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Farag M, Kieffer C, Guedeney N, Voisin-Chiret AS, Sopkova-de Oliveira Santos J. Computational Tool to Design Small Synthetic Inhibitors Selective for XIAP-BIR3 Domain. Molecules 2023; 28:5155. [PMID: 37446817 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28135155] [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: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) exercises its biological function by locking up and inhibiting essential caspase-3, -7 and -9 toward apoptosis execution. It is overexpressed in multiple human cancers, and it plays an important role in cancer cells' death skipping. Inhibition of XIAP-BIR3 domain and caspase-9 interaction was raised as a promising strategy to restore apoptosis in malignancy treatment. However, XIAP-BIR3 antagonists also inhibit cIAP1-2 BIR3 domains, leading to serious side effects. In this study, we worked on a theoretical model that allowed us to design and optimize selective synthetic XIAP-BIR3 antagonists. Firstly, we assessed various MM-PBSA strategies to predict the XIAP-BIR3 binding affinities of synthetic ligands. Molecular dynamics simulations using hydrogen mass repartition as an additional parametrization with and without entropic term computed by the interaction entropy approach produced the best correlations. These simulations were then exploited to generate 3D pharmacophores. Following an optimization with a training dataset, five features were enough to model XIAP-BIR3 synthetic ligands binding to two hydrogen bond donors, one hydrogen bond acceptor and two hydrophobic groups. The correlation between pharmacophoric features and computed MM-PBSA free energy revealed nine residues as crucial for synthetic ligand binding: Thr308, Glu314, Trp323, Leu307, Asp309, Trp310, Gly306, Gln319 and Lys297. Ultimately, and three of them seemed interesting to use to improve XIAP-BR3 versus cIAP-BIR3 selectivity: Lys297, Thr308 and Asp309.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Farag
- Normandie Univ., UNICAEN, CERMN, 14000 Caen, France
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2
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Udompholkul P, Garza-Granados A, Alboreggia G, Baggio C, McGuire J, Pegan SD, Pellecchia M. Characterization of a Potent and Orally Bioavailable Lys-Covalent Inhibitor of Apoptosis Protein (IAP) Antagonist. J Med Chem 2023. [PMID: 37262387 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
We have recently reported on the use of aryl-fluorosulfates in designing water- and plasma-stable agents that covalently target Lys, Tyr, or His residues in the BIR3 domain of the inhibitor of the apoptosis protein (IAP) family. Here, we report further structural, cellular, and pharmacological characterizations of this agent, including the high-resolution structure of the complex between the Lys-covalent agent and its target, the BIR3 domain of X-linked IAP (XIAP). We also compared the cellular efficacy of the agent in two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) cell cultures, side by side with the clinical candidate reversible IAP inhibitor LCL161. Finally, in vivo pharmacokinetic studies indicated that the agent was long-lived and orally bioavailable. Collectively our data further corroborate that aryl-fluorosulfates, when incorporated correctly in a ligand, can result in Lys-covalent agents with pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties that warrant their use in the design of pharmacological probes or even therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parima Udompholkul
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Ana Garza-Granados
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Giulia Alboreggia
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Carlo Baggio
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Jack McGuire
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Scott D Pegan
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Maurizio Pellecchia
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, California 92521, United States
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3
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Michaelides IN, Collie GW. E3 Ligases Meet Their Match: Fragment-Based Approaches to Discover New E3 Ligands and to Unravel E3 Biology. J Med Chem 2023; 66:3173-3194. [PMID: 36821822 PMCID: PMC10009759 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
Ubiquitination is a key post-translational modification of proteins, affecting the regulation of multiple cellular processes. Cells are equipped with over 600 ubiquitin orchestrators, called E3 ubiquitin ligases, responsible for directing the covalent attachment of ubiquitin to substrate proteins. Due to their regulatory role in cells, significant efforts have been made to discover ligands for E3 ligases. The recent emergence of the proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) and molecular glue degrader (MGD) modalities has further increased interest in E3 ligases as drug targets. This perspective focuses on how fragment based lead discovery (FBLD) methods have been used to discover new ligands for this important target class. In some cases these efforts have led to clinical candidates; in others, they have provided tools for deepening our understanding of E3 ligase biology. Recently, FBLD-derived ligands have inspired the design of PROTACs that are able to artificially modulate protein levels in cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iacovos N. Michaelides
- Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals
R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, CB4 0WG, United
Kingdom
| | - Gavin W. Collie
- Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals
R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, CB4 0WG, United
Kingdom
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4
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Diamanti E, Méndez M, Ross T, Kuttruff CA, Lefranc J, Klingler FM, von Nussbaum F, Jung M, Gehringer M. Frontiers in Medicinal Chemistry 2022 Goes Virtual. ChemMedChem 2022; 17:e202200419. [PMID: 36198574 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202200419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The Frontiers in Medicinal Chemistry (FiMC) meeting, which represents the largest international medicinal chemistry conference in Germany, took place from March 14th to 16th 2022 in a fully virtual format. Organized by the Division of Medicinal Chemistry of the German Chemical Society (GDCh) together with the Division of Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry of the German Pharmaceutical Society (DPhG) and a "local" organization committee from the University of Freiburg headed by Manfred Jung, the meeting brought together 271 participants from around 20 countries. The program included 33 lectures by leading scientists from industry and academia as well as early career investigators. 67 posters were presented in two poster sessions and with over 20.000 poster abstract downloads. The general organization and the time-shift function were very much appreciated as demonstrated by almost 600 on-demand contents retrieved. The online format fitted perfectly to bring together medicinal chemists from academia and industry across the globe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Diamanti
- HIPS - Helmholtz-Institut für Pharmazeutische Forschung Saarland, Campus E8 1, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - María Méndez
- Sanofi R&D, Integrated Drug Discovery, Industriepark Höchst, Blg. G838, 65926, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Tatjana Ross
- Merck Healthcare KGaA, Frankfurter Straße 250, 64293, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Christian A Kuttruff
- Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Birkendorfer Straße 65, 88397, Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Julien Lefranc
- Merck Healthcare KGaA, Frankfurter Straße 250, 64293, Darmstadt, Germany
| | | | - Franz von Nussbaum
- NUVISAN Innovation Campus Berlin, NUVISAN ICB GmbH, Muellerstr. 178, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Manfred Jung
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Albertstraße 25, 79104, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Matthias Gehringer
- University of Tübingen, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry Department, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
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5
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Kennedy C, McPhie K, Rittinger K. Targeting the ubiquitin system by fragment-based drug discovery. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:1019636. [PMID: 36275626 PMCID: PMC9580268 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.1019636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The ubiquitin system contains a wealth of potential drug targets for many diseases and conditions, including neurodegenerative, immune, metabolic and developmental diseases, as well as multiple cancers. Despite years of research, relatively few clinical inhibitors or specific chemical probes for proteins within the ubiquitin system exist, with many interesting target proteins yet to be explored. Fragment-based drug discovery (FBDD) offers efficient and broad coverage of chemical space with small libraries, using covalent and non-covalent approaches. Coupled with advances in structural biology and proteomics, FBDD now provides a thorough screening platform for inhibitor discovery within the ubiquitin system. In this mini review, we summarise the current scope of FBDD and how it has been applied to ubiquitin-activating (E1), ubiquitin-conjugating (E2), ubiquitin ligase (E3) and deubiquitinating (DUB) enzymes. We also discuss the newest frontiers of FBDD and how they could be applied to enable inhibitor and novel chemical probe discovery and provide functional insight into the ubiquitin system.
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6
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St. Denis JD, Chessari G, Cleasby A, Cons BD, Cowan S, Dalton SE, East C, Murray CW, O’Reilly M, Peakman T, Rapti M, Stow JL. X-ray Screening of an Electrophilic Fragment Library and Application toward the Development of a Novel ERK 1/2 Covalent Inhibitor. J Med Chem 2022; 65:12319-12333. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey D. St. Denis
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, 436 Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge CB4 0QA, United Kingdom
| | - Gianni Chessari
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, 436 Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge CB4 0QA, United Kingdom
| | - Anne Cleasby
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, 436 Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge CB4 0QA, United Kingdom
| | - Benjamin D. Cons
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, 436 Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge CB4 0QA, United Kingdom
| | - Suzanna Cowan
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, 436 Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge CB4 0QA, United Kingdom
| | - Samuel E. Dalton
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, 436 Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge CB4 0QA, United Kingdom
| | - Charlotte East
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, 436 Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge CB4 0QA, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher W. Murray
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, 436 Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge CB4 0QA, United Kingdom
| | - Marc O’Reilly
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, 436 Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge CB4 0QA, United Kingdom
| | - Torren Peakman
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, 436 Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge CB4 0QA, United Kingdom
| | - Magdalini Rapti
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, 436 Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge CB4 0QA, United Kingdom
| | - Jessie L. Stow
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, 436 Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge CB4 0QA, United Kingdom
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7
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Structure-based assessment and druggability classification of protein-protein interaction sites. Sci Rep 2022; 12:7975. [PMID: 35562538 PMCID: PMC9106675 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-12105-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The featureless interface formed by protein–protein interactions (PPIs) is notorious for being considered a difficult and poorly druggable target. However, recent advances have shown PPIs to be druggable, with the discovery of potent inhibitors and stabilizers, some of which are currently being clinically tested and approved for medical use. In this study, we assess the druggability of 12 commonly targeted PPIs using the computational tool, SiteMap. After evaluating 320 crystal structures, we find that the PPI binding sites have a wide range of druggability scores. This can be attributed to the unique structural and physiochemical features that influence their ligand binding and concomitantly, their druggability predictions. We then use these features to propose a specific classification system suitable for assessing PPI targets based on their druggability scores and measured binding-affinity. Interestingly, this system was able to distinguish between different PPIs and correctly categorize them into four classes (i.e. very druggable, druggable, moderately druggable, and difficult). We also studied the effects of protein flexibility on the computed druggability scores and found that protein conformational changes accompanying ligand binding in ligand-bound structures result in higher protein druggability scores due to more favorable structural features. Finally, the drug-likeness of many published PPI inhibitors was studied where it was found that the vast majority of the 221 ligands considered here, including orally tested/marketed drugs, violate the currently acceptable limits of compound size and hydrophobicity parameters. This outcome, combined with the lack of correlation observed between druggability and drug-likeness, reinforces the need to redefine drug-likeness for PPI drugs. This work proposes a PPI-specific classification scheme that will assist researchers in assessing the druggability and identifying inhibitors of the PPI interface.
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8
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Cons BD, Twigg DG, Kumar R, Chessari G. Electrostatic Complementarity in Structure-Based Drug Design. J Med Chem 2022; 65:7476-7488. [PMID: 35512344 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Optimization of electrostatic complementarity is an important strategy in structure-based drug discovery for improving the affinity of molecules against a specific protein target. In this Miniperspective we identify examples where deliberate optimization of protein-ligand electrostatic complementarity or intramolecular electrostatic interactions gave improvements in target affinity (up to 250-fold), physicochemical properties, in vitro properties, and off-target selectivity. We also look retrospectively at a series of factor Xa inhibitors that show an almost 8000-fold range in potency that can be correlated with the calculated electrostatic potential (ESP) surfaces. Recent developments using a graph-convolutional deep neural network to rapidly generate high quality ESP surfaces have the potential to make this useful tool more accessible for a wider audience within the field of medicinal chemistry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin D Cons
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, 436 Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge CB4 0QA, U.K
| | - David G Twigg
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, 436 Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge CB4 0QA, U.K
| | - Rajendra Kumar
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, 436 Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge CB4 0QA, U.K
| | - Gianni Chessari
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, 436 Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge CB4 0QA, U.K
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9
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Sosič I, Bricelj A, Steinebach C. E3 ligase ligand chemistries: from building blocks to protein degraders. Chem Soc Rev 2022; 51:3487-3534. [PMID: 35393989 DOI: 10.1039/d2cs00148a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs), capable of achieving targeted protein degradation, have proven their great therapeutic potential and usefulness as molecular biology tools. These heterobifunctional compounds are comprised of a protein-targeting ligand, an appropriate linker, and a ligand binding to the E3 ligase of choice. A successful PROTAC induces the formation of a ternary complex, leading to the E3 ligase-mediated ubiquitination of the targeted protein and its proteasomal degradation. In over 20 years since the concept was first demonstrated, the field has grown substantially, mainly due to the advancements in the discovery of non-peptidic E3 ligase ligands. Development of small-molecule E3 binders with favourable physicochemical profiles aided the design of PROTACs, which are known for breaking the rules of established guidelines for discovering small molecules. Synthetic accessibility of the ligands and numerous successful applications led to the prevalent use of cereblon and von Hippel-Lindau as the hijacked E3 ligase. However, the pool of over 600 human E3 ligases is full of untapped potential, which is why expanding the artillery of E3 ligands could contribute to broadening the scope of targeted protein degradation. In this comprehensive review, we focus on the chemistry aspect of the PROTAC design process by providing an overview of liganded E3 ligases, their chemistries, appropriate derivatisation, and synthetic approaches towards their incorporation into heterobifunctional degraders. By covering syntheses of both established and underexploited E3 ligases, this review can serve as a chemistry blueprint for PROTAC researchers during their future ventures into the complex field of targeted protein degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izidor Sosič
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Aleša Bricelj
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Christian Steinebach
- Pharmaceutical Institute, Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 4, D-53121 Bonn, Germany
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10
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Li XY, Huang ZY, Niu Y, Wang ZH, Hu LY, Bai AM, Hu YJ. Synthesis of a IAP antagonist analogue and its binding investigation with BSA/HSA. J Mol Struct 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2021.131989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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11
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Fragment-to-lead tailored in silico design. DRUG DISCOVERY TODAY. TECHNOLOGIES 2021; 40:44-57. [PMID: 34916022 DOI: 10.1016/j.ddtec.2021.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Fragment-based drug discovery (FBDD) emerged as a disruptive technology and became established during the last two decades. Its rationality and low entry costs make it appealing, and the numerous examples of approved drugs discovered through FBDD validate the approach. However, FBDD still faces numerous challenges. Perhaps the most important one is the transformation of the initial fragment hits into viable leads. Fragment-to-lead (F2L) optimization is resource-intensive and is therefore limited in the possibilities that can be actively pursued. In silico strategies play an important role in F2L, as they can perform a deeper exploration of chemical space, prioritize molecules with high probabilities of being active and generate non-obvious ideas. Here we provide a critical overview of current in silico strategies in F2L optimization and highlight their remarkable impact. While very effective, most solutions are target- or fragment- specific. We propose that fully integrated in silico strategies, capable of automatically and systematically exploring the fast-growing available chemical space can have a significant impact on accelerating the release of fragment originated drugs.
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12
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Douglas JJ, Tatton MR, de Bruin D, Buttar D, Cook C, Dai K, Ferrer C, Leslie K, Morrison J, Munday R, Ronson TO, Zhao H. Exploration of a Nitromethane-Carbonylation Strategy during Route Design of an Atropisomeric KRAS G12C Inhibitor. J Org Chem 2021; 87:2075-2086. [PMID: 34652911 DOI: 10.1021/acs.joc.1c01736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Route design and proof of concept synthesis was conducted on a synthetically challenging atropisomeric KRASG12C inhibitor to support clinical API manufacture. Improvements to the synthesis of a chiral piperazine fragment gave reduced step count and streamlined protecting group strategy via the formation and methanol ring opening of an N-carboxy-anhydride (NCA). The complex atropisomeric nitroquinoline was accessed via an early stage salt-resolution followed by a formal two-part nitromethane-carbonylation, avoiding a high temperature Gould-Jacobs cyclization that previously led to atropisomer racemization. The substrate scope of the formal nitromethane-carbonylation strategy was further explored for a range of ortho-substituted bromo/iodo unprotected anilines.
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Affiliation(s)
- James J Douglas
- Early Chemical Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Macclesfield SK10 2NA, U.K
| | - Matthew R Tatton
- Early Chemical Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Macclesfield SK10 2NA, U.K
| | - Daniël de Bruin
- Early Chemical Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Macclesfield SK10 2NA, U.K.,Organic Chemistry & Catalysis, Institution Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - David Buttar
- Early Chemical Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Macclesfield SK10 2NA, U.K
| | - Calum Cook
- Early Chemical Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Macclesfield SK10 2NA, U.K
| | - Kuangchu Dai
- Changzhou SynTheAll Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., No 589, North Yulong Road, Chunjiang Town, Xinbei District, Changzhou 213127, Jiangsu, PR China
| | | | - Kevin Leslie
- Chemical Development, Pharmaceutical Technology & Development, Operations, AstraZeneca, Macclesfield SK10 2NA, U.K
| | - James Morrison
- Early Chemical Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Macclesfield SK10 2NA, U.K
| | - Rachel Munday
- Chemical Development, Pharmaceutical Technology & Development, Operations, AstraZeneca, Macclesfield SK10 2NA, U.K
| | - Thomas O Ronson
- Chemical Development, Pharmaceutical Technology & Development, Operations, AstraZeneca, Macclesfield SK10 2NA, U.K
| | - Hucheng Zhao
- Changzhou SynTheAll Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., No 589, North Yulong Road, Chunjiang Town, Xinbei District, Changzhou 213127, Jiangsu, PR China
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13
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Chessari G, Grainger R, Holvey RS, Ludlow RF, Mortenson PN, Rees DC. C-H functionalisation tolerant to polar groups could transform fragment-based drug discovery (FBDD). Chem Sci 2021; 12:11976-11985. [PMID: 34667563 PMCID: PMC8457390 DOI: 10.1039/d1sc03563k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
We have analysed 131 fragment-to-lead (F2L) examples targeting a wide variety of protein families published by academic and industrial laboratories between 2015-2019. Our assessment of X-ray structural data identifies the most common polar functional groups involved in fragment-protein binding are: N-H (hydrogen bond donors on aromatic and aliphatic N-H, amides and anilines; totalling 35%), aromatic nitrogen atoms (hydrogen bond acceptors; totalling 23%), and carbonyl oxygen group atoms (hydrogen bond acceptors on amides, ureas and ketones; totalling 22%). Furthermore, the elaboration of each fragment into its corresponding lead is analysed to identify the nominal synthetic growth vectors. In ∼80% of cases, growth originates from an aromatic or aliphatic carbon on the fragment and more than 50% of the total bonds formed are carbon-carbon bonds. This analysis reveals that growth from carbocentric vectors is key and therefore robust C-H functionalisation methods that tolerate the innate polar functionality on fragments could transform fragment-based drug discovery (FBDD). As a further resource to the community, we have provided the full data of our analysis as well as an online overlay page of the X-ray structures of the fragment hit and leads: https://astx.com/interactive/F2L-2021/.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianni Chessari
- Astex Pharmaceuticals 436 Cambridge Science Park Cambridge CB4 0QA UK
| | - Rachel Grainger
- Astex Pharmaceuticals 436 Cambridge Science Park Cambridge CB4 0QA UK
| | - Rhian S Holvey
- Astex Pharmaceuticals 436 Cambridge Science Park Cambridge CB4 0QA UK
| | | | - Paul N Mortenson
- Astex Pharmaceuticals 436 Cambridge Science Park Cambridge CB4 0QA UK
| | - David C Rees
- Astex Pharmaceuticals 436 Cambridge Science Park Cambridge CB4 0QA UK
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14
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Miah AH, Smith IED, Rackham M, Mares A, Thawani AR, Nagilla R, Haile PA, Votta BJ, Gordon LJ, Watt G, Denyer J, Fisher DT, Dace P, Giffen P, Goncalves A, Churcher I, Scott-Stevens P, Harling JD. Optimization of a Series of RIPK2 PROTACs. J Med Chem 2021; 64:12978-13003. [PMID: 34432979 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Receptor-interacting serine/threonine protein kinase 2 (RIPK2) is an important kinase of the innate immune system. Herein, we describe the optimization of a series of RIPK2 PROTACs which recruit members of the inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) family of E3 ligases. Our PROTAC optimization strategy focused on reducing the lipophilicity of the early lead which resulted in the identification of analogues with improved solubility and increased human and rat microsomal stability. We identified a range of IAP binders that were successfully incorporated into potent RIPK2 PROTACs with attractive pharmacokinetic profiles. Compound 20 possessed the best overall profile with good solubility, potent degradation of RIPK2, and associated inhibition of TNFα release. A proof-of-concept study utilizing a slow release matrix demonstrated the feasibility of a long-acting parenteral formulation with >1 month duration. This represents an attractive alternative dosing paradigm to oral delivery, especially for chronic diseases where compliance can be challenging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afjal H Miah
- Medicine Design, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Ian E D Smith
- Medicine Design, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Mark Rackham
- Medicine Design, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Alina Mares
- Medicine Design, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Aditya R Thawani
- Medicine Design, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Rakesh Nagilla
- Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, GlaxoSmithKline, 1250 South Collegeville Road, Collegeville, Pennsylvania 19426, United States
| | - Pamela A Haile
- Innate Immunity Research Unit, GlaxoSmithKline, 1250 South Collegeville Road, Collegeville, Pennsylvania 19426, United States
| | - Bartholomew J Votta
- Clinical Biomarkers, GlaxoSmithKline, 1250 South Collegeville Road, Collegeville, Pennsylvania 19426, United States
| | - Laurie J Gordon
- Medicine Design, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Gillian Watt
- Medicine Design, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Jane Denyer
- Medicine Design, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Don T Fisher
- Drug Design and Selection, GlaxoSmithKline, 1250 South Collegeville Road, Collegeville, Pennsylvania 19426, United States
| | - Phoebe Dace
- Medicine Design, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Paul Giffen
- Medicine Design, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Andrea Goncalves
- Medicine Design, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Ian Churcher
- Medicine Design, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Paul Scott-Stevens
- Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - John D Harling
- Medicine Design, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
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15
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Hamilton C, Fox JP, Longley DB, Higgins CA. Therapeutics Targeting the Core Apoptotic Machinery. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13112618. [PMID: 34073507 PMCID: PMC8198123 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13112618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 05/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cancer develops when the balance between cell death and cell division in tissues is dysregulated. A key focus of cancer drug discovery is identifying therapeutic agents which will selectively kill and eliminate cancer cells from the body. A number of proteins can prevent the death of cancer cells and developing inhibitors against these proteins to promote cancer cell death is a focus of recent drug discovery efforts. This review aims to summarize the key targets being explored, the drug development approaches being adopted, and the success or limitations of agents currently approved or in clinical development. Abstract Therapeutic targeting of the apoptotic pathways for the treatment of cancer is emerging as a valid and exciting approach in anti-cancer therapeutics. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that cancer cells are typically “addicted” to a small number of anti-apoptotic proteins for their survival, and direct targeting of these proteins could provide valuable approaches for directly killing cancer cells. Several approaches and agents are in clinical development targeting either the intrinsic mitochondrial apoptotic pathway or the extrinsic death receptor mediated pathways. In this review, we discuss the main apoptosis pathways and the key molecular targets which are the subject of several drug development approaches, the clinical development of these agents and the emerging resistance factors and combinatorial treatment approaches for this class of agents with existing and emerging novel targeted anti-cancer therapeutics.
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16
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Kannt A, Đikić I. Expanding the arsenal of E3 ubiquitin ligases for proximity-induced protein degradation. Cell Chem Biol 2021; 28:1014-1031. [PMID: 33945791 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2021.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Efficacy and selectivity of molecules inducing protein degradation depend on their affinity to the target protein but also on the type of E3 ubiquitin ligase that is recruited to trigger proteasomal degradation. While tremendous progress has been made on the former, the latter-the arsenal of E3 ligases that can be hijacked for targeted protein degradation-is still largely unexplored. Only about 2% of the more than 600 E3 ligases have been utilized to date. Exploiting additional E3 ligases that are, for example, selectively expressed in specific tissues or cells, or regulated under certain conditions, can considerably broaden the applicability of molecular degraders as a therapeutic modality. Here, we provide an overview of major classes of E3 ligases, review the enzymes that have been exploited for induced protein degradation and approaches used to identify or design E3 ligands, and highlight challenges and opportunities for targeting new E3 ligases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aimo Kannt
- Fraunhofer Institute of Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence for Immune-Mediated Diseases CIMD, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| | - Ivan Đikić
- Fraunhofer Institute of Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Institute of Biochemistry II, Faculty of Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Straße 15, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Department of Theoretical Biophysics, Max Planck Institute of Biophysics, Max-von-Laue Straße 3, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
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17
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Ishida T, Ciulli A. E3 Ligase Ligands for PROTACs: How They Were Found and How to Discover New Ones. SLAS DISCOVERY : ADVANCING LIFE SCIENCES R & D 2021; 26:484-502. [PMID: 33143537 PMCID: PMC8013866 DOI: 10.1177/2472555220965528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Bifunctional degrader molecules, also called proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs), are a new modality of chemical tools and potential therapeutics to understand and treat human disease. A required PROTAC component is a ligand binding to an E3 ubiquitin ligase, which is then joined to another ligand binding to a protein to be degraded via the ubiquitin-proteasome system. The advent of nonpeptidic small-molecule E3 ligase ligands, notably for von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) and cereblon (CRBN), revolutionized the field and ushered in the design of drug-like PROTACs with potent and selective degradation activity. A first wave of PROTAC drugs are now undergoing clinical development in cancer, and the field is seeking to extend the repertoire of chemistries that allow hijacking new E3 ligases to improve the scope of targeted protein degradation.Here, we briefly review how traditional E3 ligase ligands were discovered, and then outline approaches and ligands that have been recently used to discover new E3 ligases for PROTACs. We will then take an outlook at current and future strategies undertaken that invoke either target-based screening or phenotypic-based approaches, including the use of DNA-encoded libraries (DELs), display technologies and cyclic peptides, smaller molecular glue degraders, and covalent warhead ligands. These approaches are ripe for expanding the chemical space of PROTACs and usher in the advent of other emerging bifunctional modalities of proximity-based pharmacology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tasuku Ishida
- Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Alessio Ciulli
- Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
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18
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Knoll G, Ehrenschwender M. The non-peptidomimetic IAP antagonist ASTX660 sensitizes colorectal cancer cells for extrinsic apoptosis. FEBS Open Bio 2021; 11:714-723. [PMID: 33484626 PMCID: PMC7931242 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.13096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Apoptosis resistance worsens treatment response in cancer and is associated with poor prognosis. Inhibition of anti-apoptotic proteins can restore cell death and improve treatment efficacy. cIAP1, cIAP2, and XIAP belong to the inhibitor of apoptosis protein (IAP) family and block apoptosis. Targeting IAPs with peptides or peptidomimetics mimicking the IAP-antagonizing activity of the cell's endogenous IAP antagonist SMAC (SMAC mimetics) showed promising results and fueled development of novel compounds. ASTX660 belongs to the recently introduced class of non-peptidomimetic IAP antagonists and successfully completed phase I clinical trials. However, ASTX660 has thus far only been evaluated in few cancer entities. Here, we demonstrate that ASTX660 has cell death-promoting activity in colorectal cancer and provide a head-to-head comparison with birinapant, the clinically most advanced peptidomimetic IAP antagonist. ASTX660 facilitates activation of the extrinsic apoptosis pathway upon stimulation with the death ligands TNF and TRAIL and boosts effector caspase activation and subsequent apoptosis. Mechanistically, ASTX660 enhances amplification of death receptor-generated apoptotic signals in a mitochondria-dependent manner. Failure to activate the mitochondria-associated (intrinsic) apoptosis pathway attenuated the apoptosis-promoting effect of ASTX660. Further clinical studies are warranted to highlight the therapeutic potential of ASTX660 in colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gertrud Knoll
- Institute of Clinical Microbiology and HygieneUniversity Hospital RegensburgGermany
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19
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Schiemer J, Horst R, Meng Y, Montgomery JI, Xu Y, Feng X, Borzilleri K, Uccello DP, Leverett C, Brown S, Che Y, Brown MF, Hayward MM, Gilbert AM, Noe MC, Calabrese MF. Snapshots and ensembles of BTK and cIAP1 protein degrader ternary complexes. Nat Chem Biol 2020; 17:152-160. [PMID: 33199914 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-020-00686-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Heterobifunctional chimeric degraders are a class of ligands that recruit target proteins to E3 ubiquitin ligases to drive compound-dependent protein degradation. Advancing from initial chemical tools, protein degraders represent a mechanism of growing interest in drug discovery. Critical to the mechanism of action is the formation of a ternary complex between the target, degrader and E3 ligase to promote ubiquitination and subsequent degradation. However, limited insights into ternary complex structures exist, including a near absence of studies on one of the most widely co-opted E3s, cellular inhibitor of apoptosis 1 (cIAP1). In this work, we use a combination of biochemical, biophysical and structural studies to characterize degrader-mediated ternary complexes of Bruton's tyrosine kinase and cIAP1. Our results reveal new insights from unique ternary complex structures and show that increased ternary complex stability or rigidity need not always correlate with increased degradation efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Schiemer
- Discovery Sciences, Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, Groton, CT, USA
| | - Reto Horst
- Discovery Sciences, Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, Groton, CT, USA
| | - Yilin Meng
- Discovery Sciences, Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, Groton, CT, USA
| | - Justin I Montgomery
- Discovery Sciences, Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, Groton, CT, USA
| | - Yingrong Xu
- Discovery Sciences, Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, Groton, CT, USA
| | - Xidong Feng
- Discovery Sciences, Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, Groton, CT, USA
| | - Kris Borzilleri
- Discovery Sciences, Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, Groton, CT, USA
| | - Daniel P Uccello
- Discovery Sciences, Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, Groton, CT, USA
| | - Carolyn Leverett
- Discovery Sciences, Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, Groton, CT, USA
| | - Stephen Brown
- Discovery Sciences, Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, Groton, CT, USA
| | - Ye Che
- Discovery Sciences, Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, Groton, CT, USA
| | - Matthew F Brown
- Discovery Sciences, Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, Groton, CT, USA
| | - Matthew M Hayward
- Discovery Sciences, Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, Groton, CT, USA
| | - Adam M Gilbert
- Discovery Sciences, Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, Groton, CT, USA
| | - Mark C Noe
- Discovery Sciences, Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, Groton, CT, USA
| | - Matthew F Calabrese
- Discovery Sciences, Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, Groton, CT, USA.
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20
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Reidenbach AG, Mesleh MF, Casalena D, Vallabh SM, Dahlin JL, Leed AJ, Chan AI, Usanov DL, Yehl JB, Lemke CT, Campbell AJ, Shah RN, Shrestha OK, Sacher JR, Rangel VL, Moroco JA, Sathappa M, Nonato MC, Nguyen KT, Wright SK, Liu DR, Wagner FF, Kaushik VK, Auld DS, Schreiber SL, Minikel EV. Multimodal small-molecule screening for human prion protein binders. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:13516-13531. [PMID: 32723867 PMCID: PMC7521658 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra120.014905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Prion disease is a rapidly progressive neurodegenerative disorder caused by misfolding and aggregation of the prion protein (PrP), and there are currently no therapeutic options. PrP ligands could theoretically antagonize prion formation by protecting the native protein from misfolding or by targeting it for degradation, but no validated small-molecule binders have been discovered to date. We deployed a variety of screening methods in an effort to discover binders of PrP, including 19F-observed and saturation transfer difference (STD) NMR spectroscopy, differential scanning fluorimetry (DSF), DNA-encoded library selection, and in silico screening. A single benzimidazole compound was confirmed in concentration-response, but affinity was very weak (Kd > 1 mm), and it could not be advanced further. The exceptionally low hit rate observed here suggests that PrP is a difficult target for small-molecule binders. Whereas orthogonal binder discovery methods could yield high-affinity compounds, non-small-molecule modalities may offer independent paths forward against prion disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew G Reidenbach
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Michael F Mesleh
- Center for the Development of Therapeutics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Dominick Casalena
- Facilitated Access to Screening Technologies (FAST) Lab, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research (NIBR), Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sonia M Vallabh
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA; Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA; Prion Alliance, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jayme L Dahlin
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Alison J Leed
- Center for the Development of Therapeutics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Alix I Chan
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Dmitry L Usanov
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA; Center for the Development of Therapeutics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jenna B Yehl
- Center for the Development of Therapeutics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Christopher T Lemke
- Center for the Development of Therapeutics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Arthur J Campbell
- Center for the Development of Therapeutics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Rishi N Shah
- Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP), Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Om K Shrestha
- Facilitated Access to Screening Technologies (FAST) Lab, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research (NIBR), Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Joshua R Sacher
- Center for the Development of Therapeutics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Victor L Rangel
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jamie A Moroco
- Center for the Development of Therapeutics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Murugappan Sathappa
- Center for the Development of Therapeutics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Maria Cristina Nonato
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Kong T Nguyen
- Artificial Intelligence Molecular Screen (AIMS) Awards Program, Atomwise, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - S Kirk Wright
- Facilitated Access to Screening Technologies (FAST) Lab, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research (NIBR), Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - David R Liu
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA; Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, Maryland, USA; Department of Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Florence F Wagner
- Center for the Development of Therapeutics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA; Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Virendar K Kaushik
- Center for the Development of Therapeutics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Douglas S Auld
- Facilitated Access to Screening Technologies (FAST) Lab, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research (NIBR), Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Stuart L Schreiber
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA; Department of Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Eric Vallabh Minikel
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA; Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA; Prion Alliance, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
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21
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Kieffer C, Jourdan JP, Jouanne M, Voisin-Chiret AS. Noncellular screening for the discovery of protein–protein interaction modulators. Drug Discov Today 2020; 25:1592-1603. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2020.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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22
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Singh N, Chaput L, Villoutreix BO. Fast Rescoring Protocols to Improve the Performance of Structure-Based Virtual Screening Performed on Protein-Protein Interfaces. J Chem Inf Model 2020; 60:3910-3934. [PMID: 32786511 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.0c00545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) are attractive targets for drug design because of their essential role in numerous cellular processes and disease pathways. However, in general, PPIs display exposed binding pockets at the interface, and as such, have been largely unexploited for therapeutic interventions with low-molecular weight compounds. Here, we used docking and various rescoring strategies in an attempt to recover PPI inhibitors from a set of active and inactive molecules for 11 targets collected in ChEMBL and PubChem. Our focus is on the screening power of the various developed protocols and on using fast approaches so as to be able to apply such a strategy to the screening of ultralarge libraries in the future. First, we docked compounds into each target using the fast "pscreen" mode of the structure-based virtual screening (VS) package Surflex. Subsequently, the docking poses were postprocessed to derive a set of 3D topological descriptors: (i) shape similarity and (ii) interaction fingerprint similarity with a co-crystallized inhibitor, (iii) solvent-accessible surface area, and (iv) extent of deviation from the geometric center of a reference inhibitor. The derivatized descriptors, together with descriptor-scaled scoring functions, were utilized to investigate possible impacts on VS performance metrics. Moreover, four standalone scoring functions, RF-Score-VS (machine-learning), DLIGAND2 (knowledge-based), Vinardo (empirical), and X-SCORE (empirical), were employed to rescore the PPI compounds. Collectively, the results indicate that the topological scoring algorithms could be valuable both at a global level, with up to 79% increase in areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve for some targets, and in early stages, with up to a 4-fold increase in enrichment factors at 1% of the screened collections. Outstandingly, DLIGAND2 emerged as the best scoring function on this data set, outperforming all rescoring techniques in terms of VS metrics. The described methodology could help in the rational design of small-molecule PPI inhibitors and has direct applications in many therapeutic areas, including cancer, CNS, and infectious diseases such as COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natesh Singh
- Université de Lille, Inserm, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1177-Drugs and Molecules for Living Systems, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Ludovic Chaput
- Université de Lille, Inserm, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1177-Drugs and Molecules for Living Systems, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Bruno O Villoutreix
- Université de Lille, Inserm, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1177-Drugs and Molecules for Living Systems, F-59000 Lille, France
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23
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Strecker C, Baerenfaenger M, Miehe M, Spillner E, Meyer B. In Silico Evaluation of the Binding Site of Fucosyltransferase 8 and First Attempts to Synthesize an Inhibitor with Drug-Like Properties. Chembiochem 2020; 21:1923-1931. [PMID: 31194280 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.201900289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Core fucosylation of N-glycans is catalyzed by fucosyltransferase 8 and is associated with various types of cancer. Most reported fucosyltransferase inhibitors contain non-drug-like features, such as charged groups. New starting points for the development of inhibitors of fucosyltransferase 8 using a fragment-based strategy are presented. Firstly, we discuss the potential of a new putative binding site of fucosyltransferase 8 that, according to a molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, is made accessible by a significant motion of the SH3 domain. This might enable the design of completely new inhibitor types for fucosyltransferase 8. Secondly, we have performed a docking study targeting the donor binding site of fucosyltransferase 8, and this yielded two fragments that were linked and trimmed in silico. The resulting ligand was synthesized. Saturation transfer difference (STD) NMR confirmed binding of the ligand featuring a pyrazole core that mimics the guanine moiety. This ligand represents the first low-molecular-weight compound for the development of inhibitors of fucosyltransferase 8 with drug-like properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claas Strecker
- Department of Chemistry, University of Hamburg, Martin-Luther-King-Platz 6, 20146, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Melissa Baerenfaenger
- Department of Chemistry, University of Hamburg, Martin-Luther-King-Platz 6, 20146, Hamburg, Germany.,Present address: Department of Neurology, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 10, Nijmegen, 6525, GA, The Netherlands
| | - Michaela Miehe
- Department of Engineering, Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 10, 8000, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Edzard Spillner
- Department of Engineering, Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 10, 8000, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Bernd Meyer
- Department of Chemistry, University of Hamburg, Martin-Luther-King-Platz 6, 20146, Hamburg, Germany
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24
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Zhao XY, Wang XY, Wei QY, Xu YM, Lau ATY. Potency and Selectivity of SMAC/DIABLO Mimetics in Solid Tumor Therapy. Cells 2020; 9:cells9041012. [PMID: 32325691 PMCID: PMC7226512 DOI: 10.3390/cells9041012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2020] [Revised: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Aiming to promote cancer cell apoptosis is a mainstream strategy of cancer therapy. The second mitochondria-derived activator of caspase (SMAC)/direct inhibitor of apoptosis protein (IAP)-binding protein with low pI (DIABLO) protein is an essential and endogenous antagonist of inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAPs). SMAC mimetics (SMs) are a series of synthetically chemical compounds. Via database analysis and literature searching, we summarize the potential mechanisms of endogenous SMAC inefficiency, degradation, mutation, releasing blockage, and depression. We review the development of SMs, as well as preclinical and clinical outcomes of SMs in solid tumor treatment, and we analyze their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats from our point of view. We also highlight several questions in need of further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Yan-Ming Xu
- Correspondence: (Y.-M.X.); (A.T.Y.L.); Tel.: +86-754-8890-0437 (Y.-M.X.); +86-754-8853-0052 (A.T.Y.L.)
| | - Andy T. Y. Lau
- Correspondence: (Y.-M.X.); (A.T.Y.L.); Tel.: +86-754-8890-0437 (Y.-M.X.); +86-754-8853-0052 (A.T.Y.L.)
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25
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Blaquiere N, Villemure E, Staben ST. Medicinal Chemistry of Inhibiting RING-Type E3 Ubiquitin Ligases. J Med Chem 2020; 63:7957-7985. [PMID: 32142281 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b01451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) presents many opportunities for pharmacological intervention. Key players in the UPS are E3 ubiquitin ligases, responsible for conjugation of ubiquitin to specific cognate substrates. Numbering more than 600 members, these ligases represent the most selective way to intervene within this physiologically important system. This Perspective highlights some of the dedicated medicinal chemistry efforts directed at inhibiting the function of specific single-protein and multicomponent RING-type E3 ubiquitin ligases. We present opportunities and challenges associated with targeting this important class of enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Blaquiere
- Discovery Chemistry, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Elisia Villemure
- Discovery Chemistry, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Steven T Staben
- Discovery Chemistry, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
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26
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Dalton SE, Campos S. Covalent Small Molecules as Enabling Platforms for Drug Discovery. Chembiochem 2020; 21:1080-1100. [DOI: 10.1002/cbic.201900674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Samuel E. Dalton
- Astex Pharmaceuticals 436 Cambridge Science Park Milton Road Cambridge CB4 0QA UK
| | - Sebastien Campos
- PharmaronDrug Discovery Services Europe Hertford Road Hoddesdon Hertfordshire EN11 9BU UK
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27
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Mita MM, LoRusso PM, Papadopoulos KP, Gordon MS, Mita AC, Ferraldeschi R, Keer H, Oganesian A, Su XY, Jueliger S, Tolcher AW. A Phase I Study of ASTX660, an Antagonist of Inhibitors of Apoptosis Proteins, in Adults with Advanced Cancers or Lymphoma. Clin Cancer Res 2020; 26:2819-2826. [DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-19-1430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Revised: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 12/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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28
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Trindade AF, Faulkner EL, Leach AG, Nelson A, Marsden SP. Fragment-oriented synthesis: β-elaboration of cyclic amine fragments using enecarbamates as platform intermediates. Chem Commun (Camb) 2020; 56:8802-8805. [DOI: 10.1039/d0cc03934a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Selective β-sp3 functionalisation of cyclic amines is achieved through enecarbamate formation and photoredox-catalysed derivatisation with functionalised alkyl halides.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Andrew G. Leach
- Department of Pharmacy
- University of Manchester
- Manchester M13 9PL
- UK
| | - Adam Nelson
- School of Chemistry
- University of Leeds
- Leeds LS2 9JT
- UK
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology
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Targeted protein degradation: expanding the toolbox. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2019; 18:949-963. [PMID: 31666732 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-019-0047-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 471] [Impact Index Per Article: 94.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) and related molecules that induce targeted protein degradation by the ubiquitin-proteasome system represent a new therapeutic modality and are the focus of great interest, owing to potential advantages over traditional occupancy-based inhibitors with respect to dosing, side effects, drug resistance and modulating 'undruggable' targets. However, the technology is still maturing, and the design elements for successful PROTAC-based drugs are currently being elucidated. Importantly, fewer than 10 of the more than 600 E3 ubiquitin ligases have so far been exploited for targeted protein degradation, and expansion of knowledge in this area is a key opportunity. Here, we briefly discuss lessons learned about targeted protein degradation in chemical biology and drug discovery and systematically review the expression profile, domain architecture and chemical tractability of human E3 ligases that could expand the toolbox for PROTAC discovery.
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30
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Fuglestad B, Kerstetter NE, Bédard S, Wand AJ. Extending the Detection Limit in Fragment Screening of Proteins Using Reverse Micelle Encapsulation. ACS Chem Biol 2019; 14:2224-2232. [PMID: 31550881 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.9b00537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Detection of very weak (Kd > 10 mM) interactions of proteins with small molecules has been elusive. This is particularly important for fragment-based drug discovery, where it is suspected that the majority of potentially useful fragments will be invisible to current screening methodologies. We describe an NMR approach that permits detection of protein-fragment interactions in the very low affinity range and extends the current detection limit of ∼10 mM up to ∼200 mM and beyond. Reverse micelle encapsulation is leveraged to effectively reach very high fragment and protein concentrations, a principle that is validated by binding model fragments to E. coli dihydrofolate reductase. The method is illustrated by target-detected screening of a small polar fragment library against interleukin-1β, which lacks a known ligand-binding pocket. Evaluation of binding by titration and structural context allows for validation of observed hits using rigorous structural and statistical criteria. The 21 curated hit molecules represent a remarkable hit rate of nearly 10% of the library. Analysis shows that fragment binding involves residues comprising two-thirds of the protein's surface. Current fragment screening methods rely on detection of relatively tight binding to ligand binding pockets. The method presented here illustrates a potential to faithfully discover starting points for development of small molecules that bind to a desired region of the protein, even if the targeted region is defined by a relatively flat surface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Fuglestad
- Johnson Research Foundation and Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Nicole E. Kerstetter
- Graduate Group in Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Sabrina Bédard
- Johnson Research Foundation and Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - A. Joshua Wand
- Johnson Research Foundation and Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
- Graduate Group in Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
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31
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Rathi PC, Ludlow RF, Verdonk ML. Practical High-Quality Electrostatic Potential Surfaces for Drug Discovery Using a Graph-Convolutional Deep Neural Network. J Med Chem 2019; 63:8778-8790. [PMID: 31553186 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b01129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Inspecting protein and ligand electrostatic potential (ESP) surfaces in order to optimize electrostatic complementarity is a key activity in drug design. These ESP surfaces need to reflect the true electrostatic nature of the molecules, which typically means time-consuming high-level quantum mechanics (QM) calculations are required. For interactive design much faster alternative methods are required. Here, we present a graph convolutional deep neural network (DNN) model, trained on ESP surfaces derived from high quality QM calculations, that generates ESP surfaces for ligands in a fraction of a second. Additionally, we describe a method for constructing fast QM-trained ESP surfaces for proteins. We show that the DNN model generates ESP surfaces that are in good agreement with QM and that the ESP values correlate well with experimental properties relevant to medicinal chemistry. We believe that these high-quality, interactive ESP surfaces form a powerful tool for driving drug discovery programs forward. The trained model and associated code are available from https://github.com/AstexUK/ESP_DNN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prakash Chandra Rathi
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, 436 Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge CB4 0QA, United Kingdom
| | - R Frederick Ludlow
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, 436 Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge CB4 0QA, United Kingdom
| | - Marcel L Verdonk
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, 436 Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge CB4 0QA, United Kingdom
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32
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Liu M, Quinn RJ. Fragment-based screening with natural products for novel anti-parasitic disease drug discovery. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2019; 14:1283-1295. [PMID: 31512943 PMCID: PMC6816479 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2019.1653849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Fragment-based drug discovery can identify relatively simple compounds with low binding affinity due to fewer binding interactions with protein targets. FBDD reduces the library size and provides simpler starting points for subsequent chemical optimization of initial hits. A much greater proportion of chemical space can be sampled in fragment-based screening compared to larger molecules with typical molecular weights (MWs) of 250-500 g mol-1 used in high-throughput screening (HTS) libraries. Areas covered: The authors cover the role of natural products in fragment-based drug discovery against parasitic disease targets. They review the approaches to develop fragment-based libraries either using natural products or natural product-like compounds. The authors present approaches to fragment-based drug discovery against parasitic diseases and compare these libraries with the 3D attributes of natural products. Expert opinion: To effectively use the three-dimensional properties and the chemical diversity of natural products in fragment-based drug discovery against parasitic diseases, there needs to be a mind-shift. Library design, in the medicinal chemistry area, has acknowledged that escaping flat-land is very important to increase the chances of clinical success. Attempts to increase sp3 richness in fragment libraries are acknowledged. Sufficient low molecular weight natural products are known to create true natural product fragment libraries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miaomiao Liu
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University , Brisbane , Australia
| | - Ronald J Quinn
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University , Brisbane , Australia
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33
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XIAP as a Target of New Small Organic Natural Molecules Inducing Human Cancer Cell Death. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11091336. [PMID: 31505859 PMCID: PMC6770071 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11091336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) is an emerging crucial therapeutic target in cancer. We report on the discovery and characterisation of small organic molecules from Piper genus plants exhibiting XIAP antagonism, namely erioquinol, a quinol substituted in the 4-position with an alkenyl group and the alkenylphenols eriopodols A–C. Another isolated compound was originally identified as gibbilimbol B. Erioquinol was the most potent inhibitor of human cancer cell viability when compared with gibbilimbol B and eriopodol A was listed as intermediate. Gibbilimbol B and eriopodol A induced apoptosis through mitochondrial permeabilisation and caspase activation while erioquinol acted on cell fate via caspase-independent/non-apoptotic mechanisms, likely involving mitochondrial dysfunctions and aberrant generation of reactive oxygen species. In silico modelling and molecular approaches suggested that all molecules inhibit XIAP by binding to XIAP-baculoviral IAP repeat domain. This demonstrates a novel aspect of XIAP as a key determinant of tumour control, at the molecular crossroad of caspase-dependent/independent cell death pathway and indicates molecular aspects to develop tumour-effective XIAP antagonists.
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Investigation of Hot Spot Region in XIAP Inhibitor Binding Site by Fragment Molecular Orbital Method. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2019; 17:1217-1225. [PMID: 31673305 PMCID: PMC6816037 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2019.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Revised: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) is an important regulator of cancer cell survival whose BIR3 domain (XIAP-BIR3) recognizes the Smac N-terminal tetrapeptide sequence (AVPI), making it an attractive protein-protein interaction (PPI) target for cancer therapies. We used the fragment molecular orbital (FMO) method to study the binding modes and affinities between XIAP-BIR3 and a series of its inhibitors (1–8) that mimic the AVPI binding motif; the inhibitors had common interactions with key residues in a hot spot region of XIAP-BIR3 (P1–P4 subpockets) with increased binding affinity mainly attributed to specific interactions with the P1 and P4 subpockets. Based on the structural information from FMO results, we proposed a novel XIAP natural product inhibitor, neoeriocitrin 10, which was derived from our preciously reported XIAP-BIR3 inhibitor 9, can be used as a highly potent candidate for XIAP-BIR3 inhibition. We also performed pair interaction energy decomposition analysis to investigate the binding energies between specific binding residues and individual ligands, showing that the novel natural product neoeriocitrin 10 had a higher binding affinity than epicatechin gallate 9. Molecular docking and dynamics simulations were performed to explore the mode of binding between 10 and XIAP-BIR3, demonstrating that 10 binds more strongly to the P1 and P4 pockets than 9. Overall, we present a novel natural product, neoeriocitrin 10, and demonstrate that the FMO method can be used to identify hot spots in PPIs and design new compounds for XIAP inhibition.
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35
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Chen SN, Fang T, Kong JY, Pan BB, Su XC. Third BIR domain of XIAP binds to both Cu(II) and Cu(I) in multiple sites and with diverse affinities characterized at atomic resolution. Sci Rep 2019; 9:7428. [PMID: 31092843 PMCID: PMC6520397 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-42875-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The X-chromosome linked inhibitor of apoptosis, XIAP, is mainly known as the inhibitor of caspases by direct interaction with caspases with its baculoviral IAP repeat (BIR) domains. XIAP has three BIR domains and each BIR domain contains a zinc binding site, normally known as zinc finger motif. Recent studies showed that XIAP is involved in copper homeostasis in cells and the BIR domains bind copper ion. However, structural details of the second and third BIR domain, BIR2 and BIR3, in XIAP, with copper as well as the binding modes are not known. In the present work we characterize the structural properties of BIR3 in solution by high resolution NMR and other biophysical techniques. The interaction of BIR3 with copper both in vitro and in cell lysates was analyzed. Our results show that BIR3 is able to form stable complexes both with Cu(II) and Cu(I), whereas zinc binding site is not affected and zinc retains tightly bound in the zinc finger during these interactions. Surprisingly, BIR3 has multiple binding sites for Cu(II) and Cu(I) but with varied binding affinities. In addition, the solvent exposed Cys351 is readily oxidized by Cu(II) resulting an intermolecular disulfide bond either between two BIR3 molecules or a mixed disulfide bond with glutathione in cell lysates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shen-Na Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Tian Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Jing-Yang Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Bin-Bin Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Xun-Cheng Su
- State Key Laboratory of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China.
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36
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Huang Q, Peng Y, Peng Y, Wei D, Wei Y, Feng S. The TwistDock workflow for evaluation of bivalent Smac mimetics targeting XIAP. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2019; 13:1373-1388. [PMID: 31118573 PMCID: PMC6499140 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s194276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 02/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Purpose: Mimetics based on Smac, the native inhibitor of XIAP, are promising drug-candidates for the treatment of cancer. Bivalent Smac mimetics inhibit XIAP with even higher potency than monovalent mimetics, but how to optimize the linker that tethers the two monovalent binding motifs remains controversial. Methods: To construct an ensemble of bivalent complex structures for evaluating various linkers, we propose herein a workflow, named TwistDock, consisting of steps of monovalent docking and linker twisting, in which the degrees of freedom are sampled focusing on the rotation of single bonds of the linker. Results: The obtained conformations of bivalent complex distribute randomly in the conformational space with respect to two reaction coordinates introduced by the linker, which are the distance of the two binding motifs and the dihedral angle of the two planes through the linker and each of the binding motifs. Molecular dynamics starting from 10 conformations with the lowest enthalpy of every complex shows that the conformational tendency of the complex participated by compound 9, one of the compounds with the largest binding affinity, is distinct from others. By umbrella sampling of the complex, we find its global minimum of the free energy landscape. The structure shows that the linker favors a compact conformation, and the two BIR domains of XIAP encompass the ligand on the opposite sides. Conclusion: TwistDock can be used in fine-tuning of bivalent ligands targeting XIAP and similar receptors dimerized or oligomerized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingsheng Huang
- Joint Engineering Research Center for Health Big Data Intelligent Analysis Technology and Center for High Performance Computing, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yin Peng
- Department of Pathology, Shenzhen University School of Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuefeng Peng
- Joint Engineering Research Center for Health Big Data Intelligent Analysis Technology and Center for High Performance Computing, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.,Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Silver Spring, MD 20903, USA
| | - Dan Wei
- School of Computer Science and Technology, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanjie Wei
- Joint Engineering Research Center for Health Big Data Intelligent Analysis Technology and Center for High Performance Computing, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Shengzhong Feng
- Joint Engineering Research Center for Health Big Data Intelligent Analysis Technology and Center for High Performance Computing, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
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37
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Khatoon S, Vgenopoulou A, Naseer MM, Shirinfar B, Kariuki BM, Dege N, Ahmed N. Easy Access to Crystalline Indolines
via
Hydrogen Bond Transfer. J Heterocycl Chem 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/jhet.3516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Saira Khatoon
- School of Chemistry Cardiff University Cardiff CF10 3AT UK
- Department of Chemistry Quaid‐i‐Azam University Islamabad 45320 Pakistan
| | | | | | | | | | - Necmi Dege
- Department of Physics Samsun Ondokuz Mayıs University Samsun 55139 Turkey
| | - Nisar Ahmed
- School of Chemistry Cardiff University Cardiff CF10 3AT UK
- School of Chemistry University of Bristol Bristol BS8 1TS UK
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38
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Mahmoud AH, Yang Y, Lill MA. Improving Atom-Type Diversity and Sampling in Cosolvent Simulations Using λ-Dynamics. J Chem Theory Comput 2019; 15:3272-3287. [PMID: 30933496 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jctc.8b00940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Amr H. Mahmoud
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, 575 Stadium Mall Drive, West Lafayette, Indiana 47906, United States
| | - Ying Yang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, 575 Stadium Mall Drive, West Lafayette, Indiana 47906, United States
| | - Markus A. Lill
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, 575 Stadium Mall Drive, West Lafayette, Indiana 47906, United States
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39
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Clinical candidates modulating protein-protein interactions: The fragment-based experience. Eur J Med Chem 2019; 167:76-95. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.01.084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Revised: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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40
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Bauer MR, Mackey MD. Electrostatic Complementarity as a Fast and Effective Tool to Optimize Binding and Selectivity of Protein-Ligand Complexes. J Med Chem 2019; 62:3036-3050. [PMID: 30807144 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b01925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Electrostatic interactions between small molecules and their respective receptors are essential for molecular recognition and are also key contributors to the binding free energy. Assessing the electrostatic match of protein-ligand complexes therefore provides important insights into why ligands bind and what can be changed to improve binding. Ideally, the ligand and protein electrostatic potentials at the protein-ligand interaction interface should maximize their complementarity while minimizing desolvation penalties. In this work, we present a fast and efficient tool to calculate and visualize the electrostatic complementarity (EC) of protein-ligand complexes. We compiled benchmark sets demonstrating electrostatically driven structure-activity relationships (SAR) from literature data, including kinase, protein-protein interaction, and GPCR targets, and used these to demonstrate that the EC method can visualize, rationalize, and predict electrostatically driven ligand affinity changes and help to predict compound selectivity. The methodology presented here for the analysis of EC is a powerful and versatile tool for drug design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias R Bauer
- Cresset, New Cambridge House , Bassingbourn Road , Litlington , Cambridgeshire SG8 0SS , U.K
| | - Mark D Mackey
- Cresset, New Cambridge House , Bassingbourn Road , Litlington , Cambridgeshire SG8 0SS , U.K
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41
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Grainger R, Heightman TD, Ley SV, Lima F, Johnson CN. Enabling synthesis in fragment-based drug discovery by reactivity mapping: photoredox-mediated cross-dehydrogenative heteroarylation of cyclic amines. Chem Sci 2019; 10:2264-2271. [PMID: 30881651 PMCID: PMC6385880 DOI: 10.1039/c8sc04789h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In fragment-based drug discovery (FBDD), a weakly binding fragment hit is elaborated into a potent ligand by bespoke functionalization along specific directions (growth vectors) from the fragment core in order to complement the 3D structure of the target protein. This structure-based design approach can present significant synthetic challenges, as growth vectors often originate on sp2 or sp3 ring carbons which are not the most synthetically accessible points on the fragment. To address this issue and expedite synthesis in FBDD, we established a nanogram-to-gram workflow for the development of enabling synthetic transformations, such as the direct C-H functionalization of heterocycles. This novel approach deploys high-throughput experimentation (HTE) in 1536-well microtiter plates (MTPs) facilitated by liquid handling robots to screen reaction conditions on the nanomolar scale; subsequently the reaction is upscaled in a continuous flow to generate gram-quantities of the material. In this paper, we disclose the use of this powerful workflow for the development of a photoredox-mediated cross-dehydrogenative coupling of fragments and medicinally relevant heterocyclic precursors via Minisci-type addition of α-amino radicals to electron-deficient heteroarenes. The optimized reaction conditions were employed on the milligram-scale on a diverse set of 112 substrates to map out structure-reactivity relationships (SRRs) of the transformation. The coupling exhibits excellent tolerance to a variety of functional groups and N-rich heteroarenes relevant to FBDD and was upscaled in a continuous flow to afford gram-quantities of pharmaceutically relevant sp2-sp3 privileged architectures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Grainger
- Astex Pharmaceuticals , 436 Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road , Cambridge , CB4 0QA , UK . ;
| | - Tom D Heightman
- Astex Pharmaceuticals , 436 Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road , Cambridge , CB4 0QA , UK . ;
| | - Steven V Ley
- Department of Chemistry , University of Cambridge , Lensfield Road , Cambridge CB2 1EW , UK
| | - Fabio Lima
- Department of Chemistry , University of Cambridge , Lensfield Road , Cambridge CB2 1EW , UK
- Novartis Pharma AG , Novartis Campus , 4002 Basel , Switzerland
| | - Christopher N Johnson
- Astex Pharmaceuticals , 436 Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road , Cambridge , CB4 0QA , UK . ;
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42
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Cong H, Xu L, Wu Y, Qu Z, Bian T, Zhang W, Xing C, Zhuang C. Inhibitor of Apoptosis Protein (IAP) Antagonists in Anticancer Agent Discovery: Current Status and Perspectives. J Med Chem 2019; 62:5750-5772. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b01668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Hui Cong
- School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shengli Street, Yinchuan 750004, China
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, 325 Guohe Road, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Lijuan Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shengli Street, Yinchuan 750004, China
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, 325 Guohe Road, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Yougen Wu
- College of Tropical Agriculture and Forestry, Hainan University, 58 Renmin Avenue, Haikou 570228, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Florida, 1345 Center Drive, Gainesville, Florida 32610, United States
| | - Zhuo Qu
- School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shengli Street, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Tengfei Bian
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Florida, 1345 Center Drive, Gainesville, Florida 32610, United States
| | - Wannian Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shengli Street, Yinchuan 750004, China
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, 325 Guohe Road, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Chengguo Xing
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Florida, 1345 Center Drive, Gainesville, Florida 32610, United States
| | - Chunlin Zhuang
- School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shengli Street, Yinchuan 750004, China
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, 325 Guohe Road, Shanghai 200433, China
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43
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From Discovery to Bedside: Targeting the Ubiquitin System. Cell Chem Biol 2018; 26:156-177. [PMID: 30554913 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2018.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2018] [Revised: 08/21/2018] [Accepted: 10/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The ubiquitin/proteasome system is a primary conduit for selective intracellular protein degradation. Since its discovery over 30 years ago, this highly regulated system continues to be an active research area for drug discovery that is exemplified by several approved drugs. Here we review compounds in preclinical testing, clinical trials, and approved drugs, with the aim of highlighting innovative discoveries and breakthrough therapies that target the ubiquitin system.
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44
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Cytoplasmic FLIP(S) and nuclear FLIP(L) mediate resistance of castrate-resistant prostate cancer to apoptosis induced by IAP antagonists. Cell Death Dis 2018; 9:1081. [PMID: 30349042 PMCID: PMC6197283 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-018-1125-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2018] [Revised: 09/19/2018] [Accepted: 10/03/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) in the serum of prostate cancer patients is associated with poorer outcome and progression to castrate-resistant (CRPC) disease. TNFα promotes the activity of NFκB, which regulates a number of anti-apoptotic and proinflammatory genes, including those encoding the inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAPs); however, in the presence of IAP antagonists, TNFα can induce cell death. In the presence of recombinant or macrophage-derived TNFα, we found that IAP antagonists triggered degradation of cIAP1 and induced formation of Complex-IIb, consisting of caspase-8, FADD and RIPK1 in CRPC models; however, no, or modest levels of apoptosis were induced. This resistance was found to be mediated by both the long (L) and short (S) splice forms of the caspase-8 inhibitor, FLIP, another NFκB-regulated protein frequently overexpressed in CRPC. By decreasing FLIP expression at the post-transcriptional level in PC3 and DU145 cells (but not VCaP), the Class-I histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor Entinostat promoted IAP antagonist-induced cell death in these models in a manner dependent on RIPK1, FADD and Caspase-8. Of note, Entinostat primarily targeted the nuclear rather than cytoplasmic pool of FLIP(L). While the cytoplasmic pool of FLIP(L) was highly stable, the nuclear pool was more labile and regulated by the Class-I HDAC target Ku70, which we have previously shown regulates FLIP stability. The efficacy of IAP antagonist (TL32711) and Entinostat combination and their effects on cIAP1 and FLIP respectively were confirmed in vivo, highlighting the therapeutic potential for targeting IAPs and FLIP in proinflammatory CRPC.
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45
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Johnson CN, Ahn JS, Buck IM, Chiarparin E, Day JEH, Hopkins A, Howard S, Lewis EJ, Martins V, Millemaggi A, Munck JM, Page LW, Peakman T, Reader M, Rich SJ, Saxty G, Smyth T, Thompson NT, Ward GA, Williams PA, Wilsher NE, Chessari G. A Fragment-Derived Clinical Candidate for Antagonism of X-Linked and Cellular Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins: 1-(6-[(4-Fluorophenyl)methyl]-5-(hydroxymethyl)-3,3-dimethyl-1H,2H,3H-pyrrolo[3,2-b]pyridin-1-yl)-2-[(2R,5R)-5-methyl-2-([(3R)-3-methylmorpholin-4-yl]methyl)piperazin-1-yl]ethan-1-one (ASTX660). J Med Chem 2018; 61:7314-7329. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b00900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher N. Johnson
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, 436 Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge CB4 0QA, United Kingdom
| | - Jong Sook Ahn
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, 436 Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge CB4 0QA, United Kingdom
| | - Ildiko M. Buck
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, 436 Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge CB4 0QA, United Kingdom
| | - Elisabetta Chiarparin
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, 436 Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge CB4 0QA, United Kingdom
| | - James E. H. Day
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, 436 Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge CB4 0QA, United Kingdom
| | - Anna Hopkins
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, 436 Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge CB4 0QA, United Kingdom
| | - Steven Howard
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, 436 Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge CB4 0QA, United Kingdom
| | - Edward J. Lewis
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, 436 Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge CB4 0QA, United Kingdom
| | - Vanessa Martins
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, 436 Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge CB4 0QA, United Kingdom
| | - Alessia Millemaggi
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, 436 Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge CB4 0QA, United Kingdom
| | - Joanne M. Munck
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, 436 Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge CB4 0QA, United Kingdom
| | - Lee W. Page
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, 436 Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge CB4 0QA, United Kingdom
| | - Torren Peakman
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, 436 Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge CB4 0QA, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Reader
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, 436 Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge CB4 0QA, United Kingdom
| | - Sharna J. Rich
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, 436 Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge CB4 0QA, United Kingdom
| | - Gordon Saxty
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, 436 Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge CB4 0QA, United Kingdom
| | - Tomoko Smyth
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, 436 Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge CB4 0QA, United Kingdom
| | - Neil T. Thompson
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, 436 Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge CB4 0QA, United Kingdom
| | - George A. Ward
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, 436 Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge CB4 0QA, United Kingdom
| | - Pamela A. Williams
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, 436 Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge CB4 0QA, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola E. Wilsher
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, 436 Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge CB4 0QA, United Kingdom
| | - Gianni Chessari
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, 436 Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge CB4 0QA, United Kingdom
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Takemura K, Sato C, Kitao A. ColDock: Concentrated Ligand Docking with All-Atom Molecular Dynamics Simulation. J Phys Chem B 2018; 122:7191-7200. [PMID: 29993242 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.8b02756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
We propose a simple but efficient and accurate method to generate protein-ligand complex structures, called Concentrated ligand Docking (ColDock). This method consists of multiple independent molecular dynamics simulations in which ligands are initially distributed randomly around a protein at relatively high concentration (∼100 mM). This condition significantly increases the probability of the ligand exploring the protein surface, which induces spontaneous ligand binding to the correct binding sites within a 100 ns MD. After clustering of the protein-bound ligand poses, representatives of the populationally dominant clusters are considered as predicted ligand poses. We applied ColDock to four cases starting from holo protein structures and showed that ColDock can generate "correct" ligand poses very similar to the crystal complex structures. Correct ligand poses are also well reproduced in three out of four cases started from apo structures, with the exception being a case with an initially closed binding pocket. The results indicate that ColDock can be used as a protein-ligand docking as long as the ligand binding pocket is initially open. Plausible protein-ligand complex structures can be easily generated by conducting the ColDock procedure using standard MD simulation software.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Akio Kitao
- School of Life Science and Technology , Tokyo Institute of Technology , 2 Chome-12-1 , Ookayama, Meguro, Tokyo 152-8550 , Japan
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Gavriilidou AFM, Holding FP, Coyle JE, Zenobi R. Application of Native ESI-MS to Characterize Interactions between Compounds Derived from Fragment-Based Discovery Campaigns and Two Pharmaceutically Relevant Proteins. SLAS DISCOVERY 2018; 23:951-959. [PMID: 29852073 DOI: 10.1177/2472555218775921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Native electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) was applied to analyze the binding of compounds generated during fragment-based drug discovery (FBDD) campaigns against two functionally distinct proteins, the X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) and cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2). Compounds of different molecular weights and a wide range of binding affinities obtained from the hits to leads and lead optimization stages of FBDD campaigns were studied, and their dissociation constants (Kd) were measured by native ESI-MS. We demonstrate that native ESI-MS has the potential to be applied to the stages of an FBDD campaign downstream of primary screening for the detection and quantification of protein-ligand binding. Native ESI-MS was used to derive Kd values for compounds binding to XIAP, and the dissociation of the complex between XIAP and a peptide derived from the second mitochondria-derived activator of caspases (SMAC) protein induced by one of the test compounds was also investigated. Affinities of compounds binding to CDK2 gave Kd values in the low nanomolar to low millimolar range, and Kd values generated by MS and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) followed the same trend for both proteins. Practical considerations for the application of native ESI-MS are discussed in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agni F M Gavriilidou
- 1 Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Renato Zenobi
- 1 Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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48
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Ward GA, Lewis EJ, Ahn JS, Johnson CN, Lyons JF, Martins V, Munck JM, Rich SJ, Smyth T, Thompson NT, Williams PA, Wilsher NE, Wallis NG, Chessari G. ASTX660, a Novel Non-peptidomimetic Antagonist of cIAP1/2 and XIAP, Potently Induces TNFα-Dependent Apoptosis in Cancer Cell Lines and Inhibits Tumor Growth. Mol Cancer Ther 2018; 17:1381-1391. [PMID: 29695633 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-17-0848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2017] [Revised: 01/04/2018] [Accepted: 04/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Because of their roles in the evasion of apoptosis, inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAP) are considered attractive targets for anticancer therapy. Antagonists of these proteins have the potential to switch prosurvival signaling pathways in cancer cells toward cell death. Various SMAC-peptidomimetics with inherent cIAP selectivity have been tested clinically and demonstrated minimal single-agent efficacy. ASTX660 is a potent, non-peptidomimetic antagonist of cIAP1/2 and XIAP, discovered using fragment-based drug design. The antagonism of XIAP and cIAP1 by ASTX660 was demonstrated on purified proteins, cells, and in vivo in xenograft models. The compound binds to the isolated BIR3 domains of both XIAP and cIAP1 with nanomolar potencies. In cells and xenograft tissue, direct antagonism of XIAP was demonstrated by measuring its displacement from caspase-9 or SMAC. Compound-induced proteasomal degradation of cIAP1 and 2, resulting in downstream effects of NIK stabilization and activation of noncanonical NF-κB signaling, demonstrated cIAP1/2 antagonism. Treatment with ASTX660 led to TNFα-dependent induction of apoptosis in various cancer cell lines in vitro, whereas dosing in mice bearing breast and melanoma tumor xenografts inhibited tumor growth. ASTX660 is currently being tested in a phase I-II clinical trial (NCT02503423), and we propose that its antagonism of cIAP1/2 and XIAP may offer improved efficacy over first-generation antagonists that are more cIAP1/2 selective. Mol Cancer Ther; 17(7); 1381-91. ©2018 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - John F Lyons
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | - Tomoko Smyth
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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49
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Organic synthesis provides opportunities to transform drug discovery. Nat Chem 2018; 10:383-394. [DOI: 10.1038/s41557-018-0021-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 650] [Impact Index Per Article: 108.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2017] [Accepted: 12/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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50
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Rathore R, McCallum JE, Varghese E, Florea AM, Büsselberg D. Overcoming chemotherapy drug resistance by targeting inhibitors of apoptosis proteins (IAPs). Apoptosis 2018; 22:898-919. [PMID: 28424988 PMCID: PMC5486846 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-017-1375-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 169] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Inhibitors of apoptosis (IAPs) are a family of proteins that play a significant role in the control of programmed cell death (PCD). PCD is essential to maintain healthy cell turnover within tissue but also to fight disease or infection. Uninhibited, IAPs can suppress apoptosis and promote cell cycle progression. Therefore, it is unsurprising that cancer cells demonstrate significantly elevated expression levels of IAPs, resulting in improved cell survival, enhanced tumor growth and subsequent metastasis. Therapies to target IAPs in cancer has garnered substantial scientific interest and as resistance to anti-cancer agents becomes more prevalent, targeting IAPs has become an increasingly attractive strategy to re-sensitize cancer cells to chemotherapies, antibody based-therapies and TRAIL therapy. Antagonism strategies to modulate the actions of XIAP, cIAP1/2 and survivin are the central focus of current research and this review highlights advances within this field with particular emphasis upon the development and specificity of second mitochondria-derived activator of caspase (SMAC) mimetics (synthetic analogs of endogenously expressed inhibitors of IAPs SMAC/DIABLO). While we highlight the potential of SMAC mimetics as effective single agent or combinatory therapies to treat cancer we also discuss the likely clinical implications of resistance to SMAC mimetic therapy, occasionally observed in cancer cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rama Rathore
- College of Literature, Sciences and the Arts, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | | | | | - Ana-Maria Florea
- Institute of Neuropathology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Moorenstraße 5, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
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