered to cynomologous monkeys. BMS-962476 had 79% a bioavalability thus is likely to be well 
absorbed in humans after subcutaneous administration. It is rapidly filtered by the kidney (requiring pharmacokinetics enhancement modification 
for in vivo applications).

A recent study which is currently in phase I trial used as strategy to defeat PCSK9 activity a peptide based vaccine, AT04A, in atherogenic mouse model. Consisted in a PCSK9 peptide conjugated to an immunogenic carrier protein which elicits T helper activity. Inducing high persistent levels of ab against PCSK9, a significant reduction of plasma total LDL-C (-53%) as well as a reduction in the atherosclerotic lesion area (- 60%).

Intracellular inhibitors

Small interference RNA (siRNA)

In clinical trials it has been used the ALN-PCSsc RNA also known as inclisiran which is a long-acting iRNA taken up by hepatocytes. In patients Phase II with high risk of CVD and high levels of LDL-C a 2 dose-regime with 300 mg of this RNA a 48% of the patients reduced the levels of LDL-C below 50mg/Dl.

Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs)

The most know was SPC5001A 14-mer oligonucleotide that did not go further the Phase I trial in the clinical development due to the acute injection side reactions and the development after increasing the dose of an acute tubular neurosis.

CRISPR-Cas 9 gene edition

It has reduced plasma PCSK9 after inducing a non-sense mutation in hepatic tissue in mice with no evidence of off target mutagenesis in preclinical studies.

Small molecule therapeutics

Created with the approach of blocking PCSK9 secretion to serum. PF-06446846 is a compound able to interacts with the ribosome exist site while PCSK9 is being synthesized generating a gridlock inhibiting the obtainment of the final product. Still, is in preclinical stage and its study is discontinuous.

Future therapeutics

Based in the flexibility of the P'helix structure in charge of stabilizing the bound formed between PCSK9 and EGFA-LDLR domain efficacy of hypercholesterolemia treatments can be increased. To achieve it a recent approach targets the inhibition of PCSK9 using engineered small molecules administered orally which target non-easily accessible regions close to the EGFA binding domain. P'helix is normally close to N-terminal groove which is next to the EGFA binding site where is possible to target small peptides conjugated to a peptide analogous to EGFA and selectively inhibit PCSK9 binding to LDLR. This is possible thanks to the weak interactions of P'helix with N-terminal groove, favouring the non-contact conformation or “out” state of this structure. Thus, they consist inPep 2-8, a 13 aminoacids peptide homologous to EGFA to target its binding site in PCSK9 conjugated to a peptide extension which will firmly bind it to the protease in the N-terminal groove. The extension peptides used to generate the antagonism have the following coding MESFPGWNLV(hR)IGLLR and SFAFPGWNLV(hR)IGLLR.

Then, the specificity of the peptide extension to the N-terminal groove is based in the imitation of the helical structure and folding of the P´helix. Consequently, the extension needs to have: (I) A WNLxRI residues motif (being x any given aminoacid) with a helical conformation resembling P´helix; (II) The ability to fold back towards the EGFA binding site after this motif same as P'helix does when EGFA is bound to PCSK9 and so creating contacts with the analogue; (III) An helix capping hydrogen bond donor, then, a residue able to interact with the N-terminal groove residues and anchor firmly; (IV) A mechanism to tether the C-terminal tail onto the WNLxRI domain, helping the folding of the motif to the helical conformation, thus reducing the entropic cost of binding the groove.

The inhibitory activity is based in the introduction of modifications in the protein extension to reduce the favourable interactions of PCSK9 with the LDLR-EGFA. The mechanism is based the presence of certain aminoacids that enable the ability to extend toward the EGFA binding site. In this regard, antagonism is based in the steric clash of EGFA residues Leu 298, Asp299 and Asn 300 with the Pro 5 residue from the peptide. Furthermore, the presence of a common phenylalanine/tyrosine–proline–glycine (FPG/YPG) common domain in the extension peptide adopting a β-turn conformation also antagonize the binding of LDLR receptor.

Disease

Relevance

Structural highlights

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