1
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Levine AJ, Thadani C, Soontornniyomkij V, Lopez-Aranda MF, Mesa YG, Kitchen S, Rezek V, Silva A, Kolson DL. Behavioral and histological assessment of a novel treatment of neuroHIV in humanized mice. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3678629. [PMID: 38168407 PMCID: PMC10760308 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3678629/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Neurocognitive deficits are prevalent among people living with HIV, likely due to chronic inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain. To date, no pharmaceutical treatments beyond antiretroviral therapy (ARV) has been shown to reduce risk for, or severity of, HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder. Here we investigate a novel compound, CDDO-Me, with documented neuroprotective effects via activation of the nrf2 and inhibition of the NFkB pathways. Methods We conducted three studies to assess the efficacy of CDDO-Me alone or in combination with antiretroviral therapy in humanized mice infected with HIV; behavioral, histopathological, and immunohistochemical. Results CDDO-Me in combination with ARV rescued social interaction deficits; however, only ARV was associated with preserved functioning in other behaviors, and CDDO-Me may have attenuated those benefits. A modest neuroprotective effect was found for CDDO-Me when administered with ARV, via preservation of PSD-95 expression; however, ARV alone had a more consistent protective effect. No significant changes in antioxidant enzyme expression levels were observed in CDDO-Me-treated animals. Only ARV use seemed to affect some antioxidant levels, indicating that it is ARV rather than CDDO-Me that is the major factor providing neuroprotection in this animal model. Finally, immunohistochemical analysis found that several cellular markers in various brain regions varied due to ARV rather than CDDO-Me. Conclusion Limited benefit of CDDO-Me on behavior and neuroprotection were observed. Instead, ARV was shown to be the more beneficial treatment. These experiments support the future use of this chimeric mouse for behavioral experiments in neuroHIV research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Scott Kitchen
- UCLA Humanized Mouse Core Laboratory, University of California
| | - Valerie Rezek
- UCLA Humanized Mouse Core Laboratory, University of California
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2
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Crisman E, Duarte P, Dauden E, Cuadrado A, Rodríguez-Franco MI, López MG, León R. KEAP1-NRF2 protein-protein interaction inhibitors: Design, pharmacological properties and therapeutic potential. Med Res Rev 2023; 43:237-287. [PMID: 36086898 PMCID: PMC10087726 DOI: 10.1002/med.21925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) is considered the master regulator of the phase II antioxidant response. It controls a plethora of cytoprotective genes related to oxidative stress, inflammation, and protein homeostasis, among other processes. Activation of these pathways has been described in numerous pathologies including cancer, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, digestive, metabolic, autoimmune, and neurodegenerative diseases. Considering the increasing interest of discovering novel NRF2 activators due to its clinical application, initial efforts were devoted to the development of electrophilic drugs able to induce NRF2 nuclear accumulation by targeting its natural repressor protein Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1) through covalent modifications on cysteine residues. However, off-target effects of these drugs prompted the development of an innovative strategy, the search of KEAP1-NRF2 protein-protein interaction (PPI) inhibitors. These innovative activators are proposed to target NRF2 in a more selective way, leading to potentially improved drugs with the application for a variety of diseases that are currently under investigation. In this review, we summarize known KEAP1-NRF2 PPI inhibitors to date and the bases of their design highlighting the most important features of their respective interactions. We also discuss the preclinical pharmacological properties described for the most promising compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrique Crisman
- Instituto de Química Médica, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IQM-CSIC), Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Princesa, Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto Teófilo Hernando y Departamento de Farmacología y Terapéutica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pablo Duarte
- Instituto de Química Médica, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IQM-CSIC), Madrid, Spain.,Instituto Teófilo Hernando y Departamento de Farmacología y Terapéutica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Esteban Dauden
- Instituto Teófilo Hernando y Departamento de Farmacología y Terapéutica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio Cuadrado
- Departmento de Bioquímica, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Paz (IdiPaz), Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas 'Alberto Sols' UAM-CSIC, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Manuela G López
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Princesa, Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto Teófilo Hernando y Departamento de Farmacología y Terapéutica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rafael León
- Instituto de Química Médica, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IQM-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
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3
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Narayanan D, Tran KT, Pallesen JS, Solbak SMØ, Qin Y, Mukminova E, Luchini M, Vasilyeva KO, González Chichón D, Goutsiou G, Poulsen C, Haapanen N, Popowicz GM, Sattler M, Olagnier D, Gajhede M, Bach A. Development of Noncovalent Small-Molecule Keap1-Nrf2 Inhibitors by Fragment-Based Drug Discovery. J Med Chem 2022; 65:14481-14526. [PMID: 36263945 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Targeting the protein-protein interaction (PPI) between the transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and its repressor, Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), constitutes a promising strategy for treating diseases involving oxidative stress and inflammation. Here, a fragment-based drug discovery (FBDD) campaign resulted in novel, high-affinity (Ki = 280 nM), and cell-active noncovalent small-molecule Keap1-Nrf2 PPI inhibitors. We screened 2500 fragments using orthogonal assays─fluorescence polarization (FP), thermal shift assay (TSA), and surface plasmon resonance (SPR)─and validated the hits by saturation transfer difference (STD) NMR, leading to 28 high-priority hits. Thirteen co-structures showed fragments binding mainly in the P4 and P5 subpockets of Keap1's Kelch domain, and three fluorenone-based fragments featuring a novel binding mode were optimized by structure-based drug discovery. We thereby disclose several fragment hits, including their binding modes, and show how FBDD can be performed to find new small-molecule Keap1-Nrf2 PPI inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dilip Narayanan
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kim T Tran
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jakob S Pallesen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sara M Ø Solbak
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Yuting Qin
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Elina Mukminova
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Martina Luchini
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kristina O Vasilyeva
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Dorleta González Chichón
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Georgia Goutsiou
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Cecilie Poulsen
- Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Nanna Haapanen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Grzegorz M Popowicz
- Institute of Structural Biology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany.,Bavarian NMR Center, Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, 85747 Garching, Germany
| | - Michael Sattler
- Institute of Structural Biology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany.,Bavarian NMR Center, Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, 85747 Garching, Germany
| | - David Olagnier
- Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Michael Gajhede
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anders Bach
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
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4
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Aparici M, Bravo M, Calama E, García-González V, Domènech T, Córdoba M, Roger I, Cortijo J, Góngora-Benítez M, Paradís-Bas M, Collins B, Davis AM, Albericio F, Puig C. Pharmacological characterization of a novel peptide inhibitor of the Keap1-Nrf2 protein-protein interaction. Biochem Pharmacol 2022; 204:115226. [PMID: 36027928 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.115226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
LAS200813 is a novel bicyclic lipopeptide that activates Nrf2 by binding to Keap1, thereby antagonising the Keap1-Nrf2 protein-protein interaction. In this work we report the pharmacological characterization of LAS200813 in Nrf2-dependent translational preclinical models. LAS200813 binds to Keap1 with high affinity (IC50: 0.73 nM) and is able to induce the translocation of Nrf2 to the nucleus. Furthermore, LAS200813 increases the expression of Nrf2 target genes in human bronchial epithelial cells (EC50 of 96 and 70 nM for srxn1 and nqo1, respectively). Similarly, the intratracheal administration of LAS200813 to rats increases the expression of Nrf2-dependent genes in lung tissue, an effect that lasts for a few hours. Moreover, in cells exposed to cigarette smoke, LAS200813 shows an antioxidant effect by increasing the production of glutathione and prevents cellular apoptosis. In conclusion, the results described herein demonstrate that LAS200813 is a potent non-electrophilic Nrf2-activating peptide designed to be administered by inhaled route which may be a potential therapeutic strategy for respiratory diseases driven by oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mònica Aparici
- Almirall, R&D Center, Sant Feliu de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Mònica Bravo
- Almirall, R&D Center, Sant Feliu de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elena Calama
- Almirall, R&D Center, Sant Feliu de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Teresa Domènech
- Almirall, R&D Center, Sant Feliu de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mònica Córdoba
- Almirall, R&D Center, Sant Feliu de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Inés Roger
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain; CIBERES, Health Institute Carlos III, Valencia, Spain
| | - Julio Cortijo
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain; CIBERES, Health Institute Carlos III, Valencia, Spain
| | - Miriam Góngora-Benítez
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), Barcelona Science Park, Barcelona, Spain; CIBER-BBN, Networking Centre on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine, and Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Paradís-Bas
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), Barcelona Science Park, Barcelona, Spain; CIBER-BBN, Networking Centre on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine, and Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Barry Collins
- Research and Early Development, Respiratory and Immunology (R&I), BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Andrew M Davis
- Research and Early Development, Respiratory and Immunology (R&I), BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Fernando Albericio
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), Barcelona Science Park, Barcelona, Spain; CIBER-BBN, Networking Centre on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine, and Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carlos Puig
- Almirall, R&D Center, Sant Feliu de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
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5
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Yang XX, Yang R, Zhang F. Role of Nrf2 in Parkinson’s Disease: Toward New Perspectives. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:919233. [PMID: 35814229 PMCID: PMC9263373 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.919233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is one of the most common and chronic degenerative diseases in the central nervous system. The main pathology of PD formation is the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in substantia nigra and the formation of α-synuclein-rich Lewy bodies. The pathogenesis of PD is not caused by any single independent factor. The diversity of these independent factors of PD, such as iron accumulation, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, age, environment, and heredity, makes the research progress of PD slow. Nrf2 has been well-known to be closely associated with the pathogenesis of PD and could regulate these induced factors development. Nrf2 activation could protect dopaminergic neurons and slow down the progression of PD. This review summarized the role of Nrf2 pathway on the pathogenesis of PD. Regulation of Nrf2 pathway might be one of the promising strategies to prevent and treat PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-xing Yang
- Laboratory Animal Center and Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education and Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Rong Yang
- Laboratory Animal Center and Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education and Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Laboratory Animal Center and Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education and Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Guizhou Province, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Tissue Damage Repair and Regeneration Medicine of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
- *Correspondence: Feng Zhang,
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6
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Ulasov AV, Rosenkranz AA, Georgiev GP, Sobolev AS. Nrf2/Keap1/ARE signaling: Towards specific regulation. Life Sci 2022; 291:120111. [PMID: 34732330 PMCID: PMC8557391 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.120111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 64.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The Nrf2 transcription factor governs the expression of hundreds genes involved in cell defense against oxidative stress, the hallmark of numerous diseases such as neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, some viral pathologies, diabetes and others. The main route for Nrf2 activity regulation is via interactions with the Keap1 protein. Under the normoxia the Keap1 binds the Nrf2 and targets it to the proteasomal degradation, while the Keap1 is regenerated. Upon oxidative stress the interactions between Nrf2 and Keap1 are interrupted and the Nrf2 activates the transcription of the protective genes. Currently, the Nrf2 system activation is considered as a powerful cytoprotective strategy for treatment of different pathologies, which pathogenesis relies on oxidative stress including viral diseases of pivotal importance such as COVID-19. The implementation of this strategy is accomplished mainly through the inactivation of the Keap1 "guardian" function. Two approaches are now developing: the Keap1 modification via electrophilic agents, which leads to the Nrf2 release, and direct interruption of the Nrf2:Keap1 protein-protein interactions (PPI). Because of theirs chemical structure, the Nrf2 electrophilic inducers could non-specifically interact with others cellular proteins leading to undesired effects. Whereas the non-electrophilic inhibitors of the Nrf2:Keap1 PPI could be more specific, thereby widening the therapeutic window.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexey V Ulasov
- Department of Molecular Genetics of Intracellular Transport, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 34/5 Vavilov St., 119334 Moscow, Russia.
| | - Andrey A Rosenkranz
- Department of Molecular Genetics of Intracellular Transport, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 34/5 Vavilov St., 119334 Moscow, Russia; Faculty of Biology, Moscow State University, 1-12 Leninskiye Gory St., 119234 Moscow, Russia
| | - Georgii P Georgiev
- Department of Molecular Genetics of Intracellular Transport, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 34/5 Vavilov St., 119334 Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexander S Sobolev
- Department of Molecular Genetics of Intracellular Transport, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 34/5 Vavilov St., 119334 Moscow, Russia; Faculty of Biology, Moscow State University, 1-12 Leninskiye Gory St., 119234 Moscow, Russia
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7
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Bono S, Feligioni M, Corbo M. Impaired antioxidant KEAP1-NRF2 system in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: NRF2 activation as a potential therapeutic strategy. Mol Neurodegener 2021; 16:71. [PMID: 34663413 PMCID: PMC8521937 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-021-00479-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oxidative stress (OS) is an imbalance between oxidant and antioxidant species and, together with other numerous pathological mechanisms, leads to the degeneration and death of motor neurons (MNs) in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). MAIN BODY Two of the main players in the molecular and cellular response to OS are NRF2, the transcription nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, and its principal negative regulator, KEAP1, Kelch-like ECH (erythroid cell-derived protein with CNC homology)-associated protein 1. Here we first provide an overview of the structural organization, regulation, and critical role of the KEAP1-NRF2 system in counteracting OS, with a focus on its alteration in ALS. We then examine several compounds capable of promoting NRF2 activity thereby inducing cytoprotective effects, and which are currently in different stages of clinical development for many pathologies, including neurodegenerative diseases. CONCLUSIONS Although challenges associated with some of these compounds remain, important advances have been made in the development of safer and more effective drugs that could actually represent a breakthrough for fatal degenerative diseases such as ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Bono
- Need Institute, Laboratory of Neurobiology for Translational Medicine, c/o Casa di Cura del Policlinico (CCP), Via Dezza 48, 20144 Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Feligioni
- Need Institute, Laboratory of Neurobiology for Translational Medicine, c/o Casa di Cura del Policlinico (CCP), Via Dezza 48, 20144 Milan, Italy
- Laboratory of Neuronal Cell Signaling, EBRI Rita Levi-Montalcini Foundation, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Corbo
- Department of Neurorehabilitation Sciences, Casa di Cura del Policlinico (CCP), Via Dezza 48, 20144 Milan, Italy
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8
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Meloni BP, Mastaglia FL, Knuckey NW. Cationic Arginine-Rich Peptides (CARPs): A Novel Class of Neuroprotective Agents With a Multimodal Mechanism of Action. Front Neurol 2020; 11:108. [PMID: 32158425 PMCID: PMC7052017 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.00108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
There are virtually no clinically available neuroprotective drugs for the treatment of acute and chronic neurological disorders, hence there is an urgent need for the development of new neuroprotective molecules. Cationic arginine-rich peptides (CARPs) are an expanding and relatively novel class of compounds, which possess intrinsic neuroprotective properties. Intriguingly, CARPs possess a combination of biological properties unprecedented for a neuroprotective agent including the ability to traverse cell membranes and enter the CNS, antagonize calcium influx, target mitochondria, stabilize proteins, inhibit proteolytic enzymes, induce pro-survival signaling, scavenge toxic molecules, and reduce oxidative stress as well as, having a range of anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-microbial, and anti-cancer actions. CARPs have also been used as carrier molecules for the delivery of other putative neuroprotective agents across the blood-brain barrier and blood-spinal cord barrier. However, there is increasing evidence that the neuroprotective efficacy of many, if not all these other agents delivered using a cationic arginine-rich cell-penetrating peptide (CCPPs) carrier (e.g., TAT) may actually be mediated largely by the properties of the carrier molecule, with overall efficacy further enhanced according to the amino acid composition of the cargo peptide, in particular its arginine content. Therefore, in reviewing the neuroprotective mechanisms of action of CARPs we also consider studies using CCPPs fused to a putative neuroprotective peptide. We review the history of CARPs in neuroprotection and discuss in detail the intrinsic biological properties that may contribute to their cytoprotective effects and their usefulness as a broad-acting class of neuroprotective drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno P Meloni
- Department of Neurosurgery, QEII Medical Centre, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, WA, Australia.,Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, WA, Australia.,Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Frank L Mastaglia
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, WA, Australia.,Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Neville W Knuckey
- Department of Neurosurgery, QEII Medical Centre, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, WA, Australia.,Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, WA, Australia.,Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
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9
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Li Q, Xing S, Chen Y, Liao Q, Li Q, Liu Y, He S, Feng F, Chen Y, Zhang J, Liu W, Guo Q, Sun Y, Sun H. Reasonably activating Nrf2: A long-term, effective and controllable strategy for neurodegenerative diseases. Eur J Med Chem 2019; 185:111862. [PMID: 31735576 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.111862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2019] [Revised: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are a variety of debilitating and fatal disorder in central nervous system (CNS). Besides targeting neuronal activity by influencing neurotransmitters or their corresponding receptors, modulating the underlying processes that lead to cell death, such as oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction, should also be emphasized as an assistant strategy for neurodegeneration therapy. Nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) has been closely verified to be related to anti-inflammation and oxidative stress, rationally regulating its belonging pathway and activating Nrf2 is emphasized to be a potential treatment approach. There have existed multiple Nrf2 activators with different mechanisms and diverse structures, but those applied for neuro-disorders are still limited. On the basis of research arrangement and compound summary, we put forward the limitations of existing Nrf2 activators for neurodegenerative diseases and their future developing directions in enhancing the blood-brain barrier permeability to make Nrf2 activators function in CNS and designing Nrf2-based multi-target-directed ligands to affect multiple nodes in pathology of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Li
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, PR China
| | - Shuaishuai Xing
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, PR China
| | - Ying Chen
- Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, PR China
| | - Qinghong Liao
- Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, PR China
| | - Qihang Li
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, PR China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, PR China
| | - Siyu He
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, PR China
| | - Feng Feng
- Jiangsu Food and Pharmaceutical Science College, No.4 Meicheng Road, Huai'an, 223003, PR China
| | - Yao Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, PR China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, PR China
| | - Wenyuan Liu
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, Ministry of Education, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Qinglong Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Yuan Sun
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, 95817, USA
| | - Haopeng Sun
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, PR China; Jiangsu Food and Pharmaceutical Science College, No.4 Meicheng Road, Huai'an, 223003, PR China.
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10
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Tran KT, Pallesen JS, Solbak SMØ, Narayanan D, Baig A, Zang J, Aguayo-Orozco A, Carmona RMC, Garcia AD, Bach A. A Comparative Assessment Study of Known Small-Molecule Keap1-Nrf2 Protein-Protein Interaction Inhibitors: Chemical Synthesis, Binding Properties, and Cellular Activity. J Med Chem 2019; 62:8028-8052. [PMID: 31411465 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b00723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Inhibiting the protein-protein interaction (PPI) between the transcription factor Nrf2 and its repressor protein Keap1 has emerged as a promising strategy to target oxidative stress in diseases, including central nervous system (CNS) disorders. Numerous non-covalent small-molecule Keap1-Nrf2 PPI inhibitors have been reported to date, but many feature suboptimal physicochemical properties for permeating the blood-brain barrier, while others contain problematic structural moieties. Here, we present the first side-by-side assessment of all reported Keap1-Nrf2 PPI inhibitor classes using fluorescence polarization, thermal shift assay, and surface plasmon resonance-and further evaluate the compounds in an NQO1 induction cell assay and in counter tests for nonspecific activities. Surprisingly, half of the compounds were inactive or deviated substantially from reported activities, while we confirm the cross-assay activities for others. Through this study, we have identified the most promising Keap1-Nrf2 inhibitors that can serve as pharmacological probes or starting points for developing CNS-active Keap1 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim T Tran
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences , University of Copenhagen , Universitetsparken 2 , DK-2100 Copenhagen , Denmark
| | - Jakob S Pallesen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences , University of Copenhagen , Universitetsparken 2 , DK-2100 Copenhagen , Denmark
| | - Sara M Ø Solbak
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences , University of Copenhagen , Universitetsparken 2 , DK-2100 Copenhagen , Denmark
| | - Dilip Narayanan
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences , University of Copenhagen , Universitetsparken 2 , DK-2100 Copenhagen , Denmark
| | - Amina Baig
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences , University of Copenhagen , Universitetsparken 2 , DK-2100 Copenhagen , Denmark
| | - Jie Zang
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences , University of Copenhagen , Universitetsparken 2 , DK-2100 Copenhagen , Denmark
| | - Alejandro Aguayo-Orozco
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences , University of Copenhagen , Universitetsparken 2 , DK-2100 Copenhagen , Denmark
| | - Rosa M C Carmona
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences , University of Copenhagen , Universitetsparken 2 , DK-2100 Copenhagen , Denmark
| | - Anthony D Garcia
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences , University of Copenhagen , Universitetsparken 2 , DK-2100 Copenhagen , Denmark.,École Nationale Supérieure de Chimie de Rennes , 11 Allée de Beaulieu , CS 50837, Rennes Cedex 7 35708 , France
| | - Anders Bach
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences , University of Copenhagen , Universitetsparken 2 , DK-2100 Copenhagen , Denmark
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11
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Staurengo-Ferrari L, Badaro-Garcia S, Hohmann MSN, Manchope MF, Zaninelli TH, Casagrande R, Verri WA. Contribution of Nrf2 Modulation to the Mechanism of Action of Analgesic and Anti-inflammatory Drugs in Pre-clinical and Clinical Stages. Front Pharmacol 2019; 9:1536. [PMID: 30687097 PMCID: PMC6337248 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.01536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the progress that has occurred in recent years in the development of therapies to treat painful and inflammatory diseases, there is still a need for effective and potent analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs. It has long been known that several types of antioxidants also possess analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, indicating a strong relationship between inflammation and oxidative stress. Understanding the underlying mechanisms of action of anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs, as well as essential targets in disease physiopathology, is essential to the development of novel therapeutic strategies. The Nuclear factor-2 erythroid related factor-2 (Nrf2) is a transcription factor that regulates cellular redox status through endogenous antioxidant systems with simultaneous anti-inflammatory activity. This review summarizes the molecular mechanisms and pharmacological actions screened that link analgesic, anti-inflammatory, natural products, and other therapies to Nrf2 as a regulatory system based on emerging evidences from experimental disease models and new clinical trial data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Staurengo-Ferrari
- Departamento de Patologia, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, Brazil
| | - Stephanie Badaro-Garcia
- Departamento de Patologia, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, Brazil
| | - Miriam S N Hohmann
- Departamento de Patologia, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, Brazil
| | - Marília F Manchope
- Departamento de Patologia, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, Brazil
| | - Tiago H Zaninelli
- Departamento de Patologia, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, Brazil
| | - Rubia Casagrande
- Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, Brazil
| | - Waldiceu A Verri
- Departamento de Patologia, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, Brazil
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12
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Pallesen JS, Tran KT, Bach A. Non-covalent Small-Molecule Kelch-like ECH-Associated Protein 1–Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2-Related Factor 2 (Keap1–Nrf2) Inhibitors and Their Potential for Targeting Central Nervous System Diseases. J Med Chem 2018; 61:8088-8103. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b00358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jakob S. Pallesen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kim T. Tran
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anders Bach
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
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13
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14
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Ghorab MM, Alsaid MS, Higgins M, Dinkova-Kostova AT, Shahat AA, Elghazawy NH, Arafa RK. Synthesis, molecular modeling and NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 inducer activity of novel 2-phenylquinazolin-4-amine derivatives. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2016; 31:1612-8. [PMID: 27052554 DOI: 10.3109/14756366.2016.1158714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2016] [Revised: 02/19/2016] [Accepted: 02/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an integral role in the pathogenesis of most diseases. This work presents the design and synthesis of novel 2-phenylquinazolin-4-amine derivatives (2-12) and evaluation of their NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) inducer activity in murine cells. Also, molecular docking of all the new compounds was performed to assess their ability to inhibit Keap1-Nrf2 protein-protein interaction through occupying the Keap1-Nrf2-binding domain which biologically leads to a consequent Nrf2 accumulation and enhanced gene expression of NQO1. Docking results showed that all compounds have the ability to interact with Keap1; however compound 7, the most active compound in this study, showed more interactions with key amino acids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mostafa M Ghorab
- a Department of Pharmacognosy , College of Pharmacy, King Saud University , Riyadh , Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- b Department of Drug Radiation Research , National Center for Radiation Research & Technology, Atomic Energy Authority , Nasr City , Egypt
| | - Mansour S Alsaid
- a Department of Pharmacognosy , College of Pharmacy, King Saud University , Riyadh , Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Maureen Higgins
- c Jacqui Wood Cancer Centre, Division of Cancer Research, Medical Research Institute, University of Dundee , Dundee , UK
| | - Albena T Dinkova-Kostova
- c Jacqui Wood Cancer Centre, Division of Cancer Research, Medical Research Institute, University of Dundee , Dundee , UK
- d Departments of Medicine and Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences , Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , Baltimore , MD , USA
| | - Abdelaaty A Shahat
- a Department of Pharmacognosy , College of Pharmacy, King Saud University , Riyadh , Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- e Phytochemistry Department , National Research Center , Cairo , Egypt
| | | | - Reem K Arafa
- f Zewail City of Science and Technology , Cairo , Egypt , and
- g Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry , Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University , Cairo , Egypt
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15
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Jiang ZY, Lu MC, You QD. Discovery and Development of Kelch-like ECH-Associated Protein 1. Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2-Related Factor 2 (KEAP1:NRF2) Protein-Protein Interaction Inhibitors: Achievements, Challenges, and Future Directions. J Med Chem 2016; 59:10837-10858. [PMID: 27690435 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.6b00586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The transcription factor Nrf2 is the primary regulator of the cellular defense system, and enhancing Nrf2 activity has potential usages in various diseases, especially chronic age-related and inflammatory diseases. Recently, directly targeting Keap1-Nrf2 protein-protein interaction (PPI) has been an emerging strategy to selectively and effectively activate Nrf2. This Perspective summarizes the progress in the discovery and development of Keap1-Nrf2 PPI inhibitors, including the Keap1-Nrf2 regulatory mechanisms, biochemical techniques for inhibitor identification, and approaches for identifying peptide and small-molecule inhibitors, as well as discusses privileged structures and future directions for further development of Keap1-Nrf2 PPI inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng-Yu Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University , Nanjing 210009, China.,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University , 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Meng-Chen Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University , Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Qi-Dong You
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University , Nanjing 210009, China.,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University , 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing 210009, China
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16
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Ghorab MM, Alsaid MS, Higgins M, Dinkova-Kostova AT, Shahat AA, Elghazawy NH, Arafa RK. NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 inducer activity of some novel anilinoquinazoline derivatives. Drug Des Devel Ther 2016; 10:2515-24. [PMID: 27540279 PMCID: PMC4982500 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s105423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1)/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/antioxidant response elements pathway enables cells to survive oxidative stress conditions through regulating the expression of cytoprotective enzymes such as NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1). This work presents the design and synthesis of novel anilinoquinazoline derivatives (2-16a) and evaluation of their NQO1 inducer activity in murine cells. Molecular docking of the new compounds was performed to assess their ability to inhibit Keap1-Nrf2 protein-protein interaction through occupying the Keap1-Nrf2-binding domain, which leads to Nrf2 accumulation and enhanced gene expression of NQO1. Docking results showed that all compounds can potentially interact with Keap1; however, 1,5-dimethyl-2-phenyl-4-(2-phenylquinazolin-4-ylamino)-1,2-dihydropyrazol-3-one (9), the most potent inducer, showed the largest number of interactions with key amino acids in the binding pocket (Arg483, Tyr525, and Phe478) compared to the native ligand or any other compound in this series.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mostafa M Ghorab
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- Department of Drug Radiation Research, National Center for Radiation Research & Technology, Atomic Energy Authority, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mansour S Alsaid
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Maureen Higgins
- Jacqui Wood Cancer Centre, Division of Cancer Research, Medical Research Institute, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Albena T Dinkova-Kostova
- Jacqui Wood Cancer Centre, Division of Cancer Research, Medical Research Institute, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
- Department of Medicine
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Abdelaaty A Shahat
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- Phytochemistry Department, National Research Center, Dokki, Giza
| | | | - Reem K Arafa
- Zewail City of Science and Technology
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
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17
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Cell-Permeable Peptide Targeting the Nrf2-Keap1 Interaction: A Potential Novel Therapy for Global Cerebral Ischemia. J Neurosci 2016; 35:14727-39. [PMID: 26538645 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1304-15.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED The current study examined efficacy of a small Tat (trans-activator of transcription)-conjugated peptide activator of the Nrf2 (nuclear factor-E2-related factor-2) antioxidant/cell-defense pathway as a potential injury-specific, novel neuroprotectant against global cerebral ischemia (GCI). A competitive peptide, DEETGE-CAL-Tat, was designed to facilitate Nrf2 activation by disrupting interaction of Nrf2 with Keap1 (kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1), a protein that sequesters Nrf2 in the cytoplasm and thereby inactivates it. The DEETGE-CAL-Tat peptide contained the critical sequence DEETGE for the Nrf2-Keap1 interaction, the cell transduction domain of the HIV-Tat protein, and the cleavage sequence of calpain, which is sensitive to Ca(2+) increase and allows injury-specific activation of Nrf2. Using an animal model of GCI, we demonstrated that pretreatment with the DEETGE-CAL-Tat peptide markedly decreased Nrf2 interaction with Keap1 in the rat hippocampal CA1 region after GCI, and enhanced Nrf2 nuclear translocation and DNA binding. The DEETGE-CAL-Tat peptide also induced Nrf2 antioxidant/cytoprotective target genes, reduced oxidative stress, and induced strong neuroprotection and marked preservation of hippocampal-dependent cognitive function after GCI. These effects were specific as control peptides lacked neuroprotective ability. Intriguingly, the DEETGE-CAL-Tat peptide effects were also injury specific, as it had no effect upon neuronal survival or cognitive performance in sham nonischemic animals. Of significant interest, peripheral, postischemia administration of the DEETGE-CAL-Tat peptide from days 1-9 after GCI also induced robust neuroprotection and strongly preserved hippocampal-dependent cognitive function. Based on its robust neuroprotective and cognitive-preserving effects, and its unique injury-specific activation properties, the DEETGE-CAL-Tat peptide represents a novel, and potentially promising new therapeutic modality for the treatment of GCI. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The current study demonstrates that DEETGE-CAL-Tat, a novel peptide activator of a key antioxidant gene transcription pathway in the hippocampus after global cerebral ischemia, can exert robust neuroprotection and preservation of cognitive function. A unique feature of the peptide is that its beneficial effects are injury specific. This feature is attractive as it targets drug activation specifically in the site of injury, and likely would lead to a reduction of undesirable side effects if translatable to the clinic. Due to its injury-specific activation, robust neuroprotection, and cognitive-preserving effects, this novel peptide may represent a much-needed therapeutic advance that could have efficacy in the treatment of global cerebral ischemia.
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18
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Genetic, transcriptomic, and epigenetic studies of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2014; 65:481-503. [PMID: 24583618 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000000069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The Human Genome Project, coupled with rapidly evolving high-throughput technologies, has opened the possibility of identifying heretofore unknown biological processes underlying human disease. Because of the opaque nature of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND) neuropathogenesis, the utility of such methods has gained notice among NeuroAIDS researchers. Furthermore, the merging of genetics with other research areas has also allowed for application of relatively nascent fields, such as neuroimaging genomics, and pharmacogenetics, to the context of HAND. In this review, we detail the development of genetic, transcriptomic, and epigenetic studies of HAND, beginning with early candidate gene association studies and culminating in current "omics" approaches that incorporate methods from systems biology to interpret data from multiple levels of biological functioning. Challenges with this line of investigation are discussed, including the difficulty of defining a valid phenotype for HAND. We propose that leveraging known associations between biology and pathology across multiple levels will lead to a more reliable and valid phenotype. We also discuss the difficulties of interpreting the massive and multitiered mountains of data produced by current high-throughput omics assays and explore the utility of systems biology approaches in this regard.
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19
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Cino EA, Killoran RC, Karttunen M, Choy WY. Binding of disordered proteins to a protein hub. Sci Rep 2014; 3:2305. [PMID: 23892546 PMCID: PMC3725505 DOI: 10.1038/srep02305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2013] [Accepted: 07/12/2013] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
A small number of proteins, called hubs, have high connectivity and are essential for interactome functionality and integrity. Keap1 is a crucial hub in the oxidative stress response and apoptosis. The Kelch domain of Keap1 preferentially binds to disordered regions of its partners, which share similar binding motifs, but have a wide range of binding affinities. Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) and multi-microsecond molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were used to determine the factors that govern the affinity of all currently known disordered binding partners to Kelch. Our results show that the affinities to this hub are largely determined by the extent of preformed bound state-like conformation in the free state structures of these disordered targets. Based on our findings, we have designed a high-affinity peptide that can specifically disrupt the Keap1-NRF2 interaction and has the potential for therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elio A Cino
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada N6A 5C1
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20
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Levine AJ, Horvath S, Miller EN, Singer EJ, Shapshak P, Baldwin GC, Martínez-Maza O, Witt MD, Langfelder P. Transcriptome analysis of HIV-infected peripheral blood monocytes: gene transcripts and networks associated with neurocognitive functioning. J Neuroimmunol 2013; 265:96-105. [PMID: 24094461 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2013.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2013] [Revised: 08/15/2013] [Accepted: 09/21/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Immunologic dysfunction, mediated via monocyte activity, has been implicated in the development of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND). We hypothesized that transcriptome changes in peripheral blood monocytes relate to neurocognitive functioning in HIV+ individuals, and that such alterations could be useful as biomarkers of worsening HAND. METHODS mRNA was isolated from the monocytes of 86 HIV+ adults and analyzed with the Illumina HT-12 v4 Expression BeadChip. Neurocognitive functioning, HAND diagnosis, and other clinical and virologic variables were determined. Data were analyzed using standard expression analysis and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). RESULTS Neurocognitive functioning was correlated with multiple gene transcripts in the standard expression analysis. WGCNA identified two nominally significant co-expression modules associated with neurocognitive functioning, which were enriched with genes involved in mitotic processes and translational elongation. CONCLUSIONS Multiple modified gene transcripts involved in inflammation, cytoprotection, and neurodegeneration were correlated with neurocognitive functioning. The associations were not strong enough to justify their use as biomarkers of HAND; however, the associations of two co-expression modules with neurocognitive functioning warrant further exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Levine
- Department of Neurology, National Neurological AIDS Bank, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, United States.
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21
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Fan X, Staitieh BS, Jensen JS, Mould KJ, Greenberg JA, Joshi PC, Koval M, Guidot DM. Activating the Nrf2-mediated antioxidant response element restores barrier function in the alveolar epithelium of HIV-1 transgenic rats. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2013; 305:L267-77. [PMID: 23748533 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00288.2012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The master transcription factor nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) regulates the expression of antioxidant and phase II-metabolizing enzymes by activating the antioxidant response element (ARE) and thereby protects cells and tissues from oxidative stress. Pulmonary complications remain the leading cause of death in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1-infected individuals, who display systemic oxidative stress and glutathione deficiency that can be modeled in transgenic rats where HIV-1-related viral proteins decrease glutathione levels and cause epithelial barrier dysfunction within the alveolar space by as yet unknown mechanisms. We hypothesized that HIV-1-related proteins inhibit Nrf2-mediated antioxidant defenses and thereby disrupt the normally tight alveolar epithelial barrier. Nrf2 RNA silencing dampened Nrf2/ARE activity, decreased the expression of the tight junction proteins zonula occludens-1, occludin, and claudin-18, increased paracellular permeability of alveolar epithelial monolayers derived from wild-type rats, and therefore reproduced the effects of HIV-1 transgene expression on the epithelial barrier that we had previously described. In contrast, upregulating Nrf2 activity, either by plasmid-mediated overexpression or treatment with the Nrf2 activator sulforaphane, increased the expression of ARE-dependent antioxidants, including NAD(P)H dehydrogenase, quinone 1 and glutathione, improved the expression of tight junction proteins, and restored the ability to form tight barriers in alveolar epithelial cells from HIV-1 transgenic rats. Taken together, these new findings argue that HIV-1-related proteins downregulate Nrf2 expression and/or activity within the alveolar epithelium, which in turn impairs antioxidant defenses and barrier function, thereby rendering the lung susceptible to oxidative stress and injury. Furthermore, this study suggests that activating the Nrf2/ARE pathway with the dietary supplement sulforaphane could augment antioxidant defenses and lung health in HIV-1-infected individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xian Fan
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy & Critical Care Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, 615 Michael St., Ste. 205, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
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22
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Hu L, Magesh S, Chen L, Wang L, Lewis TA, Chen Y, Khodier C, Inoyama D, Beamer LJ, Emge TJ, Shen J, Kerrigan JE, Kong ANT, Dandapani S, Palmer M, Schreiber SL, Munoz B. Discovery of a small-molecule inhibitor and cellular probe of Keap1-Nrf2 protein-protein interaction. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2013; 23:3039-43. [PMID: 23562243 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2013.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 153] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2013] [Revised: 02/24/2013] [Accepted: 03/04/2013] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
A high-throughput screen (HTS) of the MLPCN library using a homogenous fluorescence polarization assay identified a small molecule as a first-in-class direct inhibitor of Keap1-Nrf2 protein-protein interaction. The HTS hit has three chiral centers; a combination of flash and chiral chromatographic separation demonstrated that Keap1-binding activity resides predominantly in one stereoisomer (SRS)-5 designated as ML334 (LH601A), which is at least 100× more potent than the other stereoisomers. The stereochemistry of the four cis isomers was assigned using X-ray crystallography and confirmed using stereospecific synthesis. (SRS)-5 is functionally active in both an ARE gene reporter assay and an Nrf2 nuclear translocation assay. The stereospecific nature of binding between (SRS)-5 and Keap1 as well as the preliminary but tractable structure-activity relationships support its use as a lead for our ongoing optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longqin Hu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA.
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Lambert MS. Molecular Biosafety. APPLIED BIOSAFETY 2012. [DOI: 10.1177/153567601201700210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Steel R, Cowan J, Payerne E, O'Connell MA, Searcey M. Anti-inflammatory Effect of a Cell-Penetrating Peptide Targeting the Nrf2/Keap1 Interaction. ACS Med Chem Lett 2012; 3:407-410. [PMID: 22582137 PMCID: PMC3350226 DOI: 10.1021/ml300041g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2012] [Accepted: 03/12/2012] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
![]()
Nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) is
increasingly
recognized as a central regulator of multiple signaling pathways in
inflammation and cancer, and the ability to use chemical biological
tools to investigate its biological effects is very attractive. A
peptide comprising a TAT-conjugated Nrf2 sequence is shown to activate
Nrf2 and its downstream target gene heme-oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in a dose-dependent
manner in intact human THP-1 monocytes. Levels of Nrf2 protein peak
after 3 h, whereas HO-1 mRNA and protein peak after 6 and 12 h, respectively.
The peptide is also shown to inhibit the production of the pro-inflammatory
cytokine TNF. The TAT-14mer constitutes a useful chemical biology
tool with potential therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Steel
- School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan Cowan
- School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Estelle Payerne
- School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Maria A. O'Connell
- School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Searcey
- School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom
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Magesh S, Chen Y, Hu L. Small molecule modulators of Keap1-Nrf2-ARE pathway as potential preventive and therapeutic agents. Med Res Rev 2012; 32:687-726. [PMID: 22549716 DOI: 10.1002/med.21257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 586] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1)-nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-antioxidant response elements (ARE) pathway represents one of the most important cellular defense mechanisms against oxidative stress and xenobiotic damage. Activation of Nrf2 signaling induces the transcriptional regulation of ARE-dependent expression of various detoxifying and antioxidant defense enzymes and proteins. Keap1-Nrf2-ARE signaling has become an attractive target for the prevention and treatment of oxidative stress-related diseases and conditions including cancer, neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, metabolic, and inflammatory diseases. Over the last few decades, numerous Nrf2 inducers have been developed and some of them are currently undergoing clinical trials. Recently, overactivation of Nrf2 has been implicated in cancer progression as well as in drug resistance to cancer chemotherapy. Thus, Nrf2 inhibitors could potentially be used to improve the effectiveness of cancer therapy. Herein, we review the signaling mechanism of Keap1-Nrf2-ARE pathway, its disease relevance, and currently known classes of small molecule modulators. We also discuss several aspects of Keap1-Nrf2 interaction, Nrf2-based peptide inhibitor design, and the screening assays currently used for the discovery of direct inhibitors of Keap1-Nrf2 interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sadagopan Magesh
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 160 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
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