1
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Chillal AS, Bhawale RT, Kshirsagar UA. Regioselective C(sp 2)-H halogenation of pyrazolo[1,5- a]pyrimidines facilitated by hypervalent iodine(iii) under aqueous and ambient conditions. RSC Adv 2024; 14:13095-13099. [PMID: 38655480 PMCID: PMC11036372 DOI: 10.1039/d4ra02090a] [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: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
An efficient and mild approach has been developed for the regio-selective direct C3 halogenation of pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines employing readily available potassium halide salts and a hypervalent iodine(iii) reagent at ambient temperature. The protocol is both practical and environmentally friendly, utilizing water as a green solvent, potassium halides as an inexpensive and bench stable halogen source and PIDA as a non-toxic reagent, enabling clean and efficient halogenation at room temperature. The procedure yields a range of C3 halogenated pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines in good to excellent yields. Mechanistic studies suggest the involvement of electrophilic substitution mechanism in the halogenation process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhinay S Chillal
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Indore Khandwa Road Indore 453552 India
| | - Rajesh T Bhawale
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Indore Khandwa Road Indore 453552 India
| | - Umesh A Kshirsagar
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Indore Khandwa Road Indore 453552 India
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2
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Paul S, Das S, Choudhuri T, Sikdar P, Bagdi AK. Visible-Light-Induced Regioselective C-H Sulfenylation of Pyrazolo[1,5- a]pyrimidines via Cross-Dehydrogenative Coupling. J Org Chem 2023; 88:4187-4198. [PMID: 36916032 DOI: 10.1021/acs.joc.2c02665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
A visible-light-induced cross-dehydrogenative methodology has been developed for the regioselective sulfenylation of pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine derivatives. Rose bengal, blue LEDs, KI, K2S2O8, and DMSO are all essential for this photocatalytic transformation. The protocol is applicable for the synthesis of a library of 3-(aryl/heteroaryl thio)pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine derivatives with broad functionalities. The selectivity and scalability of the methodology have been also demonstrated. Moreover, the efficiency of this strategy for sulfenylation of pyrazoles, indole, imidazoheterocycles, and 4-hydroxy coumarin has been proven. The mechanistic investigation revealed the radical-based mechanism and formation of diaryl disulfide as a key intermediate for this cross-dehydrogenative coupling reaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suvam Paul
- Department of Chemistry, University of Kalyani, Kalyani 741235, India
| | - Sourav Das
- Department of Chemistry, University of Kalyani, Kalyani 741235, India
| | | | - Papiya Sikdar
- Department of Chemistry, University of Kalyani, Kalyani 741235, India
| | - Avik Kumar Bagdi
- Department of Chemistry, University of Kalyani, Kalyani 741235, India
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3
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Biswas S, De Angelis L, Rivera G, Arman H, Doyle MP. Inverse Electron Demand Diels-Alder-Type Heterocycle Syntheses with 1,2,3-Triazine 1-Oxides: Expanded Versatility. Org Lett 2023; 25:1104-1108. [PMID: 36787541 DOI: 10.1021/acs.orglett.2c04360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
1,2,3-Triazine 1-oxides are remarkably effective substrates for inverse electron demand Diels-Alder reactions. Formed from vinyldiazoacetates via reaction with tert-butyl nitrite, these stable heterocyclic compounds undergo clean nucleophilic addition with amidines to form pyrimidines, with β-ketocarbonyl compounds and related nitrile derivatives to form polysubstituted pyridines and with 3/5-aminopyrazoles to form pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines, in high yield. These practical reactions are rapid at room temperature, are base catalyzed, and offer a diversity of structural modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soumen Biswas
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78249, United States
| | - Luca De Angelis
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78249, United States
| | - Gildardo Rivera
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología Farmacéutica, Centro de Biotecnología Genómica, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, 88710 Reynosa, México
| | - Hadi Arman
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78249, United States
| | - Michael P Doyle
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78249, United States
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4
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Karadkhelkar NM, Lin M, Eubanks LM, Janda KD. Demystifying the Druggability of the MYC Family of Oncogenes. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:3259-3269. [PMID: 36734615 PMCID: PMC10182829 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c12732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The MYC family of oncogenes (MYC, MYCN, and MYCL) encodes a basic helix-loop-helix leucine zipper (bHLHLZ) transcriptional regulator that is responsible for moving the cell through the restriction point. Through the HLHZIP domain, MYC heterodimerizes with the bHLHLZ protein MAX, which enables this MYC-MAX complex to bind to E-box regulatory DNA elements thereby controlling transcription of a large group of genes and their proteins. Translationally, MYC is one of the foremost oncogenic targets, and deregulation of expression of the MYC family gene/proteins occurs in over half of all human tumors and is recognized as a hallmark of cancer initiation and maintenance. Additionally, unexpected roles for this oncoprotein have been found in cancers that nominally have a non-MYC etiology. Although MYC is rarely mutated, its gain of function in cancer results from overexpression or from amplification. Moreover, MYC is a pleiotropic transcription factor possessing broad pathogenic prominence making it a coveted cancer target. A widely held notion within the biomedical research community is that the reliable modulation of MYC represents a tremendous therapeutic opportunity given its role in directly potentiating oncogenesis. However, the MYC-MAX heterodimer interaction contains a large surface area with a lack of well-defined binding sites creating the perception that targeting of MYC-MAX is forbidding. Here, we discuss the biochemistry behind MYC and MYC-MAX as it relates to cancer progression associated with these transcription factors. We also discuss the notion that MYC should no longer be regarded as undruggable, providing examples that a therapeutic window is achievable despite global MYC inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nishant M. Karadkhelkar
- Departments of Chemistry and Immunology, The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, Worm Institute of Research and Medicine (WIRM), The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Mingliang Lin
- Departments of Chemistry and Immunology, The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, Worm Institute of Research and Medicine (WIRM), The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Lisa M. Eubanks
- Departments of Chemistry and Immunology, The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, Worm Institute of Research and Medicine (WIRM), The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Kim D. Janda
- Departments of Chemistry and Immunology, The Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, Worm Institute of Research and Medicine (WIRM), The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
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5
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Sang T, Jia F, He J, Li C, Liu Y, Liu P. I 2-Catalyzed Cyclization of β-Ketonitrile with 1 H-Pyrazol-5-amine. CHINESE J ORG CHEM 2023. [DOI: 10.6023/cjoc202206017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
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6
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Elgemeie GH, Azzam RA, Zaghary WA, Khedr MA, Elsherif GE. Medicinal Chemistry of Pyrazolopyrimidine Scaffolds Substituted with Different Heterocyclic Nuclei. Curr Pharm Des 2022; 28:3374-3403. [PMID: 36330628 DOI: 10.2174/1381612829666221102162000] [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: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medicinal chemistry of pyrazolopyrimidine scaffolds substituted with different heterocyclic nuclei has attracted great attention due to their wide range of biological activities that have been reported. Pyrazolopyrimidine scaffold is an important privileged heterocycle nucleus in drug discovery. METHODS All pharmacological activities of pyrazolopyrimidine scaffold have been mentioned, such as anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, antitubercular, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, antidiabetic, and anti-obesity agents. In addition, it was used in both osteoporosis and neurological disorders. The difference in potency and bioavailability of pyrazolopyrimidine derivatives refers to the substituent groups that can increase the activity against specific targets and enhance their selectivity. RESULTS This review provides an overview of different synthetic pathways, structure activity relationships, and preclinical studies of pyrazolopyrimidine scaffolds substituted with a variety of heterocyclic nuclei, as well as it provides a discussion on the significant biological findings of these important scaffolds. In addition, it provides some insights on the different macromolecular targets that pyrazolopyrimidine scaffold can effectively work on, such as; cyclin dependent kinases; CDK2, CDK7, and CDK9, checkpoint kinases; CHK1 and CHK2 and their correlation with the anticancer activity, PI3Kα, transient receptor potential canonical 6, B-Raf kinase, Interleukin- 1 receptor-associated kinase 4, B-cell lymphoma 6, TRKA-C kinase, potent kDa ribosomal protein S6 kinase, colon cancer cell line (CaCo-2), domain receptor kinase (KDR), HepG-2 carcinoma cell, FLT3. The antibacterial activity against B. subtilis and E. coli and antifungal activity against C. albicans, C. tropicalis, A. niger, and A. clavatus are discussed. CONCLUSION This review provides an overview of the different pharmacological activities of the pyrazolopyrimidine scaffold and its correlation with chemical structure. Some exciting new developments in pyrazolopyrimidine scaffolds are also presented in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Galal H Elgemeie
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Cairo 11795, Egypt
| | - Rasha A Azzam
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Cairo 11795, Egypt
| | - Wafaa A Zaghary
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Helwan University, Cairo 11795, Egypt
| | - Mohammed A Khedr
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Helwan University, Cairo 11795, Egypt.,Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kuwait University, Kuwait
| | - Gihad E Elsherif
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Egyptian Ministry of Health and Population, Cairo, Egypt
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7
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Synthesis and biological evaluation of a novel c-Myc inhibitor against colorectal cancer via blocking c-Myc/Max heterodimerization and disturbing its DNA binding. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 243:114779. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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8
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Yang C, Liu Y, Hu Y, Fang L, Huang Z, Cui H, Xie J, Hong Y, Chen W, Xiao N, Li Q, Liu WH, Xiao C. Myc inhibition tips the immune balance to promote antitumor immunity. Cell Mol Immunol 2022; 19:1030-1041. [PMID: 35962189 PMCID: PMC9424194 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-022-00898-7] [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: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant expression of Myc is one of the most common oncogenic events in human cancers. Scores of Myc inhibitors are currently under development for treating Myc-driven cancers. In addition to directly targeting tumor cells, Myc inhibition has been shown to modulate the tumor microenvironment to promote tumor regression. However, the effect of Myc inhibition on immune cells in the tumor microenvironment remains poorly understood. Here, we show that the adaptive immune system plays a vital role in the antitumor effect of pharmacologic inhibition of Myc. Combining genetic and pharmacologic approaches, we found that Myc inhibition enhanced CD8 T cell function by suppressing the homeostasis of regulatory T (Treg) cells and the differentiation of resting Treg (rTreg) cells to activated Treg (aTreg) cells in tumors. Importantly, we demonstrated that different Myc expression levels confer differential sensitivity of T cell subsets to pharmacologic inhibition of Myc. Although ablation of the Myc gene has been shown to suppress CD8 T cell function, Treg cells, which express much less Myc protein than CD8 T cells, are more sensitive to Myc inhibitors. The differential sensitivity of CD8 T and Treg cells to Myc inhibitors resulted in enhanced CD8 T cell function upon Myc inhibition. Our findings revealed that Myc inhibitors can induce an antitumor immune response during tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China.
| | - Yun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Yudi Hu
- Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Liang Fang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Gene Regulation and Systems Biology, School of Life Sciences and Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518005, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhe Huang
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
- Sanofi Institute for Biomedical Research, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu, China
| | - Huanhuan Cui
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Gene Regulation and Systems Biology, School of Life Sciences and Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518005, Guangdong, China
| | - Jun Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Yazhen Hong
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Gene Regulation and Systems Biology, School of Life Sciences and Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518005, Guangdong, China
| | - Nengming Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China
| | - Qiyuan Li
- Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China.
| | - Wen-Hsien Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China.
| | - Changchun Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, Fujian, China.
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA.
- Sanofi Institute for Biomedical Research, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu, China.
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9
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Mamalis D, Panagiotopoulou A, Couladouros EA, Tzeli D, Vidali VP. A DFT Study towards the Amide cis‐trans Isomerization Process of the Myc‐Max Inhibitor Mycro 3 and Its Photophysical Properties; Synthesis and NMR Studies of the trans‐Conformation. ChemistrySelect 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/slct.202201639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Mamalis
- Laboratory of Physical Chemistry Department of Chemistry National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Panepistimiopolis Athens 157 71 Greece
- Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology National Center for Scientific Research “Demokritos” Ag. Paraskevi 153 41 Athens Greece
- Theoretical and Physical Chemistry Institute National Hellenic Research Foundation, 48 Vassileos Constantinou Ave. Athens 116 35 Greece
| | - Angeliki Panagiotopoulou
- Institute of Biosciences and Applications National Center for Scientific Research “Demokritos”, Ag. Paraskevi 153 41 Athens Greece
| | - Elias A. Couladouros
- Agricultural University of Athens Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition Iera Odos 75 Athens 118 55 Greece
| | - Demeter Tzeli
- Laboratory of Physical Chemistry Department of Chemistry National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Panepistimiopolis Athens 157 71 Greece
- Theoretical and Physical Chemistry Institute National Hellenic Research Foundation, 48 Vassileos Constantinou Ave. Athens 116 35 Greece
| | - Veroniki P. Vidali
- Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology National Center for Scientific Research “Demokritos” Ag. Paraskevi 153 41 Athens Greece
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10
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Castell A, Yan Q, Fawkner K, Bazzar W, Zhang F, Wickström M, Alzrigat M, Franco M, Krona C, Cameron DP, Dyberg C, Olsen TK, Verschut V, Schmidt L, Lim SY, Mahmoud L, Hydbring P, Lehmann S, Baranello L, Nelander S, Johnsen JI, Larsson LG. MYCMI-7: A Small MYC-Binding Compound that Inhibits MYC: MAX Interaction and Tumor Growth in a MYC-Dependent Manner. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2022; 2:182-201. [PMID: 36874405 PMCID: PMC9980915 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-21-0019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Deregulated expression of MYC family oncogenes occurs frequently in human cancer and is often associated with aggressive disease and poor prognosis. While MYC is a highly warranted target, it has been considered "undruggable," and no specific anti-MYC drugs are available in the clinic. We recently identified molecules named MYCMIs that inhibit the interaction between MYC and its essential partner MAX. Here we show that one of these molecules, MYCMI-7, efficiently and selectively inhibits MYC:MAX and MYCN:MAX interactions in cells, binds directly to recombinant MYC, and reduces MYC-driven transcription. In addition, MYCMI-7 induces degradation of MYC and MYCN proteins. MYCMI-7 potently induces growth arrest/apoptosis in tumor cells in a MYC/MYCN-dependent manner and downregulates the MYC pathway on a global level as determined by RNA sequencing. Sensitivity to MYCMI-7 correlates with MYC expression in a panel of 60 tumor cell lines and MYCMI-7 shows high efficacy toward a collection of patient-derived primary glioblastoma and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) ex vivo cultures. Importantly, a variety of normal cells become G1 arrested without signs of apoptosis upon MYCMI-7 treatment. Finally, in mouse tumor models of MYC-driven AML, breast cancer, and MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma, treatment with MYCMI-7 downregulates MYC/MYCN, inhibits tumor growth, and prolongs survival through apoptosis with few side effects. In conclusion, MYCMI-7 is a potent and selective MYC inhibitor that is highly relevant for the development into clinically useful drugs for the treatment of MYC-driven cancer. Significance Our findings demonstrate that the small-molecule MYCMI-7 binds MYC and inhibits interaction between MYC and MAX, thereby hampering MYC-driven tumor cell growth in culture and in vivo while sparing normal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina Castell
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Qinzi Yan
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Karin Fawkner
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Wesam Bazzar
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Fan Zhang
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Malin Wickström
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mohammad Alzrigat
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marcela Franco
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Cecilia Krona
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, The Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Donald P Cameron
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Cecilia Dyberg
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Thale Kristin Olsen
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Vasiliki Verschut
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Linnéa Schmidt
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, The Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Sheryl Y Lim
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Loay Mahmoud
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Per Hydbring
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sören Lehmann
- Department of Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Laura Baranello
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sven Nelander
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, The Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - John Inge Johnsen
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lars-Gunnar Larsson
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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11
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Nagasaka M, Inoue Y, Yoshida M, Miyajima C, Morishita D, Tokugawa M, Nakamoto H, Sugano M, Ohoka N, Hayashi H. The deubiquitinating enzyme USP17 regulates c‐Myc levels and controls cell proliferation and glycolysis. FEBS Lett 2022; 596:465-478. [DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mai Nagasaka
- Department of Cell Signaling Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Nagoya City University 467‐8603 Nagoya Japan
| | - Yasumichi Inoue
- Department of Cell Signaling Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Nagoya City University 467‐8603 Nagoya Japan
- Department of Innovative Therapeutics Sciences Cooperative Major in Nanopharmaceutical Sciences Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Nagoya City University 467‐8603 Nagoya Japan
| | - Manaka Yoshida
- Department of Cell Signaling Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Nagoya City University 467‐8603 Nagoya Japan
| | - Chiharu Miyajima
- Department of Cell Signaling Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Nagoya City University 467‐8603 Nagoya Japan
- Department of Innovative Therapeutics Sciences Cooperative Major in Nanopharmaceutical Sciences Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Nagoya City University 467‐8603 Nagoya Japan
| | - Daisuke Morishita
- Department of Cell Signaling Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Nagoya City University 467‐8603 Nagoya Japan
- Chordia Therapeutics Inc 251‐0012 Kanagawa Japan
| | - Muneshige Tokugawa
- Department of Cell Signaling Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Nagoya City University 467‐8603 Nagoya Japan
| | - Haruna Nakamoto
- Department of Cell Signaling Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Nagoya City University 467‐8603 Nagoya Japan
| | - Mayumi Sugano
- Department of Cell Signaling Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Nagoya City University 467‐8603 Nagoya Japan
| | - Nobumichi Ohoka
- Division of Molecular Target and Gene Therapy Products National Institute of Health Sciences 210‐9501 Kanagawa Japan
| | - Hidetoshi Hayashi
- Department of Cell Signaling Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Nagoya City University 467‐8603 Nagoya Japan
- Department of Innovative Therapeutics Sciences Cooperative Major in Nanopharmaceutical Sciences Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Nagoya City University 467‐8603 Nagoya Japan
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12
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Gill T, Wang H, Bandaru R, Lawlor M, Lu C, Nieman LT, Tao J, Zhang Y, Anderson DG, Ting DT, Chen X, Bradner JE, Ott CJ. Selective targeting of MYC mRNA by stabilized antisense oligonucleotides. Oncogene 2021; 40:6527-6539. [PMID: 34650218 PMCID: PMC8627489 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-021-02053-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
MYC is a prolific proto-oncogene driving the malignant behaviors of numerous common cancers, yet potent and selective cell-permeable inhibitors of MYC remain elusive. In order to ultimately realize the goal of therapeutic MYC inhibition in cancer, we have initiated discovery chemistry efforts aimed at inhibiting MYC translation. Here we describe a series of conformationally stabilized synthetic antisense oligonucleotides designed to target MYC mRNA (MYCASOs). To support bioactivity, we designed and synthesized this focused library of MYCASOs incorporating locked nucleic acid (LNA) bases at the 5'- and 3'-ends, a phosphorothioate backbone, and internal DNA bases. Treatment of MYC-expressing cancer cells with MYCASOs leads to a potent decrease in MYC mRNA and protein levels. Cleaved MYC mRNA in MYCASO-treated cells is detected with a sensitive 5' Rapid Amplification of cDNA Ends (RACE) assay. MYCASO treatment of cancer cell lines leads to significant inhibition of cellular proliferation while specifically perturbing MYC-driven gene expression signatures. In a MYC-induced model of hepatocellular carcinoma, MYCASO treatment decreases MYC protein levels within tumors, decreases tumor burden, and improves overall survival. MYCASOs represent a new chemical tool for in vitro and in vivo modulation of MYC activity, and promising therapeutic agents for MYC-addicted tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor Gill
- Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT & Harvard, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Haichuan Wang
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Raj Bandaru
- ENZON Pharmaceuticals, Cranford, NJ, 07016, USA
| | - Matthew Lawlor
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA
| | - Chenyue Lu
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA
| | - Linda T Nieman
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA
| | - Junyan Tao
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | | | - Daniel G Anderson
- Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - David T Ting
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - James E Bradner
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA.
| | - Christopher J Ott
- Broad Institute of MIT & Harvard, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA.
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
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13
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Synthetic fluorescent MYC probe: Inhibitor binding site elucidation and development of a high-throughput screening assay. Bioorg Med Chem 2021; 42:116246. [PMID: 34130216 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2021.116246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
We report the discovery of a fluorescent small molecule probe. This probe exhibits an emission increase in the presence of the oncoprotein MYC that can be attenuated by a competing inhibitor. Hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry analysis, rationalized by induced-fit docking, suggests it binds to the "coiled-coil" region of the leucine zipper domain. Point mutations of this site produced functional MYC constructs resistant to inhibition in an oncogenic transformation assay by compounds that displace the probe. Utilizing this probe, we have developed a high-throughput assay to identify MYC inhibitor scaffolds. Screening of a diversity library (N = 1408, 384-well) and a library of pharmacologically active compounds (N = 1280, 1536-well) yielded molecules with greater drug-like properties than the probe. One lead is a potent inhibitor of oncogenic transformation and is specific for MYC relative to resistant mutants and transformation-inducing oncogenes. This method is simple, inexpensive, and does not require protein modification, DNA binding, or the dimer partner MAX. This assay presents an opportunity for MYC inhibition researchers to discover unique scaffolds.
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14
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Gene Transactivation and Transrepression in MYC-Driven Cancers. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22073458. [PMID: 33801599 PMCID: PMC8037706 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22073458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
MYC is a proto-oncogene regulating a large number of genes involved in a plethora of cellular functions. Its deregulation results in activation of MYC gene expression and/or an increase in MYC protein stability. MYC overexpression is a hallmark of malignant growth, inducing self-renewal of stem cells and blocking senescence and cell differentiation. This review summarizes the latest advances in our understanding of MYC-mediated molecular mechanisms responsible for its oncogenic activity. Several recent findings indicate that MYC is a regulator of cancer genome and epigenome: MYC modulates expression of target genes in a site-specific manner, by recruiting chromatin remodeling co-factors at promoter regions, and at genome-wide level, by regulating the expression of several epigenetic modifiers that alter the entire chromatin structure. We also discuss novel emerging therapeutic strategies based on both direct modulation of MYC and its epigenetic cofactors.
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15
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Madden SK, de Araujo AD, Gerhardt M, Fairlie DP, Mason JM. Taking the Myc out of cancer: toward therapeutic strategies to directly inhibit c-Myc. Mol Cancer 2021; 20:3. [PMID: 33397405 PMCID: PMC7780693 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-020-01291-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 163] [Impact Index Per Article: 54.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
c-Myc is a transcription factor that is constitutively and aberrantly expressed in over 70% of human cancers. Its direct inhibition has been shown to trigger rapid tumor regression in mice with only mild and fully reversible side effects, suggesting this to be a viable therapeutic strategy. Here we reassess the challenges of directly targeting c-Myc, evaluate lessons learned from current inhibitors, and explore how future strategies such as miniaturisation of Omomyc and targeting E-box binding could facilitate translation of c-Myc inhibitors into the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah K Madden
- Department of Biology & Biochemistry, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK.
| | - Aline Dantas de Araujo
- Division of Chemistry and Structural Biology and ARC 1066 Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Mara Gerhardt
- Department of Biology & Biochemistry, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK
| | - David P Fairlie
- Division of Chemistry and Structural Biology and ARC 1066 Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Jody M Mason
- Department of Biology & Biochemistry, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK.
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16
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Ton AT, Singh K, Morin H, Ban F, Leblanc E, Lee J, Lallous N, Cherkasov A. Dual-Inhibitors of N-Myc and AURKA as Potential Therapy for Neuroendocrine Prostate Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21218277. [PMID: 33167327 PMCID: PMC7663809 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21218277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Resistance to androgen-receptor (AR) directed therapies is, among other factors, associated with Myc transcription factors that are involved in development and progression of many cancers. Overexpression of N-Myc protein in prostate cancer (PCa) leads to its transformation to advanced neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC) that currently has no approved treatments. N-Myc has a short half-life but acts as an NEPC stimulator when it is stabilized by forming a protective complex with Aurora A kinase (AURKA). Therefore, dual-inhibition of N-Myc and AURKA would be an attractive therapeutic avenue for NEPC. Following our computer-aided drug discovery approach, compounds exhibiting potent N-Myc specific inhibition and strong anti-proliferative activity against several N-Myc driven cell lines, were identified. Thereafter, we have developed dual inhibitors of N-Myc and AURKA through structure-based drug design approach by merging our novel N-Myc specific chemical scaffolds with fragments of known AURKA inhibitors. Favorable binding modes of the designed compounds to both N-Myc and AURKA target sites have been predicted by docking. A promising lead compound, 70812, demonstrated low-micromolar potency against both N-Myc and AURKA in vitro assays and effectively suppressed NEPC cell growth.
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17
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Beaulieu ME, Castillo F, Soucek L. Structural and Biophysical Insights into the Function of the Intrinsically Disordered Myc Oncoprotein. Cells 2020; 9:E1038. [PMID: 32331235 PMCID: PMC7226237 DOI: 10.3390/cells9041038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Myc is a transcription factor driving growth and proliferation of cells and involved in the majority of human tumors. Despite a huge body of literature on this critical oncogene, our understanding of the exact molecular determinants and mechanisms that underlie its function is still surprisingly limited. Indubitably though, its crucial and non-redundant role in cancer biology makes it an attractive target. However, achieving successful clinical Myc inhibition has proven challenging so far, as this nuclear protein is an intrinsically disordered polypeptide devoid of any classical ligand binding pockets. Indeed, Myc only adopts a (partially) folded structure in some contexts and upon interacting with some protein partners, for instance when dimerizing with MAX to bind DNA. Here, we review the cumulative knowledge on Myc structure and biophysics and discuss the implications for its biological function and the development of improved Myc inhibitors. We focus this biophysical walkthrough mainly on the basic region helix-loop-helix leucine zipper motif (bHLHLZ), as it has been the principal target for inhibitory approaches so far.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Laura Soucek
- Peptomyc S.L., Edifici Cellex, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (F.C.); (L.S.)
- Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Edifici Cellex, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), 08035 Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Bellaterra, Spain
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18
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Moustaqil M, Gambin Y, Sierecki E. Biophysical Techniques for Target Validation and Drug Discovery in Transcription-Targeted Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E2301. [PMID: 32225120 PMCID: PMC7178067 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21072301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Revised: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
In the post-genome era, pathologies become associated with specific gene expression profiles and defined molecular lesions can be identified. The traditional therapeutic strategy is to block the identified aberrant biochemical activity. However, an attractive alternative could aim at antagonizing key transcriptional events underlying the pathogenesis, thereby blocking the consequences of a disorder, irrespective of the original biochemical nature. This approach, called transcription therapy, is now rendered possible by major advances in biophysical technologies. In the last two decades, techniques have evolved to become key components of drug discovery platforms, within pharmaceutical companies as well as academic laboratories. This review outlines the current biophysical strategies for transcription manipulation and provides examples of successful applications. It also provides insights into the future development of biophysical methods in drug discovery and personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Moustaqil
- EMBL Australia Node in Single Molecule Science and School of Medical Sciences, UNSW Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia;
| | | | - Emma Sierecki
- EMBL Australia Node in Single Molecule Science and School of Medical Sciences, UNSW Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia;
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19
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Chen A, Koehler AN. Transcription Factor Inhibition: Lessons Learned and Emerging Targets. Trends Mol Med 2020; 26:508-518. [PMID: 32359481 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2020.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Revised: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Transcription factors have roles at focal points in signaling pathways, controlling many normal cellular processes, such as cell growth and proliferation, metabolism, apoptosis, immune responses, and differentiation. Their activity is frequently deregulated in disease and targeting this class of proteins is a major focus of interest. However, the structural disorder and lack of binding pockets have made design of small molecules for transcription factors challenging. Here, we review some of the most recent developments for small molecule inhibitors of transcription factors emphasized in James Darnell's vision 17 years ago. We also discuss the progress so far on transcription factors recently nominated by genome-scale loss-of-function screens from the cancer dependency map project.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Chen
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, MA 02142, USA; Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, MA 02139, USA; MIT Center for Precision Cancer Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, MA 02142, USA
| | - Angela N Koehler
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, MA 02142, USA; Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, MA 02139, USA; MIT Center for Precision Cancer Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, MA 02142, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, MA 02142, USA.
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20
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Wang XN, Su XX, Cheng SQ, Sun ZY, Huang ZS, Ou TM. MYC modulators in cancer: a patent review. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2019; 29:353-367. [PMID: 31068032 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2019.1612878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The important role of MYC in tumorigenesis makes it particularly important to design MYC modulators. Over the past decade, researchers have raised a number of strategies for designing MYC modulators, some of which are already in clinical trials. This paper aims to review the patents of MYC modulators. AREAS COVERED The important biological relevance of c-MYC and the regulation pathways related to c-MYC are briefly introduced. Base on that, the MYC modulators reported in published patents and references primarily for cancer treatment are outlined, highlighting the structures and biological activities. EXPERT OPINION There has been a growing awareness of finding and designing MYC modulators as novel anticancer drugs over recent years. Patents involving the discovery, synthesis, and application of MYC modulators are particularly important for further development in this field. Although finding direct MYC inhibitors or binders is challenging, MYC cannot be simply defined as an undruggable target. There is still substantial evidence proving the concept that MYC modulators can benefit to the treatment of both human hematological malignancies and solid tumors. More efforts should be taken to improve the activity and specificity of MYC modulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Na Wang
- a School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Sun Yat-Sen University , Guangzhou , Guangdong , China
| | - Xiao-Xuan Su
- a School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Sun Yat-Sen University , Guangzhou , Guangdong , China
| | - Sui-Qi Cheng
- a School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Sun Yat-Sen University , Guangzhou , Guangdong , China
| | - Zhi-Yin Sun
- a School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Sun Yat-Sen University , Guangzhou , Guangdong , China
| | - Zhi-Shu Huang
- a School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Sun Yat-Sen University , Guangzhou , Guangdong , China
| | - Tian-Miao Ou
- a School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Sun Yat-Sen University , Guangzhou , Guangdong , China
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21
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Salem MA, Helal MH, Gouda MA, Abd EL-Gawad HH, Shehab MAM, El-Khalafawy A. Recent synthetic methodologies for pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine. SYNTHETIC COMMUN 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/00397911.2019.1604967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed A. Salem
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Arts, King Khalid University, Mohail Asir, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed H. Helal
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Arts and Science, Northern Border University, Rafha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Moustafa A. Gouda
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Arts, Ulla Taibah University, Medina, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hala H. Abd EL-Gawad
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Arts, King Khalid University, Mohail Asir, Saudi Arabia
| | - Marwa A. M. Shehab
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Arts, King Khalid University, Mohail Asir, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abeer El-Khalafawy
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
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22
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23
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Carabet LA, Rennie PS, Cherkasov A. Therapeutic Inhibition of Myc in Cancer. Structural Bases and Computer-Aided Drug Discovery Approaches. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 20:E120. [PMID: 30597997 PMCID: PMC6337544 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20010120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2018] [Revised: 12/08/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Myc (avian myelocytomatosis viral oncogene homolog) represents one of the most sought after drug targets in cancer. Myc transcription factor is an essential regulator of cell growth, but in most cancers it is overexpressed and associated with treatment-resistance and lethal outcomes. Over 40 years of research and drug development efforts did not yield a clinically useful Myc inhibitor. Drugging the "undruggable" is problematic, as Myc inactivation may negatively impact its physiological functions. Moreover, Myc is a disordered protein that lacks effective binding pockets on its surface. It is well established that the Myc function is dependent on dimerization with its obligate partner, Max (Myc associated factor X), which together form a functional DNA-binding domain to activate genomic targets. Herein, we provide an overview of the knowledge accumulated to date on Myc regulation and function, its critical role in cancer, and summarize various strategies that are employed to tackle Myc-driven malignant transformation. We focus on important structure-function relationships of Myc with its interactome, elaborating structural determinants of Myc-Max dimer formation and DNA recognition exploited for therapeutic inhibition. Chronological development of small-molecule Myc-Max prototype inhibitors and corresponding binding sites are comprehensively reviewed and particular emphasis is placed on modern computational drug design methods. On the outlook, technological advancements may soon provide the so long-awaited Myc-Max clinical candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lavinia A Carabet
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada.
| | - Paul S Rennie
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada.
| | - Artem Cherkasov
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada.
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24
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Abdellatif KR, Bakr RB. New advances in synthesis and clinical aspects of pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine scaffolds. Bioorg Chem 2018; 78:341-357. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2018.03.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2017] [Revised: 03/17/2018] [Accepted: 03/31/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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25
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Castell A, Yan Q, Fawkner K, Hydbring P, Zhang F, Verschut V, Franco M, Zakaria SM, Bazzar W, Goodwin J, Zinzalla G, Larsson LG. A selective high affinity MYC-binding compound inhibits MYC:MAX interaction and MYC-dependent tumor cell proliferation. Sci Rep 2018; 8:10064. [PMID: 29968736 PMCID: PMC6030159 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-28107-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Accepted: 05/22/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
MYC is a key player in tumor development, but unfortunately no specific MYC-targeting drugs are clinically available. MYC is strictly dependent on heterodimerization with MAX for transcription activation. Aiming at targeting this interaction, we identified MYCMI-6 in a cell-based protein interaction screen for small inhibitory molecules. MYCMI-6 exhibits strong selective inhibition of MYC:MAX interaction in cells and in vitro at single-digit micromolar concentrations, as validated by split Gaussia luciferase, in situ proximity ligation, microscale thermophoresis and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) assays. Further, MYCMI-6 blocks MYC-driven transcription and binds selectively to the MYC bHLHZip domain with a KD of 1.6 ± 0.5 μM as demonstrated by SPR. MYCMI-6 inhibits tumor cell growth in a MYC-dependent manner with IC50 concentrations as low as 0.5 μM, while sparing normal cells. The response to MYCMI-6 correlates with MYC expression based on data from 60 human tumor cell lines and is abrogated by MYC depletion. Further, it inhibits MYC:MAX interaction, reduces proliferation and induces massive apoptosis in tumor tissue from a MYC-driven xenograft tumor model without severe side effects. Since MYCMI-6 does not affect MYC expression, it is a unique molecular tool to specifically target MYC:MAX pharmacologically and it has good potential for drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina Castell
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 65, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Qinzi Yan
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 65, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Karin Fawkner
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 65, Stockholm, Sweden
- TLV, Box 225 20, 104 22, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Per Hydbring
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 65, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, SE-17176, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Fan Zhang
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 65, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Vasiliki Verschut
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 65, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marcela Franco
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 65, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Siti Mariam Zakaria
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 65, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Wesam Bazzar
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 65, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jacob Goodwin
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 65, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Giovanna Zinzalla
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 65, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lars-Gunnar Larsson
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 65, Stockholm, Sweden.
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26
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Xie H, Tang CHA, Song JH, Mancuso A, Del Valle JR, Cao J, Xiang Y, Dang CV, Lan R, Sanchez DJ, Keith B, Hu CCA, Simon MC. IRE1α RNase-dependent lipid homeostasis promotes survival in Myc-transformed cancers. J Clin Invest 2018; 128:1300-1316. [PMID: 29381485 DOI: 10.1172/jci95864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Accepted: 01/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Myc activation is a primary oncogenic event in many human cancers; however, these transcription factors are difficult to inhibit pharmacologically, suggesting that Myc-dependent downstream effectors may be more tractable therapeutic targets. Here, we show that Myc overexpression induces endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and engages the inositol-requiring enzyme 1α (IRE1α)/X-box binding protein 1 (XBP1) pathway through multiple molecular mechanisms in a variety of c-Myc- and N-Myc-dependent cancers. In particular, Myc-overexpressing cells require IRE1α/XBP1 signaling for sustained growth and survival in vitro and in vivo, dependent on elevated stearoyl-CoA-desaturase 1 (SCD1) activity. Pharmacological and genetic XBP1 inhibition induces Myc-dependent apoptosis, which is alleviated by exogenous unsaturated fatty acids. Of note, SCD1 inhibition phenocopies IRE1α RNase activity suppression in vivo. Furthermore, IRE1α inhibition enhances the cytotoxic effects of standard chemotherapy drugs used to treat c-Myc-overexpressing Burkitt's lymphoma, suggesting that inhibiting the IRE1α/XBP1 pathway is a useful general strategy for treatment of Myc-driven cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Xie
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute and.,Department of Cancer Biology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Jun H Song
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute and.,Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Juan R Del Valle
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Jin Cao
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology.,Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, and.,Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Yan Xiang
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute and
| | - Chi V Dang
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute and
| | - Roy Lan
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute and
| | - Danielle J Sanchez
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute and.,Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Brian Keith
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute and.,Department of Cancer Biology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - M Celeste Simon
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute and.,Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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27
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Schick M, Habringer S, Nilsson JA, Keller U. Pathogenesis and therapeutic targeting of aberrant MYC expression in haematological cancers. Br J Haematol 2017; 179:724-738. [DOI: 10.1111/bjh.14917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Markus Schick
- Internal Medicine III; School of Medicine; Technische Universität München; Munich Germany
| | - Stefan Habringer
- Internal Medicine III; School of Medicine; Technische Universität München; Munich Germany
| | - Jonas A. Nilsson
- Department of Surgery; Sahlgrenska Cancer Center; Gothenburg University; Gothenburg Sweden
| | - Ulrich Keller
- Internal Medicine III; School of Medicine; Technische Universität München; Munich Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK); German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ); Heidelberg Germany
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28
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Heller GT, Aprile FA, Vendruscolo M. Methods of probing the interactions between small molecules and disordered proteins. Cell Mol Life Sci 2017; 74:3225-3243. [PMID: 28631009 PMCID: PMC5533867 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-017-2563-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2017] [Accepted: 06/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
It is generally recognized that a large fraction of the human proteome is made up of proteins that remain disordered in their native states. Despite the fact that such proteins play key biological roles and are involved in many major human diseases, they still represent challenging targets for drug discovery. A major bottleneck for the identification of compounds capable of interacting with these proteins and modulating their disease-promoting behaviour is the development of effective techniques to probe such interactions. The difficulties in carrying out binding measurements have resulted in a poor understanding of the mechanisms underlying these interactions. In order to facilitate further methodological advances, here we review the most commonly used techniques to probe three types of interactions involving small molecules: (1) those that disrupt functional interactions between disordered proteins; (2) those that inhibit the aberrant aggregation of disordered proteins, and (3) those that lead to binding disordered proteins in their monomeric states. In discussing these techniques, we also point out directions for future developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella T Heller
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Francesco A Aprile
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
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29
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Wirth M, Mahboobi S, Krämer OH, Schneider G. Concepts to Target MYC in Pancreatic Cancer. Mol Cancer Ther 2016; 15:1792-8. [PMID: 27406986 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-16-0050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2016] [Accepted: 05/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Current data suggest that MYC is an important signaling hub and driver in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), a tumor entity with a strikingly poor prognosis. No targeted therapies with a meaningful clinical impact were successfully developed against PDAC so far. This points to the need to establish novel concepts targeting the relevant drivers of PDAC, like KRAS or MYC. Here, we discuss recent developments of direct or indirect MYC inhibitors and their potential mode of action in PDAC. Mol Cancer Ther; 15(8); 1792-8. ©2016 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Wirth
- II. Medizinische Klinik, Technische Universität München, München, Germany
| | - Siavosh Mahboobi
- Institute of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry I, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Oliver H Krämer
- Department of Toxicology, University of Mainz Medical Center, Mainz, Germany
| | - Günter Schneider
- II. Medizinische Klinik, Technische Universität München, München, Germany.
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30
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Wang H, Sharma L, Lu J, Finch P, Fletcher S, Prochownik EV. Structurally diverse c-Myc inhibitors share a common mechanism of action involving ATP depletion. Oncotarget 2016; 6:15857-70. [PMID: 26036281 PMCID: PMC4599242 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.4327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2015] [Accepted: 04/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The c-Myc (Myc) oncoprotein is deregulated in a large proportion of diverse human cancers. Considerable effort has therefore been directed at identifying pharmacologic inhibitors as potential anti-neoplastic agents. Three such groups of small molecule inhibitors have been described. The first is comprised of so-called “direct” inhibitors, which perturb Myc's ability to form productive DNA-binding heterodimers in association with its partner, Max. The second group is comprised of indirect inhibitors, which largely function by targeting the BET-domain protein BRD4 to prevent the proper formation of transcriptional complexes that assemble in response to Myc-Max DNA binding. Thirdly, synthetic lethal inhibitors cause the selective apoptosis of Myc over-expressing either by promoting mitotic catastrophe or altering Myc protein stability. We report here a common mechanism by which all Myc inhibitors, irrespective of class, lead to eventual cellular demise. This involves the depletion of ATP stores due to mitochondrial dysfunction and the eventual down-regulation of Myc protein. The accompanying metabolic de-regulation causes neutral lipid accumulation, cell cycle arrest, and an attempt to rectify the ATP deficit by up-regulating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). These responses are ultimately futile due to the lack of functional Myc to support the requisite anabolic response. Finally, the effects of Myc depletion on ATP levels, cell cycle arrest, differentiation and AMPK activation can be mimicked by pharmacologic inhibition of the mitochondrial electron transport chain without affecting Myc levels. Thus, all Myc inhibitors promote a global energy collapse that appears to underlie many of their phenotypic consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huabo Wang
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Lokendra Sharma
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jie Lu
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Paul Finch
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Steven Fletcher
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, MD, USA.,The Greenebaum Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Edward V Prochownik
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,The University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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31
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Sun J, Qiu JK, Jiang B, Hao WJ, Guo C, Tu SJ. I2-Catalyzed Multicomponent Reactions for Accessing Densely Functionalized Pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines and Their Disulphenylated Derivatives. J Org Chem 2016; 81:3321-8. [PMID: 26991413 DOI: 10.1021/acs.joc.6b00332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
New I2-catalyzed multicomponent bicyclization reactions of β-ketonitriles with sulfonyl hydrazides have been established, providing a direct and metal-free access toward unreported pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidin-4-ium sulfonates. The latter could be quantitatively converted into densely functionalized pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines in the presence of bases. Using sulfonyl hydrazides as a sulfenylating agent, the resulting pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines enabled I2-catalyzed unprecedented disulphenylations to access fully substituted pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines through direct C(sp(2))-H bond bifunctionalization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Sun
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University , Nanjing 211816, P. R. China
| | - Jiang-Kai Qiu
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University , Nanjing 211816, P. R. China
| | - Bo Jiang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Green Synthetic Chemistry for Functional Materials, Jiangsu Normal University , Xuzhou 221116, P. R. China
| | - Wen-Juan Hao
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Green Synthetic Chemistry for Functional Materials, Jiangsu Normal University , Xuzhou 221116, P. R. China
| | - Cheng Guo
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University , Nanjing 211816, P. R. China
| | - Shu-Jiang Tu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Green Synthetic Chemistry for Functional Materials, Jiangsu Normal University , Xuzhou 221116, P. R. China
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32
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Structure-based Inhibitor Design for the Intrinsically Disordered Protein c-Myc. Sci Rep 2016; 6:22298. [PMID: 26931396 PMCID: PMC4773988 DOI: 10.1038/srep22298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2015] [Accepted: 02/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) are associated with various diseases and have been proposed as promising drug targets. However, conventional structure-based approaches cannot be applied directly to IDPs, due to their lack of ordered structures. Here, we describe a novel computational approach to virtually screen for compounds that can simultaneously bind to different IDP conformations. The test system used c-Myc, an oncoprotein containing a disordered basic helix-loop-helix-leucine zipper (bHLH-LZ) domain that adopts a helical conformation upon binding to Myc-associated factor X (Max). For the virtual screen, we used three binding pockets in representative conformations of c-Myc370–409, which is part of the disordered bHLH-LZ domain. Seven compounds were found to directly bind c-Myc370–409in vitro, and four inhibited the growth of the c-Myc-overexpressing cells by affecting cell cycle progression. Our approach of IDP conformation sampling, binding site identification, and virtual screening for compounds that can bind to multiple conformations provides a useful strategy for structure-based drug discovery targeting IDPs.
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Bedford RB, Durrant SJ, Montgomery M. Catalyst-Switchable Regiocontrol in the Direct Arylation of Remote CH Groups in Pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2015. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201502150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Bedford RB, Durrant SJ, Montgomery M. Catalyst-Switchable Regiocontrol in the Direct Arylation of Remote C-H Groups in Pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2015; 54:8787-90. [PMID: 26095315 PMCID: PMC4531820 DOI: 10.1002/anie.201502150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2015] [Revised: 04/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The regiodivergent palladium-catalyzed C–H arylation of pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine has been achieved, wherein the switch in regioselectivity between positions C3 and C7 is under complete catalyst control. A phosphine-containing palladium catalyst promotes the direct arylation at the most acidic position (C7), whereas a phosphine-free catalyst targets the most electron-rich position (C3).
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin B Bedford
- School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Cantock's Close, Bristol, BS8 1TS (UK).
| | - Steven J Durrant
- Vertex Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (Europe), 86-88 Jubilee Avenue, Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, OX14 4RW (UK)
| | - Michelle Montgomery
- School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Cantock's Close, Bristol, BS8 1TS (UK)
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Devi AS, Kaping S, Vishwakarma JN. A facile environment-friendly one-pot two-step regioselective synthetic strategy for 3,7-diarylpyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines related to zaleplon and 3,6-diarylpyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine-7-amines assisted by KHSO₄ in aqueous media. Mol Divers 2015; 19:759-71. [PMID: 26016724 DOI: 10.1007/s11030-015-9606-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2015] [Accepted: 05/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
3-Aminopyrazoles required for the synthesis of pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines were obtained by the reaction of enaminonitriles with hydrazine hydrate. The resulting aminopyrazoles are reacted with formylated acetophenones under reflux at [Formula: see text] assisted by KHSO[Formula: see text] in aqueous media to form regioselectively 3,7-diarylpyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines and 3,6-diarylpyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine-7-amines. X-ray crystallography of selected compounds 5b and 7i further confirmed the regioselective formation of these products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asem Satyapati Devi
- Organic Research Lab., Department of Chemical Science, Assam Don Bosco University, Airport Road-Azara, Guwahati, Assam, 781017, India
| | - Shunan Kaping
- Organic Research Lab., Department of Chemical Science, Assam Don Bosco University, Airport Road-Azara, Guwahati, Assam, 781017, India
| | - Jai Narain Vishwakarma
- Organic Research Lab., Department of Chemical Science, Assam Don Bosco University, Airport Road-Azara, Guwahati, Assam, 781017, India.
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Jung KY, Wang H, Teriete P, Yap JL, Chen L, Lanning ME, Hu A, Lambert LJ, Holien T, Sundan A, Cosford N, Prochownik EV, Fletcher S. Perturbation of the c-Myc-Max protein-protein interaction via synthetic α-helix mimetics. J Med Chem 2015; 58:3002-24. [PMID: 25734936 PMCID: PMC4955407 DOI: 10.1021/jm501440q] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The rational design of inhibitors of the bHLH-ZIP oncoprotein c-Myc is hampered by a lack of structure in its monomeric state. We describe herein the design of novel, low-molecular-weight, synthetic α-helix mimetics that recognize helical c-Myc in its transcriptionally active coiled-coil structure in association with its obligate bHLH-ZIP partner Max. These compounds perturb the heterodimer's binding to its canonical E-box DNA sequence without causing protein-protein dissociation, heralding a new mechanistic class of "direct" c-Myc inhibitors. In addition to electrophoretic mobility shift assays, this model was corroborated by further biophysical methods, including NMR spectroscopy and surface plasmon resonance. Several compounds demonstrated a 2-fold or greater selectivity for c-Myc-Max heterodimers over Max-Max homodimers with IC50 values as low as 5.6 μM. Finally, these compounds inhibited the proliferation of c-Myc-expressing cell lines in a concentration-dependent manner that correlated with the loss of expression of a c-Myc-dependent reporter plasmid despite the fact that c-Myc-Max heterodimers remained intact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwan-Young Jung
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, 20 N Pine Street, Baltimore, MD 21201
| | - Huabo Wang
- Section of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC Pittsburgh, PA 15224
| | - Peter Teriete
- Cell Death and Survival Networks Research Program, NCI-Designated Cancer Center, Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, 10901 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Jeremy L. Yap
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, 20 N Pine Street, Baltimore, MD 21201
| | - Lijia Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, 20 N Pine Street, Baltimore, MD 21201
| | - Maryanna E. Lanning
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, 20 N Pine Street, Baltimore, MD 21201
| | - Angela Hu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, 20 N Pine Street, Baltimore, MD 21201
| | - Lester J. Lambert
- Cell Death and Survival Networks Research Program, NCI-Designated Cancer Center, Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, 10901 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Toril Holien
- KG Jebsen Center for Myeloma Research and Department of Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Anders Sundan
- KG Jebsen Center for Myeloma Research and Department of Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Nicholas Cosford
- Cell Death and Survival Networks Research Program, NCI-Designated Cancer Center, Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, 10901 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Edward V. Prochownik
- Section of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC Pittsburgh, PA 15224
| | - Steven Fletcher
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, 20 N Pine Street, Baltimore, MD 21201
- University of Maryland Greenebaum Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD 21201
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Stellas D, Szabolcs M, Koul S, Li Z, Polyzos A, Anagnostopoulos C, Cournia Z, Tamvakopoulos C, Klinakis A, Efstratiadis A. Therapeutic effects of an anti-Myc drug on mouse pancreatic cancer. J Natl Cancer Inst 2014; 106:dju320. [PMID: 25306215 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/dju320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) is frequently driven by oncogenic KRAS(KRAS*) mutations. We developed a mouse model of KRAS*-induced PDA and, based on genetic results demonstrating that KRAS* tumorigenicity depends on Myc activity, we evaluated the therapeutic potential of an orally administered anti-Myc drug. METHODS We tested the efficacy of Mycro3, a small-molecule inhibitor of Myc-Max dimerization, in the treatment of mouse PDA (n = 9) and also of xenografts of human pancreatic cancer cell lines (NOD/SCID mice, n = 3-12). Tumor responses to the drug were evaluated by PET/CT imaging, and histological, immunohistochemical, molecular and microarray analyses. The Student's t test was used for differences between groups. All statistical tests were two-sided. RESULTS Transgenic overexpression of KRAS* in the pancreas resulted in pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia in two-week old mice, which developed invasive PDA a week later and became moribund at one month. However, this aggressive form of pancreatic tumorigenesis was effectively prevented by genetic ablation of Myc specifically in the pancreas. We then treated moribund, PDA-bearing mice daily with the Mycro3 Myc-inhibitor. The mice survived until killed at two months. PET/CT image analysis (n = 5) demonstrated marked shrinkage of PDA, while immunohistochemical analyses showed an increase in cancer cell apoptosis and reduction in cell proliferation (treated/untreated proliferation index ratio: 0.29, P < .001, n = 3, each group). Tumor growth was also drastically attenuated in Mycro3-treated NOD/SCID mice (n = 12) carrying orthotopic or heterotopic xenografts of human pancreatic cancer cells (eg, mean tumor weight ± SD of treated heterotopic xenografts vs vehicle-treated controls: 15.2±5.8 mg vs 230.2±43.9 mg, P < .001). CONCLUSION These results provide strong justification for eventual clinical evaluation of anti-Myc drugs as potential chemotherapeutic agents for the treatment of PDA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitris Stellas
- Biomedical Research Foundation, Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece (DS, AP, CA, ZC, CT, AK, AE); Department of Pathology and Cell Biology (MS) and Division of Hematology/Oncology (SK), Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY; Regeneron Research Laboratories, Tarrytown, NY (ZL)
| | - Matthias Szabolcs
- Biomedical Research Foundation, Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece (DS, AP, CA, ZC, CT, AK, AE); Department of Pathology and Cell Biology (MS) and Division of Hematology/Oncology (SK), Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY; Regeneron Research Laboratories, Tarrytown, NY (ZL)
| | - Sanjay Koul
- Biomedical Research Foundation, Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece (DS, AP, CA, ZC, CT, AK, AE); Department of Pathology and Cell Biology (MS) and Division of Hematology/Oncology (SK), Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY; Regeneron Research Laboratories, Tarrytown, NY (ZL)
| | - Zhe Li
- Biomedical Research Foundation, Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece (DS, AP, CA, ZC, CT, AK, AE); Department of Pathology and Cell Biology (MS) and Division of Hematology/Oncology (SK), Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY; Regeneron Research Laboratories, Tarrytown, NY (ZL)
| | - Alexander Polyzos
- Biomedical Research Foundation, Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece (DS, AP, CA, ZC, CT, AK, AE); Department of Pathology and Cell Biology (MS) and Division of Hematology/Oncology (SK), Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY; Regeneron Research Laboratories, Tarrytown, NY (ZL)
| | - Constantinos Anagnostopoulos
- Biomedical Research Foundation, Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece (DS, AP, CA, ZC, CT, AK, AE); Department of Pathology and Cell Biology (MS) and Division of Hematology/Oncology (SK), Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY; Regeneron Research Laboratories, Tarrytown, NY (ZL)
| | - Zoe Cournia
- Biomedical Research Foundation, Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece (DS, AP, CA, ZC, CT, AK, AE); Department of Pathology and Cell Biology (MS) and Division of Hematology/Oncology (SK), Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY; Regeneron Research Laboratories, Tarrytown, NY (ZL)
| | - Constantin Tamvakopoulos
- Biomedical Research Foundation, Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece (DS, AP, CA, ZC, CT, AK, AE); Department of Pathology and Cell Biology (MS) and Division of Hematology/Oncology (SK), Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY; Regeneron Research Laboratories, Tarrytown, NY (ZL)
| | - Apostolos Klinakis
- Biomedical Research Foundation, Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece (DS, AP, CA, ZC, CT, AK, AE); Department of Pathology and Cell Biology (MS) and Division of Hematology/Oncology (SK), Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY; Regeneron Research Laboratories, Tarrytown, NY (ZL)
| | - Argiris Efstratiadis
- Biomedical Research Foundation, Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece (DS, AP, CA, ZC, CT, AK, AE); Department of Pathology and Cell Biology (MS) and Division of Hematology/Oncology (SK), Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY; Regeneron Research Laboratories, Tarrytown, NY (ZL).
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Abstract
MYC is a master regulator of stem cell state, embryogenesis, tissue homeostasis, and aging. As in health, in disease MYC figures prominently. Decades of biological research have identified a central role for MYC in the pathophysiology of cancer, inflammation, and heart disease. The centrality of MYC to such a vast breadth of disease biology has attracted significant attention to the historic challenge of developing inhibitors of MYC. This review will discuss therapeutic strategies toward the development of inhibitors of MYC-dependent transcriptional signaling, efforts to modulate MYC stability, and the elusive goal of developing potent, direct-acting inhibitors of MYC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael R McKeown
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215
| | - James E Bradner
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215 Center for the Science of Therapeutics, Broad Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02141 Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
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Chou CC, Salunke SB, Kulp SK, Chen CS. Prospects on strategies for therapeutically targeting oncogenic regulatory factors by small-molecule agents. J Cell Biochem 2014; 115:611-24. [PMID: 24166934 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.24704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2013] [Accepted: 10/22/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Although the Human Genome Project has raised much hope for the identification of druggable genetic targets for cancer and other diseases, this genetic target-based approach has not improved productivity in drug discovery over the traditional approach. Analyses of known human target proteins of currently marketed drugs reveal that these drugs target only a limited number of proteins as compared to the whole proteome. In contrast to genome-based targets, mechanistic targets are derived from empirical research, at cellular or molecular levels, in disease models and/or in patients, thereby enabling the exploration of a greater number of druggable targets beyond the genome and epigenome. The paradigm shift has made a tremendous headway in developing new therapeutic agents targeting different clinically relevant mechanisms/pathways in cancer cells. In this Prospects article, we provide an overview of potential drug targets related to the following four emerging areas: (1) tumor metabolism (the Warburg effect), (2) dysregulated protein turnover (E3 ubiquitin ligases), (3) protein-protein interactions, and (4) unique DNA high-order structures and protein-DNA interactions. Nonetheless, considering the genetic and phenotypic heterogeneities that characterize cancer cells, the development of drug resistance in cancer cells by adapting signaling circuitry to take advantage of redundant pathways or feedback/crosstalk systems is possible. This "phenotypic adaptation" underlies the rationale of using therapeutic combinations of these targeted agents with cytotoxic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Chien Chou
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy and Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
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40
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Chen BJ, Wu YL, Tanaka Y, Zhang W. Small molecules targeting c-Myc oncogene: promising anti-cancer therapeutics. Int J Biol Sci 2014; 10:1084-96. [PMID: 25332683 PMCID: PMC4202025 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.10190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 175] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2014] [Accepted: 08/25/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The nuclear transcription factor c-Myc is a member of the Myc gene family with multiple functions and located on band q24.1 of chromosome 8. The c-Myc gene is activated by chromosomal translocation, rearrangement, and amplification. Its encoded protein transduces intracellular signals to the nucleus, resulting in the regulation of cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis, and has the ability to transform cells and bind chromosomal DNA. c-Myc also plays a critical role in malignant transformation. The abnormal over-expression of c-Myc is frequently observed in some tumors, including carcinomas of the breast, colon, and cervix, as well as small-cell lung cancer, osteosarcomas, glioblastomas, and myeloid leukemias, therefore making it a possible target for anticancer therapy. In this minireview, we summarize unique characteristics of c-Myc and therapeutic strategies against cancer using small molecules targeting the oncogene, and discuss the prospects in the development of agents targeting c-Myc, in particular G-quadruplexes formed in c-Myc promoter and c-Myc/Max dimerization. Such information will be of importance for the research and development of c-Myc-targeted drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing-Jia Chen
- 1. Lab of Chemical Biology and Molecular Drug Design, College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, 18 Chaowang Road, Hangzhou, 310014, China
| | - Yan-Ling Wu
- 2. Lab of Molecular Immunology, Virus Inspection Department, Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 630 Xincheng Road, Hangzhou, 310051, China. ; 1. Lab of Chemical Biology and Molecular Drug Design, College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, 18 Chaowang Road, Hangzhou, 310014, China
| | - Yoshimasa Tanaka
- 3. Center for Innovation in Immunoregulative Technology and Therapeutics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan
| | - Wen Zhang
- 1. Lab of Chemical Biology and Molecular Drug Design, College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, 18 Chaowang Road, Hangzhou, 310014, China
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Uversky VN, Davé V, Iakoucheva LM, Malaney P, Metallo SJ, Pathak RR, Joerger AC. Pathological unfoldomics of uncontrolled chaos: intrinsically disordered proteins and human diseases. Chem Rev 2014; 114:6844-79. [PMID: 24830552 PMCID: PMC4100540 DOI: 10.1021/cr400713r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 192] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir N. Uversky
- Department of Molecular Medicine and USF Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Research Institute University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33612, United States
- Institute for Biological Instrumentation, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Moscow Region, Russia
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 22254, Saudi Arabia
| | - Vrushank Davé
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology , Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33612, United States
- Department of Molecular Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida 33612, United States
| | - Lilia M. Iakoucheva
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Prerna Malaney
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology , Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33612, United States
| | - Steven J. Metallo
- Department of Chemistry, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia 20057, United States
| | - Ravi Ramesh Pathak
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology , Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33612, United States
| | - Andreas C. Joerger
- Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge CB2 0QH, United Kingdom
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Chauhan J, Wang H, Yap JL, Sabato PE, Hu A, Prochownik EV, Fletcher S. Discovery of methyl 4'-methyl-5-(7-nitrobenzo[c][1,2,5]oxadiazol-4-yl)-[1,1'-biphenyl]-3-carboxylate, an improved small-molecule inhibitor of c-Myc-max dimerization. ChemMedChem 2014; 9:2274-2285. [PMID: 24976143 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201402189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2014] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
c-Myc is a basic helix-loop-helix-leucine zipper (bHLH-ZIP) transcription factor that is responsible for the transcription of a wide range of target genes involved in many cancer-related cellular processes. Over-expression of c-Myc has been observed in, and directly contributes to, a variety of human cancers including those of the hematopoietic system, lung, prostate and colon. To become transcriptionally active, c-Myc must first dimerize with Myc-associated factor X (Max) via its own bHLH-ZIP domain. A proven strategy towards the inhibition of c-Myc oncogenic activity is to interfere with the structural integrity of the c-Myc-Max heterodimer. The small molecule 10074-G5 is an inhibitor of c-Myc-Max dimerization (IC50 =146 μM) that operates by binding and stabilizing c-Myc in its monomeric form. We have identified a congener of 10074-G5, termed 3jc48-3 (methyl 4'-methyl-5-(7-nitrobenzo[c][1,2,5]oxadiazol-4-yl)-[1,1'-biphenyl]-3-carboxylate), that is about five times as potent (IC50 =34 μM) at inhibiting c-Myc-Max dimerization as the parent compound. 3jc48-3 exhibited an approximate twofold selectivity for c-Myc-Max heterodimers over Max-Max homodimers, suggesting that its mode of action is through binding c-Myc. 3jc48-3 inhibited the proliferation of c-Myc-over-expressing HL60 and Daudi cells with single-digit micromolar IC50 values by causing growth arrest at the G0 /G1 phase. Co-immunoprecipitation studies indicated that 3jc48-3 inhibits c-Myc-Max dimerization in cells, which was further substantiated by the specific silencing of a c-Myc-driven luciferase reporter gene. Finally, 3jc48-3's intracellular half-life was >17 h. Collectively, these data demonstrate 3jc48-3 to be one of the most potent, cellularly active and stable c-Myc inhibitors reported to date.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jay Chauhan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, 20 N Pine St, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Huabo Wang
- Section of Hematology/Oncology, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, 4401 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA
| | - Jeremy L Yap
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, 20 N Pine St, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Philip E Sabato
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, 20 N Pine St, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Angela Hu
- Section of Hematology/Oncology, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, 4401 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA
| | - Edward V Prochownik
- Section of Hematology/Oncology, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, 4401 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA
| | - Steven Fletcher
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, 20 N Pine St, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
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Fletcher S, Prochownik EV. Small-molecule inhibitors of the Myc oncoprotein. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2014; 1849:525-43. [PMID: 24657798 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2014.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2013] [Revised: 03/09/2014] [Accepted: 03/12/2014] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
The c-Myc (Myc) oncoprotein is among the most attractive of cancer targets given that it is de-regulated in the majority of tumors and that its inhibition profoundly affects their growth and/or survival. However, its role as a seldom-mutated transcription factor, its lack of enzymatic activity for which suitable pharmaceutical inhibitors could be crafted and its expression by normal cells have largely been responsible for its being viewed as "undruggable". Work over the past several years, however, has begun to reverse this idea by allowing us to view Myc within the larger context of global gene regulatory control. Thus, Myc and its obligate heterodimeric partner, Max, are integral to the coordinated recruitment and post-translational modification of components of the core transcriptional machinery. Moreover, Myc over-expression re-programs numerous critical cellular functions and alters the cell's susceptibility to their inhibition. This new knowledge has therefore served as a framework upon which to develop new pharmaceutical approaches. These include the continuing development of small molecules which act directly to inhibit the critical Myc-Max interaction, those which act indirectly to prevent Myc-directed post-translational modifications necessary to initiate productive transcription and those which inhibit vital pathways upon which the Myc-transformed cell is particularly reliant. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Myc proteins in cell biology and pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Fletcher
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, USA; University of Maryland Greenebaum Cancer Center, Baltimore, USA
| | - Edward V Prochownik
- Section of Hematology/Oncology, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, USA; Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, USA; The University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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Li B, Simon MC. Molecular Pathways: Targeting MYC-induced metabolic reprogramming and oncogenic stress in cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2013; 19:5835-41. [PMID: 23897900 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-12-3629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
MYC is a multifunctional transcription factor that is deregulated in many human cancers. MYC impacts a collaborative genetic program that orchestrates cell proliferation, metabolism, and stress responses. Although the progression of MYC-amplified tumors shows robust dependence on MYC activity, directly targeting MYC as a therapeutic method has proven to be technically difficult. Therefore, alternative approaches are currently under development with a focus on interference with MYC-mediated downstream effects. To fuel rapid cell growth, MYC reprograms cancer cell metabolism in a way that is substantially different from normal cells. The MYC-induced metabolic signature is characterized by enhanced glucose and glutamine uptake, increased lactate production, and altered amino acid metabolism. Targeting MYC-reprogrammed cancer cell metabolism is considered to be promising based on multiple preclinical studies. In addition, the increased biosynthetic demand of MYC-driven tumors coupled with limited nutrient access within tumor microenvironments create multiple levels of oncogenic stress, which can also be used as tumor-specific targets for pharmacologic intervention. Presumably, the best therapeutic strategy for treating MYC-amplified tumors is combined targeting of multiple MYC-mediated pathways, especially those involved in regulating cell proliferation, metabolism, and oncogenic stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Li
- Authors' Affiliations: Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania; and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Intravesical instillation of c-MYC inhibitor KSI-3716 suppresses orthotopic bladder tumor growth. J Urol 2013; 191:510-8. [PMID: 23872029 DOI: 10.1016/j.juro.2013.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/15/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE c-MYC is a promising target for cancer therapy but its use is restricted by unwanted, devastating side effects. We explored whether intravesical instillation of the c-MYC inhibitor KSI-3716 could suppress tumor growth in murine orthotopic bladder xenografts. MATERIALS AND METHODS The small molecule KSI-3716, which blocks c-MYC/MAX binding to target gene promoters, was used as an intravesical chemotherapy agent. KSI-3716 action was assessed by electrophoretic mobility shift assay, chromatin immunoprecipitation, transcription reporter assay and quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Inhibition of cell proliferation and its mechanism was monitored by cell cytotoxicity assay, EdU incorporation assay and flow cytometry. The in vivo efficacy of KSI-3716 was examined by noninvasive luminescence imaging and histological analysis after intravesical instillation of KSI-3716 in murine orthotopic bladder xenografts. RESULTS KSI-3716 blocked c-MYC/MAX from forming a complex with target gene promoters. c-MYC mediated transcriptional activity was inhibited by KSI-3716 at concentrations as low as 1 μM. The expression of c-MYC target genes, such as cyclin D2, CDK4 and hTERT, was markedly decreased. KSI-3716 exerted cytotoxic effects on bladder cancer cells by inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Intravesical instillation of KSI-3716 at a dose of 5 mg/kg significantly suppressed tumor growth with minimal systemic toxicity. CONCLUSIONS The c-MYC inhibitor KSI-3716 could be developed as an effective intravesical chemotherapy agent for bladder cancer.
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Yap JL, Wang H, Hu A, Chauhan J, Jung KY, Gharavi RB, Prochownik EV, Fletcher S. Pharmacophore identification of c-Myc inhibitor 10074-G5. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2012. [PMID: 23177256 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2012.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
A structure-activity relationship (SAR) study of the c-Myc (Myc) inhibitor 10074-G5 (N-([1,1'-biphenyl]-2-yl)-7-nitrobenzo[c][1,2,5]oxadiazol-4-amine, 1) - which targets a hydrophobic domain of the Myc oncoprotein that is flanked by arginine residues - was executed in order to determine its pharmacophore. Whilst the 7-nitrobenzofurazan was found to be critical for inhibitory activity, the ortho-biphenyl could be replaced with a para-carboxyphenyl group to furnish the new inhibitor JY-3-094 (3q). Around five times as potent as the lead with an IC(50) of 33 μM for disruption of the Myc-Max heterodimer, JY-3-094 demonstrated excellent selectivity over Max-Max homodimers, with no apparent effect at 100 μM. Importantly, the carboxylic acid of JY-3-094 improves the physicochemical properties of the lead compound, which will facilitate the incorporation of additional hydrophobicity that might enhance Myc inhibitory activity further still.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy L Yap
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, 20 N Pine St, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
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Wang Y, Cesena TI, Ohnishi Y, Burger-Caplan R, Lam V, Kirchhoff PD, Larsen SD, Larsen MJ, Nestler EJ, Rudenko G. Small molecule screening identifies regulators of the transcription factor ΔFosB. ACS Chem Neurosci 2012; 3:546-56. [PMID: 22860224 DOI: 10.1021/cn3000235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2012] [Accepted: 03/29/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
ΔFosB protein accumulates in the striatum in response to chronic administration of drugs of abuse, L-DOPA, or stress, triggering long lasting neural and behavioral changes that underlie aspects of drug addiction, abnormal involuntary movements (dyskinesia), and depression. ΔFosB binds AP-1 DNA consensus sequences found in promoters of many genes and can both repress or activate gene transcription. In the striatum, ΔFosB is thought to dimerize with JunD to form a functional transcription factor, though strikingly JunD does not accumulate in parallel. One explanation is that ΔFosB can recruit different partners, including itself, depending on the neuron type in which it is induced and the chronic stimulus, generating protein complexes with different effects on gene transcription. To develop chemical probes to study ΔFosB, a high-throughput screen was carried out to identify small molecules that modulate ΔFosB function. Two compounds with low micromolar activity, termed C2 and C6, disrupt the binding of ΔFosB to DNA via different mechanisms, and in in vitro assays stimulate ΔFosB-mediated transcription. In cocaine-treated mice, C2 significantly elevates mRNA levels of the AMPA glutamate receptor GluR2 subunit with specificity, a known target gene of ΔFosB that plays a role in drug addiction and endogenous resilience mechanisms. C2 and C6 show different activities against ΔFosB homodimers compared to ΔFosB/JunD heterodimers, suggesting that these compounds can be used as probes to study the contribution of different ΔFosB-containing complexes on the regulation of gene transcription in biological systems and to assess the utility of ΔFosB as a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yoko Ohnishi
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience
and Friedman Brain Institute, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New
York, New York 10029, United States
| | - Rebecca Burger-Caplan
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience
and Friedman Brain Institute, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New
York, New York 10029, United States
| | | | | | | | | | - Eric J. Nestler
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience
and Friedman Brain Institute, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New
York, New York 10029, United States
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Follis AV, Galea CA, Kriwacki RW. Intrinsic Protein Flexibility in Regulation of Cell Proliferation: Advantages for Signaling and Opportunities for Novel Therapeutics. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2012; 725:27-49. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4614-0659-4_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
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Yap JL, Chauhan J, Jung KY, Chen L, Prochownik EV, Fletcher S. Small-molecule inhibitors of dimeric transcription factors: Antagonism of protein–protein and protein–DNA interactions. MEDCHEMCOMM 2012. [DOI: 10.1039/c2md00289b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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