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Ren JN, Chen Q, Ye HYX, Cao C, Guo YM, Yang JR, Wang H, Khan MZI, Chen JZ. FGTN: Fragment-based graph transformer network for predicting reproductive toxicity. Arch Toxicol 2024:10.1007/s00204-024-03866-4. [PMID: 39292235 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-024-03866-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 09/10/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024]
Abstract
Reproductive toxicity is one of the important issues in chemical safety. Traditional laboratory testing methods are costly and time-consuming with raised ethical issues. Only a few in silico models have been reported to predict human reproductive toxicity, but none of them make full use of the topological information of compounds. In addition, most existing atom-based graph neural network methods focus on attributing model predictions to individual nodes or edges rather than chemically meaningful fragments or substructures. In current studies, we develop a novel fragment-based graph transformer network (FGTN) approach to generate the QSAR model of human reproductive toxicity by considering internal topological structure information of compounds. In the FGTN model, the compound is represented by a graph architecture using fragments to be nodes and bonds linking two fragments to be edges. A super molecule-level node is further proposed to connect all fragment nodes by undirected edges, obtaining global molecular features from fragment embeddings. The FGTN model achieved an accuracy (ACC) of 0.861 and an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) value of 0.914 on nonredundant blind tests, outperforming traditional fingerprint-based machine learning models and atom-based GCN model. The FGTN model can attribute toxic predictions to fragments, generating specific structural alerts for the positive compound. Moreover, FGTN may also have the capability to distinguish various chemical isomers. We believe that FGTN can be used as a reliable and effective tool for human reproductive toxicity prediction in contribution to the advancement of chemical safety assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Nan Ren
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Rd., Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qiang Chen
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Rd., Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hong-Yu-Xiang Ye
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Rd., Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Cheng Cao
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Rd., Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China
- Polytechnic Institute, Zhejiang University, 269 Shixiang Rd., Hangzhou, 310015, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ya-Min Guo
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Rd., Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jin-Rong Yang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Rd., Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China
- Polytechnic Institute, Zhejiang University, 269 Shixiang Rd., Hangzhou, 310015, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hao Wang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Rd., Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Muhammad Zafar Irshad Khan
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Rd., Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jian-Zhong Chen
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Rd., Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China.
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2
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Avellaneda-Tamayo JF, Agudo-Muñoz NA, Sánchez-Galán JE, López-Pérez JL, Medina-Franco JL. Chemoinformatic Characterization of NAPROC-13: A Database for Natural Product 13C NMR Dereplication. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2024. [PMID: 39269718 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.4c00530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/15/2024]
Abstract
Natural products (NPs) are secondary metabolites of natural origin with broad applications across various human activities, particularly the discovery of bioactive compounds. Structural elucidation of new NPs entails significant cost and effort. On the other hand, the dereplication of known compounds is crucial for the early exclusion of irrelevant compounds in contemporary pharmaceutical research. NAPROC-13 stands out as a publicly accessible database, providing structural and 13C NMR spectroscopic information for over 25 000 compounds, rendering it a pivotal resource in natural product (NP) research, favoring open science. This study seeks to quantitatively analyze the chemical content, structural diversity, and chemical space coverage of NPs within NAPROC-13, compared to FDA-approved drugs and a very diverse subset of NPs, UNPD-A. Findings indicated that NPs in NAPROC-13 exhibit properties comparable to those in UNPD-A, albeit showcasing a notably diverse array of structural content, scaffolds, ring systems of pharmaceutical interest, and molecular fragments. NAPROC-13 covers a specific region of the chemical multiverse (a generalization of the chemical space from different chemical representations) regarding physicochemical properties and a region as broad as UNPD-A in terms of the structural features represented by fingerprints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan F Avellaneda-Tamayo
- DIFACQUIM Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, School of Chemistry, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad 3000, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - Naicolette A Agudo-Muñoz
- Science and Technology Faculty, Universidad Tecnológica de Panamá, Campus Metropolitano Víctor Levi Sasso, Avenida Universidad Tecnológica, Vía Puente Centenario, Panama City 0819-07289, Panama
- Grupo de Investigación en Biotecnología, Bioinformática y Biología de Sistemas (GIBBS), Universidad Tecnológica de Panama, Panama City, Panama
| | - Javier E Sánchez-Galán
- Facultad de Ingeniería de Sistemas Computacionales, Universidad Tecnológica de Panamá, Campus Metropolitano Víctor Levi Sasso, Avenida Universidad Tecnológica, Vía Puente Centenario, Panama City 0819-07289, Panama
- Grupo de Investigación en Biotecnología, Bioinformática y Biología de Sistemas (GIBBS), Universidad Tecnológica de Panama, Panama City, Panama
| | - José L López-Pérez
- Departamento de Ciencias Farmacéuticas, Área de Química Farmacéutica, Facultad de Farmacia, CIETUS, IBSAL, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, University of Salamanca, 37007, Salamanca, Spain
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, CIPFAR, Universidad de Panamá, Panama City, Panama
| | - José L Medina-Franco
- DIFACQUIM Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, School of Chemistry, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad 3000, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
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3
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Díaz I, Salido S, Nogueras M, Cobo J. Synthesis of Ethyl Pyrimidine-Quinolincarboxylates Selected from Virtual Screening as Enhanced Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) Inhibitors. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:9744. [PMID: 39273691 PMCID: PMC11396203 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25179744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2024] [Revised: 08/29/2024] [Accepted: 09/06/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
The inhibition of the hLDHA (human lactate dehydrogenase A) enzyme has been demonstrated to be of great importance in the treatment of cancer and other diseases, such as primary hyperoxalurias. In that regard, we have designed, using virtual docking screening, a novel family of ethyl pyrimidine-quinolinecarboxylate derivatives (13-18)(a-d) as enhanced hLDHA inhibitors. These inhibitors were synthesised through a convergent pathway by coupling the key ethyl 2-aminophenylquinoline-4-carboxylate scaffolds (7-12), which were prepared by Pfitzinger synthesis followed by a further esterification, to the different 4-aryl-2-chloropyrimidines (VIII(a-d)) under microwave irradiation at 150-170 °C in a green solvent. The values obtained from the hLDHA inhibition were in line with the preliminary of the preliminary docking results, the most potent ones being those with U-shaped disposition. Thirteen of them showed IC50 values lower than 5 μM, and for four of them (16a, 18b, 18c and 18d), IC50 ≈ 1 μM. Additionally, all compounds with IC50 < 10 μM were also tested against the hLDHB isoenzyme, resulting in three of them (15c, 15d and 16d) being selective to the A isoform, with their hLDHB IC50 > 100 μM, and the other thirteen behaving as double inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iván Díaz
- Facultad de Ciencias Experimentales, Departamento de Química Inorgánica y Orgánica, Universidad de Jaén, E-23071 Jaén, Spain
| | - Sofía Salido
- Facultad de Ciencias Experimentales, Departamento de Química Inorgánica y Orgánica, Universidad de Jaén, E-23071 Jaén, Spain
| | - Manuel Nogueras
- Facultad de Ciencias Experimentales, Departamento de Química Inorgánica y Orgánica, Universidad de Jaén, E-23071 Jaén, Spain
| | - Justo Cobo
- Facultad de Ciencias Experimentales, Departamento de Química Inorgánica y Orgánica, Universidad de Jaén, E-23071 Jaén, Spain
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4
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Singh A, Tanwar M, Singh TP, Sharma S, Sharma P. An escape from ESKAPE pathogens: A comprehensive review on current and emerging therapeutics against antibiotic resistance. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 279:135253. [PMID: 39244118 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.135253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2024] [Revised: 08/29/2024] [Accepted: 08/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024]
Abstract
The rise of antimicrobial resistance has positioned ESKAPE pathogens as a serious global health threat, primarily due to the limitations and frequent failures of current treatment options. This growing risk has spurred the scientific community to seek innovative antibiotic therapies and improved oversight strategies. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the origins and resistance mechanisms of ESKAPE pathogens, while also exploring next-generation treatment strategies for these infections. In addition, it will address both traditional and novel approaches to combating antibiotic resistance, offering insights into potential new therapeutic avenues. Emerging research underscores the urgency of developing new antimicrobial agents and strategies to overcome resistance, highlighting the need for novel drug classes and combination therapies. Advances in genomic technologies and a deeper understanding of microbial pathogenesis are crucial in identifying effective treatments. Integrating precision medicine and personalized approaches could enhance therapeutic efficacy. The review also emphasizes the importance of global collaboration in surveillance and stewardship, as well as policy reforms, enhanced diagnostic tools, and public awareness initiatives, to address resistance on a worldwide scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anamika Singh
- Department of Biophysics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Mansi Tanwar
- Department of Biophysics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - T P Singh
- Department of Biophysics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Sujata Sharma
- Department of Biophysics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India.
| | - Pradeep Sharma
- Department of Biophysics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India.
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5
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Njomen E, Hayward RE, DeMeester KE, Ogasawara D, Dix MM, Nguyen T, Ashby P, Simon GM, Schreiber SL, Melillo B, Cravatt BF. Multi-tiered chemical proteomic maps of tryptoline acrylamide-protein interactions in cancer cells. Nat Chem 2024:10.1038/s41557-024-01601-1. [PMID: 39138346 DOI: 10.1038/s41557-024-01601-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024]
Abstract
Covalent chemistry is a versatile approach for expanding the ligandability of the human proteome. Activity-based protein profiling (ABPP) can infer the specific residues modified by electrophilic compounds through competition with broadly reactive probes. However, the extent to which such residue-directed platforms fully assess the protein targets of electrophilic compounds in cells remains unclear. Here we evaluate a complementary protein-directed ABPP method that identifies proteins showing stereoselective reactivity with alkynylated, chiral electrophilic compounds-termed stereoprobes. Integration of protein- and cysteine-directed data from cancer cells treated with tryptoline acrylamide stereoprobes revealed generally well-correlated ligandability maps and highlighted features, such as protein size and the proteotypicity of cysteine-containing peptides, that explain gaps in each ABPP platform. In total, we identified stereoprobe binding events for >300 structurally and functionally diverse proteins, including compounds that stereoselectively and site-specifically disrupt MAD2L1BP interactions with the spindle assembly checkpoint complex leading to delayed mitotic exit in cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evert Njomen
- Department of Chemistry, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA, USA.
| | | | | | | | - Melissa M Dix
- Department of Chemistry, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Stuart L Schreiber
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science Program, Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Bruno Melillo
- Department of Chemistry, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA, USA.
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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6
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Sternicki LM, Poulsen SA. Fragment-based drug discovery campaigns guided by native mass spectrometry. RSC Med Chem 2024; 15:2270-2285. [PMID: 39026646 PMCID: PMC11253872 DOI: 10.1039/d4md00273c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Native mass spectrometry (nMS) is well established as a biophysical technique for characterising biomolecules and their interactions with endogenous or investigational small molecule ligands. The high sensitivity mass measurements make nMS particularly well suited for applications in fragment-based drug discovery (FBDD) screening campaigns where the detection of weakly binding ligands to a target biomolecule is crucial. We first reviewed the contributions of nMS to guiding FBDD hit identification in 2013, providing a comprehensive perspective on the early adoption of nMS for fragment screening. Here we update this initial progress with a focus on contributions of nMS that have guided FBDD for the period 2014 until end of 2023. We highlight the development of nMS adoption in FBDD in the context of other biophysical fragment screening techniques. We also discuss the roadmap for increased adoption of nMS for fragment screening beyond soluble proteins, including for guiding the discovery of fragments supporting advances in PROTAC discovery, RNA-binding small molecules and covalent therapeutic drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise M Sternicki
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University Nathan Brisbane Queensland 4111 Australia
- ARC Centre for Fragment-Based Design Australia
| | - Sally-Ann Poulsen
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University Nathan Brisbane Queensland 4111 Australia
- ARC Centre for Fragment-Based Design Australia
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7
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Xing Y, Zhang H, Wang Y, Zong Z, Bogyo M, Chen S. DNA encoded peptide library for SARS-CoV-2 3CL protease covalent inhibitor discovery and profiling. RSC Chem Biol 2024; 5:691-702. [PMID: 38966676 PMCID: PMC11221529 DOI: 10.1039/d4cb00097h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Covalent protease inhibitors serve as valuable tools for modulating protease activity and are essential for investigating the functions of protease targets. These inhibitors typically consist of a recognition motif and a covalently reactive electrophile. Substrate peptides, featuring residues capable of fitting into the substrate pockets of proteases, undergo chemical modification at the carbonyl carbon of the P1 residue with an electrophile and have been widely applied in the development of covalent inhibitors. In this study, we utilized a DNA-encoded peptide library to replicate peptide binder sequences and introduced a vinyl sulfone warhead at the C-termini to construct the DNA-encoded peptide covalent inhibitor library (DEPCIL) for targeting cysteine proteases. Screening results toward 3CL protease demonstrated the efficacy of this library, not only in identifying protease inhibitors, but also in discovering amino acids that can conform to aligned protease pockets. The identified peptide sequences provide valuable insight into the amino acid preferences within substrate binding pockets, and our novel technology is indicative of the potential for similar strategies to discover covalent inhibitors and profile binding preferences of other proteases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuyu Xing
- Biotech Drug Research Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences Shanghai 201203 China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences No. 19A Yuquan Road Beijing 100049 China
| | - Huiya Zhang
- Biotech Drug Research Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences Shanghai 201203 China
| | - Yanhui Wang
- Biotech Drug Research Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences Shanghai 201203 China
| | - Zhaoyun Zong
- Biotech Drug Research Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences Shanghai 201203 China
| | - Matthew Bogyo
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine Stanford CA USA
| | - Shiyu Chen
- Biotech Drug Research Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences Shanghai 201203 China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences No. 19A Yuquan Road Beijing 100049 China
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8
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Zhao G, Zhu M, Li Y, Zhang G, Li Y. Using DNA-encoded libraries of fragments for hit discovery of challenging therapeutic targets. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2024; 19:725-740. [PMID: 38753553 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2024.2354287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The effectiveness of Fragment-based drug design (FBDD) for targeting challenging therapeutic targets has been hindered by two factors: the small library size and the complexity of the fragment-to-hit optimization process. The DNA-encoded library (DEL) technology offers a compelling and robust high-throughput selection approach to potentially address these limitations. AREA COVERED In this review, the authors propose the viewpoint that the DEL technology matches perfectly with the concept of FBDD to facilitate hit discovery. They begin by analyzing the technical limitations of FBDD from a medicinal chemistry perspective and explain why DEL may offer potential solutions to these limitations. Subsequently, they elaborate in detail on how the integration of DEL with FBDD works. In addition, they present case studies involving both de novo hit discovery and full ligand discovery, especially for challenging therapeutic targets harboring broad drug-target interfaces. EXPERT OPINION The future of DEL-based fragment discovery may be promoted by both technical advances and application scopes. From the technical aspect, expanding the chemical diversity of DEL will be essential to achieve success in fragment-based drug discovery. From the application scope side, DEL-based fragment discovery holds promise for tackling a series of challenging targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guixian Zhao
- Chongqing University FuLing Hospital, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, Innovative Drug Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Mengping Zhu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, Innovative Drug Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yangfeng Li
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, Innovative Drug Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Gong Zhang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, Innovative Drug Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yizhou Li
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, Innovative Drug Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
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9
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Chandraghatgi R, Ji HF, Rosen GL, Sokhansanj BA. Streamlining Computational Fragment-Based Drug Discovery through Evolutionary Optimization Informed by Ligand-Based Virtual Prescreening. J Chem Inf Model 2024; 64:3826-3840. [PMID: 38696451 PMCID: PMC11197033 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.4c00234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024]
Abstract
Recent advances in computational methods provide the promise of dramatically accelerating drug discovery. While mathematical modeling and machine learning have become vital in predicting drug-target interactions and properties, there is untapped potential in computational drug discovery due to the vast and complex chemical space. This paper builds on our recently published computational fragment-based drug discovery (FBDD) method called fragment databases from screened ligand drug discovery (FDSL-DD). FDSL-DD uses in silico screening to identify ligands from a vast library, fragmenting them while attaching specific attributes based on predicted binding affinity and interaction with the target subdomain. In this paper, we further propose a two-stage optimization method that utilizes the information from prescreening to optimize computational ligand synthesis. We hypothesize that using prescreening information for optimization shrinks the search space and focuses on promising regions, thereby improving the optimization for candidate ligands. The first optimization stage assembles these fragments into larger compounds using genetic algorithms, followed by a second stage of iterative refinement to produce compounds with enhanced bioactivity. To demonstrate broad applicability, the methodology is demonstrated on three diverse protein targets found in human solid cancers, bacterial antimicrobial resistance, and the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Combined, the proposed FDSL-DD and a two-stage optimization approach yield high-affinity ligand candidates more efficiently than other state-of-the-art computational FBDD methods. We further show that a multiobjective optimization method accounting for drug-likeness can still produce potential candidate ligands with a high binding affinity. Overall, the results demonstrate that integrating detailed chemical information with a constrained search framework can markedly optimize the initial drug discovery process, offering a more precise and efficient route to developing new therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohan Chandraghatgi
- Department
of Biology, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Hai-Feng Ji
- Department
of Chemistry, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Gail L. Rosen
- Department
of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Bahrad A. Sokhansanj
- Department
of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
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10
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Jacobs FJ, Helliwell JR, Brink A. Time-series analysis of rhenium(I) organometallic covalent binding to a model protein for drug development. IUCRJ 2024; 11:359-373. [PMID: 38639558 PMCID: PMC11067751 DOI: 10.1107/s2052252524002598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Metal-based complexes with their unique chemical properties, including multiple oxidation states, radio-nuclear capabilities and various coordination geometries yield value as potential pharmaceuticals. Understanding the interactions between metals and biological systems will prove key for site-specific coordination of new metal-based lead compounds. This study merges the concepts of target coordination with fragment-based drug methodologies, supported by varying the anomalous scattering of rhenium along with infrared spectroscopy, and has identified rhenium metal sites bound covalently with two amino acid types within the model protein. A time-based series of lysozyme-rhenium-imidazole (HEWL-Re-Imi) crystals was analysed systematically over a span of 38 weeks. The main rhenium covalent coordination is observed at His15, Asp101 and Asp119. Weak (i.e. noncovalent) interactions are observed at other aspartic, asparagine, proline, tyrosine and tryptophan side chains. Detailed bond distance comparisons, including precision estimates, are reported, utilizing the diffraction precision index supplemented with small-molecule data from the Cambridge Structural Database. Key findings include changes in the protein structure induced at the rhenium metal binding site, not observed in similar metal-free structures. The binding sites are typically found along the solvent-channel-accessible protein surface. The three primary covalent metal binding sites are consistent throughout the time series, whereas binding to neighbouring amino acid residues changes through the time series. Co-crystallization was used, consistently yielding crystals four days after setup. After crystal formation, soaking of the compound into the crystal over 38 weeks is continued and explains these structural adjustments. It is the covalent bond stability at the three sites, their proximity to the solvent channel and the movement of residues to accommodate the metal that are important, and may prove useful for future radiopharmaceutical development including target modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francois J.F. Jacobs
- Department of Chemistry, University of the Free State, Nelson Mandela Drive, Bloemfontein, 9301, South Africa
| | - John R. Helliwell
- Department of Chemistry, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, United Kingdom
| | - Alice Brink
- Department of Chemistry, University of the Free State, Nelson Mandela Drive, Bloemfontein, 9301, South Africa
- Department of Chemistry, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, United Kingdom
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11
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Jalencas X, Berg H, Espeland LO, Sreeramulu S, Kinnen F, Richter C, Georgiou C, Yadrykhinsky V, Specker E, Jaudzems K, Miletić T, Harmel R, Gribbon P, Schwalbe H, Brenk R, Jirgensons A, Zaliani A, Mestres J. Design, quality and validation of the EU-OPENSCREEN fragment library poised to a high-throughput screening collection. RSC Med Chem 2024; 15:1176-1188. [PMID: 38665834 PMCID: PMC11042166 DOI: 10.1039/d3md00724c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The EU-OPENSCREEN (EU-OS) European Research Infrastructure Consortium (ERIC) is a multinational, not-for-profit initiative that integrates high-capacity screening platforms and chemistry groups across Europe to facilitate research in chemical biology and early drug discovery. Over the years, the EU-OS has assembled a high-throughput screening compound collection, the European Chemical Biology Library (ECBL), that contains approximately 100 000 commercially available small molecules and a growing number of thousands of academic compounds crowdsourced through our network of European and non-European chemists. As an extension of the ECBL, here we describe the computational design, quality control and use case screenings of the European Fragment Screening Library (EFSL) composed of 1056 mini and small chemical fragments selected from a substructure analysis of the ECBL. Access to the EFSL is open to researchers from both academia and industry. Using EFSL, eight fragment screening campaigns using different structural and biophysical methods have successfully identified fragment hits in the last two years. As one of the highlighted projects for antibiotics, we describe the screening by Bio-Layer Interferometry (BLI) of the EFSL, the identification of a 35 μM fragment hit targeting the beta-ketoacyl-ACP synthase 2 (FabF), its binding confirmation to the protein by X-ray crystallography (PDB 8PJ0), its subsequent rapid exploration of its surrounding chemical space through hit-picking of ECBL compounds that contain the fragment hit as a core substructure, and the final binding confirmation of two follow-up hits by X-ray crystallography (PDB 8R0I and 8R1V).
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Affiliation(s)
- Xavier Jalencas
- Research Group on Systems Pharmacology, Research Program on Biomedical Informatics (GRIB), IMIM Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute Parc de Recerca Biomèdica (PRBB), Doctor Aiguader 88 08003 Barcelona Spain
| | - Hannes Berg
- Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Institute for Organic Chemistry Max-von-Laue-Str. 7 60438 Frankfurt/M Germany
- Chemical Biology, Goethe University Max-von-Laue-Str. 7 60438 Frankfurt/M Germany
| | - Ludvik Olai Espeland
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen Jonas Lies Vei 91 5020 Bergen Norway
- Department of Chemistry, University of Bergen Allégaten 41 5007 Bergen Norway
| | - Sridhar Sreeramulu
- Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Institute for Organic Chemistry Max-von-Laue-Str. 7 60438 Frankfurt/M Germany
- Chemical Biology, Goethe University Max-von-Laue-Str. 7 60438 Frankfurt/M Germany
| | - Franziska Kinnen
- Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Institute for Organic Chemistry Max-von-Laue-Str. 7 60438 Frankfurt/M Germany
- Chemical Biology, Goethe University Max-von-Laue-Str. 7 60438 Frankfurt/M Germany
| | - Christian Richter
- Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Institute for Organic Chemistry Max-von-Laue-Str. 7 60438 Frankfurt/M Germany
- Chemical Biology, Goethe University Max-von-Laue-Str. 7 60438 Frankfurt/M Germany
| | - Charis Georgiou
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen Jonas Lies Vei 91 5020 Bergen Norway
| | | | - Edgar Specker
- EU-OPENSCREEN ERIC Robert-Rössle Straße 10 13125 Berlin Germany
| | - Kristaps Jaudzems
- Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis Aizkraules 21 Riga LV-1006 Latvia
| | - Tanja Miletić
- EU-OPENSCREEN ERIC Robert-Rössle Straße 10 13125 Berlin Germany
| | - Robert Harmel
- EU-OPENSCREEN ERIC Robert-Rössle Straße 10 13125 Berlin Germany
| | - Phil Gribbon
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology (ITMP) Schnackenburgallee 114 22525 Hamburg Germany
- Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence for Immune-Mediated Diseases (CIMD) Theodor Stern Kai 7 60590 Frankfurt Germany
| | - Harald Schwalbe
- Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Institute for Organic Chemistry Max-von-Laue-Str. 7 60438 Frankfurt/M Germany
- Chemical Biology, Goethe University Max-von-Laue-Str. 7 60438 Frankfurt/M Germany
- Instruct-ERIC Oxford House, Parkway Court, John Smith Drive Oxford OX4 2JY UK
| | - Ruth Brenk
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen Jonas Lies Vei 91 5020 Bergen Norway
- Computational Biology Unit, University of Bergen Thormøhlensgate 55 5008 Bergen Norway
| | - Aigars Jirgensons
- Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis Aizkraules 21 Riga LV-1006 Latvia
| | - Andrea Zaliani
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology (ITMP) Schnackenburgallee 114 22525 Hamburg Germany
- Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence for Immune-Mediated Diseases (CIMD) Theodor Stern Kai 7 60590 Frankfurt Germany
| | - Jordi Mestres
- Research Group on Systems Pharmacology, Research Program on Biomedical Informatics (GRIB), IMIM Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute Parc de Recerca Biomèdica (PRBB), Doctor Aiguader 88 08003 Barcelona Spain
- Institut de Quimica Computacional i Catalisi, Facultat de Ciencies, Universitat de Girona Maria Aurelia Capmany 69 17003 Girona Catalonia Spain
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12
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Leblanc J, Boutin M, Vega C, Mathé-Allainmat M, Grosse S, Guillemont J, Lebreton J, Tessier A. A new synthetic route towards multifunctionalized cyclic amidrazones for feeding chemical space. Org Biomol Chem 2024; 22:2404-2408. [PMID: 38411004 DOI: 10.1039/d3ob02092d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
In the context of growing impetus to develop new molecular scaffolds as well as a variety of 3D fragments to escape from flatland, we have reintroduced the accessibility of the underexplored azaheterocyclic amidrazones as promising bioisosteres. Herein, we present an original and versatile approach to synthesize cyclic amidrazones functionalized at different positions of the scaffold in view of diversifying the substitution pattern towards multifunctionalization, extension or fusion of the ring system and 3D-shaping of fragments. This unprecedented synthetic route represents a sweet achievement to cover further lead-like chemical space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johann Leblanc
- Nantes Université, CNRS, CEISAM, UMR 6230, 2 rue de la Houssinière, BP 92208, F-44000 Nantes, France.
| | - Margaux Boutin
- Nantes Université, CNRS, CEISAM, UMR 6230, 2 rue de la Houssinière, BP 92208, F-44000 Nantes, France.
| | - Clara Vega
- Nantes Université, CNRS, CEISAM, UMR 6230, 2 rue de la Houssinière, BP 92208, F-44000 Nantes, France.
| | - Monique Mathé-Allainmat
- Nantes Université, CNRS, CEISAM, UMR 6230, 2 rue de la Houssinière, BP 92208, F-44000 Nantes, France.
| | - Sandrine Grosse
- Janssen Research & Development, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340 Beerse, Belgium
| | - Jérôme Guillemont
- NovAliX on-site Janssen-Cilag, Centre de recherche Pharma, Campus de Maigremont BP615, F-27106 Val de Reuil Cedex, France
| | - Jacques Lebreton
- Nantes Université, CNRS, CEISAM, UMR 6230, 2 rue de la Houssinière, BP 92208, F-44000 Nantes, France.
| | - Arnaud Tessier
- Nantes Université, CNRS, CEISAM, UMR 6230, 2 rue de la Houssinière, BP 92208, F-44000 Nantes, France.
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13
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Nao SC, Huang LS, Shiu-Hin Chan D, Wang X, Li GD, Wu J, Wong CY, Wang W, Leung CH. Repurposing sodium stibogluconate as an uracil DNA glycosylase inhibitor against prostate cancer using a time-resolved oligonucleotide-based drug screening platform. Bioorg Chem 2024; 144:107176. [PMID: 38330721 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2024.107176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Repurposing drugs can significantly reduce the time and costs associated with drug discovery and development. However, many drug compounds possess intrinsic fluorescence, resulting in aberrations such as auto-fluorescence, scattering and quenching, in fluorescent high-throughput screening assays. To overcome these drawbacks, time-resolved technologies have received increasing attention. In this study, we have developed a rapid and efficient screening platform based on time-resolved emission spectroscopy in order to screen for inhibitors of the DNA repair enzyme, uracil-DNA glycosylase (UDG). From a database of 1456 FDA/EMA-approved drugs, sodium stibogluconate was discovered as a potent UDG inhibitor. This compound showed synergistic cytotoxicity against 5-fluorouracil-resistant cancer cells. This work provides a promising future for time-resolved technologies for high-throughput screening (HTS), allowing for the swift identification of bioactive compounds from previously overlooked scaffolds due to their inherent fluorescence properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang-Cuo Nao
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau 999078, China
| | - Le-Sheng Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau 999078, China
| | | | - Xueliang Wang
- Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710072, China; Research & Development Institute of Northwestern Polytechnical University in Shenzhen, 45 South Gaoxin Road, Shenzhen 518057, China
| | - Guo-Dong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau 999078, China
| | - Jia Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau 999078, China
| | - Chun-Yuen Wong
- Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Wanhe Wang
- Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710072, China; Research & Development Institute of Northwestern Polytechnical University in Shenzhen, 45 South Gaoxin Road, Shenzhen 518057, China.
| | - Chung-Hang Leung
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau 999078, China; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China; Macao Centre for Research and Development in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China; MoE Frontiers Science Centre for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China.
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14
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Han W, Xu X, Fan Q, Yan Y, Zhang Y, Chen Y, Liu H. In silico construction of a focused fragment library facilitating exploration of chemical space. Mol Inform 2024; 43:e202300256. [PMID: 38193642 DOI: 10.1002/minf.202300256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Fragment-based drug design (FBDD) has emerged as a captivating subject in the realm of computer-aided drug design, enabling the generation of novel molecules through the rearrangement of ring systems within known compounds. The construction of focused fragment library plays a pivotal role in FBDD, necessitating the compilation of all potential bioactive ring systems capable of interacting with a specific target. In our study, we propose a workflow for the development of a focused fragment library and combinatorial compound library. The fragment library comprises seed fragments and collected fragments. The extraction of seed fragments is guided by receptor information, serving as a prerequisite for establishing a focused libraries. Conversely, collected fragments are obtained using the feature graph method, which offers a simplified representation of fragments and strikes a balance between diversity and similarity when categorizing different fragments. The utilization of feature graph facilitates the rational partitioning of chemical space at fragment level, enabling the exploration of desired chemical space and enhancing the efficiency of screening compound library. Analysis demonstrates that our workflow enables the enumeration of a greater number of entirely new potential compounds, thereby aiding in the rational design of drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijie Han
- Laboratory of Molecular Design and Drug Discovery, School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Xiaohe Xu
- Laboratory of Molecular Design and Drug Discovery, School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Qing Fan
- Laboratory of Molecular Design and Drug Discovery, School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Yingchao Yan
- Laboratory of Molecular Design and Drug Discovery, School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - YanMin Zhang
- Laboratory of Molecular Design and Drug Discovery, School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Yadong Chen
- Laboratory of Molecular Design and Drug Discovery, School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Haichun Liu
- Laboratory of Molecular Design and Drug Discovery, School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211198, China
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15
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Woodhead AJ, Erlanson DA, de Esch IJP, Holvey RS, Jahnke W, Pathuri P. Fragment-to-Lead Medicinal Chemistry Publications in 2022. J Med Chem 2024; 67:2287-2304. [PMID: 38289623 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c02070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
This Perspective is the eighth in an annual series that summarizes successful fragment-to-lead (F2L) case studies published each year. A tabulated summary of relevant articles published in 2022 is provided, and features such as target class, screening methods, and ligand efficiency are discussed both for the 2022 examples and for the combined examples over the years 2015-2022. In addition, trends and new developments in the field are summarized. In 2022, 18 publications described successful fragment-to-lead studies, including the development of three clinical compounds (MTRX1719, MK-8189, and BI-823911).
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Woodhead
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, 436 Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge CB4 0QA, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel A Erlanson
- Frontier Medicines, 151 Oyster Point Blvd., South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Iwan J P de Esch
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute for Molecules, Medicines and Systems (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1108, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rhian S Holvey
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, 436 Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge CB4 0QA, United Kingdom
| | - Wolfgang Jahnke
- Novartis Biomedical Research, Discovery Sciences, 4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Puja Pathuri
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, 436 Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge CB4 0QA, United Kingdom
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16
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Zhang L, Rao V, Cornell W. r-BRICS - A Revised BRICS Module That Breaks Ring Structures and Carbon Chains. ChemMedChem 2024; 19:e202300202. [PMID: 37574458 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202300202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Molecular fragmentation has been frequently used for machine learning, molecular modeling, and drug discovery studies. However, the current molecular fragmentation tools often lead to large fragments that are useful to limited tasks. Specifically, long aliphatic chains, certain connected ring structures, fused rings, as well as various nitrogen-containing molecular entities often remain intact when using BRICS. With no known methods to solve this issue, we find that the fragments taken from BRICS are inflexible for tasks such as fragment-based machine learning, coarse-graining, and ligand-protein interaction assessment. In this work, a revised BRICS (r-BRICS) module is developed to allow more flexible fragmentation on a wider variety of molecules. It is shown that r-BRICS generates smaller fragments than BRICS, allowing localized fragment assessments. Furthermore, r-BRICS generates a fragment database with significantly more unique small fragments than BRICS, which is potentially useful for fragment-based drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leili Zhang
- IBM Thomas J. Watson Research Center, 1101 Kitchawan Road, Yorktown Heights, NY, 10598, USA
| | - Vasumitra Rao
- IBM Thomas J. Watson Research Center, 1101 Kitchawan Road, Yorktown Heights, NY, 10598, USA
| | - Wendy Cornell
- IBM Thomas J. Watson Research Center, 1101 Kitchawan Road, Yorktown Heights, NY, 10598, USA
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17
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Chen B, Pan Z, Mou M, Zhou Y, Fu W. Is fragment-based graph a better graph-based molecular representation for drug design? A comparison study of graph-based models. Comput Biol Med 2024; 169:107811. [PMID: 38168647 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2023.107811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Graph Neural Networks (GNNs) have gained significant traction in various sectors of AI-driven drug design. Over recent years, the integration of fragmentation concepts into GNNs has emerged as a potent strategy to augment the efficacy of molecular generative models. Nonetheless, challenges such as symmetry breaking and potential misrepresentation of intricate cycles and undefined functional groups raise questions about the superiority of fragment-based graph representation over traditional methods. In our research, we undertook a rigorous evaluation, contrasting the predictive prowess of eight models-developed using deep learning algorithms-across 12 benchmark datasets that span a range of properties. These models encompass established methods like GCN, AttentiveFP, and D-MPNN, as well as innovative fragment-based representation techniques. Our results indicate that fragment-based methodologies, notably PharmHGT, significantly improve model performance and interpretability, particularly in scenarios characterized by limited data availability. However, in situations with extensive training, fragment-based molecular graph representations may not necessarily eclipse traditional methods. In summation, we posit that the integration of fragmentation, as an avant-garde technique in drug design, harbors considerable promise for the future of AI-enhanced drug design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baiyu Chen
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 202103, China
| | - Ziqi Pan
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Minjie Mou
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Yuan Zhou
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Wei Fu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 202103, China.
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18
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Lu J, Xing H, Wang C, Tang M, Wu C, Ye F, Yin L, Yang Y, Tan W, Shen L. Mpox (formerly monkeypox): pathogenesis, prevention, and treatment. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:458. [PMID: 38148355 PMCID: PMC10751291 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01675-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023] Open
Abstract
In 2022, a global outbreak of Mpox (formerly monkeypox) occurred in various countries across Europe and America and rapidly spread to more than 100 countries and regions. The World Health Organization declared the outbreak to be a public health emergency of international concern due to the rapid spread of the Mpox virus. Consequently, nations intensified their efforts to explore treatment strategies aimed at combating the infection and its dissemination. Nevertheless, the available therapeutic options for Mpox virus infection remain limited. So far, only a few numbers of antiviral compounds have been approved by regulatory authorities. Given the high mutability of the Mpox virus, certain mutant strains have shown resistance to existing pharmaceutical interventions. This highlights the urgent need to develop novel antiviral drugs that can combat both drug resistance and the potential threat of bioterrorism. Currently, there is a lack of comprehensive literature on the pathophysiology and treatment of Mpox. To address this issue, we conducted a review covering the physiological and pathological processes of Mpox infection, summarizing the latest progress of anti-Mpox drugs. Our analysis encompasses approved drugs currently employed in clinical settings, as well as newly identified small-molecule compounds and antibody drugs displaying potential antiviral efficacy against Mpox. Furthermore, we have gained valuable insights from the process of Mpox drug development, including strategies for repurposing drugs, the discovery of drug targets driven by artificial intelligence, and preclinical drug development. The purpose of this review is to provide readers with a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge on Mpox.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjie Lu
- Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Hubei Province, Xiangyang, 441021, China
| | - Hui Xing
- Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Hubei Province, Xiangyang, 441021, China
| | - Chunhua Wang
- Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Hubei Province, Xiangyang, 441021, China
| | - Mengjun Tang
- Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Hubei Province, Xiangyang, 441021, China
| | - Changcheng Wu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Biosafety, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Fan Ye
- Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Hubei Province, Xiangyang, 441021, China
| | - Lijuan Yin
- College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin, 300457, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Immunity, National Clinical Research Center for infectious disease, State Key Discipline of Infectious Disease, Shenzhen Third People's Hospital, Second Hospital Affiliated to Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518112, China.
| | - Wenjie Tan
- NHC Key Laboratory of Biosafety, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 102206, China.
| | - Liang Shen
- Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Hubei Province, Xiangyang, 441021, China.
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19
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Lombino J, Vallone R, Cimino M, Gulotta MR, De Simone G, Morando MA, Sabbatella R, Di Martino S, Fogazza M, Sarno F, Coronnello C, De Rosa M, Cipollina C, Altucci L, Perricone U, Alfano C. In-silico guided chemical exploration of KDM4A fragments hits. Clin Epigenetics 2023; 15:197. [PMID: 38129913 PMCID: PMC10740270 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-023-01613-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lysine demethylase enzymes (KDMs) are an emerging class of therapeutic targets, that catalyse the removal of methyl marks from histone lysine residues regulating chromatin structure and gene expression. KDM4A isoform plays an important role in the epigenetic dysregulation in various cancers and is linked to aggressive disease and poor clinical outcomes. Despite several efforts, the KDM4 family lacks successful specific molecular inhibitors. RESULTS Herein, starting from a structure-based fragments virtual screening campaign we developed a synergic framework as a guide to rationally design efficient KDM4A inhibitors. Commercial libraries were used to create a fragments collection and perform a virtual screening campaign combining docking and pharmacophore approaches. The most promising compounds were tested in-vitro by a Homogeneous Time-Resolved Fluorescence-based assay developed for identifying selective substrate-competitive inhibitors by means of inhibition of H3K9me3 peptide demethylation. 2-(methylcarbamoyl)isonicotinic acid was identified as a preliminary active fragment, displaying inhibition of KDM4A enzymatic activity. Its chemical exploration was deeply investigated by computational and experimental approaches which allowed a rational fragment growing process. The in-silico studies guided the development of derivatives designed as expansion of the primary fragment hit and provided further knowledge on the structure-activity relationship. CONCLUSIONS Our study describes useful insights into key ligand-KDM4A protein interaction and provides structural features for the development of successful selective KDM4A inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Lombino
- Molecular Informatics Group, Fondazione Ri.MED, 90100, Palermo, Italy
- C4T S.r.l., Colosseum Combinatorial Chemistry Center, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Rosario Vallone
- Structural Biology and Biophysics Unit, Fondazione Ri.MED, 90100, Palermo, Italy
| | - Maura Cimino
- Target Identification and Screening Group, Fondazione Ri.MED, 90100, Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Giada De Simone
- Molecular Informatics Group, Fondazione Ri.MED, 90100, Palermo, Italy
| | - Maria Agnese Morando
- Structural Biology and Biophysics Unit, Fondazione Ri.MED, 90100, Palermo, Italy
| | - Raffaele Sabbatella
- Structural Biology and Biophysics Unit, Fondazione Ri.MED, 90100, Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Mario Fogazza
- Target Identification and Screening Group, Fondazione Ri.MED, 90100, Palermo, Italy
- Axxam SpA, 20091, Bresso, MI, Italy
| | - Federica Sarno
- Dipartimento di Medicina di Precisione, Università degli Studi della Campania "L. Vanvitelli", 80100, Naples, Italy
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713, Groningen, GZ, The Netherlands
| | | | - Maria De Rosa
- Medicinal Chemistry Group, Fondazione Ri.MED, 90100, Palermo, Italy
| | - Chiara Cipollina
- Target Identification and Screening Group, Fondazione Ri.MED, 90100, Palermo, Italy
| | - Lucia Altucci
- Dipartimento di Medicina di Precisione, Università degli Studi della Campania "L. Vanvitelli", 80100, Naples, Italy
- BIOGEM, 83031, Ariano Irpino, AV, Italy
- IEOS-CNR, 80100, Naples, Italy
| | - Ugo Perricone
- Molecular Informatics Group, Fondazione Ri.MED, 90100, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Caterina Alfano
- Structural Biology and Biophysics Unit, Fondazione Ri.MED, 90100, Palermo, Italy.
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20
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Cheng J, Zhou J, Kong L, Wang H, Zhang Y, Wang X, Liu G, Chu Q. Stabilized cyclic peptides as modulators of protein-protein interactions: promising strategies and biological evaluation. RSC Med Chem 2023; 14:2496-2508. [PMID: 38107173 PMCID: PMC10718590 DOI: 10.1039/d3md00487b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) control many essential biological pathways which are often misregulated in disease. As such, selective PPI modulators are desirable to unravel complex functions of PPIs and thus expand the repertoire of therapeutic targets. However, the large size and relative flatness of PPI interfaces make them challenging molecular targets for conventional drug modalities, rendering most PPIs "undruggable". Therefore, there is a growing need to discover innovative molecules that are able to modulate crucial PPIs. Peptides are ideal candidates to deliver such therapeutics attributed to their ability to closely mimic structural features of protein interfaces. However, their inherently poor proteolysis resistance and cell permeability inevitably hamper their biomedical applications. The introduction of a constraint (i.e., peptide cyclization) to stabilize peptides' secondary structure is a promising strategy to address this problem as witnessed by the rapid development of cyclic peptide drugs in the past two decades. Here, we comprehensively review the recent progress on stabilized cyclic peptides in targeting challenging PPIs. Technological advancements and emerging chemical approaches for stabilizing active peptide conformations are categorized in terms of α-helix stapling, β-hairpin mimetics and macrocyclization. To discover potent and selective ligands, cyclic peptide library technologies were updated based on genetic, biochemical or synthetic methodologies. Moreover, several advances to improve the permeability and oral bioavailability of biologically active cyclic peptides enable the de novo development of cyclic peptide ligands with pharmacological properties. In summary, the development of cyclic peptide-based PPI modulators carries tremendous promise for the next generation of therapeutic agents to target historically "intractable" PPI systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiongjia Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Functional Materials of Nanjing, School of Environmental Science, Nanjing Xiaozhuang University 3601 Hongjing Avenue Nanjing 211171 China
| | - Junlong Zhou
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University 639 Longmian Avenue Nanjing 211198 China
| | - Lingyan Kong
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Finance and Economics Nanjing 210023 China
| | - Haiying Wang
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Functional Materials of Nanjing, School of Environmental Science, Nanjing Xiaozhuang University 3601 Hongjing Avenue Nanjing 211171 China
| | - Yuchi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Functional Materials of Nanjing, School of Environmental Science, Nanjing Xiaozhuang University 3601 Hongjing Avenue Nanjing 211171 China
| | - Xiaofeng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Functional Materials of Nanjing, School of Environmental Science, Nanjing Xiaozhuang University 3601 Hongjing Avenue Nanjing 211171 China
| | - Guangxiang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Functional Materials of Nanjing, School of Environmental Science, Nanjing Xiaozhuang University 3601 Hongjing Avenue Nanjing 211171 China
| | - Qian Chu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University 639 Longmian Avenue Nanjing 211198 China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University Nanjing 210009 China
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21
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Martin MP, Endicott JA, Noble MEM, Tatum NJ. Crystallographic fragment screening in academic cancer drug discovery. Methods Enzymol 2023; 690:211-234. [PMID: 37858530 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2023.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Fragment-based drug discovery (FBDD) has brought several drugs to the clinic, notably to target proteins once considered to be challenging, or even undruggable. Screening in FBDD relies upon observing and/or measuring weak (millimolar-scale) binding events using biophysical techniques or crystallographic fragment screening. This latter structural approach provides no information about binding affinity but can reveal binding mode and atomic detail on protein-fragment interactions to accelerate hit-to-lead development. In recent years, high-throughput platforms have been developed at synchrotron facilities to screen thousands of fragment-soaked crystals. However, using accessible manual techniques it is possible to run informative, smaller-scale screens within an academic lab setting. This chapter describes general protocols for home laboratory-scale fragment screening, from fragment soaking through to structure solution and, where appropriate, signposts to background, protocols or alternatives elsewhere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathew P Martin
- Cancer Research Horizons Therapeutic Innovation, Newcastle Drug Discovery Unit, Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Translation and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Paul O'Gorman Building, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Jane A Endicott
- Cancer Research Horizons Therapeutic Innovation, Newcastle Drug Discovery Unit, Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Translation and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Paul O'Gorman Building, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Martin E M Noble
- Cancer Research Horizons Therapeutic Innovation, Newcastle Drug Discovery Unit, Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Translation and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Paul O'Gorman Building, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Natalie J Tatum
- Cancer Research Horizons Therapeutic Innovation, Newcastle Drug Discovery Unit, Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Translation and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Paul O'Gorman Building, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom.
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22
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Fay EM, Newton A, Berney M, El‐Sagheer AH, Brown T, McGouran JF. Two-Step Validation Approach for Tools To Study the DNA Repair Enzyme SNM1A. Chembiochem 2023; 24:e202200756. [PMID: 36917742 PMCID: PMC10962688 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202200756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
We report a two-step validation approach to evaluate the suitability of metal-binding groups for targeting DNA damage-repair metalloenzymes using model enzyme SNM1A. A fragment-based screening approach was first used to identify metal-binding fragments suitable for targeting the enzyme. Effective fragments were then incorporated into oligonucleotides using the copper-catalysed azide-alkyne cycloaddition reaction. These modified oligonucleotides were recognised by SNM1A at >1000-fold lower concentrations than their fragment counterparts. The exonuclease SNM1A is a key enzyme involved in the repair of interstrand crosslinks, a highly cytotoxic form of DNA damage. However, SNM1A and other enzymes of this class are poorly understood, as there is a lack of tools available to facilitate their study. Our novel approach of incorporating functional fragments into oligonucleotides is broadly applicable to generating modified oligonucleotide structures with high affinity for DNA damage-repair enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen M. Fay
- School of Chemistry and Trinity Biomedical Sciences InstituteTrinity College DublinThe University of DublinDublin 2D02 R590Ireland
| | - Ailish Newton
- School of Chemistry and Trinity Biomedical Sciences InstituteTrinity College DublinThe University of DublinDublin 2D02 R590Ireland
| | - Mark Berney
- School of Chemistry and Trinity Biomedical Sciences InstituteTrinity College DublinThe University of DublinDublin 2D02 R590Ireland
| | - Afaf H. El‐Sagheer
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of OxfordMansfield RoadOX1 3TAOxfordUK
| | - Tom Brown
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of OxfordMansfield RoadOX1 3TAOxfordUK
| | - Joanna F. McGouran
- School of Chemistry and Trinity Biomedical Sciences InstituteTrinity College DublinThe University of DublinDublin 2D02 R590Ireland
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23
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Grenier D, Audebert S, Preto J, Guichou JF, Krimm I. Linkers in fragment-based drug design: an overview of the literature. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2023; 18:987-1009. [PMID: 37466331 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2023.2234285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In fragment-based drug design, fragment linking is a popular strategy where two fragments binding to different sub-pockets of a target are linked together. This attractive method remains challenging especially due to the design of ideal linkers. AREAS COVERED The authors review the types of linkers and chemical reactions commonly used to the synthesis of linkers, including those utilized in protein-templated fragment self-assembly, where fragments are directly linked in the presence of the protein. Finally, they detail computational workflows and software including generative models that have been developed for fragment linking. EXPERT OPINION The authors believe that fragment linking offers key advantages for compound design, particularly for the design of bivalent inhibitors linking two distinct pockets of the same or different subunits. On the other hand, more studies are needed to increase the potential of protein-templated approaches in FBDD. Important computational tools such as structure-based de novo software are emerging to select suitable linkers. Fragment linking will undoubtedly benefit from developments in computational approaches and machine learning models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dylan Grenier
- Team Small Molecules for Biological Targets, Centre de Recherche En Cancérologie (CRCL) - INSERM 1052 - CNRS 5286 - Centre Léon Bérard - Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Institut Convergence Plascan, Lyon, France
| | - Solène Audebert
- Centre de Biologie Structurale, CNRS, INSERM, Univ. Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Jordane Preto
- Team Small Molecules for Biological Targets, Centre de Recherche En Cancérologie (CRCL) - INSERM 1052 - CNRS 5286 - Centre Léon Bérard - Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Institut Convergence Plascan, Lyon, France
| | - Jean-François Guichou
- Centre de Biologie Structurale, CNRS, INSERM, Univ. Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Isabelle Krimm
- Team Small Molecules for Biological Targets, Centre de Recherche En Cancérologie (CRCL) - INSERM 1052 - CNRS 5286 - Centre Léon Bérard - Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Institut Convergence Plascan, Lyon, France
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24
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Jackson DB, Racz R, Kim S, Brock S, Burkhart K. Rewiring Drug Research and Development through Human Data-Driven Discovery (HD 3). Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:1673. [PMID: 37376121 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15061673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In an era of unparalleled technical advancement, the pharmaceutical industry is struggling to transform data into increased research and development efficiency, and, as a corollary, new drugs for patients. Here, we briefly review some of the commonly discussed issues around this counterintuitive innovation crisis. Looking at both industry- and science-related factors, we posit that traditional preclinical research is front-loading the development pipeline with data and drug candidates that are unlikely to succeed in patients. Applying a first principles analysis, we highlight the critical culprits and provide suggestions as to how these issues can be rectified through the pursuit of a Human Data-driven Discovery (HD3) paradigm. Consistent with other examples of disruptive innovation, we propose that new levels of success are not dependent on new inventions, but rather on the strategic integration of existing data and technology assets. In support of these suggestions, we highlight the power of HD3, through recently published proof-of-concept applications in the areas of drug safety analysis and prediction, drug repositioning, the rational design of combination therapies and the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We conclude that innovators must play a key role in expediting the path to a largely human-focused, systems-based approach to drug discovery and research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rebecca Racz
- Division of Applied Regulatory Science, Office of Clinical Pharmacology, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA
| | - Sarah Kim
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Center for Pharmacometrics and Systems Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Orlando, FL 32827, USA
| | | | - Keith Burkhart
- Division of Applied Regulatory Science, Office of Clinical Pharmacology, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA
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25
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Dekker T, Janssen MAC, Sutherland C, Aben RWM, Scheeren HW, Blanco-Ania D, Rutjes FPJT, Wijtmans M, de Esch IJP. An Automated, Open-Source Workflow for the Generation of (3D) Fragment Libraries. ACS Med Chem Lett 2023; 14:583-590. [PMID: 37197454 PMCID: PMC10184156 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.2c00503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The recent success of fragment-based drug discovery (FBDD) is inextricably linked to adequate library design. To guide the design of our fragment libraries, we have constructed an automated workflow in the open-source KNIME software. The workflow considers chemical diversity and novelty of the fragments, and can also take into account the three-dimensional (3D) character. This design tool can be used to create large and diverse libraries but also to select a small number of representative compounds as a focused set of unique screening compounds to enrich existing fragment libraries. To illustrate the procedures, the design and synthesis of a 10-membered focused library is reported based on the cyclopropane scaffold, which is underrepresented in our existing fragment screening library. Analysis of the focused compound set indicates significant shape diversity and a favorable overall physicochemical profile. By virtue of its modular setup, the workflow can be readily adjusted to design libraries that focus on properties other than 3D shape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Dekker
- Amsterdam
Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1108, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mathilde A. C.
H. Janssen
- Institute
for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Christina Sutherland
- Amsterdam
Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1108, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rene W. M. Aben
- Institute
for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Hans W. Scheeren
- Institute
for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Daniel Blanco-Ania
- Institute
for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Floris P. J. T. Rutjes
- Institute
for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Maikel Wijtmans
- Amsterdam
Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1108, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Iwan J. P. de Esch
- Amsterdam
Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1108, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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26
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Shanbhag C, Saraogi I. Bacterial GTPases as druggable targets to tackle antimicrobial resistance. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2023; 87:129276. [PMID: 37030567 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2023.129276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Small molecules as antibacterial agents have contributed immensely to the growth of modern medicine over the last several decades. However, the emergence of drug resistance among bacterial pathogens has undermined the effectiveness of the existing antibiotics. Thus, there is an exigency to address the antibiotic crisis by developing new antibacterial agents and identifying novel drug targets in bacteria. In this review, we summarize the importance of guanosine triphosphate hydrolyzing proteins (GTPases) as key agents for bacterial survival. We also discuss representative examples of small molecules that target bacterial GTPases as novel antibacterial agents, and highlight areas that are ripe for exploration. Given their vital roles in cell viability, virulence, and antibiotic resistance, bacterial GTPases are highly attractive antibacterial targets that will likely play a vital role in the fight against antimicrobial resistance.
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27
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Zhu KF, Yuan C, Du YM, Sun KL, Zhang XK, Vogel H, Jia XD, Gao YZ, Zhang QF, Wang DP, Zhang HW. Applications and prospects of cryo-EM in drug discovery. Mil Med Res 2023; 10:10. [PMID: 36872349 PMCID: PMC9986049 DOI: 10.1186/s40779-023-00446-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug discovery is a crucial part of human healthcare and has dramatically benefited human lifespan and life quality in recent centuries, however, it is usually time- and effort-consuming. Structural biology has been demonstrated as a powerful tool to accelerate drug development. Among different techniques, cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) is emerging as the mainstream of structure determination of biomacromolecules in the past decade and has received increasing attention from the pharmaceutical industry. Although cryo-EM still has limitations in resolution, speed and throughput, a growing number of innovative drugs are being developed with the help of cryo-EM. Here, we aim to provide an overview of how cryo-EM techniques are applied to facilitate drug discovery. The development and typical workflow of cryo-EM technique will be briefly introduced, followed by its specific applications in structure-based drug design, fragment-based drug discovery, proteolysis targeting chimeras, antibody drug development and drug repurposing. Besides cryo-EM, drug discovery innovation usually involves other state-of-the-art techniques such as artificial intelligence (AI), which is increasingly active in diverse areas. The combination of cryo-EM and AI provides an opportunity to minimize limitations of cryo-EM such as automation, throughput and interpretation of medium-resolution maps, and tends to be the new direction of future development of cryo-EM. The rapid development of cryo-EM will make it as an indispensable part of modern drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kong-Fu Zhu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055 Guangdong China
| | - Chuang Yuan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191 China
| | - Yong-Ming Du
- Department of Structural Biology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105 USA
| | - Kai-Lei Sun
- Center for Protein Science and Crystallography, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077 China
| | - Xiao-Kang Zhang
- Interdisciplinary Center for Brain Information, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055 Guangdong China
- Faculty of Life and Health Sciences, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055 Guangdong China
- Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen, 518055 Guangdong China
| | - Horst Vogel
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055 Guangdong China
| | - Xu-Dong Jia
- State Key Lab for Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275 China
| | - Yuan-Zhu Gao
- Cryo-EM Facility Center, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055 Guangdong China
| | - Qin-Fen Zhang
- State Key Lab for Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275 China
| | - Da-Ping Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055 Guangdong China
- Department of Orthopedics, Shenzhen Intelligent Orthopaedics and Biomedical Innovation Platform, Guangdong Provincial Research Center for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Orthopedic Technology, Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518000 Guangdong China
| | - Hua-Wei Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055 Guangdong China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055 Guangdong China
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28
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Dekker T, Harteveld JW, Wágner G, de Vries MCM, Custers H, van de Stolpe AC, de Esch IJP, Wijtmans M. Green Drug Discovery: Novel Fragment Space from the Biomass-Derived Molecule Dihydrolevoglucosenone (Cyrene TM). Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28041777. [PMID: 36838763 PMCID: PMC9967789 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28041777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Biomass-derived molecules can provide a basis for sustainable drug discovery. However, their full exploration is hampered by the dominance of millions of old-fashioned screening compounds in classical high-throughput screening (HTS) libraries frequently utilized. We propose a fragment-based drug discovery (FBDD) approach as an efficient method to navigate biomass-derived drug space. Here, we perform a proof-of-concept study with dihydrolevoglucosenone (CyreneTM), a pyrolysis product of cellulose. Diverse synthetic routes afforded a 100-membered fragment library with a diversity in functional groups appended. The library overall performs well in terms of novelty, physicochemical properties, aqueous solubility, stability, and three-dimensionality. Our study suggests that Cyrene-based fragments are a valuable green addition to the drug discovery toolbox. Our findings can help in paving the way for new hit drug candidates that are based on renewable resources.
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29
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Wang L, Song Y, Wang H, Zhang X, Wang M, He J, Li S, Zhang L, Li K, Cao L. Advances of Artificial Intelligence in Anti-Cancer Drug Design: A Review of the Past Decade. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:253. [PMID: 37259400 PMCID: PMC9963982 DOI: 10.3390/ph16020253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Anti-cancer drug design has been acknowledged as a complicated, expensive, time-consuming, and challenging task. How to reduce the research costs and speed up the development process of anti-cancer drug designs has become a challenging and urgent question for the pharmaceutical industry. Computer-aided drug design methods have played a major role in the development of cancer treatments for over three decades. Recently, artificial intelligence has emerged as a powerful and promising technology for faster, cheaper, and more effective anti-cancer drug designs. This study is a narrative review that reviews a wide range of applications of artificial intelligence-based methods in anti-cancer drug design. We further clarify the fundamental principles of these methods, along with their advantages and disadvantages. Furthermore, we collate a large number of databases, including the omics database, the epigenomics database, the chemical compound database, and drug databases. Other researchers can consider them and adapt them to their own requirements.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Kang Li
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Lei Cao
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150081, China
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30
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De SK. Sotorasib: First Approved KRAS Mutation Inhibitor for the Treatment of Non-small Cell Lung Cancer. Curr Med Chem 2023; 30:1000-1002. [PMID: 36082871 DOI: 10.2174/0929867329666220907161505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Surya K De
- Conju-probe, San Diego, California, USA.,Bharath University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600126, India
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31
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McAulay K, Bilsland A, Bon M. Reactivity of Covalent Fragments and Their Role in Fragment Based Drug Discovery. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:1366. [PMID: 36355538 PMCID: PMC9694498 DOI: 10.3390/ph15111366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Fragment based drug discovery has long been used for the identification of new ligands and interest in targeted covalent inhibitors has continued to grow in recent years, with high profile drugs such as osimertinib and sotorasib gaining FDA approval. It is therefore unsurprising that covalent fragment-based approaches have become popular and have recently led to the identification of novel targets and binding sites, as well as ligands for targets previously thought to be 'undruggable'. Understanding the properties of such covalent fragments is important, and characterizing and/or predicting reactivity can be highly useful. This review aims to discuss the requirements for an electrophilic fragment library and the importance of differing warhead reactivity. Successful case studies from the world of drug discovery are then be examined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten McAulay
- Cancer Research Horizons—Therapeutic Innovation, Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
- Centre for Targeted Protein Degradation, University of Dundee, Nethergate, Dundee DD1 4HN, UK
| | - Alan Bilsland
- Cancer Research Horizons—Therapeutic Innovation, Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
| | - Marta Bon
- Cancer Research Horizons—Therapeutic Innovation, Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
- Exscientia, The Schrödinger Building, Oxford Science Park, Oxford OX4 4GE, UK
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32
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Murga M, Fernandez‐Capetillo O. Emerging concepts in drug discovery for cancer therapy. Mol Oncol 2022; 16:3757-3760. [PMID: 36321722 PMCID: PMC9627784 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Matilde Murga
- Genomic Instability GroupSpanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO)MadridSpain
| | - Oscar Fernandez‐Capetillo
- Genomic Instability GroupSpanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO)MadridSpain,Science for Life Laboratory, Division of Genome Biology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and BiophysicsKarolinska InstituteStockholmSweden
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33
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Bilsland AE, Pugliese A, Bower J. Implementation of an AI-assisted fragment-generator in an open-source platform. RSC Med Chem 2022; 13:1205-1211. [PMID: 36320432 PMCID: PMC9579942 DOI: 10.1039/d2md00152g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
We recently reported a deep learning model to facilitate fragment library design, which is critical for efficient hit identification. However, our model was implemented in Python. We have now created an implementation in the KNIME graphical pipelining environment which we hope will allow experimentation by users with limited programming knowledge. We report a deep learning model to facilitate fragment library design, which is critical for efficient hit identification, and an implementation in the KNIME graphical workflow environment which should facilitate a more codeless use.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan E. Bilsland
- Cancer Research Horizons – Therapeutic Innovation, Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
| | - Angelo Pugliese
- BioAscent Discovery, Bo'Ness Road, Newhouse, Lanarkshire ML1 5UH, UK
| | - Justin Bower
- Cancer Research Horizons – Therapeutic Innovation, Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
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