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Berdnikova DV. Aurones: Unexplored Visible-Light Photoswitches for Aqueous Medium. Chemistry 2024; 30:e202304237. [PMID: 38302861 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202304237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
The development of synthetically accessible photoswitches showing an efficient performance in aqueous medium has recently become an urgent task due to the rapid progress of photopharmacology and novel biomedical applications. In response to this challenge, in this work, aurone derivatives are introduced as a novel class of efficient visible-light photoswitches for aqueous medium. In general, aurones exhibit superior performance in water, including significantly higher quantum yields, compared with other indigoid photoswitches (hemithioindigo and hemiindigo). Especially remarkable are the half-lives of the photoinduced E-isomers of aurones in water, reaching up to 7 years. Further modification of the aurone scaffold with substituents that increase water solubility does not affect most of the photoswitching characteristics and even improves some them. The highly advantageous property profile of the aurone photoswitches make them a perfect novel platform for the design of light-controllable systems in the areas requiring photoswitching in aqueous medium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria V Berdnikova
- Organische Chemie II, Universität Siegen, Adolf-Reichwein-Str. 2, 57076, Siegen, Germany
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2
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Calderón JC, Plut E, Keller M, Cabrele C, Reiser O, Gervasio FL, Clark T. Extended Metadynamics Protocol for Binding/Unbinding Free Energies of Peptide Ligands to Class A G-Protein-Coupled Receptors. J Chem Inf Model 2024; 64:205-218. [PMID: 38150388 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.3c01574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
A metadynamics protocol is presented to characterize the binding and unbinding of peptide ligands to class A G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). The protocol expands on the one previously presented for binding and unbinding small-molecule ligands to class A GPCRs and accounts for the more demanding nature of the peptide binding-unbinding process. It applies to almost all class A GPCRs. Exemplary simulations are described for subtypes Y1R, Y2R, and Y4R of the neuropeptide Y receptor family, vasopressin binding to the vasopressin V2 receptor (V2R), and oxytocin binding to the oxytocin receptor (OTR). Binding free energies and the positions of alternative binding sites are presented and, where possible, compared with the experiment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline C Calderón
- Computer-Chemistry-Center, Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuernberg, Naegelsbachstr. 25, Erlangen 91052, Germany
| | - Eva Plut
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg 93040, Germany
| | - Max Keller
- Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg D-93040, Germany
| | - Chiara Cabrele
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg 93040, Germany
| | - Oliver Reiser
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg 93040, Germany
| | | | - Timothy Clark
- Computer-Chemistry-Center, Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuernberg, Naegelsbachstr. 25, Erlangen 91052, Germany
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3
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Abstract
Multivalent receptor–ligand binding is a key principle in a plethora of biological recognition processes. Immense binding affinities can be achieved with the correct spatial orientation of the ligands. Accordingly, the incorporation of photoswitches, which can be used to reversibly change the spatial orientation of molecules, into multivalent ligands is a means to alter the binding affinity and possibly also the binding mode of such ligands. We report a divalent ligand for the model lectin wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) containing an arylazopyrazole photoswitch. This switch, which has recently been introduced as an alternative to the more commonly used azobenzene moiety, is characterized by almost quantitative E/Z photoswitching in both directions, high quantum yields, and high thermal stability of the Z isomer. The ligand was designed in a way that only one of the isomers is able to bridge adjacent binding sites of WGA leading to a chelating binding mode. Photoswitching induces an unprecedentedly high change in lectin binding affinity as determined by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). Furthermore, additional dynamic light scattering (DLS) data suggest that the binding mode of the ligand changes from chelating binding of the E isomer to crosslinking binding of the Z isomer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uwe Osswald
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of Konstanz78457KonstanzGermany
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Wijtmans M, Josimovic I, Vischer HF, Leurs R. Optical control of Class A G protein-coupled receptors with photoswitchable ligands. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2022; 63:102192. [DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2022.102192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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5
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Abstract
Molecular photoswitches enable dynamic control of processes with high spatiotemporal precision, using light as external stimulus, and hence are ideal tools for different research areas spanning from chemical biology to smart materials. Photoswitches are typically organic molecules that feature extended aromatic systems to make them responsive to (visible) light. However, this renders them inherently lipophilic, while water-solubility is of crucial importance to apply photoswitchable organic molecules in biological systems, like in the rapidly emerging field of photopharmacology. Several strategies for solubilizing organic molecules in water are known, but there are not yet clear rules for applying them to photoswitchable molecules. Importantly, rendering photoswitches water-soluble has a serious impact on both their photophysical and biological properties, which must be taken into consideration when designing new systems. Altogether, these aspects pose considerable challenges for successfully applying molecular photoswitches in aqueous systems, and in particular in biologically relevant media. In this review, we focus on fully water-soluble photoswitches, such as those used in biological environments, in both in vitro and in vivo studies. We discuss the design principles and prospects for water-soluble photoswitches to inspire and enable their future applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Volarić
- Centre for Systems Chemistry, Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, Faculty for Science and Engineering, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Wiktor Szymanski
- Centre for Systems Chemistry, Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, Faculty for Science and Engineering, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands.
- Department of Radiology, Medical Imaging Center, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Nadja A Simeth
- Centre for Systems Chemistry, Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, Faculty for Science and Engineering, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands.
- Institute for Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry, University of Göttingen, Tammannstr. 2, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Ben L Feringa
- Centre for Systems Chemistry, Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, Faculty for Science and Engineering, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands.
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Konieczny A, Braun D, Wifling D, Bernhardt G, Keller M. Oligopeptides as Neuropeptide Y Y4 Receptor Ligands: Identification of a High-Affinity Tetrapeptide Agonist and a Hexapeptide Antagonist. J Med Chem 2020; 63:8198-8215. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c00426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Adam Konieczny
- Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstr. 31, D-93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Diana Braun
- Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstr. 31, D-93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - David Wifling
- Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstr. 31, D-93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Günther Bernhardt
- Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstr. 31, D-93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Max Keller
- Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstr. 31, D-93053 Regensburg, Germany
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Abstract
Photopharmacology is a growing area of endeavor that employs photoswitchable ligands to allow for light-dependent pharmacological activity. By coupling light to therapeutic action, improved spatial and temporal selectivity can be achieved and subsequently harnessed for new concepts in therapy. Tremendous progress has already been made, with photopharmacological agents now reported against a wide array of target classes and light-dependent results demonstrated in a range of live cell and animal models. Several challenges remain, however, especially in order for photopharmacology to truly impact the clinical management of disease. This Perspective aims to summarize these challenges, particularly with attention to the medicinal chemistry that will be unavoidably required for the further translation of these agents/approaches. By clearly defining challenges for drug hunters, it is hoped that further research into the medicinal chemistry of photopharmacological agents will be stimulated, ultimately enabling full realization of the huge potential for this exciting field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Fuchter
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, White City Campus, Wood Lane, London W12 0BZ, United Kingdom
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Spinnler K, von Krüchten L, Konieczny A, Schindler L, Bernhardt G, Keller M. An Alkyne-functionalized Arginine for Solid-Phase Synthesis Enabling "Bioorthogonal" Peptide Conjugation. ACS Med Chem Lett 2020; 11:334-339. [PMID: 32184966 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.9b00388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Lately, amino-functionalized N ω-carbamoylated arginines were introduced as arginine surrogates enabling peptide labeling. However, this approach is hardly compatible with peptides also containing lysine or cysteine. Here, we present the synthesis of an alkyne-functionalized, N ω-carbamoylated arginine building block (7), which is compatible with Fmoc-strategy solid-phase peptide synthesis. The alkynylated arginine was incorporated into three biologically active linear hexapeptides and into a cyclic pentapeptide. Peptide conjugation to an azido-functionalized fluorescent dye via "click" chemistry was successfully demonstrated. In the case of a peptide also containing lysine besides the alkyne-functionalized arginine, this was feasible in a "bioorthogonal" manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Spinnler
- Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstr.
31, D-93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Lara von Krüchten
- Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstr.
31, D-93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Adam Konieczny
- Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstr.
31, D-93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Lisa Schindler
- Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstr.
31, D-93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Günther Bernhardt
- Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstr.
31, D-93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Max Keller
- Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstr.
31, D-93053 Regensburg, Germany
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9
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Gómez-Santacana X, de Munnik SM, Mocking TAM, Hauwert NJ, Sun S, Vijayachandran P, de Esch IJP, Vischer HF, Wijtmans M, Leurs R. A toolbox of molecular photoswitches to modulate the CXCR3 chemokine receptor with light. Beilstein J Org Chem 2019; 15:2509-2523. [PMID: 31728165 PMCID: PMC6839561 DOI: 10.3762/bjoc.15.244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2019] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
We report a detailed structure-activity relationship for the scaffold of VUF16216, a compound we have previously communicated as a small-molecule efficacy photoswitch for the peptidergic chemokine GPCR CXCR3. A series of photoswitchable azobenzene ligands was prepared through various synthetic strategies and multistep syntheses. Photochemical and pharmacological properties were used to guide the design iterations. Investigations of positional and substituent effects reveal that halogen substituents on the ortho-position of the outer ring are preferred for conferring partial agonism on the cis form of the ligands. This effect could be expanded by an electron-donating group on the para-position of the central ring. A variety of efficacy differences between the trans and cis forms emerges from these compounds. Tool compounds VUF15888 (4d) and VUF16620 (6e) represent more subtle efficacy switches, while VUF16216 (6f) displays the largest efficacy switch, from antagonism to full agonism. The compound class disclosed here can aid in new photopharmacology studies of CXCR3 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xavier Gómez-Santacana
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute for Molecules Medicines and Systems (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,present address: Institute of Functional Genomics, Université de Montpellier, Unité 5302 CNRS and Unité U1191, INSERM, 34090 Montpellier, France
| | - Sabrina M de Munnik
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute for Molecules Medicines and Systems (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tamara A M Mocking
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute for Molecules Medicines and Systems (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Niels J Hauwert
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute for Molecules Medicines and Systems (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Shanliang Sun
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute for Molecules Medicines and Systems (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Prashanna Vijayachandran
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute for Molecules Medicines and Systems (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Iwan J P de Esch
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute for Molecules Medicines and Systems (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Henry F Vischer
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute for Molecules Medicines and Systems (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Maikel Wijtmans
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute for Molecules Medicines and Systems (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rob Leurs
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute for Molecules Medicines and Systems (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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10
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Abstract
Light is unsurpassed in its ability to modulate biological interactions. Since their discovery, chemists have been fascinated by photosensitive molecules capable of switching between isomeric forms, known as photoswitches. Photoswitchable peptides have been recognized for many years; however, their functional implementation in biological systems has only recently been achieved. Peptides are now acknowledged as excellent protein-protein interaction modulators and have been important in the emergence of photopharmacology. In this review, we briefly explain the different classes of photoswitches and summarize structural studies when they are incorporated into peptides. Importantly, we provide a detailed overview of the rapidly increasing number of examples, where biological modulation is driven by the structural changes. Furthermore, we discuss some of the remaining challenges faced in this field. These exciting proof-of-principle studies highlight the tremendous potential of photocontrollable peptides as optochemical tools for chemical biology and biomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lea Albert
- Fachbereich Chemie, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Straße 4, 35043, Marburg, Germany.
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11
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Affiliation(s)
- D. Lachmann
- Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy Institute of Organic Chemistry University of Regensburg Universitätsstrasse 31 93053 Regensburg Germany
| | - R. Lahmy
- Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy Institute of Organic Chemistry University of Regensburg Universitätsstrasse 31 93053 Regensburg Germany
| | - B. König
- Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy Institute of Organic Chemistry University of Regensburg Universitätsstrasse 31 93053 Regensburg Germany
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