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He T, Giacomini D, Tolomelli A, Baiula M, Gentilucci L. Conjecturing about Small-Molecule Agonists and Antagonists of α4β1 Integrin: From Mechanistic Insight to Potential Therapeutic Applications. Biomedicines 2024; 12:316. [PMID: 38397918 PMCID: PMC10887150 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12020316] [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: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Integrins are heterodimeric cell-surface receptors that regulate cell-cell adhesion and cellular functions through bidirectional signaling. On the other hand, anomalous trafficking of integrins is also implicated in severe pathologies as cancer, thrombosis, inflammation, allergies, and multiple sclerosis. For this reason, they are attractive candidates as drug targets. However, despite promising preclinical data, several anti-integrin drugs failed in late-stage clinical trials for chronic indications, with paradoxical side effects. One possible reason is that, at low concentration, ligands proposed as antagonists may also act as partial agonists. Hence, the comprehension of the specific structural features for ligands' agonism or antagonism is currently of the utmost interest. For α4β1 integrin, the situation is particularly obscure because neither the crystallographic nor the cryo-EM structures are known. In addition, very few potent and selective agonists are available for investigating the mechanism at the basis of the receptor activation. In this account, we discuss the physiological role of α4β1 integrin and the related pathologies, and review the few agonists. Finally, we speculate on plausible models to explain agonism vs. antagonism by comparison with RGD-binding integrins and by analysis of computational simulations performed with homology or hybrid receptor structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting He
- Department of Chemistry “G. Ciamician”, University of Bologna, Via Gobetti 83, Ue4, 40129 Bologna, Italy; (T.H.); (D.G.); (A.T.)
| | - Daria Giacomini
- Department of Chemistry “G. Ciamician”, University of Bologna, Via Gobetti 83, Ue4, 40129 Bologna, Italy; (T.H.); (D.G.); (A.T.)
| | - Alessandra Tolomelli
- Department of Chemistry “G. Ciamician”, University of Bologna, Via Gobetti 83, Ue4, 40129 Bologna, Italy; (T.H.); (D.G.); (A.T.)
| | - Monica Baiula
- Department of Pharmacology and Biotechnology (FABIT), University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Luca Gentilucci
- Department of Chemistry “G. Ciamician”, University of Bologna, Via Gobetti 83, Ue4, 40129 Bologna, Italy; (T.H.); (D.G.); (A.T.)
- Health Sciences & Technologies (HST) CIRI, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 41/E, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, Italy
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2
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Baiula M, Anselmi M, Musiani F, Ghidini A, Carbone J, Caligiana A, Maurizio A, Spampinato S, Gentilucci L. Design, Pharmacological Characterization, and Molecular Docking of Minimalist Peptidomimetic Antagonists of α 4β 1 Integrin. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119588. [PMID: 37298541 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Integrin receptors mediate cell-cell interactions via the recognition of cell-adhesion glycoproteins, as well as via the interactions of cells with proteins of the extracellular matrix, and upon activation they transduce signals bi-directionally across the cell membrane. In the case of injury, infection, or inflammation, integrins of β2 and α4 families participate in the recruitment of leukocytes, a multi-step process initiated by the capturing of rolling leukocytes and terminated by their extravasation. In particular, α4β1 integrin is deeply involved in leukocyte firm adhesion preceding extravasation. Besides its well-known role in inflammatory diseases, α4β1 integrin is also involved in cancer, being expressed in various tumors and showing an important role in cancer formation and spreading. Hence, targeting this integrin represents an opportunity for the treatment of inflammatory disorders, some autoimmune diseases, and cancer. In this context, taking inspiration from the recognition motives of α4β1 integrin with its natural ligands FN and VCAM-1, we designed minimalist α/β hybrid peptide ligands, with our approach being associated with a retro strategy. These modifications are expected to improve the compounds' stability and bioavailability. As it turned out, some of the ligands were found to be antagonists, being able to inhibit the adhesion of integrin-expressing cells to plates coated with the natural ligands without inducing any conformational switch and any activation of intracellular signaling pathways. An original model structure of the receptor was generated using protein-protein docking to evaluate the bioactive conformations of the antagonists via molecular docking. Since the experimental structure of α4β1 integrin is still unknown, the simulations might also shed light on the interactions between the receptor and its native protein ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Baiula
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Michele Anselmi
- Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesco Musiani
- Laboratory of Bioinorganic Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Viale Fanin 40, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessia Ghidini
- Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Jacopo Carbone
- Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Alberto Caligiana
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Andrea Maurizio
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Santi Spampinato
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Gentilucci
- Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
- Health Sciences & Technologies (HST) CIRI, University of Bologna, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, Italy
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3
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Anselmi M, Baiula M, Spampinato S, Artali R, He T, Gentilucci L. Design and Pharmacological Characterization of α 4β 1 Integrin Cyclopeptide Agonists: Computational Investigation of Ligand Determinants for Agonism versus Antagonism. J Med Chem 2023; 66:5021-5040. [PMID: 36976921 PMCID: PMC10108353 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c02098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
α4β1 integrin is a cell adhesion receptor deeply involved in the migration and accumulation of leukocytes. Therefore, integrin antagonists that inhibit leukocytes recruitment are currently regarded as a therapeutic opportunity for the treatment of inflammatory disorder, including leukocyte-related autoimmune diseases. Recently, it has been suggested that integrin agonists capable to prevent the release of adherent leukocytes might serve as therapeutic agents as well. However, very few α4β1 integrin agonists have been discovered so far, thus precluding the investigation of their potential therapeutic efficacy. In this perspective, we synthesized cyclopeptides containing the LDV recognition motif found in the native ligand fibronectin. This approach led to the discovery of potent agonists capable to increase the adhesion of α4 integrin-expressing cells. Conformational and quantum mechanics computations predicted distinct ligand-receptor interactions for antagonists or agonists, plausibly referable to receptor inhibition or activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Anselmi
- Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Monica Baiula
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Santi Spampinato
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Tingting He
- Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Gentilucci
- Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
- Health Sciences & Technologies (HST) CIRI, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 41/E, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, Italy
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4
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Sartori A, Bugatti K, Portioli E, Baiula M, Casamassima I, Bruno A, Bianchini F, Curti C, Zanardi F, Battistini L. New 4-Aminoproline-Based Small Molecule Cyclopeptidomimetics as Potential Modulators of α 4β 1 Integrin. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26196066. [PMID: 34641610 PMCID: PMC8512764 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26196066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Integrin α4β1 belongs to the leukocyte integrin family and represents a therapeutic target of relevant interest given its primary role in mediating inflammation, autoimmune pathologies and cancer-related diseases. The focus of the present work is the design, synthesis and characterization of new peptidomimetic compounds that are potentially able to recognize α4β1 integrin and interfere with its function. To this aim, a collection of seven new cyclic peptidomimetics possessing both a 4-aminoproline (Amp) core scaffold grafted onto key α4β1-recognizing sequences and the (2-methylphenyl)ureido-phenylacetyl (MPUPA) appendage, was designed, with the support of molecular modeling studies. The new compounds were synthesized through SPPS procedures followed by in-solution cyclization maneuvers. The biological evaluation of the new cyclic ligands in cell adhesion assays on Jurkat cells revealed promising submicromolar agonist activity in one compound, namely, the c[Amp(MPUPA)Val-Asp-Leu] cyclopeptide. Further investigations will be necessary to complete the characterization of this class of compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Sartori
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 27/A, 43124 Parma, Italy; (A.S.); (K.B.); (E.P.); (A.B.); (C.C.); (F.Z.)
| | - Kelly Bugatti
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 27/A, 43124 Parma, Italy; (A.S.); (K.B.); (E.P.); (A.B.); (C.C.); (F.Z.)
| | - Elisabetta Portioli
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 27/A, 43124 Parma, Italy; (A.S.); (K.B.); (E.P.); (A.B.); (C.C.); (F.Z.)
| | - Monica Baiula
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (M.B.); (I.C.)
| | - Irene Casamassima
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (M.B.); (I.C.)
| | - Agostino Bruno
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 27/A, 43124 Parma, Italy; (A.S.); (K.B.); (E.P.); (A.B.); (C.C.); (F.Z.)
| | - Francesca Bianchini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Viale G.B. Morgagni 50, 50134 Firenze, Italy;
| | - Claudio Curti
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 27/A, 43124 Parma, Italy; (A.S.); (K.B.); (E.P.); (A.B.); (C.C.); (F.Z.)
| | - Franca Zanardi
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 27/A, 43124 Parma, Italy; (A.S.); (K.B.); (E.P.); (A.B.); (C.C.); (F.Z.)
| | - Lucia Battistini
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 27/A, 43124 Parma, Italy; (A.S.); (K.B.); (E.P.); (A.B.); (C.C.); (F.Z.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0521-906040
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5
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Elrazaz EZ, Serya RAT, Ismail NSM, Albohy A, Abou El Ella DA, Abouzid KAM. Discovery of potent thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidine VEGFR-2 inhibitors: Design, synthesis and enzyme inhibitory evaluation supported by molecular dynamics simulations. Bioorg Chem 2021; 113:105019. [PMID: 34091286 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2021.105019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) is one of the well-known targets that control angiogenesis and cancer progression. In this study, we are reporting the design, synthesis and biological evaluation of a series of 4-substituted thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives as VEGFR-2 inhibitors. The design of these compounds was based on interactions extracted from crystal structure of potent pyrrolo[3,2-d]pyrimidine inhibitor VIII with VEGFR-2 (PDB: 3VHE). In addition to these interactions, the new compounds were also designed to interact with residues in the solvent accessible region such as Asn923. Accordingly, the thienopyrimidine target compounds were synthesized and subjected to VEGFR-2 enzyme inhibition assay. Several target compounds (7d-f, 8b-c, 8e-g and 15c) exhibited potent inhibitory activities against VEGFR-2 with IC50 values in low nanomolar range. Compounds 8b and 8e revealed exceptionally potent inhibitory activity with IC50 of 5 and 3.9 nM, respectively. The molecular docking analysis and molecular dynamics simulation were also performed to further investigate these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eman Z Elrazaz
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Abbassia, Cairo 11566, Egypt
| | - Rabah A T Serya
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Abbassia, Cairo 11566, Egypt
| | - Nasser S M Ismail
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmaceutical Industries, Future University in Egypt, Cairo 12311, Egypt
| | - Amgad Albohy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt (BUE), El-Sherouk City, Cairo-Suez Desert Road, 11837, Egypt
| | - Dalal A Abou El Ella
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Abbassia, Cairo 11566, Egypt.
| | - Khaled A M Abouzid
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Abbassia, Cairo 11566, Egypt; Department of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sadat City, Menoufia 32897, Egypt.
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6
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Baiula M, Spampinato S, Gentilucci L, Tolomelli A. Novel Ligands Targeting α 4β 1 Integrin: Therapeutic Applications and Perspectives. Front Chem 2019; 7:489. [PMID: 31338363 PMCID: PMC6629825 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2019.00489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Among the other members of the adhesion molecules' family, α4β1 integrin, a heterodimeric receptor, plays a crucial role in inflammatory diseases, cancer development, metastasis and stem cell mobilization or retention. In many cases, its function in pathogenesis is not yet completely understood and investigations on ligand binding and related stabilization of active/inactive conformations still represent an important goal. For this reason, starting from the highlight of α4β1 functions in human pathologies, we report an overview of synthetic α4β1 integrin ligands under development as potential therapeutic agents. The small molecule library that we have selected represents a collection of lead compounds. These molecules are the object of future refinement in academic and industrial research, in order to achieve a fine tuning of α4β1 integrin regulation for the development of novel agents against pathologies still eluding an effective solution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Baiula
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Santi Spampinato
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Gentilucci
- Department of Chemistry “G. Ciamician,” University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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7
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An integrated QSAR modeling approach to explore the structure-property and selectivity relationships of N-benzoyl-L-biphenylalanines as integrin antagonists. Mol Divers 2017; 22:129-158. [PMID: 29147824 DOI: 10.1007/s11030-017-9789-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2017] [Accepted: 10/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Integrins [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are important targets to treat different inflammatory diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, atherosclerosis, and asthma. Despite being valuable targets, only a few work has been reported to date regarding molecular modeling studies on these integrins. Not only that, none of these reports addressed the selectivity issue between integrins [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. Therefore, a major challenge regarding the design and discovery of selective integrin antagonists remains. In this study, a series of 142 N-benzoyl-L-biphenylalanines having both integrin [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] inhibitory activities were considered for a variety of QSAR approaches including regression and classification-based 2D-QSARs, Hologram QSARs, 3D-QSAR CoMFA and CoMSIA studies to identify the structural requirements of these integrin antagonists. All these QSAR models were statistically validated and subsequently correlated with each other to get a detailed understanding of the activity and selectivity profiles of these molecules.
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8
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De Marco R, Mazzotti G, Dattoli SD, Baiula M, Spampinato S, Greco A, Gentilucci L. 5-aminomethyloxazolidine-2,4-dione hybrid α/β-dipeptide scaffolds as inductors of constrained conformations: Applications to the synthesis of integrin antagonists. Biopolymers 2016. [PMID: 26211418 DOI: 10.1002/bip.22704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Peptidomimetics represent an attractive starting point for drug discovery programs; in particular, peptidomimetics that result from the incorporation of a heterocycle may take advantage of increased enzymatic stability and higher ability to reproduce the bioactive conformations of the parent peptides, resulting in enhanced therapeutic potential. Herein, we present mimetics of the α4β1 integrin antagonist BIO1211 (MPUPA-Leu-Asp-Val-Pro-OH), containing a aminomethyloxazolidine-2,4-dione scaffold (Amo). Interestingly, the retro-sequences PhCOAsp(OH)-Amo-APUMP including either (S)- or (R)-configured Amo displayed significant ability to inhibit the adhesion of α4β1 integrin expressing cells, and remarkable stability in mouse serum. Possibly, the conformational bias exerted by the Amo scaffold determined the affinity for the receptors. These peptidomimetics could be of interest for the development of small-molecule agents effective against inflammatory processes and correlated autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossella De Marco
- Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna, via Selmi 2, Bologna, 40126, Italy
| | - Giacomo Mazzotti
- Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna, via Selmi 2, Bologna, 40126, Italy
| | - Samantha D Dattoli
- Department of Pharmacy and BioTechnology, University of Bologna, via Irnerio 48, Bologna, 40126, Italy
| | - Monica Baiula
- Department of Pharmacy and BioTechnology, University of Bologna, via Irnerio 48, Bologna, 40126, Italy
| | - Santi Spampinato
- Department of Pharmacy and BioTechnology, University of Bologna, via Irnerio 48, Bologna, 40126, Italy
| | - Arianna Greco
- Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna, via Selmi 2, Bologna, 40126, Italy
| | - Luca Gentilucci
- Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna, via Selmi 2, Bologna, 40126, Italy
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9
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Tolomelli A, Baiula M, Viola A, Ferrazzano L, Gentilucci L, Dattoli S, Spampinato S, Juaristi E, Escudero M. Dehydro-β-proline Containing α4β1 Integrin Antagonists: Stereochemical Recognition in Ligand-Receptor Interplay. ACS Med Chem Lett 2015; 6:701-6. [PMID: 26101577 PMCID: PMC4468404 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.5b00125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2015] [Accepted: 05/05/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
A novel class of dehydro-β-proline-containing peptidomimetics, designed to be effective as α4β1 integrin ligands, has been developed on the basis of the fundamental requirements for the interactions of these transmembrane receptors with bioactive ligands. Dehydro-β-proline ring has been synthesized through an original pathway, involving ring closing metathesis of a diallylamino derivative. The synthesized products showed to be effective and selective as α4β1 integrin antagonists and displayed IC50 values in the nanomolar range in cell adhesion inhibition assays and in VCAM-1-induced phosphorylation of extracellular-signal-regulated kinases. Significant activity was observed also toward the homologous integrin α4β7, while they did not display any activity toward selected members of β1, β2, and β3 families. A strong dependence on the stereochemistry of the heterocyclic central core could be observed. The great importance of α4β1 integrin in chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases suggests a possible exploitation of these ligands as lead compounds for therapeutic tools development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Tolomelli
- Department of Chemistry “G. Ciamician”, University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Monica Baiula
- Department of Pharmacy
and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Angelo Viola
- Department of Chemistry “G. Ciamician”, University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Lucia Ferrazzano
- Department of Chemistry “G. Ciamician”, University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Gentilucci
- Department of Chemistry “G. Ciamician”, University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Samantha
Deianira Dattoli
- Department of Pharmacy
and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Santi Spampinato
- Department of Pharmacy
and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Eusebio Juaristi
- Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto
Politécnico Nacional, Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional 2508, Col. San Pedro Zacatenco 07360, México
| | - Margarita Escudero
- Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto
Politécnico Nacional, Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional 2508, Col. San Pedro Zacatenco 07360, México
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10
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Dattoli SD, De Marco R, Baiula M, Spampinato S, Greco A, Tolomelli A, Gentilucci L. Synthesis and assay of retro-α4β1 integrin-targeting motifs. Eur J Med Chem 2013; 73:225-32. [PMID: 24412498 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2013.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2013] [Revised: 12/05/2013] [Accepted: 12/06/2013] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, several research groups proposed new peptidomimetic antagonists of integrins αvβ3, α5β1, αIIbβ3, αvβ6, αvβ5, etc. based on retro sequences of the classic integrin-binding motif RGD. The retro strategy is still largely ignored for the non-RGD-binding α4β1 integrin. Herein we present the first examples of retro sequences for targeting this integrin, composed of Asp or isoAsp equipped with an aromatic cap at the N-terminus, (S)-pyrrolidine-3-carboxylic acid (β(2)-Pro) as a constrained core, and the amino variant (AMPUMP) of the well-known α4-targeting diphenylurea MPUPA. We discuss α4β1 receptor affinity (SPA), cell adhesion assays, stability in mouse serum, and conformational analysis. For their significant ability to inhibit cell adhesion and remarkable stability, the retro-peptide mimetics BnCO-Asp-β-Pro-AMPUMP (3) and BnCO-isoAsp-β-Pro-AMPUMP (4) represent promising candidates for designing small molecules as potential anti-inflammatory agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha D Dattoli
- Dept. of Pharmacy and BioTechnology, University of Bologna, via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Rossella De Marco
- Dept. of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna, via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Monica Baiula
- Dept. of Pharmacy and BioTechnology, University of Bologna, via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Santi Spampinato
- Dept. of Pharmacy and BioTechnology, University of Bologna, via Irnerio 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Arianna Greco
- Dept. of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna, via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessandra Tolomelli
- Dept. of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna, via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Gentilucci
- Dept. of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna, via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy.
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11
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Gérard E, Bessy E, Hénard G, Verpoort T, Marchand-Brynaert J. Surface modification of polypropylene nonwovens with LDV peptidomimetics and their application in the leukodepletion of blood products. J Biomed Mater Res B Appl Biomater 2012; 100:1513-23. [DOI: 10.1002/jbm.b.32720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2011] [Revised: 02/09/2012] [Accepted: 03/15/2012] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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12
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Structural modelling and dynamics of proteins for insights into drug interactions. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2012; 64:323-43. [PMID: 22155026 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2011.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2011] [Revised: 11/17/2011] [Accepted: 11/24/2011] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Proteins are the workhorses of biomolecules and their function is affected by their structure and their structural rearrangements during ligand entry, ligand binding and protein-protein interactions. Hence, the knowledge of protein structure and, importantly, the dynamic behaviour of the structure are critical for understanding how the protein performs its function. The predictions of the structure and the dynamic behaviour can be performed by combinations of structure modelling and molecular dynamics simulations. The simulations also need to be sensitive to the constraints of the environment in which the protein resides. Standard computational methods now exist in this field to support the experimental effort of solving protein structures. This review presents a comprehensive overview of the basis of the calculations and the well-established computational methods used to generate and understand protein structure and function and the study of their dynamic behaviour with the reference to lung-related targets.
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Gérard E, Meulle A, Feron O, Marchand-Brynaert J. Diaryl ureaLDV peptidomimetics as α4β1integrin antagonists: synthesis, adhesion inhibition and toxicity evaluation on CCRF-CEM cell line. MEDCHEMCOMM 2012. [DOI: 10.1039/c1md00229e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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14
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LDV peptidomimetics equipped with biotinylated spacer-arms: Synthesis and biological evaluation on CCRF-CEM cell line. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2012; 22:586-90. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2011.10.078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2011] [Revised: 10/21/2011] [Accepted: 10/23/2011] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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15
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Modeling the molecular basis for α4β1 integrin antagonism. Bioorg Med Chem 2011; 19:5903-11. [PMID: 21889349 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2011.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2011] [Revised: 07/29/2011] [Accepted: 08/05/2011] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
We report a 3D QSAR study of almost 300 structurally diverse small molecule antagonists of the integrin α4β1 whose biological activity spans six orders of magnitude. The alignment of the molecules was based on the conformation of a structurally related ligand bound to the αIIBβ3 and αvβ3 integrins in X-ray crystallographic studies. The molecular field method, CoMSIA, was used to generate the 3D QSAR models. The resulting models showed that the lipophilic properties were the most important, with hydrogen bond donor and steric properties less relevant. The models were highly significant (r(2)=0.89, q2(LOO)=0.67, r(2) (test set)=0.76), and could make robust predictions of the data (SEE=0.46, SEP=0.78, SEP (test set)=0.66). We predicted the antagonist activities of a further ten compounds with useful accuracy. The model appears capable of predicting α4β1 integrin antagonist activity to within a factor of five for compounds within its domain of applicability. The implications for design of improved integrin antagonists will be discussed.
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Chen JB, Liu EM, Chern TR, Yang CW, Lin CI, Huang NK, Lin YL, Chern Y, Lin JH, Fang JM. Design and Synthesis of Novel Dual-Action Compounds Targeting the Adenosine A2A Receptor and Adenosine Transporter for Neuroprotection. ChemMedChem 2011; 6:1390-400. [DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201100126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2011] [Revised: 05/08/2011] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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17
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Matter H, Sotriffer C. Applications and Success Stories in Virtual Screening. METHODS AND PRINCIPLES IN MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY 2011. [DOI: 10.1002/9783527633326.ch12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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Mishra RK, Singh J. Generation, Validation, and Utilization of a Three-Dimensional Pharmacophore Model for EP3 Antagonists. J Chem Inf Model 2010; 50:1502-9. [DOI: 10.1021/ci100003q] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rama K. Mishra
- deCODE Chemistry Incorporated, 2501 Davey Road, Woodridge, Illinois 60517
| | - Jasbir Singh
- deCODE Chemistry Incorporated, 2501 Davey Road, Woodridge, Illinois 60517
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Leucine-Aspartic Acid-Valine Sequence as Targeting Ligand and Drug Carrier for Doxorubicin Delivery to Melanoma Cells: In Vitro Cellular Uptake and Cytotoxicity Studies. Pharm Res 2009; 26:2578-87. [DOI: 10.1007/s11095-009-9971-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2009] [Accepted: 09/14/2009] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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Taylor P, Blackburn E, Sheng YG, Harding S, Hsin KY, Kan D, Shave S, Walkinshaw MD. Ligand discovery and virtual screening using the program LIDAEUS. Br J Pharmacol 2008; 153 Suppl 1:S55-67. [PMID: 18037921 PMCID: PMC2268042 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjp.0707532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2007] [Revised: 09/27/2007] [Accepted: 10/04/2007] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
This paper discusses advances in docking and scoring approaches with examples from the high-throughput virtual screening program LIDAEUS. We describe the discovery of small molecule inhibitors for the immunophilin CypA, the cyclin-dependent kinase CDK2 and the cyclapolin series of potent Polo-like kinase inhibitors. These results are discussed in the context of advances in massively parallel computing and in the development of annotated databases.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Taylor
- The Centre for Translational and Chemical Biology, The University of Edinburgh, Michael Swann Building, King's Buildings, Mayfield Road, Edinburgh, UK
| | - E Blackburn
- The Centre for Translational and Chemical Biology, The University of Edinburgh, Michael Swann Building, King's Buildings, Mayfield Road, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Y G Sheng
- The Centre for Translational and Chemical Biology, The University of Edinburgh, Michael Swann Building, King's Buildings, Mayfield Road, Edinburgh, UK
| | - S Harding
- The Centre for Translational and Chemical Biology, The University of Edinburgh, Michael Swann Building, King's Buildings, Mayfield Road, Edinburgh, UK
| | - K-Y Hsin
- The Centre for Translational and Chemical Biology, The University of Edinburgh, Michael Swann Building, King's Buildings, Mayfield Road, Edinburgh, UK
| | - D Kan
- The Centre for Translational and Chemical Biology, The University of Edinburgh, Michael Swann Building, King's Buildings, Mayfield Road, Edinburgh, UK
| | - S Shave
- The Centre for Translational and Chemical Biology, The University of Edinburgh, Michael Swann Building, King's Buildings, Mayfield Road, Edinburgh, UK
| | - M D Walkinshaw
- The Centre for Translational and Chemical Biology, The University of Edinburgh, Michael Swann Building, King's Buildings, Mayfield Road, Edinburgh, UK
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A graftable LDV peptidomimetic: Design, synthesis and application to a blood filtration membrane. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2008; 18:1084-90. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2007.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2007] [Accepted: 12/04/2007] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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22
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Saku O, Ohta K, Arai E, Nomoto Y, Miura H, Nakamura H, Fuse E, Nakasato Y. Synthetic study of VLA-4/VCAM-1 inhibitors: synthesis and structure-activity relationship of piperazinylphenylalanine derivatives. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2007; 18:1053-7. [PMID: 18160288 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2007.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2007] [Revised: 11/27/2007] [Accepted: 12/07/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
To improve the poor pharmacokinetic characteristics of VLA-4 inhibitors, novel piperazinylphenylalanine derivatives were designed. This structure is expected to improve physicochemical properties by increasing overall basicity. By changing components at the 4-position of piperazine and the terminal group of the amido bond, 12t was found to be the most potent of this series of compounds. In addition, dichlorobenzoyl derivative 12aa exhibited better oral availability and showed efficacy in an in vivo model after oral administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osamu Saku
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Kyowa Hakko Kogyo Co., Ltd, 1188 Shimotogari, Nagaizumi-cho, Suntou-gun, Shizuoka 411-8731, Japan
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23
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Nishiyama T, Mishima K, Obara K, Inoue H, Doi T, Kondo S, Saka M, Tabunoki Y, Hattori Y, Kodama T, Tsubota K, Saito I. Amelioration of lacrimal gland inflammation by oral administration of K-13182 in Sjögren's syndrome model mice. Clin Exp Immunol 2007; 149:586-95. [PMID: 17614971 PMCID: PMC2219315 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2249.2007.03448.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulation of the adhesion of mononuclear cells to endothelial cells is considered to be a critical step for the treatment of inflammatory diseases, including autoimmune diseases. K-13182 was identified as a novel inhibitor for these adhesions. K-13182 inhibited the expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1, CD106) on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and on mouse vascular endothelial cell line (MAECs) induced by tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha. K-13182 also inhibited the adhesion of mononuclear cells to these HUVECs and MAECs, indicating that K-13182 suppressed these adhesions mediated by cellular adhesion molecules including VCAM-1. To evaluate the therapeutic effect in autoimmune disease model mice, K-13182 was orally administered to non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice as Sjögren's syndrome (SS) model mice. Severe destructive inflammatory lesions were observed in the lacrimal glands of vehicle-treated control mice; however, 8-week administration of K-13182 inhibited the mononuclear cell infiltration into the inflammatory lesions of the lacrimal glands. In K-13182-treated mice, the decrease in tear secretion was also prevented compared to the control mice. In addition, the apoptosis and the expression of FasL (CD178), perforin, and granzyme A was suppressed in the lacrimal glands of K-13182-treated mice. Therefore, K-13182 demonstrated the possibility of therapeutic efficacy for the inflammatory region of autoimmune disease model mice. These data reveal that VCAM-1 is a promising target molecule for the treatment of autoimmune diseases as a therapeutic strategy and that K-13182 has the potential as a new anti-inflammatory drug for SS.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Nishiyama
- Department of Pathology, Tsurumi University School of Dental Medicine, Yokohama, Japan; Sjögren's Syndrome Project, Shinanomachi Research Park, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
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24
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Ekins S, Mestres J, Testa B. In silico pharmacology for drug discovery: applications to targets and beyond. Br J Pharmacol 2007; 152:21-37. [PMID: 17549046 PMCID: PMC1978280 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjp.0707306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 205] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Computational (in silico) methods have been developed and widely applied to pharmacology hypothesis development and testing. These in silico methods include databases, quantitative structure-activity relationships, similarity searching, pharmacophores, homology models and other molecular modeling, machine learning, data mining, network analysis tools and data analysis tools that use a computer. Such methods have seen frequent use in the discovery and optimization of novel molecules with affinity to a target, the clarification of absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity properties as well as physicochemical characterization. The first part of this review discussed the methods that have been used for virtual ligand and target-based screening and profiling to predict biological activity. The aim of this second part of the review is to illustrate some of the varied applications of in silico methods for pharmacology in terms of the targets addressed. We will also discuss some of the advantages and disadvantages of in silico methods with respect to in vitro and in vivo methods for pharmacology research. Our conclusion is that the in silico pharmacology paradigm is ongoing and presents a rich array of opportunities that will assist in expediating the discovery of new targets, and ultimately lead to compounds with predicted biological activity for these novel targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Ekins
- ACT LLC, 1 Penn Plaza, New York, NY 10119, USA.
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25
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Abdala-Valencia H, Earwood J, Bansal S, Jansen M, Babcock G, Garvy B, Wills-Karp M, Cook-Mills JM. Nonhematopoietic NADPH oxidase regulation of lung eosinophilia and airway hyperresponsiveness in experimentally induced asthma. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2007; 292:L1111-25. [PMID: 17293377 PMCID: PMC2710034 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00208.2006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary eosinophilia is one of the most consistent hallmarks of asthma. Infiltration of eosinophils into the lung in experimental asthma is dependent on the adhesion molecule vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) on endothelial cells. Ligation of VCAM-1 activates endothelial cell NADPH oxidase, which is required for VCAM-1-dependent leukocyte migration in vitro. To examine whether endothelial-derived NADPH oxidase modulates eosinophil recruitment in vivo, mice deficient in NADPH oxidase (CYBB mice) were irradiated and received wild-type hematopoietic cells to generate chimeric CYBB mice. In response to ovalbumin (OVA) challenge, the chimeric CYBB mice had increased numbers of eosinophils bound to the endothelium as well as reduced eosinophilia in the lung tissue and bronchoalveolar lavage. This occurred independent of changes in VCAM-1 expression, cytokine/chemokine levels (IL-5, IL-10, IL-13, IFNgamma, or eotaxin), or numbers of T cells, neutrophils, or mononuclear cells in the lavage fluids or lung tissue of OVA-challenged mice. Importantly, the OVA-challenged chimeric CYBB mice had reduced airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR). The AHR in OVA-challenged chimeric CYBB mice was restored by bypassing the endothelium with intratracheal administration of eosinophils. These data suggest that VCAM-1 induction of NADPH oxidase in the endothelium is necessary for the eosinophil recruitment during allergic inflammation. Moreover, these studies provide a basis for targeting VCAM-1-dependent signaling pathways in asthma therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiam Abdala-Valencia
- Allergy-Immunology Division, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA
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26
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Witherington J, Blaney EL, Bordas V, Elliott RL, Gaiba A, Garton N, Green PM, Naylor A, Smith DG, Spalding DJ, Takle AK, Ward RW. Pyridone derivatives as potent, orally bioavailable VLA-4 integrin antagonists. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2006; 16:5538-41. [PMID: 16931004 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2006.08.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2006] [Revised: 07/31/2006] [Accepted: 08/08/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
A series of pyridone-N-benzyl-propanoic acids have been optimised to afford potent orally bioavailable VLA-4 antagonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Witherington
- Department of DMPK and Medicinal Chemistry, Neurology and GI Centre of Excellence for Drug Discovery, GlaxoSmithKline Research Limited, New Frontiers Science Park, Third Avenue, Harlow, Essex CM19 5AW, UK.
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27
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Hummel G, Reineke U, Reimer U. Translating peptides into small molecules. MOLECULAR BIOSYSTEMS 2006; 2:499-508. [PMID: 17216031 DOI: 10.1039/b611791k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gerd Hummel
- Jerini AG, Invalidenstrasse 130, Berlin, 10115, Germany
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28
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Spatial Screening for the Identification of the Bioactive Conformation of Integrin Ligands. Top Curr Chem (Cham) 2006. [DOI: 10.1007/128_052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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29
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Peng L, Liu R, Marik J, Wang X, Takada Y, Lam KS. Combinatorial chemistry identifies high-affinity peptidomimetics against alpha4beta1 integrin for in vivo tumor imaging. Nat Chem Biol 2006; 2:381-9. [PMID: 16767086 DOI: 10.1038/nchembio798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 199] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2006] [Accepted: 05/09/2006] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Small peptide-based agents have attracted wide interest as cancer-targeting agents for diagnostic imaging and targeted therapy. There is a need to develop new high-affinity and high-specificity peptidomimetic or small-molecule ligands against cancer cell surface receptors. Here we report on the identification of a high-affinity peptidomimetic ligand (LLP2A; IC50 = 2 pM) against alpha4beta1 integrin using both diverse and highly focused one-bead-one-compound combinatorial peptidomimetic libraries in conjunction with high-stringency screening. We further demonstrate that LLP2A can be used to image alpha4beta1-expressing lymphomas with high sensitivity and specificity when conjugated to a near infrared fluorescent dye in a mouse xenograft model. Thus, LLP2A provides an important tool for noninvasive monitoring of alpha4beta1 expression and activity during tumor progression, and it shows great potential as an imaging and therapeutic agent for alpha4beta1-positive tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Peng
- Division of Hematology & Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, UC Davis Cancer Center, University of California, Davis, 4501 X Street, Sacramento, California 95817, USA
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30
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Massa SM, Xie Y, Yang T, Harrington AW, Kim ML, Yoon SO, Kraemer R, Moore LA, Hempstead BL, Longo FM. Small, nonpeptide p75NTR ligands induce survival signaling and inhibit proNGF-induced death. J Neurosci 2006; 26:5288-300. [PMID: 16707781 PMCID: PMC6675309 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3547-05.2006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies showing that neurotrophin binding to p75NTR can promote cell survival in the absence of Trk (tropomyosin-related kinase) receptors, together with recent structural data indicating that NGF may bind to p75NTR in a monovalent manner, raise the possibility that small molecule p75NTR ligands that positively regulate survival might be found. A pharmacophore designed to capture selected structural and physical chemical features of a neurotrophin domain known to interact with p75NTR was applied to in silico screening of small molecule libraries. Small, nonpeptide, monomeric compounds were identified that interact with p75NTR. In cells showing trophic responses to neurotrophins, the compounds promoted survival signaling through p75NTR-dependent mechanisms. In cells susceptible to proneurotrophin-induced death, compounds did not induce apoptosis but inhibited proneurotrophin-mediated death. These studies identify a unique range of p75NTR behaviors that can result from isolated receptor liganding and establish several novel therapeutic leads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen M. Massa
- Correspondence should be addressed to either of the following: Dr. Frank M. Longo, Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences A343, Stanford University, 300 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, or Dr. Stephen M. Massa, Department of Neurology (127), San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 4150 Clement Street, San Francisco, CA 94121,
| | - Youmei Xie
- Correspondence should be addressed to either of the following: Dr. Frank M. Longo, Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences A343, Stanford University, 300 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, or Dr. Stephen M. Massa, Department of Neurology (127), San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 4150 Clement Street, San Francisco, CA 94121,
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31
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Witherington J, Bordas V, Gaiba A, Green PM, Naylor A, Parr N, Smith DG, Takle AK, Ward RW. Pyridone derivatives as potent and selective VLA-4 integrin antagonists. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2006; 16:2256-9. [PMID: 16455247 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2006.01.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2005] [Revised: 01/06/2006] [Accepted: 01/06/2006] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
A novel series of pyridone inhibitors has been identified through pharmacophore analysis, as potent antagonists of VLA-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Witherington
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Neurology & GI Centre of Excellence for Drug Discovery, GlaxoSmithKline Research Limited, New Frontiers Science Park, Third Avenue, Harlow, Essex, CM19 5AW, UK.
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Macchiarulo A, Costantino G, Meniconi M, Pleban K, Ecker G, Bellocchi D, Pellicciari R. Insights into phenylalanine derivatives recognition of VLA-4 integrin: from a pharmacophoric study to 3D-QSAR and molecular docking analyses. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005; 44:1829-39. [PMID: 15446843 DOI: 10.1021/ci049914l] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The very late antigen-4 (VLA-4), also known as integrin alpha4beta1, is expressed on monocytes, T- and B-lympohocytes, basophils, and eosinophils and is involved in the massive recruitment of granulocytes in different pathological conditions such as multiple sclerosis and asthma. VLA-4 interacts with its endogenous ligand VCAM-1 during chronic inflammation, and blockade of VLA-4 /VCAM-1 interaction is a potential target for immunosuppression. Two classes of VLA-4 antagonists have so far been reported: beta-amino acid derivatives containing a diaryl urea moiety (BIO-1211) and phenylalanine derivatives (TR-14035). With the aim of clarifying the structural basis responsible for VLA-4 recognition by phenylalanine derivatives, we developed a combined computational study on a set of 128 antagonists available through the literature. Our computational approach is composed of three parts. (i) A VCAM-1 based pharmacophore was constructed with a restricted number of phenylalanine derivatives to identify the region of the protein that resembles synthetic antagonists. The pharmacophore was instrumental in constructing an alignment of a set of 128 compounds. This alignment was exploited to build a pseudoreceptor model with the RECEPTOR program. (ii) 3D-QSAR analysis was carried out on the computed electrostatic and steric interaction energies with the pseudoreceptor surface. The 3D-QSAR analysis yielded a predictive model able to explain much of the variance of the 128 antagonists. (iii) A homology modeling study of the headpiece of VLA-4 based on the crystal structure of alphavbeta3 was performed. Docking experiments of TR-14035 into the binding site of VLA-4 aided the interpretation of the 3D-QSAR model. The obtained results will be fruitful for the design of new potent and selective antagonists of VLA-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Macchiarulo
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologia del Farmaco, Università di Perugia, via del Liceo 1, 06127 Perugia, Italy
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von Korff M, Steger M. GPCR-tailored pharmacophore pattern recognition of small molecular ligands. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005; 44:1137-47. [PMID: 15154783 DOI: 10.1021/ci0303013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The goal of our work was to differentiate between patterns, which are responsible for the activity of small molecular ligands binding to G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) and molecules, which are pharmacologically active on other target classes. Second the aim was to go one step further and analyze the chemical space occupied by GPCR active ligands itself, to distinguish between the actives of different subclasses or even cluster ligands for single receptors. To achieve these objectives, we have built a database of small, organic molecules, which bind to GPCRs. Once this crucial foundation for pattern recognition has been laid, we needed to find a descriptor, which is able to detect the compulsory features responsible for activity within a molecule. In this matter we found that the well accepted pharmacophore descriptor served us well. Finally we needed to find a method to display the clustering or separation of the specific ligands. We found that self-organizing maps (SOMs) perform excellently in this task. We herein present the analysis of the chemical space of active compounds, depending on their biological target, the GPCRs. We will also discuss the techniques used to create the chemical spaces. The findings can be applied and have an impact at various stages of the drug discovery process.
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35
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Schreiner EP, Oberhauser B, Foster CA. Inhibitors of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 expression. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2005. [DOI: 10.1517/13543776.13.2.149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Abstract
Target- and ligand-based virtual screening have emerged as resource-saving techniques that have been successfully applied to identify novel chemotypes in biologically active molecules. Eight confirmed virtual screening hits have recently been described and are discussed in this review, with focus on the workflow. These are then evaluated in the light of pharmacokinetics prediction (e.g. Caco-2 permeability, cytochrome P450 inhibition and hERG binding). We anticipate problems for five of these hits (e.g. cardiac toxicity), which warrant further experiments. Future challenges include dynamic tautomer/protonation treatment for both ligands and targets and improved pre- and post- virtual screening filters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tudor I Oprea
- Division of Biocomputing, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, MSC 08 4560, 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131-0001, USA.
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Funk OF, Kettmann V, Drimal J, Langer T. Chemical Function Based Pharmacophore Generation of Endothelin-A Selective Receptor Antagonists. J Med Chem 2004; 47:2750-60. [PMID: 15139753 DOI: 10.1021/jm031041j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Both quantitative and qualitative chemical function based pharmacophore models of endothelin-A (ET(A)) selective receptor antagonists were generated by using the two algorithms HypoGen and HipHop, respectively, which are implemented in the Catalyst molecular modeling software. The input for HypoGen is a training set of 18 ET(A) antagonists exhibiting IC(50) values ranging between 0.19 nM and 67 microM. The best output hypothesis consists of five features: two hydrophobic (HY), one ring aromatic (RA), one hydrogen bond acceptor (HBA), and one negative ionizable (NI) function. The highest scoring Hip Hop model consists of six features: three hydrophobic (HY), one ring aromatic (RA), one hydrogen bond acceptor (HBA), and one negative ionizable (NI). It is the result of an input of three highly active, selective, and structurally diverse ET(A) antagonists. The predictive power of the quantitative model could be approved by using a test set of 30 compounds, whose activity values spread over 6 orders of magnitude. The two pharmacophores were tested according to their ability to extract known endothelin antagonists from the 3D molecular structure database of Derwent's World Drug Index. Thereby the main part of selective ET(A) antagonistic entries was detected by the two hypotheses. Furthermore, the pharmacophores were used to screen the Maybridge database. Six compounds were chosen from the output hit lists for in vitro testing of their ability to displace endothelin-1 from its receptor. Two of these are new potential lead compounds because they are structurally novel and exhibit satisfactory activity in the binding assay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver F Funk
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Innsbruck, Innrain 52a, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria.
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Krovat EM, Langer T. Non-peptide angiotensin II receptor antagonists: chemical feature based pharmacophore identification. J Med Chem 2003; 46:716-26. [PMID: 12593652 DOI: 10.1021/jm021032v] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Chemical feature based pharmacophore models were elaborated for angiotensin II receptor subtype 1 (AT(1)) antagonists using both a quantitative and a qualitative approach (Catalyst HypoGen and HipHop algorithms, respectively). The training sets for quantitative model generation consisted of 25 selective AT(1) antagonists exhibiting IC(50) values ranging from 1.3 nM to 150 microM. Additionally, a qualitative pharmacophore hypothesis was derived from multiconformational structure models of the two highly active AT(1) antagonists 4u (IC(50) = 0.2 nM) and 3k (IC(50) = 0.7 nM). In the case of the quantitative model, the best pharmacophore hypothesis consisted of a five-features model (Hypo1: seven points, one hydrophobic aromatic, one hydrophobic aliphatic, a hydrogen bond acceptor, a negative ionizable function, and an aromatic plane function). The best qualitative model consisted of seven features (Hypo2: 11 points, two aromatic rings, two hydrogen bond acceptors, a negative ionizable function, and two hydrophobic functions). The obtained pharmacophore models were validated on a wide set of test molecules. They were shown to be able to identify a range of highly potent AT(1) antagonists, among those a number of recently launched drugs and some candidates presently undergoing clinical tests and/or development phases. The results of our study provide confidence for the utility of the selected chemical feature based pharmacophore models to retrieve structurally diverse compounds with desired biological activity by virtual screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva M Krovat
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Innsbruck, Innrain 52a, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria.
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Chppter 30. Recent advances in virtual ligand screening. ANNUAL REPORTS IN MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY 2003. [DOI: 10.1016/s0065-7743(03)38031-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
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Abstract
High-throughput and virtual screening are important components of modern drug discovery research. Typically, these screening technologies are considered distinct approaches, as one is experimental and the other is theoretical in nature. However, given their similar tasks and goals, these approaches are much more complementary to each other than often thought. Various statistical, informatics and filtering methods have recently been introduced to foster the integration of experimental and in silico screening and maximize their output in drug discovery. Although many of these ideas and efforts have not yet proceeded much beyond the conceptual level, there are several success stories and good indications that early-stage drug discovery will benefit greatly from a more unified and knowledge-based approach to biological screening, despite the many technical advances towards even higher throughput that are made in the screening arena.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jürgen Bajorath
- Department of Computer-Aided Drug Discovery, Albany Molecular Research, Inc., Bothell Research Center, 18804 North Creek Parkway, Bothell, Washington 98011, USA.
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In Brief. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2002. [DOI: 10.1038/nrd905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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