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Chen W, Fang H, He H, Ping J, Ge J. An Effective Reaction-Based Virtual Screening Method to Discover New CDK8 Ligands. ChemMedChem 2025; 20:e202400825. [PMID: 39972506 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202400825] [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: 10/18/2024] [Revised: 02/17/2025] [Accepted: 02/18/2025] [Indexed: 02/21/2025]
Abstract
Cyclin Dependent Kinase 8 (CDK8) is a valuable drug target for cancer suppression. Through an effective reaction-based virtual screening method consisting of pharmacophore modeling, Scifinder database searches, and energy evaluations, a number of new type II CDK8 ligands were discovered with comparable or better binding free energies than the ones reported in literature. In this method, a pharmacophore model, derived from seven crystal structures of CDK8 and type II ligands, was able to catch the key interactions for ligands binding at the ATP binding site of CDK8. This model then was used to screen the results from Scifinder database searches that apply chemical reaction rules in the search cycles, and the output compounds were evaluated and ranked first by a fast energy estimation method and then by the VM2 free energy calculation method. Among the top discovered ligands, three have lower Kd values against CDK8 than a potent reference ligand, and compound F (3-[3-tert-butyl-1-(4-methylphenyl)-1H-pyrazol-5-yl]-1-(8-hydroxynaphthalen-1-yl)urea) is the most potent one with an Kd value of 7.5 nM. Compound F has a relatively small molecular structure, receives both strong van der Waals energy and optimized overall electrostatic energy when binding with CDK8, and deserves to be a promising lead compound for further development. This effective virtual screening method and the novel compounds found in this work have implications for CDK8 drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Fuzhou Medical College of NanChang University, Fuzhou, JiangXi, 344000, China
- Key Laboratory of AI-Powered Innovation in Drug Discovery of Jiangxi Education Institutes, Fuzhou, JiangXi, 344000, China
| | - Hanlin Fang
- School of Pharmacy, Fuzhou Medical College of NanChang University, Fuzhou, JiangXi, 344000, China
| | - Huan He
- School of Pharmacy, Fuzhou Medical College of NanChang University, Fuzhou, JiangXi, 344000, China
- Key Laboratory of AI-Powered Innovation in Drug Discovery of Jiangxi Education Institutes, Fuzhou, JiangXi, 344000, China
| | - Jing Ping
- School of Pharmacy, Fuzhou Medical College of NanChang University, Fuzhou, JiangXi, 344000, China
- Key Laboratory of AI-Powered Innovation in Drug Discovery of Jiangxi Education Institutes, Fuzhou, JiangXi, 344000, China
| | - Jianxin Ge
- Fuzhou Ecological Environment Technology Support Center, Fuzhou, JiangXi, 344000, China
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2
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Chen Y, Chi X, Zhang H, Zhang Y, Qiao L, Ding J, Han Y, Lin Y, Jiang J. Identification of Potent Zika Virus NS5 RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase Inhibitors Combining Virtual Screening and Biological Assays. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24031900. [PMID: 36768218 PMCID: PMC9915956 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24031900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The Zika virus (ZIKV) epidemic poses a significant threat to human health globally. Thus, there is an urgent need for developing effective anti-ZIKV agents. ZIKV non-structural protein 5 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), a viral enzyme for viral replication, has been considered an attractive drug target. In this work, we screened an anti-infection compound library and a natural product library by virtual screening to identify potential candidates targeting RdRp. Then, five selected candidates were further applied for RdRp enzymatic analysis, cytotoxicity, and binding examination by SPR. Finally, posaconazole (POS) was confirmed to effectively inhibit both RdRp activity with an IC50 of 4.29 μM and the ZIKV replication with an EC50 of 0.59 μM. Moreover, POS was shown to reduce RdRp activity by binding with the key amino acid D666 through molecular docking and site-directed mutation analysis. For the first time, our work found that POS could inhibit ZIKV replication with a stronger inhibitory activity than chloroquine. This work also demonstrated fast anti-ZIKV screening for inhibitors of RdRp and provided POS as a potential anti-ZIKV agent.
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3
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Discovery of a potent, highly selective, and orally bioavailable inhibitor of CDK8 through a structure-based optimisation. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 218:113391. [PMID: 33823391 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
CDK8 is deregulated in multiple types of human cancer and is viewed as a therapeutic target for the treatment of the disease. Accordingly, the search for small-molecule inhibitors of CDK8 is being intensified. Capitalising on our initial discovery of AU1-100, a potent CDK8 inhibitor yet with a limited degree of kinase selectivity, a structure-based optimisation was carried out, with a series of new multi-substituted pyridines rationally designed, chemically prepared and biologically evaluated. Such endeavour has culminated in the identification of 42, a more potent CDK8 inhibitor with superior kinomic selectivity and oral bioavailability. The mechanism underlying the anti-proliferative effect of 42 on MV4-11 cells was studied, revealing that the compound arrested the G1 cell cycle and triggered apoptosis. The low risk of hepato- and cardio-toxicity of 42 was estimated. These findings merit further investigation of 42 as a targeted cancer therapeutic.
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4
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Yu M, Teo T, Yang Y, Li M, Long Y, Philip S, Noll B, Heinemann GK, Diab S, Eldi P, Mekonnen L, Anshabo AT, Rahaman MH, Milne R, Hayball JD, Wang S. Potent and orally bioavailable CDK8 inhibitors: Design, synthesis, structure-activity relationship analysis and biological evaluation. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 214:113248. [PMID: 33571827 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
CDK8 regulates transcription either by phosphorylation of transcription factors or, as part of a four-subunit kinase module, through a reversible association of the kinase module with the Mediator complex, a highly conserved transcriptional coactivator. Deregulation of CDK8 has been found in various types of human cancer, while the role of CDK8 in supressing anti-cancer response of natural killer cells is being understood. Currently, CDK8-targeting cancer drugs are highly sought-after. Herein we detail the discovery of a series of novel pyridine-derived CDK8 inhibitors. Medicinal chemistry optimisation gave rise to 38 (AU1-100), a potent CDK8 inhibitor with oral bioavailability. The compound inhibited the proliferation of MV4-11 acute myeloid leukaemia cells with the kinase activity of cellular CDK8 dampened. No systemic toxicology was observed in the mice treated with 38. These results warrant further pre-clinical studies of 38 as an anti-cancer agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingfeng Yu
- Drug Discovery and Development, Cancer Research Institute, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000, Australia
| | - Theodosia Teo
- Drug Discovery and Development, Cancer Research Institute, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000, Australia
| | - Yuchao Yang
- Drug Discovery and Development, Cancer Research Institute, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000, Australia
| | - Manjun Li
- Drug Discovery and Development, Cancer Research Institute, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000, Australia
| | - Yi Long
- Drug Discovery and Development, Cancer Research Institute, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000, Australia
| | - Stephen Philip
- Drug Discovery and Development, Cancer Research Institute, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000, Australia
| | - Benjamin Noll
- Drug Discovery and Development, Cancer Research Institute, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000, Australia
| | - Gary K Heinemann
- Drug Discovery and Development, Cancer Research Institute, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000, Australia
| | - Sarah Diab
- Drug Discovery and Development, Cancer Research Institute, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000, Australia
| | - Preethi Eldi
- Experimental Therapeutics, Cancer Research Institute, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000, Australia
| | - Laychiluh Mekonnen
- Drug Discovery and Development, Cancer Research Institute, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000, Australia
| | - Abel T Anshabo
- Drug Discovery and Development, Cancer Research Institute, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000, Australia
| | - Muhammed H Rahaman
- Drug Discovery and Development, Cancer Research Institute, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000, Australia
| | - Robert Milne
- Drug Discovery and Development, Cancer Research Institute, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000, Australia
| | - John D Hayball
- Experimental Therapeutics, Cancer Research Institute, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000, Australia
| | - Shudong Wang
- Drug Discovery and Development, Cancer Research Institute, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000, Australia.
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5
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Wang M, Liu T, Chen S, Wu M, Han J, Li Z. Design and synthesis of 3-(4-pyridyl)-5-(4-sulfamido-phenyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazole derivatives as novel GSK-3β inhibitors and evaluation of their potential as multifunctional anti-Alzheimer agents. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 209:112874. [PMID: 33017743 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Pleiotropic intervention has prominent advantages for complex pathomechanisms, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). In this study, a series of novel 3-(4-pyridyl)-5-(4- sulfamido-phenyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazole derivatives were designed and synthesized following the multitarget-directed ligand-based strategy. All compounds were evaluated for glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β) inhibition and antineuroinflammatory and neuroprotective activities. Given that abnormal glucose metabolism plays an important role in AD occurrence and development, the effects of all compounds on glucose consumption in HepG2 cells was evaluated. Compounds 5e and 10b showed good dual potency in GSK-3β inhibition (IC50: 5e = 1.52 μM, 10b = 0.19 μM) and antineuroinflammatory potency (IC50: 5e = 0.47 ± 0.64 μM, 10b = 6.94 ± 2.33 μM). The effect of compound 10b on glucose consumption was higher than that of positive drug metformin. These compounds exerted a certain neuroprotective effect. Compound 10b dramatically reduced Aβ-induced Tau hyperphosphorylation, thus inhibiting GSK-3β at the cellular level. Notably, compounds 5e and 10b exhibited good inhibitory effects on the formation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). Moreover, these compounds displayed proper blood-brain barrier permeability and lacked neurotoxicity up to 50 μM concentration. Finally, in vivo experiments revealed that compound 10b improved cognitive impairment in scopolamine-induced mouse models. Results indicated that compound 10b deserves further study as a multifunctional lead compound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University; The Key Llaboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Tongtong Liu
- The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University; The Key Llaboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Shiming Chen
- The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University; The Key Llaboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Mingfei Wu
- The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University; The Key Llaboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Jianfei Han
- The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University; The Key Llaboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Zeng Li
- The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University; The Key Llaboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, 230032, China.
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6
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Wu D, Zhang Z, Chen X, Yan Y, Liu X. Angel or Devil ? - CDK8 as the new drug target. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 213:113043. [PMID: 33257171 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.113043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase 8 (CDK8) plays an momentous role in transcription regulation by forming kinase module or transcription factor phosphorylation. A large number of evidences have identified CDK8 as an important factor in cancer occurrence and development. In addition, CDK8 also participates in the regulation of cancer cell stress response to radiotherapy and chemotherapy, assists tumor cell invasion, metastasis, and drug resistance. Therefore, CDK8 is regarded as a promising target for cancer therapy. Most studies in recent years supported the role of CDK8 as a carcinogen, however, under certain conditions, CDK8 exists as a tumor suppressor. The functional diversity of CDK8 and its exceptional role in different types of cancer have aroused great interest from scientists but even more controversy during the discovery of CDK8 inhibitors. In addition, CDK8 appears to be an effective target for inflammation diseases and immune system disorders. Therefore, we summarized the research results of CDK8, involving physiological/pathogenic mechanisms and the development status of compounds targeting CDK8, provide a reference for the feasibility evaluation of CDK8 as a therapeutic target, and guidance for researchers who are involved in this field for the first time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Wu
- School of Biological Engineering, Hefei Technology College, Hefei, 238000, PR China
| | - Zhaoyan Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, PR China
| | - Xing Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, PR China
| | - Yaoyao Yan
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, PR China
| | - Xinhua Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, PR China.
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7
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Damm-Ganamet KL, Rives ML, Wickenden AD, McAllister HM, Mirzadegan T. A computational approach yields selective inhibitors of human excitatory amino acid transporter 2 (EAAT2). J Biol Chem 2020; 295:4359-4366. [PMID: 32079674 PMCID: PMC7105306 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ac119.011190] [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: 09/20/2019] [Revised: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Excitatory amino acid transporters (EAATs) represent a protein family that is an emerging drug target with great therapeutic potential for managing central nervous system disorders characterized by dysregulation of glutamatergic neurotransmission. As such, it is of significant interest to discover selective modulators of EAAT2 function. Here, we applied computational methods to identify specific EAAT2 inhibitors. Utilizing a homology model of human EAAT2, we identified a binding pocket at the interface of the transport and trimerization domain. We next conducted a high-throughput virtual screen against this site and identified a selective class of EAAT2 inhibitors that were tested in glutamate uptake and whole-cell electrophysiology assays. These compounds represent potentially useful pharmacological tools suitable for further exploration of the therapeutic potential of EAAT2 and may provide molecular insights into mechanisms of allosteric modulation for glutamate transporters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly L Damm-Ganamet
- Discovery Sciences, Janssen Research and Development, San Diego, California 92121.
| | - Marie-Laure Rives
- Discovery Sciences, Janssen Research and Development, San Diego, California 92121
| | - Alan D Wickenden
- Discovery Sciences, Janssen Research and Development, San Diego, California 92121
| | - Heather M McAllister
- Discovery Sciences, Janssen Research and Development, San Diego, California 92121
| | - Taraneh Mirzadegan
- Discovery Sciences, Janssen Research and Development, San Diego, California 92121
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8
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Ma D, Chen X, Shen XB, Sheng LQ, Liu XH. Binding patterns and structure–activity relationship of CDK8 inhibitors. Bioorg Chem 2020; 96:103624. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2020.103624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Revised: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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9
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Damm-Ganamet KL, Arora N, Becart S, Edwards JP, Lebsack AD, McAllister HM, Nelen MI, Rao NL, Westover L, Wiener JJM, Mirzadegan T. Accelerating Lead Identification by High Throughput Virtual Screening: Prospective Case Studies from the Pharmaceutical Industry. J Chem Inf Model 2019; 59:2046-2062. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.8b00941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Marina I. Nelen
- Discovery Sciences, Janssen Research and Development, Welsh and McKean Roads, Spring House, Pennsylvania 19477, United States
| | | | - Lori Westover
- Discovery Sciences, Janssen Research and Development, Welsh and McKean Roads, Spring House, Pennsylvania 19477, United States
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10
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Cheng W, Yang Z, Wang S, Li Y, Wei H, Tian X, Kan Q. Recent development of CDK inhibitors: An overview of CDK/inhibitor co-crystal structures. Eur J Med Chem 2019; 164:615-639. [PMID: 30639897 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2018] [Revised: 12/31/2018] [Accepted: 01/02/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The cyclin-dependent protein kinases (CDKs) are protein-serine/threonine kinases that display crucial effects in regulation of cell cycle and transcription. While the excessive expression of CDKs is intimate related to the development of diseases including cancers, which provides opportunities for disease treatment. A large number of small molecules are explored targeting CDKs. CDK/inhibitor co-crystal structures play an important role during the exploration of inhibitors. So far nine kinds of CDK/inhibitor co-crystals have been determined, they account for the highest proportion among the Protein Data Bank (PDB) deposited crystal structures. Herein, we review main co-crystals of CDKs in complex with corresponding inhibitors reported in recent years, focusing our attention on the binding models and the pharmacological activities of inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiyan Cheng
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China; Henan Key Laboratory of Precision Clinical Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Zhiheng Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China; Henan Key Laboratory of Precision Clinical Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Suhua Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China; Henan Key Laboratory of Precision Clinical Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China; Henan Key Laboratory of Precision Clinical Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Han Wei
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China; Henan Key Laboratory of Precision Clinical Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Xin Tian
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China; Henan Key Laboratory of Precision Clinical Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China.
| | - Quancheng Kan
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China; Henan Key Laboratory of Precision Clinical Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China.
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11
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Xi M, Chen T, Wu C, Gao X, Wu Y, Luo X, Du K, Yu L, Cai T, Shen R, Sun H. CDK8 as a therapeutic target for cancers and recent developments in discovery of CDK8 inhibitors. Eur J Med Chem 2018; 164:77-91. [PMID: 30594029 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2018.11.076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Revised: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinases 8 (CDK8) regulates transcriptional process via associating with the mediator complex or phosphorylating transcription factors (TF). Overexpression of CDK8 has been observed in various cancers. It mediates aberrant activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, which is initially recognized and best studied in colorectal cancer (CRC). CDK8 acts as an oncogene and represents a potential target for developing novel CDK8 inhibitors in cancer therapeutics. However, other study has revealed its contrary role. The function of CDK8 is context dependent. Even so, a variety of potent and selective CDK8 inhibitors have been discovered after crystal structures were resolved in two states (active or inactive). In this review, we summarize co-crystal structures, biological mechanisms, dysregulation in cancers and recent progress in the field of CDK8 inhibitors, trying to offer an outlook of CDK8 inhibitors in cancer therapy in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiyang Xi
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, 312000, China
| | - Tingkai Chen
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Chunlei Wu
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, 312000, China
| | - Xiaozhong Gao
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, 312000, China
| | - Yonghua Wu
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, 312000, China
| | - Xiang Luo
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, 312000, China
| | - Kui Du
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, 312000, China
| | - Lemao Yu
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, 312000, China
| | - Tao Cai
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, 312000, China
| | - Runpu Shen
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, 312000, China
| | - Haopeng Sun
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
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12
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Chen W, Ren X, Chang CEA. Discovery of CDK8/CycC Ligands with a New Virtual Screening Tool. ChemMedChem 2018; 14:107-118. [PMID: 30403831 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201800559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2018] [Revised: 11/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Selective inhibition of cyclin-dependent kinase 8 and cyclin C (CDK8/CycC) has been suggested as a promising strategy for decreasing mitogenic signals in cancer cells with reduced toxicity toward normal cells. We developed a novel virtual screening protocol for drug development and applied it to the discovery of new CDK8/CycC type II ligands, which is likely to achieve long residence time and specificity. We first analyzed the binding thermodynamics of 11 published pyrazolourea ligands using molecular dynamics simulations and a free-energy calculation method, VM2, and extracted the key binding information to assist virtual screening. The urea moiety was found to be the critical structural contributor of the reference ligands. Starting with the urea moiety, we conducted substructure-based searches with our newly developed superposition and single-point energy evaluation method, followed by free-energy calculations, and singled out three purchasable compounds for bioassay testing. The ranking from the experimental results is completely consistent with the predicted rankings. A potent drug-like compound was found to have a Kd value of 42.5 nm, which is similar to those of the most potent reference ligands; this provided a good starting point for further improvement. This study shows that our novel virtual screening protocol is an accurate and efficient tool for drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Chen
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA.,ChemConsulting LLC, Frederick, MD, 21704, USA.,NanChang Lead Biotech LLC, NanChang, JiangXi, 330096, China
| | - Xiaodong Ren
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Chia-En A Chang
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
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13
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Using 3D-QSAR and molecular docking insight into inhibitors binding with complex-associated kinases CDK8. J Mol Struct 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2018.05.072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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14
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Abstract
Inhibition of CDKs is an attractive approach to cancer therapy due to their vital role in cell growth and transcription. Pan-CDK inhibitors have shown some clinical benefit, and trials are ongoing. Selective CDK4 and CDK6 inhibitors have been licensed for the treatment of hormone responsive, RB-positive breast cancer in combination with antihormonal agents. Selective inhibitors of CDKs 5, 7, 8, 9 and 12 have been identified across a range of chemotypes.
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15
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Cholko T, Chen W, Tang Z, Chang CEA. A molecular dynamics investigation of CDK8/CycC and ligand binding: conformational flexibility and implication in drug discovery. J Comput Aided Mol Des 2018; 32:671-685. [PMID: 29737445 DOI: 10.1007/s10822-018-0120-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2017] [Accepted: 05/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Abnormal activity of cyclin-dependent kinase 8 (CDK8) along with its partner protein cyclin C (CycC) is a common feature of many diseases including colorectal cancer. Using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, this study determined the dynamics of the CDK8-CycC system and we obtained detailed breakdowns of binding energy contributions for four type-I and five type-II CDK8 inhibitors. We revealed system motions and conformational changes that will affect ligand binding, confirmed the essentialness of CycC for inclusion in future computational studies, and provide guidance in development of CDK8 binders. We employed unbiased all-atom MD simulations for 500 ns on twelve CDK8-CycC systems, including apoproteins and protein-ligand complexes, then performed principal component analysis (PCA) and measured the RMSF of key regions to identify protein dynamics. Binding pocket volume analysis identified conformational changes that accompany ligand binding. Next, H-bond analysis, residue-wise interaction calculations, and MM/PBSA were performed to characterize protein-ligand interactions and find the binding energy. We discovered that CycC is vital for maintaining a proper conformation of CDK8 to facilitate ligand binding and that the system exhibits motion that should be carefully considered in future computational work. Surprisingly, we found that motion of the activation loop did not affect ligand binding. Type-I and type-II ligand binding is driven by van der Waals interactions, but electrostatic energy and entropic penalties affect type-II binding as well. Binding of both ligand types affects protein flexibility. Based on this we provide suggestions for development of tighter-binding CDK8 inhibitors and offer insight that can aid future computational studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy Cholko
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Zhiye Tang
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Chia-En A Chang
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA.
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