1
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Song S, Fan Y, Zou G, Huo L, Kumar J, Li Y, Wang R, Dai E, Jin J, Scott AW, Shao S, Pizzi MP, Vykoukal JV, Katayama H, Hanash S, Calin GA, Zhang X, Lee MG, Wang Z, Lo YH, Gan Q, Waters RE, Yin F, Wang L, Cheng X, Ajani JA, Dhar SS. KAP1 promotes gastric adenocarcinoma progression by activating Hippo/YAP1 signaling via binding to HNRNPAB. Cancer Lett 2025; 621:217695. [PMID: 40189014 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2025.217695] [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: 12/19/2024] [Revised: 03/31/2025] [Accepted: 04/03/2025] [Indexed: 04/15/2025]
Abstract
Gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC) remains a significant global health challenge, with over a million new cases annually. Peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC), detected in ∼20 % of cases at diagnosis and ∼45 % later, is uniformly fatal, with limited treatment options. This study investigated the role of KAP1 in GAC progression, focusing on its interaction with YAP1 and cancer stemness traits. Analysis of over 596 primary GACs and 72 PC samples revealed that high nuclear KAP1 expression correlates with poor prognosis. KAP1 knockdown reduced oncogenic activity and stemness traits in GAC cells. Mechanistically, KAP1 positively regulates YAP1 transcription by binding to its promoter and reducing H3K27ac levels. Mass spectrometry identified an interaction between KAP1 and HNRNPAB, further modulating YAP1 signaling. Expression of the KRAB domain of ZFP568 without its DNA-binding zinc fingers inhibited both KAP1 and YAP1 expression, significantly reducing colony formation and tumor growth in vivo. Additionally, emerging antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) targeting KAP1 or YAP1 effectively suppressed mouse tumor progression. These findings establish KAP1 as a critical driver of tumor progression in GAC through YAP1 regulation and HNRNPAB interaction, highlighting its potential therapeutic target. This study advances our understanding and offers a preclinical framework to improve outcomes for GAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shumei Song
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yibo Fan
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Gengyi Zou
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Longfei Huo
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Janani Kumar
- Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yuan Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, PR China
| | - Ruiping Wang
- Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Enyu Dai
- Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jiankang Jin
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ailing W Scott
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Shan Shao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Melissa Pool Pizzi
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jody V Vykoukal
- Clinical Cancer Prevention, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Hiroyuki Katayama
- Clinical Cancer Prevention, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Samir Hanash
- Clinical Cancer Prevention, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - George A Calin
- Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Xing Zhang
- Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Min Gyu Lee
- Molecular & Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Zhenning Wang
- Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, PR China
| | - Yuan-Hung Lo
- Molecular & Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Qiong Gan
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Rebecca E Waters
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Feng Yin
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Linghua Wang
- Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Xiaodong Cheng
- Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jaffer A Ajani
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Shilpa S Dhar
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
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2
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Huang J, Zhao N, Li J, Zhu J, Liang G, Chen X, Wang N, Zhu H, Pang N, An C, Xiong X. Development of a potent BET inhibitor for the treatment of renal fibrosis. Eur J Med Chem 2025; 295:117822. [PMID: 40449119 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2025.117822] [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: 02/05/2025] [Revised: 05/19/2025] [Accepted: 05/26/2025] [Indexed: 06/02/2025]
Abstract
BRD4 serving as an attractive target for the treatment of renal fibrosis has recently received considerable attention. However, to date, the BRD4 inhibitors developed for renal fibrosis treatment were relatively few. Herein, we report the discovery of novel BRD4 inhibitors from virtual screening hit compound 1 with moderate inhibitory activity (IC50 = 7.5 ± 2.9 μM). Through the medicinal chemistry optimization program, leading to the discovery of three potent BRD4 inhibitors, 10, 19 and 31 with IC50 values of 20.0 ± 7.1, 17.5 ± 6.4 and 13.5 ± 4.9 nM, respectively. Among them, 31 showed an acceptable liver microsomal stability and displayed a desired pharmacokinetic profile. Further, we confirmed the therapeutic efficacy of 31 in alleviating renal fibrosis on both UUO and folic acid (FA)-induced renal fibrosis mouse models. Collectively, our results indicated that compound 31 might be a promising candidate for renal fibrosis treatment and deserves further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianhang Huang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Na Zhao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jian Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiayi Zhu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Guoao Liang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xing Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Naiyuan Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Huilong Zhu
- School of Sciences, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ningning Pang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Chunmei An
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Xiaochun Xiong
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, Jiangsu, China.
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3
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Miao X, Liu P, Liu Y, Zhang W, Li C, Wang X. Epigenetic targets and their inhibitors in the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Eur J Med Chem 2025; 289:117463. [PMID: 40048798 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2025.117463] [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: 12/12/2024] [Revised: 02/24/2025] [Accepted: 02/26/2025] [Indexed: 03/29/2025]
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a deadly lung disease characterized by fibroblast proliferation, excessive extracellular matrix buildup, inflammation, and tissue damage, resulting in respiratory failure and death. Recent studies suggest that impaired interactions among epithelial, mesenchymal, immune, and endothelial cells play a key role in IPF development. Advances in bioinformatics have also linked epigenetics, which bridges gene expression and environmental factors, to IPF. Despite the incomplete understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms underlying IPF, recent preclinical studies have identified several novel epigenetic therapeutic targets, including DNMT, EZH2, G9a/GLP, PRMT1/7, KDM6B, HDAC, CBP/p300, BRD4, METTL3, FTO, and ALKBH5, along with potential small-molecule inhibitors relevant for its treatment. This review explores the pathogenesis of IPF, emphasizing epigenetic therapeutic targets and potential small molecule drugs. It also analyzes the structure-activity relationships of these epigenetic drugs and summarizes their biological activities. The objective is to advance the development of innovative epigenetic therapies for IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohui Miao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital to Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Pan Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital to Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Yangyang Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital to Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Wenying Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital to Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Chunxin Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital to Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Xiujiang Wang
- Department of Pulmonary Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital to Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, 130021, China.
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4
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Doskey LC, Scholtz CR, Vail NR, Khanal S, Lee AL, Kandanur SGS, Hoell ZJ, Huehls AM, Issa MR, Kostallari E, Cao S, Reid JM, Shah VH, Malhi H, Pomerantz WCK. Efficacy and Toxicity Analysis of Selective BET Bromodomain Inhibitors in Models of Inflammatory Liver Disease. J Med Chem 2025; 68:8091-8105. [PMID: 40227166 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c02555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/15/2025]
Abstract
BET bromodomain inhibitors demonstrate significant promise as anti-inflammatory agents. However, clinical data demonstrated that nonselective BET bromodomain inhibitors led to significant dose-limiting toxicity in clinical settings. Here, we use three orally bioavailable inhibitors, 1-3, that are either BRD4-D1 selective or pan-D1-biased + BRD4-D2, for assessing their cellular and in vivo efficacy and safety profile compared to known BET inhibitors in two inflammatory disease models. Our results show that pan-D1-biased + BRD4-D2 inhibitor, 3, is as efficacious as pan-BET inhibitor, I-BET151, in reducing inflammation in both models, whereas pan-D2 inhibitors are less effective. BRD4-D1 selective inhibitors are also efficacious; however, inhibitors with improved cellular engagement will be necessary to better assess their effects. Finally, BRD4-D1 selective inhibitors are better tolerated in a preclinical thrombocytopenia model than 3, while gastrointestinal toxicity may be a BRD4-driven effect. These results highlight the importance of assessing specific BET bromodomain functions due to their diverse roles in disease models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke C Doskey
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, United States
| | - Cole R Scholtz
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Nora R Vail
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Shalil Khanal
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, United States
| | - Amani L Lee
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, United States
| | | | - Zachariah J Hoell
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Amelia M Huehls
- Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, United States
| | - Mohamed R Issa
- Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, United States
| | - Enis Kostallari
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, United States
| | - Sheng Cao
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, United States
| | - Joel M Reid
- Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, United States
| | - Vijay H Shah
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, United States
| | - Harmeet Malhi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, United States
| | - William C K Pomerantz
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
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5
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Ma Z, McAninch S, Liu Z, Zhang C, Chen H, He J, Yang W, Panganiban RP, Cong Y, Yochum G, Brasier AR, Pinchuk IV, Tian B, Zhou J. Orally Bioavailable BRD4 BD1 Inhibitor ZL0516 Effectively Suppresses Colonic Inflammation in Animal Models of Inflammatory Bowel Disease. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2025; 8:1152-1167. [PMID: 40242579 PMCID: PMC11997885 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.5c00068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2025] [Revised: 03/24/2025] [Accepted: 03/26/2025] [Indexed: 04/18/2025]
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a chronic, progressive, and recurrent gastrointestinal inflammatory disorder, poses a significant threat to global health and exerts an adverse effect on the quality of life. Currently, there is a lack of effective therapies for IBD. Developing novel targeted therapies for IBD, particularly orally effective therapeutics, is a vital need for IBD patients. Herein, we first demonstrate that BRD4/NF-κB signaling is aberrantly activated in the colons of human IBD biopsy samples compared to that of normal healthy controls. ZL0516, a potent, selective, and orally bioavailable BRD4 BD1 inhibitor, significantly inhibits the TNFα- and LPS-induced expression of inflammatory cytokines in human colonic epithelial cells (HCECs) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) with low cytotoxicity. Intriguingly, when administered in a preventive mode, ZL0516 significantly blocks dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced murine colitis. When used in a therapeutic mode, ZL0516 effectively suppresses colonic inflammation in several IBD-relevant animal models: DSS-, oxazolone (OXA)-, and flagellin (Cbir1) T cell-induced chronic murine colitis models of IBD. ZL0516 suppresses IBD inflammatory responses in vitro and in vivo by blocking the activation of the BRD4/NF-κB signaling pathway. Also, we found that RVX208, a selective BRD4 BD2 inhibitor in Phase III clinical development, only displayed marginal effects in these IBD animal models. Collectively, our results demonstrate that specific BRD4 BD1 inhibition is a novel therapeutic strategy for IBD-associated colonic inflammation, and orally effective inhibitor ZL0516 is a promising candidate for the development of a novel therapeutic regimen against IBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zonghui Ma
- Chemical
Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - Steven McAninch
- Department
of Medicine, Penn State Health Milton S.
Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pennsylvania 17033, United States
| | - Zhiqing Liu
- Chemical
Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - Cun Zhang
- Chemical
Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - Haiying Chen
- Chemical
Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - Jing He
- Department
of Pathology, University of Texas Medical
Branch (UTMB), Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - Wenjing Yang
- Division
of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg
School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611, United States
| | - Ronaldo P. Panganiban
- Department
of Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania 17033, United States
| | - Yingzi Cong
- Division
of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg
School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611, United States
| | - Gregory Yochum
- Division
of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, and Department
of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Penn
State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pennsylvania 17033, United States
| | - Allan R. Brasier
- Institute
for Clinical and Translational Research (ICTR) School of Medicine
and Public Health, 4248 Health Sciences Learning Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, United States
| | - Irina V. Pinchuk
- Department
of Medicine, Penn State Health Milton S.
Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pennsylvania 17033, United States
| | - Bing Tian
- Department
of Internal Medicine, University of Texas
Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - Jia Zhou
- Chemical
Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
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6
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Xu X, Brasier AR. SMARCA4 regulates inducible BRD4 genomic redistribution coupling intrinsic immunity and plasticity in epithelial injury-repair. Nucleic Acids Res 2025; 53:gkaf211. [PMID: 40131774 PMCID: PMC11934928 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaf211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2024] [Revised: 02/25/2025] [Accepted: 03/06/2025] [Indexed: 03/27/2025] Open
Abstract
Coordinated expression of differentiation and innate pathways is essential for successful mucosal injury-repair. Previously, we discovered that the core SWI/SNF complex ATPase, SWI/SNF-related, matrix associated, actin dependent regulator of chromatin, subfamily A, member 4 (SMARCA4)/Brg1, maintains tumor protein 63 + basal progenitor cells in an epithelial-committed state. In response to viral injury, SMARCA4 complexes BRD4 to activate innate inflammation and promote mesenchymal transition/plasticity. To investigate how innate inflammation couples with plasticity, Cleavage Under Targets and Release Using Nuclease of BRD4 binding was applied to wild type and SMARCA4 knockdown (KD) in mock- or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-infected basal cells. In mock-infected cells, BRD4 binds 4017 high-confidence peaks within gene bodies controlling mesenchymal transition pathways. By contrast, RSV replication repositions 2339 BRD4 peaks to open chromatin regions upstream of the genes controlling inducible cytokine, cell adherence, and antiviral programs. Also, we note RSV redistributes BRD4 into super enhancers regulating immune response-associated long noncoding (lnc)RNAs. In SMARCA4 KD cells, BRD4 distribution is reduced on 739 peaks after RSV infection. The boundaries of nucleosome-free regions are reduced by SMARCA4 KD, suggesting its role in maintaining open chromatin of super enhancers. Specifically, SMARCA4-BRD4 enhancer controls lncRNAs important in interferon response factor 1 autoregulation. These data indicate how SWI/SNF ATPases couple BRD4 to lncRNA expression controlling cell state and intrinsic immunity in epithelial injury-repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofang Xu
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH), Madison, WI 53705, United States
| | - Allan R Brasier
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH), Madison, WI 53705, United States
- Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI 53705, United States
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7
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Chen S, Yang J, Wang X, Liu X, Li X, Ye Y, Wang P, Liu Z, Wang CY. Marine natural product-inspired discovery of novel BRD4 inhibitors with anti-inflammatory activity. Eur J Med Chem 2025; 284:117193. [PMID: 39740323 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.117193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2024] [Revised: 12/05/2024] [Accepted: 12/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/02/2025]
Abstract
Bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) has been identified as a promising target in drug discovery, and the development of novel specific BRD4 bromodomain inhibitors will benefit anti-inflammatory drug discovery as well as bromodomain function role disclose. Herein, inspired by marine quinazolinone alkaloid penipanoid C, we designed and synthesized a series of quinazolin-4(3H)-ones with diverse linkers between two aromatic ring systems. Among them, compound 25 possessed good in vitro BRD4 inhibitory activities (IC50 = 3.64 μM for BRD4 BD1 and IC50 = 0.12 μM for BRD4 BD2) and anti-inflammatory activity (IC50 = 1.98 μM for NO production assay). Meantime, 25 obviously suppressed the expression of TNF-α and IL-6 in LPS-stimulated Raw 264.7 and THP-1 cells. Notablely, 25 displayed in vivo therapeutic efficacies in an acute inflammation model without obvious cytotoxicity. These findings suggest that 25 is a selective BRD4 BD2 inhibitor which is a promising anti-inflammatory lead compound worthy for further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuxia Chen
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs and Key Laboratory of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity (Ministry of Education), School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center, Qingdao, 266237, China
| | - Jichen Yang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs and Key Laboratory of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity (Ministry of Education), School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center, Qingdao, 266237, China
| | - Xiangyu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs and Key Laboratory of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity (Ministry of Education), School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center, Qingdao, 266237, China
| | - Xiaochun Liu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs of Ministry of Education & Qingdao Marine Biomedical Research Institute, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Xiuxue Li
- Qingdao Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qingdao, 266114, China
| | - Yansheng Ye
- Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance in Biological System, State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic and Molecular Physics, National Center for Magnetic Resonance in Wuhan, Innovation Academy for Precision Measurement Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Pingyuan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs and Key Laboratory of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity (Ministry of Education), School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center, Qingdao, 266237, China.
| | - Zhiqing Liu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs and Key Laboratory of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity (Ministry of Education), School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center, Qingdao, 266237, China.
| | - Chang-Yun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs and Key Laboratory of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity (Ministry of Education), School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China; Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center, Qingdao, 266237, China.
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8
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Li J, Hu Q, Zhu R, Dong R, Shen H, Hu J, Zhang C, Zhang X, Xu T, Xiang Q, Zhang Y, Lin B, Zhao L, Wu X, Xu Y. Discovery of the First BRD4 Second Bromodomain (BD2)-Selective Inhibitors. J Med Chem 2024; 67:21577-21616. [PMID: 39602227 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c02516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2024]
Abstract
Pan-BD2 inhibitors have been shown to retain an antileukemia effect and display less dose-limiting toxicities than pan-BET inhibitors. However, it is necessary to consider the potential off-target toxicity associated with the inhibition of four BET BD2 proteins. To date, no BRD4 BD2 domain selective inhibitor has been reported. Based on our previous pan-BD2 inhibitor 12 (XY153), we successfully identified 16o (XY221) as the first BRD4 BD2-selective inhibitor. 16o demonstrated potent binding affinity for BRD4 BD2 (IC50 = 5.8 nM), along with high pan-BD2 selectivity (667-fold over BRD4 BD1) and BRD4 BD2 domain selectivity (9-32-fold over BRD2/3/T BD2). The BRD4 BD2 selectivity of 16o was further confirmed by the BLI assay, showing 66-144-fold selectivity over other BET BD2 domains. 16o exhibited good liver microsomal stability (T1/2 > 120 min) and pharmacokinetic properties (F = 13.1%). These data indicate that 16o may serve as a valuable candidate for BRD4 BD2 advancing epigenetic research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junhua Li
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory of Biomedicine and Health, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biocomputing, Institute of Drug Discovery, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 190 Kaiyuan Avenue, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Qingqing Hu
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory of Biomedicine and Health, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biocomputing, Institute of Drug Discovery, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 190 Kaiyuan Avenue, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Run Zhu
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory of Biomedicine and Health, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biocomputing, Institute of Drug Discovery, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 190 Kaiyuan Avenue, Guangzhou 510530, China
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Ruibo Dong
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory of Biomedicine and Health, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biocomputing, Institute of Drug Discovery, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 190 Kaiyuan Avenue, Guangzhou 510530, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Hui Shen
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory of Biomedicine and Health, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biocomputing, Institute of Drug Discovery, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 190 Kaiyuan Avenue, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Jiankang Hu
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory of Biomedicine and Health, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biocomputing, Institute of Drug Discovery, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 190 Kaiyuan Avenue, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Cheng Zhang
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory of Biomedicine and Health, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biocomputing, Institute of Drug Discovery, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 190 Kaiyuan Avenue, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Xiaohan Zhang
- Analysis and Testing Center, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 190 Kaiyuan Avenue, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Tingting Xu
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory of Biomedicine and Health, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biocomputing, Institute of Drug Discovery, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 190 Kaiyuan Avenue, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Qiuping Xiang
- Guoke Ningbo Life Science and Health Industry Research Institute, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315010, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory of Biomedicine and Health, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biocomputing, Institute of Drug Discovery, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 190 Kaiyuan Avenue, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Bin Lin
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Linxiang Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Xishan Wu
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory of Biomedicine and Health, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biocomputing, Institute of Drug Discovery, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 190 Kaiyuan Avenue, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Yong Xu
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory of Biomedicine and Health, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biocomputing, Institute of Drug Discovery, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 190 Kaiyuan Avenue, Guangzhou 510530, China
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
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9
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Ma Z, Bolinger AA, Pinchuk IV, Tian B, Zhou J. BRD4 as an emerging epigenetic therapeutic target for inflammatory bowel disease. ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY (SAN DIEGO, CALIF.) 2024; 101:203-236. [PMID: 39521601 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apha.2024.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2024]
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder, mainly comprising two subtypes: ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). IBD, featured by recurrent symptoms and significant morbidity, poses a significant threat to global health and has an adverse impact on quality of life. Currently, there is no curative therapy for IBD, and the available medications are only for managing the disease condition, likely owing to the insufficient understanding of the underlying pathophysiology processes involved in IBD, and the lack of safe and effective medicines. Thus, novel targeted therapies for IBD are urgently needed for better efficacy with an improved adverse event profile. As the most extensively studied member of bromodomain and extra terminal domain (BET) family proteins, bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) is emerging as a promising epigenetic therapeutic target for IBD. Pharmacological inhibition of BRD4 with selective small molecule inhibitors shows potent anti-inflammatory effects in both in vitro and different IBD mouse models. Herein, we summarize current knowledge in understanding the role of BRD4 in the pathogenesis and development of IBD, and the clinical landscape of developing BET/BRD4 inhibitors and emerging BRD4-targeted degraders as promising therapeutical alternatives. Challenges and opportunities, as well as future directions in drug discovery by targeting BRD4 are also briefly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zonghui Ma
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Andrew A Bolinger
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Irina V Pinchuk
- Department of Medicine, Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Bing Tian
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Jia Zhou
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States.
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10
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Ma Z, Zhang C, Bolinger AA, Zhou J. An updated patent review of BRD4 degraders. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2024; 34:929-951. [PMID: 39219068 PMCID: PMC11427152 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2024.2400166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4), an important epigenetic reader, is closely associated with the pathogenesis and development of many diseases, including various cancers, inflammation, and infectious diseases. Targeting BRD4 inhibition or protein elimination with small molecules represents a promising therapeutic strategy, particularly for cancer therapy. AREAS COVERED The recent advances of patented BRD4 degraders were summarized. The challenges, opportunities, and future directions for developing novel potent and selective BRD4 degraders are also discussed. The patents of BRD4 degraders were searched using the SciFinder and Cortellis Drug Discovery Intelligence database. EXPERT OPINION BRD4 degraders exhibit superior efficacy and selectivity to BRD4 inhibitors, given their unique mechanism of protein degradation instead of protein inhibition. Excitingly, RNK05047 is now in phase I/II clinical trials, indicating that selective BRD4 protein degradation may offer a viable therapeutic strategy, particularly for cancer. Targeting BRD4 with small-molecule degraders provides a promising approach with the potential to overcome therapeutic resistance for treating various BRD4-associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zonghui Ma
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Cun Zhang
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Andrew A. Bolinger
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Jia Zhou
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, TX 77555, USA
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11
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Rahnasto-Rilla M, Puumalainen T, Karttunen V, Adla SK, Lahtela-Kakkonen M. Novel inhibitors of bromodomain and extra-terminal domain trigger cell death in breast cancer cell lines. Bioorg Med Chem 2024; 112:117884. [PMID: 39226716 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2024.117884] [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: 05/22/2024] [Revised: 08/09/2024] [Accepted: 08/16/2024] [Indexed: 09/05/2024]
Abstract
Small molecule inhibitors targeting the bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) family proteins have emerged as a promising class of anti-cancer drugs. Nevertheless, the clinical advancement of these agents has been significantly hampered by challenges related to their potency, oral bioavailability, or toxicity. In this study, virtual screening approaches were employed to discover novel inhibitors of the bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) by analyzing their comparable chemical structural features to established BRD4 inhibitors. Several of these compounds exhibited inhibitory effects on BRD4 activity ranging from 60 % to 70 % at 100 µM concentrations, while one compound also exhibited an 84 % inhibition of Sirtuin 2 (SIRT2) activity. Furthermore, a subset of structurally diverse compounds from the BRD4 inhibitors was selected to investigate their anti-cancer properties in both 2D and 3D cell cultures. These compounds exhibited varying effects on cell numbers depending on the specific cell line, and some of them induced cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase in breast cancer (MDA-MB-231) cells. Moreover, all the compounds studied reduced the sizes of spheroids, and the most potent compound exhibited a 90 % decrease in growth at a concentration of 10 µM in T47D cells. These compounds hold potential as epigenetic regulators for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tatu Puumalainen
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Vilma Karttunen
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
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12
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Xu X, Qiao D, Brasier AR. Cooperative interaction of interferon regulatory factor -1 and bromodomain-containing protein 4 on RNA polymerase activation for intrinsic innate immunity. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1366235. [PMID: 38601157 PMCID: PMC11004252 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1366235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The human orthopneumovirus, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), is the causative agent of severe lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) and exacerbations of chronic lung diseases. In immune competent hosts, RSV productively infects highly differentiated epithelial cells, where it elicits robust anti-viral, cytokine and remodeling programs. By contrast, basal cells are relatively resistant to RSV infection, in part, because of constitutive expression of an intrinsic innate immune response (IIR) consisting of a subgroup of interferon (IFN) responsive genes. The mechanisms controlling the intrinsic IIR are not known. Methods Here, we use human small airway epithelial cell hSAECs as a multipotent airway stem cell model to examine regulatory control of an intrinsic IIR pathway. Results We find hSAECs express patterns of intrinsic IIRs, highly conserved with pluri- and multi-potent stem cells. We demonstrate a core intrinsic IIR network consisting of Bone Marrow Stromal Cell Antigen 2 (Bst2), Interferon Induced Transmembrane Protein 1 (IFITM1) and Toll-like receptor (TLR3) expression are directly under IRF1 control. Moreover, expression of this intrinsic core is rate-limited by ambient IRF1• phospho-Ser 2 CTD RNA Polymerase II (pSer2 Pol II) complexes binding to their proximal promoters. In response to RSV infection, the abundance of IRF1 and pSer2 Pol II binding is dramatically increased, with IRF1 complexing to the BRD4 chromatin remodeling complex (CRC). Using chromatin immunoprecipitation in IRF1 KD cells, we find that the binding of BRD4 is IRF1 independent. Using a small molecule inhibitor of the BRD4 acetyl lysine binding bromodomain (BRD4i), we further find that BRD4 bromodomain interactions are required for stable BRD4 promoter binding to the intrinsic IIR core promoters, as well as for RSV-inducible pSer2 Pol II recruitment. Surprisingly, BRD4i does not disrupt IRF1-BRD4 interactions, but disrupts both RSV-induced BRD4 and IRF1 interactions with pSer2 Pol II. Conclusions We conclude that the IRF1 functions in two modes- in absence of infection, ambient IRF1 mediates constitutive expression of the intrinsic IIR, whereas in response to RSV infection, the BRD4 CRC independently activates pSer2 Pol II to mediates robust expression of the intrinsic IIR. These data provide insight into molecular control of anti-viral defenses of airway basal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofang Xu
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH), Madison, WI, United States
| | - Dianhua Qiao
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH), Madison, WI, United States
| | - Allan R. Brasier
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH), Madison, WI, United States
- Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
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13
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Guo X, Olajuyin A, Tucker TA, Idell S, Qian G. BRD4 as a Therapeutic Target in Pulmonary Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13231. [PMID: 37686037 PMCID: PMC10487829 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) proteins are epigenetic modulators that regulate gene transcription through interacting with acetylated lysine residues of histone proteins. BET proteins have multiple roles in regulating key cellular functions such as cell proliferation, differentiation, inflammation, oxidative and redox balance, and immune responses. As a result, BET proteins have been found to be actively involved in a broad range of human lung diseases including acute lung inflammation, asthma, pulmonary arterial hypertension, pulmonary fibrosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Due to the identification of specific small molecular inhibitors of BET proteins, targeting BET in these lung diseases has become an area of increasing interest. Emerging evidence has demonstrated the beneficial effects of BET inhibitors in preclinical models of various human lung diseases. This is, in general, largely related to the ability of BET proteins to bind to promoters of genes that are critical for inflammation, differentiation, and beyond. By modulating these critical genes, BET proteins are integrated into the pathogenesis of disease progression. The intrinsic histone acetyltransferase activity of bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) is of particular interest, seems to act independently of its bromodomain binding activity, and has implication in some contexts. In this review, we provide a brief overview of the research on BET proteins with a focus on BRD4 in several major human lung diseases, the underlying molecular mechanisms, as well as findings of targeting BET proteins using pharmaceutical inhibitors in different lung diseases preclinically.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Guoqing Qian
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, Tyler, TX 75708, USA; (X.G.); (A.O.); (T.A.T.); (S.I.)
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14
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Ma Z, Bolinger AA, Chen H, Zhou J. Drug Discovery Targeting Nuclear Receptor Binding SET Domain Protein 2 (NSD2). J Med Chem 2023; 66:10991-11026. [PMID: 37578463 PMCID: PMC11092389 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Nuclear receptor binding SET domain proteins (NSDs) catalyze the mono- or dimethylation of histone 3 lysine 36 (H3K36me1 and H3K36me2), using S-adenosyl-l-methionine (SAM) as a methyl donor. As a key member of the NSD family of proteins, NSD2 plays an important role in the pathogenesis and progression of various diseases such as cancers, inflammations, and infectious diseases, serving as a promising drug target. Developing potent and specific NSD2 inhibitors may provide potential novel therapeutics. Several NSD2 inhibitors and degraders have been discovered while remaining in the early stage of drug development. Excitingly, KTX-1001, a selective NSD2 inhibitor, has entered clinical trials. In this Perspective, the structures and functions of NSD2, its roles in various human diseases, and the recent advances in drug discovery strategies targeting NSD2 have been summarized. The challenges, opportunities, and future directions for developing NSD2 inhibitors and degraders are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zonghui Ma
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - Andrew A Bolinger
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - Haiying Chen
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - Jia Zhou
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
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Ibrahim MAA, Abdelhamid MMH, Abdeljawaad KAA, Abdelrahman AHM, Mekhemer GAH, Sidhom PA, Sayed SRM, Paré PW, Hegazy MEF, Shoeib T. Pyronaridine as a Bromodomain-Containing Protein 4- N-Terminal Bromodomain (BRD4-BD1) Inhibitor: In Silico Database Mining, Molecular Docking, and Molecular Dynamics Simulation. Molecules 2023; 28:5713. [PMID: 37570684 PMCID: PMC10420099 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28155713] [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: 06/10/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BRD4 (bromodomain-containing protein 4) is an epigenetic reader that realizes histone proteins and promotes the transcription of genes linked to cancer progression and non-cancer diseases such as acute heart failure and severe inflammation. The highly conserved N-terminal bromodomain (BD1) recognizes acylated lysine residues to organize the expression of genes. As such, BD1 is essential for disrupting BRD4 interactions and is a promising target for cancer treatment. To identify new BD1 inhibitors, a SuperDRUG2 database that contains more than 4600 pharmaceutical compounds was screened using in silico techniques. The efficiency of the AutoDock Vina1.1.2 software to anticipate inhibitor-BRD4-BD1 binding poses was first evaluated based on the co-crystallized R6S ligand in complex with BRD4-BD1. From database screening, the most promising BRD4-BD1 inhibitors were subsequently submitted to molecular dynamics (MD) simulations integrated with an MM-GBSA approach. MM-GBSA computations indicated promising BD1 binding with a benzonaphthyridine derivative, pyronaridine (SD003509), with an energy prediction (ΔGbinding) of -42.7 kcal/mol in comparison with -41.5 kcal/mol for a positive control inhibitor (R6S). Pharmacokinetic properties predicted oral bioavailability for both ligands, while post-dynamic analyses of the BRD4-BD1 binding pocket demonstrated greater stability for pyronaridine. These results confirm that in silico studies can provide insight into novel protein-ligand regulators, specifically that pyronaridine is a potential cancer drug candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud A. A. Ibrahim
- Computational Chemistry Laboratory, Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Minia University, Minia 61519, Egypt
- School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban 4000, South Africa
| | - Mahmoud M. H. Abdelhamid
- Computational Chemistry Laboratory, Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Minia University, Minia 61519, Egypt
| | - Khlood A. A. Abdeljawaad
- Computational Chemistry Laboratory, Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Minia University, Minia 61519, Egypt
| | - Alaa H. M. Abdelrahman
- Computational Chemistry Laboratory, Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Minia University, Minia 61519, Egypt
| | - Gamal A. H. Mekhemer
- Computational Chemistry Laboratory, Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Minia University, Minia 61519, Egypt
| | - Peter A. Sidhom
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, Egypt
| | - Shaban R. M. Sayed
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Paul W. Paré
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA
| | - Mohamed-Elamir F. Hegazy
- Chemistry of Medicinal Plants Department, National Research Centre, 33 El-Bohouth St., Dokki, Giza 12622, Egypt
| | - Tamer Shoeib
- Department of Chemistry, The American University in Cairo, New Cairo 11835, Egypt
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Mann MW, Fu Y, Gearhart RL, Xu X, Roberts DS, Li Y, Zhou J, Ge Y, Brasier AR. Bromodomain-containing Protein 4 regulates innate inflammation via modulation of alternative splicing. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1212770. [PMID: 37435059 PMCID: PMC10331468 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1212770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Bromodomain-containing Protein 4 (BRD4) is a transcriptional regulator which coordinates gene expression programs controlling cancer biology, inflammation, and fibrosis. In the context of airway viral infection, BRD4-specific inhibitors (BRD4i) block the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and prevent downstream epithelial plasticity. Although the chromatin modifying functions of BRD4 in inducible gene expression have been extensively investigated, its roles in post-transcriptional regulation are not well understood. Given BRD4's interaction with the transcriptional elongation complex and spliceosome, we hypothesize that BRD4 is a functional regulator of mRNA processing. Methods To address this question, we combine data-independent analysis - parallel accumulation-serial fragmentation (diaPASEF) with RNA-sequencing to achieve deep and integrated coverage of the proteomic and transcriptomic landscapes of human small airway epithelial cells exposed to viral challenge and treated with BRD4i. Results We discover that BRD4 regulates alternative splicing of key genes, including Interferon-related Developmental Regulator 1 (IFRD1) and X-Box Binding Protein 1 (XBP1), related to the innate immune response and the unfolded protein response (UPR). We identify requirement of BRD4 for expression of serine-arginine splicing factors, splicosome components and the Inositol-Requiring Enzyme 1 IREα affecting immediate early innate response and the UPR. Discussion These findings extend the transcriptional elongation-facilitating actions of BRD4 in control of post-transcriptional RNA processing via modulating splicing factor expression in virus-induced innate signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan W. Mann
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Yao Fu
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Robert L. Gearhart
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Xiaofang Xu
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - David S. Roberts
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Jia Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Ying Ge
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Human Proteomics Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Allan R. Brasier
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
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17
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Pan Z, Zhao Y, Wang X, Xie X, Liu M, Zhang K, Wang L, Bai D, Foster LJ, Shu R, He G. Targeting bromodomain-containing proteins: research advances of drug discovery. MOLECULAR BIOMEDICINE 2023; 4:13. [PMID: 37142850 PMCID: PMC10159834 DOI: 10.1186/s43556-023-00127-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Bromodomain (BD) is an evolutionarily conserved protein module found in 46 different BD-containing proteins (BCPs). BD acts as a specific reader for acetylated lysine residues (KAc) and serves an essential role in transcriptional regulation, chromatin remodeling, DNA damage repair, and cell proliferation. On the other hand, BCPs have been shown to be involved in the pathogenesis of a variety of diseases, including cancers, inflammation, cardiovascular diseases, and viral infections. Over the past decade, researchers have brought new therapeutic strategies to relevant diseases by inhibiting the activity or downregulating the expression of BCPs to interfere with the transcription of pathogenic genes. An increasing number of potent inhibitors and degraders of BCPs have been developed, some of which are already in clinical trials. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive review of recent advances in the study of drugs that inhibit or down-regulate BCPs, focusing on the development history, molecular structure, biological activity, interaction with BCPs and therapeutic potentials of these drugs. In addition, we discuss current challenges, issues to be addressed and future research directions for the development of BCPs inhibitors. Lessons learned from the successful or unsuccessful development experiences of these inhibitors or degraders will facilitate the further development of efficient, selective and less toxic inhibitors of BCPs and eventually achieve drug application in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoping Pan
- Department of Dermatology & Venerology and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
- Laboratory of Dermatology, Clinical Institute of Inflammation and Immunology (CIII), Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yuxi Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Disease, Department of Orthodontics and Pediatrics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xiaoyun Wang
- Department of Dermatology & Venerology and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
- Laboratory of Dermatology, Clinical Institute of Inflammation and Immunology (CIII), Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xin Xie
- College of Medical Technology and School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Mingxia Liu
- Department of Dermatology & Venerology and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Kaiyao Zhang
- Department of Dermatology & Venerology and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Lian Wang
- Department of Dermatology & Venerology and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Ding Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Disease, Department of Orthodontics and Pediatrics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Leonard J Foster
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Rui Shu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Disease, Department of Orthodontics and Pediatrics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Gu He
- Department of Dermatology & Venerology and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China.
- Laboratory of Dermatology, Clinical Institute of Inflammation and Immunology (CIII), Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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Regulation of Cell Plasticity by Bromodomain and Extraterminal Domain (BET) Proteins: A New Perspective in Glioblastoma Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065665. [PMID: 36982740 PMCID: PMC10055343 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BET proteins are a family of multifunctional epigenetic readers, mainly involved in transcriptional regulation through chromatin modelling. Transcriptome handling ability of BET proteins suggests a key role in the modulation of cell plasticity, both in fate decision and in lineage commitment during embryonic development and in pathogenic conditions, including cancerogenesis. Glioblastoma is the most aggressive form of glioma, characterized by a very poor prognosis despite the application of a multimodal therapy. Recently, new insights are emerging about the glioblastoma cellular origin, leading to the hypothesis that several putative mechanisms occur during gliomagenesis. Interestingly, epigenome dysregulation associated with loss of cellular identity and functions are emerging as crucial features of glioblastoma pathogenesis. Therefore, the emerging roles of BET protein in glioblastoma onco-biology and the compelling demand for more effective therapeutic strategies suggest that BET family members could be promising targets for translational breakthroughs in glioblastoma treatment. Primarily, “Reprogramming Therapy”, which is aimed at reverting the malignant phenotype, is now considered a promising strategy for GBM therapy.
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Mann M, Fu Y, Xu X, Roberts DS, Li Y, Zhou J, Ge Y, Brasier AR. Bromodomain-containing Protein 4 Regulates Innate Inflammation in Airway Epithelial Cells via Modulation of Alternative Splicing. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.17.524257. [PMID: 36711789 PMCID: PMC9882210 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.17.524257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Bromodomain-containing Protein 4 (BRD4) is a transcriptional regulator which coordinates gene expression programs controlling cancer biology, inflammation, and fibrosis. In airway viral infection, non-toxic BRD4-specific inhibitors (BRD4i) block the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and prevent downstream remodeling. Although the chromatin modifying functions of BRD4 in inducible gene expression have been extensively investigated, its roles in post-transcriptional regulation are not as well understood. Based on its interaction with the transcriptional elongation complex and spliceosome, we hypothesize that BRD4 is a functional regulator of mRNA processing. To address this question, we combine data-independent analysis - parallel accumulation-serial fragmentation (diaPASEF) with RNA-sequencing to achieve deep and integrated coverage of the proteomic and transcriptomic landscapes of human small airway epithelial cells exposed to viral challenge and treated with BRD4i. The transcript-level data was further interrogated for alternative splicing analysis, and the resulting data sets were correlated to identify pathways subject to post-transcriptional regulation. We discover that BRD4 regulates alternative splicing of key genes, including Interferon-related Developmental Regulator 1 ( IFRD1 ) and X-Box Binding Protein 1 ( XBP1 ), related to the innate immune response and the unfolded protein response, respectively. These findings extend the transcriptional elongation-facilitating actions of BRD4 in control of post-transcriptional RNA processing in innate signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan Mann
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Madison, 53705, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Yao Fu
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Madison, 53705, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Xiaofang Xu
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Madison, 53705, Wisconsin, USA
| | - David S. Roberts
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Madison, 53705, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas, Medical Branch, Galveston, 77550, Texas, USA
| | - Jia Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas, Medical Branch, Galveston, 77550, Texas, USA
| | - Ying Ge
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Madison, 53705, Wisconsin, USA,Human Proteomics Program, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Madison, 53705, Wisconsin, USA,Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Madison, 53705, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Allan R. Brasier
- Institute for Clinical and Translational Research (ICTR), University of Wisconsin – Madison, Madison, 53705, Wisconsin, USA
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20
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Zerio CJ, Sivinski J, Wijeratne EMK, Xu YM, Ngo DT, Ambrose AJ, Villa-Celis L, Ghadirian N, Clarkson MW, Zhang DD, Horton NC, Gunatilaka AAL, Fromme R, Chapman E. Physachenolide C is a Potent, Selective BET Inhibitor. J Med Chem 2023; 66:913-933. [PMID: 36577036 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
A pulldown using a biotinylated natural product of interest in the 17β-hydroxywithanolide (17-BHW) class, physachenolide C (PCC), identified the bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) family of proteins (BRD2, BRD3, and BRD4), readers of acetyl-lysine modifications and regulators of gene transcription, as potential cellular targets. BROMOscan bromodomain profiling and biochemical assays support PCC as a BET inhibitor with increased selectivity for bromodomain (BD)-1 of BRD3 and BRD4, and X-ray crystallography and NMR studies uncovered specific contacts that underlie the potency and selectivity of PCC toward BRD3-BD1 over BRD3-BD2. PCC also displays characteristics of a molecular glue, facilitating proteasome-mediated degradation of BRD3 and BRD4. Finally, PCC is more potent than other withanolide analogues and gold-standard pan-BET inhibitor (+)-JQ1 in cytotoxicity assays across five prostate cancer (PC) cell lines regardless of androgen receptor (AR)-signaling status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Zerio
- College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Arizona, 1703 E. Mabel Street, PO Box 210207, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Jared Sivinski
- College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Arizona, 1703 E. Mabel Street, PO Box 210207, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - E M Kithsiri Wijeratne
- College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, School of Natural Resources and the Environment, Southwest Center for Natural Products Research, University of Arizona, 250 E. Valencia Road, Tucson, Arizona 85706, United States
| | - Ya-Ming Xu
- College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, School of Natural Resources and the Environment, Southwest Center for Natural Products Research, University of Arizona, 250 E. Valencia Road, Tucson, Arizona 85706, United States
| | - Duc T Ngo
- College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Arizona, 1703 E. Mabel Street, PO Box 210207, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Andrew J Ambrose
- College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Arizona, 1703 E. Mabel Street, PO Box 210207, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Luis Villa-Celis
- College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Arizona, 1703 E. Mabel Street, PO Box 210207, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Niloofar Ghadirian
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Arizona, 1007 E. Lowell Street, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Michael W Clarkson
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arizona, 1041 E. Lowell Street, Tucson, Arizona 85719, United States
| | - Donna D Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Arizona, 1703 E. Mabel Street, PO Box 210207, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Nancy C Horton
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Arizona, 1007 E. Lowell Street, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - A A Leslie Gunatilaka
- College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, School of Natural Resources and the Environment, Southwest Center for Natural Products Research, University of Arizona, 250 E. Valencia Road, Tucson, Arizona 85706, United States
| | - Raimund Fromme
- School of Molecular Sciences, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, 1001 S. McAllister Avenue, Tempe, Arizona 85287, United States
| | - Eli Chapman
- College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Arizona, 1703 E. Mabel Street, PO Box 210207, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
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21
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Ma Z, Bolinger AA, Zhou J, Tian B. Bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4): a key player in inflammatory bowel disease and potential to inspire epigenetic therapeutics. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2023; 27:1-7. [PMID: 36710583 PMCID: PMC11092387 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2023.2175317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are debilitating chronic inflammatory disorders with increasing prevalence worldwide. Epigenetic regulator bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) is critical in controlling gene expression of IBD-associated inflammatory cytokine networks. BRD4 as a promising therapeutic target is also tightly associated with many other diseases, such as airway inflammation and fibrosis, cancers, infectious diseases and central nervous system disorders. AREAS COVERED This review briefly summarized the critical role of BRD4 in the pathogenesis of IBDs and the current clinical landscape of developing bromodomain and extra terminal domain (BET) inhibitors. The challenges and opportunities as well as future directions of targeting BRD4 inhibition for potential IBD medications were also discussed. EXPERT OPINION Targeting BRD4 with potent and specific inhibitors may offer novel effective therapeutics for IBD patients, particularly those who are refractory to anti-TNFα therapy and IBD-related profibrotic. Developing highly specific BRD4 inhibitors for IBD medications may help erase the drawbacks of most current pan-BET/BRD4 inhibitors, such as off-target effects, poor oral bioavailability, and low gut mucosal absorbance. Novel strategies such as combinatorial therapy, BRD4-based dual inhibitors and proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) may also have great potential to mitigate side effects and overcome drug resistance during IBD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zonghui Ma
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Andrew A. Bolinger
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Jia Zhou
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Bing Tian
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
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22
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The Role of Bromodomain and Extraterminal (BET) Proteins in Controlling the Phagocytic Activity of Microglia In Vitro: Relevance to Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010013. [PMID: 36613460 PMCID: PMC9820364 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The correct phagocytic activity of microglia is a prerequisite for maintaining homeostasis in the brain. In the analysis of mechanisms regulating microglial phagocytosis, we focused on the bromodomain and extraterminal domain (BET) proteins: Brd2, Brd3, and Brd4, the acetylation code readers that control gene expression in cooperation with transcription factors. We used pharmacological (JQ1) and genetic (siRNA) inhibition of BET proteins in murine microglial cell line BV2. Inhibition of BET proteins reduced the phagocytic activity of BV2, as determined by using a fluorescent microspheres-based assay and fluorescently labelled amyloid-beta peptides. Gene silencing experiments demonstrated that all brain-existing BET isoforms control phagocytosis in microglia. From a set of 84 phagocytosis-related genes, we have found the attenuation of the expression of 14: Siglec1, Sirpb1a, Cd36, Clec7a, Itgam, Tlr3, Fcgr1, Cd14, Marco, Pld1, Fcgr2b, Anxa1, Tnf, Nod1, upon BET inhibition. Further analysis of the mRNA level of other phagocytosis-related genes which were involved in the pathomechanism of Alzheimer's disease demonstrated that JQ1 significantly reduced the expression of Cd33, Trem2, and Zyx. Our results indicate the important role of BET proteins in controlling microglial phagocytosis; therefore, targeting BET may be the efficient method of modulating microglial activity.
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23
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Li W, Zhang C, Zhang HE, Dong R, Liu JY, Wang CM, Wang M, Wang YW, Wang C, Zhang Y, Shi L, Xu Y, Sun LP. Design, synthesis, and anticancer evaluation of ammosamide B with pyrroloquinoline derivatives as novel BRD4 inhibitors. Bioorg Chem 2022; 127:105917. [PMID: 35738217 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2022.105917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4), which is a member of the bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) family, plays an important role in the regulation of gene expression as the "reader" of epigenetic regulation. BRD4 has become a promising target to treat cancer, because the up-regulation of BRD4 expression is closely associated with the occurrence and development of various cancers. At present, several BRD4 inhibitors are in clinical trials for cancer therapy, but no BRD4 inhibitors are on the market. Here, we designed and synthesized a series of compounds bearing pyrrolo[4,3,2-de]quinolin-2(1H)-one scaffold through structural modification of natural products ammosamide B, which is a natural pyrroloquinoline derivative reported for its potential antitumor activity. All target compounds were evaluated for their BRD4 BD1 inhibition activities via the protein thermal shift assays or AlphaSceen assay. The representative compound 49 showed potent activity (IC50 = 120 nM). The co-crystal of compound 49 with BRD4 BD1 was solved to study the structure activity relationship, which showed that 49 could combine with the acetyl lysine binding site and formed a hydrogen bond with the conserved residue Asn140. The results demonstrate that compound 49 is worthy of further investigation as a promising BRD4 inhibitor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design & Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Cheng Zhang
- Center for Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 190 Kaiyuan Avenue, Guangzhou Science Park, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Hong-En Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design & Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Ru Dong
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design & Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Jing-Ying Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design & Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Chun-Meng Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design & Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Min Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design & Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Yu-Wei Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design & Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Chao Wang
- Center for Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 190 Kaiyuan Avenue, Guangzhou Science Park, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Center for Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 190 Kaiyuan Avenue, Guangzhou Science Park, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Lei Shi
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design & Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Yong Xu
- Center for Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 190 Kaiyuan Avenue, Guangzhou Science Park, Guangzhou 510530, China; China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory on Biomedicine and Health, Guangzhou 510530, China.
| | - Li-Ping Sun
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design & Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China.
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24
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Zhang J, Yang C, Tang P, Chen J, Zhang D, Li Y, Yang G, Liu Y, Zhang Y, Wang Y, Liu J, Ouyang L. Discovery of 4-Hydroxyquinazoline Derivatives as Small Molecular BET/PARP1 Inhibitors That Induce Defective Homologous Recombination and Lead to Synthetic Lethality for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Therapy. J Med Chem 2022; 65:6803-6825. [PMID: 35442700 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The effective potency and resistance of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors limit their application. Here, we exploit a new paradigm that mimics the effects of breast cancer susceptibility genes (BRCA) mutations to trigger the possibility of synthetic lethality, based on the previous discovery of a potential synthetic lethality effect between bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) and PARP1. Consequently, the present study describes compound BP44 with high selectivity for BRD4 and PARP1. Fortunately, BP44 inhibits the homologous recombination in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and triggers synthetic lethality, thus leading to cell cycle arrest and DNA damage. In conclusion, we optimized the BRD4-PARP1 inhibitor based on previous studies, and we expect it to become a candidate drug for the treatment of TNBC in the future. This strategy aims to expand the use of PARPi in BRCA-competent TNBC, making an innovative approach to address unmet oncology needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jifa Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan,China
| | - Chengcan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan,China
| | - Pan Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan,China
| | - Juncheng Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan,China
| | - Dan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan,China
| | - Yang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan,China
| | - Gaoxia Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan,China
| | - Yun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan,China
| | - Yiwen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan,China
| | - Yuxi Wang
- Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan,China
| | - Jie Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan,China
| | - Liang Ouyang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan,China
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25
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Li J, Zhang C, Xu H, Wang C, Dong R, Shen H, Zhuang X, Chen X, Li Q, Lu J, Zhang M, Wu X, Loomes KM, Zhou Y, Zhang Y, Liu J, Xu Y. Structure-Based Discovery and Optimization of Furo[3,2- c]pyridin-4(5 H)-one Derivatives as Potent and Second Bromodomain (BD2)-Selective Bromo and Extra Terminal Domain (BET) Inhibitors. J Med Chem 2022; 65:5760-5799. [PMID: 35333526 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Pan-bromodomain and extra terminal (Pan-BET) inhibitors show profound efficacy but exhibit pharmacology-driven toxicities in clinical trials. The development of domain-selective BET inhibitors to separate efficacy and toxicity is urgently needed. Herein, we report a series of furo[3,2-c]pyridin-4(5H)-one derivatives as novel BD2-selective BET inhibitors. The representative compound 8l (XY153) potently bound to BRD4 BD2 with an half-maximum inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of 0.79 nM and displayed 354-fold selectivity over BRD4 BD1. Besides, 8l exhibited 6-fold BRD4 BD2 domain selectivity over other BET BD2 domains. Compound 8l displayed potent antiproliferative activity against multiple tumor cell lines, especially MV4-11 (IC50 = 0.55 nM), while showing weak cytotoxicity against the normal lung fibroblast cell line. It highlights the safety profile of this series of BD2 inhibitors. 8l also demonstrated good metabolic stability in vitro. These data indicate that 8l may serve as a new and valuable lead compound for the development of potential therapeutics against acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
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Affiliation(s)
- Junhua Li
- Center for Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 190 Kaiyuan Avenue, Guangzhou 510530, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19 Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Cheng Zhang
- Center for Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 190 Kaiyuan Avenue, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Hongrui Xu
- Center for Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 190 Kaiyuan Avenue, Guangzhou 510530, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biocomputing, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Guangzhou Medical University, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Chao Wang
- Center for Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 190 Kaiyuan Avenue, Guangzhou 510530, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19 Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ruibo Dong
- Center for Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 190 Kaiyuan Avenue, Guangzhou 510530, China.,School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, No. 1266 Fujin Road, Chaoyang District, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Hui Shen
- Center for Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 190 Kaiyuan Avenue, Guangzhou 510530, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19 Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xiaoxi Zhuang
- Center for Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 190 Kaiyuan Avenue, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Xiaoshan Chen
- Center for Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 190 Kaiyuan Avenue, Guangzhou 510530, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19 Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Qiu Li
- Center for Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 190 Kaiyuan Avenue, Guangzhou 510530, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19 Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jibu Lu
- Center for Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 190 Kaiyuan Avenue, Guangzhou 510530, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19 Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Maofeng Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Taizhou Polytechnic College, Taizhou 225300, China
| | - Xishan Wu
- Center for Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 190 Kaiyuan Avenue, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Kerry M Loomes
- School of Biological Sciences & Maurice Wilkins Centre, University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
| | - Yulai Zhou
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, No. 1266 Fujin Road, Chaoyang District, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Center for Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 190 Kaiyuan Avenue, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Jinsong Liu
- Center for Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 190 Kaiyuan Avenue, Guangzhou 510530, China.,State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Yong Xu
- Center for Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 190 Kaiyuan Avenue, Guangzhou 510530, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biocomputing, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Guangzhou Medical University, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China.,China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory on Biomedicine and Health, Guangzhou 510530, China.,State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China
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26
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Chen J, Tang P, Wang Y, Wang J, Yang C, Li Y, Yang G, Wu F, Zhang J, Ouyang L. Targeting Bromodomain-Selective Inhibitors of BET Proteins in Drug Discovery and Development. J Med Chem 2022; 65:5184-5211. [PMID: 35324195 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Blocking the interactions between bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) proteins and acetylated lysines of histones by small molecules has important implications for the treatment of cancers and other diseases. Many pan-BET inhibitors have shown satisfactory results in clinical trials, but their potential for poor tolerability and toxicity persist. However, recently reported studies illustrate that some BET bromodomain (BET-BD1 or BET-BD2)-selective inhibitors have advantage over pan-inhibitors, including reduced toxicity concerns. Furthermore, some selective BET inhibitors have similar or even better therapeutic efficacy in inflammatory diseases or cancers. Therefore, the development of selective BET inhibitors has become a hot spot for medicinal chemists. Here, we summarize the known selective BET-BD1 and BET-BD2 inhibitors and review the methods for enhancing the selectivity and potency of these inhibitors based on their different modes of interactions with BET-BD1 or BET-BD2. Finally, we discuss prospective strategies that selectively target the bromodomains of BET proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juncheng Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Pan Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuxi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China.,Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Jiaxing Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee 38163, United States
| | - Chengcan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Yang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Gaoxia Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Fengbo Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Jifa Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Liang Ouyang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
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27
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Bernau K, Skibba M, Leet JP, Furey S, Gehl C, Li Y, Zhou J, Sandbo N, Brasier AR. Selective Inhibition of Bromodomain-Containing Protein 4 Reduces Myofibroblast Transdifferentiation and Pulmonary Fibrosis. FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR MEDICINE 2022; 2. [PMID: 35782526 PMCID: PMC9245900 DOI: 10.3389/fmmed.2022.842558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a lethal disease driven by myofibroblast expansion. Currently no therapies exist that target the epigenetic mechanisms controlling myofibroblast transdifferentiation, which is responsible for unregulated extracellular matrix (ECM) production. We have recently shown that bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4), an epigenetic regulator that forms a scaffold for nuclear activators and transcription factors, is essential for TGFβ-induced myofibroblast transdifferentiation. However, its role in the development and progression of pulmonary fibrosis in vivo has not been established. Here, we evaluate the hypothesis that BRD4 bromodomain interactions mediate myofibroblast expansion and fibrosing disease in vivo. C57BL/6J mice challenged with intratracheal bleomycin were systemically treated with a selective allosteric inhibitor of the BRD4 bromodomain 1 (BD1), ZL0591 (10 mg/kg), during the established fibrotic phase (14 days post-bleomycin) in a rigorous therapeutic paradigm. Eleven days after initiation of ZL0591 treatment (25 days post-bleomycin), we detected a significant improvement in blood O2 saturation compared to bleomycin/vehicle control. Twenty-eight days post-bleomycin, we observed a reduction in the volumetric Hounsfield Unit (HU) density by micro computed tomography (µCT) in the ZL0591-treated group, as well as a reduction in collagen deposition (hydroxyproline content) and severity of injury (Ashcroft scoring). Myofibroblast transdifferentiation was measured by smooth muscle α-actin (αSMA) staining, indicating a loss of this cell population in the ZL0591-treated group, and corresponded to reduced transcript levels of myofibroblast-associated extracellular matrix genes, tenascin-C and collagen 1α1. We conclude that BRD4 BD1 interactions are critical for myofibroblast transdifferentiation and fibrotic progression in a mouse model of pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ksenija Bernau
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH), University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Correspondence: Ksenija Bernau,
| | - Melissa Skibba
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH), University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Jonathan P. Leet
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH), University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Sierra Furey
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH), University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Carson Gehl
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH), University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Jia Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Nathan Sandbo
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH), University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Allan R. Brasier
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH), University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Institute for Clinical and Translational Research (ICTR), University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
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28
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Liu Z, Li Y, Chen H, Lai HT, Wang P, Wu SY, Wold EA, Leonard PG, Joseph S, Hu H, Chiang CM, Brasier AR, Tian B, Zhou J. Discovery, X-ray Crystallography, and Anti-inflammatory Activity of Bromodomain-containing Protein 4 (BRD4) BD1 Inhibitors Targeting a Distinct New Binding Site. J Med Chem 2022; 65:2388-2408. [PMID: 34982556 PMCID: PMC8989062 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) is an emerging epigenetic drug target for intractable inflammatory disorders. The lack of highly selective inhibitors among BRD4 family members has stalled the collective understanding of this critical system and the progress toward clinical development of effective therapeutics. Here we report the discovery of a potent BRD4 bromodomain 1 (BD1)-selective inhibitor ZL0590 (52) targeting a unique, previously unreported binding site, while exhibiting significant anti-inflammatory activities in vitro and in vivo. The X-ray crystal structural analysis of ZL0590 in complex with human BRD4 BD1 and the associated mutagenesis study illustrate a first-in-class nonacetylated lysine (KAc) binding site located at the helix αB and αC interface that contains important BRD4 residues (e.g., Glu151) not commonly shared among other family members and is spatially distinct from the classic KAc recognition pocket. This new finding facilitates further elucidation of the complex biology underpinning bromodomain specificity among BRD4 and its protein-protein interaction partners.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Paul G Leonard
- Core for Biomolecular Structure and Function, MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1881 East Road, Houston, Texas 77054, United States
| | - Sarah Joseph
- Core for Biomolecular Structure and Function, MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1881 East Road, Houston, Texas 77054, United States
| | | | | | - Allan R Brasier
- Institute for Clinical and Translational Research (ICTR), University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, 4248 Health Sciences Learning Center, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, United States
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29
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Virtual Screening of Antitumor Inhibitors Targeting BRD4 Based on Machine Learning Methods. ChemistrySelect 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/slct.202104054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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30
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He Z, Jiao H, An Q, Zhang X, Zengyangzong D, Xu J, Liu H, Ma L, Zhao W. Discovery of novel 4-phenylquinazoline-based BRD4 inhibitors for cardiac fibrosis. Acta Pharm Sin B 2022; 12:291-307. [PMID: 35127386 PMCID: PMC8799877 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2021.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 06/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Bromodomain containing protein 4 (BRD4), as an epigenetic reader, can specifically bind to the acetyl lysine residues of histones and has emerged as an attractive therapeutic target for various diseases, including cancer, cardiac remodeling and heart failure. Herein, we described the discovery of hit 5 bearing 4-phenylquinazoline skeleton through a high-throughput virtual screen using 2,003,400 compound library (enamine). Then, structure-activity relationship (SAR) study was performed and 47 new 4-phenylquinazoline derivatives toward BRD4 were further designed, synthesized and evaluated, using HTRF assay set up in our lab. Eventually, we identified compound C-34, which possessed better pharmacokinetic and physicochemical properties as well as lower cytotoxicity against NRCF and NRCM cells, compared to the positive control JQ1. Using computer-based molecular docking and cellular thermal shift assay, we further verified that C-34 could target BRD4 at molecular and cellular levels. Furthermore, treatment with C-34 effectively alleviated fibroblast activation in vitro and cardiac fibrosis in vivo, which was correlated with the decreased expression of BRD4 downstream target c-MYC as well as the depressed TGF-β1/Smad2/3 signaling pathway. Taken together, our findings indicate that novel BRD4 inhibitor C-34 tethering a 4-phenylquinazoline scaffold can serve as a lead compound for further development to treat fibrotic cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhangxu He
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Key Laboratory of Advanced Pharmaceutical Technology, Ministry of Education of China, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Haomiao Jiao
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Key Laboratory of Advanced Pharmaceutical Technology, Ministry of Education of China, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Qi An
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Key Laboratory of Advanced Pharmaceutical Technology, Ministry of Education of China, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Key Laboratory of Advanced Pharmaceutical Technology, Ministry of Education of China, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Dan Zengyangzong
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Key Laboratory of Advanced Pharmaceutical Technology, Ministry of Education of China, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Jiale Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Key Laboratory of Advanced Pharmaceutical Technology, Ministry of Education of China, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Hongmin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Key Laboratory of Advanced Pharmaceutical Technology, Ministry of Education of China, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Liying Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Key Laboratory of Advanced Pharmaceutical Technology, Ministry of Education of China, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- China Meheco Topfond Pharmaceutical Co., Zhumadian 463000, China
| | - Wen Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Key Laboratory of Advanced Pharmaceutical Technology, Ministry of Education of China, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
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31
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Luo D, Tong JB, Xiao XC, Bian S, Zhang X, Wang J, Xu HY. Theoretically exploring selective-binding mechanisms of BRD4 through integrative computational approaches. SAR AND QSAR IN ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 32:985-1011. [PMID: 34845959 DOI: 10.1080/1062936x.2021.1999317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The origin of cancer is related to the dysregulation of multiple signal pathways and of physiological processes. Bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) has become an attractive target for the development of anticancer and anti-inflammatory agents since it can epigenetically regulate the transcription of growth-promoting genes. The synthesized BRD4 inhibitors with new chemical structures can reduce the drug resistance, but their binding modes and the inhibitory mechanism remain unclear. Here, we initially constructed robust QSAR models based on 68 reported tetrahydropteridin analogues using topomer CoMFA and HQSAR. On the basis of QSAR results, we designed 16 novel tetrahydropteridin analogues with modified structures and carried out docking studies. Instead of significant hydrogen bondings with amino acid residue Asn140 as reported in previous research, the molecular docking modelling suggested a novel docking pose that involves the amino acid residues (Trp81, Pro82, Val87, Leu92, Leu94, Cys136, Asp144, and Ile146) at the active site of BRD4. The MD simulations, free energy calculations, and residual energy contributions all indicate that hydrophobic interactions are decisive factors affecting bindings between inhibitors and BRD4. The current study provides new insights that can aid the discovery of BRD4 inhibitors with enhanced anti-cancer ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Luo
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, China
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chemical Additives for Industry, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an China
| | - J B Tong
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, China
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chemical Additives for Industry, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an China
| | - X C Xiao
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, China
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chemical Additives for Industry, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an China
| | - S Bian
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, China
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chemical Additives for Industry, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an China
| | - X Zhang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, China
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chemical Additives for Industry, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an China
| | - J Wang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, China
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chemical Additives for Industry, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an China
| | - H Y Xu
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, China
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chemical Additives for Industry, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an China
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32
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Li Y, Chen J, Bolinger AA, Chen H, Liu Z, Cong Y, Brasier AR, Pinchuk IV, Tian B, Zhou J. Target-Based Small Molecule Drug Discovery Towards Novel Therapeutics for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. Inflamm Bowel Dis 2021; 27:S38-S62. [PMID: 34791293 DOI: 10.1093/ibd/izab190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD), is a class of severe and chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract with recurrent symptoms and significant morbidity. Long-term persistence of chronic inflammation in IBD is a major contributing factor to neoplastic transformation and the development of colitis-associated colorectal cancer. Conversely, persistence of transmural inflammation in CD is associated with formation of fibrosing strictures, resulting in substantial morbidity. The recent introduction of biological response modifiers as IBD therapies, such as antibodies neutralizing tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, have replaced nonselective anti-inflammatory corticosteroids in disease management. However, a large proportion (~40%) of patients with the treatment of anti-TNF-α antibodies are discontinued or withdrawn from therapy because of (1) primary nonresponse, (2) secondary loss of response, (3) opportunistic infection, or (4) onset of cancer. Therefore, the development of novel and effective therapeutics targeting specific signaling pathways in the pathogenesis of IBD is urgently needed. In this comprehensive review, we summarize the recent advances in drug discovery of new small molecules in preclinical or clinical development for treating IBD that target biologically relevant pathways in mucosal inflammation. These include intracellular enzymes (Janus kinases, receptor interacting protein, phosphodiesterase 4, IκB kinase), integrins, G protein-coupled receptors (S1P, CCR9, CXCR4, CB2) and inflammasome mediators (NLRP3), etc. We will also discuss emerging evidence of a distinct mechanism of action, bromodomain-containing protein 4, an epigenetic regulator of pathways involved in the activation, communication, and trafficking of immune cells. We highlight their chemotypes, mode of actions, structure-activity relationships, characterizations, and their in vitro/in vivo activities and therapeutic potential. The perspectives on the relevant challenges, new opportunities, and future directions in this field are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Jianping Chen
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Andrew A Bolinger
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Haiying Chen
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Zhiqing Liu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Yingzi Cong
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Allan R Brasier
- Institute for Clinical and Translational Research (ICTR), University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Irina V Pinchuk
- Department of Medicine, Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, PA, USA
| | - Bing Tian
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Jia Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
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33
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Xu X, Mann M, Qiao D, Li Y, Zhou J, Brasier AR. Bromodomain Containing Protein 4 (BRD4) Regulates Expression of its Interacting Coactivators in the Innate Response to Respiratory Syncytial Virus. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:728661. [PMID: 34765643 PMCID: PMC8577543 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.728661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Bromodomain-containing protein 4 plays a central role in coordinating the complex epigenetic component of the innate immune response. Previous studies implicated BRD4 as a component of a chromatin-modifying complex that is dynamically recruited to a network of protective cytokines by binding activated transcription factors, polymerases, and histones to trigger their rapid expression via transcriptional elongation. Our previous study extended our understanding of the airway epithelial BRD4 interactome by identifying over 100 functionally important coactivators and transcription factors, whose association is induced by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection. RSV is an etiological agent of recurrent respiratory tract infections associated with exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Using a highly selective small-molecule BRD4 inhibitor (ZL0454) developed by us, we extend these findings to identify the gene regulatory network dependent on BRD4 bromodomain (BD) interactions. Human small airway epithelial cells were infected in the absence or presence of ZL0454, and gene expression profiling was performed. A highly reproducible dataset was obtained which indicated that BRD4 mediates both activation and repression of RSV-inducible gene regulatory networks controlling cytokine expression, interferon (IFN) production, and extracellular matrix remodeling. Index genes of functionally significant clusters were validated independently. We discover that BRD4 regulates the expression of its own gene during the innate immune response. Interestingly, BRD4 activates the expression of NFκB/RelA, a coactivator that binds to BRD4 in a BD-dependent manner. We extend this finding to show that BRD4 also regulates other components of its functional interactome, including the Mediator (Med) coactivator complex and the SWI/SNF-related, matrix-associated, actin-dependent regulator of chromatin (SMARC) subunits. To provide further insight into mechanisms for BRD4 in RSV expression, we mapped 7,845 RSV-inducible Tn5 transposase peaks onto the BRD4-dependent gene bodies. These were located in promoters and introns of cytostructural and extracellular matrix (ECM) formation genes. These data indicate that BRD4 mediates the dynamic response of airway epithelial cells to RNA infection by modulating the expression of its coactivators, controlling the expression of host defense mechanisms and remodeling genes through changes in promoter accessibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofang Xu
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH), Madison, WI, United States
| | - Morgan Mann
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH), Madison, WI, United States
| | - Dianhua Qiao
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH), Madison, WI, United States
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Jia Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Allan R Brasier
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH), Madison, WI, United States.,Institute for Clinical and Translational Research (ICTR), University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
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34
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Wang Q, Shao X, Leung ELH, Chen Y, Yao X. Selectively targeting individual bromodomain: Drug discovery and molecular mechanisms. Pharmacol Res 2021; 172:105804. [PMID: 34450309 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Bromodomain-containing proteins include bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) and non-BET families. Due to the conserved bromodomain (BD) module between BD-containing proteins, and especially BETs with each member having two BDs (BD1 and BD2), the high degree of structural similarity makes BD-selective inhibitors much difficult to be designed. However, increasing evidences emphasized that individual BDs had distinct functions and different cellular phenotypes after pharmacological inhibition, and selectively targeting one of the BDs could result in a different efficacy and tolerability profile. This review is to summarize the pioneering progress of BD-selective inhibitors targeting BET and non-BET proteins, focusing on their structural features, biological activity, therapeutic application and experimental/theoretical mechanisms. The present proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTAC) degraders targeting BDs, and clinical status of BD-selective inhibitors were also analyzed, providing a new insight into future direction of bromodomain-selective drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianqian Wang
- Chronic Disease Research Center, Medical College, Dalian University, Dalian 116622, China
| | - Xiaomin Shao
- Chronic Disease Research Center, Medical College, Dalian University, Dalian 116622, China
| | - Elaine Lai Han Leung
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macau(SAR) 999078, China
| | - Yingqing Chen
- Chronic Disease Research Center, Medical College, Dalian University, Dalian 116622, China.
| | - Xiaojun Yao
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macau(SAR) 999078, China.
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35
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Wu C, Cheng D, Peng Y, Li Y, Fu C, Wang Y, Fu L, Peng S, Ni X. Hepatic BRD4 Is Upregulated in Liver Fibrosis of Various Etiologies and Positively Correlated to Fibrotic Severity. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:683506. [PMID: 34336890 PMCID: PMC8317578 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.683506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) has been implicated to play a regulatory role in fibrogenic gene expression in animal models of liver fibrosis. The potential role of BRD4 in liver fibrosis in humans remains unclear. We sought to investigate the expression and cellular localization of BRD4 in fibrotic liver tissues. Human liver tissues were collected from healthy individuals and patients with liver fibrosis of various etiologies. RNA-seq showed that hepatic BRD4 mRNA was elevated in patients with liver fibrosis compared with that in healthy controls. Subsequent multiple manipulations such as western blotting, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and dual immunofluorescence analysis confirmed the abnormal elevation of the BRD4 expression in liver fibrosis of various etiologies compared to healthy controls. BRD4 expression was positively correlated with the severity of liver fibrosis, and also correlated with the serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase and total bilirubin. Moreover, the expression of C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 6 (CXCL6), a factor interplayed with BRD4, was increased in hepatic tissues of the patients with liver fibrosis. Its expression level was positively correlated with BRD4 level. BRD4 is up-regulated in liver fibrosis, regardless of etiology, and its increased expression is positively correlated with higher degrees of liver fibrosis. Our data indicate that BRD4 play a critical role in the progress of liver fibrosis, and it holds promise as a potential target for intervention of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cichun Wu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Da Cheng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yanghui Peng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Chunyan Fu
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lei Fu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Shifang Peng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xin Ni
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China.,International Collaborative Research Center for Medical Metabolomics, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China
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36
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Mann M, Brasier AR. Evolution of proteomics technologies for understanding respiratory syncytial virus pathogenesis. Expert Rev Proteomics 2021; 18:379-394. [PMID: 34018899 PMCID: PMC8277732 DOI: 10.1080/14789450.2021.1931130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major human pathogen associated with long term morbidity. RSV replication occurs primarily in the epithelium, producing a complex cellular response associated with acute inflammation and long-lived changes in pulmonary function and allergic disease. Proteomics approaches provide important insights into post-transcriptional regulatory processes including alterations in cellular complexes regulating the coordinated innate response and epigenome.Areas covered: Peer-reviewed proteomics studies of host responses to RSV infections and proteomics techniques were analyzed. Methodologies identified include 1)." bottom-up" discovery proteomics, 2). Organellar proteomics by LC-gel fractionation; 3). Dynamic changes in protein interaction networks by LC-MS; and 4). selective reaction monitoring MS. We introduce recent developments in single-cell proteomics, top-down mass spectrometry, and photo-cleavable surfactant chemistries that will have impact on understanding how RSV induces extracellular matrix (ECM) composition and airway remodeling.Expert opinion: RSV replication induces global changes in the cellular proteome, dynamic shifts in nuclear proteins, and remodeling of epigenetic regulatory complexes linked to the innate response. Pathways discovered by proteomics technologies have led to deeper mechanistic understanding of the roles of heat shock proteins, redox response, transcriptional elongation complex remodeling and ECM secretion remodeling in host responses to RSV infections and pathological sequelae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan Mann
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH), Madison, WI, USA
| | - Allan R Brasier
- Department of Internal Medicine and Institute for Clinical and Translational Research (ICTR), University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
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37
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Ghiboub M, Elfiky AMI, de Winther MPJ, Harker NR, Tough DF, de Jonge WJ. Selective Targeting of Epigenetic Readers and Histone Deacetylases in Autoimmune and Inflammatory Diseases: Recent Advances and Future Perspectives. J Pers Med 2021; 11:336. [PMID: 33922725 PMCID: PMC8145108 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11050336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Histone deacetylases (HDACs) and bromodomain-containing proteins (BCPs) play a key role in chromatin remodeling. Based on their ability to regulate inducible gene expression in the context of inflammation and cancer, HDACs and BCPs have been the focus of drug discovery efforts, and numerous small-molecule inhibitors have been developed. However, dose-limiting toxicities of the first generation of inhibitors, which typically target multiple HDACs or BCPs, have limited translation to the clinic. Over the last decade, an increasing effort has been dedicated to designing class-, isoform-, or domain-specific HDAC or BCP inhibitors, as well as developing strategies for cell-specific targeted drug delivery. Selective inhibition of the epigenetic modulators is helping to elucidate the functions of individual epigenetic proteins and has the potential to yield better and safer therapeutic strategies. In accordance with this idea, several in vitro and in vivo studies have reported the ability of more selective HDAC/BCP inhibitors to recapitulate the beneficial effects of pan-inhibitors with less unwanted adverse events. In this review, we summarize the most recent advances with these strategies, discussing advantages and limitations of these approaches as well as some therapeutic perspectives, focusing on autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Ghiboub
- Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism Research Institute, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, 1105 BK Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (M.G.); (A.M.I.E.)
- Adaptive Immunity Research Unit, Medicines Research Centre, GlaxoSmithKline, Stevenage SG1 2NY, UK; (N.R.H.); (D.F.T.)
| | - Ahmed M. I. Elfiky
- Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism Research Institute, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, 1105 BK Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (M.G.); (A.M.I.E.)
- Adaptive Immunity Research Unit, Medicines Research Centre, GlaxoSmithKline, Stevenage SG1 2NY, UK; (N.R.H.); (D.F.T.)
| | - Menno P. J. de Winther
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
- Department of Medicine, Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK), 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Nicola R. Harker
- Adaptive Immunity Research Unit, Medicines Research Centre, GlaxoSmithKline, Stevenage SG1 2NY, UK; (N.R.H.); (D.F.T.)
| | - David F. Tough
- Adaptive Immunity Research Unit, Medicines Research Centre, GlaxoSmithKline, Stevenage SG1 2NY, UK; (N.R.H.); (D.F.T.)
| | - Wouter J. de Jonge
- Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism Research Institute, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, 1105 BK Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (M.G.); (A.M.I.E.)
- Department of Surgery, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
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Engelberg IA, Foley CA, James LI, Frye SV. Improved methods for targeting epigenetic reader domains of acetylated and methylated lysine. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2021; 63:132-144. [PMID: 33852996 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2021.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Responsible for interpreting histone post-translational modifications, epigenetic reader proteins have emerged as novel therapeutic targets for a wide range of diseases. Chemical probes have been critical in enabling target validation studies and have led to translational advances in cancer and inflammation-related pathologies. Here, we present the most recently reported probes of reader proteins that recognize acylated and methylated lysine. We will discuss challenges associated with achieving potent antagonism of reader domains and review ongoing efforts to overcome these hurdles, focusing on targeting strategies including the use of peptidomimetic ligands, allosteric modulators, and protein degraders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle A Engelberg
- Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, United States
| | - Caroline A Foley
- Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, United States
| | - Lindsey I James
- Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, United States
| | - Stephen V Frye
- Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, United States.
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Sato M, Kondo T, Kohno Y, Seto S. Discovery of benzo[f]pyrido[4,3-b][1,4]oxazepin-10-one derivatives as orally available bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) inhibitors with efficacy in an in vivo psoriatic animal model. Bioorg Med Chem 2021; 34:116015. [PMID: 33549905 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2021.116015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 01/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) protein plays an important role in epigenetic regulation, and the regulation of disruption contributes to the pathogenesis of cancer and inflammatory disease. With the goal of discovering novel BET inhibitors, especially BRD4 inhibitors, we designed and synthesized several compounds starting from our previously reported pyrido-benzodiazepinone derivative 4 to enhance BRD4 inhibitory activity while avoiding hERG inhibition. Molecular docking studies and structure-activity relationship studies led to the identification of 9-fluorobenzo[f]pyrido[4,3-b][1,4]oxazepin-10-one derivative 43, which exhibited potent BRD4 inhibitory activity with excellent potency in imiquimod-induced psoriasis model mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masanori Sato
- Watarase Research Center, Discovery Research Headquarters, Kyorin Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 1848, Nogi, Nogi-machi, Shimotsuga-gun, Tochigi 329-0114, Japan
| | - Takekazu Kondo
- Watarase Research Center, Discovery Research Headquarters, Kyorin Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 1848, Nogi, Nogi-machi, Shimotsuga-gun, Tochigi 329-0114, Japan
| | - Yasushi Kohno
- Watarase Research Center, Discovery Research Headquarters, Kyorin Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 1848, Nogi, Nogi-machi, Shimotsuga-gun, Tochigi 329-0114, Japan
| | - Shigeki Seto
- Watarase Research Center, Discovery Research Headquarters, Kyorin Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 1848, Nogi, Nogi-machi, Shimotsuga-gun, Tochigi 329-0114, Japan.
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Mann M, Roberts DS, Zhu Y, Li Y, Zhou J, Ge Y, Brasier AR. Discovery of RSV-Induced BRD4 Protein Interactions Using Native Immunoprecipitation and Parallel Accumulation-Serial Fragmentation (PASEF) Mass Spectrometry. Viruses 2021; 13:v13030454. [PMID: 33799525 PMCID: PMC8000986 DOI: 10.3390/v13030454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) causes severe inflammation and airway pathology in children and the elderly by infecting the epithelial cells of the upper and lower respiratory tract. RSV replication is sensed by intracellular pattern recognition receptors upstream of the IRF and NF-κB transcription factors. These proteins coordinate an innate inflammatory response via Bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4), a protein that functions as a scaffold for unknown transcriptional regulators. To better understand the pleiotropic regulatory function of BRD4, we examine the BRD4 interactome and identify how RSV infection dynamically alters it. To accomplish these goals, we leverage native immunoprecipitation and Parallel Accumulation—Serial Fragmentation (PASEF) mass spectrometry to examine BRD4 complexes isolated from human alveolar epithelial cells in the absence or presence of RSV infection. In addition, we explore the role of BRD4’s acetyl-lysine binding bromodomains in mediating these interactions by using a highly selective competitive bromodomain inhibitor. We identify 101 proteins that are significantly enriched in the BRD4 complex and are responsive to both RSV-infection and BRD4 inhibition. These proteins are highly enriched in transcription factors and transcriptional coactivators. Among them, we identify members of the AP1 transcription factor complex, a complex important in innate signaling and cell stress responses. We independently confirm the BRD4/AP1 interaction in primary human small airway epithelial cells. We conclude that BRD4 recruits multiple transcription factors during RSV infection in a manner dependent on acetyl-lysine binding domain interactions. This data suggests that BRD4 recruits transcription factors to target its RNA processing complex to regulate gene expression in innate immunity and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan Mann
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH), Madison, WI 53705, USA;
| | - David S. Roberts
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA; (D.S.R.); (Y.G.)
| | - Yanlong Zhu
- Human Proteomics Program, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA;
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77550, USA; (Y.L.); (J.Z.)
| | - Jia Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77550, USA; (Y.L.); (J.Z.)
| | - Ying Ge
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA; (D.S.R.); (Y.G.)
- Human Proteomics Program, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA;
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Allan R. Brasier
- Institute for Clinical and Translational Research (ICTR), University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-608-263-7371
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41
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Tang P, Zhang J, Liu J, Chiang CM, Ouyang L. Targeting Bromodomain and Extraterminal Proteins for Drug Discovery: From Current Progress to Technological Development. J Med Chem 2021; 64:2419-2435. [PMID: 33616410 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) proteins bind acetylated lysine residues in histones and nonhistone proteins via tandem bromodomains and regulate chromatin dynamics, cellular processes, and disease procession. Thus targeting BET proteins is a promising strategy for treating various diseases, especially malignant tumors and chronic inflammation. Many pan-BET small-molecule inhibitors have been described, and some of them are in clinical evaluation. Nevertheless, the limited clinical efficacy of the current BET inhibitors is also evident and has inspired the development of new technologies to improve their clinical outcomes and minimize unwanted side effects. In this Review, we summarize the latest protein characteristics and biological functions of BRD4 as an example of BET proteins, analyze the clinical development status and preclinical resistance mechanisms, and discuss recent advances in BRD4-selective inhibitors, dual-target BET inhibitors, proteolysis targeting chimera degraders, and protein-protein interaction inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pan Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jifa Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jie Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Cheng-Ming Chiang
- Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Pharmacology, and Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, United States
| | - Liang Ouyang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
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42
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Xu X, Zhu X, Liu F, Lu W, Wang Y, Yu J. The effects of histone crotonylation and bromodomain protein 4 on prostate cancer cell lines. Transl Androl Urol 2021; 10:900-914. [PMID: 33718091 PMCID: PMC7947446 DOI: 10.21037/tau-21-53] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The aims of this study were to detect the level of histone crotonylation in prostate cancer (PCa) tissues, analyze the correlations between its level and clinical stage and grade, and explore the effects of bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) inhibitors and sodium crotonate on the histone crotonylation in PCa cell lines and on the functions of PCa cells. Methods PCa tissues from 72 patients and adjacent tissues from 7 patients were collected, and immunohistochemistry was used to measure the level of histone crotonylation. Three human PCa cell lines, PC-3, LNCaP, and C42B, were selected and treated with IC50 value of I-BET762, I-BET726, and CPI-203, respectively. Next, short hairpin RNA (shRNA) transient knockdown was used to inhibit BRD4 expression. Histone crotonylation level and the expression of acetylase were determined by Western blotting. Finally, cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were measured with Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, scratch test, and Transwell test respectively. Results The level of histone crotonylation in PCa tissue was higher than that in adjacent tissues, and histone lysine crotonylation (Kcr) increased with the increasing malignancy of PCa. Treatments with I-BET762, I-BET726, and CPI-203 could inhibit the proliferation, migration, and invasion of PCa cell lines including PC-3, LNCaP, and C42B, and could also regulate the histone crotonylation and androgen receptor signaling pathways via the regulation of BRD4 expression. Conclusions PCa is closely related to histone crotonylation. Inhibition of BRD4 expression can inhibit the proliferation, migration, and invasion of PCa cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolin Xu
- Department of Urology, The Sixth People's Hospital South Campus Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Zhu
- Department of Urology, The Sixth People's Hospital South Campus Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Feng Liu
- Department of Urology, The Sixth People's Hospital South Campus Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenlong Lu
- Department of Urology, The Sixth People's Hospital South Campus Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yihan Wang
- Department of Urology, The Sixth People's Hospital South Campus Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianjun Yu
- Department of Urology, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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43
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Shigeta S, Lui GYL, Shaw R, Moser R, Gurley KE, Durenberger G, Rosati R, Diaz RL, Ince TA, Swisher EM, Grandori C, Kemp CJ. Targeting BET Proteins BRD2 and BRD3 in Combination with PI3K-AKT Inhibition as a Therapeutic Strategy for Ovarian Clear Cell Carcinoma. Mol Cancer Ther 2021; 20:691-703. [PMID: 33509905 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-20-0809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC) is a rare, chemo-resistant subtype of ovarian cancer. To identify novel therapeutic targets and combination therapies for OCCC, we subjected a set of patient-derived ovarian cancer cell lines to arrayed high-throughput siRNA and drug screening. The results indicated OCCC cells are vulnerable to knockdown of epigenetic gene targets such as bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) proteins BRD2 and BRD3. Subsequent RNA interference assays, as well as BET inhibitor treatments, validated these BET proteins as potential therapeutic targets. Because development of resistance to single targeted agents is common, we next performed sensitizer drug screens to identify potential combination therapies with the BET inhibitor CPI0610. Several PI3K or AKT inhibitors were among the top drug combinations identified and subsequent work showed CPI0610 synergized with alpelisib or MK2206 by inducing p53-independent apoptosis. We further verified synergy between CPI0610 and PI3K-AKT pathway inhibitors alpelisib, MK2206, or ipatasertib in tumor organoids obtained directly from patients with OCCC. These findings indicate further preclinical evaluation of BET inhibitors, alone or in combination with PI3K-AKT inhibitors for OCCC, is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shogo Shigeta
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Goldie Y L Lui
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Reid Shaw
- SEngine Precision Medicine, Seattle, Washington
| | - Russell Moser
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Kay E Gurley
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Grace Durenberger
- SEngine Precision Medicine, Seattle, Washington.,Cure First, Seattle, Washington
| | - Rachele Rosati
- SEngine Precision Medicine, Seattle, Washington.,Cure First, Seattle, Washington
| | - Robert L Diaz
- SEngine Precision Medicine, Seattle, Washington.,Cure First, Seattle, Washington
| | - Tan A Ince
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, and New York Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, New York
| | - Elizabeth M Swisher
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Carla Grandori
- SEngine Precision Medicine, Seattle, Washington.,Cure First, Seattle, Washington
| | - Christopher J Kemp
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington.
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44
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Skibba M, Drelich A, Poellmann M, Hong S, Brasier AR. Nanoapproaches to Modifying Epigenetics of Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition for Treatment of Pulmonary Fibrosis. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:607689. [PMID: 33384604 PMCID: PMC7770469 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.607689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is a chronically progressive interstitial lung that affects over 3 M people worldwide and rising in incidence. With a median survival of 2-3 years, IPF is consequently associated with high morbidity, mortality, and healthcare burden. Although two antifibrotic therapies, pirfenidone and nintedanib, are approved for human use, these agents reduce the rate of decline of pulmonary function but are not curative and do not reverse established fibrosis. In this review, we discuss the prevailing epithelial injury hypothesis, wherein pathogenic airway epithelial cell-state changes known as Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) promotes the expansion of myofibroblast populations. Myofibroblasts are principal components of extracellular matrix production that result in airspace loss and mortality. We review the epigenetic transition driving EMT, a process produced by changes in histone acetylation regulating mesenchymal gene expression programs. This mechanistic work has focused on the central role of bromodomain-containing protein 4 in mediating EMT and myofibroblast transition and initial preclinical work has provided evidence of efficacy. As nanomedicine presents a promising approach to enhancing the efficacy of such anti-IPF agents, we then focus on the state of nanomedicine formulations for inhalable delivery in the treatment of pulmonary diseases, including liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles (NPs), inorganic NPs, and exosomes. These nanoscale agents potentially provide unique properties to existing pulmonary therapeutics, including controlled release, reduced systemic toxicity, and combination delivery. NP-based approaches for pulmonary delivery thus offer substantial promise to modify epigenetic regulators of EMT and advance treatments for IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Skibba
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH), Madison, WI, United States
| | - Adam Drelich
- School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Michael Poellmann
- School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Seungpyo Hong
- School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
- Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH), Madison, WI, United States
- Yonsei Frontier Lab, Department of Pharmacy, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Allan R. Brasier
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH), Madison, WI, United States
- Institute for Clinical and Translational Research (ICTR), University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
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45
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Checa J, Aran JM. Airway Redox Homeostasis and Inflammation Gone Awry: From Molecular Pathogenesis to Emerging Therapeutics in Respiratory Pathology. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E9317. [PMID: 33297418 PMCID: PMC7731288 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21239317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
As aerobic organisms, we are continuously and throughout our lifetime subjected to an oxidizing atmosphere and, most often, to environmental threats. The lung is the internal organ most highly exposed to this milieu. Therefore, it has evolved to confront both oxidative stress induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS) and a variety of pollutants, pathogens, and allergens that promote inflammation and can harm the airways to different degrees. Indeed, an excess of ROS, generated intrinsically or from external sources, can imprint direct damage to key structural cell components (nucleic acids, sugars, lipids, and proteins) and indirectly perturb ROS-mediated signaling in lung epithelia, impairing its homeostasis. These early events complemented with efficient recognition of pathogen- or damage-associated recognition patterns by the airway resident cells alert the immune system, which mounts an inflammatory response to remove the hazards, including collateral dead cells and cellular debris, in an attempt to return to homeostatic conditions. Thus, any major or chronic dysregulation of the redox balance, the air-liquid interface, or defects in epithelial proteins impairing mucociliary clearance or other defense systems may lead to airway damage. Here, we review our understanding of the key role of oxidative stress and inflammation in respiratory pathology, and extensively report current and future trends in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory treatments focusing on the following major acute and chronic lung diseases: acute lung injury/respiratory distress syndrome, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pulmonary fibrosis, and cystic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Josep M. Aran
- Immune-Inflammatory Processes and Gene Therapeutics Group, IDIBELL, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08908 Barcelona, Spain;
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46
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Qaradakhi T, Gadanec LK, McSweeney KR, Abraham JR, Apostolopoulos V, Zulli A. The Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Taurine on Cardiovascular Disease. Nutrients 2020; 12:E2847. [PMID: 32957558 PMCID: PMC7551180 DOI: 10.3390/nu12092847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Taurine is a non-protein amino acid that is expressed in the majority of animal tissues. With its unique sulfonic acid makeup, taurine influences cellular functions, including osmoregulation, antioxidation, ion movement modulation, and conjugation of bile acids. Taurine exerts anti-inflammatory effects that improve diabetes and has shown benefits to the cardiovascular system, possibly by inhibition of the renin angiotensin system. The beneficial effects of taurine are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tawar Qaradakhi
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 8001, Australia; (L.K.G.); (K.R.M.); (J.R.A.); (V.A.); (A.Z.)
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47
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Wellaway CR, Bamborough P, Bernard SG, Chung CW, Craggs PD, Cutler L, Demont EH, Evans JP, Gordon L, Karamshi B, Lewis AJ, Lindon MJ, Mitchell DJ, Rioja I, Soden PE, Taylor S, Watson RJ, Willis R, Woolven JM, Wyspiańska BS, Kerr WJ, Prinjha RK. Structure-Based Design of a Bromodomain and Extraterminal Domain (BET) Inhibitor Selective for the N-Terminal Bromodomains That Retains an Anti-inflammatory and Antiproliferative Phenotype. J Med Chem 2020; 63:9020-9044. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c00566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher R. Wellaway
- GSK, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Bamborough
- GSK, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, United Kingdom
| | - Sharon G. Bernard
- GSK, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, United Kingdom
| | - Chun-wa Chung
- GSK, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, United Kingdom
| | - Peter D. Craggs
- GSK, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, United Kingdom
| | - Leanne Cutler
- GSK, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, United Kingdom
| | - Emmanuel H. Demont
- GSK, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, United Kingdom
| | - John P. Evans
- GSK, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, United Kingdom
| | - Laurie Gordon
- GSK, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, United Kingdom
| | - Bhumika Karamshi
- GSK, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, United Kingdom
| | - Antonia J. Lewis
- GSK, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew J. Lindon
- GSK, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, United Kingdom
| | - Darren J. Mitchell
- GSK, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, United Kingdom
| | - Inmaculada Rioja
- GSK, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, United Kingdom
| | - Peter E. Soden
- GSK, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, United Kingdom
| | - Simon Taylor
- GSK, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, United Kingdom
| | - Robert J. Watson
- GSK, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, United Kingdom
| | - Rob Willis
- GSK, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, United Kingdom
| | - James M. Woolven
- GSK, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, United Kingdom
| | - Beata S. Wyspiańska
- GSK, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, United Kingdom
| | - William J. Kerr
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, WestCHEM, University of Strathclyde, 295 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G1 1XL, United Kingdom
| | - Rab K. Prinjha
- GSK, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, United Kingdom
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48
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Petretich M, Demont EH, Grandi P. Domain-selective targeting of BET proteins in cancer and immunological diseases. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2020; 57:184-193. [PMID: 32741705 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2020.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Cancer and inflammation are strongly interconnected processes. Chronic inflammatory pathologies can be at the heart of tumor development; similarly, tumor-elicited inflammation is a consequence of many cancers. The mechanistic interdependence between cancer and inflammatory pathologies points toward common protein effectors which represent potential shared targets for pharmacological intervention. Epigenetic mechanisms often drive resistance to cancer therapy and immunomodulatory strategies. The bromodomain and extraterminal domain (BET) proteins are epigenetic adapters which play a major role in controlling cell proliferation and the production of inflammatory mediators. A plethora of small molecules aimed at inhibiting BET protein function to treat cancer and inflammatory diseases have populated academic and industry efforts in the last 10 years. In this review, we will discuss recent pharmacological approaches aimed at targeting a single or a subset of the eight bromodomains within the BET family which have the potential to tease apart clinical efficacy and safety signals of BET inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Petretich
- Cellzome GmbH, Functional Genomics R&D, GlaxoSmithKline, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Emmanuel H Demont
- Medicinal Chemistry, GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, UK
| | - Paola Grandi
- Cellzome GmbH, Functional Genomics R&D, GlaxoSmithKline, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany.
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Zhou Z, Li X, Liu Z, Huang L, Yao Y, Li L, Chen J, Zhang R, Zhou J, Wang L, Zhang QQ. A Bromodomain-Containing Protein 4 (BRD4) Inhibitor Suppresses Angiogenesis by Regulating AP-1 Expression. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:1043. [PMID: 32765266 PMCID: PMC7381267 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.01043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis dysregulation contributes to inflammation, infections, immune disorders, and carcinogenesis. Bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) is an epigenetic reader that recognizes histone proteins and acts as a transcriptional regulator to trigger tumor growth and the inflammatory response. The pan-bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) inhibitor, (+)-JQ1 (1), was reported to inhibit angiogenesis. However, owing to the non-selectivity action of (+)-JQ1 towards all BET family members, the role of BRD4 and that of its bromodomains (BD1 and BD2) in angiogenesis remains elusive. Herein, we identified a potent BRD4 inhibitor, ZL0513 (7), which exhibited significant anti-angiogenic effects in chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) and yolk sac membrane (YSM) models. This inhibitor also directly suppressed the viability and tube formation of human umbilical vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs). Moreover, ZL0513 (7) was found to inhibit the phosphorylation of c-jun and c-fos, important members of activating protein-1 (AP-1) transcription factor complexes that enhance angiogenesis. The findings on this novel BRD4 inhibitor indicate that, in addition to being a powerful pharmacological tool for further elucidating the roles and functions of BRD4 and its BD domains in angiogenesis, it may serve as a potential therapeutic strategy for targeting the vasculature in various angiogenesis-dysregulated human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zijun Zhou
- School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoming Li
- Department of Pathology, People’s Hospital of Baoan District, Affiliated Baoan Hospital of Shenzhen, Southern Medical University, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhiqing Liu
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Lixun Huang
- School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuying Yao
- School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liuyou Li
- School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jian Chen
- School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rongxin Zhang
- School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Biotechnology Drug Candidates, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jia Zhou
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Lijing Wang
- School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Biotechnology Drug Candidates, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qian-Qian Zhang
- School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory for Biotechnology Drug Candidates, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
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50
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Sheppard GS, Wang L, Fidanze SD, Hasvold LA, Liu D, Pratt JK, Park CH, Longenecker K, Qiu W, Torrent M, Kovar PJ, Bui M, Faivre E, Huang X, Lin X, Wilcox D, Zhang L, Shen Y, Albert DH, Magoc TJ, Rajaraman G, Kati WM, McDaniel KF. Discovery of N-Ethyl-4-[2-(4-fluoro-2,6-dimethyl-phenoxy)-5-(1-hydroxy-1-methyl-ethyl)phenyl]-6-methyl-7-oxo-1 H-pyrrolo[2,3- c]pyridine-2-carboxamide (ABBV-744), a BET Bromodomain Inhibitor with Selectivity for the Second Bromodomain. J Med Chem 2020; 63:5585-5623. [PMID: 32324999 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c00628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The BET family of proteins consists of BRD2, BRD3, BRD4, and BRDt. Each protein contains two distinct bromodomains (BD1 and BD2). BET family bromodomain inhibitors under clinical development for oncology bind to each of the eight bromodomains with similar affinities. We hypothesized that it may be possible to achieve an improved therapeutic index by selectively targeting subsets of the BET bromodomains. Both BD1 and BD2 are highly conserved across family members (>70% identity), whereas BD1 and BD2 from the same protein exhibit a larger degree of divergence (∼40% identity), suggesting selectivity between BD1 and BD2 of all family members would be more straightforward to achieve. Exploiting the Asp144/His437 and Ile146/Val439 sequence differences (BRD4 BD1/BD2 numbering) allowed the identification of compound 27 demonstrating greater than 100-fold selectivity for BRD4 BD2 over BRD4 BD1. Further optimization to improve BD2 selectivity and oral bioavailability resulted in the clinical development compound 46 (ABBV-744).
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Affiliation(s)
- George S Sheppard
- Oncology Discovery, AbbVie Inc., 1 North Waukegan Road, North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Le Wang
- Oncology Discovery, AbbVie Inc., 1 North Waukegan Road, North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Steven D Fidanze
- Oncology Discovery, AbbVie Inc., 1 North Waukegan Road, North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Lisa A Hasvold
- Oncology Discovery, AbbVie Inc., 1 North Waukegan Road, North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Dachun Liu
- Oncology Discovery, AbbVie Inc., 1 North Waukegan Road, North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - John K Pratt
- Oncology Discovery, AbbVie Inc., 1 North Waukegan Road, North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Chang H Park
- Oncology Discovery, AbbVie Inc., 1 North Waukegan Road, North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Kenton Longenecker
- Oncology Discovery, AbbVie Inc., 1 North Waukegan Road, North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Wei Qiu
- Oncology Discovery, AbbVie Inc., 1 North Waukegan Road, North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Maricel Torrent
- Oncology Discovery, AbbVie Inc., 1 North Waukegan Road, North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Peter J Kovar
- Oncology Discovery, AbbVie Inc., 1 North Waukegan Road, North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Mai Bui
- Oncology Discovery, AbbVie Inc., 1 North Waukegan Road, North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Emily Faivre
- Oncology Discovery, AbbVie Inc., 1 North Waukegan Road, North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Xiaoli Huang
- Oncology Discovery, AbbVie Inc., 1 North Waukegan Road, North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Xiaoyu Lin
- Oncology Discovery, AbbVie Inc., 1 North Waukegan Road, North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Denise Wilcox
- Oncology Discovery, AbbVie Inc., 1 North Waukegan Road, North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Lu Zhang
- Oncology Discovery, AbbVie Inc., 1 North Waukegan Road, North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Yu Shen
- Oncology Discovery, AbbVie Inc., 1 North Waukegan Road, North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Daniel H Albert
- Oncology Discovery, AbbVie Inc., 1 North Waukegan Road, North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Terrance J Magoc
- Oncology Discovery, AbbVie Inc., 1 North Waukegan Road, North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Ganesh Rajaraman
- Oncology Discovery, AbbVie Inc., 1 North Waukegan Road, North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Warren M Kati
- Oncology Discovery, AbbVie Inc., 1 North Waukegan Road, North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Keith F McDaniel
- Oncology Discovery, AbbVie Inc., 1 North Waukegan Road, North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
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