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Zhao G, Zhu M, Li Y, Zhang G, Li Y. Using DNA-encoded libraries of fragments for hit discovery of challenging therapeutic targets. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2024; 19:725-740. [PMID: 38753553 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2024.2354287] [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: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The effectiveness of Fragment-based drug design (FBDD) for targeting challenging therapeutic targets has been hindered by two factors: the small library size and the complexity of the fragment-to-hit optimization process. The DNA-encoded library (DEL) technology offers a compelling and robust high-throughput selection approach to potentially address these limitations. AREA COVERED In this review, the authors propose the viewpoint that the DEL technology matches perfectly with the concept of FBDD to facilitate hit discovery. They begin by analyzing the technical limitations of FBDD from a medicinal chemistry perspective and explain why DEL may offer potential solutions to these limitations. Subsequently, they elaborate in detail on how the integration of DEL with FBDD works. In addition, they present case studies involving both de novo hit discovery and full ligand discovery, especially for challenging therapeutic targets harboring broad drug-target interfaces. EXPERT OPINION The future of DEL-based fragment discovery may be promoted by both technical advances and application scopes. From the technical aspect, expanding the chemical diversity of DEL will be essential to achieve success in fragment-based drug discovery. From the application scope side, DEL-based fragment discovery holds promise for tackling a series of challenging targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guixian Zhao
- Chongqing University FuLing Hospital, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, Innovative Drug Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Mengping Zhu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, Innovative Drug Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yangfeng Li
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, Innovative Drug Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Gong Zhang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, Innovative Drug Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yizhou Li
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, Innovative Drug Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
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2
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Dockerill M, Ford DJ, Angerani S, Alwis I, Dowman LJ, Ripoll-Rozada J, Smythe RE, Liu JST, Pereira PJB, Jackson SP, Payne RJ, Winssinger N. Development of supramolecular anticoagulants with on-demand reversibility. Nat Biotechnol 2024:10.1038/s41587-024-02209-z. [PMID: 38689027 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-024-02209-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Drugs are administered at a dosing schedule set by their therapeutic index, and termination of action is achieved by clearance and metabolism of the drug. In some cases, such as anticoagulant drugs or immunotherapeutics, it is important to be able to quickly reverse the drug's action. Here, we report a general strategy to achieve on-demand reversibility by designing a supramolecular drug (a noncovalent assembly of two cooperatively interacting drug fragments held together by transient hybridization of peptide nucleic acid (PNA)) that can be reversed with a PNA antidote that outcompetes the hybridization between the fragments. We demonstrate the approach with thrombin-inhibiting anticoagulants, creating very potent and reversible bivalent direct thrombin inhibitors (Ki = 74 pM). The supramolecular inhibitor effectively inhibited thrombus formation in mice in a needle injury thrombosis model, and this activity could be reversed by administration of the PNA antidote. This design is applicable to therapeutic targets where two binding sites can be identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Millicent Dockerill
- Department of Organic Chemistry, NCCR Chemical Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Daniel J Ford
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Heart Research Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Simona Angerani
- Department of Organic Chemistry, NCCR Chemical Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Imala Alwis
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Heart Research Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Luke J Dowman
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jorge Ripoll-Rozada
- Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Rhyll E Smythe
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Heart Research Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Joanna S T Liu
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Heart Research Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Pedro José Barbosa Pereira
- Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Shaun P Jackson
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Heart Research Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Richard J Payne
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Nicolas Winssinger
- Department of Organic Chemistry, NCCR Chemical Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
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3
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Zhou Y, Shen W, Gao Y, Peng J, Li Q, Wei X, Liu S, Lam FS, Mayol-Llinàs J, Zhao G, Li G, Li Y, Sun H, Cao Y, Li X. Protein-templated ligand discovery via the selection of DNA-encoded dynamic libraries. Nat Chem 2024; 16:543-555. [PMID: 38326646 DOI: 10.1038/s41557-024-01442-y] [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: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
DNA-encoded chemical libraries (DELs) have become a powerful technology platform in drug discovery. Dual-pharmacophore DELs display two sets of small molecules at the termini of DNA duplexes, thereby enabling the identification of synergistic binders against biological targets, and have been successfully applied in fragment-based ligand discovery and affinity maturation of known ligands. However, dual-pharmacophore DELs identify separate binders that require subsequent linking to obtain the full ligands, which is often challenging. Here we report a protein-templated DEL selection approach that can identify full ligand/inhibitor structures from DNA-encoded dynamic libraries (DEDLs) without the need for subsequent fragment linking. Our approach is based on dynamic DNA hybridization and target-templated in situ ligand synthesis, and it incorporates and encodes the linker structures in the library, along with the building blocks, to be sampled by the target protein. To demonstrate the performance of this method, 4.35-million- and 3.00-million-member DEDLs with different library architectures were prepared, and hit selection was achieved against four therapeutically relevant target proteins.
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Grants
- AoE/P-705/16, 17301118, 17111319, 17303220, 17300321, 17318322, C7005-20G, C7016-22G, and 2122-7S04 Research Grants Council, University Grants Committee (RGC, UGC)
- 21877093, 22222702, and 91953119 National Science Foundation of China | National Natural Science Foundation of China-Yunnan Joint Fund (NSFC-Yunnan Joint Fund)
- Health@InnoHK Innovation and Technology Commission (ITF)
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhou
- Department of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Synthetic Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Laboratory for Synthetic Chemistry and Chemical Biology Limited, Health@InnoHK, Innovation and Technology Commission, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Wenyin Shen
- Department of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Synthetic Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ying Gao
- Department of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Synthetic Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jianzhao Peng
- Department of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Synthetic Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Qingrong Li
- Department of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Synthetic Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Xueying Wei
- Department of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Synthetic Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Shihao Liu
- Department of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Synthetic Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Fong Sang Lam
- Department of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Synthetic Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Joan Mayol-Llinàs
- Laboratory for Synthetic Chemistry and Chemical Biology Limited, Health@InnoHK, Innovation and Technology Commission, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Guixian Zhao
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Gang Li
- Institute of Systems and Physical Biology, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yizhou Li
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hongzhe Sun
- Department of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Synthetic Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
| | - Yan Cao
- School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xiaoyu Li
- Department of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Synthetic Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
- Laboratory for Synthetic Chemistry and Chemical Biology Limited, Health@InnoHK, Innovation and Technology Commission, Hong Kong SAR, China.
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4
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Plais L, Trachsel L, Scheuermann J. Asymmetry of Dual-Display DNA-Encoded Chemical Libraries. Bioconjug Chem 2024; 35:147-153. [PMID: 38266192 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.3c00559] [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: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
While dual-display DNA-encoded chemical libraries (DELs) are increasingly employed for ligand discovery, some of their fundamental properties have not yet been studied in-depth. Aided with fluorescence polarization experiments, we demonstrate that dual-display DELs are intrinsically asymmetrical entities, and we deduce practical guidelines to perform better-informed on-DNA hit validation from these libraries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Plais
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4, CH-8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Louis Trachsel
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4, CH-8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Jörg Scheuermann
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4, CH-8093 Zürich, Switzerland
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5
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Wei H, Zhang T, Li Y, Zhang G, Li Y. Covalent Capture and Selection of DNA-Encoded Chemical Libraries via Photo-Activated Lysine-Selective Crosslinkers. Chem Asian J 2023; 18:e202300652. [PMID: 37721712 DOI: 10.1002/asia.202300652] [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: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Covalent crosslinking probes have arisen as efficient toolkits to capture and elucidate biomolecular interaction networks. Exploiting the potential of crosslinking in DNA-encoded chemical library (DEL) selection methods significantly boosted bioactive ligand discovery in complex physiological contexts. Herein, we incorporated o-nitrobenzyl alcohol (o-NBA) as a photo-activated lysine-selective crosslinker into divergent DEL formats and achieved covalent capture of ligand-target interactions featuring improved crosslinking efficiency and site-specificity. In addition, covalent DEL selection was realized with the modularly designed o-NBA-functionalized mock libraries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haimei Wei
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, Innovative Drug Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 401331, P. R. China
| | - Tianyang Zhang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, Innovative Drug Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 401331, P. R. China
| | - Yangfeng Li
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, Innovative Drug Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 401331, P. R. China
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 401331, P. R. China
| | - Gong Zhang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, Innovative Drug Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 401331, P. R. China
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 401331, P. R. China
| | - Yizhou Li
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, Innovative Drug Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 401331, P. R. China
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 401331, P. R. China
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
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6
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Lessing A, Petrov D, Scheuermann J. Advancing small-molecule drug discovery by encoded dual-display technologies. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2023; 44:817-831. [PMID: 37739829 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2023.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
DNA-encoded chemical library technology (DECL or DEL) has become an important pillar for small-molecule drug discovery. The technology rapidly identifies small-molecule hits for relevant target proteins at low cost and with a high success rate, including ligands for targeted protein degradation (TPD). More recently, the setup of DNA- or peptide nucleic acid (PNA)-encoded chemical libraries based on the simultaneous display of ligand pairs, termed dual-display, allows for more sophisticated applications which will be reviewed herein. Both stable and dynamic dual-display DEL technologies enable innovative affinity-based selection modalities, even on and in cells. Novel methods for a seamless conversion between single- and double-stranded library formats allow for even more versatility. We present the first candidates emerging from dual-display technologies and discuss the future potential of dual-display for drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Lessing
- ETH Zürich, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Dimitar Petrov
- ETH Zürich, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Jörg Scheuermann
- ETH Zürich, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zürich, Switzerland.
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7
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Schneider L, Sauter B, Dagher K, Gillingham D. Recording Binding Information Directly into DNA-Encoded Libraries Using Terminal Deoxynucleotidyl Transferase. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:20874-20882. [PMID: 37704585 PMCID: PMC10540198 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c05961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) is an unusual DNA polymerase that adds untemplated dNTPs to 3'-ends of DNA. If a target protein is expressed as a TdT fusion and incubated with a DNA-encoded library (DEL) in the presence of dATP, the binders of the target induce proximity between TdT and the DNA, promoting the synthesis of a poly-adenine (polyA) tail. The polyA tail length is proportional to the binding affinity, effectively serving as a stable molecular record of binding events. The polyA tail is also a convenient handle to enrich binders with magnetic poly(dT)25 beads before sequencing. In a benchmarking system, we show that ligands spanning nanomolar to double-digit micromolar binding can be cleanly identified by TdT extension, whereas only the tightest binding ligands are identified by classical affinity selection. The method is simple to implement and can function on any DEL that bears a free 3'-end.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Basilius Sauter
- Department of Chemistry, University
of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Koder Dagher
- Department of Chemistry, University
of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Dennis Gillingham
- Department of Chemistry, University
of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
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8
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Boisgerault N, Bertrand P. Inside PD-1/PD-L1,2 with their inhibitors. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 256:115465. [PMID: 37196547 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
This review summarizes current knowledge in the development of immune checkpoint inhibitors, including antibodies and small molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Boisgerault
- Nantes Université, Inserm UMR 1307, CNRS UMR 6075, Université D'Angers, CRCI2NA, LabEx IGO, F-44000, Nantes, France
| | - Philippe Bertrand
- University of Poitiers, IC2MP UMR 7285 CNRS, 4 Rue Michel Brunet B27, TSA 51106, 86073 Poitiers Cedex 9, France.
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9
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Cui M, Nguyen D, Gaillez MP, Heiden S, Lin W, Thompson M, Reddavide FV, Chen Q, Zhang Y. Trio-pharmacophore DNA-encoded chemical library for simultaneous selection of fragments and linkers. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1481. [PMID: 36932079 PMCID: PMC10023787 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37071-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The split-and-pool method has been widely used to synthesize chemical libraries of a large size for early drug discovery, albeit without the possibility of meaningful quality control. In contrast, a self-assembled DNA-encoded chemical library (DEL) allows us to construct an m x n-member library by mixing an m-member and an n-member pre-purified sub-library. Herein, we report a trio-pharmacophore DEL (T-DEL) of m x l x n members through assembling three pre-purified and validated sub-libraries. The middle sub-library is synthesized using DNA-templated synthesis with different reaction mechanisms and designed as a linkage connecting the fragments displayed on the flanking two sub-libraries. Despite assembling three fragments, the resulting compounds do not exceed the up-to-date standard of molecular weight regarding drug-likeness. We demonstrate the utility of T-DEL in linker optimization for known binding fragments against trypsin and carbonic anhydrase II and by de novo selections against matrix metalloprotease-2 and -9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiying Cui
- B CUBE, Center for Molecular Bioengineering, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | | | - Michelle Patino Gaillez
- B CUBE, Center for Molecular Bioengineering, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | | | - Weilin Lin
- B CUBE, Center for Molecular Bioengineering, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | | | | | - Qinchang Chen
- Research Institute of Intelligent Computing, Zhejiang Lab, Hangzhou, China.
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yixin Zhang
- B CUBE, Center for Molecular Bioengineering, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
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10
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Dockerill M, Winssinger N. DNA-Encoded Libraries: Towards Harnessing their Full Power with Darwinian Evolution. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202215542. [PMID: 36458812 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202215542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
DNA-encoded library (DEL) technologies are transforming the drug discovery process, enabling the identification of ligands at unprecedented speed and scale. DEL makes use of libraries that are orders of magnitude larger than traditional high-throughput screens. While a DNA tag alludes to a genotype-phenotype connection that is exploitable for molecular evolution, most of the work in the field is performed with libraries where the tag serves as an amplifiable barcode but does not allow "translation" into the synthetic product it is linked to. In this Review, we cover technologies that enable the "translation" of the genetic tag into synthetic molecules, both biochemically and chemically, and explore how it can be used to harness Darwinian evolutionary pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Millicent Dockerill
- Department of Organic Chemistry, NCCR Chemical Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Geneva, 1211, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Winssinger
- Department of Organic Chemistry, NCCR Chemical Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Geneva, 1211, Geneva, Switzerland
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11
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Matsuo B, Granados A, Levitre G, Molander GA. Photochemical Methods Applied to DNA Encoded Library (DEL) Synthesis. Acc Chem Res 2023; 56:385-401. [PMID: 36656960 PMCID: PMC10415088 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.2c00778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
DNA-encoded library technology (DELT) is a new screening modality that allows efficient, cost-effective, and rapid identification of small molecules with potential biological activity. This emerging technique represents an enormous advancement that, in combination with other technologies such as high-throughput screening (HTS), fragment-based lead generation, and structure-based drug design, has the potential to transform how drug discovery is carried out. DELT is a hybrid technique in which chemically synthesized compounds are linked to unique genetic tags (or "barcodes") that contain readable information. In this way, millions to billions of building blocks (BBs) attached on-DNA via split-and-pool synthesis can be evaluated against a biological target in a single experiment. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and next-generation sequencing (NGS) analysis of the unique sequence of oligonucleotides in the DNA tag are used to identify those ligands with high affinity for the target. This innovative fusion of genetic and chemical technologies was conceived in 1992 by Brenner and Lerner (Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 1992, 89, 5381-5383) and is under accelerated development with the implementation of new synthetic techniques and protocols that are compatible with DNA. In fact, reaction compatibility is a key parameter to increasing the chances of identification of a drug target ligand, and a central focus has been the development of new transformations and the transition to robust protocols for on-DNA synthesis. Because the sole use of the DNA tag is as an amplifiable identification barcode, its structural integrity during a new chemical process is mandatory. As such, the use of these sensitive, polyfunctional biological molecules as substrates typically requires aqueous solutions within defined pH and temperature ranges, which is considered a notable challenge in DEL synthesis.Using low-energy visible light as the driving force to promote chemical transformations represents an attractive alternative to classical synthetic methods, and it is an important and well-established synthetic tool for forging chemical bonds in a unique way via radical intermediates. Recent advances in the field of photocatalysis are extraordinary, and this powerful research arena is still under continuous development. Several applications taking advantage of the mild reaction conditions of photoinduced transformations have been directed toward DEL synthesis, allowing the expansion of chemical space available for the evaluation of new building blocks on-DNA. There are no doubts that visible-light-driven reactions have become one of the most powerful approaches for DELT, given the easy way they provide to construct new bonds and the challenges to achieve equal success via classical protocols.Key characteristics of photocatalytic synthesis include the short reaction times and efficiency, which translate into retention of DNA integrity. In this Account, we describe recent advances in the photoinduced diversification of building blocks prepared on-DNA, highlighting the amenability of the techniques employed for preserving the genetic structure of the molecules. We demonstrate with recent research from our group the applicability of photocatalysis to the field and include in the summary a table containing all the photoinduced methods reported to date for DELT, demonstrating their key aspects such as scope, applications, and DNA compatibilities. With this information, practitioners are provided with compelling reasons for developing/choosing photocatalytic methods for DELT applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Matsuo
- Roy and Diana Vagelos Laboratories, Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, 231 South 34th Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania19104-6323, United States
| | - Albert Granados
- Roy and Diana Vagelos Laboratories, Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, 231 South 34th Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania19104-6323, United States
| | - Guillaume Levitre
- Roy and Diana Vagelos Laboratories, Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, 231 South 34th Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania19104-6323, United States
| | - Gary A Molander
- Roy and Diana Vagelos Laboratories, Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, 231 South 34th Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania19104-6323, United States
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12
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Imiołek M, Winssinger N. Two-Helix Supramolecular Proteomimetic Binders Assembled via PNA-Assisted Disulfide Crosslinking. Chembiochem 2023; 24:e202200561. [PMID: 36349499 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202200561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Revised: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Peptidic motifs folded in a defined conformation are able to inhibit protein-protein interactions (PPIs) covering large interfaces and as such they are biomedical molecules of interest. Mimicry of such natural structures with synthetically tractable constructs often requires complex scaffolding and extensive optimization to preserve the fidelity of binding to the target. Here, we present a novel proteomimetic strategy based on a 2-helix binding motif that is brought together by hybridization of peptide nucleic acids (PNA) and stabilized by a rationally positioned intermolecular disulfide crosslink. Using a solid phase synthesis approach (SPPS), the building blocks are easily accessible and such supramolecular peptide-PNA helical hybrids could be further coiled using precise templated chemistry. The elaboration of the structural design afforded high affinity SARS CoV-2 RBD (receptor binding domain) binders without interference with the underlying peptide sequence, creating a basis for a new architecture of supramolecular proteomimetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateusz Imiołek
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Science, NCCR Chemical Biology, University of Geneva, 1211, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Winssinger
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Science, NCCR Chemical Biology, University of Geneva, 1211, Geneva, Switzerland
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13
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Sabat N, Katkevica D, Pajuste K, Flamme M, Stämpfli A, Katkevics M, Hanlon S, Bisagni S, Püntener K, Sladojevich F, Hollenstein M. Towards the controlled enzymatic synthesis of LNA containing oligonucleotides. Front Chem 2023; 11:1161462. [PMID: 37179777 PMCID: PMC10172484 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2023.1161462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Enzymatic, de novo XNA synthesis represents an alternative method for the production of long oligonucleotides containing chemical modifications at distinct locations. While such an approach is currently developed for DNA, controlled enzymatic synthesis of XNA remains at a relative state of infancy. In order to protect the masking groups of 3'-O-modified LNA and DNA nucleotides against removal caused by phosphatase and esterase activities of polymerases, we report the synthesis and biochemical characterization of nucleotides equipped with ether and robust ester moieties. While the resulting ester-modified nucleotides appear to be poor substrates for polymerases, ether-blocked LNA and DNA nucleotides are readily incorporated into DNA. However, removal of the protecting groups and modest incorporation yields represent obstacles for LNA synthesis via this route. On the other hand, we have also shown that the template-independent RNA polymerase PUP represents a valid alternative to the TdT and we have also explored the possibility of using engineered DNA polymerases to increase substrate tolerance for such heavily modified nucleotide analogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazarii Sabat
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris Cité, CNRS UMR3523, Department of Structural Biology and Chemistry, Laboratory for Bioorganic Chemistry of Nucleic Acids, Paris, France
| | | | | | - Marie Flamme
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris Cité, CNRS UMR3523, Department of Structural Biology and Chemistry, Laboratory for Bioorganic Chemistry of Nucleic Acids, Paris, France
| | - Andreas Stämpfli
- Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Steven Hanlon
- Pharmaceutical Division, Synthetic Molecules Technical Development, Process Development and Catalysis, F Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Serena Bisagni
- Pharmaceutical Division, Synthetic Molecules Technical Development, Process Development and Catalysis, F Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Kurt Püntener
- Pharmaceutical Division, Synthetic Molecules Technical Development, Process Development and Catalysis, F Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Filippo Sladojevich
- Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marcel Hollenstein
- Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris Cité, CNRS UMR3523, Department of Structural Biology and Chemistry, Laboratory for Bioorganic Chemistry of Nucleic Acids, Paris, France
- *Correspondence: Marcel Hollenstein,
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14
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Li X, Zhang J, Liu C, Sun J, Li Y, Zhang G, Li Y. Aryl diazonium intermediates enable mild DNA-compatible C-C bond formation for medicinally relevant combinatorial library synthesis. Chem Sci 2022; 13:13100-13109. [PMID: 36425486 PMCID: PMC9667928 DOI: 10.1039/d2sc04482j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Forging carbon-carbon (C-C) linkage in DNA-encoded combinatorial library synthesis represents a fundamental task for drug discovery, especially with broad substrate scope and exquisite functional group tolerance. Here we reported the palladium-catalyzed Suzuki-Miyaura, Heck and Hiyama type cross-coupling via DNA-conjugated aryl diazonium intermediates for DNA-encoded chemical library (DEL) synthesis. Starting from commodity arylamines, this synthetic route facilely delivers vast chemical diversity at a mild temperature and pH, thus circumventing damage to fragile functional groups. Given its orthogonality with traditional aryl halide-based cross-coupling, the aryl diazonium-centered strategy expands the compatible synthesis of complex C-C bond-connected scaffolds. In addition, DNA-tethered pharmaceutical compounds (e.g., HDAC inhibitor) are constructed without decomposition of susceptible bioactive warheads (e.g., hydroxamic acid), emphasizing the superiority of the aryl diazonium-based approach. Together with the convenient transformation into an aryl azide photo-crosslinker, aryl diazonium's DNA-compatible diversification synergistically demonstrated its competence to create medicinally relevant combinatorial libraries and investigate protein-ligand interactions in pharmaceutical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianfeng Li
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University China
| | - Juan Zhang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University China
| | - Changyang Liu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University China
| | - Jie Sun
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University China
| | - Yangfeng Li
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University China
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University 401331 Chongqing P. R. China
| | - Gong Zhang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University China
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University 401331 Chongqing P. R. China
| | - Yizhou Li
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University China
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University 401331 Chongqing P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University P. R. China
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences Beijing 100190 P. R. China
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15
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Cui M, Zhao X, Reddavide FV, Gaillez MP, Heiden S, Mannocci L, Thompson M, Zhang Y. Nonlinear manipulation and analysis of large DNA datasets. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:8974-8985. [PMID: 35947747 PMCID: PMC9410889 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Information processing functions are essential for organisms to perceive and react to their complex environment, and for humans to analyze and rationalize them. While our brain is extraordinary at processing complex information, winner-take-all, as a type of biased competition is one of the simplest models of lateral inhibition and competition among biological neurons. It has been implemented as DNA-based neural networks, for example, to mimic pattern recognition. However, the utility of DNA-based computation in information processing for real biotechnological applications remains to be demonstrated. In this paper, a biased competition method for nonlinear manipulation and analysis of mixtures of DNA sequences was developed. Unlike conventional biological experiments, selected species were not directly subjected to analysis. Instead, parallel computation among a myriad of different DNA sequences was carried out to reduce the information entropy. The method could be used for various oligonucleotide-encoded libraries, as we have demonstrated its application in decoding and data analysis for selection experiments with DNA-encoded chemical libraries against protein targets.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Michelle Patino Gaillez
- B CUBE, Center for Molecular Bioengineering, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Yixin Zhang
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel: +49 351 463 43040;
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16
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Gui Y, Wong CS, Zhao G, Xie C, Hou R, Li Y, Li G, Li X. Converting Double-Stranded DNA-Encoded Libraries (DELs) to Single-Stranded Libraries for More Versatile Selections. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:11491-11500. [PMID: 35415338 PMCID: PMC8992267 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c01152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
DNA-encoded library (DEL) is an efficient high-throughput screening technology platform in drug discovery and is also gaining momentum in academic research. Today, the majority of DELs are assembled and encoded with double-stranded DNA tags (dsDELs) and has been selected against numerous biological targets; however, dsDELs are not amendable to some of the recently developed selection methods, such as the cross-linking-based selection against immobilized targets and live-cell-based selections, which require DELs encoded with single-stranded DNAs (ssDELs). Herein, we present a simple method to convert dsDELs to ssDELs using exonuclease digestion without library redesign and resynthesis. We show that dsDELs could be efficiently converted to ssDELs and used for affinity-based selections either with purified proteins or on live cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhan Gui
- Department
of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Synthetic Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road,
Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Clara Shania Wong
- Department
of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Synthetic Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road,
Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Guixian Zhao
- Chongqing
Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, School
of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science
and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Chao Xie
- Department
of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Synthetic Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road,
Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Rui Hou
- Department
of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Synthetic Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road,
Hong Kong SAR, China
- Laboratory
for Synthetic Chemistry and Chemical Biology Limited, Health@InnoHK,
Innovation and Technology Commission, Units 1503-1511, 15/F., Building 17W, Hong Kong Science and Technology
Parks, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR , China
| | - Yizhou Li
- Chongqing
Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, School
of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science
and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Gang Li
- Institute
of Systems and Physical Biology, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518118, China
| | - Xiaoyu Li
- Department
of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Synthetic Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road,
Hong Kong SAR, China
- Laboratory
for Synthetic Chemistry and Chemical Biology Limited, Health@InnoHK,
Innovation and Technology Commission, Units 1503-1511, 15/F., Building 17W, Hong Kong Science and Technology
Parks, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR , China
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17
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Li Y, Zhao G, Fan X, Li Y, Zhang G. Switchable DNA-Encoded Chemical Library: Interconversion between Double- and Single-Stranded DNA Formats. Chembiochem 2022; 23:e202200025. [PMID: 35352452 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202200025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
DNA-Encoded Chemical Library (DEL) has attracted substantial attention due to the infinite possibility for hit discovery in both pharmaceutical companies and academia. The encoding method is the initial step of DEL construction and one of the cornerstones of DEL applications. Classified by the DNA format, the existing DEL encoding strategies could be categorized into single-stranded DNA-based strategies and double-stranded DNA-based strategies. The two DEL formats have their unique advantages but are usually incompatible with each other. To address this issue, we proposed the concept of interconversion between double- and single-stranded DEL based on the "reversible covalent headpiece (RCHP)" design, which combined maximum robustness of synthesis with extraordinary flexibility of applications in distinct setups. Future opportunities in this field were also proposed to advance DEL technology to a comprehensive drug discovery platform.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yizhou Li
- Chongqing University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing College Town, Shapingba, 401331, Chongqing, CHINA
| | - Guixian Zhao
- Chongqing University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, CHINA
| | - Xiaohong Fan
- Chongqing University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, CHINA
| | - Yangfeng Li
- Chongqing University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, CHINA
| | - Gong Zhang
- Chongqing University, School of Pharmaceutical Science, CHINA
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18
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Zhong S, Fang X, Wang Y, Zhang G, Li Y, Li Y. DNA-Compatible Diversification of Indole π-Activated Alcohols via a Direct Dehydrative Coupling Strategy. Org Lett 2022; 24:1022-1026. [PMID: 35050627 DOI: 10.1021/acs.orglett.1c04169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Indole-based diversification is highly desired in the DNA-encoded chemical library construction. Herein, we present a general strategy for on-DNA synthesis of diverse C3-functionalized indole derivatives via indole π-activated alcohol formation followed by direct dehydrative coupling. Highly efficient bond linkages of C-C, C-N, and C-S were achieved to fuse building blocks that are widely commercially available. DNA-encoding compatibility of the method has been further demonstrated to pave an avenue for application in constructing indole-focused three-dimensional libraries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuting Zhong
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, Innovative Drug Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, 401331 Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Xianfu Fang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, Innovative Drug Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, 401331 Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Yiting Wang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, Innovative Drug Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, 401331 Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Gong Zhang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, Innovative Drug Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, 401331 Chongqing, P. R. China.,Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, 401331 Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Yangfeng Li
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, Innovative Drug Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, 401331 Chongqing, P. R. China.,Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, 401331 Chongqing, P. R. China
| | - Yizhou Li
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, Innovative Drug Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, 401331 Chongqing, P. R. China.,Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, 401331 Chongqing, P. R. China.,Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, P. R. China
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