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Zhang Y, Shan L, Tang W, Ge Y, Li C, Zhang J. Recent Discovery and Development of Inhibitors that Target CDK9 and Their Therapeutic Indications. J Med Chem 2024; 67:5185-5215. [PMID: 38564299 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00312] [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: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
CDK9 is a cyclin-dependent kinase that plays pivotal roles in multiple cellular functions including gene transcription, cell cycle regulation, DNA damage repair, and cellular differentiation. Targeting CDK9 is considered an attractive strategy for antitumor therapy, especially for leukemia and lymphoma. Several potent small molecule inhibitors, exemplified by TG02 (4), have progressed to clinical trials. However, many of them face challenges such as low clinical efficacy and multiple adverse reactions and may necessitate the exploration of novel strategies to lead to success in the clinic. In this perspective, we present a comprehensive overview of the structural characteristics, biological functions, and preclinical status of CDK9 inhibitors. Our focus extends to various types of inhibitors, including pan-inhibitors, selective inhibitors, dual-target inhibitors, degraders, PPI inhibitors, and natural products. The discussion encompasses chemical structures, structure-activity relationships (SARs), biological activities, selectivity, and therapeutic potential, providing detailed insight into the diverse landscape of CDK9 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuming Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Neuro-system and Multimorbidity Laboratory and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan, China
- West China College of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan, China
| | - Lianhai Shan
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031 Sichuan, China
| | - Wentao Tang
- Department of Neurology, Neuro-system and Multimorbidity Laboratory and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan, China
| | - Yating Ge
- Department of Neurology, Neuro-system and Multimorbidity Laboratory and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan, China
| | - ChengXian Li
- Department of Neurology, Neuro-system and Multimorbidity Laboratory and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan, China
| | - Jifa Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Neuro-system and Multimorbidity Laboratory and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan, China
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2
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Haas BC, Lim NK, Jermaks J, Gaster E, Guo MC, Malig TC, Werth J, Zhang H, Toste FD, Gosselin F, Miller SJ, Sigman MS. Enantioselective Sulfonimidamide Acylation via a Cinchona Alkaloid-Catalyzed Desymmetrization: Scope, Data Science, and Mechanistic Investigation. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:8536-8546. [PMID: 38480482 PMCID: PMC10990064 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c00374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Methods to access chiral sulfur(VI) pharmacophores are of interest in medicinal and synthetic chemistry. We report the desymmetrization of unprotected sulfonimidamides via asymmetric acylation with a cinchona-phosphinate catalyst. The desired products are formed in excellent yield and enantioselectivity with no observed bis-acylation. A data-science-driven approach to substrate scope evaluation was coupled to high throughput experimentation (HTE) to facilitate statistical modeling in order to inform mechanistic studies. Reaction kinetics, catalyst structural studies, and density functional theory (DFT) transition state analysis elucidated the turnover-limiting step to be the collapse of the tetrahedral intermediate and provided key insights into the catalyst-substrate structure-activity relationships responsible for the origin of the enantioselectivity. This study offers a reliable method for accessing enantioenriched sulfonimidamides to propel their application as pharmacophores and serves as an example of the mechanistic insight that can be gleaned from integrating data science and traditional physical organic techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany C Haas
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Ngiap-Kie Lim
- Department of Synthetic Molecule Process Chemistry, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Janis Jermaks
- Department of Synthetic Molecule Process Chemistry, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Eden Gaster
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
| | - Melody C Guo
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
| | - Thomas C Malig
- Department of Synthetic Molecule Analytical Chemistry, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Jacob Werth
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Haiming Zhang
- Department of Synthetic Molecule Process Chemistry, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - F Dean Toste
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Francis Gosselin
- Department of Synthetic Molecule Process Chemistry, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Scott J Miller
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
| | - Matthew S Sigman
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
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3
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Rebstock AS, Wiedmann M, Stelte-Ludwig B, Wong H, Johnson AJ, Izumi R, Hamdy A, Lerchen HG. Neutrophil elastase as a versatile cleavage enzyme for activation of αvβ3 integrin-targeted small molecule drug conjugates with different payload classes in the tumor microenvironment. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1358393. [PMID: 38495100 PMCID: PMC10943695 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1358393] [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: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The development of bioconjugates for the targeted delivery of anticancer agents is gaining momentum after recent success of antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) in the clinic. Smaller format conjugates may have several advantages including better tumor penetration; however, cellular uptake and trafficking may be substantially different from ADCs. To fully leverage the potential of small molecule drug conjugates (SMDCs) with potent binding molecules mediating tumor homing, novel linker chemistries susceptible for efficient extracellular activation and payload release in the tumor microenvironment (TME) need to be explored. Methods: We designed a novel class of SMDCs, which target αvβ3 integrins for tumor homing and are cleaved by neutrophil elastase (NE), a serine protease active in the TME. A peptidomimetic αvβ3 ligand was attached via optimized linkers composed of substrate peptide sequences of NE connected to different functional groups of various payload classes, such as camptothecins, monomethyl auristatin E, kinesin spindle protein inhibitors (KSPi) and cyclin-dependent kinase 9 inhibitors (CDK-9i). Results: NE-mediated cleavage was found compatible with the diverse linker attachments via hindered ester bonds, amide bonds and sulfoximide bonds. Efficient and traceless release of the respective payloads was demonstrated in biochemical assays. The newly designed SMDCs were highly stable in buffer as well as in rat and human plasma. Cytotoxicity of the SMDCs in cancer cell lines was clearly dependent on NE. IC50 values were in the nanomolar or sub-nanomolar range across several cancer cell lines reaching similar potencies as compared to the respective payloads only in the presence of NE. In vivo pharmacokinetics evaluating SMDC and free payload exposures in rat and particularly the robust efficacy with good tolerability in triple negative breast and small cell lung cancer murine models demonstrate the utility of this approach for selective delivery of payloads to the tumor. Discussion: These results highlight the broad scope of potential payloads and suitable conjugation chemistries paving the way for future SMDCs harnessing the safety features of targeted delivery approaches in combination with NE cleavage in the TME.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Harvey Wong
- Vincerx Pharma, Inc., Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | | | - Raquel Izumi
- Vincerx Pharma, Inc., Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - Ahmed Hamdy
- Vincerx Pharma, Inc., Palo Alto, CA, United States
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4
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Teng S, Shultz ZP, Shan C, Wojtas L, Lopchuk JM. Asymmetric synthesis of sulfoximines, sulfonimidoyl fluorides and sulfonimidamides enabled by an enantiopure bifunctional S(VI) reagent. Nat Chem 2024; 16:183-192. [PMID: 38238465 PMCID: PMC11000591 DOI: 10.1038/s41557-023-01419-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
An increased interest to expand three-dimensional chemical space for the design of new materials and medicines has created a demand for isosteric replacement groups of commonly used molecular functionality. The structural and chemical properties of chiral S(VI) functional groups provide unique spatial and electronic features compared with their achiral sulfur- and carbon-based counterparts. Manipulation of the S(VI) centre to introduce structural variation with stereochemical control has remained a synthetic challenge. The stability of sulfonimidoyl fluorides and the efficiency of sulfur fluorine exchange chemistry has enabled the development of the enantiopure bifunctional S(VI) transfer reagent t-BuSF to overcome current synthetic limitations. Here, we disclose a reagent platform that serves as a chiral sulfur fluorine exchange template for the rapid asymmetric synthesis of over 70 sulfoximines, sulfonimidoyl fluorides and sulfonimidamides with excellent enantiomeric excess and good overall yields. Furthermore, the practical utility of the bifunctional S(VI) transfer reagent was demonstrated in the syntheses of enantiopure pharmaceutical intermediates and analogues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shun Teng
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Zachary P Shultz
- Drug Discovery Department, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Chuan Shan
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Lukasz Wojtas
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Justin M Lopchuk
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA.
- Drug Discovery Department, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA.
- Department of Oncologic Sciences, College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA.
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5
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Kuchukulla RR, Hwang I, Kim SH, Kye Y, Park N, Cha H, Moon S, Chung HW, Lee C, Kong G, Hur W. Identification of a novel potent CDK inhibitor degrading cyclinK with a superb activity to reverse trastuzumab-resistance in HER2-positive breast cancer in vivo. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 264:116014. [PMID: 38061230 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.116014] [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: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
CDK12 is overexpressed in HER2-positive breast cancers and promotes tumorigenesis and trastuzumab resistance. Thus CDK12 is a good therapeutic target for the HER2-positive breast tumors resistant to trastuzumab. We previously reported a novel purine-based CDK inhibitor with an ability to degrade cyclinK. Herein, we further explored and synthesized new derivatives, and identified a new potent pan-CDK inhibitor degrading cyclinK (32e). Compound 32e potently inhibited CDK12/cyclinK with IC50 = 3 nM, and suppressed the growth of the both trastuzumab-sensitive and trastuzumab-resistant HER2-positive breast cancer cell lines (GI50's = 9-21 nM), which is superior to a potent, clinical pan-CDK inhibitor dinaciclib. Moreover, 32e (10, 20 mg/kg, ip, twice a week) showed a dose-dependent inhibition of tumor growth and a more dramatic anti-cancer effect than dinaciclib in mouse in vivo orthotopic breast cancer model of trastuzumab-resistant HCC1954 cells. Kinome-wide inhibition profiling revealed that 32e at 1 μM exhibits a decent selectivity toward CDK-family kinases including CDK12 over other wildtype protein kinases. Quantitative global proteomic analysis of 32e-treated HCC1954 cells demonstrated that 32e also showed a decent selectivity in degrading cyclinK over other cyclins. Compound 32e could be developed as a drug for intractable trastuzumab-resistant HER2-positive breast cancers. Our current study would provide a useful insight in designing potent cyclinK degraders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ratnakar Reddy Kuchukulla
- HY-KIST Bioconvergence, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimniro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Injeoung Hwang
- HY-KIST Bioconvergence, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimniro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea; Medicinal Materials Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), 5 Hwarangro 14 gil, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Suhn Hyung Kim
- Medicinal Materials Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), 5 Hwarangro 14 gil, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Younghyeon Kye
- HY-KIST Bioconvergence, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimniro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Narae Park
- Chemical & Biological Integrative Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), 5 Hwarangro 14 gil, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea; KHU-KIST Department of Converging Science and Technology, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedaero, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Heary Cha
- HY-KIST Bioconvergence, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimniro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Sojeong Moon
- HY-KIST Bioconvergence, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimniro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Hwan Won Chung
- Computational Science Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), 5 Hwarangro 14 gil, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Cheolju Lee
- Chemical & Biological Integrative Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), 5 Hwarangro 14 gil, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Gu Kong
- HY-KIST Bioconvergence, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimniro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea; Medicinal Materials Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), 5 Hwarangro 14 gil, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea; Department of Pathology, Hanyang University College of Medicine, 222 Wangsimniro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea.
| | - Wooyoung Hur
- HY-KIST Bioconvergence, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimniro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, 04763, Republic of Korea; Medicinal Materials Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), 5 Hwarangro 14 gil, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea.
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6
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Dominguez EC, Roleder C, Ball B, Danilov AV. Cyclin-dependent kinase-9 in B-cell malignancies: pathogenic role and therapeutic implications. Leuk Lymphoma 2023; 64:1893-1904. [PMID: 37552126 DOI: 10.1080/10428194.2023.2244102] [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: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK) regulate cell cycle and transcriptional activity. Pan-CDK inhibitors demonstrated early efficacy in lymphoid malignancies, but also have been associated with narrow therapeutic index. Among transcriptional CDKs, CDK7 and CDK9 emerged as promising targets. CDK9 serves as a component of P-TEFb elongation complex and thus is indispensable in mRNA transcription. Selective CDK9 inhibitors demonstrated pre-clinical efficacy in in vitro and in vivo models of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma. CDK9 inhibition results in transcriptional pausing with rapid downmodulation of short-lived oncogenic proteins, e.g. Myc and Mcl-1, followed by cell apoptosis. Early phase clinical trials established safety of CDK9 inhibitors, with manageable neutropenia, infections and gastrointestinal toxicities. In this review, we summarize the rationale of targeting CDK9 in lymphoid malignancies, as well as pre-clinical and early clinical data with pan-CDK and selective CDK9 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carly Roleder
- City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Brian Ball
- City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
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7
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Meanwell NA. Applications of Bioisosteres in the Design of Biologically Active Compounds. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2023; 71:18087-18122. [PMID: 36961953 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c00765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The design of bioisosteres represents a creative and productive approach to improve a molecule, including by enhancing potency, addressing pharmacokinetic challenges, reducing off-target liabilities, and productively modulating physicochemical properties. Bioisosterism is a principle exploited in the design of bioactive compounds of interest to both medicinal and agricultural chemists, and in this review, we provide a synopsis of applications where this kind of molecular editing has proved to be advantageous in molecule optimization. The examples selected for discussion focus on bioisosteres of carboxylic acids, applications of fluorine and fluorinated motifs in compound design, some applications of the sulfoximine functionality, the design of bioisosteres of drug-H2O complexes, and the design of bioisosteres of the phenyl ring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas A Meanwell
- The Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Rd, Doylestown, Pennsylvania 18902, United States
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Wu T, Zhang Z, Gong G, Du Z, Xu Y, Yu S, Ma F, Zhang X, Wang Y, Chen H, Wu S, Xu X, Qiu Z, Li Z, Wu H, Bian J, Wang J. Discovery of novel flavonoid-based CDK9 degraders for prostate cancer treatment via a PROTAC strategy. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 260:115774. [PMID: 37672930 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115774] [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: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
CDK9 plays a vital role in regulating RNA transcription and significantly impacts the expression of short-lived proteins such as Mcl-1 and c-Myc. Thus, targeting CDK9 holds great promise for the development of antitumor drugs. Natural flavonoid derivatives have recently gained considerable attention in the field of antitumor drug research due to their broad bioactivity and low toxicity. In this study, the PROTAC strategy was used to perform structural modifications of the flavonoid derivative LWT-111 to design a series of flavonoid-based CDK9 degraders. Notably, compound CP-07 emerged as a potent CDK9 degrader, effectively suppressing the proliferation and colony formation of 22RV1 cells by downregulating Mcl-1 and c-Myc. Moreover, CP-07 exhibited significant tumor growth inhibition with a TGI of 75.1% when administered at a dose of 20 mg/kg in the 22RV1 xenograft tumor model. These findings demonstrated the potential of CP-07 as a powerful flavonoid-based CDK9 degrader for prostate cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tizhi Wu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Zhiming Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Guangyue Gong
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Zekun Du
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Yifan Xu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Sixian Yu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Feihai Ma
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Xuan Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Yuxiao Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Haoming Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Shiqi Wu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Xi Xu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Zhixia Qiu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Zhiyu Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Hongxi Wu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China.
| | - Jinlei Bian
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China.
| | - Jubo Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China.
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Frigault MM, Mithal A, Wong H, Stelte-Ludwig B, Mandava V, Huang X, Birkett J, Johnson AJ, Izumi R, Hamdy A. Enitociclib, a Selective CDK9 Inhibitor, Induces Complete Regression of MYC+ Lymphoma by Downregulation of RNA Polymerase II Mediated Transcription. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2023; 3:2268-2279. [PMID: 37882668 PMCID: PMC10634346 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-23-0219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
Double-hit diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DH-DLBCL) is an aggressive, and often refractory, type of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) characterized by rearrangements in MYC and BCL2. Cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9) regulates transcriptional elongation and activation of transcription factors, including MYC, making it a potential targeted approach for the treatment of MYC+ lymphomas. Enitociclib is a well-tolerated and clinically active CDK9 inhibitor leading to complete metabolic remissions in 2 of 7 patients with DH-DLBCL treated with once weekly 30 mg intravenous administration. Herein, we investigate the pharmacodynamic effect of CDK9 inhibition in preclinical models and in blood samples from patients [DH-DLBCL (n = 10) and MYC+ NHL (n = 5)] treated with 30 mg i.v. once weekly enitociclib. Enitociclib shows significant regulation of RNA polymerase II Ser2 phosphorylation in a MYC-amplified SU-DHL-4 cell line and depletion of MYC and antiapoptosis protein MCL1 in SU-DHL-4 and MYC-overexpressing SU-DHL-10 cell lines in vitro. Tumor growth inhibition reaching 0.5% of control treated SU-DHL-10 xenografts is achieved in vivo and MYC and MCL1 depletion as well as evidence of apoptosis activation after enitociclib treatment is demonstrated. An unbiased analysis of the genes affected by CDK9 inhibition in both cell lines demonstrates that RNA polymerase II and transcription pathways are primarily affected and novel enitociclib targets such as PHF23 and TP53RK are discovered. These findings are recapitulated in blood samples from enitociclib-treated patients; while MYC downregulation is most robust with enitociclib treatment, other CDK9-regulated targets may be MYC independent delivering a transcriptional downregulation via RNA polymerase II. SIGNIFICANCE MYC+ lymphomas are refractory to standard of care and novel treatments that downregulate MYC are needed. The utility of enitociclib, a selective CDK9 inhibitor in this patient population, is demonstrated in preclinical models and patients. Enitociclib inhibits RNA polymerase II function conferring a transcriptional shift and depletion of MYC and MCL1. Enitociclib intermittent dosing downregulates transcription factors including MYC, providing a therapeutic window for durable responses in patients with MYC+ lymphoma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Xin Huang
- Vincerx Pharma, Inc., Palo Alto, California
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10
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Wu T, Yu B, Gong W, Zhang J, Yu S, Tian Y, Zhao T, Li Z, Wang J, Bian J. Design and optimization of selective and potent CDK9 inhibitors with flavonoid scaffold for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 259:115711. [PMID: 37572539 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115711] [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: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a prevalent hematological tumor associated with a high morbidity and mortality rate. CDK9, functioning as a pivotal transcriptional regulator, facilitates transcriptional elongation through phosphorylation of RNA polymerase II, which further governs the protein levels of Mcl-1 and c-Myc. Therefore, CDK9 has been considered as a promising therapeutic target for AML treatment. Here, we present the design, synthesis, and evaluation of CDK9 inhibitors bearing a flavonoid scaffold. Among them, compound 21a emerged as a highly selective CDK9 inhibitor (IC50 = 6.7 nM), exhibiting over 80-fold selectivity towards most other CDK family members and high kinase selectivity. In Mv4-11 cells, 21a effectively hindered cell proliferation (IC50 = 60 nM) and induced apoptosis by down-regulating Mcl-1 and c-Myc. Notably, 21a demonstrated significant inhibition of tumor growth in the Mv4-11 xenograft tumor model. These findings indicate that compound 21a holds promise as a potential candidate for treating AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tizhi Wu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Bin Yu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Weihong Gong
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Sixian Yu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Yucheng Tian
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Tengteng Zhao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Zhiyu Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China.
| | - Jubo Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China.
| | - Jinlei Bian
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China.
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11
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Shan X, Jiang R, Gou D, Xiang J, Zhou P, Xia J, Wang K, Huang A, Tang N, Huang L. Identification of a diketopiperazine-based O-GlcNAc transferase inhibitor sensitizing hepatocellular carcinoma to CDK9 inhibition. FEBS J 2023; 290:4543-4561. [PMID: 37247228 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16877] [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: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
O-GlcNAcylation (O-linked β-N-acetylglucosaminylation) is an important post-translational and metabolic process in cells that is implicated in a wide range of physiological processes. O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT) is ubiquitously present in cells and is the only enzyme that catalyses the transfer of O-GlcNAc to nucleocytoplasmic proteins. Aberrant glycosylation by OGT has been linked to a variety of diseases including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders and diabetes. Previously, we and others demonstrated that O-GlcNAcylation is notably elevated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The overexpression of O-GlcNAcylation promotes cancer progression and metastasis. Here, we report the identification of HLY838, a novel diketopiperazine-based OGT inhibitor with the ability to induce a global decrease in cellular O-GlcNAc. HLY838 enhances the in vitro and in vivo anti-HCC activity of CDK9 inhibitor by downregulating c-Myc and downstream E2F1 expression. Mechanistically, c-Myc is regulated by the CDK9 at the transcript level, and stabilized by OGT at the protein level. This work therefore demonstrates that HLY838 potentiates the antitumor responses of CDK9 inhibitor, providing an experimental rationale for developing OGT inhibitor as a sensitizing agent in cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqun Shan
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, China
| | - Rong Jiang
- Laboratory of Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing Medical University, China
| | - Dongmei Gou
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, China
| | - Jin Xiang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, China
| | - Peng Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, China
| | - Jie Xia
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, China
| | - Kai Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, China
| | - Ailong Huang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, China
| | - Ni Tang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, China
| | - Luyi Huang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, China
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12
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Zhao P, Zeng Q. Progress in the Enantioselective Synthesis of Sulfur (VI) Compounds. Chemistry 2023; 29:e202302059. [PMID: 37394960 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202302059] [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: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, there has been a notable surge in the prominence of enantioenriched sulfur(VI) compounds within the chemical science, particularly in the realm of bioactive molecules. However, the synthesis of these enantioenriched sulfur(VI) compounds has posed significant challenges, necessitating the exploration of diverse synthetic methods. Accordingly, this review aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the latest advancements in the synthesis of sulfoximines, sulfonimidate esters, sulfonimidamides, and sulfonimidoyl halides, with a focus on developments since 1971.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Zhao
- College of Materials, Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, China
| | - Qingle Zeng
- College of Materials, Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, 610059, China
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13
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Morillo D, Vega G, Moreno V. CDK9 INHIBITORS: a promising combination partner in the treatment of hematological malignancies. Oncotarget 2023; 14:749-752. [PMID: 37552223 PMCID: PMC10408673 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.28473] [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: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Most hematological malignancies are characterized by overexpression of certain cancer promoting genes, such as MYC, MCL1 and cyclin D1. Preclinical studies in animal models have shown that CDK9 inhibitors supress the transcription of these anti-apoptotic and pro-survival proteins, and suggest their potential synergism with other drugs. In its first in-human trial, enitociclib demonstrated clinical activity in a small cohort of patients with high grade B lymphoma with MYC and BCL2 and/or BCL6 rearrangements, inducing complete responses in 2 of 7 subjects (29%) in monotherapy. These data suggest CDK9 inhibitors could play a role in the treatment of hematological diseases and could be a great ally when combined with other therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Morillo
- Division of Hematology, START Madrid-FJD, Hospital Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Gala Vega
- Division of Hematology, START Madrid-FJD, Hospital Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Victor Moreno
- Division of Oncology, START Madrid-FJD, Hospital Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain
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14
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Abstract
An analysis of 156 published clinical candidates from the Journal of Medicinal Chemistry between 2018 and 2021 was conducted to identify lead generation strategies most frequently employed leading to drug candidates. As in a previous publication, the most frequent lead generation strategies resulting in clinical candidates were from known compounds (59%) followed by random screening approaches (21%). The remainder of the approaches included directed screening, fragment screening, DNA-encoded library screening (DEL), and virtual screening. An analysis of similarity was also conducted based on Tanimoto-MCS and revealed most clinical candidates were distant from their original hits; however, most shared a key pharmacophore that translated from hit-to-clinical candidate. An examination of frequency of oxygen, nitrogen, fluorine, chlorine, and sulfur incorporation in clinical candidates was also conducted. The three most similar and least similar hit-to-clinical pairs from random screening were examined to provide perspective on changes that occur that lead to successful clinical candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dean G Brown
- Jnana Therapeutics, One Design Center Pl Suite 19-400, Boston, Massachusetts 02210, United States
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15
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Wu T, Wu X, Xu Y, Chen R, Wang J, Li Z, Bian J. A patent review of selective CDK9 inhibitors in treating cancer. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2023; 33:309-322. [PMID: 37128897 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2023.2208747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The dysregulation of CDK9 protein is greatly related to the proliferation and differentiation of various cancers due to its key role in the regulation of RNA transcription. Moreover, CDK9 inhibition can markedly downregulate the anti-apoptotic protein Mcl-1 which is essential for the survival of tumors. Thus, targeting CDK9 is considered to be a promising strategy for antitumor drug development, and the development of selective CDK9 inhibitors has gained increasing attention. AREAS COVERED This review focuses on the development of selective CDK9 inhibitors reported in patent publications during the period 2020-2022, which were searched from SciFinder and Cortellis Drug Discovery Intelligence. EXPERT OPINION Given that pan-CDK9 inhibitors may lead to serious side effects due to poor selectivity, the investigation of selective CDK9 inhibitors has attracted widespread attention. CDK9 inhibitors make some advance in treating solid tumors and possess the therapeutic potential in EGFR-mutant lung cancer. CDK9 inhibitors with short half-life and intravenous administration might result in transient target engagement and contribute to a better safety profile in vivo. However, more efforts are urgently needed to accelerate the development of CDK9 inhibitors, including the research on new binding modes between ligand and receptor or new protein binding sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tizhi Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaowei Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yifan Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Rui Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jubo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhiyu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jinlei Bian
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
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16
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Tokarski RJ, Sharpe CM, Huntsman AC, Mize BK, Ayinde OR, Stahl EH, Lerma JR, Reed A, Carmichael B, Muthusamy N, Byrd JC, Fuchs JR. Bifunctional degraders of cyclin dependent kinase 9 (CDK9): Probing the relationship between linker length, properties, and selective protein degradation. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 254:115342. [PMID: 37071962 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9) is a promising therapeutic target in multiple cancer types, including acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Protein degraders, also known as proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs), have emerged as tools for the selective degradation of cancer targets, including CDK9, complementing the activity of traditional small-molecule inhibitors. These compounds typically incorporate previously reported inhibitors and a known E3 ligase ligand to induce ubiquitination and subsequent degradation of the target protein. Although many protein degraders have been reported in the literature, the properties of the linker necessary for efficient degradation still require special attention. In this study, a series of protein degraders was developed, employing the clinically tested CDK inhibitor AT7519. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect that linker composition, specifically chain length, would have on potency. In addition to establishing a baseline of activity for various linker compositions, two distinct homologous series, a fully alkyl series and an amide-containing series, were prepared, demonstrating the dependence of degrader potency in these series on linker length and the correlation with predicted physicochemical properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Tokarski
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry & Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, United States
| | - Chia M Sharpe
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, 45267, United States
| | - Andrew C Huntsman
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry & Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, United States
| | - Brittney K Mize
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry & Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, United States
| | - Oluwatosin R Ayinde
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry & Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, United States
| | - Emily H Stahl
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, United States
| | - James R Lerma
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, 45267, United States
| | - Andrew Reed
- CCIC Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, United States
| | - Bridget Carmichael
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, United States
| | - Natarajan Muthusamy
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, United States
| | - John C Byrd
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, 45267, United States; University of Cincinnati Cancer Center, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, 45267, United States
| | - James R Fuchs
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry & Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, United States.
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17
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Toure MA, Koehler AN. Addressing Transcriptional Dysregulation in Cancer through CDK9 Inhibition. Biochemistry 2023; 62:1114-1123. [PMID: 36854448 PMCID: PMC10035036 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.2c00609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
Undermining transcriptional addiction, the dependence of cancers on selected transcriptional programs, is critically important for addressing cancers with high unmet clinical need. Cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9) has long been considered an actionable therapeutic target for modulating transcription in many diseases. This appeal is due to its role in coordinating the biochemical events that regulate RNA polymerase II (RNA Pol II) pause-release state, one that offers a way for attenuating transcriptional dysregulation driven by amplified or overexpressed transcription factors implicated in cancer. However, targeting CDK9 in the clinic has historically proven elusive, a challenge that stems from the often highly intolerable cytotoxicity attributed to its essentiality across many cell lineages and the polypharmacology of the first generation of pan-CDK inhibitors to reach the clinic. A new wave of highly selective molecules progressing through the early stages of clinical evaluation offers renewed hope.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed A Toure
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Angela N Koehler
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
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18
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Sher S, Whipp E, Walker J, Zhang P, Beaver L, Williams K, Orwick S, Ravikrishnan J, Walker B, Perry E, Gregory C, Purcell M, Pan A, Yan P, Alinari L, Johnson AJ, Frigault MM, Greer JM, Hamdy A, Izumi R, Mo X, Sampath D, Woyach J, Blachly J, Byrd JC, Lapalombella R. VIP152 is a selective CDK9 inhibitor with pre-clinical in vitro and in vivo efficacy in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Leukemia 2023; 37:326-338. [PMID: 36376377 PMCID: PMC9898036 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-022-01758-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is effectively treated with targeted therapies including Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitors and BCL2 antagonists. When these become ineffective, treatment options are limited. Positive transcription elongation factor complex (P-TEFb), a heterodimeric protein complex composed of cyclin dependent kinase 9 (CDK9) and cyclin T1, functions to regulate short half-life transcripts by phosphorylation of RNA Polymerase II (POLII). These transcripts are frequently dysregulated in hematologic malignancies; however, therapies targeting inhibition of P-TEFb have not yet achieved approval for cancer treatment. VIP152 kinome profiling revealed CDK9 as the main enzyme inhibited at 100 nM, with over a 10-fold increase in potency compared with other inhibitors currently in development for this target. VIP152 induced cell death in CLL cell lines and primary patient samples. Transcriptome analysis revealed inhibition of RNA degradation through the AU-Rich Element (ARE) dysregulation. Mechanistically, VIP152 inhibits the assembly of P-TEFb onto the transcription machinery and disturbs binding partners. Finally, immune competent mice engrafted with CLL-like cells of Eµ-MTCP1 over-expressing mice and treated with VIP152 demonstrated reduced disease burden and improvement in overall survival compared to vehicle-treated mice. These data suggest that VIP152 is a highly selective inhibitor of CDK9 that represents an attractive new therapy for CLL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Sher
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Ethan Whipp
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Janek Walker
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Pu Zhang
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Larry Beaver
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Katie Williams
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Shelley Orwick
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Janani Ravikrishnan
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Brandi Walker
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Elizabeth Perry
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Charles Gregory
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Matthew Purcell
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Alexander Pan
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Pearlly Yan
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Lapo Alinari
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Xiaokui Mo
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Deepa Sampath
- Department of Hematopoietic Biology & Malignancy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jennifer Woyach
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - James Blachly
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - John C Byrd
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
| | - Rosa Lapalombella
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA.
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19
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Synthesis of Sulfoximines and Sulfonimidamides Using Hypervalent Iodine Mediated NH Transfer. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28031120. [PMID: 36770787 PMCID: PMC9920176 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28031120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of NH transfer reactions using hypervalent iodine and simple sources of ammonia has facilitated the synthesis of sulfoximines and sulfonimidamides for applications across the chemical sciences. Perhaps most notably, the methods have been widely applied in medicinal chemistry and in the preparation of biologically active compounds, including in the large-scale preparation of an API intermediate. This review provides an overview of the development of these synthetic methods involving an intermediate iodonitrene since our initial report in 2016 on the conversion of sulfoxides into sulfoximines. This review covers the NH transfer to sulfoxides and sulfinamides, and the simultaneous NH/O transfer to sulfides and sulfenamides to form sulfoximines and sulfonimidamides, respectively. The mechanism of the reactions and the identification of key intermediates are discussed. Developments in the choice of reagents, and in the reaction conditions and setups used are described.
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20
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Clopper KC, Taatjes DJ. Chemical inhibitors of transcription-associated kinases. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2022; 70:102186. [PMID: 35926294 PMCID: PMC10676000 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2022.102186] [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: 05/22/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Transcription by RNA polymerase II (pol II) is regulated by kinases. In recent years, many selective and potent inhibitors of pol II transcription-associated kinases have been developed, and these molecules have advanced understanding of kinase function in mammalian cells. Here, we focus on chemical inhibitors of the transcription-associated kinases CDK7, CDK8, CDK9, CDK12, CDK13, and CDK19. We provide a brief overview of the function of these kinases and common activation mechanisms. We then highlight the advantages of kinase inhibitors compared with other basic research methods, and describe the caveats associated with non-selective compounds (e.g. flavopiridol). We conclude with strategies and recommendations for implementation of chemical inhibitors for experimental analysis of transcription-associated kinases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin C Clopper
- Dept. of Biochemistry, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Dylan J Taatjes
- Dept. of Biochemistry, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA.
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21
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Wang X, Liu X, Huang J, Liu C, Li H, Wang C, Hong Q, Lei Y, Xia J, Yu Z, Dong R, Xu J, Tu Z, Duan C, Li S, Lu T, Tang W, Chen Y. Discovery of 2H-benzo[b][1,4]oxazin-3(4H)-one derivatives as potent and selective CDK9 inhibitors that enable transient target engagement for the treatment of hematologic malignancies. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 238:114461. [PMID: 35605362 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9) is a transcriptional regulator and a potential therapeutic target in hematologic malignancies. Selective and transient CDK9 inhibition reduces Mcl-1 expression and induces apoptosis in Mcl-1-dependent tumor cells for survival. Here, we describe our efforts to discover a novel series of 2H-benzo[b][1,4]oxazin-3(4H)-one as CDK9 inhibitors. Compound 32k was identified as a selective CDK9 inhibitor with short pharmacokinetic and physicochemical properties suitable for intravenous administration. Short-term treatment with 32k resulted in a rapid dose-dependent decrease in cellular p-Ser2-RNAPII, Mcl-1 and c-Myc, leading to apoptosis in the MV4-11 cell line. Correspondingly, significant in vivo antitumor efficacy was observed in xenograft models derived from multiple hematological tumors with intermittent 32k dosing. These results provide evidence that selective transient CDK9 inhibitors could be used for the treatment of hematologic malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinren Wang
- School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211198, PR China
| | - Xiaoyue Liu
- School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211198, PR China
| | - Jianhang Huang
- School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211198, PR China
| | - Chenhe Liu
- School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211198, PR China
| | - Hongmei Li
- School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211198, PR China
| | - Cong Wang
- School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211198, PR China
| | - Qianqian Hong
- School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211198, PR China
| | - Yan Lei
- School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211198, PR China
| | - Jiawei Xia
- School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211198, PR China
| | - Ziheng Yu
- School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211198, PR China
| | - Ruinan Dong
- School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211198, PR China
| | - Junyu Xu
- School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211198, PR China
| | - Zhenlin Tu
- School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211198, PR China
| | - ChunQi Duan
- School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211198, PR China
| | - Shuwen Li
- School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211198, PR China
| | - Tao Lu
- School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211198, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Weifang Tang
- School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211198, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Yadong Chen
- School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211198, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, PR China.
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22
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Li J, Liu T, Song Y, Wang M, Liu L, Zhu H, Li Q, Lin J, Jiang H, Chen K, Zhao K, Wang M, Zhou H, Lin H, Luo C. Discovery of Small-Molecule Degraders of the CDK9-Cyclin T1 Complex for Targeting Transcriptional Addiction in Prostate Cancer. J Med Chem 2022; 65:11034-11057. [PMID: 35925880 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Aberrant hyperactivation of cyclins results in carcinogenesis and therapy resistance in cancers. Direct degradation of the specific cyclin or cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK)-cyclin complex by small-molecule degraders remains a great challenge. Here, we applied the first application of hydrophobic tagging to induce degradation of CDK9-cyclin T1 heterodimer, which is required to keep productive transcription of oncogenes in cancers. LL-K9-3 was identified as a potent small-molecule degrader of CDK9-cyclin T1. Quantitative and time-resolved proteome profiling exhibited LL-K9-3 induced selective and synchronous degradation of CDK9 and cyclin T1. The expressions of androgen receptor (AR) and cMyc were reduced by LL-K9-3 in 22RV1 cells. LL-K9-3 exhibited enhanced anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects compared with its parental CDK9 inhibitor SNS032 and suppressed downstream signaling of CDK9 and AR more effectively than SNS032. Moreover, LL-K9-3 inhibited AR and Myc-driven oncogenic transcriptional programs and exerted stronger inhibitory effects on several intrinsic target genes of AR than the monomeric CDK9 PROTAC (Thal-SNS032).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiacheng Li
- The Center for Chemical Biology, Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ting Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, China
| | - Yuanli Song
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China.,Department of Analytical Chemistry and CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Mingyu Wang
- The Center for Chemical Biology, Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Liping Liu
- The Center for Chemical Biology, Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Hongwen Zhu
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China.,Department of Analytical Chemistry and CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Qi Li
- The Center for Chemical Biology, Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jin Lin
- School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, China
| | - Hualiang Jiang
- The Center for Chemical Biology, Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Kaixian Chen
- The Center for Chemical Biology, Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Kehao Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Mingliang Wang
- The Center for Chemical Biology, Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Hu Zhou
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China.,Department of Analytical Chemistry and CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Hua Lin
- The Center for Chemical Biology, Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China.,Biomedical Research Center of South China, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350117, China
| | - Cheng Luo
- School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, China.,The Center for Chemical Biology, Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China.,School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 100 Haike Road, Shanghai 201210, China
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23
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Lücking U. New Opportunities for the Utilization of the Sulfoximine Group in Medicinal Chemistry from the Drug Designer's Perspective**. Chemistry 2022; 28:e202201993. [DOI: 10.1002/chem.202201993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich Lücking
- FoRx Therapeutics AG Lichtstrasse 35, WSJ-350.3.05 4056 Basel Switzerland
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24
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Targeting cyclin-dependent kinase 9 in cancer therapy. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2022; 43:1633-1645. [PMID: 34811514 PMCID: PMC9253122 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-021-00796-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 9 associates mainly with cyclin T1 and forms the positive transcription elongation factor b (p-TEFb) complex responsible for transcriptional regulation. It has been shown that CDK9 modulates the expression and activity of oncogenes, such as MYC and murine double minute 4 (MDM4), and it also plays an important role in development and/or maintenance of the malignant cell phenotype. Malfunction of CDK9 is frequently observed in numerous cancers. Recent studies have highlighted the function of CDK9 through a variety of mechanisms in cancers, including the formation of new complexes and epigenetic alterations. Due to the importance of CDK9 activation in cancer cells, CDK9 inhibitors have emerged as promising candidates for cancer therapy. Natural product-derived and chemically synthesized CDK9 inhibitors are being examined in preclinical and clinical research. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the role of CDK9 in transcriptional regulation, epigenetic regulation, and different cellular factor interactions, focusing on new advances. We show the importance of CDK9 in mediating tumorigenesis and tumor progression. Then, we provide an overview of some CDK9 inhibitors supported by multiple oncologic preclinical and clinical investigations. Finally, we discuss the perspective and challenge of CDK9 modulation in cancer.
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25
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Terhorst S, Jansen T, Langletz T, Bolm C. Sulfonimidamides by Sequential Mechanochemical Chlorinations and Aminations of Sulfinamides. Org Lett 2022; 24:4109-4113. [PMID: 35658444 DOI: 10.1021/acs.orglett.2c01099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Here, we report the first mechanochemical synthesis of sulfonimidamides. The one-pot, two-step method requires neither a solvent nor inert conditions. In a mixer mill, sulfinamides are rapidly converted to sulfonimidoyl chlorides by oxidative chlorination with N-chlorosuccinimide (NCS). Subsequent substitutions with amines provides a wide range of diversely substituted sulfonimidamides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Terhorst
- RWTH Aachen University, Institute of Organic Chemistry, Landoltweg 1, D-52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Tim Jansen
- RWTH Aachen University, Institute of Organic Chemistry, Landoltweg 1, D-52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Tim Langletz
- RWTH Aachen University, Institute of Organic Chemistry, Landoltweg 1, D-52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Carsten Bolm
- RWTH Aachen University, Institute of Organic Chemistry, Landoltweg 1, D-52074 Aachen, Germany
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26
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Xie Z, Hou S, Yang X, Duan Y, Han J, Wang Q, Liao C. Lessons Learned from Past Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Drug Discovery Efforts. J Med Chem 2022; 65:6356-6389. [PMID: 35235745 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c02190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Inhibition of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) has become an effective therapeutic strategy for treating various diseases, especially cancer. Over almost three decades, although great efforts have been made to discover CDK inhibitors, many of which have entered clinical trials, only four CDK inhibitors have been approved. In the process of CDK inhibitor development, many difficulties and misunderstandings have hampered their discovery and clinical applications, which mainly include inadequate understanding of the biological functions of CDKs, less attention paid to pan- and multi-CDK inhibitors, nonideal isoform selectivity of developed selective CDK inhibitors, overlooking the metabolic stability of early discovered CDK inhibitors, no effective resistance solutions, and a lack of available combination therapy and effective biomarkers for CDK therapies. After reviewing the mechanisms of CDKs and the research progress of CDK inhibitors, this perspective summarizes and discusses these difficulties or lessons, hoping to facilitate the successful discovery of more useful CDK inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhouling Xie
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Engineering, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, P. R. China
| | - Shuzeng Hou
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Engineering, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoxiao Yang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Engineering, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, P. R. China
| | - Yajun Duan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Engineering, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, P. R. China
| | - Jihong Han
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Engineering, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, P. R. China
| | - Qin Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology─Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, P. R. China
| | - Chenzhong Liao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Engineering, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, P. R. China
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27
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Stereospecific α-(hetero)arylation of sulfoximines and sulfonimidamides. NATURE SYNTHESIS 2022; 1:170-179. [PMID: 35415722 DOI: 10.1038/s44160-021-00011-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The occurrence of sulfoximines and sulfonimidoyl groups in biologically active molecules within pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals has notably increased in the past decade. This increase has prompted a wave of discovery of methods to install S(VI) functionality into complex organic molecules. Traditional synthetic methods to form α-substituted sulfonimidoyl motifs rely on S-C bond disconnections and typically require control of the stereogenic S-centre or late-stage modification at sulfur, and comprise multistep routes. Here, we report the development of a stereospecific, modular SNAr approach for the introduction of sulfonimidoyl functional groups into heterocyclic cores. This strategy has been demonstrated across 85 examples, in good to excellent yield, of complex and diverse heterocycles. Sulfoximines, sulfonimidamides and sulfondiimines are all compatible nucleophiles in the SNAr reaction and hence, the methodology was applied to the synthesis of four sulfoximine-containing pharmaceuticals. Of these synthetic applications, most notably ceralasertib, an ATR inhibitor currently in clinical trials, was synthesized in an eight-step procedure on a gram-scale.
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28
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Diamond JR, Boni V, Lim E, Nowakowski G, Cordoba R, Morillo D, Valencia R, Genvresse I, Merz C, Boix O, Frigault MM, Greer JM, Hamdy AM, Huang X, Izumi R, Wong H, Moreno V. First-in-human dose escalation study of cyclin-dependent kinase-9 inhibitor VIP152 in patients with advanced malignancies shows early signs of clinical efficacy. Clin Cancer Res 2022; 28:1285-1293. [PMID: 35046056 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-21-3617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To report on the first-in-human phase I study of VIP152 (NCT02635672), a potent and highly selective CDK9 inhibitor. PATIENTS AND METHODS Adults with solid tumors or aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) who were refractory to or had exhausted all available therapies received VIP152 monotherapy as a 30-minute intravenous, once weekly infusion, as escalating doses (5, 10, 15, 22.5, or 30 mg in 21-day cycles) until the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) was determined. RESULTS Thirty-seven patients received {greater than or equal to} 1 VIP152 dose, with 30 mg identified as the MTD based on dose-limiting toxicity of grade 3/4 neutropenia. The most common adverse events were nausea and vomiting (75.7% and 56.8%, respectively), all of grade 1/2 severity. Of the most common events, Grade 3/4 events occurring in > 1 patient were neutropenia (22%), anemia (11%), abdominal pain (8%), increased alkaline phosphatase (8%), and hyponatremia (8%). Day 1 exposure for the MTD exceeded the predicted minimum therapeutic exposure and reproducibly achieved maximal pathway modulation; no accumulation occurred after multiple doses. Seven of 30 patients with solid tumors had stable disease (including 9.5 and 16.8 months in individual patients with pancreatic cancer and salivary gland cancer, respectively), and 2 of 7 patients with high-grade B-cell lymphoma with MYC and BCL2/BCL6 translocations (HGL) achieved durable complete metabolic remission (ongoing at study discontinuation, after 3.7 and 2.3 years of treatment). CONCLUSION VIP152 monotherapy, administered intravenously once weekly, demonstrated a favorable safety profile and evidence of clinical benefit in patients with advanced HGL and solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Valentina Boni
- Department of Oncology, START Madrid-CIOCC HM University Hospital Sanchinarro
| | - Emerson Lim
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Columbia University Medical Center
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Victor Moreno
- Medical Oncology, START Madrid-FJD, Hospital Universitario Fundacion Jimenez Diaz
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29
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Huang Z, Wang T, Wang C, Fan Y. CDK9 Inhibitors in Cancer Research. RSC Med Chem 2022; 13:688-710. [PMID: 35814933 PMCID: PMC9215160 DOI: 10.1039/d2md00040g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclin dependent kinase 9 (CDK9) played an essential role in regulating transcriptional elongation. Aberrations in CDK9 activity have been observed in various cancers, which made CDK9 was an attractive therapeutic...
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Huang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Medicine, Nankai University 94 Weijin Road Tianjin 300071 China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences Hefei 230031 China
| | - Tianqi Wang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Medicine, Nankai University 94 Weijin Road Tianjin 300071 China
| | - Cheng Wang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Medicine, Nankai University 94 Weijin Road Tianjin 300071 China
| | - Yan Fan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Medicine, Nankai University 94 Weijin Road Tianjin 300071 China
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30
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Liu Y, Fu L, Wu J, Liu M, Wang G, Liu B, Zhang L. Transcriptional cyclin-dependent kinases: Potential drug targets in cancer therapy. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 229:114056. [PMID: 34942431 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.114056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
In the wake of the development of the concept of cell cycle and its limiting points, cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) are considered to play a central role in regulating cell cycle progression. Recent studies have strongly demonstrated that CDKs also has multiple functions, especially in response to extracellular and intracellular signals by interfering with transcriptional events. Consequently, how to inhibit their function has been a hot research topic. It is worth noting that the key role of CDKs in regulating transcription has been explored in recent years, but its related pharmacological targets are less developed, and most inhibitors have not entered the clinical stage. Accordingly, this perspective focus on the biological functions of transcription related CDKs and their complexes, some key upstream and downstream signals, and inhibitors for cancer treatment in recent years. In addition, some corresponding combined treatment strategies will provide a more novel perspective for future cancer remedy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Liu
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, 610031, Chengdu, China
| | - Leilei Fu
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, 610031, Chengdu, China
| | - Junhao Wu
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ming Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Guan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Bo Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Lan Zhang
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, 610031, Chengdu, China.
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31
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Barlaam B, De Savi C, Dishington A, Drew L, Ferguson AD, Ferguson D, Gu C, Hande S, Hassall L, Hawkins J, Hird AW, Holmes J, Lamb ML, Lister AS, McGuire TM, Moore JE, O'Connell N, Patel A, Pike KG, Sarkar U, Shao W, Stead D, Varnes JG, Vasbinder MM, Wang L, Wu L, Xue L, Yang B, Yao T. Discovery of a Series of 7-Azaindoles as Potent and Highly Selective CDK9 Inhibitors for Transient Target Engagement. J Med Chem 2021; 64:15189-15213. [PMID: 34647738 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Optimization of a series of azabenzimidazoles identified from screening hit 2 and the information gained from a co-crystal structure of the azabenzimidazole-based lead 6 bound to CDK9 led to the discovery of azaindoles as highly potent and selective CDK9 inhibitors. With the goal of discovering a highly selective and potent CDK9 inhibitor administrated intravenously that would enable transient target engagement of CDK9 for the treatment of hematological malignancies, further optimization focusing on physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties led to azaindoles 38 and 39. These compounds are highly potent and selective CDK9 inhibitors having short half-lives in rodents, suitable physical properties for intravenous administration, and the potential to achieve profound but transient inhibition of CDK9 in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernard Barlaam
- Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB4 0WG, United Kingdom
| | - Chris De Savi
- Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Boston, Massachusetts 02451, United States
| | | | - Lisa Drew
- Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Boston, Massachusetts 02451, United States
| | - Andrew D Ferguson
- Discovery Sciences, AstraZeneca, Boston, Massachusetts 02451, United States
| | - Douglas Ferguson
- Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Boston, Massachusetts 02451, United States
| | - Chungang Gu
- Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Boston, Massachusetts 02451, United States
| | - Sudhir Hande
- Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Boston, Massachusetts 02451, United States
| | | | - Janet Hawkins
- Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB4 0WG, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander W Hird
- Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Boston, Massachusetts 02451, United States
| | - Jane Holmes
- Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB4 0WG, United Kingdom
| | - Michelle L Lamb
- Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Boston, Massachusetts 02451, United States
| | - Andrew S Lister
- Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB4 0WG, United Kingdom
| | | | - Jane E Moore
- Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB4 0WG, United Kingdom
| | - Nichole O'Connell
- Discovery Sciences, AstraZeneca, Boston, Massachusetts 02451, United States
| | - Anil Patel
- Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB4 0WG, United Kingdom
| | - Kurt G Pike
- Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB4 0WG, United Kingdom
| | - Ujjal Sarkar
- Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Boston, Massachusetts 02451, United States
| | - Wenlin Shao
- Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Boston, Massachusetts 02451, United States
| | - Darren Stead
- Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB4 0WG, United Kingdom
| | - Jeffrey G Varnes
- Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Boston, Massachusetts 02451, United States
| | | | - Lei Wang
- Pharmaron Beijing Co., Ltd., 6 Taihe Road BDA, Beijing 100176, P. R. China
| | - Liangwei Wu
- Pharmaron Beijing Co., Ltd., 6 Taihe Road BDA, Beijing 100176, P. R. China
| | - Lin Xue
- Pharmaron Beijing Co., Ltd., 6 Taihe Road BDA, Beijing 100176, P. R. China
| | - Bin Yang
- Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Boston, Massachusetts 02451, United States
| | - Tieguang Yao
- Pharmaron Beijing Co., Ltd., 6 Taihe Road BDA, Beijing 100176, P. R. China
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