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Roth BL, Krumm BE. Molecular glues as potential GPCR therapeutics. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 228:116402. [PMID: 38945274 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116402] [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: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
"Molecular Glues" are defined as small molecules that can either be endogenous or synthetic which promote interactions between proteins at their interface. Allosteric modulators, specifically GPCR allosteric modulators, can promote both the association and the dissociation of a given receptor's transducer but accomplishes this "at a distance" from the interface. However, recent structures of GPCR G protein complexes in the presence of allosteric modulators indicate that some GPCR allosteric modulators can act as "molecular glues" interacting with both the receptor and the transducer at the interface biasing transducer signaling in both a positive and negative manner depending on the transducer. Given these phenomena we discuss the implications for this class of allosteric modulators to be used as molecular tools and for future drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan L Roth
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; National Institute of Mental Health Psychoactive Drug Screening Program (NIMH PDSP), School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | - Brian E Krumm
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Liu XL, Run-Hua Z, Pan JX, Li ZJ, Yu L, Li YL. Emerging therapeutic strategies for metastatic uveal melanoma: Targeting driver mutations. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2024; 37:411-425. [PMID: 38411373 DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.13161] [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: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common primary malignant intraocular tumor in adults. Although primary UM can be effectively controlled, a significant proportion of cases (40% or more) eventually develop distant metastases, commonly in the liver. Metastatic UM remains a lethal disease with limited treatment options. The initiation of UM is typically attributed to activating mutations in GNAQ or GNA11. The elucidation of the downstream pathways such as PKC/MAPK, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, and Hippo-YAP have provided potential therapeutic targets. Concurrent mutations in BRCA1 associated protein 1 (BAP1) or splicing factor 3b subunit 1 (SF3B1) are considered crucial for the acquisition of malignant potential. Furthermore, in preclinical studies, actionable targets associated with BAP1 loss or oncogenic mutant SF3B1 have been identified, offering promising avenues for UM treatment. This review aims to summarize the emerging targeted and epigenetic therapeutic strategies for metastatic UM carrying specific driver mutations and the potential of combining these approaches with immunotherapy, with particular focus on those in upcoming or ongoing clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Lian Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhou Run-Hua
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jing-Xuan Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhi-Jie Li
- Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University; The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, China
| | - Le Yu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yi-Lei Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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3
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Varney MJ, Benovic JL. The Role of G Protein-Coupled Receptors and Receptor Kinases in Pancreatic β-Cell Function and Diabetes. Pharmacol Rev 2024; 76:267-299. [PMID: 38351071 PMCID: PMC10877731 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.123.001015] [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: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) mellitus has emerged as a major global health concern that has accelerated in recent years due to poor diet and lifestyle. Afflicted individuals have high blood glucose levels that stem from the inability of the pancreas to make enough insulin to meet demand. Although medication can help to maintain normal blood glucose levels in individuals with chronic disease, many of these medicines are outdated, have severe side effects, and often become less efficacious over time, necessitating the need for insulin therapy. G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) regulate many physiologic processes, including blood glucose levels. In pancreatic β cells, GPCRs regulate β-cell growth, apoptosis, and insulin secretion, which are all critical in maintaining sufficient β-cell mass and insulin output to ensure euglycemia. In recent years, new insights into the signaling of incretin receptors and other GPCRs have underscored the potential of these receptors as desirable targets in the treatment of diabetes. The signaling of these receptors is modulated by GPCR kinases (GRKs) that phosphorylate agonist-activated GPCRs, marking the receptor for arrestin binding and internalization. Interestingly, genome-wide association studies using diabetic patient cohorts link the GRKs and arrestins with T2D. Moreover, recent reports show that GRKs and arrestins expressed in the β cell serve a critical role in the regulation of β-cell function, including β-cell growth and insulin secretion in both GPCR-dependent and -independent pathways. In this review, we describe recent insights into GPCR signaling and the importance of GRK function in modulating β-cell physiology. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Pancreatic β cells contain a diverse array of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) that have been shown to improve β-cell function and survival, yet only a handful have been successfully targeted in the treatment of diabetes. This review discusses recent advances in our understanding of β-cell GPCR pharmacology and regulation by GPCR kinases while also highlighting the necessity of investigating islet-enriched GPCRs that have largely been unexplored to unveil novel treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Varney
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Jeffrey L Benovic
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Fan G, Liu L, Ye J, Xiao W, Xiong XF. Design, synthesis and evaluation of quinazoline derivatives as Gαq/11 proteins inhibitors against uveal melanoma. Bioorg Chem 2024; 143:107005. [PMID: 38043397 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.107005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Uveal melanoma (UM) represents the predominant ocular malignancy among adults, exhibiting high malignancy and proclivity for liver metastasis. GNAQ and GNA11 encoding Gαq and Gα11 proteins are key genes to drive UM, making the selective inhibition of Gαq/11 proteins to be a potential therapeutic approach for combating UM. In this study, forty-six quinazoline derivatives were designed, synthesized, and assessed for their ability to inhibit Gαq/11 proteins and UM cells. Compound F33 emerged as the most favorable candidate, and displayed moderate inhibitory activity against Gαq/11 proteins (IC50 = 9.4 μM) and two UM cell lines MP41 (IC50 = 6.7 μM) and 92.1 (IC50 = 3.7 μM). Being a small molecule inhibitor of Gαq/11 proteins, F33 could effectively suppress the activation of downstream signaling pathways in a dose-dependent manner, and significantly inhibits UM in vitro.F33 represents a promising lead compound for developing therapeutics for UM by targeting Gαq/11 proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangjin Fan
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Chiral Molecule and Drug Discovery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 510006 Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Lu Liu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Chiral Molecule and Drug Discovery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 510006 Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Jia Ye
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Chiral Molecule and Drug Discovery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 510006 Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Wei Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, 510060 Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Xiao-Feng Xiong
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Chiral Molecule and Drug Discovery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 510006 Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China.
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Chattopadhyay C, Roszik J, Bhattacharya R, Alauddin M, Mahmud I, Yadugiri S, Ali MM, Khan FS, Prabhu VV, Lorenzi P, Burton E, Morey RR, Lazcano R, Davies MA, Patel SP, Grimm EA. Imipridones inhibit tumor growth and improve survival in an orthotopic liver metastasis mouse model of human uveal melanoma. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.12.575058. [PMID: 38293232 PMCID: PMC10827043 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.12.575058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Purpose Uveal melanoma (UM) is a highly aggressive disease with very few treatment options. We previously demonstrated that mUM is characterized by high oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Here we tested the anti-tumor, signaling and metabolic effects of imipridones, CLPP activators which reduce OXPHOS indirectly and have demonstrated safety in patients. Experimental Design We assessed CLPP expression in UM patient samples. We tested the effects of imipridones (ONC201, ONC212) on the growth, survival, signaling and metabolism of UM cell lines in vitro, and for therapeutic effects in vivo in UM liver metastasis models. Results CLPP expression was confirmed in primary and mUM patient samples. ONC201/212 treatment of UM cell lines in vitro decreased OXPHOS effectors, inhibited cell growth and migration, and induced apoptosis. ONC212 increased metabolic stress and apoptotic pathways, inhibited amino acid metabolism, and induced cell death-related lipids. ONC212 also decreased tumor burden and increased survival in vivo in two UM liver metastasis models. Conclusion Imipridones are a promising strategy for further testing and development in mUM.
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Zhang B, He R, Xu Z, Sun Y, Wei L, Li L, Liu Y, Guo W, Song L, Wang H, Lin Z, Ma L. Somatic mutation spectrum of a Chinese cohort of pediatrics with vascular malformations. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2023; 18:261. [PMID: 37658401 PMCID: PMC10474751 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-023-02860-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Somatic mutations of cancer driver genes are found to be responsible for vascular malformations with clinical manifestations ranging from cutaneous birthmarks to life-threatening systemic anomalies. Till now, only a limited number of cases and mutations were reported in Chinese population. The purpose of this study was to describe the somatic mutation spectrum of a cohort of Chinese pediatrics with vascular malformations. METHODS Pediatrics diagnosed with various vascular malformations were collected between May 2019 and October 2020 from Beijing Children's Hospital. Genomic DNA of skin lesion of each patient was extracted and sequenced by whole-exome sequencing to identify pathogenic somatic mutations. Mutations with variant allele frequency less than 5% were validated by ultra-deep sequencing. RESULTS A total of 67 pediatrics (33 males, 34 females, age range: 0.1-14.8 years) were analyzed. Exome sequencing identified somatic mutations of corresponding genes in 53 patients, yielding a molecular diagnosis rate of 79.1%. Among 29 PIK3CA mutations, 17 were well-known hotspot p.E542K, p.E545K and p.H1047R/L. Non-hotspot mutations were prevalent in patients with PIK3CA-related overgrowth spectrum, accounting for 50.0% (11/22) of detected mutations. The hotspot GNAQ p.R183Q and TEK p.L914F mutations were responsible for the majority of port-wine stain/Sturge-Weber syndrome and venous malformation, respectively. In addition, we identified a novel AKT1 p.Q79K mutation in Proteus syndrome and MAP3K3 p.E387D mutation in verrucous venous malformation. CONCLUSIONS The somatic mutation spectrum of vascular malformations in Chinese population is similar to that reported in other populations, but non-hotspot PIK3CA mutations may also be prevalent. Molecular diagnosis may help the clinical diagnosis, treatment and management of these pediatric patients with vascular malformations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University (National Center for Children's Health, China), No. 56 Nanlishi Road, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100045, China.
- Department of Dermatology, Zhengzhou University, Affiliated Children's Hospital, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan, China.
| | - Rui He
- Department of Dermatology, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University (National Center for Children's Health, China), No. 56 Nanlishi Road, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100045, China
| | - Zigang Xu
- Department of Dermatology, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University (National Center for Children's Health, China), No. 56 Nanlishi Road, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100045, China
| | - Yujuan Sun
- Department of Dermatology, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University (National Center for Children's Health, China), No. 56 Nanlishi Road, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100045, China
| | - Li Wei
- Department of Dermatology, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University (National Center for Children's Health, China), No. 56 Nanlishi Road, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100045, China
| | - Li Li
- Department of Dermatology, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University (National Center for Children's Health, China), No. 56 Nanlishi Road, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100045, China
| | - Yuanxiang Liu
- Department of Dermatology, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University (National Center for Children's Health, China), No. 56 Nanlishi Road, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100045, China
| | - Wu Guo
- Department of Dermatology, Zhengzhou University, Affiliated Children's Hospital, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan, China
| | - Li Song
- Department of Dermatology, Zhengzhou University, Affiliated Children's Hospital, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan, China
| | - Huijun Wang
- Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, No.2 Lujing Road, Guangzhou, 510091, China
| | - Zhimiao Lin
- Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, No.2 Lujing Road, Guangzhou, 510091, China.
| | - Lin Ma
- Department of Dermatology, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University (National Center for Children's Health, China), No. 56 Nanlishi Road, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100045, China.
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Chang E, Demirci H, Demirci FY. Genetic Aspects of Conjunctival Melanoma: A Review. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1668. [PMID: 37761808 PMCID: PMC10530751 DOI: 10.3390/genes14091668] [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: 07/23/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Conjunctival melanoma (CM) is a rare but aggressive cancer. Over the past decade, molecular studies using rapidly advancing technologies have increasingly improved our understanding of CM genetics. CMs are mainly characterized by dysregulated MAPK and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways, driven by commonly mutated (BRAF, NRAS, NF1) or less commonly mutated (KIT, PTEN) genes. Another group of genes frequently mutated in CMs include TERT and ATRX, with known roles in telomere maintenance and chromatin remodeling/epigenetic regulation. Uveal melanoma-related genes (BAP1, SF3B1, GNAQ/11) can also be mutated in CMs, albeit infrequently. Additional CM-related mutated genes have increasingly been identified using more comprehensive genetic analyses, awaiting further confirmation in additional/larger studies. As a tumor arising in a partly sun-exposed mucosal tissue, CM exhibits a distinct genomic profile, including the frequent presence of an ultraviolet (UV) signature (and high mutational load) and also the common occurrence of large structural variations (distributed across the genome) in addition to specific gene mutations. The knowledge gained from CM genetic studies to date has led to new therapeutic avenues, including the use of targeted and/or immuno-therapies with promising outcomes in several cases. Accordingly, the implementation of tumor genetic testing into the routine clinical care of CM patients holds promise to further improve and personalize their treatments. Likewise, a growing knowledge of poor prognosis-associated genetic changes in CMs (NRAS, TERT, and uveal melanoma signature mutations and chromosome 10q deletions) may ultimately guide future strategies for prognostic testing to further improve clinical outcomes (by tailoring surveillance and considering prophylactic treatments in patients with high-risk primary tumors).
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Chang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA
| | - Hakan Demirci
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA
| | - F. Yesim Demirci
- Department of Human Genetics, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
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Aumiller JL, Wedegaertner PB. Disruption of the interaction between mutationally activated Gα q and Gβγ attenuates aberrant signaling. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:102880. [PMID: 36626984 PMCID: PMC9926304 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.102880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Heterotrimeric G protein stimulation via G protein-coupled receptors promotes downstream proliferative signaling. Mutations can occur in Gα proteins which prevent GTP hydrolysis; this allows the G proteins to signal independently of G protein-coupled receptors and can result in various cancers, such as uveal melanoma (UM). Most UM cases harbor Q209L, Q209P, or R183C mutations in Gαq/11 proteins, rendering the proteins constitutively active (CA). Although it is generally thought that active, GTP-bound Gα subunits are dissociated from and signal independently of Gβγ, accumulating evidence indicates that some CA Gα mutants, such as Gαq/11, retain binding to Gβγ, and this interaction is necessary for signaling. Here, we demonstrate that disrupting the interaction between Gβγ and Gαq is sufficient to inhibit aberrant signaling driven by CA Gαq. Introduction of the I25A point mutation in the N-terminal α helical domain of CA Gαq to inhibit Gβγ binding, overexpression of the G protein Gαo to sequester Gβγ, and siRNA depletion of Gβ subunits inhibited or abolished CA Gαq signaling to the MAPK and YAP pathways. Moreover, in HEK 293 cells and in UM cell lines, we show that Gαq-Q209P and Gαq-R183C are more sensitive to the loss of Gβγ interaction than Gαq-Q209L. Our study challenges the idea that CA Gαq/11 signals independently of Gβγ and demonstrates differential sensitivity between the Gαq-Q209L, Gαq-Q209P, and Gαq-R183C mutants.
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Zhang GM, Huang SS, Ye LX, Liu XL, Shi WH, Ren ZL, Zhou RH, Zhang JJ, Pan JX, Liu SW, Yu L, Li YL. Reciprocal positive regulation between BRD4 and YAP in GNAQ-mutant uveal melanoma cells confers sensitivity to BET inhibitors. Pharmacol Res 2022; 184:106464. [PMID: 36162600 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2022] [Revised: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common intraocular cancer in adults. UMs are usually initiated by a mutation in GNAQ or GNA11 (encoding Gq or G11, respectively), unlike cutaneous melanomas (CMs), which usually carry a BRAF or NRAS mutation. Currently, there are no clinically effective targeted therapies for UM carrying Gq/11 mutations. Here, we identified a causal link between Gq activating mutations and hypersensitivity to bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) inhibitors. BET inhibitors transcriptionally repress YAP via BRD4 regardless of Gq mutation status, independently of Hippo core components LATS1/2. In contrast, YAP/TAZ downregulation reduces BRD4 transcription exclusively in Gq-mutant cells and LATS1/2 double knockout cells, both of which are featured by constitutively active YAP/TAZ. The transcriptional interdependency between BRD4 and YAP identified in Gq-mutated cells is responsible for the preferential inhibitory effect of BET inhibitors on the growth and dissemination of Gq-mutated UM cells compared to BRAF-mutated CM cells in both culture cells and animal models. Our findings suggest BRD4 as a viable therapeutic target for Gq-driven UMs that are addicted to unrestrained YAP function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gui-Ming Zhang
- Clinical Pharmacy Center, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Si-Si Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Lin-Xuan Ye
- Clinical Pharmacy Center, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Xiao-Lian Liu
- Clinical Pharmacy Center, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Wen-Hui Shi
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Zhong-Lu Ren
- College of Medical Information Engineering, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Run-Hua Zhou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Jia-Jie Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Jing-Xuan Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Shu-Wen Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Le Yu
- Clinical Pharmacy Center, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China; State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China.
| | - Yi-Lei Li
- Clinical Pharmacy Center, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China.
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Deng JJ, Liu L, Ge Y, Song Z, Huang J, Fan G, Xiong XF. Synthesis and evaluation of imidazo[1,2-a]pyrazine derivatives as small molecule Gαq/11 inhibitors against uveal melanoma. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 239:114520. [PMID: 35716516 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Uveal melanoma (UM) is an aggressive malignancy with high mortality in adults and lacks effective systemic therapies. Activating gene mutations related to the Gαq/11 signaling pathway are prevalent in UM, and Gαq/11 inhibitors have shown anti-UM activity in vitro and in vivo. In this study, we designed and synthesized a series of imidazo[1,2-a]pyrazine derivatives as Gαq/11 inhibitors, and discovered GQ352 with the selective antiproliferative activity against UM cells. Importantly, GQ352 directly binds to the Gαq and inhibits the dissociation of Gαβγ heterotrimers with the IC50 value of 8.9 μM. GQ352 inhibits UM tumorigenesis by suppressing Gαq/11 downstream ERK phosphorylation and YAP dephosphorylation, as shown in Western blot analysis. In addition, GQ352 displayed reasonable physiochemical properties and human liver microsome stability, indicating the potential application in UM treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Jie Deng
- National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Druggability and New Drugs Evaluation, Guangdong Province Engineering Laboratory for Druggability and New Drugs Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 510006, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Lu Liu
- National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Druggability and New Drugs Evaluation, Guangdong Province Engineering Laboratory for Druggability and New Drugs Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 510006, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Yang Ge
- National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Druggability and New Drugs Evaluation, Guangdong Province Engineering Laboratory for Druggability and New Drugs Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 510006, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Zhendong Song
- National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Druggability and New Drugs Evaluation, Guangdong Province Engineering Laboratory for Druggability and New Drugs Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 510006, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Jie Huang
- Guangdong Lung Cancer Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Lung Cancer, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital and Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Guangjin Fan
- National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Druggability and New Drugs Evaluation, Guangdong Province Engineering Laboratory for Druggability and New Drugs Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 510006, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Xiao-Feng Xiong
- National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Druggability and New Drugs Evaluation, Guangdong Province Engineering Laboratory for Druggability and New Drugs Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 510006, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China.
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