Recent data have pointed to TNALP as a therapeutic target for soft‐tissue ossification abnormalities. Here, we used mutagenesis, kinetic analysis, and computer modeling to identify the residues important for the binding of known ALP inhibitors to the TNALP active site. These data will enable drug design efforts aimed at developing improved specific TNALP inhibitors for therapeutic use.

Introduction: We have shown previously that the genetic ablation of tissue‐nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (TNALP) function leads to amelioration of soft‐tissue ossification in mouse models of osteoarthritis and ankylosis (i.e., Enpp1^−/− and ank/ank mutant mice). We surmise that the pharmacologic inhibition of TNALP activity represents a viable therapeutic approach for these diseases. As a first step toward developing suitable TNALP therapeutics, we have now clarified the residues involved in binding well‐known uncompetitive inhibitors to the TNALP active site.

Materials and Methods: We compared the modeled 3D structure of TNALP with the 3D structure of human placental alkaline phosphatase (PLALP) and identified the residues that differ between these isozymes within a 12 Å radius of the active site, because these isozymes differ significantly in inhibitor specificity. We then used site‐directed mutagenesis to substitute TNALP residues to their respective homolog in PLALP. In addition, we mutagenized most of these residues in TNALP to Ala and the corresponding residues in PLALP to their TNALP homolog. All mutants were characterized for their sensitivity toward the uncompetitive inhibitors l‐homoarginine (L‐hArg), levamisole, theophylline, and L‐phenylalanine.

Results and Conclusions: We found that the identity of residue 108 in TNALP largely determines the specificity of inhibition by L‐hArg. The conserved Tyr‐371 is also necessary for binding of L‐hArg. In contrast, the binding of levamisole to TNALP is mostly dependent on His‐434 and Tyr‐371, but not on residues 108 or 109. The main determinant of sensitivity to theophylline is His‐434. Thus, we have clarified the location of the binding sites for all three TNALP inhibitors, and we have also been able to exchange inhibitor specificities between TNALP and PLALP. These data will enable drug design efforts aimed at developing improved, selective, and drug‐like TNALP inhibitors for therapeutic use.