1
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Knight W, Margaryan T, Sanai N, Tovmasyan A. A validated LC-MS/MS method for determination of neuro-pharmacokinetic behavior of niraparib in brain tumor patients. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2024; 245:116150. [PMID: 38657366 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2024.116150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Niraparib is a potent and orally bioavailable inhibitor of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) with high specificity for isoforms 1 and 2. It has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for ovarian cancer maintenance therapy and is currently under development for various cancers, including glioblastoma. To assess central nervous system (CNS) penetration of niraparib in glioblastoma patients, a novel bioanalytical method was developed to measure total and unbound niraparib levels in human brain tumor tissue and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The method was validated using plasma as a surrogate matrix over the concentration range of 1-10,000 nM on an LC-MS/MS system. The MS/MS detection was conducted in positive electrospray ionization mode, while chromatography was performed using a Kinetex™ PS C18 column with a total 3.5-minute gradient elution run time. The maximum coefficient of variation for both intra- and inter-day precision was 10.6%, with accuracy ranging from 92.8% - 118.5% across all matrices. Niraparib was stable in human brain homogenate for at least 6 hours at room temperature (RT) and 32 days at -20°C, as well as in stock and working solutions for at least 21 hours (RT) and 278 days (4°C). Equilibrium dialysis experiments revealed the fractions unbound of 0.05 and 0.16 for niraparib in human brain and plasma, respectively. The validated method is currently employed to assess niraparib levels in human glioblastoma tissue, CSF, and plasma in an ongoing trial on newly diagnosed glioblastoma and recurrent IDH1/2(+) ATRX mutant glioma patients (NCT05076513). Initial results of calculated total (Kp) and unbound (Kp,uu) tumor-to-plasma partition coefficients indicate significant brain penetration ability of niraparib in glioblastoma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Knight
- Ivy Brain Tumor Center, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ 85013, USA
| | - Tigran Margaryan
- Ivy Brain Tumor Center, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ 85013, USA
| | - Nader Sanai
- Ivy Brain Tumor Center, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ 85013, USA
| | - Artak Tovmasyan
- Ivy Brain Tumor Center, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ 85013, USA.
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2
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Barbosa Belarmino A, Sampaio de Sousa D, Henrique Alexandre Roberto C, Moreira de Oliveira V, Nunes da Rocha M, Rogenio da Silva Mendes F, Machado Marinho M, Marques da Fonseca A, Silva Marinho G. Ligand-based analysis of the antifungal potential of phytosterols and triterpenes isolated from Cryptostegia grandiflora against Candida auris FKBP12. Steroids 2024:109453. [PMID: 38901661 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2024.109453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
Candida auris, a pathogenic fungus, has posed significant challenges to conventional medical treatments due to its increasing resistance to antifungal agents. Consequently, due to their promising pharmacological properties, there is a compelling interest in exploring novel bioactive compounds, such as phytosterols and triterpenes. This study aimed to conduct virtual screening utilizing computational methods, including ADMET, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics, to assess the activity and feasibility of phytosterols extracted from Cryptostegia grandiflora as potential therapeutic agents. Computational predictions suggest that compounds bearing structural similarities to Fsp3-rich molecules hold promise for inhibiting enzymes and G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) modulators, with particular emphasis on ursolic acid, which, in its conjugated form, exhibits high oral bioavailability and metabolic stability rendering it a compelling drug candidate. Molecular docking calculations identified ursolic acid and stigmasterol as promising ligands. While stigmasterol displayed superior affinity during molecular dynamics simulations, it exhibited instability, contrasting with ursolic acid's slightly lower affinity yet sustained stability throughout the dynamic assessments. This suggests that ursolic acid is a robust candidate for inhibiting the FKBP12 isomerase in C. auris. Moreover, further investigations could focus on experimentally validating the molecular docking predictions and evaluating the efficacy of ursolic acid as an FKBP12 isomerase inhibitor in models of C. auris infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Márcia Machado Marinho
- Science and Technology Centre, Course of Chemistry, State University Vale of Acaraú, CE, Brazil
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3
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Butler CR, Popiolek M, McAllister LA, LaChapelle EA, Kramer M, Beck EM, Mente S, Brodney MA, Brown M, Gilbert A, Helal C, Ogilvie K, Starr J, Uccello D, Grimwood S, Edgerton J, Garst-Orozko J, Kozak R, Lotarski S, Rossi A, Smith D, O'Connor R, Lazzaro J, Steppan C, Steyn SJ. Design and Synthesis of Clinical Candidate PF-06852231 (CVL-231): A Brain Penetrant, Selective, Positive Allosteric Modulator of the M 4 Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptor. J Med Chem 2024. [PMID: 38888621 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Selective activation of the M4 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor subtype offers a novel strategy for the treatment of psychosis in multiple neurological disorders. Although the development of traditional muscarinic activators has been stymied due to pan-receptor activation, muscarinic receptor subtype selectivity can be achieved through the utilization of a subtype of a unique allosteric site. A major challenge in capitalizing on this allosteric site to date has been achieving a balance of suitable potency and brain penetration. Herein, we describe the design of a brain penetrant series of M4 selective positive allosteric modulators (PAMs), ultimately culminating in the identification of 21 (PF-06852231, now CVL-231/emraclidine), which is under active clinical development as a novel mechanism and approach for the treatment of schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher R Butler
- Medicine Design, Medicinal Chemistry, Pfizer Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Michael Popiolek
- Internal Medicine, Pfizer Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Laura A McAllister
- Medicine Design, Medicinal Chemistry, Pfizer Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Erik A LaChapelle
- Medicine Design, Medicinal Chemistry, Pfizer Inc., Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Melissa Kramer
- Medicine Design, Pharmacokinetics, Dynamics and Metabolism, Pfizer Inc., Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Elizabeth M Beck
- Medicine Design, Medicinal Chemistry, Pfizer Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Scot Mente
- Medicine Design, Medicinal Chemistry, Pfizer Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Michael A Brodney
- Medicine Design, Medicinal Chemistry, Pfizer Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Matthew Brown
- Medicine Design, Medicinal Chemistry, Pfizer Inc., Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Adam Gilbert
- Medicine Design, Medicinal Chemistry, Pfizer Inc., Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Chris Helal
- Medicine Design, Medicinal Chemistry, Pfizer Inc., Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Kevin Ogilvie
- Medicine Design, Medicinal Chemistry, Pfizer Inc., Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Jeremy Starr
- Medicine Design, Medicinal Chemistry, Pfizer Inc., Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Daniel Uccello
- Medicine Design, Medicinal Chemistry, Pfizer Inc., Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Sarah Grimwood
- Internal Medicine, Pfizer Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Jeremy Edgerton
- Internal Medicine, Pfizer Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | | | - Rouba Kozak
- Internal Medicine, Pfizer Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Susan Lotarski
- Internal Medicine, Pfizer Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Amie Rossi
- Internal Medicine, Pfizer Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Deborah Smith
- Internal Medicine, Pfizer Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Rebecca O'Connor
- Discovery Sciences, Primary Pharmacology, Pfizer Inc., Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - John Lazzaro
- Discovery Sciences, Primary Pharmacology, Pfizer Inc., Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Claire Steppan
- Discovery Sciences, Primary Pharmacology, Pfizer Inc., Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Stefanus J Steyn
- Medicine Design, Pharmacokinetics, Dynamics and Metabolism, Pfizer Inc., Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
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4
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Corfu AI, Santarem N, Luelmo S, Mazza G, Greco A, Altomare A, Ferrario G, Nasta G, Keminer O, Aldini G, Tamborini L, Basilico N, Parapini S, Gul S, Cordeiro-da-Silva A, Conti P, Borsari C. Discovery of 1,3,4-Oxadiazole Derivatives as Broad-Spectrum Antiparasitic Agents. ACS Infect Dis 2024; 10:2222-2238. [PMID: 38717116 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.4c00181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Vector-borne parasitic diseases (VBPDs) pose a significant threat to public health on a global scale. Collectively, Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT), Leishmaniasis, and Malaria threaten millions of people, particularly in developing countries. Climate change might alter the transmission and spread of VBPDs, leading to a global burden of these diseases. Thus, novel agents are urgently needed to expand therapeutic options and limit the spread of drug-resistant parasites. Herein, we report the development of broad-spectrum antiparasitic agents by screening a known library of antileishmanial and antimalarial compounds toward Trypanosoma brucei (T. brucei) and identifying a 1,3,4-oxadiazole derivative (19) as anti-T. brucei hit with predicted blood-brain barrier permeability. Subsequently, extensive structure-activity-relationship studies around the lipophilic tail of 19 led to a potent antitrypanosomal and antimalarial compound (27), with moderate potency also toward Leishmania infantum (L. infantum) and Leishmania tropica. In addition, we discovered a pan-active antiparasitic molecule (24), showing low-micromolar IC50s toward T. brucei and Leishmania spp. promastigotes and amastigotes, and nanomolar IC50 against Plasmodium falciparum, together with high selectivity for the parasites over mammalian cells (THP-1). Early ADME-toxicity assays were used to assess the safety profile of the compounds. Overall, we characterized 24 and 27, bearing the 1,3,4-oxadiazole privileged scaffold, as broad-spectrum low-toxicity agents for the treatment of VBPDs. An alkyne-substituted chemical probe (30) was synthesized and will be utilized in proteomics experiments aimed at deconvoluting the mechanism of action in the T. brucei parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Ioana Corfu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Via Mangiagalli 25, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Nuno Santarem
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Sara Luelmo
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Gaia Mazza
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, Via Pascal 36, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Greco
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Alessandra Altomare
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Via Mangiagalli 25, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Giulio Ferrario
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Via Mangiagalli 25, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Nasta
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Via Mangiagalli 25, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Oliver Keminer
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology (ITMP), Schnackenburgallee 114, 22525 Hamburg, Germany
- Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence for Immune-Mediated Diseases (CIMD), Schnackenburgallee 114, 22525 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Giancarlo Aldini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Via Mangiagalli 25, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Lucia Tamborini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Via Mangiagalli 25, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Basilico
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, Via Pascal 36, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Parapini
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Via Pascal 36, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Sheraz Gul
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology (ITMP), Schnackenburgallee 114, 22525 Hamburg, Germany
- Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence for Immune-Mediated Diseases (CIMD), Schnackenburgallee 114, 22525 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Anabela Cordeiro-da-Silva
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3S), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Paola Conti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Via Mangiagalli 25, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Borsari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, Via Mangiagalli 25, 20133 Milan, Italy
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5
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Ence CC, Uddin T, Borrel J, Mittal P, Xie H, Zoller J, Sharma A, Comer E, Schreiber SL, Melillo B, Sibley LD, Chatterjee AK. Bicyclic Pyrrolidine Inhibitors of Toxoplasma gondii Phenylalanine t-RNA Synthetase with Antiparasitic Potency In Vitro and Brain Exposure. ACS Infect Dis 2024; 10:2212-2221. [PMID: 38743643 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.4c00170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that bicyclic azetidines are potent and selective inhibitors of apicomplexan phenylalanine tRNA synthetase (PheRS), leading to parasite growth inhibition in vitro and in vivo, including in models of Toxoplasma infection. Despite these useful properties, additional optimization is required for the development of efficacious treatments of toxoplasmosis from this inhibitor series, in particular, to achieve optimal exposure in the brain. Here, we describe a series of PheRS inhibitors built on a new bicyclic pyrrolidine core scaffold designed to retain the exit-vector geometry of the isomeric bicyclic azetidine core scaffold while offering avenues to sample diverse chemical space. Relative to the parent series, bicyclic pyrrolidines retain reasonable potency and target selectivity for parasite PheRS vs host. Further structure-activity relationship studies revealed that the introduction of aliphatic groups improved potency and ADME and PK properties, including brain exposure. The identification of this new scaffold provides potential opportunities to extend the analogue series to further improve selectivity and potency and ultimately deliver a novel, efficacious treatment of toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe C Ence
- Calibr at Scripps Research, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Taher Uddin
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63130, United States
| | - Julien Borrel
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science Program, Broad Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Payal Mittal
- Molecular Medicine-Structural Parasitology Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi 110067, India
- ICMR-NIMR, Sector-8, Dwarka, New Delhi 110077, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Han Xie
- Calibr at Scripps Research, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Jochen Zoller
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science Program, Broad Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Amit Sharma
- Molecular Medicine-Structural Parasitology Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Eamon Comer
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science Program, Broad Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Stuart L Schreiber
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science Program, Broad Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
| | - Bruno Melillo
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science Program, Broad Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - L David Sibley
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63130, United States
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6
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Jakubiec M, Abram M, Zagaja M, Andres-Mach M, Szala-Rycaj J, Latacz G, Honkisz-Orzechowska E, Mogilski S, Kubacka M, Szafarz M, Pociecha K, Przejczowska-Pomierny K, Wyska E, Socała K, Nieoczym D, Szulczyk B, Wlaź P, Metcalf CS, Wilcox K, Kamiński RM, Kamiński K. Novel Alaninamide Derivatives with Drug-like Potential for Development as Antiseizure and Antinociceptive Therapies─In Vitro and In Vivo Characterization. ACS Chem Neurosci 2024; 15:2198-2222. [PMID: 38741575 PMCID: PMC11157491 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.4c00013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
In the present study, a series of original alaninamide derivatives have been designed applying a combinatorial chemistry approach, synthesized, and characterized in the in vivo and in vitro assays. The obtained molecules showed potent and broad-spectrum activity in basic seizure models, namely, the maximal electroshock (MES) test, the 6 Hz (32 mA) seizure model, and notably, the 6 Hz (44 mA) model of pharmacoresistant seizures. Most potent compounds 26 and 28 displayed the following pharmacological values: ED50 = 64.3 mg/kg (MES), ED50 = 15.6 mg/kg (6 Hz, 32 mA), ED50 = 29.9 mg/kg (6 Hz, 44 mA), and ED50 = 34.9 mg/kg (MES), ED50 = 12.1 mg/kg (6 Hz, 32 mA), ED50 = 29.5 mg/kg (6 Hz, 44 mA), respectively. Additionally, 26 and 28 were effective in the ivPTZ seizure threshold test and had no influence on the grip strength. Moreover, lead compound 28 was tested in the PTZ-induced kindling model, and then, its influence on glutamate and GABA levels in the hippocampus and cortex was evaluated by the high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. In addition, 28 revealed potent efficacy in formalin-induced tonic pain, capsaicin-induced pain, and oxaliplatin- and streptozotocin-induced peripheral neuropathy. Pharmacokinetic studies and in vitro ADME-Tox data proved favorable drug-like properties of 28. The patch-clamp recordings in rat cortical neurons showed that 28 at a concentration of 10 μM significantly inhibited fast sodium currents. Therefore, 28 seems to be an interesting candidate for future preclinical development in epilepsy and pain indications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcin Jakubiec
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Medyczna 9, 30-688 Krakow, Poland
| | - Michał Abram
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Medyczna 9, 30-688 Krakow, Poland
| | - Mirosław Zagaja
- Department
of Experimental Pharmacology, Institute
of Rural Health, Jaczewskiego 2, 20-950 Lublin, Poland
| | - Marta Andres-Mach
- Department
of Experimental Pharmacology, Institute
of Rural Health, Jaczewskiego 2, 20-950 Lublin, Poland
| | - Joanna Szala-Rycaj
- Department
of Experimental Pharmacology, Institute
of Rural Health, Jaczewskiego 2, 20-950 Lublin, Poland
| | - Gniewomir Latacz
- Department
of Technology and Biotechnology of Drugs, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Medyczna 9, 30-688 Krakow, Poland
| | - Ewelina Honkisz-Orzechowska
- Department
of Technology and Biotechnology of Drugs, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Medyczna 9, 30-688 Krakow, Poland
| | - Szczepan Mogilski
- Department
Pharmacodynamics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian
University Medical College, Medyczna 9, 30-688 Krakow, Poland
| | - Monika Kubacka
- Department
Pharmacodynamics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian
University Medical College, Medyczna 9, 30-688 Krakow, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Szafarz
- Department
of Pharmacokinetics and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Medyczna 9, 30-688 Krakow, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Pociecha
- Department
of Pharmacokinetics and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Medyczna 9, 30-688 Krakow, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Przejczowska-Pomierny
- Department
of Pharmacokinetics and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Medyczna 9, 30-688 Krakow, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Wyska
- Department
of Pharmacokinetics and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Medyczna 9, 30-688 Krakow, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Socała
- Department
of Animal Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences,
Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria
Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19, 20-033 Lublin, Poland
| | - Dorota Nieoczym
- Department
of Animal Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences,
Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria
Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19, 20-033 Lublin, Poland
| | - Bartłomiej Szulczyk
- Chair
and Department of Pharmacotherapy and Pharmaceutical Care, Centre
for Preclinical Research and Technology, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1B, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Piotr Wlaź
- Department
of Animal Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences,
Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria
Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19, 20-033 Lublin, Poland
| | - Cameron S. Metcalf
- Department
of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University
of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Karen Wilcox
- Department
of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University
of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Rafał M. Kamiński
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Medyczna 9, 30-688 Krakow, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Kamiński
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Medyczna 9, 30-688 Krakow, Poland
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7
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Pereira AMG, de Oliveira VM, da Rocha MN, Roberto CHA, Cajazeiras FFM, Guedes JM, Marinho MM, Teixeira AMR, Marinho ES, de Lima-Neto P, Dos Santos HS. Structure and Ligand Based Virtual Screening and MPO Topological Analysis of Triazolo Thiadiazepine-fused Coumarin Derivatives as Anti-Parkinson Drug Candidates. Mol Biotechnol 2024:10.1007/s12033-024-01200-y. [PMID: 38834896 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-024-01200-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a debilitating condition that can cause locomotor problems in affected patients, such as tremors and body rigidity. PD therapy often includes the use of monoamine oxidase B (MAOB) inhibitors, particularly phenylhalogen compounds and coumarin-based semi-synthetic compounds. The objective of this study was to analyze the structural, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacodynamic profile of a series of Triazolo Thiadiazepine-fused Coumarin Derivatives (TDCDs) against MAOB, in comparison with the inhibitor safinamide. To achieve this goal, we utilized structure-based virtual screening techniques, including target prediction and absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) prediction based on multi-parameter optimization (MPO) topological analysis, as well as ligand-based virtual screening techniques, such as docking and molecular dynamics. The findings indicate that the TDCDs exhibit structural similarity to other bioactive compounds containing coumarin and MAOB-binding azoles, which are present in the ChEMBL database. The topological analyses suggest that TDCD3 has the best ADME profile, particularly due to the alignment between low lipophilicity and high polarity. The coumarin and triazole portions make a strong contribution to this profile, resulting in a permeability with Papp estimated at 2.15 × 10-5 cm/s, indicating high cell viability. The substance is predicted to be metabolically stable. It is important to note that this is an objective evaluation based on the available data. Molecular docking simulations showed that the ligand has an affinity energy of - 8.075 kcal/mol with MAOB and interacts with biological substrate residues such as Pro102 and Phe103. The results suggest that the compound has a safe profile in relation to the MAOB model, making it a promising active ingredient for the treatment of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antônio Mateus Gomes Pereira
- Doctoral Program in Biotechnology, Northeast Biotechnology Network, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
- Center of Molecular Bioprospecting and Applied Experimentation, University Center INTA - UNINTA, Sobral, CE, Brazil
| | | | - Matheus Nunes da Rocha
- Postgraduate Program in Natural Sciences, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | | | | | - Jesyka Macêdo Guedes
- Center of Exact Sciences and Technology, State University Vale Do Acaraú, Sobral, CE, Brazil
| | - Márcia Machado Marinho
- Center of Exact Sciences and Technology, State University Vale Do Acaraú, Sobral, CE, Brazil
| | | | - Emmanuel Silva Marinho
- Postgraduate Program in Natural Sciences, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Pedro de Lima-Neto
- Department of Analytical Chemistry and Phisicochemistry, Federal University of Ceará, Campus Do Pici, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Hélcio Silva Dos Santos
- Center of Exact Sciences and Technology, State University Vale Do Acaraú, Sobral, CE, Brazil.
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8
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Socała K, Jakubiec M, Abram M, Mlost J, Starowicz K, Kamiński RM, Ciepiela K, Andres-Mach M, Zagaja M, Metcalf CS, Zawadzki P, Wlaź P, Kamiński K. TRPV1 channel in the pathophysiology of epilepsy and its potential as a molecular target for the development of new antiseizure drug candidates. Prog Neurobiol 2024; 240:102634. [PMID: 38834133 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2024.102634] [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: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Identification of transient receptor potential cation channel, subfamily V member 1 (TRPV1), also known as capsaicin receptor, in 1997 was a milestone achievement in the research on temperature sensation and pain signalling. Very soon after it became evident that TRPV1 is implicated in a wide array of physiological processes in different peripheral tissues, as well as in the central nervous system, and thereby could be involved in the pathophysiology of numerous diseases. Increasing evidence suggests that modulation of TRPV1 may also affect seizure susceptibility and epilepsy. This channel is localized in brain regions associated with seizures and epilepsy, and its overexpression was found both in animal models of seizures and in brain samples from epileptic patients. Moreover, modulation of TRPV1 on non-neuronal cells (microglia, astrocytes, and/or peripheral immune cells) may have an impact on the neuroinflammatory processes that play a role in epilepsy and epileptogenesis. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive and critical overview of currently available data on TRPV1 as a possible molecular target for epilepsy management, trying to identify research gaps and future directions. Overall, several converging lines of evidence implicate TRPV1 channel as a potentially attractive target in epilepsy research but more studies are needed to exploit the possible role of TRPV1 in seizures/epilepsy and to evaluate the value of TRPV1 ligands as candidates for new antiseizure drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Socała
- Department of Animal Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19, Lublin PL 20-033, Poland.
| | - Marcin Jakubiec
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Medyczna 9, Cracow PL 30-688, Poland
| | - Michał Abram
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Medyczna 9, Cracow PL 30-688, Poland
| | - Jakub Mlost
- Department of Neurochemistry, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smętna 12, Cracow PL 31-343, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Starowicz
- Department of Neurochemistry, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smętna 12, Cracow PL 31-343, Poland
| | - Rafał M Kamiński
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Medyczna 9, Cracow PL 30-688, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Ciepiela
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Medyczna 9, Cracow PL 30-688, Poland; Selvita S.A., Bobrzyńskiego 14, Cracow PL 30-348, Poland
| | - Marta Andres-Mach
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology, Institute of Rural Health, Jaczewskiego 2, Lublin PL 20-090, Poland
| | - Mirosław Zagaja
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology, Institute of Rural Health, Jaczewskiego 2, Lublin PL 20-090, Poland
| | - Cameron S Metcalf
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Przemysław Zawadzki
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Medyczna 9, Cracow PL 30-688, Poland
| | - Piotr Wlaź
- Department of Animal Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19, Lublin PL 20-033, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Kamiński
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Medyczna 9, Cracow PL 30-688, Poland
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9
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Giorgioni G, Bonifazi A, Botticelli L, Cifani C, Matteucci F, Micioni Di Bonaventura E, Micioni Di Bonaventura MV, Giannella M, Piergentili A, Piergentili A, Quaglia W, Del Bello F. Advances in drug design and therapeutic potential of selective or multitarget 5-HT1A receptor ligands. Med Res Rev 2024. [PMID: 38808959 DOI: 10.1002/med.22049] [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: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
5-HT1A receptor (5-HT1A-R) is a serotoninergic G-protein coupled receptor subtype which contributes to several physiological processes in both central nervous system and periphery. Despite being the first 5-HT-R identified, cloned and studied, it still represents a very attractive target in drug discovery and continues to be the focus of a myriad of drug discovery campaigns due to its involvement in numerous neuropsychiatric disorders. The structure-activity relationship studies (SAR) performed over the last years have been devoted to three main goals: (i) design and synthesis of 5-HT1A-R selective/preferential ligands; (ii) identification of 5-HT1A-R biased agonists, differentiating pre- versus post-synaptic agonism and signaling cellular mechanisms; (iii) development of multitarget compounds endowed with well-defined poly-pharmacological profiles targeting 5-HT1A-R along with other serotonin receptors, serotonin transporter (SERT), D2-like receptors and/or enzymes, such as acetylcholinesterase and phosphodiesterase, as a promising strategy for the management of complex psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. In this review, medicinal chemistry aspects of ligands acting as selective/preferential or multitarget 5-HT1A-R agonists and antagonists belonging to different chemotypes and developed in the last 7 years (2017-2023) have been discussed. The development of chemical and pharmacological 5-HT1A-R tools for molecular imaging have also been described. Finally, the pharmacological interest of 5-HT1A-R and the therapeutic potential of ligands targeting this receptor have been considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianfabio Giorgioni
- Medicinal Chemistry Unit, School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Alessandro Bonifazi
- Medicinal Chemistry Section, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse - Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Luca Botticelli
- Pharmacology Unit, School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Carlo Cifani
- Pharmacology Unit, School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Federica Matteucci
- Medicinal Chemistry Unit, School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | | | | | - Mario Giannella
- Medicinal Chemistry Unit, School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | | | - Alessia Piergentili
- Medicinal Chemistry Unit, School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Wilma Quaglia
- Medicinal Chemistry Unit, School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Fabio Del Bello
- Medicinal Chemistry Unit, School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
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10
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Gou R, Yang J, Guo M, Chen Y, Xue W. CNSMolGen: A Bidirectional Recurrent Neural Network-Based Generative Model for De Novo Central Nervous System Drug Design. J Chem Inf Model 2024; 64:4059-4070. [PMID: 38739718 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.4c00504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Central nervous system (CNS) drugs have had a significant impact on treating a wide range of neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders. In recent years, deep learning-based generative models have shown great potential for accelerating drug discovery and improving efficacy. However, specific applications of these techniques in CNS drug discovery have not been widely reported. In this study, we developed the CNSMolGen model, which uses a framework of bidirectional recurrent neural networks (Bi-RNNs) for de novo molecular design of CNS drugs. Results showed that the pretrained model was able to generate more than 90% of completely new molecular structures, which possessed the properties of CNS drug molecules and were synthesizable. In addition, transfer learning was performed on small data sets with specific biological activities to evaluate the potential application of the model for CNS drug optimization. Here, we used drugs against the classical CNS disease target serotonin transporter (SERT) as a fine-tuned data set and generated a focused database against the target protein. The potential biological activities of the generated molecules were verified by using the physics-based induced-fit docking study. The success of this model demonstrates its potential in CNS drug design and optimization, which provides a new impetus for future CNS drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongpei Gou
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Jingyi Yang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Menghan Guo
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Yingjun Chen
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Weiwei Xue
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
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11
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Watanabe S, Amporndanai K, Awais R, Latham C, Awais M, O'Neill PM, Yamanaka K, Hasnain SS. Ebselen analogues delay disease onset and its course in fALS by on-target SOD-1 engagement. Sci Rep 2024; 14:12118. [PMID: 38802492 PMCID: PMC11130262 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62903-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) selectively affects motor neurons. SOD1 is the first causative gene to be identified for ALS and accounts for at least 20% of the familial (fALS) and up to 4% of sporadic (sALS) cases globally with some geographical variability. The destabilisation of the SOD1 dimer is a key driving force in fALS and sALS. Protein aggregation resulting from the destabilised SOD1 is arrested by the clinical drug ebselen and its analogues (MR6-8-2 and MR6-26-2) by redeeming the stability of the SOD1 dimer. The in vitro target engagement of these compounds is demonstrated using the bimolecular fluorescence complementation assay with protein-ligand binding directly visualised by co-crystallography in G93A SOD1. MR6-26-2 offers neuroprotection slowing disease onset of SOD1G93A mice by approximately 15 days. It also protected neuromuscular junction from muscle denervation in SOD1G93A mice clearly indicating functional improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seiji Watanabe
- Department of Neuroscience and Pathobiology, Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nagoya University, Furo-Cho, Chikusa-Ku, Nagoya, 464-8601, Japan
| | - Kangsa Amporndanai
- Molecular Biophysics Group, Department of Biochemistry and System Biology, Institute of System, M0polecular and Integrative Biology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 7ZB, UK
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Raheela Awais
- School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 7ZB, UK
| | - Caroline Latham
- School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 7ZB, UK
| | - Muhammad Awais
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, Institute of System, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 3GE, UK
| | - Paul M O'Neill
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 7ZD, UK.
| | - Koji Yamanaka
- Department of Neuroscience and Pathobiology, Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nagoya University, Furo-Cho, Chikusa-Ku, Nagoya, 464-8601, Japan.
- Institute for Glyco-Core Research (iGCORE), Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan.
- Center for One Medicine Innovative Translational Research (COMIT), Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan.
| | - S Samar Hasnain
- Molecular Biophysics Group, Department of Biochemistry and System Biology, Institute of System, M0polecular and Integrative Biology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 7ZB, UK.
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12
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Warren HT, Saeger HN, Tombari RJ, Chytil M, Rasmussen K, Olson DE. Psychoplastogenic DYRK1A Inhibitors with Therapeutic Effects Relevant to Alzheimer's Disease. J Med Chem 2024; 67:6922-6937. [PMID: 38648167 PMCID: PMC11152242 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Tauopathy, neuronal atrophy, and psychological impairments are hallmarks of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, that currently lack efficacious clinical treatments capable of rectifying these issues. To address these unmet needs, we used rational drug design to combine the pharmacophores of DYRK1A inhibitors and isoDMTs to develop psychoplastogenic DYRK1A inhibitors. Using this approach, we discovered a nonhallucinogenic compound capable of promoting cortical neuron growth and suppressing tau hyperphosphorylation while also having the potential to mitigate the biological and psychological symptoms of dementia. Together, our results suggest that hybridization of the DYRK1A and psychoplastogen pharmacophores represents a promising strategy for identifying compounds that might address the cognitive as well as the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hunter T. Warren
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
- Institute for Psychedelics and Neurotherapeutics, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Hannah N. Saeger
- Institute for Psychedelics and Neurotherapeutics, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Graduate Group, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Robert J. Tombari
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Milan Chytil
- Delix Therapeutics, Inc., Bedford, MA 01730, USA
| | | | - David. E. Olson
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
- Institute for Psychedelics and Neurotherapeutics, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
- Center for Neuroscience, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95618, USA
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
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13
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Eyal AD, Eyal S. Increasing challenges to trial recruitment: Is it time to change the inclusion criteria for investigational compounds, not just for study participants? Epilepsia 2024. [PMID: 38713479 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Sara Eyal
- Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
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14
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Jackson ER, Persson ML, Fish CJ, Findlay IJ, Mueller S, Nazarian J, Hulleman E, van der Lugt J, Duchatel RJ, Dun MD. A review of current therapeutics targeting the mitochondrial protease ClpP in diffuse midline glioma, H3 K27-altered. Neuro Oncol 2024; 26:S136-S154. [PMID: 37589388 PMCID: PMC11066926 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noad144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Diffuse midline gliomas (DMGs) are devastating pediatric brain tumors recognized as the leading cause of cancer-related death in children. DMGs are high-grade gliomas (HGGs) diagnosed along the brain's midline. Euchromatin is the hallmark feature of DMG, caused by global hypomethylation of H3K27 either through point mutations in histone H3 genes (H3K27M), or by overexpression of the enhancer of zeste homolog inhibitory protein. In a clinical trial for adults with progressive HGGs, a 22-year-old patient with a thalamic DMG, H3 K27-altered, showed a remarkable clinical and radiological response to dordaviprone (ONC201). This response in an H3 K27-altered HGG patient, coupled with the lack of response of patients harboring wildtype-H3 tumors, has increased the clinical interest in dordaviprone for the treatment of DMG. Additional reports of clinical benefit have emerged, but research defining mechanisms of action (MOA) fall behind dordaviprone's clinical use, with biomarkers of response unresolved. Here, we summarize dordaviprone's safety, interrogate its preclinical MOA identifying the mitochondrial protease "ClpP" as a biomarker of response, and discuss other ClpP agonists, expanding the arsenal of potential weapons in the fight against DMG. Finally, we discuss combination strategies including ClpP agonists, and their immunomodulatory effects suggestive of a role for the tumor microenvironment in DMG patient response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evangeline R Jackson
- Cancer Signalling Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales , Australia
| | - Mika L Persson
- Cancer Signalling Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales , Australia
| | - Cameron J Fish
- Cancer Signalling Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales , Australia
| | - Izac J Findlay
- Cancer Signalling Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales , Australia
| | - Sabine Mueller
- DIPG/DMG Center Zurich, University Children’s Hospital Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Pediatric, UCSF, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Javad Nazarian
- DIPG/DMG Center Zurich, University Children’s Hospital Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
- The George Washington University, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Esther Hulleman
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, Netherlands, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Jasper van der Lugt
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, Netherlands, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Ryan J Duchatel
- Cancer Signalling Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales , Australia
| | - Matthew D Dun
- Cancer Signalling Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales , Australia
- Paediatric Program, Mark Hughes Foundation Centre for Brain Cancer Research, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
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15
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Sanghai N, Vuong B, Burak Berk A, Afridi MSK, Tranmer GK. Current Small Molecule-Based Medicinal Chemistry Approaches for Neurodegeneration Therapeutics. ChemMedChem 2024; 19:e202300705. [PMID: 38329887 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202300705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) like Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) possess multifactorial aetiologies. In recent years, our understanding of the biochemical and molecular pathways across NDDs has increased, however, new advances in small molecule-based therapeutic strategies targeting NDDs are obscure and scarce. Moreover, NDDs have been studied for more than five decades, however, there is a paucity of drugs that can treat NDDs. Further, the highly lipoidal blood-brain barrier (BBB) limits the uptake of many therapeutic molecules into the brain and is a complicating factor in the development of new agents to treat neurodegeneration. Considering the highly complex nature of NDDs, the association of multiple risk factors, and the challenges to overcome the BBB junction, medicinal chemists have developed small organic molecule-based novel approaches to target NDDs over the last few decades, such as designing lipophilic molecules and applying prodrug strategies. Attempts have been made to utilize a multitarget approach to modulate different biochemical molecular pathways involved in NDDs, in addition to, medicinal chemists making better decisions in identifying optimized drug candidates for the central nervous system (CNS) by using web-based computational tools. To increase the clinical success of these drug candidates, an in vitro assay modeling the BBB has been utilized by medicinal chemists in the pre-clinical phase as a further screening measure of small organic molecules. Herein, we examine some of the intriguing strategies taken by medicinal chemists to design small organic molecules to combat NDDs, with the intention of increasing our awareness of neurodegenerative therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nitesh Sanghai
- College of Pharmacy, Rady Faculty of Health Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0T5, Canada
| | - Billy Vuong
- College of Pharmacy, Rady Faculty of Health Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0T5, Canada
| | - Ahmet Burak Berk
- College of Pharmacy, Rady Faculty of Health Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0T5, Canada
| | | | - Geoffrey K Tranmer
- College of Pharmacy, Rady Faculty of Health Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0T5, Canada
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16
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Horne RI, Andrzejewska EA, Alam P, Brotzakis ZF, Srivastava A, Aubert A, Nowinska M, Gregory RC, Staats R, Possenti A, Chia S, Sormanni P, Ghetti B, Caughey B, Knowles TPJ, Vendruscolo M. Discovery of potent inhibitors of α-synuclein aggregation using structure-based iterative learning. Nat Chem Biol 2024; 20:634-645. [PMID: 38632492 PMCID: PMC11062903 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-024-01580-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Machine learning methods hold the promise to reduce the costs and the failure rates of conventional drug discovery pipelines. This issue is especially pressing for neurodegenerative diseases, where the development of disease-modifying drugs has been particularly challenging. To address this problem, we describe here a machine learning approach to identify small molecule inhibitors of α-synuclein aggregation, a process implicated in Parkinson's disease and other synucleinopathies. Because the proliferation of α-synuclein aggregates takes place through autocatalytic secondary nucleation, we aim to identify compounds that bind the catalytic sites on the surface of the aggregates. To achieve this goal, we use structure-based machine learning in an iterative manner to first identify and then progressively optimize secondary nucleation inhibitors. Our results demonstrate that this approach leads to the facile identification of compounds two orders of magnitude more potent than previously reported ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert I Horne
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ewa A Andrzejewska
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Parvez Alam
- Laboratory of Neurological Infections and Immunity, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Z Faidon Brotzakis
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ankit Srivastava
- Laboratory of Neurological Infections and Immunity, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Alice Aubert
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Magdalena Nowinska
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Rebecca C Gregory
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Roxine Staats
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Andrea Possenti
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Sean Chia
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Bioprocessing Technology Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Pietro Sormanni
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Bernardino Ghetti
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Byron Caughey
- Laboratory of Neurological Infections and Immunity, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Tuomas P J Knowles
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Michele Vendruscolo
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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17
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da Silva Lopes FF, Lúcio FNM, da Rocha MN, de Oliveira VM, Roberto CHA, Marinho MM, Marinho ES, de Morais SM. Structure-based virtual screening of mangiferin derivatives with antidiabetic action: a molecular docking and dynamics study and MPO-based drug-likeness approach. 3 Biotech 2024; 14:135. [PMID: 38665880 PMCID: PMC11039600 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-024-03978-9] [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: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Extracts from Mangifera indica leaves and its main component, mangiferin, have proven antidiabetic activity. In this study, mangiferin and its natural derivatives Homomangiferin (HMF), Isomangiferin (IMF), Neomangiferin (NMF), Glucomangiferin (GMF), Mangiferin 6'-gallate (MFG), and Norathyriol (NRT) were compared regarding their action on Diabetes mellitus (DM), employing docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to analyze interactions with the aldose reductase enzyme, the precursor to the conversion of glucose into sorbitol. Notably, HMF showed significant affinity to residues in the active site of the enzyme, including Trp 79, His 110, Trp 111, Phe 122, and Phe 300, with an energy of - 7.2 kcal/mol, observed in the molecular docking simulations. MD reinforced the formation of stable complexes for HMF and MFG with the aldose reductase, with interaction potential energies (IPE) in the order of - 300.812 ± 52 kJ/mol and - 304.812 ± 52 kJ/mol, respectively. The drug-likeness assessment, by multiparameter optimization (MPO), highlighted that HMF and IMF have similarities with polyphenols and glycosidic flavonoids recently patented as antidiabetics, revealing that high polarity (TPSA > 180 Å2) is a favorable property for subcutaneous administration, especially because of the gradual passive cell permeability values in biological tissues, with Papp values estimated at < 10 × 10-6 cm/s. These compounds are metabolically stable against metabolic enzymes, resulting in a low toxic incidence by metabolic activation, corroborating with a lethal dose (LD50) greater than 2000 mg/kg. In this way, HMF showed a systematic alignment between predicted pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, characterizing it as the most favorable substance for inhibiting aldose reductase. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-024-03978-9.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Francisco Nithael Melo Lúcio
- Doctoral Program in Biotechnology, Northeast Biotechnology Network, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE Brazil
| | - Matheus Nunes da Rocha
- Postgraduate Program in Natural Sciences, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE Brazil
| | | | | | - Márcia Machado Marinho
- Science and Technology Centre, Course of Chemistry, State University Vale do Acaraú, Sobral, CE Brazil
| | - Emmanuel Silva Marinho
- Postgraduate Program in Natural Sciences, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE Brazil
| | - Selene Maia de Morais
- Doctoral Program in Biotechnology, Northeast Biotechnology Network, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Natural Sciences, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE Brazil
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18
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Yao G, Parris MR, Kuo WC, Pörzgen P, Castillo B, Mason ES, Chinchilla A, Huang J, Suzuki S, Ross R, Akana E, Vander Schuit S, Miller SP, Penner R, Sun HS, Feng ZP, Hull KG, Romo D, Fleig A, Horgen FD. Transient Receptor Potential Melastatin 7 (TRPM7) Ion Channel Inhibitors: Preliminary SAR and Conformational Studies of Xenicane Diterpenoids from the Hawaiian Soft Coral Sarcothelia edmondsoni. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2024; 87:783-797. [PMID: 38537009 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.3c00942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Waixenicin A, a xenicane diterpene from the octocoral Sarcothelia edmondsoni, is a selective, potent inhibitor of the TRPM7 ion channel. To study the structure-activity relationship (SAR) of waixenicin A, we isolated and assayed related diterpenes from S. edmondsoni. In addition to known waixenicins A (1) and B (2), we purified six xenicane diterpenes, 7S,8S-epoxywaixenicins A (3) and B (4), 12-deacetylwaixenicin A (5), waixenicin E (6), waixenicin F (7), and 20-acetoxyxeniafaraunol B (8). We elucidated the structures of 3-8 by NMR and MS analyses. Compounds 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 inhibited TRPM7 activity in a cell-based assay, while 5, 7, and 8 were inactive. A preliminary SAR emerged showing that alterations to the nine-membered ring of 1 did not reduce activity, while the 12-acetoxy group, in combination with the dihydropyran, appears to be necessary for TRPM7 inhibition. The bioactive compounds are proposed to be latent electrophiles by formation of a conjugated oxocarbenium ion intermediate. Whole-cell patch-clamp experiments demonstrated that waixenicin A inhibition is irreversible, consistent with a covalent inhibitor, and showed nanomolar potency for waixenicin B (2). Conformational analysis (DFT) of 1, 3, 7, and 8 revealed insights into the conformation of waixenicin A and congeners and provided information regarding the stabilization of the proposed pharmacophore.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangmin Yao
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, People's Republic of China
- Chemistry and Biochemistry, Hawaii Pacific University, Kaneohe, Hawaii 96744, United States
| | - Matthew R Parris
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Baylor University, Waco, Texas 76798-7348, United States
| | - W Cedric Kuo
- Chemistry and Biochemistry, Hawaii Pacific University, Kaneohe, Hawaii 96744, United States
| | - Peter Pörzgen
- Chemistry and Biochemistry, Hawaii Pacific University, Kaneohe, Hawaii 96744, United States
| | - Brandi Castillo
- Chemistry and Biochemistry, Hawaii Pacific University, Kaneohe, Hawaii 96744, United States
| | - Evan S Mason
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Baylor University, Waco, Texas 76798-7348, United States
| | - Andres Chinchilla
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Baylor University, Waco, Texas 76798-7348, United States
| | - Junhao Huang
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Signaling, Center for Biomedical Research at The Queen's Medical Center, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813, United States
| | - Sayuri Suzuki
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Signaling, Center for Biomedical Research at The Queen's Medical Center, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813, United States
| | - Rylee Ross
- Chemistry and Biochemistry, Hawaii Pacific University, Kaneohe, Hawaii 96744, United States
| | - Ellis Akana
- Chemistry and Biochemistry, Hawaii Pacific University, Kaneohe, Hawaii 96744, United States
| | - Savana Vander Schuit
- Chemistry and Biochemistry, Hawaii Pacific University, Kaneohe, Hawaii 96744, United States
| | - Steven P Miller
- Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia and BC Children's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia V6H 3N1, Canada
| | - Reinhold Penner
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Signaling, Center for Biomedical Research at The Queen's Medical Center, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813, United States
| | | | | | - Kenneth G Hull
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Baylor University, Waco, Texas 76798-7348, United States
- The Baylor Synthesis and Drug-Lead Discovery Laboratory, Baylor University, Waco, Texas 76798, United States
| | - Daniel Romo
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Baylor University, Waco, Texas 76798-7348, United States
| | - Andrea Fleig
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Signaling, Center for Biomedical Research at The Queen's Medical Center, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813, United States
| | - F David Horgen
- Chemistry and Biochemistry, Hawaii Pacific University, Kaneohe, Hawaii 96744, United States
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19
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van der Straat R, Draijer R, Surmiak E, Butera R, Land L, Magiera-Mularz K, Musielak B, Plewka J, Holak TA, Dömling A. 1,5-Disubstituted tetrazoles as PD-1/PD-L1 antagonists. RSC Med Chem 2024; 15:1210-1215. [PMID: 38665826 PMCID: PMC11042242 DOI: 10.1039/d3md00746d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The progress in cancer survival and treatment has witnessed a remarkable transformation through the innovative approach of targeting the inhibitory immune checkpoint protein PD-1/PD-L1 complex by mAbs, e.g. pembrolizumab (Keytruda). While generating 17.2 billion U.S. dollars in revenue in 2021, the true significance of these developments lies in their ability to enhance cancer patient outcomes. Despite the proven efficacy of mAbs in inhibiting the PD-1/PD-L1 signaling pathways, they face significant challenges, including limited response rates, high production costs, missing oral bioavailability, and extended half-lives that can lead to immune-related adverse effects. A promising alternative approach involves the use of small molecules acting as PD-1/PD-L1 antagonists to stimulate PD-L1 dimerization. However, the precise mechanisms of action of these molecules remain partially understood, posing challenges to their development. In this context, our research focuses on the creation of a novel scaffold based on the Ugi tetrazole four-component reaction (UT-4CR) to develop low-molecular-weight inhibitors of PD-L1. Employing structure-based methods, we synthesized a library of small compounds using biphenyl vinyl isocyanide, leading to the discovery of a structure-activity relationship among 1,5-disubstituted tetrazole-based inhibitors. Supported by a cocrystal structure with PD-L1, these inhibitors underwent biophysical testing, including HTRF and protein NMR experiments, resulting in the identification of potent candidates with sub-micromolar PD-L1 affinities. This finding opens opportunities to the further development of a new class of PD-L1 antagonists, holding promise for improved cancer immunotherapy strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin van der Straat
- Department of Drug Design, University of Groningen 9713 AV Groningen The Netherlands
| | - Rosalie Draijer
- Department of Drug Design, University of Groningen 9713 AV Groningen The Netherlands
| | - Ewa Surmiak
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University 30-387 Kraków Poland
| | - Roberto Butera
- Department of Drug Design, University of Groningen 9713 AV Groningen The Netherlands
| | - Lennart Land
- Department of Drug Design, University of Groningen 9713 AV Groningen The Netherlands
| | - Katarzyna Magiera-Mularz
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University 30-387 Kraków Poland
| | - Bogdan Musielak
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University 30-387 Kraków Poland
| | - Jacek Plewka
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University 30-387 Kraków Poland
| | - Tad A Holak
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University 30-387 Kraków Poland
| | - Alexander Dömling
- Department of Drug Design, University of Groningen 9713 AV Groningen The Netherlands
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry and Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute, Palackȳ University in Olomouc Olomouc Czech Republic
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20
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Gáborová M, Vágvölgyi M, Tayeb BA, Minorics R, Zupkó I, Jurček O, Béni S, Kubínová R, Balogh GT, Hunyadi A. Diterpenes Isolated from Three Different Plectranthus Sensu Lato Species and Their Antiproliferative Activities against Gynecological and Glioblastoma Cancer Cells. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:18495-18504. [PMID: 38680316 PMCID: PMC11044216 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.4c00800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Fourteen diterpenes were isolated from methanol extracts of the aerial parts ofColeus comosus,Coleus forsteri "Marginatus", and Plectranthus ciliatus. The compounds belong to the abietane (1-4, 9-11, and 13), ent-clerodane (5-8), and ent-kaurane (14, 15) classes. Three new compounds were isolated from C. comosus, including 3-O-acetylornatin G (2), 3,12-di-O-acetylornatin G (3), ornatin B methyl ester (5), and ornatin F (4), for which we proposed a revised structure. The structures of the compounds were determined by comprehensive spectroscopic data analysis. The isolated diterpenes were examined in silico for their physicochemical and early ADME properties. Their antiproliferative effects were determined in vitro using human breast (MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7), cervical (HeLa), and glioblastoma (U-87 MG) cancer cell lines. The royleanone- and hydroquinone-type abietane diterpenes (9-13)exhibited the most potent antiproliferative activity against all cancer cell lines tested, particularly against glioblastoma cells, with IC50 values ranging from 1.1 to 15.6 μM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mária Gáborová
- Department
of Natural Drugs, Faculty of Pharmacy, Masaryk
University, 612 00 Brno, Czechia
| | - Máté Vágvölgyi
- Institute
of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University
of Szeged, 6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Bizhar Ahmed Tayeb
- Institute
of Pharmacodynamics and Biopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Szeged, 6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Renáta Minorics
- Institute
of Pharmacodynamics and Biopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Szeged, 6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - István Zupkó
- Institute
of Pharmacodynamics and Biopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Szeged, 6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Ondřej Jurček
- Department
of Natural Drugs, Faculty of Pharmacy, Masaryk
University, 612 00 Brno, Czechia
- Department
of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Masaryk
University, 625 00 Brno, Czechia
- National
Center for Biomolecular Research, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 625
00 Brno, Czechia
| | - Szabolcs Béni
- Department
of Analytical Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Eötvös Loránd University, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
- Department
of Pharmacognosy, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Renata Kubínová
- Department
of Natural Drugs, Faculty of Pharmacy, Masaryk
University, 612 00 Brno, Czechia
| | - György Tibor Balogh
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Semmelweis
University, 1092 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Attila Hunyadi
- Institute
of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University
of Szeged, 6720 Szeged, Hungary
- HUN-REN-SZTE
Biologically Active Natural Products Research Group, 6720 Szeged, Hungary
- Interdisciplinary
Centre of Natural Products, University of
Szeged, 6720 Szeged, Hungary
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21
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Rosenthal ZC, Fass DM, Payne NC, She A, Patnaik D, Hennig KM, Tesla R, Werthmann GC, Guhl C, Reis SA, Wang X, Chen Y, Placzek M, Williams NS, Hooker J, Herz J, Mazitschek R, Haggarty SJ. Epigenetic modulation through BET bromodomain inhibitors as a novel therapeutic strategy for progranulin-deficient frontotemporal dementia. Sci Rep 2024; 14:9064. [PMID: 38643236 PMCID: PMC11032351 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-59110-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a debilitating neurodegenerative disorder with currently no disease-modifying treatment options available. Mutations in GRN are one of the most common genetic causes of FTD, near ubiquitously resulting in progranulin (PGRN) haploinsufficiency. Small molecules that can restore PGRN protein to healthy levels in individuals bearing a heterozygous GRN mutation may thus have therapeutic value. Here, we show that epigenetic modulation through bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) inhibitors (BETi) potently enhance PGRN protein levels, both intracellularly and secreted forms, in human central nervous system (CNS)-relevant cell types, including in microglia-like cells. In terms of potential for disease modification, we show BETi treatment effectively restores PGRN levels in neural cells with a GRN mutation known to cause PGRN haploinsufficiency and FTD. We demonstrate that BETi can rapidly and durably enhance PGRN in neural progenitor cells (NPCs) in a manner dependent upon BET protein expression, suggesting a gain-of-function mechanism. We further describe a CNS-optimized BETi chemotype that potently engages endogenous BRD4 and enhances PGRN expression in neuronal cells. Our results reveal a new epigenetic target for treating PGRN-deficient forms of FTD and provide mechanistic insight to aid in translating this discovery into therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary C Rosenthal
- Chemical Neurobiology Laboratory, Precision Therapeutics Unit, Center for Genomic Medicine, Departments of Neurology and Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Daniel M Fass
- Chemical Neurobiology Laboratory, Precision Therapeutics Unit, Center for Genomic Medicine, Departments of Neurology and Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - N Connor Payne
- Department of Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Angela She
- Chemical Neurobiology Laboratory, Precision Therapeutics Unit, Center for Genomic Medicine, Departments of Neurology and Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Debasis Patnaik
- Chemical Neurobiology Laboratory, Precision Therapeutics Unit, Center for Genomic Medicine, Departments of Neurology and Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Krista M Hennig
- Chemical Neurobiology Laboratory, Precision Therapeutics Unit, Center for Genomic Medicine, Departments of Neurology and Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rachel Tesla
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Center for Translational Neurodegeneration Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Gordon C Werthmann
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Center for Translational Neurodegeneration Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Charlotte Guhl
- Faculty of Chemistry and Earth Sciences, Institute of Organic Chemistry and Macromolecular Chemistry, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Surya A Reis
- Chemical Neurobiology Laboratory, Precision Therapeutics Unit, Center for Genomic Medicine, Departments of Neurology and Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Xiaoyu Wang
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Yueting Chen
- Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michael Placzek
- Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Noelle S Williams
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Jacob Hooker
- Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joachim Herz
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Center for Translational Neurodegeneration Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Department of Neurology and Neurotherapeutics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Ralph Mazitschek
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Stephen J Haggarty
- Chemical Neurobiology Laboratory, Precision Therapeutics Unit, Center for Genomic Medicine, Departments of Neurology and Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
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22
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Xue L, Jie CVML, Desrayaud S, Auberson YP. Developing Low Molecular Weight PET and SPECT Imaging Agents. ChemMedChem 2024:e202400094. [PMID: 38634545 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202400094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Imaging agents for positron emission tomography (PET) and single-photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) have shown their utility in many situations, answering clinical questions related to drug development and medical considerations. The discovery and development of imaging agents follow a well-understood process, with variations related to available starting points and to the envisaged imaging application. This article describes the general development path leading from the expression of an imaging need and project initiation to a clinically usable imaging agent. The definition of the project rationale, the design and optimization of early leads, and the assessment of the imaging potential of an imaging agent candidate are followed by preclinical and clinical development activities that differ from those required for therapeutic agents. These include radiolabeling with a positron emitter and first-in-human clinical studies, to rapidly evaluate the ability of a new imaging agent to address the questions it was designed to answer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lian Xue
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Caitlin V M L Jie
- ETH Zürich, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences Center for Radiopharmaceutical Sciences, Vladimir-Prelog Weg 1-5/10, 8093, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Sandrine Desrayaud
- Novartis Biomedical Research, In Vivo preclinical PK/ADME, Novartis campus, WSJ-352/6/73.01, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Yves P Auberson
- Novartis Biomedical Research, Global Discovery Chemistry, Novartis campus, WSJ-88.10.100, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
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23
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Dehnbostel FO, Dixit VA, Preissner R, Banerjee P. Non-animal models for blood-brain barrier permeability evaluation of drug-like compounds. Sci Rep 2024; 14:8908. [PMID: 38632344 PMCID: PMC11024088 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-59734-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Diseases related to the central nervous system (CNS) are major health concerns and have serious social and economic impacts. Developing new drugs for CNS-related disorders presents a major challenge as it actively involves delivering drugs into the CNS. Therefore, it is imperative to develop in silico methodologies to reliably identify potential lead compounds that can penetrate the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and help to thoroughly understand the role of different physicochemical properties fundamental to the BBB permeation of molecules. In this study, we have analysed the chemical space of the CNS drugs and compared it to the non-CNS-approved drugs. Additionally, we have collected a feature selection dataset from Muehlbacher et al. (J Comput Aided Mol Des 25(12):1095-1106, 2011. 10.1007/s10822-011-9478-1) and an in-house dataset. This information was utilised to design a molecular fingerprint that was used to train machine learning (ML) models. The best-performing models reported in this study achieved accuracies of 0.997 and 0.98, sensitivities of 1.0 and 0.992, specificities of 0.971 and 0.962, MCCs of 0.984 and 0.958, and ROC-AUCs of 0.997 and 0.999 on an imbalanced and a balanced dataset, respectively. They demonstrated overall good accuracies and sensitivities in the blind validation dataset. The reported models can be applied for fast and early screening drug-like molecules with BBB potential. Furthermore, the bbbPythoN package can be used by the research community to both produce the BBB-specific molecular fingerprints and employ the models mentioned earlier for BBB-permeability prediction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederic O Dehnbostel
- Institute for Physiology, Charité - University Medicine Berlin, 10115, Berlin, Germany
| | - Vaibhav A Dixit
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Pharmaceuticals, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Guwahati, (NIPER Gu-Wahati), Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Government of India, Sila Katamur (Halugurisuk), Kamrup, P.O.: Changsari, Guwahati, Assam, 781101, India
| | - Robert Preissner
- Institute for Physiology, Charité - University Medicine Berlin, 10115, Berlin, Germany
| | - Priyanka Banerjee
- Institute for Physiology, Charité - University Medicine Berlin, 10115, Berlin, Germany.
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24
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Kuemper S, Cairns AG, Birchall K, Yao Z, Large JM. Targeted protein degradation in CNS disorders: a promising route to novel therapeutics? Front Mol Neurosci 2024; 17:1370509. [PMID: 38685916 PMCID: PMC11057381 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2024.1370509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Targeted protein degradation (TPD) is a rapidly expanding field, with various PROTACs (proteolysis-targeting chimeras) in clinical trials and molecular glues such as immunomodulatory imide drugs (IMiDs) already well established in the treatment of certain blood cancers. Many current approaches are focused on oncology targets, leaving numerous potential applications underexplored. Targeting proteins for degradation offers a novel therapeutic route for targets whose inhibition remains challenging, such as protein aggregates in neurodegenerative diseases. This mini review focuses on the prospect of utilizing TPD for neurodegenerative disease targets, particularly PROTAC and molecular glue formats and opportunities for novel CNS E3 ligases. Some key challenges of utilizing such modalities including molecular design of degrader molecules, drug delivery and blood brain barrier penetrance will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Kuemper
- LifeArc, Accelerator Building, Open Innovation Campus, Stevenage, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew G. Cairns
- LifeArc, Accelerator Building, Open Innovation Campus, Stevenage, United Kingdom
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25
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Weiss D, Baylon JL, Evans ED, Paiva A, Everlof G, Cutrone J, Broccatelli F. Balanced Permeability Index: A Multiparameter Index for Improved In Vitro Permeability. ACS Med Chem Lett 2024; 15:457-462. [PMID: 38628792 PMCID: PMC11017404 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.3c00542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The optimization of passive permeability is a key objective for orally available small molecule drug candidates. For drugs targeting the central nervous system (CNS), minimizing P-gp-mediated efflux is an additional important target for optimization. The physicochemical properties most strongly associated with high passive permeability and lower P-gp efflux are size, polarity, and lipophilicity. In this study, a new metric called the Balanced Permeability Index (BPI) was developed that combines these three properties. The BPI was found to be more effective than any single property in classifying molecules based on their permeability and efflux across a diverse range of chemicals and assays. BPI is easy to understand, allowing researchers to make decisions about which properties to prioritize during the drug development process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dahlia
R. Weiss
- Bristol-Myers
Squibb Company, Redwood
City, California 94063, United States
| | - Javier L. Baylon
- Bristol-Myers
Squibb Company, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Ethan D. Evans
- Bristol-Myers
Squibb Company, Redwood
City, California 94063, United States
| | - Anthony Paiva
- Bristol-Myers
Squibb Company, Lawrence Township, New Jersey 08648, United States
| | - Gerry Everlof
- Bristol-Myers
Squibb Company, Lawrence Township, New Jersey 08648, United States
| | - Jingfang Cutrone
- Bristol-Myers
Squibb Company, Lawrence Township, New Jersey 08648, United States
| | - Fabio Broccatelli
- Bristol-Myers
Squibb Company, San Diego, California 92121, United States
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26
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Santos Oliveira L, Kueirislene Amâncio Ferreira M, Wagner de Queiroz Almeida-Neto F, Wlisses da Silva A, Ivo Lima Pinto Filho J, Nunes da Rocha M, Machado Marinho E, Henrique Ferreira Ribeiro W, Machado Marinho M, Silva Marinho E, Eire Silva Alencar de Menezes J, Dos Santos HS. Synthesis, molecular docking, ADMET, and evaluation of the anxiolytic effect in adult zebrafish of synthetic chalcone (E)-3-(4-(dimethylamino)phenyl)-1-(2-hydroxyphenyl)prop-2-en-1-one: An in vivo and in silico approach. Fundam Clin Pharmacol 2024; 38:290-306. [PMID: 37845792 DOI: 10.1111/fcp.12960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anxiety disorders represent the complex interaction between biological, psychological, temperamental, and environmental factors; drugs available to treat anxiety such as benzodiazepines (BZDs) are associated with several unwanted side effects. Although there are useful treatments, there is still a need for more effective anxiolytics with better safety profiles than BZDs. Chalcones or 1,3-diphenyl-2-proper-1-ones can be an alternative since this class of compounds has shown therapeutic potential mainly due to interactions with GABAA receptors and serotonergic system. OBJECTIVES This study evaluated the anxiolytic potential of chalcone (E)-3-(4-(dimethylamino)phenyl)-1-(2-hydroxyphenyl)prop-2-en-1-one (C2OHPDA) in adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) (ZFa). METHODS Each animal (n = 6/group) was treated intraperitoneally (i.p.; 20 μL) with the chalcone (4, 20, and 40 mg/kg) and with the vehicle (DMSO 3%; 20 μL), being submitted to the tests of locomotor activity and 96-h acute toxicity. The light/dark test was also performed, and the serotonergic mechanism (5-HT) was evaluated through the antagonists of the 5-HTR1 , 5-HTR2A/2C , and 5-HTR3A/3B receptors. It was investigated the prediction of the chalcone's position and preferential orientation concerning its receptor, as well as the pharmacokinetic parameters (ADMET) involved in the process after administration. RESULTS As a result, C2OHPDA was not toxic and reduced the locomotor activity of ZFa. Furthermore, chalcone demonstrated an anxiolytic effect on the central nervous system (CNS), mediated by the serotonergic system, with action on 5-HT2A and 5-HTR3A/3B receptors. The interaction of C2OHPDA with 5-HT2A R and 5-HT3A receptors was confirmed by molecular docking study, the affinity energy observed was -8.7 and -9.1 kcal/mol, respectively. CONCLUSION Thus, this study adds new evidence and highlights that chalcone can potentially be used to develop compounds with anxiolytic properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Santos Oliveira
- Science and Technology, Graduate Program in Natural Sciences, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | | | | | - Antonio Wlisses da Silva
- Northeast Biotechnology Network, Graduate Program of Biotechnology, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | | | - Matheus Nunes da Rocha
- Science and Technology, Graduate Program in Natural Sciences, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Emanuelle Machado Marinho
- Department of Organic and Inorganic Chemistry, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | | | | | - Emmanuel Silva Marinho
- Science and Technology, Graduate Program in Natural Sciences, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | | | - Hélcio Silva Dos Santos
- Science and Technology, Graduate Program in Natural Sciences, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
- Northeast Biotechnology Network, Graduate Program of Biotechnology, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
- Chemistry Course, State University of Vale do Acaraú, Sobral, Ceará, Brazil
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27
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Bispat AS, Cardoso FC, Hasan MM, Dongol Y, Wilcox R, Lewis RJ, Duggan PJ, Tuck KL. Inhibition of N-type calcium channels by phenoxyaniline and sulfonamide analogues. RSC Med Chem 2024; 15:916-936. [PMID: 38516585 PMCID: PMC10953480 DOI: 10.1039/d3md00714f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Building on previous investigations, structural modifications to the neuronal calcium ion channel blocker MONIRO-1 and related compounds were conducted that included replacement of the amide linker with an aniline and isosteric sulfonamide moiety, and the previously used strategy of substitution of the guanidinium group with less hydrophilic amine functionalities. A comprehensive SAR study revealed a number of phenoxyaniline and sulfonamide compounds that were more potent or had similar potency for the CaV2.2 and CaV3.2 channel compared to MONIRO-1 when evaluated in a FLIPR-based intracellular calcium response assay. Cytotoxicity investigations indicated that the sulfonamide analogues were well tolerated by Cos-7 cells at dosages required to inhibit both calcium ion channels. The sulfonamide derivatives were the most promising CaV2.2 inhibitors developed by us to date due, possessing high stability in plasma, low toxicity (estimated therapeutic index > 10), favourable CNS MPO scores (4.0-4.4) and high potency and selectivity, thereby, making this class of compounds suitable candidates for future in vivo studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjie S Bispat
- School of Chemistry, Monash University Victoria 3800 Australia
- CSIRO Manufacturing, Research Way Clayton Victoria 3168 Australia
| | - Fernanda C Cardoso
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland St Lucia QLD 4072 Australia
| | - Md Mahadhi Hasan
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland St Lucia QLD 4072 Australia
| | - Yashad Dongol
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland St Lucia QLD 4072 Australia
| | - Ricki Wilcox
- School of Chemistry, Monash University Victoria 3800 Australia
| | - Richard J Lewis
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland St Lucia QLD 4072 Australia
| | - Peter J Duggan
- CSIRO Manufacturing, Research Way Clayton Victoria 3168 Australia
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University Adelaide South Australia 5042 Australia
| | - Kellie L Tuck
- School of Chemistry, Monash University Victoria 3800 Australia
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28
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Schlein E, Rokka J, Odell LR, van den Broek SL, Herth MM, Battisti UM, Syvänen S, Sehlin D, Eriksson J. Synthesis and evaluation of fluorine-18 labelled tetrazines as pre-targeting imaging agents for PET. EJNMMI Radiopharm Chem 2024; 9:21. [PMID: 38446356 PMCID: PMC10917718 DOI: 10.1186/s41181-024-00250-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The brain is a challenging target for antibody-based positron emission tomography (immunoPET) imaging due to the restricted access of antibody-based ligands through the blood-brain barrier (BBB). To overcome this physiological obstacle, we have previously developed bispecific antibody ligands that pass through the BBB via receptor-mediated transcytosis. While these radiolabelled ligands have high affinity and specificity, their long residence time in the blood and brain, typical for large molecules, poses another challenge for PET imaging. A viable solution could be a two-step pre-targeting approach which involves the administration of a tagged antibody that accumulates at the target site in the brain and then clears from the blood, followed by administration of a small radiolabelled molecule with fast kinetics. This radiolabelled molecule can couple to the tagged antibody and thereby make the antibody localisation visible by PET imaging. The in vivo linkage can be achieved by using the inverse electron demand Diels-Alder reaction (IEDDA), with trans-cyclooctene (TCO) and tetrazine groups participating as reactants. In this study, two novel 18F-labelled tetrazines were synthesized and evaluated for their potential use as pre-targeting imaging agents, i.e., for their ability to rapidly enter the brain and, if unbound, to be efficiently cleared with minimal background retention. RESULTS The two compounds, a methyl tetrazine [18F]MeTz and an H-tetrazine [18F]HTz were radiolabelled using a two-step procedure via [18F]F-Py-TFP synthesized on solid support followed by amidation with amine-bearing tetrazines, resulting in radiochemical yields of 24% and 22%, respectively, and a radiochemical purity of > 96%. In vivo PET imaging was performed to assess their suitability for in vivo pre-targeting. Time-activity curves from PET-scans showed [18F]MeTz to be the more pharmacokinetically suitable agent, given its fast and homogenous distribution in the brain and rapid clearance. However, in terms of rection kinetics, H-tetrazines are advantageous, exhibiting faster reaction rates in IEDDA reactions with dienophiles like trans-cyclooctenes, making [18F]HTz potentially more beneficial for pre-targeting applications. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates a significant potential of [18F]MeTz and [18F]HTz as agents for pre-targeted PET brain imaging due to their efficient brain uptake, swift clearance and appropriate chemical stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Schlein
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, 751 85, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Johanna Rokka
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, 751 85, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Luke R Odell
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Uppsala University, 751 23, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Matthias M Herth
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Physiology, Nuclear Medicine & PET, Rigshospitalet Copenhagen University Hospital, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Umberto M Battisti
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Stina Syvänen
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, 751 85, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Dag Sehlin
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Uppsala University, 751 85, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jonas Eriksson
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Uppsala University, 751 23, Uppsala, Sweden.
- PET Centre, Uppsala University Hospital, 751 85, Uppsala, Sweden.
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29
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Ence CC, Uddin T, Borrel J, Mittal P, Xie H, Zoller J, Sharma A, Comer E, Schreiber SL, Melillo B, Sibley LD, Chatterjee AK. Bicyclic pyrrolidine inhibitors of Toxoplasma gondii phenylalanine t-RNA synthetase with antiparasitic potency in vitro and brain exposure. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.28.582607. [PMID: 38464220 PMCID: PMC10925249 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.28.582607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that bicyclic azetidines are potent and selective inhibitors of apicomplexan phenylalanine tRNA synthetase (PheRS), leading to parasite growth inhibition in vitro and in vivo, including in models of Toxoplasma infection. Despite these useful properties, additional optimization is required for the development of efficacious treatments of toxoplasmosis from this inhibitor series, in particular to achieve sufficient exposure in the brain. Here, we describe a series of PheRS inhibitors built on a new bicyclic pyrrolidine core scaffold designed to retain the exit-vector geometry of the isomeric bicyclic azetidine core scaffold while offering avenues to sample diverse chemical space. Relative to the parent series, bicyclic pyrrolidines retain reasonable potency and target selectivity for parasite PheRS vs. host. Further structure-activity relationship studies revealed that the introduction of aliphatic groups improved potency, ADME and PK properties, including brain exposure. The identification of this new scaffold provides potential opportunities to extend the analog series to further improve selectivity and potency and ultimately deliver a novel, efficacious treatment of toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Taher Uddin
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Julien Borrel
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science Program, Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Payal Mittal
- Molecular Medicine-Structural Parasitology Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi 110067, India
- ICMR-NIMR, Sector-8, Dwarka, New Delhi-110077, India, Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad-201002, India
| | - Han Xie
- Calibr at Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Jochen Zoller
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science Program, Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Amit Sharma
- Molecular Medicine-Structural Parasitology Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Eamon Comer
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science Program, Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Stuart L. Schreiber
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science Program, Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Bruno Melillo
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science Program, Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - L. David Sibley
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
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30
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Pike KG, Hunt TA, Barlaam B, Benstead D, Cadogan E, Chen K, Cook CR, Colclough N, Deng C, Durant ST, Eatherton A, Goldberg K, Johnström P, Liu L, Liu Z, Nissink JWM, Pang C, Pass M, Robb GR, Roberts C, Schou M, Steward O, Sykes A, Yan Y, Zhai B, Zheng L. Identification of Novel, Selective Ataxia-Telangiectasia Mutated Kinase Inhibitors with the Ability to Penetrate the Blood-Brain Barrier: The Discovery of AZD1390. J Med Chem 2024; 67:3090-3111. [PMID: 38306388 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c02277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
The inhibition of ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM) has been shown to chemo- and radio-sensitize human glioma cells in vitro and therefore might provide an exciting new paradigm in the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). The effective treatment of GBM will likely require a compound with the potential to efficiently cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Starting from clinical candidate AZD0156, 4, we investigated the imidazoquinolin-2-one scaffold with the goal of improving likely CNS exposure in humans. Strategies aimed at reducing hydrogen bonding, basicity, and flexibility of the molecule were explored alongside modulating lipophilicity. These studies identified compound 24 (AZD1390) as an exceptionally potent and selective inhibitor of ATM with a good preclinical pharmacokinetic profile. 24 showed an absence of human transporter efflux in MDCKII-MDR1-BCRP studies (efflux ratio <2), significant BBB penetrance in nonhuman primate PET studies (Kp,uu 0.33) and was deemed suitable for development as a clinical candidate to explore the radiosensitizing effects of ATM in intracranial malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kurt G Pike
- Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 0AA, U.K
| | | | | | - David Benstead
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, AstraZeneca, Silk Road Business Park, Macclesfield SK10 2NA, U.K
| | | | - Kan Chen
- Innovation Center China, Asia & Emerging Markets iMED, 199 Liangjing Road, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Calum R Cook
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, AstraZeneca, Silk Road Business Park, Macclesfield SK10 2NA, U.K
| | | | - Chao Deng
- Pharmaron Beijing Co., Ltd., 6 Taihe Road BDA, Beijing 100176, P. R. China
| | | | | | | | - Peter Johnström
- PET Science Centre, Precision Medicine and Biosamples, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm SE-171 76, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm County Council, Stockholm SE-171 76, Sweden
| | - Libin Liu
- Pharmaron Beijing Co., Ltd., 6 Taihe Road BDA, Beijing 100176, P. R. China
| | - Zhaoqun Liu
- Pharmaron Beijing Co., Ltd., 6 Taihe Road BDA, Beijing 100176, P. R. China
| | | | - Chengling Pang
- Pharmaron Beijing Co., Ltd., 6 Taihe Road BDA, Beijing 100176, P. R. China
| | - Martin Pass
- Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 0AA, U.K
| | | | | | - Magnus Schou
- PET Science Centre, Precision Medicine and Biosamples, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm SE-171 76, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm County Council, Stockholm SE-171 76, Sweden
| | | | - Andy Sykes
- Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 0AA, U.K
| | - Yumei Yan
- Innovation Center China, Asia & Emerging Markets iMED, 199 Liangjing Road, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Baochang Zhai
- Pharmaron Beijing Co., Ltd., 6 Taihe Road BDA, Beijing 100176, P. R. China
| | - Li Zheng
- Innovation Center China, Asia & Emerging Markets iMED, 199 Liangjing Road, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, Shanghai 201203, China
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31
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Horne R, Wilson-Godber J, González Díaz A, Brotzakis ZF, Seal S, Gregory RC, Possenti A, Chia S, Vendruscolo M. Using Generative Modeling to Endow with Potency Initially Inert Compounds with Good Bioavailability and Low Toxicity. J Chem Inf Model 2024; 64:590-596. [PMID: 38261763 PMCID: PMC10865343 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.3c01777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
In the early stages of drug development, large chemical libraries are typically screened to identify compounds of promising potency against the chosen targets. Often, however, the resulting hit compounds tend to have poor drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics (DMPK), with negative developability features that may be difficult to eliminate. Therefore, starting the drug discovery process with a "null library", compounds that have highly desirable DMPK properties but no potency against the chosen targets, could be advantageous. Here, we explore the opportunities offered by machine learning to realize this strategy in the case of the inhibition of α-synuclein aggregation, a process associated with Parkinson's disease. We apply MolDQN, a generative machine learning method, to build an inhibitory activity against α-synuclein aggregation into an initial inactive compound with good DMPK properties. Our results illustrate how generative modeling can be used to endow initially inert compounds with desirable developability properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert
I. Horne
- Centre
for Misfolding Diseases, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United
Kingdom
| | - Jared Wilson-Godber
- Centre
for Misfolding Diseases, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United
Kingdom
| | - Alicia González Díaz
- Centre
for Misfolding Diseases, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United
Kingdom
| | - Z. Faidon Brotzakis
- Centre
for Misfolding Diseases, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United
Kingdom
| | - Srijit Seal
- Centre
for Misfolding Diseases, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United
Kingdom
- Imaging
Platform, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Rebecca C. Gregory
- Centre
for Misfolding Diseases, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United
Kingdom
| | - Andrea Possenti
- Centre
for Misfolding Diseases, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United
Kingdom
| | - Sean Chia
- Centre
for Misfolding Diseases, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United
Kingdom
- Bioprocessing
Technology Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 138668 Singapore, Singapore
| | - Michele Vendruscolo
- Centre
for Misfolding Diseases, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United
Kingdom
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32
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Ku T, Cao J, Won SJ, Guo J, Camacho-Hernandez GA, Okorom AV, Salomon KW, Lee KH, Loland CJ, Duff HJ, Shi L, Newman AH. Series of (([1,1'-Biphenyl]-2-yl)methyl)sulfinylalkyl Alicyclic Amines as Novel and High Affinity Atypical Dopamine Transporter Inhibitors with Reduced hERG Activity. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2024; 7:515-532. [PMID: 38357284 PMCID: PMC10863442 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.3c00322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Currently, there are no FDA-approved medications for the treatment of psychostimulant use disorders (PSUD). We have previously discovered "atypical" dopamine transporter (DAT) inhibitors that do not display psychostimulant-like behaviors and may be useful as medications to treat PSUD. Lead candidates (e.g., JJC8-091, 1) have shown promising in vivo profiles in rodents; however, reducing hERG (human ether-à-go-go-related gene) activity, a predictor of cardiotoxicity, has remained a challenge. Herein, a series of 30 (([1,1'-biphenyl]-2-yl)methyl)sulfinylalkyl alicyclic amines was synthesized and evaluated for DAT and serotonin transporter (SERT) binding affinities. A subset of analogues was tested for hERG activity, and the IC50 values were compared to those predicted by our hERG QSAR models, which showed robust predictive power. Multiparameter optimization scores (MPO > 3) indicated central nervous system (CNS) penetrability. Finally, comparison of affinities in human DAT and its Y156F and Y335A mutants suggested that several compounds prefer an inward facing conformation indicating an atypical DAT inhibitor profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Therese
C. Ku
- Molecular
Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug
Abuse–Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, 333 Cassell Drive, Baltimore, Maryland 21224, United States
| | - Jianjing Cao
- Molecular
Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug
Abuse–Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, 333 Cassell Drive, Baltimore, Maryland 21224, United States
| | - Sung Joon Won
- Molecular
Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug
Abuse–Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, 333 Cassell Drive, Baltimore, Maryland 21224, United States
| | - Jiqing Guo
- Faculty
of Medicine, Libin Institute, Calgary T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Gisela A. Camacho-Hernandez
- Molecular
Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug
Abuse–Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, 333 Cassell Drive, Baltimore, Maryland 21224, United States
| | - Amarachi V. Okorom
- Molecular
Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug
Abuse–Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, 333 Cassell Drive, Baltimore, Maryland 21224, United States
| | - Kristine Walloe Salomon
- Laboratory
for Membrane Protein Dynamics, Department of Neuroscience, Faculty
of Health and Medical Sciences, University
of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kuo Hao Lee
- Molecular
Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug
Abuse–Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, 333 Cassell Drive, Baltimore, Maryland 21224, United States
| | - Claus J. Loland
- Laboratory
for Membrane Protein Dynamics, Department of Neuroscience, Faculty
of Health and Medical Sciences, University
of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Henry J. Duff
- Laboratory
for Membrane Protein Dynamics, Department of Neuroscience, Faculty
of Health and Medical Sciences, University
of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lei Shi
- Molecular
Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug
Abuse–Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, 333 Cassell Drive, Baltimore, Maryland 21224, United States
| | - Amy Hauck Newman
- Molecular
Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug
Abuse–Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, 333 Cassell Drive, Baltimore, Maryland 21224, United States
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33
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Patrón LA, Yeoman H, Wilson S, Tang N, Berens ME, Gokhale V, Suzuki TC. Novel Brain-Penetrant, Small-Molecule Tubulin Destabilizers for the Treatment of Glioblastoma. Biomedicines 2024; 12:406. [PMID: 38398008 PMCID: PMC10887108 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12020406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GB) is the most lethal brain cancer in adults, with a 5-year survival rate of 5%. The standard of care for GB includes maximally safe surgical resection, radiation, and temozolomide (TMZ) therapy, but tumor recurrence is inevitable in most GB patients. Here, we describe the development of a blood-brain barrier (BBB)-penetrant tubulin destabilizer, RGN3067, for the treatment of GB. RGN3067 shows good oral bioavailability and achieves high concentrations in rodent brains after oral dosing (Cmax of 7807 ng/mL (20 μM), Tmax at 2 h). RGN3067 binds the colchicine binding site of tubulin and inhibits tubulin polymerization. The compound also suppresses the proliferation of the GB cell lines U87 and LN-18, with IC50s of 117 and 560 nM, respectively. In four patient-derived GB cell lines, the IC50 values for RGN3067 range from 148 to 616 nM. Finally, in a patient-derived xenograft (PDX) mouse model, RGN3067 reduces the rate of tumor growth compared to the control. Collectively, we show that RGN3067 is a BBB-penetrant small molecule that shows in vitro and in vivo efficacy and that its design addresses many of the physicochemical properties that prevent the use of microtubule destabilizers as treatments for GB and other brain cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Nanyun Tang
- Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA
| | - Michael E Berens
- Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA
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34
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Mueller LG, Slusher BS, Tsukamoto T. Empirical Analysis of Drug Targets for Nervous System Disorders. ACS Chem Neurosci 2024; 15:394-399. [PMID: 38237559 PMCID: PMC10988710 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
The discovery and development of drugs to treat diseases of the nervous system remains challenging. There is a higher attrition rate in the clinical stage for nervous system experimental drugs compared to other disease areas. In the preclinical stage, additional challenges arise from the considerable effort required to find molecules that penetrate the blood-brain barrier (BBB) coupled with the poor predictive value of many preclinical models of nervous system diseases. In the era of target-based drug discovery, the critical first step of drug discovery projects is the selection of a therapeutic target which is largely driven by its presumed pathogenic involvement. For nervous system diseases, however, the feasibility of identifying potent molecules within the stringent range of molecular properties necessary for BBB penetration should represent another important factor in target selection. To address the latter, the present review analyzes the distribution of human protein targets of FDA-approved drugs for nervous system disorders and compares it with drugs for other disease areas. We observed a substantial difference in the distribution of therapeutic targets across the two clusters. We expanded on this finding by analyzing the physicochemical properties of nervous and non-nervous system drugs in each target class by using the central nervous system multiparameter optimization (CNS MPO) algorithm. These data may serve as useful guidance in making more informed decisions when selecting therapeutic targets for nervous system disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis G. Mueller
- Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
- Johns Hopkins Drug Discovery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Barbara S. Slusher
- Johns Hopkins Drug Discovery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Takashi Tsukamoto
- Johns Hopkins Drug Discovery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
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Duchatel RJ, Jackson ER, Parackal SG, Kiltschewskij D, Findlay IJ, Mannan A, Staudt DE, Thomas BC, Germon ZP, Laternser S, Kearney PS, Jamaluddin MFB, Douglas AM, Beitaki T, McEwen HP, Persson ML, Hocke EA, Jain V, Aksu M, Manning EE, Murray HC, Verrills NM, Sun CX, Daniel P, Vilain RE, Skerrett-Byrne DA, Nixon B, Hua S, de Bock CE, Colino-Sanguino Y, Valdes-Mora F, Tsoli M, Ziegler DS, Cairns MJ, Raabe EH, Vitanza NA, Hulleman E, Phoenix TN, Koschmann C, Alvaro F, Dayas CV, Tinkle CL, Wheeler H, Whittle JR, Eisenstat DD, Firestein R, Mueller S, Valvi S, Hansford JR, Ashley DM, Gregory SG, Kilburn LB, Nazarian J, Cain JE, Dun MD. PI3K/mTOR is a therapeutically targetable genetic dependency in diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma. J Clin Invest 2024; 134:e170329. [PMID: 38319732 PMCID: PMC10940093 DOI: 10.1172/jci170329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Diffuse midline glioma (DMG), including tumors diagnosed in the brainstem (diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma; DIPG), are uniformly fatal brain tumors that lack effective treatment. Analysis of CRISPR/Cas9 loss-of-function gene deletion screens identified PIK3CA and MTOR as targetable molecular dependencies across patient derived models of DIPG, highlighting the therapeutic potential of the blood-brain barrier-penetrant PI3K/Akt/mTOR inhibitor, paxalisib. At the human-equivalent maximum tolerated dose, mice treated with paxalisib experienced systemic glucose feedback and increased insulin levels commensurate with patients using PI3K inhibitors. To exploit genetic dependence and overcome resistance while maintaining compliance and therapeutic benefit, we combined paxalisib with the antihyperglycemic drug metformin. Metformin restored glucose homeostasis and decreased phosphorylation of the insulin receptor in vivo, a common mechanism of PI3K-inhibitor resistance, extending survival of orthotopic models. DIPG models treated with paxalisib increased calcium-activated PKC signaling. The brain penetrant PKC inhibitor enzastaurin, in combination with paxalisib, synergistically extended the survival of multiple orthotopic patient-derived and immunocompetent syngeneic allograft models; benefits potentiated in combination with metformin and standard-of-care radiotherapy. Therapeutic adaptation was assessed using spatial transcriptomics and ATAC-Seq, identifying changes in myelination and tumor immune microenvironment crosstalk. Collectively, this study has identified what we believe to be a clinically relevant DIPG therapeutic combinational strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan J. Duchatel
- Cancer Signalling Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
- Paediatric Stream, Mark Hughes Foundation Centre for Brain Cancer Research, College of Health, Medicine, and Wellbeing, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Evangeline R. Jackson
- Cancer Signalling Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
- Paediatric Stream, Mark Hughes Foundation Centre for Brain Cancer Research, College of Health, Medicine, and Wellbeing, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sarah G. Parackal
- Centre for Cancer Research, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Dylan Kiltschewskij
- Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Biomedical Science and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Izac J. Findlay
- Cancer Signalling Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
- Paediatric Stream, Mark Hughes Foundation Centre for Brain Cancer Research, College of Health, Medicine, and Wellbeing, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Abdul Mannan
- Cancer Signalling Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Dilana E. Staudt
- Cancer Signalling Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
- Paediatric Stream, Mark Hughes Foundation Centre for Brain Cancer Research, College of Health, Medicine, and Wellbeing, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Bryce C. Thomas
- Cancer Signalling Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
- Paediatric Stream, Mark Hughes Foundation Centre for Brain Cancer Research, College of Health, Medicine, and Wellbeing, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Zacary P. Germon
- Cancer Signalling Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sandra Laternser
- DIPG/DMG Research Center Zurich, Children’s Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, University Children’s Hospital Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Padraic S. Kearney
- Cancer Signalling Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - M. Fairuz B. Jamaluddin
- School of Biomedical Science and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Alicia M. Douglas
- Cancer Signalling Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Tyrone Beitaki
- Cancer Signalling Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Holly P. McEwen
- Cancer Signalling Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mika L. Persson
- Cancer Signalling Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
- Paediatric Stream, Mark Hughes Foundation Centre for Brain Cancer Research, College of Health, Medicine, and Wellbeing, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Emily A. Hocke
- Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Vaibhav Jain
- Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Michael Aksu
- Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Elizabeth E. Manning
- School of Biomedical Science and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Heather C. Murray
- Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Biomedical Science and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Nicole M. Verrills
- Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Biomedical Science and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Claire Xin Sun
- Centre for Cancer Research, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Paul Daniel
- Centre for Cancer Research, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ricardo E. Vilain
- Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David A. Skerrett-Byrne
- Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Brett Nixon
- Infertility and Reproduction Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Susan Hua
- Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Biomedical Science and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Charles E. de Bock
- Children’s Cancer Institute, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Yolanda Colino-Sanguino
- Children’s Cancer Institute, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Fatima Valdes-Mora
- Children’s Cancer Institute, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Maria Tsoli
- Children’s Cancer Institute, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David S. Ziegler
- Children’s Cancer Institute, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Murray J. Cairns
- Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Biomedical Science and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Eric H. Raabe
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Nicholas A. Vitanza
- Ben Towne Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Seattle Children’s Hospital, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Esther Hulleman
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Timothy N. Phoenix
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Carl Koschmann
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Frank Alvaro
- Cancer Signalling Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
- John Hunter Children’s Hospital, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Christopher V. Dayas
- School of Biomedical Science and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Christopher L. Tinkle
- Department of Radiation Oncology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Helen Wheeler
- Department of Radiation Oncology Northern Sydney Cancer Centre, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
- The Brain Cancer group, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - James R. Whittle
- Department of Medical Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Personalised Oncology Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - David D. Eisenstat
- Children’s Cancer Centre, The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Neuro-Oncology Laboratory, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ron Firestein
- Centre for Cancer Research, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sabine Mueller
- DIPG/DMG Research Center Zurich, Children’s Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, University Children’s Hospital Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Santosh Valvi
- Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Oncology/Haematology, Perth Children’s Hospital, Nedlands, Washington, Australia
- Brain Tumour Research Laboratory, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Washington, Australia
- Division of Paediatrics, University of Western Australia Medical School, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Jordan R. Hansford
- Michael Rice Centre for Hematology and Oncology, Women’s and Children’s Hospital, North Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- South Australia Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- South Australian Immunogenomics Cancer Institute, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - David M. Ashley
- The Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke, Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Simon G. Gregory
- Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- The Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke, Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Lindsay B. Kilburn
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
- The George Washington University, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Javad Nazarian
- DIPG/DMG Research Center Zurich, Children’s Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, University Children’s Hospital Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
- The George Washington University, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Jason E. Cain
- Centre for Cancer Research, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Matthew D. Dun
- Cancer Signalling Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
- Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
- Paediatric Stream, Mark Hughes Foundation Centre for Brain Cancer Research, College of Health, Medicine, and Wellbeing, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
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Zhang Y, Shaabani S, Vowinkel K, Trombetta-Lima M, Sabogal-Guáqueta AM, Chen T, Hoekstra J, Lembeck J, Schmidt M, Decher N, Dömling A, Dolga AM. Novel SK channel positive modulators prevent ferroptosis and excitotoxicity in neuronal cells. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 171:116163. [PMID: 38242037 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Small conductance calcium-activated potassium (SK) channel activity has been proposed to play a role in the pathology of several neurological diseases. Besides regulating plasma membrane excitability, SK channel activation provides neuroprotection against ferroptotic cell death by reducing mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake and reactive oxygen species (ROS). In this study, we employed a multifaceted approach, integrating structure-based and computational techniques, to strategically design and synthesize an innovative class of potent small-molecule SK2 channel modifiers through highly efficient multicomponent reactions (MCRs). The compounds' neuroprotective activity was compared with the well-studied SK positive modulator, CyPPA. Pharmacological SK channel activation by selected compounds confers neuroprotection against ferroptosis at low nanomolar ranges compared to CyPPA, that mediates protection at micromolar concentrations, as shown by an MTT assay, real-time cell impedance measurements and propidium iodide staining (PI). These novel compounds suppress increased mitochondrial ROS and Ca2+ level induced by ferroptosis inducer RSL3. Moreover, axonal degeneration was rescued by these novel SK channel activators in primary mouse neurons and they attenuated glutamate-induced neuronal excitability, as shown via microelectrode array. Meanwhile, functional afterhyperpolarization of the novel SK2 channel modulators was validated by electrophysiological measurements showing more current change induced by the novel modulators than the reference compound, CyPPA. These data support the notion that SK2 channel activation can represent a therapeutic target for brain diseases in which ferroptosis and excitotoxicity contribute to the pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuequ Zhang
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Shabnam Shaabani
- Department of Drug Design, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Kirsty Vowinkel
- Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Vegetative Physiology, University of Marburg, 35037 Marburg, Germany
| | - Marina Trombetta-Lima
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technologies and Biopharmacy, Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, the Netherlands
| | | | - Tingting Chen
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Jan Hoekstra
- Department of Drug Design, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Jan Lembeck
- Department of Drug Design, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Martina Schmidt
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Niels Decher
- Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Vegetative Physiology, University of Marburg, 35037 Marburg, Germany
| | - Alexander Dömling
- Department of Drug Design, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Amalia M Dolga
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, the Netherlands.
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Souza MAD, Rodrigues LG, Rocha JE, de Freitas TS, Bandeira PN, Marinho MM, Nunes da Rocha M, Marinho ES, Honorato Barreto AC, Coutinho HDM, Silva LMA, Julião MSDS, Marques Canuto K, Marques da Fonseca A, Teixeira AMR, Dos Santos HS. Synthesis, structural, characterization, antibacterial and antibiotic modifying activity, ADMET study, molecular docking and dynamics of chalcone ( E)-1-(4-aminophenyl)-3-(4-nitrophenyl)prop-2-en-1-one in strains of Staphylococcus aureus carrying NorA and MepA efflux pumps. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024; 42:1670-1691. [PMID: 37222682 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2213777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Chalcones have an open chain flavonoid structure that can be obtained from natural sources or by synthesis and are widely distributed in fruits, vegetables, and tea. They have a simple and easy to handle structure due to the α-β-unsaturated bridge responsible for most biological activities. The facility to synthesize chalcones combined with its efficient in combating serious bacterial infections make these compounds important agents in the fight against microorganisms. In this work, the chalcone (E)-1-(4-aminophenyl)-3-(4-nitrophenyl)prop-2-en-1-one (HDZPNB) was characterized by spectroscopy and electronic methods. In addition, microbiological tests were performed to investigate the modulator potential and efflux pump inhibition on S. aureus multi-resistant strains. The modulating effect of HDZPNB chalcone in association with the antibiotic norfloxacin, on the resistance of the S. aureus 1199 strain, resulted in increase the MIC. In addition, when HDZPNB was associated with ethidium bromide (EB), it caused an increase in the MIC value, thus not inhibiting the efflux pump. For the strain of S. aureus 1199B, carrying the NorA pump, the HDZPNB associated with norfloxacin showed no modulatory, and when the chalcone was used in association with EB, it had no inhibitory effect on the efflux pump. For the tested strain of S. aureus K2068, which carries the MepA pump, it can be observed that the chalcone together the antibiotic resulted in an increase the MIC. On the other hand, when chalcone was used in association with EB, it caused a decrease in bromide MIC, equal to the reduction caused by standard inhibitors. Thus, these results indicate that the HDZPNB could also act as an inhibitor of the S. aureus gene overexpressing pump MepA. The molecular docking reveals that chalcone has a good binding energies -7.9 for HDZPNB/MepA complexes, molecular dynamics simulations showed that Chalcone/MetA complexes showed good stability of the structure in an aqueous solution, and ADMET study showed that the chalcone has a good oral bioavailability, high passive permeability, low risk of efflux, low clearance rate and low toxic risk by ingestion. The microbiological tests show that the chalcone can be used as a possible inhibitor of the Mep A efflux pump.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikael Amaro de Souza
- Graduate Program in Biological Chemistry, Department of Biological Chemistry, Regional University of Cariri, Crato, CE, Brazil
| | - Leilane Gomes Rodrigues
- Science and Technology Centre, Course of Chemistry, State University Vale do Acaraú, Sobral, CE, Brazil
| | - Janaina Esmeraldo Rocha
- Graduate Program in Biological Chemistry, Department of Biological Chemistry, Regional University of Cariri, Crato, CE, Brazil
| | - Thiago Sampaio de Freitas
- Graduate Program in Biological Chemistry, Department of Biological Chemistry, Regional University of Cariri, Crato, CE, Brazil
| | - Paulo Nogueira Bandeira
- Science and Technology Centre, Course of Chemistry, State University Vale do Acaraú, Sobral, CE, Brazil
| | - Márcia Machado Marinho
- Science and Technology Centre, Course of Chemistry, State University Vale do Acaraú, Sobral, CE, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Henrique Douglas Melo Coutinho
- Graduate Program in Biological Chemistry, Department of Biological Chemistry, Regional University of Cariri, Crato, CE, Brazil
| | | | - Murilo Sergio da Silva Julião
- Science and Technology Centre, Course of Chemistry, State University Vale do Acaraú, Sobral, CE, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Natural Science, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Kirley Marques Canuto
- Multiusuary Laboratory of Natural Products Chemistry, Embrapa Tropical Agroindustry, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Aluísio Marques da Fonseca
- Academic Master's Degree in Sociobiodiversity and Sustainable Technologies - MASTS, Institute of Engineering and Development Sustainable, University of International Integration of Afro-Brazilian Lusofonia, Acarape, CE, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Magno Rodrigues Teixeira
- Graduate Program in Biological Chemistry, Department of Biological Chemistry, Regional University of Cariri, Crato, CE, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Natural Science, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Hélcio Silva Dos Santos
- Graduate Program in Biological Chemistry, Department of Biological Chemistry, Regional University of Cariri, Crato, CE, Brazil
- Science and Technology Centre, Course of Chemistry, State University Vale do Acaraú, Sobral, CE, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Natural Science, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
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38
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da Rocha MN, da Fonseca AM, Dantas ANM, Dos Santos HS, Marinho ES, Marinho GS. In Silico Study in MPO and Molecular Docking of the Synthetic Drynaran Analogues Against the Chronic Tinnitus: Modulation of the M1 Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptor. Mol Biotechnol 2024; 66:254-269. [PMID: 37079267 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-023-00748-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
Tinnitus is a syndrome that affects the human auditory system and is characterized by a perception of sounds in the absence of acoustic stimuli, or in total silence. Research indicates that muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs), especially the M1 type, have a fundamental role in the alterations of auditory perceptions of tinnitus. Here, a series of computer-aided tools were used, from molecular surface analysis software to services available on the web for estimating pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. The results infer that the low lipophilicity ligands, that is, the 1a-d alkyl furans, present the best pharmacokinetic profile, as compounds with an optimal alignment between permeability and clearance. However, only ligands 1a and 1b have properties that are safe for the central nervous system, the site of cholinergic modulation. These ligands showed similarity with compounds deposited in the European Molecular Biology Laboratory chemical (ChEMBL) database acting on the mAChRs M1 type, the target selected for the molecular docking test. The simulations suggest that the 1 g ligand can form the ligand-receptor complex with the best affinity energy order and that, together with the 1b ligand, they are competitive agonists in relation to the antagonist Tiotropium, in addition to acting in synergism with the drug Bromazepam in the treatment of chronic tinnitus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matheus Nunes da Rocha
- Graduate Program in Natural Sciences, Center for Science and Technology, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil.
| | - Aluísio Marques da Fonseca
- Institute of Engineering and Sustainable Development, Academic Master in Sociobiodiversity and Sustainable Technologies, University of International Integration of Afro-Brazilian Lusofonia, Acarape, CE, Brazil
| | | | | | - Emmanuel Silva Marinho
- Graduate Program in Natural Sciences, Center for Science and Technology, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
- Group of Theoretical Chemistry and Electrochemistry, State University of Ceará, Limoeiro Do Norte, CE, Brazil
| | - Gabrielle Silva Marinho
- Group of Theoretical Chemistry and Electrochemistry, State University of Ceará, Limoeiro Do Norte, CE, Brazil
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39
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de Menezes JFS, Sá Pires Silva AM, Aparecida Faria de Almeida E, da Silva AF, Morais Bomfim De Lima J, da Silva AW, Ferreira MKA, de Menezes JESA, Dos Santos HS, Marinho ES, Marinho GS, Marques da Fonseca A. Synthesis and anxiolytic effect of europium metallic complex containing lapachol [Eu(DBM) 3. LAP] in adult zebrafish through serotonergic neurotransmission: in vivo and in silico approach. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024; 42:1280-1292. [PMID: 37029769 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2199087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023]
Abstract
Anxiety-related mental health problems are estimated at 3.6% globally, benzodiazepines (BZDs) are the class of drugs indicated for the treatment of anxiety, including lorazepam and diazepam. However, concerns have been raised about the short- and long-term risks associated with BZDs. Therefore, despite anxiolytic and antidepressant drugs, there is a need to develop more effective pharmacotherapies with fewer side effects than existing drugs. The present work reported the synthesis, anxiolytic activity, mechanism of action in Adult Zebrafish (Danio rerio) and in silico study of a europium metallic complex with Lapachol, [Eu(DBM)3. LAP]. Each animal (n = 6/group) was treated intraperitoneally (i.p.; 20 µL) with the synthesized complex (4, 20 and 40 mg/Kg) and with the vehicle (DMSO 3%; 20 µL), being submitted to the tests of locomotor activity and 96h acute toxicity. The light/dark test was also performed, and the serotonergic mechanism (5-HT) was evaluated through the antagonists of the 5-HTR1, 5-HTR2A/2C and 5-HTR3A/3B receptors. The complex was characterized using spectrometric techniques, and the anxiolytic effect of complex may be involved the neuromodulation of receptors 5-HT3A/3B, since the pre-treatment with pizotifen and cyproheptadine did not block the anxiolytic effect of [Eu(DBM)3. LAP], unlike fluoxetine had its anxiolytic effect reversed. In addition, molecular docking showed interaction between the [Eu(DBM)3. LAP] and 5HT3A receptor with binding energy -7.8 kcal/mol and the ADMET study showed that complex has low toxic risk. It is expected that the beginning of this study will allow the application of the new anxiolytic drugs, given the pharmacological potential of the lapachol complex.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Fernando Silva de Menezes
- Center for Teacher Training, Federal University of Recôncavo da Bahia, Amargosa, Bahia, Brazil
- INCT - Energia e Meio Ambiente, UFBA, Rua Barão de Jeremoabo, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | | | | | - Ananias Freire da Silva
- Postgraduate Program in Energy and Environment - PGEA, Institute of Engineering and Sustainable Development, University of International Integration of Afro-Brazilian Lusofonia, Acarape, Ceará, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Hélcio Silva Dos Santos
- State University of Ceará, Graduate Program in Natural Sciences, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
- State University of Vale do Acaraú, Chemistry Course, Sobral, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Emmanuel Silva Marinho
- State University of Ceará, Graduate Program in Natural Sciences, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
- Degree Course in Computer Science, Ceará State University, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | | | - Aluísio Marques da Fonseca
- Postgraduate Program in Energy and Environment - PGEA, Institute of Engineering and Sustainable Development, University of International Integration of Afro-Brazilian Lusofonia, Acarape, Ceará, Brazil
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40
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Fragkiadakis M, Zingiridis M, Loukopoulos E, Neochoritis CG. New oxacycles on the block: benzodioxepinones via a Passerini reaction. Mol Divers 2024; 28:29-35. [PMID: 35900638 DOI: 10.1007/s11030-022-10502-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Oxacycles and benzoxepanes are privileged motifs present in a variety of natural products and functional molecules. However, their synthetic access is limited. Here, we demonstrate a rapid synthesis of unprecedented benzoxepanes from readily available starting materials in one step via a Passerini multicomponent reaction. The reaction proceeds smoothly under mild reaction conditions. We have obtained a single-crystal X-ray structure, revealing a butterfly conformation, combined with useful structural features. In addition, we have performed both a full interaction map on the X-ray structure and a profile analysis of a virtual library based on the proposed scaffold with a special focus on certain physicochemical parameters to demonstrate their potential usage in drug discovery.
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41
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Szewczyk SM, Verma I, Edwards JT, Weiss DR, Chekler ELP. Trends in Neosubstrate Degradation by Cereblon-Based Molecular Glues and the Development of Novel Multiparameter Optimization Scores. J Med Chem 2024; 67:1327-1335. [PMID: 38170610 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Molecular glues enable the degradation of previously "undruggable" proteins via the recruitment of cereblon (CRBN) to the target. One major challenge in designing CRBN E3 ligase modulating compounds (CELMoDs) is the selectivity profile toward neosubstrates, proteins recruited by CRBN E3 ligase agents for degradation. Common neosubstrates include Aiolos, Ikaros, GSPT1, CK1α, and SALL4. Unlike achieving potency and selectivity for traditional small molecule inhibitors, reducing the degradation of these neosubstrates is complicated by the ternary nature of the complex formed between the protein, CRBN, and CELMoD. The standard guiding principles of medicinal chemistry, such as enforcing hydrogen bond formation, are less predictive of degradation efficiency and selectivity. Disclosed is an analysis of our glutarimide CELMoD library to identify interpretable chemical features correlated to selectivity profiles and general cytotoxicity. Included is a simple multiparameter optimization function using only three parameters to predict whether molecules will have undesired neosubstrate activity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Isha Verma
- Bristol Myers Squibb, Redwood City, California 94063, United States
| | - Jacob T Edwards
- Bristol Myers Squibb, Redwood City, California 94063, United States
| | - Dahlia R Weiss
- Bristol Myers Squibb, Redwood City, California 94063, United States
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42
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Saffari A, Brechmann B, Böger C, Saber WA, Jumo H, Whye D, Wood D, Wahlster L, Alecu JE, Ziegler M, Scheffold M, Winden K, Hubbs J, Buttermore ED, Barrett L, Borner GHH, Davies AK, Ebrahimi-Fakhari D, Sahin M. High-content screening identifies a small molecule that restores AP-4-dependent protein trafficking in neuronal models of AP-4-associated hereditary spastic paraplegia. Nat Commun 2024; 15:584. [PMID: 38233389 PMCID: PMC10794252 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44264-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Unbiased phenotypic screens in patient-relevant disease models offer the potential to detect therapeutic targets for rare diseases. In this study, we developed a high-throughput screening assay to identify molecules that correct aberrant protein trafficking in adapter protein complex 4 (AP-4) deficiency, a rare but prototypical form of childhood-onset hereditary spastic paraplegia characterized by mislocalization of the autophagy protein ATG9A. Using high-content microscopy and an automated image analysis pipeline, we screened a diversity library of 28,864 small molecules and identified a lead compound, BCH-HSP-C01, that restored ATG9A pathology in multiple disease models, including patient-derived fibroblasts and induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neurons. We used multiparametric orthogonal strategies and integrated transcriptomic and proteomic approaches to delineate potential mechanisms of action of BCH-HSP-C01. Our results define molecular regulators of intracellular ATG9A trafficking and characterize a lead compound for the treatment of AP-4 deficiency, providing important proof-of-concept data for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afshin Saffari
- Department of Neurology & F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Division of Child Neurology and Inherited Metabolic Diseases, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Barbara Brechmann
- Department of Neurology & F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Cedric Böger
- Department of Neurology & F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Wardiya Afshar Saber
- Department of Neurology & F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Hellen Jumo
- Department of Neurology & F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Rosamund Stone Zander Translational Neuroscience Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Dosh Whye
- Rosamund Stone Zander Translational Neuroscience Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Delaney Wood
- Rosamund Stone Zander Translational Neuroscience Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Lara Wahlster
- Department of Hematology & Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital & Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Julian E Alecu
- Department of Neurology & F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Marvin Ziegler
- Department of Neurology & F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Marlene Scheffold
- Department of Neurology & F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Kellen Winden
- Department of Neurology & F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Jed Hubbs
- Rosamund Stone Zander Translational Neuroscience Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Elizabeth D Buttermore
- Rosamund Stone Zander Translational Neuroscience Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Lee Barrett
- Rosamund Stone Zander Translational Neuroscience Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Georg H H Borner
- Department of Proteomics and Signal Transduction, Max-Planck-Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, 82152, Germany
| | - Alexandra K Davies
- Department of Proteomics and Signal Transduction, Max-Planck-Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, 82152, Germany
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Darius Ebrahimi-Fakhari
- Department of Neurology & F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- Movement Disorders Program, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - Mustafa Sahin
- Department of Neurology & F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Rosamund Stone Zander Translational Neuroscience Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
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Xu Y, Xu Y, Biby S, Kaur B, Liu Y, Bagdasarian FA, Wey HY, Tanzi R, Zhang C, Wang C, Zhang S. Design and Discovery of Novel NLRP3 Inhibitors and PET Imaging Radiotracers Based on a 1,2,3-Triazole-Bearing Scaffold. J Med Chem 2024; 67:555-571. [PMID: 38150705 PMCID: PMC11002996 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
The NOD-like receptor (NLR) family pyrin-domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, an essential component of the innate immune system, has been emerging as a viable drug target and a potential biomarker for human diseases. In our efforts to develop novel small molecule NLRP3 inhibitors, a 1-(5-chloro-2-methoxybenzyl)-4-phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazole scaffold was designed via a rational approach based on our previous leads. Structure-activity relationship studies and biophysical studies identified a new lead compound 8 as a potent (IC50: 0.55 ± 0.16 μM), selective, and direct NLRP3 inhibitor. Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging studies of [11C]8 demonstrated its rapid and high brain uptake as well as fast washout in mice and rhesus macaque. Notably, plasma kinetic analysis of this radiotracer from the PET/magnetic resonance imaging studies in rhesus macaque suggested radiometabolic stability. Collectively, our data not only encourage further studies of this lead compound but also warrant further optimization to generate additional novel NLRP3 inhibitors and suitable central nervous system PET radioligands with translational promise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiming Xu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - Yulong Xu
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts 02129, United States
| | - Savannah Biby
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - Baljit Kaur
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - Yan Liu
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts 02129, United States
| | - Frederick Andrew Bagdasarian
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts 02129, United States
| | - Hsiao-Ying Wey
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts 02129, United States
| | - Rudolph Tanzi
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, McCane Center for Brain Health, Mass General Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts 02129, United States
| | - Can Zhang
- Genetics and Aging Research Unit, McCane Center for Brain Health, Mass General Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts 02129, United States
| | - Changning Wang
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts 02129, United States
| | - Shijun Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
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Tong Y, Zhang P, Yang X, Liu X, Zhang J, Grudniewska M, Jung I, Abegg D, Liu J, Childs-Disney JL, Gibaut QMR, Haniff HS, Adibekian A, Mouradian MM, Disney MD. Decreasing the intrinsically disordered protein α-synuclein levels by targeting its structured mRNA with a ribonuclease-targeting chimera. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2306682120. [PMID: 38181056 PMCID: PMC10786272 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2306682120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024] Open
Abstract
α-Synuclein is an important drug target for the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD), but it is an intrinsically disordered protein lacking typical small-molecule binding pockets. In contrast, the encoding SNCA mRNA has regions of ordered structure in its 5' untranslated region (UTR). Here, we present an integrated approach to identify small molecules that bind this structured region and inhibit α-synuclein translation. A drug-like, RNA-focused compound collection was studied for binding to the 5' UTR of SNCA mRNA, affording Synucleozid-2.0, a drug-like small molecule that decreases α-synuclein levels by inhibiting ribosomes from assembling onto SNCA mRNA. This RNA-binding small molecule was converted into a ribonuclease-targeting chimera (RiboTAC) to degrade cellular SNCA mRNA. RNA-seq and proteomics studies demonstrated that the RiboTAC (Syn-RiboTAC) selectively degraded SNCA mRNA to reduce its protein levels, affording a fivefold enhancement of cytoprotective effects as compared to Synucleozid-2.0. As observed in many diseases, transcriptome-wide changes in RNA expression are observed in PD. Syn-RiboTAC also rescued the expression of ~50% of genes that were abnormally expressed in dopaminergic neurons differentiated from PD patient-derived iPSCs. These studies demonstrate that the druggability of the proteome can be expanded greatly by targeting the encoding mRNAs with both small molecule binders and RiboTAC degraders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuquan Tong
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL33458
- Department of Chemistry, The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology, Jupiter, FL33458
| | - Peiyuan Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL33458
| | - Xueyi Yang
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL33458
- Department of Chemistry, The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology, Jupiter, FL33458
| | - Xiaohui Liu
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL33458
| | - Jie Zhang
- Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School Institute for Neurological Therapeutics, Piscataway, NJ08854
- Department of Neurology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ08854
| | - Magda Grudniewska
- Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School Institute for Neurological Therapeutics, Piscataway, NJ08854
- Department of Neurology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ08854
| | - Ikrak Jung
- Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School Institute for Neurological Therapeutics, Piscataway, NJ08854
- Department of Neurology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ08854
| | - Daniel Abegg
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL33458
| | - Jun Liu
- Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School Institute for Neurological Therapeutics, Piscataway, NJ08854
- Department of Neurology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ08854
| | - Jessica L. Childs-Disney
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL33458
- Department of Chemistry, The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology, Jupiter, FL33458
| | - Quentin M. R. Gibaut
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL33458
- Department of Chemistry, The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology, Jupiter, FL33458
| | - Hafeez S. Haniff
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL33458
| | | | - M. Maral Mouradian
- Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School Institute for Neurological Therapeutics, Piscataway, NJ08854
- Department of Neurology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ08854
| | - Matthew D. Disney
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL33458
- Department of Chemistry, The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology, Jupiter, FL33458
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45
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Colliandre L, Muller C. Bayesian Optimization in Drug Discovery. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2716:101-136. [PMID: 37702937 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3449-3_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
Drug discovery deals with the search for initial hits and their optimization toward a targeted clinical profile. Throughout the discovery pipeline, the candidate profile will evolve, but the optimization will mainly stay a trial-and-error approach. Tons of in silico methods have been developed to improve and fasten this pipeline. Bayesian optimization (BO) is a well-known method for the determination of the global optimum of a function. In the last decade, BO has gained popularity in the early drug design phase. This chapter starts with the concept of black box optimization applied to drug design and presents some approaches to tackle it. Then it focuses on BO and explains its principle and all the algorithmic building blocks needed to implement it. This explanation aims to be accessible to people involved in drug discovery projects. A strong emphasis is made on the solutions to deal with the specific constraints of drug discovery. Finally, a large set of practical applications of BO is highlighted.
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Nishikawa-Shimono R, Kuwabara M, Fujisaki S, Matsuda D, Endo M, Kamitani M, Futamura A, Nomura Y, Yamaguchi-Sasaki T, Yabuuchi T, Yamaguchi C, Tanaka-Yamamoto N, Satake S, Abe-Sato K, Funayama K, Sakata M, Takahashi S, Hirano K, Fukunaga T, Uozumi Y, Kato S, Tamura Y, Nakamori T, Mima M, Mishima-Tsumagari C, Nozawa D, Imai Y, Asami T. Discovery of novel indole derivatives as potent and selective inhibitors of proMMP-9 activation. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2024; 97:129541. [PMID: 37952596 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2023.129541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) is a secreted zinc-dependent endopeptidase that degrades the extracellular matrix and basement membrane of neurons, and then contributes to synaptic plasticity by remodeling the extracellular matrix. Inhibition of MMP-9 activity has therapeutic potential for neurodegenerative diseases such as fragile X syndrome. This paper reports the molecular design, synthesis, and in vitro studies of novel indole derivatives as inhibitors of proMMP-9 activation. High-throughput screening (HTS) of our internal compound library and subsequent merging of hit compounds 1 and 2 provided compound 4 as a bona-fide lead. X-ray structure-based design and subsequent lead optimization led to the discovery of compound 33, a highly potent and selective inhibitor of proMMP-9 activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rie Nishikawa-Shimono
- Medicinal Chemistry Laboratories, Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 1-403 Yoshino-cho, Kita-ku, Saitama 331-9530, Japan
| | - Motoi Kuwabara
- Medicinal Chemistry Laboratories, Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 1-403 Yoshino-cho, Kita-ku, Saitama 331-9530, Japan
| | - Sho Fujisaki
- Medicinal Chemistry Laboratories, Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 1-403 Yoshino-cho, Kita-ku, Saitama 331-9530, Japan
| | - Daisuke Matsuda
- Medicinal Chemistry Laboratories, Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 1-403 Yoshino-cho, Kita-ku, Saitama 331-9530, Japan.
| | - Mayumi Endo
- Discovery Technologies Laboratories, Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 1-403 Yoshino-cho, Kita-ku, Saitama 331-9530, Japan
| | - Masafumi Kamitani
- Discovery Technologies Laboratories, Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 1-403 Yoshino-cho, Kita-ku, Saitama 331-9530, Japan
| | - Aya Futamura
- Medicinal Chemistry Laboratories, Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 1-403 Yoshino-cho, Kita-ku, Saitama 331-9530, Japan
| | - Yusaku Nomura
- Medicinal Chemistry Laboratories, Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 1-403 Yoshino-cho, Kita-ku, Saitama 331-9530, Japan
| | - Toru Yamaguchi-Sasaki
- Medicinal Chemistry Laboratories, Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 1-403 Yoshino-cho, Kita-ku, Saitama 331-9530, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Yabuuchi
- Medicinal Chemistry Laboratories, Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 1-403 Yoshino-cho, Kita-ku, Saitama 331-9530, Japan
| | - Chitose Yamaguchi
- Medicinal Chemistry Laboratories, Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 1-403 Yoshino-cho, Kita-ku, Saitama 331-9530, Japan
| | - Nozomi Tanaka-Yamamoto
- Medicinal Chemistry Laboratories, Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 1-403 Yoshino-cho, Kita-ku, Saitama 331-9530, Japan
| | - Shunya Satake
- Medicinal Chemistry Laboratories, Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 1-403 Yoshino-cho, Kita-ku, Saitama 331-9530, Japan
| | - Kumi Abe-Sato
- Medicinal Chemistry Laboratories, Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 1-403 Yoshino-cho, Kita-ku, Saitama 331-9530, Japan
| | - Kosuke Funayama
- Medicinal Chemistry Laboratories, Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 1-403 Yoshino-cho, Kita-ku, Saitama 331-9530, Japan
| | - Mayumi Sakata
- Discovery Technologies Laboratories, Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 1-403 Yoshino-cho, Kita-ku, Saitama 331-9530, Japan
| | - Shinji Takahashi
- Pharmacology Laboratories, Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 1-403 Yoshino-cho, Kita-ku, Saitama 331-9530, Japan
| | - Koga Hirano
- Pharmacology Laboratories, Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 1-403 Yoshino-cho, Kita-ku, Saitama 331-9530, Japan
| | - Takuya Fukunaga
- Discovery Technologies Laboratories, Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 1-403 Yoshino-cho, Kita-ku, Saitama 331-9530, Japan
| | - Yoriko Uozumi
- Discovery Technologies Laboratories, Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 1-403 Yoshino-cho, Kita-ku, Saitama 331-9530, Japan
| | - Sayaka Kato
- Discovery Technologies Laboratories, Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 1-403 Yoshino-cho, Kita-ku, Saitama 331-9530, Japan
| | - Yunoshin Tamura
- Discovery Technologies Laboratories, Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 1-403 Yoshino-cho, Kita-ku, Saitama 331-9530, Japan
| | - Tomoaki Nakamori
- Discovery Technologies Laboratories, Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 1-403 Yoshino-cho, Kita-ku, Saitama 331-9530, Japan
| | - Masashi Mima
- Discovery Technologies Laboratories, Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 1-403 Yoshino-cho, Kita-ku, Saitama 331-9530, Japan
| | - Chiemi Mishima-Tsumagari
- Discovery Technologies Laboratories, Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 1-403 Yoshino-cho, Kita-ku, Saitama 331-9530, Japan
| | - Dai Nozawa
- Medicinal Chemistry Laboratories, Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 1-403 Yoshino-cho, Kita-ku, Saitama 331-9530, Japan
| | - Yudai Imai
- Medicinal Chemistry Laboratories, Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 1-403 Yoshino-cho, Kita-ku, Saitama 331-9530, Japan
| | - Taiji Asami
- Medicinal Chemistry Laboratories, Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 1-403 Yoshino-cho, Kita-ku, Saitama 331-9530, Japan.
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Shalgunov V, van den Broek SL, Andersen IV, Raval NR, Schäfer G, Barz M, Herth MM, Battisti UM. Evaluation of F-537-Tetrazine in a model for brain pretargeting imaging. Comparison to N-(3-[ 18F] fluoro-5-(1,2,4,5-tetrazin-3-yl)benzyl)propan-1-amine. Nucl Med Biol 2024; 128-129:108877. [PMID: 38232579 DOI: 10.1016/j.nucmedbio.2024.108877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Brain pretargeted nuclear imaging for the diagnosis of various neurodegenerative diseases is a quickly developing field. The tetrazine ligation is currently the most explored approach to achieve this goal due to its remarkable properties. In this work, we evaluated the performance of F-537-Tetrazine, previously developed by Biogen, and N-(3-[18F]fluoro-5-(1,2,4,5-tetrazin-3-yl)benzyl)propan-1-amine, previously developed in our group, thereby allowing for the direct comparison of these two imaging probes. The evaluation included synthesis, radiolabeling and a comparison of the physicochemical properties of the compounds. Furthermore, their performance was evaluated by in vitro and in vivo pretargeting models. This study indicated that N-(3-[18F] fluoro-5-(1,2,4,5-tetrazin-3-yl)benzyl)propan-1-amine might be more suited for brain pretargeted imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir Shalgunov
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sara Lopes van den Broek
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ida Vang Andersen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Nakul R Raval
- Neurobiology Research Unit and Center for Integrated Molecular Brain Imaging, Rigshospitalet Copenhagen University Hospital, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Gabriela Schäfer
- Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, 2333CC Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Matthias Barz
- Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, 2333CC Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Matthias M Herth
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Clinical Physiology, Nuclear Medicine & PET, Rigshospitalet Copenhagen University Hospital, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Umberto M Battisti
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
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48
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Talevi A. Computer-Aided Drug Discovery and Design: Recent Advances and Future Prospects. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2714:1-20. [PMID: 37676590 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3441-7_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Computer-aided drug discovery and design involve the use of information technologies to identify and develop, on a rational ground, chemical compounds that align a set of desired physicochemical and biological properties. In its most common form, it involves the identification and/or modification of an active scaffold (or the combination of known active scaffolds), although de novo drug design from scratch is also possible. Traditionally, the drug discovery and design processes have focused on the molecular determinants of the interactions between drug candidates and their known or intended pharmacological target(s). Nevertheless, in modern times, drug discovery and design are conceived as a particularly complex multiparameter optimization task, due to the complicated, often conflicting, property requirements.This chapter provides an updated overview of in silico approaches for identifying active scaffolds and guiding the subsequent optimization process. Recent groundbreaking advances in the field have also analyzed the integration of state-of-the-art machine learning approaches in every step of the drug discovery process (from prediction of target structure to customized molecular docking scoring functions), integration of multilevel omics data, and the use of a diversity of computational approaches to assist target validation and assess plausible binding pockets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan Talevi
- Laboratory of Bioactive Compound Research and Development (LIDeB), Faculty of Exact Sciences, National University of La Plata (UNLP), La Plata, Argentina.
- Argentinean National Council of Scientific and Technical Research (CONICET), La Plata, Argentina.
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49
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Thakur A, Sharma B, Parashar A, Sharma V, Kumar A, Mehta V. 2D-QSAR, molecular docking and MD simulation based virtual screening of the herbal molecules against Alzheimer's disorder: an approach to predict CNS activity. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024; 42:148-162. [PMID: 36970779 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2192805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is one of the key enzyme targets that have been used clinically for the management of Alzheimer's Disorder (AD). Numerous reports in the literature predict and demonstrate in-vitro, and in-silico anticholinergic activity of herbal molecules, however, majority of them failed to find clinical application. To address these issues, we developed a 2D-QSAR model that could efficiently predict the AChE inhibitory activity of herbal molecules along with predicting their potential to cross the blood-brain-barrier (BBB) to exert their beneficial effects during AD. Virtual screening of the herbal molecules was performed and amentoflavone, asiaticoside, astaxanthin, bahouside, biapigenin, glycyrrhizin, hyperforin, hypericin, and tocopherol were predicted as the most promising herbal molecules for inhibiting AChE. Results were validated through molecular docking, atomistic molecular dynamics simulations and Molecular mechanics-Poisson Boltzmann surface area (MM-PBSA) studies against human AChE (PDB ID: 4EY7). To determine whether or not these molecules can cross BBB to inhibit AChE within the central nervous system (CNS) for being beneficial for the management of AD, we determined a CNS Multi-parameter Optimization (MPO) score, which was found in the range of 1 to 3.76. Overall, the best results were observed for amentoflavone and our results demonstrated a PIC50 value of 7.377 nM, molecular docking score of -11.5 kcal/mol, and CNS MPO score of 3.76. In conclusion, we successfully developed a reliable and efficient 2D-QSAR model and predicted amentoflavone to be the most promising molecule that could inhibit human AChE enzyme within the CNS and could prove beneficial for the management of AD.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aman Thakur
- DCO, Govt. of Rajasthan, Bharatpur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Bhanu Sharma
- Structural Bioinformatics Lab, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (CSIR-IHBT), Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India
- Biotechnology Division, CSIR-IHBT, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Arun Parashar
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Vivek Sharma
- Department of Pharmacology, Govt. College of Pharmacy, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Ajay Kumar
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, Haryana, India
| | - Vineet Mehta
- Department of Pharmacology, Govt. College of Pharmacy, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India
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50
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Sharma V, Madia VN, Tudino V, Nguyen JV, Debnath A, Messore A, Ialongo D, Patacchini E, Palenca I, Basili Franzin S, Seguella L, Esposito G, Petrucci R, Di Matteo P, Bortolami M, Saccoliti F, Di Santo R, Scipione L, Costi R, Podust LM. Miconazole-like Scaffold is a Promising Lead for Naegleria fowleri-Specific CYP51 Inhibitors. J Med Chem 2023; 66:17059-17073. [PMID: 38085955 PMCID: PMC10758121 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
Developing drugs for brain infection by Naegleria fowleri is an unmet medical need. We used a combination of cheminformatics, target-, and phenotypic-based drug discovery methods to identify inhibitors that target an essential N. fowleri enzyme, sterol 14-demethylase (NfCYP51). A total of 124 compounds preselected in silico were tested against N. fowleri. Nine primary hits with EC50 ≤ 10 μM were phenotypically identified. Cocrystallization with NfCYP51 focused attention on one primary hit, miconazole-like compound 2a. The S-enantiomer of 2a produced a 1.74 Å cocrystal structure. A set of analogues was then synthesized and evaluated to confirm the superiority of the S-configuration over the R-configuration and the advantage of an ether linkage over an ester linkage. The two compounds, S-8b and S-9b, had an improved EC50 and KD compared to 2a. Importantly, both were readily taken up into the brain. The brain-to-plasma distribution coefficient of S-9b was 1.02 ± 0.12, suggesting further evaluation as a lead for primary amoebic meningoencephalitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vandna Sharma
- Skaggs
School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Center for Discovery
and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, University
of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Valentina Noemi Madia
- Dipartimento
di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci
Bolognetti, “Sapienza” Università
di Roma, p.le Aldo Moro 5, Rome I-00185, Italy
| | - Valeria Tudino
- Dipartimento
di Biotecnologie, Università degli
Studi di Siena, Chimica e Farmacia via Aldo Moro 2, Siena 53100, Italy
| | - Jennifer V. Nguyen
- Skaggs
School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Center for Discovery
and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, University
of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Anjan Debnath
- Skaggs
School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Center for Discovery
and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, University
of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Antonella Messore
- Dipartimento
di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci
Bolognetti, “Sapienza” Università
di Roma, p.le Aldo Moro 5, Rome I-00185, Italy
| | - Davide Ialongo
- Dipartimento
di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci
Bolognetti, “Sapienza” Università
di Roma, p.le Aldo Moro 5, Rome I-00185, Italy
| | - Elisa Patacchini
- Dipartimento
di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci
Bolognetti, “Sapienza” Università
di Roma, p.le Aldo Moro 5, Rome I-00185, Italy
| | - Irene Palenca
- Department
of Physiology and Pharmacology “V. Erspamer”, “Sapienza″ Università di Roma, p.le Aldo Moro 5, Rome I-00185, Italy
| | - Silvia Basili Franzin
- Department
of Physiology and Pharmacology “V. Erspamer”, “Sapienza″ Università di Roma, p.le Aldo Moro 5, Rome I-00185, Italy
| | - Luisa Seguella
- Department
of Physiology and Pharmacology “V. Erspamer”, “Sapienza″ Università di Roma, p.le Aldo Moro 5, Rome I-00185, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Esposito
- Department
of Physiology and Pharmacology “V. Erspamer”, “Sapienza″ Università di Roma, p.le Aldo Moro 5, Rome I-00185, Italy
| | - Rita Petrucci
- Dipartimento
di Scienze di Base e Applicate per l’Ingegneria, “Sapienza” Università di Roma, Via Castro Laurenziano 7, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Paola Di Matteo
- Dipartimento
di Scienze di Base e Applicate per l’Ingegneria, “Sapienza” Università di Roma, Via Castro Laurenziano 7, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Martina Bortolami
- Dipartimento
di Scienze di Base e Applicate per l’Ingegneria, “Sapienza” Università di Roma, Via Castro Laurenziano 7, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Francesco Saccoliti
- D3 PharmaChemistry, Italian
Institute of Technology, Via Morego 30, Genova 16163, Italy
| | - Roberto Di Santo
- Dipartimento
di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci
Bolognetti, “Sapienza” Università
di Roma, p.le Aldo Moro 5, Rome I-00185, Italy
| | - Luigi Scipione
- Dipartimento
di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci
Bolognetti, “Sapienza” Università
di Roma, p.le Aldo Moro 5, Rome I-00185, Italy
| | - Roberta Costi
- Dipartimento
di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci
Bolognetti, “Sapienza” Università
di Roma, p.le Aldo Moro 5, Rome I-00185, Italy
| | - Larissa M. Podust
- Skaggs
School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Center for Discovery
and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases, University
of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
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