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Gorbunova IA, Rogova A, Akhmetova DR, Sidorov RY, Priakhin EE, Makhmudov RR, Shipilovskikh DA, Epifanovskaya OS, Timin AS, Shipilovskikh SA. Design and one-pot synthesis of new substituted pyrrolo[1,2-a]thieno[3,2-e]pyrimidine as potential antitumor agents: in vitro and in vivo studies. Bioorg Chem 2024; 148:107468. [PMID: 38781670 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2024.107468] [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: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
A new efficient and versatile one-pot three-component synthesis of substituted pyrrolo[1,2-a]thieno[3,2-e]pyrimidine derivatives has been developed. It is based on a multistep cascade reaction from 2-aminothiophenes and 2-hydroxy-4-oxobut-2-enoic acids, and derivatives of cyanoacetic acid catalyzed by diisopropylethylamine. As a result, novel pyrrolo[1,2-a]thieno[3,2-e]pyrimidine derivatives (21 compounds) were synthesized in a mild reaction conditions with a high yield. The structures of the developed compounds were confirmed by NMR and elemental analysis. The influence of electron-withdrawing or electron-donor substituents on the antitumor activity of the developed compounds has been identified. In vitro screening analysis of 21 compounds revealed six lead candidates (12aa, 12dc, 12hc, 12ic, 12lb, and 12mb) that demonstrated the most significant antitumor activity against B16-F10, 4T1 and CT26 cells. Necrosis/apoptosis assay showed that apoptosis was the predominant mechanism of cell death. Molecular docking analysis revealed several potential targets for tested compounds, i.e. phosphatidylinositol 5-phosphate 4-kinase (PI5P4K2C), proto-oncogene serine/threonine-protein kinase (Pim-1), nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) and dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR). The lead compound (12aa) can effectively induce cell apoptosis, possesses a high yield (98 %) and requires low-cost starting chemicals for its synthesis. In vivo experiments with melanoma-bearing mice confirmed that 12aa compound resulted in the significant tumor inhibition on 15 d after the therapy. In particular, tumor volume was ∼0.19 cm3 for 50 mg/kg versus ∼2.39 cm3 in case of untreated mice and tumor weight was ∼71.6 mg for 50 mg/kg versus ∼452.4 mg when considered untreated mice. Thus, our results demonstrated the high potential of the 12aa compound in the treatment of melanoma and can be recommended for further preclinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina A Gorbunova
- ITMO University, Kronverksky Prospekt 49, St. Petersburg 191002, Russian Federation; Peter The Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, Polytechnicheskaya 29, St. Petersburg 195251, Russian Federation
| | - Anna Rogova
- Peter The Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, Polytechnicheskaya 29, St. Petersburg 195251, Russian Federation
| | - Darya R Akhmetova
- ITMO University, Kronverksky Prospekt 49, St. Petersburg 191002, Russian Federation; Peter The Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, Polytechnicheskaya 29, St. Petersburg 195251, Russian Federation
| | - Roman Yu Sidorov
- Institute of Ecology and Genetics of Microorganisms, Perm Federal Research Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Ural Branch, Goleva 13, Perm 614081, Russian Federation; Perm State University, Perm, Bukireva 15, Perm 614990, Russian Federation
| | - Eugene E Priakhin
- Peter The Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, Polytechnicheskaya 29, St. Petersburg 195251, Russian Federation; St. Petersburg Academic University, St. Petersburg 194021, Russian Federation
| | - Ramiz R Makhmudov
- Perm State University, Perm, Bukireva 15, Perm 614990, Russian Federation
| | - Daria A Shipilovskikh
- Peter The Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, Polytechnicheskaya 29, St. Petersburg 195251, Russian Federation; Perm National Research Polytechnic University, 29 Komsomolsky Prospekt, Perm 614990, Russian Federation
| | - Olga S Epifanovskaya
- RM Gorbacheva Research Institute of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Transplantation, Pavlov University, Lva Tolstogo 6/8, St. Petersburg 191144, Russian Federation
| | - Alexander S Timin
- Peter The Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, Polytechnicheskaya 29, St. Petersburg 195251, Russian Federation.
| | - Sergei A Shipilovskikh
- ITMO University, Kronverksky Prospekt 49, St. Petersburg 191002, Russian Federation; Perm State University, Perm, Bukireva 15, Perm 614990, Russian Federation.
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2
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Lei H, Zhang SQ, Bai H, Zhao HY, Sun J, Chuai H, Xin M. Discovery of Novel, Potent, and Selective Small-Molecule Menin-Mixed Lineage Leukemia Interaction Inhibitors through Attempting Introduction of Hydrophilic Groups. J Med Chem 2022; 65:13413-13435. [PMID: 36173787 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Introduction of the N,N-dimethylaminoethoxy group to pyrido[3,2-d]pyrimidine led to the discovery of menin-mixed lineage leukemia (MLL) interaction inhibitor C20. C20 showed strong binding affinity to menin protein and achieved sub-micromolar potency in cell growth inhibition. C20 had good selectivity for the inhibition of the interaction between menin and MLL in the kinase profile evaluation. Pharmacokinetic studies demonstrated that C20 possessed good stability and low clearance rate in liver microsomes and acceptable bioavailability in rats. Subsequent oral administration of C20 showed potent antitumor activity in the MV4;11 subcutaneous xenograft models of MLL-rearranged leukemia. The docking study showed that C20 bound highly with menin, and the N,N-dimethylaminoethoxy group occupied the F9 pocket of menin. This study proved that introducing a hydrophilic group into the F9 pocket of menin would be a new strategy for the design of menin-MLL interaction inhibitors with potent binding affinity and improved physical properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Lei
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi710061, P. R. China
| | - San-Qi Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi710061, P. R. China
| | - Huanrong Bai
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi710061, P. R. China
| | - Hong-Yi Zhao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi710061, P. R. China
| | - Jiajia Sun
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi710061, P. R. China
| | - Hongyan Chuai
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi710061, P. R. China
| | - Minhang Xin
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi710061, P. R. China
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3
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Chemical biology and pharmacology of histone lysine methylation inhibitors. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2022; 1865:194840. [PMID: 35753676 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2022.194840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Histone lysine methylation is a post-translational modification that plays a key role in the epigenetic regulation of a broad spectrum of biological processes. Moreover, the dysregulation of histone lysine methyltransferases (KMTs) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of several diseases particularly cancer. Due to their pathobiological importance, KMTs have garnered immense attention over the last decade as attractive therapeutic targets. These endeavors have culminated in tens of chemical probes that have been used to interrogate many aspects of histone lysine methylation. Besides, over a dozen inhibitors have been advanced to clinical trials, including the EZH2 inhibitor tazemetostat approved for the treatment of follicular lymphoma and advanced epithelioid sarcoma. In this Review, we highlight the chemical biology and pharmacology of KMT inhibitors and targeted protein degraders focusing on the clinical development of EZH1/2, DOT1L, Menin-MLL, and WDR5-MLL inhibitors. We also briefly discuss the pharmacologic targeting of other KMTs.
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4
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Komkov AV, Baranin SV, Dmitrenok AS, Zavarzin IV. Synthesis of 4-amino-6-hetarylthieno[2,3-d]pyrimidines from 5-acetyl-6-aminopyrimidine-4(3H)-thiones. Russ Chem Bull 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11172-022-3582-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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5
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Feoli A, Viviano M, Cipriano A, Milite C, Castellano S, Sbardella G. Lysine methyltransferase inhibitors: where we are now. RSC Chem Biol 2022; 3:359-406. [PMID: 35441141 PMCID: PMC8985178 DOI: 10.1039/d1cb00196e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein lysine methyltransferases constitute a large family of epigenetic writers that catalyse the transfer of a methyl group from the cofactor S-adenosyl-l-methionine to histone- and non-histone-specific substrates. Alterations in the expression and activity of these proteins have been linked to the genesis and progress of several diseases, including cancer, neurological disorders, and growing defects, hence they represent interesting targets for new therapeutic approaches. Over the past two decades, the identification of modulators of lysine methyltransferases has increased tremendously, clarifying the role of these proteins in different physio-pathological states. The aim of this review is to furnish an updated outlook about the protein lysine methyltransferases disclosed modulators, reporting their potency, their mechanism of action and their eventual use in clinical and preclinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Feoli
- Department of Pharmacy, Epigenetic Med Chem Lab, University of Salerno via Giovanni Paolo II 132 I-84084 Fisciano SA Italy +39-089-96-9602 +39-089-96-9770
| | - Monica Viviano
- Department of Pharmacy, Epigenetic Med Chem Lab, University of Salerno via Giovanni Paolo II 132 I-84084 Fisciano SA Italy +39-089-96-9602 +39-089-96-9770
| | - Alessandra Cipriano
- Department of Pharmacy, Epigenetic Med Chem Lab, University of Salerno via Giovanni Paolo II 132 I-84084 Fisciano SA Italy +39-089-96-9602 +39-089-96-9770
| | - Ciro Milite
- Department of Pharmacy, Epigenetic Med Chem Lab, University of Salerno via Giovanni Paolo II 132 I-84084 Fisciano SA Italy +39-089-96-9602 +39-089-96-9770
| | - Sabrina Castellano
- Department of Pharmacy, Epigenetic Med Chem Lab, University of Salerno via Giovanni Paolo II 132 I-84084 Fisciano SA Italy +39-089-96-9602 +39-089-96-9770
| | - Gianluca Sbardella
- Department of Pharmacy, Epigenetic Med Chem Lab, University of Salerno via Giovanni Paolo II 132 I-84084 Fisciano SA Italy +39-089-96-9602 +39-089-96-9770
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6
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Dhorma LP, Teli MK, Nangunuri BG, Venkanna A, Ragam R, Maturi A, Mirzaei A, Vo DK, Maeng HJ, Kim MH. Positioning of an unprecedented 1,5-oxaza spiroquinone scaffold into SMYD2 inhibitors in epigenetic space. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 227:113880. [PMID: 34656041 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 09/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Lysine methyltransferases are important regulators of epigenetic signaling and are emerging as a novel drug target for drug discovery. This work demonstrates the positioning of novel 1,5-oxaza spiroquinone scaffold into selective SET and MYND domain-containing proteins 2 methyltransferases inhibitors. Selectivity of the scaffold was identified by epigenetic target screening followed by SAR study for the scaffold. The optimization was performed iteratively by two-step optimization consisting of iterative synthesis and computational studies (docking, metadynamics simulations). Computational binding studies guided the important interactions of the spiro[5.5]undeca scaffold in pocket 1 and Lysine channel and suggested extension of tail length for the improvement of potency (IC50: up to 399 nM). The effective performance of cell proliferation assay for chosen compounds (IC50: up to 11.9 nM) led to further evaluation in xenograft assay. The potent compound 24 demonstrated desirable in vivo efficacy with growth inhibition rate of 77.7% (4 fold decrease of tumor weight and 3 fold decrease of tumor volume). Moreover, mirosomal assay and pharmacokinetic profile suggested further developability of this scaffold through the identification of major metabolites (dealkylation at silyl group, reversible hydration product, the absence of toxic quinone fragments) and enough exposure of the testing compound 24 in plasma. Such spiro[5.5]undeca framework or ring system was neither been reported nor suggested as a modulator of methyltransferases. The chemo-centric target positioning and structural novelty can lead to potential pharmacological benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lama Prema Dhorma
- Department of Pharmacy and Gachon Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, College of Pharmacy, Gachon University, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, South Korea
| | - Mahesh K Teli
- Department of Pharmacy and Gachon Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, College of Pharmacy, Gachon University, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, South Korea
| | - Bhargav Gupta Nangunuri
- Department of Pharmacy and Gachon Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, College of Pharmacy, Gachon University, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, South Korea
| | - Arramshetti Venkanna
- Department of Pharmacy and Gachon Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, College of Pharmacy, Gachon University, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, South Korea
| | - Rao Ragam
- Department of Pharmacy and Gachon Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, College of Pharmacy, Gachon University, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, South Korea
| | - Arunkranthi Maturi
- Department of Pharmacy and Gachon Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, College of Pharmacy, Gachon University, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, South Korea
| | - Anvar Mirzaei
- Department of Pharmacy and Gachon Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, College of Pharmacy, Gachon University, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, South Korea
| | - Dang-Khoa Vo
- Department of Pharmacy and Gachon Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, College of Pharmacy, Gachon University, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, South Korea
| | - Han-Joo Maeng
- Department of Pharmacy and Gachon Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, College of Pharmacy, Gachon University, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, South Korea
| | - Mi-Hyun Kim
- Department of Pharmacy and Gachon Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, College of Pharmacy, Gachon University, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, South Korea.
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7
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Lei H, Zhang SQ, Fan S, Bai HR, Zhao HY, Mao S, Xin M. Recent Progress of Small Molecule Menin-MLL Interaction Inhibitors as Therapeutic Agents for Acute Leukemia. J Med Chem 2021; 64:15519-15533. [PMID: 34726905 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Mixed lineage leukemia (MLL) gene rearrangements are associated with acute leukemia. The protein menin is regarded as a critical oncogenic cofactor of the resulting MLL fusion proteins in acute leukemia. A direct interaction between menin and the MLL amino terminal sequences is necessary for MLL fusion protein-mediated leukemogenesis. Thus, inhibition of the interaction between menin and MLL has emerged as a novel therapeutic strategy. Recent improvements in structural biology and chemical reactivity have promoted the design and development of selective and potent menin-MLL interaction inhibitors. In this Perspective, different classes of menin-MLL interaction inhibitors are comprehensively summarized. Further research potential, challenges, and opportunities in the field are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Lei
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, PR China
| | - San-Qi Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, PR China
| | - Shu Fan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, PR China
| | - Huan-Rong Bai
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, PR China
| | - Hong-Yi Zhao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, PR China
| | - Shuai Mao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, PR China
| | - Minhang Xin
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, PR China
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8
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Imrie F, Hadfield TE, Bradley AR, Deane CM. Deep generative design with 3D pharmacophoric constraints. Chem Sci 2021; 12:14577-14589. [PMID: 34881010 PMCID: PMC8580048 DOI: 10.1039/d1sc02436a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Generative models have increasingly been proposed as a solution to the molecular design problem. However, it has proved challenging to control the design process or incorporate prior knowledge, limiting their practical use in drug discovery. In particular, generative methods have made limited use of three-dimensional (3D) structural information even though this is critical to binding. This work describes a method to incorporate such information and demonstrates the benefit of doing so. We combine an existing graph-based deep generative model, DeLinker, with a convolutional neural network to utilise physically-meaningful 3D representations of molecules and target pharmacophores. We apply our model, DEVELOP, to both linker and R-group design, demonstrating its suitability for both hit-to-lead and lead optimisation. The 3D pharmacophoric information results in improved generation and allows greater control of the design process. In multiple large-scale evaluations, we show that including 3D pharmacophoric constraints results in substantial improvements in the quality of generated molecules. On a challenging test set derived from PDBbind, our model improves the proportion of generated molecules with high 3D similarity to the original molecule by over 300%. In addition, DEVELOP recovers 10× more of the original molecules compared to the baseline DeLinker method. Our approach is general-purpose, readily modifiable to alternate 3D representations, and can be incorporated into other generative frameworks. Code is available at https://github.com/oxpig/DEVELOP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fergus Imrie
- Oxford Protein Informatics Group, Department of Statistics, University of Oxford Oxford OX1 3LB UK
| | - Thomas E Hadfield
- Oxford Protein Informatics Group, Department of Statistics, University of Oxford Oxford OX1 3LB UK
| | - Anthony R Bradley
- Exscientia Ltd The Schrödinger Building, Oxford Science Park Oxford OX4 4GE UK
| | - Charlotte M Deane
- Oxford Protein Informatics Group, Department of Statistics, University of Oxford Oxford OX1 3LB UK
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9
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Cherif C, Nguyen DT, Paris C, Le TK, Sefiane T, Carbuccia N, Finetti P, Chaffanet M, Kaoutari AE, Vernerey J, Fazli L, Gleave M, Manai M, Barthélémy P, Birnbaum D, Bertucci F, Taïeb D, Rocchi P. Menin inhibition suppresses castration-resistant prostate cancer and enhances chemosensitivity. Oncogene 2021; 41:125-137. [PMID: 34711954 PMCID: PMC8724010 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-021-02039-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Disease progression and therapeutic resistance of prostate cancer (PC) are linked to multiple molecular events that promote survival and plasticity. We previously showed that heat shock protein 27 (HSP27) acted as a driver of castration-resistant phenotype (CRPC) and developed an oligonucleotides antisense (ASO) against HSP27 with evidence of anti-cancer activity in men with CRPC. Here, we show that the tumor suppressor Menin (MEN1) is highly regulated by HSP27. Menin is overexpressed in high-grade PC and CRPC. High MEN1 mRNA expression is associated with decreased biochemical relapse-free and overall survival. Silencing Menin with ASO technology inhibits CRPC cell proliferation, tumor growth, and restores chemotherapeutic sensitivity. ChIP-seq analysis revealed differential DNA binding sites of Menin in various prostatic cells, suggesting a switch from tumor suppressor to oncogenic functions in CRPC. These data support the evaluation of ASO against Menin for CRPC. ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaïma Cherif
- Predictive Oncology Laboratory, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Inserm UMR 1068, CNRS UMR 7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille University, 27 Bd. Leï Roure, F-13009 Marseille, France.,Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Science University of Tunis, 2092, El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Dang Tan Nguyen
- Predictive Oncology Laboratory, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Inserm UMR 1068, CNRS UMR 7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille University, 27 Bd. Leï Roure, F-13009 Marseille, France
| | - Clément Paris
- Predictive Oncology Laboratory, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Inserm UMR 1068, CNRS UMR 7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille University, 27 Bd. Leï Roure, F-13009 Marseille, France
| | - Thi Khanh Le
- Predictive Oncology Laboratory, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Inserm UMR 1068, CNRS UMR 7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille University, 27 Bd. Leï Roure, F-13009 Marseille, France
| | - Thibaud Sefiane
- Predictive Oncology Laboratory, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Inserm UMR 1068, CNRS UMR 7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille University, 27 Bd. Leï Roure, F-13009 Marseille, France
| | - Nadine Carbuccia
- Predictive Oncology Laboratory, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Inserm UMR 1068, CNRS UMR 7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille University, 27 Bd. Leï Roure, F-13009 Marseille, France
| | - Pascal Finetti
- Predictive Oncology Laboratory, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Inserm UMR 1068, CNRS UMR 7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille University, 27 Bd. Leï Roure, F-13009 Marseille, France
| | - Max Chaffanet
- Predictive Oncology Laboratory, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Inserm UMR 1068, CNRS UMR 7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille University, 27 Bd. Leï Roure, F-13009 Marseille, France
| | - Abdessamad El Kaoutari
- Predictive Oncology Laboratory, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Inserm UMR 1068, CNRS UMR 7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille University, 27 Bd. Leï Roure, F-13009 Marseille, France
| | - Julien Vernerey
- Predictive Oncology Laboratory, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Inserm UMR 1068, CNRS UMR 7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille University, 27 Bd. Leï Roure, F-13009 Marseille, France
| | - Ladan Fazli
- The Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Martin Gleave
- The Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Mohamed Manai
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Science University of Tunis, 2092, El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Philippe Barthélémy
- ARNA Laboratory, INSERM U1212, CNRS UMR 5320, University of Bordeaux, F-33076 Bordeaux, France
| | - Daniel Birnbaum
- Predictive Oncology Laboratory, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Inserm UMR 1068, CNRS UMR 7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille University, 27 Bd. Leï Roure, F-13009 Marseille, France
| | - François Bertucci
- Predictive Oncology Laboratory, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Inserm UMR 1068, CNRS UMR 7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille University, 27 Bd. Leï Roure, F-13009 Marseille, France
| | - David Taïeb
- Predictive Oncology Laboratory, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Inserm UMR 1068, CNRS UMR 7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille University, 27 Bd. Leï Roure, F-13009 Marseille, France.,Biophysics and Nuclear Medicine Department, La Timone University Hospital, European Center for Research in Medical Imaging, Aix-Marseille University, F-13005 Marseille, France
| | - Palma Rocchi
- Predictive Oncology Laboratory, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Inserm UMR 1068, CNRS UMR 7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille University, 27 Bd. Leï Roure, F-13009 Marseille, France.
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10
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Carvalho MA, Demin S, Martinez-Lamenca C, Romanov-Michailidis F, Lam K, Rombouts F, Lecomte M. Expedient Access to Cyanated N-Heterocycles by Direct Flow-Electrochemical C(sp 2 )-H Activation. Chemistry 2021; 28:e202103384. [PMID: 34658083 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202103384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Nitriles are recurring motifs in bioactive molecules and versatile functional groups in synthetic chemistry. Despite recent progress, direct introduction of a nitrile moiety in heteroarenes remains challenging. Recent developments in electrochemical reactions pave the way to more practical cyanation protocols. However, currently available methods typically require hazardous cyanide sources, expensive mediators, and often suffer from narrow substrate scope and laborious reaction set-up. To address the limitations of current synthetic methods, herein, an effective, sustainable, and scalable procedure for the direct C(sp2 )-H cyanation of aromatic N-heterocycles with a user-friendly flow-electrochemical set-up is reported. Furthermore, high substrate and functional-group tolerance is demonstrated, allowing late-stage functionalization of drug-like scaffolds, such as natural products and pharmaceuticals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary-Ambre Carvalho
- Discovery Chemistry, Janssen Research and Development, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Samuël Demin
- Discovery Chemistry, Janssen Research and Development, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340, Beerse, Belgium
| | | | | | - Kevin Lam
- Department of Pharmaceutical, Chemical and Environmental Sciences, School of Science, University of Greenwich, Chatham Maritime, Kent, ME4 4TB, UK
| | - Frederik Rombouts
- Discovery Chemistry, Janssen Research and Development, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Morgan Lecomte
- Discovery Chemistry, Janssen Research and Development, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340, Beerse, Belgium
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11
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Tsakaneli A, Williams O. Drug Repurposing for Targeting Acute Leukemia With KMT2A ( MLL)-Gene Rearrangements. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:741413. [PMID: 34594227 PMCID: PMC8478155 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.741413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The treatment failure rates of acute leukemia with rearrangements of the Mixed Lineage Leukemia (MLL) gene highlight the need for novel therapeutic approaches. Taking into consideration the limitations of the current therapies and the advantages of novel strategies for drug discovery, drug repurposing offers valuable opportunities to identify treatments and develop therapeutic approaches quickly and effectively for acute leukemia with MLL-rearrangements. These approaches are complimentary to de novo drug discovery and have taken advantage of increased knowledge of the mechanistic basis of MLL-fusion protein complex function as well as refined drug repurposing screens. Despite the vast number of different leukemia associated MLL-rearrangements, the existence of common core oncogenic pathways holds the promise that many such therapies will be broadly applicable to MLL-rearranged leukemia as a whole.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexia Tsakaneli
- Cancer Section, Developmental Biology and Cancer Programme, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Owen Williams
- Cancer Section, Developmental Biology and Cancer Programme, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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12
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Song F, Bian Y, Liu J, Li Z, Zhao L, Fang J, Lai Y, Zhou M. Indole Alkaloids, Synthetic Dimers and Hybrids with Potential In Vivo Anticancer Activity. Curr Top Med Chem 2021; 21:377-403. [PMID: 32901583 DOI: 10.2174/1568026620666200908162311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 08/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Indole, a heterocyclic organic compound, is one of the most promising heterocycles found in natural and synthetic sources since its derivatives possess fascinating structural diversity and various therapeutic properties. Indole alkaloids, synthetic dimers and hybrids could act on diverse targets in cancer cells, and consequently, possess potential antiproliferative effects on various cancers both in vitro and in vivo. Vinblastine, midostaurin, and anlotinib as the representative of indole alkaloids, synthetic dimers and hybrids respectively, have already been clinically applied to treat many types of cancers, demonstrating indole alkaloids, synthetic dimers and hybrids are useful scaffolds for the development of novel anticancer agents. Covering articles published between 2010 and 2020, this review emphasizes the recent development of indole alkaloids, synthetic dimers and hybrids with potential in vivo therapeutic application for cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Song
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Biophysics, Institute of Biophysics, Dezhou University, Dezhou 253023, Shandong, China
| | - Yunqiang Bian
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Biophysics, Institute of Biophysics, Dezhou University, Dezhou 253023, Shandong, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Biophysics, Institute of Biophysics, Dezhou University, Dezhou 253023, Shandong, China
| | - Zhenghua Li
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Biophysics, Institute of Biophysics, Dezhou University, Dezhou 253023, Shandong, China
| | - Li Zhao
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Biophysics, Institute of Biophysics, Dezhou University, Dezhou 253023, Shandong, China
| | - Junman Fang
- School of Life Sciences, Dezhou University, Dezhou 253023, Shandong, China
| | - Yonghong Lai
- School of Life Sciences, Dezhou University, Dezhou 253023, Shandong, China
| | - Meng Zhou
- School of Life Sciences, Dezhou University, Dezhou 253023, Shandong, China
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13
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Gene Transcription as a Therapeutic Target in Leukemia. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22147340. [PMID: 34298959 PMCID: PMC8304797 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Blood malignancies often arise from undifferentiated hematopoietic stem cells or partially differentiated stem-like cells. A tight balance of multipotency and differentiation, cell division, and quiescence underlying normal hematopoiesis requires a special program governed by the transcriptional machinery. Acquisition of drug resistance by tumor cells also involves reprogramming of their transcriptional landscape. Limiting tumor cell plasticity by disabling reprogramming of the gene transcription is a promising strategy for improvement of treatment outcomes. Herein, we review the molecular mechanisms of action of transcription-targeted drugs in hematological malignancies (largely in leukemia) with particular respect to the results of clinical trials.
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14
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Zhang M, Aguilar A, Xu S, Huang L, Chinnaswamy K, Sleger T, Wang B, Gross S, Nicolay BN, Ronseaux S, Harvey K, Wang Y, McEachern D, Kirchhoff PD, Liu Z, Stuckey J, Tron AE, Liu T, Wang S. Discovery of M-1121 as an Orally Active Covalent Inhibitor of Menin-MLL Interaction Capable of Achieving Complete and Long-Lasting Tumor Regression. J Med Chem 2021; 64:10333-10349. [PMID: 34196551 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Targeting the menin-MLL protein-protein interaction is being pursued as a new therapeutic strategy for the treatment of acute leukemia carrying MLL-rearrangements (MLLr leukemia). Herein, we report M-1121, a covalent and orally active inhibitor of the menin-MLL interaction capable of achieving complete and persistent tumor regression. M-1121 establishes covalent interactions with Cysteine 329 located in the MLL binding pocket of menin and potently inhibits growth of acute leukemia cell lines carrying MLL translocations with no activity in cell lines with wild-type MLL. Consistent with the mechanism of action, M-1121 drives dose-dependent down-regulation of HOXA9 and MEIS1 gene expression in the MLL-rearranged MV4;11 leukemia cell line. M-1121 is orally bioavailable and shows potent antitumor activity in vivo with tumor regressions observed at tolerated doses in the MV4;11 subcutaneous and disseminated models of MLL-rearranged leukemia. Together, our findings support development of an orally active covalent menin inhibitor as a new therapy for MLLr leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Zhang
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States.,Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Angelo Aguilar
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States.,Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Shilin Xu
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States.,Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Liyue Huang
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States.,Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | | | - Taryn Sleger
- Agios Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Bo Wang
- Agios Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Stefan Gross
- Agios Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Brandon N Nicolay
- Agios Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Sebastien Ronseaux
- Agios Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Kaitlin Harvey
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States.,Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Yu Wang
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States.,Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Donna McEachern
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States.,Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Paul D Kirchhoff
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States.,Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Zhaomin Liu
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States.,Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Jeanne Stuckey
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Adriana E Tron
- Agios Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Tao Liu
- Agios Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Shaomeng Wang
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States.,Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States.,Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States.,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Medical School, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
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15
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Histone H3K4 Methyltransferases as Targets for Drug-Resistant Cancers. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10070581. [PMID: 34201935 PMCID: PMC8301125 DOI: 10.3390/biology10070581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The KMT2 (MLL) family of proteins, including the major histone H3K4 methyltransferase found in mammals, exists as large complexes with common subunit proteins and exhibits enzymatic activity. SMYD, another H3K4 methyltransferase, and SET7/9 proteins catalyze the methylation of several non-histone targets, in addition to histone H3K4 residues. Despite these structural and functional commonalities, H3K4 methyltransferase proteins have specificity for their target genes and play a role in the development of various cancers as well as in drug resistance. In this review, we examine the overall role of histone H3K4 methyltransferase in the development of various cancers and in the progression of drug resistance. Compounds that inhibit protein-protein interactions between KMT2 family proteins and their common subunits or the activity of SMYD and SET7/9 are continuously being developed for the treatment of acute leukemia, triple-negative breast cancer, and castration-resistant prostate cancer. These H3K4 methyltransferase inhibitors, either alone or in combination with other drugs, are expected to play a role in overcoming drug resistance in leukemia and various solid cancers.
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16
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Ozyerli‐Goknar E, Nizamuddin S, Timmers HTM. A Box of Chemistry to Inhibit the MEN1 Tumor Suppressor Gene Promoting Leukemia. ChemMedChem 2021; 16:1391-1402. [PMID: 33534953 PMCID: PMC8252030 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202000972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Targeting protein-protein interactions (PPIs) with small-molecule inhibitors has become a hotbed of modern drug development. In this review, we describe a new class of PPI inhibitors that block menin from binding to MLL proteins. Menin is encoded by the MEN1 tumor suppressor, but acts as an essential cofactor for MLL/KMT2A-rearranged leukemias. The most promising menin-MLL inhibitors belong to the thienopyrimidine class and have recently entered phase I/II clinical trials for treating acute leukemias characterized by MLL/KMT2A translocations or NPM1 mutations. As single agents, thienopyrimidine compounds eradicate leukemia in a xenograft models of primary leukemic cells belonging to the MLL-rearranged or NPM1-mutant subtypes. These compounds are well tolerated with few or no side effects, which is remarkable given the tumor-suppressor function of menin. The menin-MLL inhibitors highlight how leukemia patients could benefit from a targeted epigenetic therapy with novel PPI inhibitors obtained by directed chemical evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ezgi Ozyerli‐Goknar
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) partner site Freiburg German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Department of UrologyBreisacherstrasse 6679016FreiburgGermany
| | - Sheikh Nizamuddin
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) partner site Freiburg German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Department of UrologyBreisacherstrasse 6679016FreiburgGermany
| | - H. T. Marc Timmers
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) partner site Freiburg German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Department of UrologyBreisacherstrasse 6679016FreiburgGermany
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17
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Li X, Song Y. Structure, function and inhibition of critical protein-protein interactions involving mixed lineage leukemia 1 and its fusion oncoproteins. J Hematol Oncol 2021; 14:56. [PMID: 33823889 PMCID: PMC8022399 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-021-01057-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mixed lineage leukemia 1 (MLL1, also known as MLL or KMT2A) is an important transcription factor and histone-H3 lysine-4 (H3K4) methyltransferase. It is a master regulator for transcription of important genes (e.g., Hox genes) for embryonic development and hematopoiesis. However, it is largely dispensable in matured cells. Dysregulation of MLL1 leads to overexpression of certain Hox genes and eventually leukemia initiation. Chromosome translocations involving MLL1 cause ~ 75% of acute leukemia in infants and 5–10% in children and adults with a poor prognosis. Targeted therapeutics against oncogenic fusion MLL1 (onco-MLL1) are therefore needed. Onco-MLL1 consists of the N-terminal DNA-interacting domains of MLL1 fused with one of > 70 fusion partners, among which transcription cofactors AF4, AF9 and its paralog ENL, and ELL are the most frequent. Wild-type (WT)- and onco-MLL1 involve numerous protein–protein interactions (PPI), which play critical roles in regulating gene expression in normal physiology and leukemia. Moreover, WT-MLL1 has been found to be essential for MLL1-rearranged (MLL1-r) leukemia. Rigorous studies of such PPIs have been performed and much progress has been achieved in understanding their structures, structure–function relationships and the mechanisms for activating gene transcription as well as leukemic transformation. Inhibition of several critical PPIs by peptides, peptidomimetic or small-molecule compounds has been explored as a therapeutic approach for MLL1-r leukemia. This review summarizes the biological functions, biochemistry, structure and inhibition of the critical PPIs involving MLL1 and its fusion partner proteins. In addition, challenges and perspectives of drug discovery targeting these PPIs for the treatment of MLL1-r leukemia are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Yongcheng Song
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA. .,Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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18
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Synergistic targeting of FLT3 mutations in AML via combined menin-MLL and FLT3 inhibition. Blood 2021; 136:2442-2456. [PMID: 32589720 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2020005037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The interaction of menin (MEN1) and MLL (MLL1, KMT2A) is a dependency and provides a potential opportunity for treatment of NPM1-mutant (NPM1mut) and MLL-rearranged (MLL-r) leukemias. Concomitant activating driver mutations in the gene encoding the tyrosine kinase FLT3 occur in both leukemias and are particularly common in the NPM1mut subtype. In this study, transcriptional profiling after pharmacological inhibition of the menin-MLL complex revealed specific changes in gene expression, with downregulation of the MEIS1 transcription factor and its transcriptional target gene FLT3 being the most pronounced. Combining menin-MLL inhibition with specific small-molecule kinase inhibitors of FLT3 phosphorylation resulted in a significantly superior reduction of phosphorylated FLT3 and transcriptional suppression of genes downstream of FLT3 signaling. The drug combination induced synergistic inhibition of proliferation, as well as enhanced apoptosis, compared with single-drug treatment in models of human and murine NPM1mut and MLL-r leukemias harboring an FLT3 mutation. Primary acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells harvested from patients with NPM1mutFLT3mut AML showed significantly better responses to combined menin and FLT3 inhibition than to single-drug or vehicle control treatment, whereas AML cells with wild-type NPM1, MLL, and FLT3 were not affected by either of the 2 drugs. In vivo treatment of leukemic animals with MLL-r FLT3mut leukemia reduced leukemia burden significantly and prolonged survival compared with results in the single-drug and vehicle control groups. Our data suggest that combined menin-MLL and FLT3 inhibition represents a novel and promising therapeutic strategy for patients with NPM1mut or MLL-r leukemia and concurrent FLT3 mutation.
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19
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Zhang Y, Rong D, Li B, Wang Y. Targeting Epigenetic Regulators with Covalent Small-Molecule Inhibitors. J Med Chem 2021; 64:7900-7925. [PMID: 33599482 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c02055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic regulation of gene expression plays a critical role in various physiological processes, and epigenetic dysregulation is implicated in a number of diseases, prominently including cancer. Epigenetic regulators have been validated as potential therapeutic targets, and significant progress has been made in the discovery and development of epigenetic-based inhibitors. However, successful epigenetic drug discovery is still facing challenges, including moderate selectivity, limited efficacy, and acquired drug resistance. Inspired by the advantages of covalent small-molecule inhibitors, targeted covalent inhibition has attracted increasing interest in epigenetic drug discovery. In this review, we comprehensively summarize the structure-based design and characterization of covalent inhibitors targeting epigenetic writers, readers, and erasers and highlight their potential benefits in enhancing selectivity across the enzyme family and improving in vivo efficacy. We also discuss the challenges and opportunities of covalent small-molecule inhibitors and hope to shed light on future epigenetic drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Chiral Molecule and Drug Discovery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Deqin Rong
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Chiral Molecule and Drug Discovery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Bingbing Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Chiral Molecule and Drug Discovery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yuanxiang Wang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Chiral Molecule and Drug Discovery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
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20
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Unlike Its Paralog LEDGF/p75, HRP-2 Is Dispensable for MLL-R Leukemogenesis but Important for Leukemic Cell Survival. Cells 2021; 10:cells10010192. [PMID: 33477970 PMCID: PMC7835958 DOI: 10.3390/cells10010192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
HDGF-related protein 2 (HRP-2) is a member of the Hepatoma-Derived Growth Factor-related protein family that harbors the structured PWWP and Integrase Binding Domain, known to associate with methylated histone tails or cellular and viral proteins, respectively. Interestingly, HRP-2 is a paralog of Lens Epithelium Derived Growth Factor p75 (LEDGF/p75), which is essential for MLL-rearranged (MLL-r) leukemia but dispensable for hematopoiesis. Sequel to these findings, we investigated the role of HRP-2 in hematopoiesis and MLL-r leukemia. Protein interactions were investigated by co-immunoprecipitation and validated using recombinant proteins in NMR. A systemic knockout mouse model was used to study normal hematopoiesis and MLL-ENL transformation upon the different HRP-2 genotypes. The role of HRP-2 in MLL-r and other leukemic, human cell lines was evaluated by lentiviral-mediated miRNA targeting HRP-2. We demonstrate that MLL and HRP-2 interact through a conserved interface, although this interaction proved less dependent on menin than the MLL-LEDGF/p75 interaction. The systemic HRP-2 knockout mice only revealed an increase in neutrophils in the peripheral blood, whereas the depletion of HRP-2 in leukemic cell lines and transformed primary murine cells resulted in reduced colony formation independently of MLL-rearrangements. In contrast, primary murine HRP-2 knockout cells were efficiently transformed by the MLL-ENL fusion, indicating that HRP-2, unlike LEDGF/p75, is dispensable for the transformation of MLL-ENL leukemogenesis but important for leukemic cell survival.
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21
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Dong B, Shi T, Lu Y. Multicolor conjugated polymers containing thiophene/indole moieties and the influence of structures on their photophysical properties. POLYMER 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2020.122820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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22
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Klossowski S, Miao H, Kempinska K, Wu T, Purohit T, Kim E, Linhares BM, Chen D, Jih G, Perkey E, Huang H, He M, Wen B, Wang Y, Yu K, Lee SCW, Danet-Desnoyers G, Trotman W, Kandarpa M, Cotton A, Abdel-Wahab O, Lei H, Dou Y, Guzman M, Peterson L, Gruber T, Choi S, Sun D, Ren P, Li LS, Liu Y, Burrows F, Maillard I, Cierpicki T, Grembecka J. Menin inhibitor MI-3454 induces remission in MLL1-rearranged and NPM1-mutated models of leukemia. J Clin Invest 2020; 130:981-997. [PMID: 31855575 DOI: 10.1172/jci129126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The protein-protein interaction between menin and mixed lineage leukemia 1 (MLL1) plays a critical role in acute leukemias with translocations of the MLL1 gene or with mutations in the nucleophosmin 1 (NPM1) gene. As a step toward clinical translation of menin-MLL1 inhibitors, we report development of MI-3454, a highly potent and orally bioavailable inhibitor of the menin-MLL1 interaction. MI-3454 profoundly inhibited proliferation and induced differentiation in acute leukemia cells and primary patient samples with MLL1 translocations or NPM1 mutations. When applied as a single agent, MI-3454 induced complete remission or regression of leukemia in mouse models of MLL1-rearranged or NPM1-mutated leukemia, including patient-derived xenograft models, through downregulation of key genes involved in leukemogenesis. We also identified MEIS1 as a potential pharmacodynamic biomarker of treatment response with MI-3454 in leukemia, and demonstrated that this compound is well tolerated and did not impair normal hematopoiesis in mice. Overall, this study demonstrates, for the first time to our knowledge, profound activity of the menin-MLL1 inhibitor as a single agent in clinically relevant PDX models of leukemia. These data provide a strong rationale for clinical translation of MI-3454 or its analogs for leukemia patients with MLL1 rearrangements or NPM1 mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Szymon Klossowski
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Hongzhi Miao
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | | | - Tao Wu
- Wellspring Biosciences, Inc., San Diego, California, USA
| | - Trupta Purohit
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - EunGi Kim
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Brian M Linhares
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Dong Chen
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | | | | | - Huang Huang
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Miao He
- College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Bo Wen
- College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Yi Wang
- Wellspring Biosciences, Inc., San Diego, California, USA
| | - Ke Yu
- Wellspring Biosciences, Inc., San Diego, California, USA
| | | | - Gwenn Danet-Desnoyers
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Winifred Trotman
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Malathi Kandarpa
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | | | | | - Hongwei Lei
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Yali Dou
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | | | - Luke Peterson
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Tanja Gruber
- Saint Jude Children's Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Sarah Choi
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Duxin Sun
- College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Pingda Ren
- Wellspring Biosciences, Inc., San Diego, California, USA.,Kura Oncology, Inc., San Diego, California, USA
| | - Lian-Sheng Li
- Wellspring Biosciences, Inc., San Diego, California, USA
| | - Yi Liu
- Wellspring Biosciences, Inc., San Diego, California, USA
| | | | - Ivan Maillard
- Life Sciences Institute and.,Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Tomasz Cierpicki
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Jolanta Grembecka
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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23
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Covalent and noncovalent constraints yield a figure eight-like conformation of a peptide inhibiting the menin-MLL interaction. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 207:112748. [PMID: 32882610 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The interaction between menin and mixed lineage leukemia (MLL) was identified as an interesting target for treating some cancers including acute leukemia. On the basis of the known crystal structure of the MBM1-menin complex (MBM - menin binding motif), several cyclic peptides were designed. Elaboration of the effective cyclization strategy using a metathesis reaction allowed for a successfully large number of derivatives to be obtained. Subsequent optimization of the loop size, as well as N-terminal, central and C-terminal parts of the studied peptides resulted in structures exhibiting low nanomolar activities. A crystal structure of an inhibitor-menin complex revealed a compact conformation of the ligand molecule, which is stabilized not only by the introduction of a covalent linker but also three intramolecular hydrogen bonds. The inhibitor adopts a figure eight-like conformation, which perfectly fits the cleft of menin. We demonstrated that the development of compact, miniprotein-like structures is a highly effective approach for inhibition of protein-protein interactions.
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24
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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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25
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Xu S, Aguilar A, Huang L, Xu T, Zheng K, McEachern D, Przybranowski S, Foster C, Zawacki K, Liu Z, Chinnaswamy K, Stuckey J, Wang S. Discovery of M-808 as a Highly Potent, Covalent, Small-Molecule Inhibitor of the Menin-MLL Interaction with Strong In Vivo Antitumor Activity. J Med Chem 2020; 63:4997-5010. [PMID: 32338903 PMCID: PMC7981784 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c00547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Targeting the menin-MLL protein-protein interaction is a new therapeutic strategy for the treatment of acute leukemia carrying MLL fusion (MLL leukemia). We describe herein the structure-based optimization of a class of covalent menin inhibitors, which led to the discovery of M-808 (16) as a highly potent and efficacious covalent menin inhibitor. M-808 effectively inhibits leukemia cell growth at low nanomolar concentrations and is capable of achieving partial tumor regression in an MV4;11 xenograft tumor model in mice at a well-tolerated dose schedule. Determination of the co-crystal structure of M-808 in complex with menin provides a structural basis for their high-affinity, covalent interactions. M-808 represents a promising, covalent menin inhibitor for further optimization and evaluation toward developing a new therapy for the treatment of MLL leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shilin Xu
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States,Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Angelo Aguilar
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States,Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Liyue Huang
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States,Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Tianfeng Xu
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States,Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Ke Zheng
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States,Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Donna McEachern
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States,Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Sally Przybranowski
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States,Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Caroline Foster
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States,Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Kaitlin Zawacki
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States,Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Zhaomin Liu
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States,Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | | | - Jeanne Stuckey
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Shaomeng Wang
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States,Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States,Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Medical School, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States,Corresponding Author Phone: 1-734-615-0362;
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26
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Caswell RC, Owens MM, Gunning AC, Ellard S, Wright CF. Using Structural Analysis In Silico to Assess the Impact of Missense Variants in MEN1. J Endocr Soc 2019; 3:2258-2275. [PMID: 31737856 PMCID: PMC6846327 DOI: 10.1210/js.2019-00260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the rapid expansion in recent years of databases reporting either benign or pathogenic genetic variations, the interpretation of novel missense variants remains challenging, particularly for clinical or genetic testing laboratories where functional analysis is often unfeasible. Previous studies have shown that thermodynamic analysis of protein structure in silico can discriminate between groups of benign and pathogenic missense variants. However, although structures exist for many human disease‒associated proteins, such analysis remains largely unexploited in clinical laboratories. Here, we analyzed the predicted effect of 338 known missense variants on the structure of menin, the MEN1 gene product. Results provided strong discrimination between pathogenic and benign variants, with a threshold of >4 kcal/mol for the predicted change in stability, providing a strong indicator of pathogenicity. Subsequent analysis of seven novel missense variants identified during clinical testing of patients with MEN1 showed that all seven were predicted to destabilize menin by >4 kcal/mol. We conclude that structural analysis provides a useful tool in understanding the effect of missense variants in MEN1 and that integration of proteomic with genomic data could potentially contribute to the classification of novel variants in this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard C Caswell
- Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Science, University of Exeter School of Medicine, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Martina M Owens
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Adam C Gunning
- Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Science, University of Exeter School of Medicine, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Sian Ellard
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, United Kingdom
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27
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Abstract
Mutated or dysregulated transcription factors represent a unique class of drug targets that mediate aberrant gene expression, including blockade of differentiation and cell death gene expression programmes, hallmark properties of cancers. Transcription factor activity is altered in numerous cancer types via various direct mechanisms including chromosomal translocations, gene amplification or deletion, point mutations and alteration of expression, as well as indirectly through non-coding DNA mutations that affect transcription factor binding. Multiple approaches to target transcription factor activity have been demonstrated, preclinically and, in some cases, clinically, including inhibition of transcription factor-cofactor protein-protein interactions, inhibition of transcription factor-DNA binding and modulation of levels of transcription factor activity by altering levels of ubiquitylation and subsequent proteasome degradation or by inhibition of regulators of transcription factor expression. In addition, several new approaches to targeting transcription factors have recently emerged including modulation of auto-inhibition, proteolysis targeting chimaeras (PROTACs), use of cysteine reactive inhibitors, targeting intrinsically disordered regions of transcription factors and combinations of transcription factor inhibitors with kinase inhibitors to block the development of resistance. These innovations in drug development hold great promise to yield agents with unique properties that are likely to impact future cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- John H Bushweller
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
- Department of Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
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28
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Ye J, Zha J, Shi Y, Li Y, Yuan D, Chen Q, Lin F, Fang Z, Yu Y, Dai Y, Xu B. Co-inhibition of HDAC and MLL-menin interaction targets MLL-rearranged acute myeloid leukemia cells via disruption of DNA damage checkpoint and DNA repair. Clin Epigenetics 2019; 11:137. [PMID: 31590682 PMCID: PMC6781368 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-019-0723-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
While the aberrant translocation of the mixed-lineage leukemia (MLL) gene drives pathogenesis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), it represents an independent predictor for poor prognosis of adult AML patients. Thus, small molecule inhibitors targeting menin-MLL fusion protein interaction have been emerging for the treatment of MLL-rearranged AML. As both inhibitors of histone deacetylase (HDAC) and menin-MLL interaction target the transcription-regulatory machinery involving epigenetic regulation of chromatin remodeling that governs the expression of genes involved in tumorigenesis, we hypothesized that these two classes of agents might interact to kill MLL-rearranged (MLL-r) AML cells. Here, we report that the combination treatment with subtoxic doses of the HDAC inhibitor chidamide and the menin-MLL interaction inhibitor MI-3 displayed a highly synergistic anti-tumor activity against human MLL-r AML cells in vitro and in vivo, but not those without this genetic aberration. Mechanistically, co-exposure to chidamide and MI-3 led to robust apoptosis in MLL-r AML cells, in association with loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and a sharp increase in ROS generation. Combined treatment also disrupted DNA damage checkpoint at the level of CHK1 and CHK2 kinases, rather than their upstream kinases (ATR and ATM), as well as DNA repair likely via homologous recombination (HR), but not non-homologous end joining (NHEJ). Genome-wide RNAseq revealed gene expression alterations involving several potential signaling pathways (e.g., cell cycle, DNA repair, MAPK, NF-κB) that might account for or contribute to the mechanisms of action underlying anti-leukemia activity of chidamide and MI-3 as a single agent and particularly in combination in MLL-r AML. Collectively, these findings provide a preclinical basis for further clinical investigation of this novel targeted strategy combining HDAC and Menin-MLL interaction inhibitors to improve therapeutic outcomes in a subset of patients with poor-prognostic MLL-r leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Ye
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University and Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Jie Zha
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University and Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yuanfei Shi
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University and Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yin Li
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Delin Yuan
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University and Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Qinwei Chen
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University and Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Fusheng Lin
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University and Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Zhihong Fang
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University and Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yong Yu
- Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yun Dai
- Laboratory of Cancer Precision Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.
| | - Bing Xu
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University and Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.
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29
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Fisher JN, Thanasopoulou A, Juge S, Tzankov A, Bagger FO, Mendez MA, Peters AHFM, Schwaller J. Transforming activities of the NUP98-KMT2A fusion gene associated with myelodysplasia and acute myeloid leukemia. Haematologica 2019; 105:1857-1867. [PMID: 31558671 PMCID: PMC7327646 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2019.219188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Inv(11)(p15q23), found in myelodysplastic syndromes and acute myeloid leukemia, leads to expression of a fusion protein consisting of the N-terminal of nucleoporin 98 (NUP98) and the majority of the lysine methyltransferase 2A (KMT2A). To explore the transforming potential of this fusion we established inducible iNUP98-KMT2A transgenic mice. After a median latency of 80 weeks, over 90% of these mice developed signs of disease, with anemia and reduced bone marrow cellularity, increased white blood cell numbers, extramedullary hematopoiesis, and multilineage dysplasia. Additionally, induction of iNUP98-KMT2A led to elevated lineage marker-negative Sca-1+ c-Kit+ cell numbers in the bone marrow, which outcompeted wildtype cells in repopulation assays. Six iNUP98-KMT2A mice developed transplantable acute myeloid leukemia with leukemic blasts infiltrating multiple organs. Notably, as reported for patients, iNUP98-KMT2A leukemic blasts did not express increased levels of the HoxA-B-C gene cluster, and in contrast to KMT2A-AF9 leukemic cells, the cells were resistant to pharmacological targeting of menin and BET family proteins by MI-2-2 or JQ1, respectively. Expression of iNUP98-KMT2A in mouse embryonic fibroblasts led to an accumulation of cells in G1 phase, and abrogated replicative senescence. In bone marrow-derived hematopoietic progenitors, iNUP98-KMT2A expression similarly resulted in increased cell numbers in the G1 phase of the cell cycle, with aberrant gene expression of Sirt1, Tert, Rbl2, Twist1, Vim, and Prkcd, mimicking that seen in mouse embryonic fibroblasts. In summary, we demonstrate that iNUP98-KMT2A has in vivo transforming activity and interferes with cell cycle progression rather than primarily blocking differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- James N Fisher
- University Children's Hospital Basel (UKBB).,Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel
| | - Angeliki Thanasopoulou
- University Children's Hospital Basel (UKBB).,Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel
| | - Sabine Juge
- University Children's Hospital Basel (UKBB).,Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel
| | | | - Frederik O Bagger
- University Children's Hospital Basel (UKBB).,Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel
| | - Max A Mendez
- University Children's Hospital Basel (UKBB).,Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel
| | - Antoine H F M Peters
- Faculty of Sciences, University of Basel.,Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Juerg Schwaller
- University Children's Hospital Basel (UKBB) .,Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel
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30
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Ye F, Huang J, Wang H, Luo C, Zhao K. Targeting epigenetic machinery: Emerging novel allosteric inhibitors. Pharmacol Ther 2019; 204:107406. [PMID: 31521697 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2019.107406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetics has emerged as an extremely exciting fast-growing area of biomedical research in post genome era. Epigenetic dysfunction is tightly related with various diseases such as cancer and aging related degeneration, potentiating epigenetics modulators as important therapeutics targets. Indeed, inhibitors of histone deacetylase and DNA methyltransferase have been approved for treating blood tumor malignancies, whereas inhibitors of histone methyltransferase and histone acetyl-lysine recognizer bromodomain are in clinical stage. However, it remains a great challenge to discover potent and selective inhibitors by targeting catalytic site, as the same subfamily of epigenetic enzymes often share high sequence identity and very conserved catalytic core pocket. It is well known that epigenetic modifications are usually carried out by multi-protein complexes, and activation of catalytic subunit is often tightly regulated by other interactive protein component, especially in disease conditions. Therefore, it is not unusual that epigenetic complex machinery may exhibit allosteric regulation site induced by protein-protein interactions. Targeting allosteric site emerges as a compelling alternative strategy to develop epigenetic drugs with enhanced druggability and pharmacological profiles. In this review, we highlight recent progress in the development of allosteric inhibitors for epigenetic complexes through targeting protein-protein interactions. We also summarized the status of clinical applications of those inhibitors. Finally, we provide perspectives of future novel allosteric epigenetic machinery modulators emerging from otherwise undruggable single protein target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Ye
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, China; College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018; Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Jing Huang
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19 Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China; Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Hongbo Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China.
| | - Cheng Luo
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19 Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China; Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China; Department of Pharmacy, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, South Dong Qing Road, Guizhou 550025, China.
| | - Kehao Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China.
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31
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Rentería-Gómez MA, Islas-Jácome A, Pharande SG, Vosburg DA, Gámez-Montaño R. Synthesis of Tris-Heterocycles via a Cascade IMCR/Aza Diels-Alder + CuAAC Strategy. Front Chem 2019; 7:546. [PMID: 31448260 PMCID: PMC6691067 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2019.00546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
6-Triazolylmethyl-pyrrolo[3,4-b]pyridin-5-one tris-heterocycles were synthesized in 43-57% overall yields. The two-stage synthesis involved a cascade process (Ugi-3CR/aza Diels-Alder/N-acylation/aromatization) followed by a copper-assisted alkyne-azide [3+2] cycloaddition (CuAAC). This efficient and convergent strategy proceeded via complex terminal alkynes functionalized with a fused bis-heterocycle at the α-position. The final products are ideal candidates for SAR studies as they possess two privileged scaffolds in medicinal chemistry: 4-substituted or 1,4-substituted 1H-1,2,3-triazoles and pyrrolo[3,4-b]pyridin-5-ones.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alejandro Islas-Jácome
- Departamento de Química, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Iztapalapa, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - David A. Vosburg
- Departamento de Química, Universidad de Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Mexico
- Department of Chemistry, Harvey Mudd College, Claremont, CA, United States
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32
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Aguilar A, Zheng K, Xu T, Xu S, Huang L, Fernandez-Salas E, Liu L, Bernard D, Harvey KP, Foster C, McEachern D, Stuckey J, Chinnaswamy K, Delproposto J, Kampf JW, Wang S. Structure-Based Discovery of M-89 as a Highly Potent Inhibitor of the Menin-Mixed Lineage Leukemia (Menin-MLL) Protein-Protein Interaction. J Med Chem 2019; 62:6015-6034. [PMID: 31244110 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b00021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Inhibition of the menin-mixed lineage leukemia (MLL) protein-protein interaction is a promising new therapeutic strategy for the treatment of acute leukemia carrying MLL fusion (MLL leukemia). We describe herein our structure-based design, synthesis, and evaluation of a new class of small-molecule inhibitors of the menin-MLL interaction (hereafter called menin inhibitors). Our efforts have resulted in the discovery of highly potent menin inhibitors, as exemplified by compound 42 (M-89). M-89 binds to menin with a Kd value of 1.4 nM and effectively engages cellular menin protein at low nanomolar concentrations. M-89 inhibits cell growth in the MV4;11 and MOLM-13 leukemia cell lines carrying MLL fusion with IC50 values of 25 and 55 nM, respectively, and demonstrates >100-fold selectivity over the HL-60 leukemia cell line lacking MLL fusion. The determination of a co-crystal structure of M-89 in a complex with menin provides the structural basis for their high-affinity interaction. Further optimization of M-89 may lead to a new class of therapy for the treatment of MLL leukemia.
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33
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Lambert M, Alioui M, Jambon S, Depauw S, Van Seuningen I, David-Cordonnier MH. Direct and Indirect Targeting of HOXA9 Transcription Factor in Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11060837. [PMID: 31213012 PMCID: PMC6627208 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11060837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Revised: 06/10/2019] [Accepted: 06/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
HOXA9 (Homeobox A9) is a homeotic transcription factor known for more than two decades to be associated with leukemia. The expression of HOXA9 homeoprotein is associated with anterior-posterior patterning during embryonic development, and its expression is then abolished in most adult cells, with the exception of hematopoietic progenitor cells. The oncogenic function of HOXA9 was first assessed in human acute myeloid leukemia (AML), particularly in the mixed-phenotype associated lineage leukemia (MPAL) subtype. HOXA9 expression in AML is associated with aggressiveness and a poor prognosis. Since then, HOXA9 has been involved in other hematopoietic malignancies and an increasing number of solid tumors. Despite this, HOXA9 was for a long time not targeted to treat cancer, mainly since, as a transcription factor, it belongs to a class of protein long considered to be an "undruggable" target; however, things have now evolved. The aim of the present review is to focus on the different aspects of HOXA9 targeting that could be achieved through multiple ways: (1) indirectly, through the inhibition of its expression, a strategy acting principally at the epigenetic level; or (2) directly, through the inhibition of its transcription factor function by acting at either the protein/protein interaction or the protein/DNA interaction interfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mélanie Lambert
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR-S1172 - JPArc - Centre de Recherche Jean-Pierre Aubert Neurosciences and Cancer, F-59000 Lille, France.
- Institut pour la Recherche sur le Cancer de Lille, F-59045 Lille, France.
| | - Meryem Alioui
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR-S1172 - JPArc - Centre de Recherche Jean-Pierre Aubert Neurosciences and Cancer, F-59000 Lille, France.
- Institut pour la Recherche sur le Cancer de Lille, F-59045 Lille, France.
| | - Samy Jambon
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR-S1172 - JPArc - Centre de Recherche Jean-Pierre Aubert Neurosciences and Cancer, F-59000 Lille, France.
- Institut pour la Recherche sur le Cancer de Lille, F-59045 Lille, France.
| | - Sabine Depauw
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR-S1172 - JPArc - Centre de Recherche Jean-Pierre Aubert Neurosciences and Cancer, F-59000 Lille, France.
- Institut pour la Recherche sur le Cancer de Lille, F-59045 Lille, France.
| | - Isabelle Van Seuningen
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR-S1172 - JPArc - Centre de Recherche Jean-Pierre Aubert Neurosciences and Cancer, F-59000 Lille, France.
| | - Marie-Hélène David-Cordonnier
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR-S1172 - JPArc - Centre de Recherche Jean-Pierre Aubert Neurosciences and Cancer, F-59000 Lille, France.
- Institut pour la Recherche sur le Cancer de Lille, F-59045 Lille, France.
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34
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Jedwabny W, Cierpicki T, Grembecka J, Dyguda-Kazimierowicz E. Validation of approximate nonempirical scoring model for menin-mixed lineage leukemia inhibitors. Theor Chem Acc 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s00214-018-2350-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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35
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Borkin D, Klossowski S, Pollock J, Miao H, Linhares BM, Kempinska K, Jin Z, Purohit T, Wen B, He M, Sun D, Cierpicki T, Grembecka J. Complexity of Blocking Bivalent Protein-Protein Interactions: Development of a Highly Potent Inhibitor of the Menin-Mixed-Lineage Leukemia Interaction. J Med Chem 2018; 61:4832-4850. [PMID: 29738674 PMCID: PMC7029623 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b00071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The protein-protein interaction between menin and mixed-lineage leukemia 1 (MLL1) plays an important role in development of acute leukemia with translocations of the MLL1 gene and in solid tumors. Here, we report the development of a new generation of menin-MLL1 inhibitors identified by structure-based optimization of the thienopyrimidine class of compounds. This work resulted in compound 28 (MI-1481), which showed very potent inhibition of the menin-MLL1 interaction (IC50 = 3.6 nM), representing the most potent reversible menin-MLL1 inhibitor reported to date. The crystal structure of the menin-28 complex revealed a hydrogen bond with Glu366 and hydrophobic interactions, which contributed to strong inhibitory activity of 28. Compound 28 also demonstrates pronounced activity in MLL leukemia cells and in vivo in MLL leukemia models. Thus, 28 is a valuable menin-MLL1 inhibitor that can be used for potential therapeutic applications and in further studies regarding the role of menin in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dmitry Borkin
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Szymon Klossowski
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Jonathan Pollock
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Hongzhi Miao
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Brian M. Linhares
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | | | - Zhuang Jin
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Trupta Purohit
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Bo Wen
- College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Miao He
- College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Duxin Sun
- College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Tomasz Cierpicki
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Jolanta Grembecka
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA,Corresponding author; Jolanta Grembecka, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, 1150 West Medical Center Dr, MSRB I, Room 4510D, Ann Arbor, MI, 48108, , Tel. 734-615-9319
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36
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Zhang X, Zheng X, Yang H, Yan J, Fu X, Wei R, Xu X, Zhang Z, Yu A, Zhou K, Ding J, Geng M, Huang X. Piribedil disrupts the MLL1-WDR5 interaction and sensitizes MLL-rearranged acute myeloid leukemia (AML) to doxorubicin-induced apoptosis. Cancer Lett 2018; 431:150-160. [PMID: 29857126 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2018.05.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Revised: 05/22/2018] [Accepted: 05/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Targeting WT MLL for the treatment of MLL-r leukemia, which is highly aggressive and resistant to chemotherapy, has been shown to be a promising strategy. However, drug treatments targeting WT MLL are lacking. We used an in vitro histone methyltransferase assay to screen a library consists of 592 FDA-approved drugs for MLL1 inhibitors by measuring alterations in HTRF signal and found that Piribedil represented a potent activity. Piribedil specifically inhibited the proliferation of MLL-r cells by inducing cell-cycle arrest, apoptosis and myeloid differentiation with little toxicity to the non-MLL cells. Mechanism study showed Piribedil blocked the MLL1-WDR5 interaction and thus selectively reduced MLL1-dependent H3K4 methylation. Importantly, MLL1 depletion induced gene expression that was similar to that induced by Piribedil and rendered the MLL-r cells resistant to Piribedil-induced toxicity, revealing Piribedil exerted anti-leukemia effects by targeting MLL1. Furthermore, both the Piribedil treatment and MLL1 depletion sensitized the MLL-r cells to doxorubicin-induced apoptosis. Our study support the hypothesis that Piribedil could serve as a new drug for the treatment of MLL-r AML and provide new insight for further optimization of targeting MLL1 HMT activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Xingling Zheng
- Division of Anti-Tumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, NO.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China; School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Hong Yang
- Division of Anti-Tumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, NO.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Juan Yan
- Division of Anti-Tumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, NO.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xuhong Fu
- Division of Anti-Tumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, NO.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Rongrui Wei
- Division of Anti-Tumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, NO.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xiaowei Xu
- Division of Anti-Tumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, NO.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Zhuqing Zhang
- Division of Anti-Tumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, NO.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Aisong Yu
- Division of Anti-Tumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, NO.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Kaixin Zhou
- Division of Anti-Tumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, NO.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jian Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing, 210023, China; Division of Anti-Tumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, NO.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China.
| | - Meiyu Geng
- Division of Anti-Tumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, NO.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China.
| | - Xun Huang
- Division of Anti-Tumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, NO.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China.
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37
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Meanwell NA. Fluorine and Fluorinated Motifs in the Design and Application of Bioisosteres for Drug Design. J Med Chem 2018; 61:5822-5880. [PMID: 29400967 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.7b01788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1288] [Impact Index Per Article: 214.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The electronic properties and relatively small size of fluorine endow it with considerable versatility as a bioisostere and it has found application as a substitute for lone pairs of electrons, the hydrogen atom, and the methyl group while also acting as a functional mimetic of the carbonyl, carbinol, and nitrile moieties. In this context, fluorine substitution can influence the potency, conformation, metabolism, membrane permeability, and P-gp recognition of a molecule and temper inhibition of the hERG channel by basic amines. However, as a consequence of the unique properties of fluorine, it features prominently in the design of higher order structural metaphors that are more esoteric in their conception and which reflect a more sophisticated molecular construction that broadens biological mimesis. In this Perspective, applications of fluorine in the construction of bioisosteric elements designed to enhance the in vitro and in vivo properties of a molecule are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas A Meanwell
- Discovery Chemistry and Molecular Technologies Bristol-Myers Squibb Research and Development P.O. Box 4000, Princeton , New Jersey 08543-4000 , United States
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38
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Zhang J, Hu Y, Wang H, Guo A, Kong J, Ma R, Wu T, Wang Y, Li LS, Mai W, Ren P, Deng X. Regioselective Functionalization of 4-Methyl-1H-indole for Scalable Synthesis of 2-Cyano-5-formyl-4-methyl-1H-indole. Org Process Res Dev 2018. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.oprd.7b00370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jun Zhang
- WuXi AppTec Co., Ltd., 168 Nanhai Road, TEDA, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Yun Hu
- WuXi AppTec Co., Ltd., 168 Nanhai Road, TEDA, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Haiyu Wang
- WuXi AppTec Co., Ltd., 168 Nanhai Road, TEDA, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Aixin Guo
- WuXi AppTec Co., Ltd., 168 Nanhai Road, TEDA, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Jianshe Kong
- WuXi AppTec Co., Ltd., 168 Nanhai Road, TEDA, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Rujian Ma
- WuXi AppTec Co., Ltd., 168 Nanhai Road, TEDA, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Tao Wu
- Wellspring Biosciences
Inc., 3033 Science Park Road Suite
220, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Yi Wang
- Wellspring Biosciences
Inc., 3033 Science Park Road Suite
220, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Lian-Sheng Li
- Wellspring Biosciences
Inc., 3033 Science Park Road Suite
220, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Wanping Mai
- Kura Oncology
Inc., 3033 Science Park Road Suite
220, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Pingda Ren
- Kura Oncology
Inc., 3033 Science Park Road Suite
220, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Xiaohu Deng
- Kura Oncology
Inc., 3033 Science Park Road Suite
220, San Diego, California 92121, United States
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39
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Castelli G, Pelosi E, Testa U. Targeting histone methyltransferase and demethylase in acute myeloid leukemia therapy. Onco Targets Ther 2017; 11:131-155. [PMID: 29343972 PMCID: PMC5749389 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s145971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a clonal disorder of myeloid progenitors characterized by the acquisition of chromosomal abnormalities, somatic mutations, and epigenetic changes that determine a consistent degree of biological and clinical heterogeneity. Advances in genomic technologies have increasingly shown the complexity and heterogeneity of genetic and epigenetic alterations in AML. Among the genetic alterations occurring in AML, frequent are the genetic alterations at the level of various genes involved in the epigenetic control of the DNA methylome and histone methylome. In fact, genes involved in DNA demethylation (such as DNMT3A, TET2, IDH1, and IDH2) or histone methylation and demethylation (EZH2, MLL, DOT1L) are frequently mutated in primary and secondary AML. Furthermore, some histone demethylases, such as LSD1, are frequently overexpressed in AML. These observations have strongly supported a major role of dysregulated epigenetic regulatory processes in leukemia onset and development. This conclusion was further supported by the observation that mutations in genes encoding epigenetic modifiers, such as DMT3A, ASXL1, TET2, IDH1, and IDH2, are usually acquired early and are present in the founding leukemic clone. These observations have contributed to development of the idea that targeting epigenetic abnormalities could represent a potentially promising strategy for the development of innovative treatments of AML. In this review, we analyze those proteins and their inhibitors that have already reached the first stages of clinical trials in AML, namely the histone methyltransferase DOT1L, the demethylase LSD1, and the MLL-interacting protein menin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Germana Castelli
- Department of Oncology, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Elvira Pelosi
- Department of Oncology, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Ugo Testa
- Department of Oncology, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
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40
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Wang ZH, Li DD, Chen WL, You QD, Guo XK. Targeting protein-protein interaction between MLL1 and reciprocal proteins for leukemia therapy. Bioorg Med Chem 2017; 26:356-365. [PMID: 29254892 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2017.11.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2017] [Revised: 11/24/2017] [Accepted: 11/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The mixed lineage leukemia protein-1 (MLL1), as a lysine methyltransferase, predominantly regulates the methylation of histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4) and functions in hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) self-renewal. MLL1 gene fuses with partner genes that results in the generation of MLL1 fusion proteins (MLL1-FPs), which are frequently detected in acute leukemia. In the progress of leukemogenesis, a great deal of proteins cooperate with MLL1 to form multiprotein complexes serving for the dysregulation of H3K4 methylation, the overexpression of homeobox (HOX) cluster genes, and the consequent generation of leukemia. Hence, disrupting the interactions between MLL1 and the reciprocal proteins has been considered to be a new treatment strategy for leukemia. Here, we reviewed potential protein-protein interactions (PPIs) between MLL1 and its reciprocal proteins, and summarized the inhibitors to target MLL1 PPIs. The druggability of MLL1 PPIs for leukemia were also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Hui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Dong-Dong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Wei-Lin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Qi-Dong You
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Xiao-Ke Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
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41
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Kempinska K, Malik B, Borkin D, Klossowski S, Shukla S, Miao H, Wang J, Cierpicki T, Grembecka J. Pharmacologic Inhibition of the Menin-MLL Interaction Leads to Transcriptional Repression of PEG10 and Blocks Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Mol Cancer Ther 2017; 17:26-38. [PMID: 29142068 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-17-0580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2017] [Revised: 09/14/2017] [Accepted: 10/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for approximately 85% of malignant liver tumors and results in 600,000 deaths each year, emphasizing the need for new therapies. Upregulation of menin was reported in HCC patients and high levels of menin correlate with poor patient prognosis. The protein-protein interaction between menin and histone methyltransferase mixed lineage leukemia 1 (MLL1) plays an important role in the development of HCC, implying that pharmacologic inhibition of this interaction could lead to new therapeutic strategy for the HCC patients. Here, we demonstrate that the menin-MLL inhibitor MI-503 shows antitumor activity in in vitro and in vivo models of HCC and reveals the potential mechanism of menin contribution to HCC. Treatment with MI-503 selectively kills various HCC cell lines and this effect is significantly enhanced by a combination of MI-503 with sorafenib, the standard-of-care therapy for HCC. Furthermore, MI-503 reduces sphere formation and cell migration in in vitro HCC models. When applied in vivo, MI-503 gives a strong antitumor effect both as a single agent and in combination with sorafenib in mice xenograft models of HCC. Mechanistically, treatment with MI-503 downregulates expression of several genes known to play a critical role in proliferation and migration of HCC cells, including PEG10, and displaces the menin-MLL1 complex from the PEG10 promoter, resulting in reduced H3K4 methylation and transcriptional repression. Overall, our studies reveal a mechanistic link between menin and genes involved in HCC and demonstrate that pharmacologic inhibition of the menin-MLL interaction might represent a promising therapeutic approach for HCC. Mol Cancer Ther; 17(1); 26-38. ©2017 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bhavna Malik
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Dmitry Borkin
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Szymon Klossowski
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Shirish Shukla
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Hongzhi Miao
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Jingya Wang
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Tomasz Cierpicki
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
| | - Jolanta Grembecka
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
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42
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Agarwal SK. The future: genetics advances in MEN1 therapeutic approaches and management strategies. Endocr Relat Cancer 2017; 24:T119-T134. [PMID: 28899949 PMCID: PMC5679100 DOI: 10.1530/erc-17-0199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2017] [Accepted: 08/08/2017] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The identification of the multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) gene in 1997 has shown that germline heterozygous mutations in the MEN1 gene located on chromosome 11q13 predisposes to the development of tumors in the MEN1 syndrome. Tumor development occurs upon loss of the remaining normal copy of the MEN1 gene in MEN1-target tissues. Therefore, MEN1 is a classic tumor suppressor gene in the context of MEN1. This tumor suppressor role of the protein encoded by the MEN1 gene, menin, holds true in mouse models with germline heterozygous Men1 loss, wherein MEN1-associated tumors develop in adult mice after spontaneous loss of the remaining non-targeted copy of the Men1 gene. The availability of genetic testing for mutations in the MEN1 gene has become an essential part of the diagnosis and management of MEN1. Genetic testing is also helping to exclude mutation-negative cases in MEN1 families from the burden of lifelong clinical screening. In the past 20 years, efforts of various groups world-wide have been directed at mutation analysis, molecular genetic studies, mouse models, gene expression studies, epigenetic regulation analysis, biochemical studies and anti-tumor effects of candidate therapies in mouse models. This review will focus on the findings and advances from these studies to identify MEN1 germline and somatic mutations, the genetics of MEN1-related states, several protein partners of menin, the three-dimensional structure of menin and menin-dependent target genes. The ongoing impact of all these studies on disease prediction, management and outcomes will continue in the years to come.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunita K Agarwal
- Metabolic Diseases BranchNational Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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43
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Jedwabny W, Kłossowski S, Purohit T, Cierpicki T, Grembecka J, Dyguda-Kazimierowicz E. Theoretical models of inhibitory activity for inhibitors of protein-protein interactions: targeting menin-mixed lineage leukemia with small molecules. MEDCHEMCOMM 2017; 8:2216-2227. [PMID: 29456828 PMCID: PMC5774433 DOI: 10.1039/c7md00170c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2017] [Accepted: 09/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
A computationally affordable, non-empirical model based on electrostatic multipole and dispersion terms successfully predicts the binding affinity of inhibitors of menin–MLL protein–protein interactions.
Development and binding affinity predictions of inhibitors targeting protein–protein interactions (PPI) still represent a major challenge in drug discovery efforts. This work reports application of a predictive non-empirical model of inhibitory activity for PPI inhibitors, exemplified here for small molecules targeting the menin–mixed lineage leukemia (MLL) interaction. Systematic ab initio analysis of menin–inhibitor complexes was performed, revealing the physical nature of these interactions. Notably, the non-empirical protein–ligand interaction energy comprising electrostatic multipole and approximate dispersion terms (E(10)El,MTP + EDas) produced a remarkable correlation with experimentally measured inhibitory activities and enabled accurate activity prediction for new menin–MLL inhibitors. Importantly, this relatively simple and computationally affordable non-empirical interaction energy model outperformed binding affinity predictions derived from commonly used empirical scoring functions. This study demonstrates high relevance of the non-empirical model we developed for binding affinity prediction of inhibitors targeting protein–protein interactions that are difficult to predict using empirical scoring functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wiktoria Jedwabny
- Department of Chemistry , Wrocław University of Science and Technology , Wyb. Wyspiańskiego 27 , 50-370 Wrocław , Poland . ; Tel: +48 71 320 3200
| | - Szymon Kłossowski
- Department of Pathology , University of Michigan , 1150 W. Medical Center Dr, MSRBI, Rm 4510D , Ann Arbor , MI 48109 , USA . ; ; Tel: +734 615 9319
| | - Trupta Purohit
- Department of Pathology , University of Michigan , 1150 W. Medical Center Dr, MSRBI, Rm 4510D , Ann Arbor , MI 48109 , USA . ; ; Tel: +734 615 9319
| | - Tomasz Cierpicki
- Department of Pathology , University of Michigan , 1150 W. Medical Center Dr, MSRBI, Rm 4510D , Ann Arbor , MI 48109 , USA . ; ; Tel: +734 615 9319
| | - Jolanta Grembecka
- Department of Pathology , University of Michigan , 1150 W. Medical Center Dr, MSRBI, Rm 4510D , Ann Arbor , MI 48109 , USA . ; ; Tel: +734 615 9319
| | - Edyta Dyguda-Kazimierowicz
- Department of Chemistry , Wrocław University of Science and Technology , Wyb. Wyspiańskiego 27 , 50-370 Wrocław , Poland . ; Tel: +48 71 320 3200
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44
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Wu D, Zhang T, Chen Y, Huang Y, Geng H, Yu Y, Zhang C, Lai Z, Wu Y, Guo X, Chen J, Luo HB. Discovery and Optimization of Chromeno[2,3-c]pyrrol-9(2H)-ones as Novel Selective and Orally Bioavailable Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors for the Treatment of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. J Med Chem 2017; 60:6622-6637. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.7b00523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Deyan Wu
- School
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China
| | - Tianhua Zhang
- School
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China
| | - Yiping Chen
- School
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China
| | - Yadan Huang
- School
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China
| | - Haiju Geng
- School
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China
| | - Yanfa Yu
- School
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China
| | - Chen Zhang
- School
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China
| | - Zengwei Lai
- School
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China
| | - Yinuo Wu
- School
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China
| | - Xiaolei Guo
- Infinitus (China) Co. Ltd., Guangzhou 510663, China
| | - Jianwen Chen
- School
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China
| | - Hai-Bin Luo
- School
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China
- Collaborative
Innovation Center of High Performance Computing, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha 410073, China
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45
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Eryılmaz E, Canpolat C. Novel agents for the treatment of childhood leukemia: an update. Onco Targets Ther 2017; 10:3299-3306. [PMID: 28740405 PMCID: PMC5505617 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s126368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Achieving lower morbidity and higher survival rates in the treatment of childhood leukemia has been a paradigm of success in modern oncology. However, serious long-term health complications occur in very large populations of childhood leukemia survivors, in the case of both acute lymphoid leukemia and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Additionally, 15% of acute lymphoid leukemia patients have treatment failures, and rates are even higher in childhood AML. In the last few decades, as a result of well-tested experiments that statistically analyzed treatment cohorts, new agents have emerged as alternatives or supplements to established treatments, in which high survival and/or less morbidity were observed. This review provides an overview of better practice in the treatment of childhood leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ertugrul Eryılmaz
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Acibadem Maslak Hospital
| | - Cengiz Canpolat
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Acibadem Kozyatagi Hospital, Acıbadem University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
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46
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Abstract
![]()
Post-translational
modifications of histones by protein methyltransferases
(PMTs) and histone demethylases (KDMs) play an important role in the
regulation of gene expression and transcription and are implicated
in cancer and many other diseases. Many of these enzymes also target
various nonhistone proteins impacting numerous crucial biological
pathways. Given their key biological functions and implications in
human diseases, there has been a growing interest in assessing these
enzymes as potential therapeutic targets. Consequently, discovering
and developing inhibitors of these enzymes has become a very active
and fast-growing research area over the past decade. In this review,
we cover the discovery, characterization, and biological application
of inhibitors of PMTs and KDMs with emphasis on key advancements in
the field. We also discuss challenges, opportunities, and future directions
in this emerging, exciting research field.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Ümit Kaniskan
- Departments of Pharmacological Sciences and Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai , New York, New York 10029, United States
| | - Michael L Martini
- Departments of Pharmacological Sciences and Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai , New York, New York 10029, United States
| | - Jian Jin
- Departments of Pharmacological Sciences and Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai , New York, New York 10029, United States
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47
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Winters AC, Bernt KM. MLL-Rearranged Leukemias-An Update on Science and Clinical Approaches. Front Pediatr 2017; 5:4. [PMID: 28232907 PMCID: PMC5299633 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2017.00004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 249] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2016] [Accepted: 01/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The mixed-lineage leukemia 1 (MLL1) gene (now renamed Lysine [K]-specific MethylTransferase 2A or KMT2A) on chromosome 11q23 is disrupted in a unique group of acute leukemias. More than 80 different partner genes in these fusions have been described, although the majority of leukemias result from MLL1 fusions with one of about six common partner genes. Approximately 10% of all leukemias harbor MLL1 translocations. Of these, two patient populations comprise the majority of cases: patients younger than 1 year of age at diagnosis (primarily acute lymphoblastic leukemias) and young- to-middle-aged adults (primarily acute myeloid leukemias). A much rarer subgroup of patients with MLL1 rearrangements develop leukemia that is attributable to prior treatment with certain chemotherapeutic agents-so-called therapy-related leukemias. In general, outcomes for all of these patients remain poor when compared to patients with non-MLL1 rearranged leukemias. In this review, we will discuss the normal biological roles of MLL1 and its fusion partners, how these roles are hypothesized to be dysregulated in the context of MLL1 rearrangements, and the clinical manifestations of this group of leukemias. We will go on to discuss the progress in clinical management and promising new avenues of research, which may lead to more effective targeted therapies for affected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda C Winters
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology/BMT, University of Colorado School of Medicine and Children's Hospital Colorado , Aurora, CO , USA
| | - Kathrin M Bernt
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology/BMT, University of Colorado School of Medicine and Children's Hospital Colorado , Aurora, CO , USA
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Yue L, Du J, Ye F, Chen Z, Li L, Lian F, Zhang B, Zhang Y, Jiang H, Chen K, Li Y, Zhou B, Zhang N, Yang Y, Luo C. Identification of novel small-molecule inhibitors targeting menin–MLL interaction, repurposing the antidiarrheal loperamide. Org Biomol Chem 2016; 14:8503-19. [DOI: 10.1039/c6ob01248e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Scaffold hopping combines with biochemical studies and medicinal chemistry optimizations, leading to potent inhibitors of the menin–MLL interaction.
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