1
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Woodland M, Thompson A, Lipford A, Goyal N, Schexnaildre JC, Mottamal M, Afosah DK, Al-Horani RA. New Triazole-Based Potent Inhibitors of Human Factor XIIa as Anticoagulants. ACS Omega 2024; 9:10694-10708. [PMID: 38463342 PMCID: PMC10918664 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c09335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Factor XIIa (FXIIa) functions as a plasma serine protease within the contact activation pathway. Various animal models have indicated a substantial role for FXIIa in thromboembolic diseases. Interestingly, individuals and animals with FXII deficiency seem to maintain normal hemostasis. Consequently, inhibiting FXIIa could potentially offer a viable therapeutic approach for achieving effective and safer anticoagulation without the bleeding risks associated with the existing anticoagulants. Despite the potential, only a limited number of small molecule inhibitors targeting human FXIIa have been documented. Thus, we combined a small library of 32 triazole and triazole-like molecules to be evaluated for FXIIa inhibition by using a chromogenic substrate hydrolysis assay under physiological conditions. Initial screening at 200 μM involved 18 small molecules, revealing that 4 molecules inhibited FXIIa more than 20%. In addition to being the most potent inhibitor identified in the first round, inhibitor 8 also exhibited a substantial margin of selectivity against related serine proteases, including factors XIa, Xa, and IXa. However, the molecule also inhibited thrombin with a similar potency. It also prolonged the clotting time of human plasma, as was determined in the activated partial thromboplastin time and prothrombin time assays. Subsequent structure-activity relationship studies led to the identification of several inhibitors with submicromolar activity, among which inhibitor 22 appears to demonstrate significant selectivity not only over factors IXa, Xa, and XIa, but also over thrombin. In summary, this study introduces novel triazole-based small molecules, specifically compounds 8 and 22, identified as potent and selective inhibitors of human FXIIa. The aim is to advance these inhibitors for further development as anticoagulants to provide a more effective and safer approach to preventing and/or treating thromboembolic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ma’Lik
D. Woodland
- Division
of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, Louisiana 70125, United States
| | - Anthony Thompson
- Department
of Chemistry, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, Louisiana 70125, United States
| | - Amanda Lipford
- Department
of Chemistry, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, Louisiana 70125, United States
| | - Navneet Goyal
- Department
of Chemistry, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, Louisiana 70125, United States
| | - John C. Schexnaildre
- Division
of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, Louisiana 70125, United States
| | - Madhusoodanan Mottamal
- Department
of Chemistry, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, Louisiana 70125, United States
| | - Daniel K. Afosah
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23219, United States
| | - Rami A. Al-Horani
- Division
of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, Louisiana 70125, United States
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2
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Pradhan AK, Modi J, Maji S, Kumar A, Bhoopathi P, Mannangatti P, Guo C, Afosah DK, Mochel MC, Mukhopadhyay ND, Kirkwood JM, Wang XY, Desai UR, Sarkar D, Emdad L, Das SK, Fisher PB. Dual Targeting of the PDZ1 and PDZ2 Domains of MDA-9/Syntenin Inhibits Melanoma Metastasis. Mol Cancer Ther 2023; 22:1115-1127. [PMID: 37721536 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-22-0653] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Genome-wide gene expression analysis and animal modeling indicate that melanoma differentiation associated gene-9 (mda-9, Syntenin, Syndecan binding protein, referred to as MDA-9/Syntenin) positively regulates melanoma metastasis. The MDA-9/Syntenin protein contains two tandem PDZ domains serving as a nexus for interactions with multiple proteins that initiate transcription of metastasis-associated genes. Although targeting either PDZ domain abrogates signaling and prometastatic phenotypes, the integrity of both domains is critical for full biological function. Fragment-based drug discovery and NMR identified PDZ1i, an inhibitor of the PDZ1 domain that effectively blocks cancer invasion in vitro and in vivo in multiple experimental animal models. To maximize disruption of MDA-9/Syntenin signaling, an inhibitor has now been developed that simultaneously binds and blocks activity of both PDZ domains. PDZ1i was joined to the second PDZ binding peptide (TNYYFV) with a PEG linker, resulting in PDZ1i/2i (IVMT-Rx-3) that engages both PDZ domains of MDA-9/Syntenin. IVMT-Rx-3 blocks MDA-9/Syntenin interaction with Src, reduces NF-κB activation, and inhibits MMP-2/MMP-9 expression, culminating in repression of melanoma metastasis. The in vivo antimetastatic properties of IVMT-Rx-3 are enhanced when combined with an immune-checkpoint inhibitor. Collectively, our results support the feasibility of engineering MDA-9 dual-PDZ inhibitors with enhanced antimetastatic activities and applications of IVMT-Rx-3 for developing novel therapeutic strategies effectively targeting melanoma and in principle, a broad spectrum of human cancers that also overexpress MDA-9/Syntenin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjan K Pradhan
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia
- VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Jinkal Modi
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Santanu Maji
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Amit Kumar
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Praveen Bhoopathi
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia
- VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Padmanabhan Mannangatti
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia
- VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Chunqing Guo
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia
- VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia
- VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Daniel K Afosah
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Mark C Mochel
- Department of Pathology, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Nitai D Mukhopadhyay
- Department of Biostatistics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - John M Kirkwood
- Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Xiang-Yang Wang
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia
- VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia
- VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Umesh R Desai
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Devanand Sarkar
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia
- VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia
- VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Luni Emdad
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia
- VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia
- VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Swadesh K Das
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia
- VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia
- VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Paul B Fisher
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia
- VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia
- VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia
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3
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Chiles R, Afosah DK, Al-Horani RA. Investigation of the anticoagulant activity of cyclic sulfated glycosaminoglycan mimetics. Carbohydr Res 2023; 529:108831. [PMID: 37209666 DOI: 10.1016/j.carres.2023.108831] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Thrombotic disorders are among the leading causes of deaths worldwide. Anticoagulants are frequently prescribed for their prevention and/or treatment. Current anticoagulants, which target either thrombin or factor Xa, are plagued with a number of drawbacks, the most important of which is the increased risk of internal bleeding. To develop better antithrombotic agents, the anticoagulant activity of cyclic glycosaminoglycan mimetics was evaluated. Human plasma clotting assays and enzyme inhibition assays were exploited to evaluate the anticoagulant activity of sulfated β-cyclodextrin (SBCD) and its three analogs: sulfated α-cyclodextrin, β-cyclodextrin, and methylated β-cyclodextrin. In normal human plasma, SBCD selectively doubled the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) at ∼9 μg/mL, with no effect on prothrombin time (PT) at the same concentration. Likewise, SBCD doubled APTT at ∼9 μg/mL and at ∼8 μg/mL in antithrombin-deficient plasma and heparin cofactor II-deficient plasma, respectively. Interestingly, the three SBCD derivatives were inactive at the highest concentrations tested which highlighted the importance of the sulfate groups and the size of the molecule. Enzyme assays revealed that SBCD inhibits factor XIa (FXIa) with an IC50 value of ∼20 μg/mL and efficacy of near 100%. SBCD did not inhibit other related proteins including thrombin, factor IXa, factor Xa, factor XIIa, factor XIIIa, plasmin, chymotrypsin, or trypsin at the highest concentrations tested demonstrating a significant selectivity. In Michaelis-Menten kinetics, SBCD decreased the VMAX and increased the KM of FXIa hydrolysis of a tripeptide chromogenic substrate indicating a mixed inhibition mechanism. Together, it appears that SBCD is a potent and selective inhibitor of human FXIa with substantial anticoagulant activity in human plasma. Overall, this study introduces SBCD as a promising lead for further development as a safer anticoagulant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Chiles
- Division of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA, 70125, USA
| | - Daniel K Afosah
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, 23219, USA
| | - Rami A Al-Horani
- Division of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA, 70125, USA.
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4
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Afosah DK, Fayyad RM, Puliafico VR, Merrell S, Langmia EK, Diagne SR, Al-Horani RA, Desai UR. Homogeneous, Synthetic, Non-Saccharide Glycosaminoglycan Mimetics as Potent Inhibitors of Human Cathepsin G. Biomolecules 2023; 13:760. [PMID: 37238630 PMCID: PMC10216581 DOI: 10.3390/biom13050760] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Cathepsin G (CatG) is a pro-inflammatory neutrophil serine protease that is important for host defense, and has been implicated in several inflammatory disorders. Hence, inhibition of CatG holds much therapeutic potential; however, only a few inhibitors have been identified to date, and none have reached clinical trials. Of these, heparin is a well-known inhibitor of CatG, but its heterogeneity and bleeding risk reduce its clinical potential. We reasoned that synthetic small mimetics of heparin, labeled as non-saccharide glycosaminoglycan mimetics (NSGMs), would exhibit potent CatG inhibition while being devoid of bleeding risks associated with heparin. Hence, we screened a focused library of 30 NSGMs for CatG inhibition using a chromogenic substrate hydrolysis assay and identified nano- to micro-molar inhibitors with varying levels of efficacy. Of these, a structurally-defined, octasulfated di-quercetin NSGM 25 inhibited CatG with a potency of ~50 nM. NSGM 25 binds to CatG in an allosteric site through an approximately equal contribution of ionic and nonionic forces. Octasulfated 25 exhibits no impact on human plasma clotting, suggesting minimal bleeding risk. Considering that octasulfated 25 also potently inhibits two other pro-inflammatory proteases, human neutrophil elastase and human plasmin, the current results imply the possibility of a multi-pronged anti-inflammatory approach in which these proteases are likely to simultaneously likely combat important conditions, e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, emphysema, or cystic fibrosis, with minimal bleeding risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel K. Afosah
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA; (R.M.F.)
- Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23219, USA
| | - Rawan M. Fayyad
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA; (R.M.F.)
- Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23219, USA
| | - Valerie R. Puliafico
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Washington and Lee University, Lexington, VA 24450, USA
| | - Spencer Merrell
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Washington and Lee University, Lexington, VA 24450, USA
| | - Eltice K. Langmia
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Washington and Lee University, Lexington, VA 24450, USA
| | - Sophie R. Diagne
- Department of Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Rami A. Al-Horani
- Division of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA 70125, USA
| | - Umesh R. Desai
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA; (R.M.F.)
- Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23219, USA
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5
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Abdelfadiel E, Gunta R, Villuri BK, Afosah DK, Sankaranarayanan NV, Desai UR. Designing Smaller, Synthetic, Functional Mimetics of Sulfated Glycosaminoglycans as Allosteric Modulators of Coagulation Factors. J Med Chem 2023; 66:4503-4531. [PMID: 37001055 PMCID: PMC10108365 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00132] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
Natural glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are arguably the most diverse collection of natural products. Unfortunately, this bounty of structures remains untapped. Decades of research has realized only one GAG-like synthetic, small-molecule drug, fondaparinux. This represents an abysmal output because GAGs present a frontier that few medicinal chemists, and even fewer pharmaceutical companies, dare to undertake. GAGs are heterogeneous, polymeric, polydisperse, highly water soluble, synthetically challenging, too rapidly cleared, and difficult to analyze. Additionally, GAG binding to proteins is not very selective and GAG-binding sites are shallow. This Perspective attempts to transform this negative view into a much more promising one by highlighting recent advances in GAG mimetics. The Perspective focuses on the principles used in the design/discovery of drug-like, synthetic, sulfated small molecules as allosteric modulators of coagulation factors, such as antithrombin, thrombin, and factor XIa. These principles will also aid the design/discovery of sulfated agents against cancer, inflammation, and microbial infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elsamani
I. Abdelfadiel
- Institute
for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23219, United States
| | - Rama Gunta
- Institute
for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23219, United States
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - Bharath Kumar Villuri
- Institute
for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23219, United States
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - Daniel K. Afosah
- Institute
for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23219, United States
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - Nehru Viji Sankaranarayanan
- Institute
for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23219, United States
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - Umesh R. Desai
- Institute
for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23219, United States
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
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6
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Morla S, Ravikumar O, O’Hara C, Boothello R, Vera A, Abdelfadiel EI, Fayyad R, Afosah DK, Sharon C, Fernandez L, Shah SA, Patel BB, Desai UR. Designing Synthetic, Sulfated Glycosaminoglycan Mimetics That Are Orally Bioavailable and Exhibiting In Vivo Anticancer Activity. J Med Chem 2023; 66:1321-1338. [PMID: 36634271 PMCID: PMC9884082 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01511] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Sulfated glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), or synthetic mimetics thereof, are not favorably viewed as orally bioavailable drugs owing to their high number of anionic sulfate groups. Devising an approach for oral delivery of such highly sulfated molecules would be very useful. This work presents the concept that conjugating cholesterol to synthetic sulfated GAG mimetics enables oral delivery. A focused library of sulfated GAG mimetics was synthesized and found to inhibit the growth of a colorectal cancer cell line under spheroid conditions with a wide range of potencies ( 0.8 to 46 μM). Specific analogues containing cholesterol, either alone or in combination with clinical utilized drugs, exhibited pronounced in vivo anticancer potential with intraperitoneal as well as oral administration, as assessed by ex vivo tertiary and quaternary spheroid growth, cancer stem cell (CSC) markers, and/or self-renewal factors. Overall, cholesterol derivatization of highly sulfated GAG mimetics affords an excellent approach for engineering oral activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shravan Morla
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
- Institute
for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23219, United States
| | - Ongolu Ravikumar
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
- Institute
for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23219, United States
| | - Connor O’Hara
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
- Institute
for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23219, United States
| | - Rio Boothello
- Division
of Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - Alberto Vera
- Hunter
Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia 23249, United States
| | - Elsamani I. Abdelfadiel
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
- Institute
for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23219, United States
| | - Rawan Fayyad
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
- Institute
for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23219, United States
| | - Daniel K. Afosah
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
- Institute
for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23219, United States
| | - Chetna Sharon
- Hunter
Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia 23249, United States
| | - Leopoldo Fernandez
- Hunter
Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia 23249, United States
- Massey
Cancer Center, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
- Division
of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia 23249, United States
| | - Syed Ammer Shah
- Hunter
Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia 23249, United States
- Massey
Cancer Center, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
- Division
of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia 23249, United States
| | - Bhaumik B. Patel
- Division
of Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
- Hunter
Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia 23249, United States
- Massey
Cancer Center, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - Umesh R. Desai
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
- Institute
for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23219, United States
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7
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Al-Horani RA, Afosah DK, Kar S, Aliter KF, Mottamal M. Sulphated penta-galloyl glucopyranoside (SPGG) is glycosaminoglycan mimetic allosteric inhibitor of cathepsin G. RPS Pharm Pharmacol Rep 2023; 2:rqad001. [PMID: 36844783 PMCID: PMC9942669 DOI: 10.1093/rpsppr/rqad001] [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] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Objective Cathepsin G (CatG) is a cationic serine protease with wide substrate specificity. CatG is reported to play a role in several inflammatory pathologies. Thus, we aimed at identifying a potent and allosteric inhibitor of CatG to be used as a platform in further drug development opportunities. Methods Chromogenic substrate hydrolysis assays were used to evaluate the inhibition potency and selectivity of SPGG towards CatG. Salt-dependent studies, Michaelis-Menten kinetics and SDS-PAGE were exploited to decipher the mechanism of CatG inhibition by SPGG. Molecular modelling was also used to identify a plausible binding site. Key findings SPGG displayed an inhibition potency of 57 nM against CatG, which was substantially selective over other proteases. SPGG protected fibronectin and laminin against CatG-mediated degradation. SPGG reduced VMAX of CatG hydrolysis of a chromogenic substrate without affecting KM, suggesting an allosteric mechanism. Resolution of energy contributions indicated that non-ionic interactions contribute ~91% of binding energy, suggesting a substantial possibility of specific recognition. Molecular modelling indicated that SPGG plausibly binds to an anion-binding sequence of 109SRRVRRNRN117. Conclusion We present the discovery of SPGG as the first small molecule, potent, allosteric glycosaminoglycan mimetic inhibitor of CatG. SPGG is expected to open a major route to clinically relevant allosteric CatG anti-inflammatory agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rami A Al-Horani
- Correspondence: Dr Rami A. Al-Horani, 1 Drexel Drive, College of Pharmacy, New Orleans, LA 70125-1089, USA. Tel: (504) 520-7603; Fax: (504) 520-7954;
| | - Daniel K Afosah
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Srabani Kar
- Division of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Kholoud F Aliter
- Department of Chemistry, School of STEM, Dillard University, New Orleans, LA, USA
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8
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Al-Horani RA, Afosah DK, Mottamal M. Triazol-1-yl Benzamides Promote Anticoagulant Activity via Inhibition of Factor XIIa. Cardiovasc Hematol Agents Med Chem 2023; 21:108-119. [PMID: 36321236 PMCID: PMC10249145 DOI: 10.2174/1871525721666221031141323] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human factor XIIa (FXIIa) is a plasma serine protease that plays a significant role in several physiological and pathological processes. Animal models have revealed an important contribution of FXIIa to thromboembolic diseases. Remarkably, animals and patients with FXII deficiency appear to have normal hemostasis. Thus, FXIIa inhibition may serve as a promising therapeutic strategy to attain safer and more effective anticoagulation. Very few small molecule inhibitors of FXIIa have been reported. We synthesized and investigated a focused library of triazol-1-yl benzamide derivatives for FXIIa inhibition. METHODS We chemically synthesized, characterized, and investigated a focused library of triazol- 1-yl benzamide derivatives for FXIIa inhibition. Using a standardized chromogenic substrate hydrolysis assay, the derivatives were evaluated for inhibiting human FXIIa. Their selectivity over other clotting factors was also evaluated using the corresponding substrate hydrolysis assays. The best inhibitor affinity to FXIIa was also determined using fluorescence spectroscopy. Effects on the clotting times (prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT)) of human plasma were also studied. RESULTS We identified a specific derivative (1) as the most potent inhibitor in this series. The inhibitor exhibited nanomolar binding affinity to FXIIa. It also exhibited significant selectivity against several serine proteases. It also selectively doubled the activated partial thromboplastin time of human plasma. CONCLUSION Overall, this work puts forward inhibitor 1 as a potent and selective inhibitor of FXIIa for further development as an anticoagulant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rami A. Al-Horani
- Division of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA 70125, USA
| | - Daniel K. Afosah
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Washington and Lee University, Lexington VA 24450, USA
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9
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Boothello RS, Sankaranarayanan NV, Sistla JC, Nagarajan B, Sharon C, Chittum JE, Niyaz RY, Roy S, Nandi A, O'Hara CP, Navaz Gangji R, Afosah DK, Ongolu R, Patel BB, Desai UR. Glycan Modulation of Insulin‐like Growth Factor‐1 Receptor. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022; 61:e202211320. [PMID: 36205924 PMCID: PMC9712175 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202211320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R) is a receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) that plays critical roles in cancer. Microarray, computational, thermodynamic, and cellular imaging studies reveal that activation of IGF-1R by its cognate ligand IGF1 is inhibited by shorter, soluble heparan sulfate (HS) sequences (e.g., HS06), whereas longer polymeric chains do not inhibit the RTK, a phenomenon directly opposed to the traditional relationship known for GAG-protein systems. The inhibition arises from smaller oligosaccharides binding in a unique pocket in the IGF-1R ectodomain, which competes with the natural cognate ligand IGF1. This work presents a highly interesting observation on preferential and competing inhibition of IGF-1R by smaller sequences, whereas polysaccharides are devoid of this function. These insights will be of major value to glycobiologists and anti-cancer drug discoverers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rio S Boothello
- Hunter Holmes McGuire Richmond VA Medical Center: Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center Internal Medicine UNITED STATES
| | | | - Jyothi C Sistla
- Virginia Commonwealth University Medicinal Chemistry UNITED STATES
| | - Balaji Nagarajan
- Virginia Commonwealth University Medicinal Chemistry UNITED STATES
| | - Chetna Sharon
- Hunter Holmes McGuire Richmond VA Medical Center: Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center Internal Medicine UNITED STATES
| | - John E Chittum
- Virginia Commonwealth University Medicinal Chemistry UNITED STATES
| | - Rabiya Y Niyaz
- Hunter Holmes McGuire Richmond VA Medical Center: Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center Internal Medicine UNITED STATES
| | - Swarnali Roy
- Virginia Commonwealth University Medicinal Chemistry UNITED STATES
| | - Aditi Nandi
- Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine Internal Medicine UNITED STATES
| | - Connor P O'Hara
- Virginia Commonwealth University Medicinal Chemistry UNITED STATES
| | | | - Daniel K Afosah
- Virginia Commonwealth University Medicinal Chemistry UNITED STATES
| | - Ravikumar Ongolu
- Virginia Commonwealth University Medicinal Chemistry UNITED STATES
| | - Bhaumik B Patel
- Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine Division of Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Care, Department of Internal Medicine UNITED STATES
| | - Umesh R. Desai
- Virginia Commonwealth University Institute for Structural Biology and Drug Design 800 East Leigh Street #212 23219 Richmond UNITED STATES
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Boothello RS, Sankaranarayanan NV, Sistla JC, Nagarajan B, Sharon C, Chittum JE, Niyaz RY, Roy S, Nandi A, O'Hara CP, Navaz Gangji R, Afosah DK, Ongolu R, Patel BB, Desai UR. Glycan Modulation of Insulin‐like Growth Factor‐1 Receptor. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202211320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rio S Boothello
- Hunter Holmes McGuire Richmond VA Medical Center: Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center Internal Medicine UNITED STATES
| | | | - Jyothi C Sistla
- Virginia Commonwealth University Medicinal Chemistry UNITED STATES
| | - Balaji Nagarajan
- Virginia Commonwealth University Medicinal Chemistry UNITED STATES
| | - Chetna Sharon
- Hunter Holmes McGuire Richmond VA Medical Center: Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center Internal Medicine UNITED STATES
| | - John E Chittum
- Virginia Commonwealth University Medicinal Chemistry UNITED STATES
| | - Rabiya Y Niyaz
- Hunter Holmes McGuire Richmond VA Medical Center: Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center Internal Medicine UNITED STATES
| | - Swarnali Roy
- Virginia Commonwealth University Medicinal Chemistry UNITED STATES
| | - Aditi Nandi
- Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine Internal Medicine UNITED STATES
| | - Connor P O'Hara
- Virginia Commonwealth University Medicinal Chemistry UNITED STATES
| | | | - Daniel K Afosah
- Virginia Commonwealth University Medicinal Chemistry UNITED STATES
| | - Ravikumar Ongolu
- Virginia Commonwealth University Medicinal Chemistry UNITED STATES
| | - Bhaumik B Patel
- Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine Division of Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Care, Department of Internal Medicine UNITED STATES
| | - Umesh R. Desai
- Virginia Commonwealth University Institute for Structural Biology and Drug Design 800 East Leigh Street #212 23219 Richmond UNITED STATES
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Anticoagulation with no bleeding complications is the current objective of drug discovery programs in the area of treating and/or preventing thromboembolism. Despite the promises of therapeutics targeting factors XI(a) and XII(a), none has been approved thus far. Clinically used thrombin- and/or factor Xa-based anticoagulants continue to be associated with a significant bleeding risk which limits their safe use in a broad range of thrombotic patients. Research findings in animals and humans indicate that it is possible to target factor IX(a) (FIX(a)) to achieve anticoagulation with a limited risk of bleeding. AREAS COVERED A review of patents literature has retrieved >35 patents on the development of molecules targeting FIX(a) since 2003. Small molecules, antibodies, and aptamers have been developed to target FIX(a) to potentially promote effective and safer anticoagulation. Most of these agents are in the pre-clinical development phase and few have been tested in clinical trials. EXPERT OPINION FIX(a) system is being considered to develop new anticoagulants with fewer bleeding complications. Our survey indicates that the number of FIX(a)-targeting agents is mediocre. The agents under development are diverse. Although additional development is essential, moving one or more of these agents to the clinic will facilitate achieving better clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel K Afosah
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Washington and Lee University, Lexington, VA, USA
| | - Edward Ofori
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Chicago State University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Madhusoodanan Mottamal
- Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Rami A Al-Horani
- Division of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
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Boothello RS, Sankaranarayanan NV, Afosah DK, Karuturi R, Al-Horani RA, Desai UR. Studies on fragment-based design of allosteric inhibitors of human factor XIa. Bioorg Med Chem 2020; 28:115762. [PMID: 32992249 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2020.115762] [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] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Human factor XIa (hFXIa) has emerged as an attractive target for development of new anticoagulants that promise higher level of safety. Different strategies have been adopted so far for the design of anti-hFXIa molecules including competitive and non-competitive inhibition. Of these, allosteric dysfunction of hFXIa's active site is especially promising because of the possibility of controlled reduction in activity that may offer a route to safer anticoagulants. In this work, we assess fragment-based design approach to realize a group of novel allosteric hFXIa inhibitors. Starting with our earlier discovery that sulfated quinazolinone (QAO) bind in the heparin-binding site of hFXIa, we developed a group of two dozen dimeric sulfated QAOs with intervening linkers that displayed a progressive variation in inhibition potency. In direct opposition to the traditional wisdom, increasing linker flexibility led to higher potency, which could be explained by computational studies. Sulfated QAO 19S was identified as the most potent and selective inhibitor of hFXIa. Enzyme inhibition studies revealed that 19S utilizes a non-competitive mechanism of action, which was supported by fluorescence studies showing a classic sigmoidal binding profile. Studies with selected mutants of hFXIa indicated that sulfated QAOs bind in heparin-binding site of the catalytic domain of hFXIa. Overall, the approach of fragment-based design offers considerable promise for designing heparin-binding site-directed allosteric inhibitors of hFXIa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rio S Boothello
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, United States; Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23219, United States; Hunter Holmes McGuire Medical Center, Richmond, VA 23249, United States
| | - Nehru Viji Sankaranarayanan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, United States; Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23219, United States
| | - Daniel K Afosah
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, United States; Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23219, United States
| | - Rajesh Karuturi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, United States; Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23219, United States
| | - Rami A Al-Horani
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, United States; Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23219, United States; Division of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA 70125, United States
| | - Umesh R Desai
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, United States; Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23219, United States.
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O'Hara CP, Boothello RS, Morla S, Vera A, Afosah DK, Sankaranarayanan NV, Nagarajan B, Sharon C, Patel BB, Desai UR. Abstract 6353: Cholesterol modification enhances potency and pharmacokinetic properties of a selective cancer stem cell targeting agent. Cancer Res 2020. [DOI: 10.1158/1538-7445.am2020-6353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Increasing evidence supports the concept that tumor-initiating cancer stem cells (CSCs) are responsible for the relapse and reconstitution of formerly treated tumors. Previously, our lab identified a potent and selective inhibitor of colorectal CSCs, named G2.2, from a library of non-saccharide glycosaminoglycan mimetics (NSGMs). To further improve upon the potency, pharmacokinetics, and drug-like properties of G2.2, cholesterol-modified analogs were rationally designed using computational molecular modeling and molecular dynamics studies. A small group of designed NSGMs, labeled as G2C, G5C and G8C, were synthesized for biological evaluation. These agents and the parent NSGM G2.2 were studied for their ability to inhibit the growth of primary spheroids from a panel of 15 human colorectal cancer (CRC) cells representative of the consensus molecular subtypes of human CRC. Spheroid formation frequencies (SFFs) of cell lines were measured using limiting dilution assays (LDAs), and IC50 of inhibition was evaluated from dose-response curves for monolayer growth and primary spheroid growth in the presence of NSGMs. Selectivity of CSC targeting was assessed from the ratio of IC50,monolayer to IC50,spheroid. Pharmacokinetics (PK) and bioavailability in rodents were deduced following IV and PO administrations. In-vivo therapeutic potential of the NSGMs was studied in CSC-induced xenograft models aided by ex-vivo CSC phenotype characterization. Each NSGM preferentially targeted 3D spheroidal growth in comparison to monolayer cellular growth by 12- to 450-fold, suggesting excellent CSC selectivity. Cholesterol modification of G2.2 enhanced in-vitro spheroid inhibition potency across the entire panel of cell lines on average by 3- to 21-fold. G8C showed the highest inhibition potency with an IC50 of 1 to 10 μM across cell lines. Cells with higher SFF were several-fold more sensitive to NSGMs, suggesting that basal expression of CSCs could predict NSGM response. Robust reductions in tumor volumes were observed in mice treated with G5C (100 mg/kg i.p. 3x a week) following an intial-treatment with oxaliplatin and 5-fluorouracil (weekly x3) compared to vehicle controls. This reduction was concomitant with a 3.9-fold reduction in colonic crypt stemness marker LGR5+ cells and 2.6-fold decrease in xenograft-derived tertiary spheroids. No gross or organ specific toxicity was found in animals treated with G5C. Finally, cholesterol modification greatly improved PK and oral bioavailability of parent G2.2. Overall, cholesterol modification of CSC-selective G2.2 was found to enhance in vitro potency against spheroidal growth without compromising selectivity toward tumor initiating CSCs. The G2.2 analogs offered robust tumor reductions in vivo with essentially no off target toxicity, and serve as promising and novel potential cancer therapeutics.
Citation Format: Connor P. O'Hara, Rio S. Boothello, Shravan Morla, Alberto Vera, Daniel K. Afosah, Nehru V. Sankaranarayanan, Balaji Nagarajan, Chetna Sharon, Bhaumik B. Patel, Umesh R. Desai. Cholesterol modification enhances potency and pharmacokinetic properties of a selective cancer stem cell targeting agent [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr 6353.
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Afosah DK, Al-Horani RA. Sulfated Non-Saccharide Glycosaminoglycan Mimetics as Novel Drug Discovery Platform for Various Pathologies. Curr Med Chem 2020; 27:3412-3447. [PMID: 30457046 PMCID: PMC6551317 DOI: 10.2174/0929867325666181120101147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Revised: 11/06/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are very complex, natural anionic polysaccharides. They are polymers of repeating disaccharide units of uronic acid and hexosamine residues. Owing to their template-free, spatiotemporally-controlled, and enzyme-mediated biosyntheses, GAGs possess enormous polydispersity, heterogeneity, and structural diversity which often translate into multiple biological roles. It is well documented that GAGs contribute to physiological and pathological processes by binding to proteins including serine proteases, serpins, chemokines, growth factors, and microbial proteins. Despite advances in the GAG field, the GAG-protein interface remains largely unexploited by drug discovery programs. Thus, Non-Saccharide Glycosaminoglycan Mimetics (NSGMs) have been rationally developed as a novel class of sulfated molecules that modulate GAG-protein interface to promote various biological outcomes of substantial benefit to human health. In this review, we describe the chemical, biochemical, and pharmacological aspects of recently reported NSGMs and highlight their therapeutic potentials as structurally and mechanistically novel anti-coagulants, anti-cancer agents, anti-emphysema agents, and anti-viral agents. We also describe the challenges that complicate their advancement and describe ongoing efforts to overcome these challenges with the aim of advancing the novel platform of NSGMs to clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel K. Afosah
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23219
| | - Rami A. Al-Horani
- Division of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, Louisiana 70125
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15
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Al-Horani RA, Abdelfadiel EI, Afosah DK, Morla S, Sistla JC, Mohammed B, Martin EJ, Sakagami M, Brophy DF, Desai UR. A synthetic heparin mimetic that allosterically inhibits factor XIa and reduces thrombosis in vivo without enhanced risk of bleeding. J Thromb Haemost 2019; 17:2110-2122. [PMID: 31397071 PMCID: PMC6893084 DOI: 10.1111/jth.14606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2019] [Revised: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 08/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human factor XIa (FXIa) is an actively pursued target for development of safer anticoagulants. Our long-standing hypothesis has been that allosterism originating from heparin-binding site(s) on coagulation enzymes is a promising approach to yield safer agents. OBJECTIVES To develop a synthetic heparin mimetic as an inhibitor of FXIa so as to reduce clot formation in vivo but not carry high bleeding risk. METHODS We employed a gamut of methods involving synthetic chemistry, biophysical biochemistry, enzyme assays, blood and plasma coagulation assays, and in vivo thrombosis models in this work. RESULTS Sulfated chiro-inositol (SCI), a non-saccharide mimetic of heparin, was synthesized in three steps in overall yields of >50%. SCI inhibited FXIa with potency of 280 nmol/L and preferentially engaged FXIa's heparin-binding site to conformationally alter its active site. SCI inhibition of FXIa could be rapidly reversed by common antidotes, such as protamine. SCI preferentially prolonged plasma clotting initiated with recalcification, rather than thromboplastin, alluding to its intrinsic pathway-based mechanism. Human blood thromboelastography indicated good ex vivo anticoagulation properties of SCI. Rat tail bleeding and maximum-dose-tolerated studies indicated that no major bleeding or toxicity concerns for SCI suggesting a potentially safer anticoagulation outcome. FeCl3 -induced arterial and thromboplastin-induced venous thrombosis model studies in the rat showed reduced thrombus formation by SCI at 250 μg/animal, which matched enoxaparin at 2500 μg/animal. CONCLUSIONS Overall, SCI is a highly promising, allosteric inhibitor of FXIa that induces potent anticoagulation in vivo. Further studies are necessary to assess SCI in animal models mimicking human clinical indications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rami A. Al-Horani
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298
- Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23219
| | - Elsamani I. Abdelfadiel
- Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23219
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298
| | - Daniel K. Afosah
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298
- Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23219
| | - Shravan Morla
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298
- Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23219
| | - Jyothi C. Sistla
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298
- Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23219
| | - Bassem Mohammed
- Department of Pharmacotherapy and Outcomes Sciences, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298
| | - Erika J. Martin
- Department of Pharmacotherapy and Outcomes Sciences, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298
| | - Masahiro Sakagami
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298
| | - Donald F. Brophy
- Department of Pharmacotherapy and Outcomes Sciences, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298
| | - Umesh R. Desai
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298
- Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23219
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Morla S, Sankaranarayanan NV, Afosah DK, Kumar M, Kummarapurugu AB, Voynow JA, Desai UR. On the Process of Discovering Leads That Target the Heparin-Binding Site of Neutrophil Elastase in the Sputum of Cystic Fibrosis Patients. J Med Chem 2019; 62:5501-5511. [PMID: 31074986 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b00379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a disease of dysregulated salt and fluid homeostasis that results in the massive accumulation of neutrophil elastase, resulting in lung degradation and death. The current CF therapy relies on inhaled deoxyribonuclease and hypertonic saline but does not address the elastolytic degradation of the lung. We reasoned that allosteric agents targeting the heparin-binding site of neutrophil elastase would offer a therapeutic paradigm. Screening a library of 60 nonsaccharide glycosaminoglycan mimetics (NSGMs) led to the discovery of 23 hits against neutrophil elastase. To identify a lead NSGM that works in sync with the current CF-relieving agents, we developed a rigorous protocol based on fundamental computational, biochemical, mechanistic, and adverse effect studies. The lead NSGM so identified neutralized neutrophil elastase present in the sputum of CF patients in the presence of deoxyribonuclease and high-salt conditions. Our work presents the process for discovering potent, small, synthetic, allosteric, anti-CF agents, while also identifying a novel lead for further studies in animal models of CF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shravan Morla
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry , Virginia Commonwealth University , Richmond , Virginia 23298 , United States.,Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development , Virginia Commonwealth University , Richmond , Virginia 23219 , United States
| | - Nehru Viji Sankaranarayanan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry , Virginia Commonwealth University , Richmond , Virginia 23298 , United States.,Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development , Virginia Commonwealth University , Richmond , Virginia 23219 , United States
| | - Daniel K Afosah
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry , Virginia Commonwealth University , Richmond , Virginia 23298 , United States.,Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development , Virginia Commonwealth University , Richmond , Virginia 23219 , United States
| | - Megh Kumar
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry , Virginia Commonwealth University , Richmond , Virginia 23298 , United States.,Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development , Virginia Commonwealth University , Richmond , Virginia 23219 , United States
| | - Apparao B Kummarapurugu
- Children's Hospital of Richmond at Virginia Commonwealth University , Richmond , Virginia 23298 , United States
| | - Judith A Voynow
- Children's Hospital of Richmond at Virginia Commonwealth University , Richmond , Virginia 23298 , United States
| | - Umesh R Desai
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry , Virginia Commonwealth University , Richmond , Virginia 23298 , United States.,Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development , Virginia Commonwealth University , Richmond , Virginia 23219 , United States
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Sistla JC, Afosah DK, Morla S, Patel NJ, Patel BB, Desai UR. A small, synthetic glycosaminoglycan mimetic as an inhibitor of human heparanase. FASEB J 2019. [DOI: 10.1096/fasebj.2019.33.1_supplement.675.12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jyothi C. Sistla
- Department of Medicinal ChemistryVirginia Commonwealth UniversityRichmondVA
- Institute for Structural BiologyDrug Discovery and DevelopmentRichmondVA
| | - Daniel K Afosah
- Department of Medicinal ChemistryVirginia Commonwealth UniversityRichmondVA
- Institute for Structural BiologyDrug Discovery and DevelopmentRichmondVA
| | - Shravan Morla
- Department of Medicinal ChemistryVirginia Commonwealth UniversityRichmondVA
- Institute for Structural BiologyDrug Discovery and DevelopmentRichmondVA
| | | | - Bhaumik B. Patel
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Palliative Care, Department of Internal Medicine and Massey Cancer CenterVirginia Commonwealth UniversityRichmondVA
- Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical CenterRichmondVA
| | - Umesh R. Desai
- Department of Medicinal ChemistryVirginia Commonwealth UniversityRichmondVA
- Institute for Structural BiologyDrug Discovery and DevelopmentRichmondVA
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18
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Morla S, Afosah DK, O'Hara C, Boothello R, Patel BB, Sakagami M, Desai UR. Lipophilic Modification of an Anti‐Cancer Stem Cell Agent Improves Pharmacokinetic and Anti‐Cancer Properties. FASEB J 2019. [DOI: 10.1096/fasebj.2019.33.1_supplement.782.17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shravan Morla
- Medicinal ChemistryVirginia Commonwealth UniveristyRichmondVA
- Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth UniveristyRichmondVA
| | - Daniel K. Afosah
- Medicinal ChemistryVirginia Commonwealth UniveristyRichmondVA
- Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth UniveristyRichmondVA
| | - Connor O'Hara
- Medicinal ChemistryVirginia Commonwealth UniveristyRichmondVA
- Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth UniveristyRichmondVA
| | - Rio Boothello
- Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth UniveristyRichmondVA
| | | | | | - Umesh R. Desai
- Medicinal ChemistryVirginia Commonwealth UniveristyRichmondVA
- Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth UniveristyRichmondVA
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19
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Patel NR, Patel DV, Kanhed AM, Patel SP, Patel KV, Afosah DK, Desai UR, Karpoormath R, Yadav MR. 2-Aminobenzamide-Based Factor Xa Inhibitors with Novel Mono- and Bi-Aryls as S4 Binding Elements. ChemistrySelect 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/slct.201803342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Nirav R. Patel
- Faculty of Pharmacy; Kalabhavan Campus; The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara-; 390001 Gujarat India
| | - Dushyant V. Patel
- Faculty of Pharmacy; Kalabhavan Campus; The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara-; 390001 Gujarat India
| | - Ashish M. Kanhed
- Faculty of Pharmacy; Kalabhavan Campus; The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara-; 390001 Gujarat India
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry; Discipline of Pharmaceutical Sciences; College of Health Sciences; University of KwaZulu-Natal (Westville); Durban 4000 South Africa
| | - Sagar P. Patel
- Faculty of Pharmacy; Kalabhavan Campus; The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara-; 390001 Gujarat India
| | - Kirti V. Patel
- Faculty of Pharmacy; Kalabhavan Campus; The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara-; 390001 Gujarat India
| | - Daniel K. Afosah
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Institute for Structrural Biology and Drug Discovery; Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond; Virginia 23219 United States
| | - Umesh R. Desai
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Institute for Structrural Biology and Drug Discovery; Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond; Virginia 23219 United States
| | - Rajshekhar Karpoormath
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry; Discipline of Pharmaceutical Sciences; College of Health Sciences; University of KwaZulu-Natal (Westville); Durban 4000 South Africa
| | - Mange Ram Yadav
- Faculty of Pharmacy; Kalabhavan Campus; The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara-; 390001 Gujarat India
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Al-Horani RA, Afosah DK. Recent advances in the discovery and development of factor XI/XIa inhibitors. Med Res Rev 2018; 38:1974-2023. [PMID: 29727017 PMCID: PMC6173998 DOI: 10.1002/med.21503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2017] [Revised: 03/09/2018] [Accepted: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Factor XIa (FXIa) is a serine protease homodimer that belongs to the intrinsic coagulation pathway. FXIa primarily catalyzes factor IX activation to factor IXa, which subsequently activates factor X to factor Xa in the common coagulation pathway. Growing evidence suggests that FXIa plays an important role in thrombosis with a relatively limited contribution to hemostasis. Therefore, inhibitors targeting factor XI (FXI)/FXIa system have emerged as a paradigm-shifting strategy so as to develop a new generation of anticoagulants to effectively prevent and/or treat thromboembolic diseases without the life-threatening risk of internal bleeding. Several inhibitors of FXI/FXIa proteins have been discovered or designed over the last decade including polypeptides, active site peptidomimetic inhibitors, allosteric inhibitors, antibodies, and aptamers. Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), which ultimately reduce the hepatic biosynthesis of FXI, have also been introduced. A phase II study, which included patients undergoing elective primary unilateral total knee arthroplasty, revealed that a specific FXI ASO effectively protects patients against venous thrombosis with a relatively limited risk of bleeding. Initial findings have also demonstrated the potential of FXI/FXIa inhibitors in sepsis, listeriosis, and arterial hypertension. This review highlights various chemical, biochemical, and pharmacological aspects of FXI/FXIa inhibitors with the goal of advancing their development toward clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rami A. Al-Horani
- Division of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, Louisiana 70125
| | - Daniel K. Afosah
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23219
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21
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Gangji RN, Sankaranarayanan NV, Elste J, Al-Horani RA, Afosah DK, Joshi R, Tiwari V, Desai UR. Inhibition of Herpes Simplex Virus-1 Entry into Human Cells by Nonsaccharide Glycosaminoglycan Mimetics. ACS Med Chem Lett 2018; 9:797-802. [PMID: 30128070 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.7b00364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2017] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Although heparan sulfate (HS) has been implicated in facilitating entry of enveloped viruses including herpes simplex virus (HSV), small molecules that effectively compete with this abundant, cell surface macromolecule remain unknown. We reasoned that entry of HSV-1 involving its glycoprotein D (gD) binding to HS could be competitively targeted through small, synthetic, nonsaccharide glycosaminoglycan mimetics (NSGMs). Screening a library of NSGMs identified a small, distinct group that bound gD with affinities of 8-120 nM. Studies on HSV-1 entry into HeLa, HFF-1, and VK2/E6E7 cells identified inhibitors with potencies in the range of 0.4-1.0 μM. These synthetic NSGMs are likely to offer promising chemical biology probes and/or antiviral drug discovery opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahaman Navaz Gangji
- Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23219, United States
| | - Nehru Viji Sankaranarayanan
- Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23219, United States
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - James Elste
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, Illinois 60515, United States
| | - Rami A. Al-Horani
- Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23219, United States
- College of Pharmacy, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, Louisiana 70125, United States
| | - Daniel K. Afosah
- Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23219, United States
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - Rachel Joshi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - Vaibhav Tiwari
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, Illinois 60515, United States
| | - Umesh R. Desai
- Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23219, United States
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
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22
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Kummarapurugu AB, Afosah DK, Sankaranarayanan NV, Navaz Gangji R, Zheng S, Kennedy T, Rubin BK, Voynow JA, Desai UR. Molecular principles for heparin oligosaccharide-based inhibition of neutrophil elastase in cystic fibrosis. J Biol Chem 2018; 293:12480-12490. [PMID: 29903912 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.002644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Revised: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a multifactorial disease in which dysfunction of protease-antiprotease balance plays a key role. The current CF therapy relies on dornase α, hypertonic saline, and antibiotics and does not address the high neutrophil elastase (NE) activity observed in the lung and sputum of CF patients. Our hypothesis is that variants of heparin, which potently inhibit NE but are not anticoagulant, would help restore the protease-antiprotease balance in CF. To realize this concept, we studied molecular principles governing the effectiveness of different heparins, especially 2-O,3-O-desulfated heparin (ODSH), in the presence of sputum components and therapeutic agents. Using sputa from CF patients and an NE activity assay, we found that heparins are ineffective if used in the absence of dornase. This is true even when mucolytics, such as DTT or N-acetylcysteine, were used. Computational modeling suggested that ODSH and DNA compete for binding to an overlapping allosteric site on NE, which reduces the anti-NE potential of ODSH. NE inhibition of both DNA and ODSH is chain length-dependent, but ODSH chains exhibit higher potency per unit residue length. Likewise, ODSH chains exhibit higher NE inhibition potential compared with DNA chains in the presence of saline. These studies suggest fundamental differences in DNA and ODSH recognition and inhibition of NE despite engaging overlapping sites and offer unique insights into molecular principles that could be used in developing antiprotease agents in the presence of current treatments, such as dornase and hypertonic saline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Apparao B Kummarapurugu
- From the Children's Hospital of Richmond at Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298
| | - Daniel K Afosah
- the Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298.,the Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298, and
| | - Nehru Viji Sankaranarayanan
- the Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298.,the Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298, and
| | - Rahaman Navaz Gangji
- the Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298, and
| | - Shuo Zheng
- From the Children's Hospital of Richmond at Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298
| | - Thomas Kennedy
- the Tulane University Medical Center, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112
| | - Bruce K Rubin
- From the Children's Hospital of Richmond at Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298
| | - Judith A Voynow
- From the Children's Hospital of Richmond at Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298,
| | - Umesh R Desai
- the Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298, .,the Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298, and
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23
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Afosah DK, Verespy S, Al-Horani RA, Boothello RS, Karuturi R, Desai UR. A small group of sulfated benzofurans induces steady-state submaximal inhibition of thrombin. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2018; 28:1101-1105. [PMID: 29459207 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2018.01.069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2017] [Revised: 01/29/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Despite the development of promising direct oral anticoagulants, which are all orthosteric inhibitors, a sizable number of patients suffer from bleeding complications. We have hypothesized that allosterism based on the heparin-binding exosites presents a major opportunity to induce sub-maximal inhibition of coagulation proteases, thereby avoiding/reducing bleeding risk. We present the design of a group of sulfated benzofuran dimers that display heparin-binding site-dependent partial allosteric inhibition of thrombin against fibrinogen (ΔY = 55-75%), the first time that a small molecule (MW < 800) has been found to thwart macromolecular cleavage by a monomeric protease in a controlled manner. The work leads to the promising concept that it should be possible to develop allosteric inhibitors that reduce clotting, but do not completely eliminate it, thereby avoiding major bleeding complications that beset anticoagulants today.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel K Afosah
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA; Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Stephen Verespy
- Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA; Department of Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Rami A Al-Horani
- Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA; Division of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xavier University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Rio S Boothello
- Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Rajesh Karuturi
- Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Umesh R Desai
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA; Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA.
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24
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Zheng S, Kummarapurugu AB, Afosah DK, Sankaranarayanan NV, Boothello RS, Desai UR, Kennedy T, Voynow JA. 2-O, 3-O Desulfated Heparin Blocks High Mobility Group Box 1 Release by Inhibition of p300 Acetyltransferase Activity. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2017; 56:90-98. [PMID: 27585400 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2016-0069oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is an alarmin released from macrophages after infection or inflammation and is a biomarker of lung disease progression in patients with cystic fibrosis. We reported that 2-O, 3-O desulfated heparin (ODSH) inhibits the release of HMGB1 from murine macrophages triggered by neutrophil elastase both in vivo and in vitro. HMGB1 shuttles between the nucleus and the cytoplasm. When acetylated at lysine residues in the nuclear localization signal domains, HMGB1 is sequestered in the cytoplasm and is fated for secretion. In this study, we investigated the mechanism by which ODSH blocks HMGB1 secretion. We tested whether ODSH inhibits the activity of p300, a histone acetyltransferase that has been linked to HMGB1 acetylation and release. ODSH inhibited both neutrophil elastase and LPS-triggered HMGB1 release from the murine macrophage cell line RAW264.7 in a concentration-dependent manner. Fluorescein-labeled ODSH was taken up by RAW264.7 cells into the cytoplasm as well as the nucleus, suggesting an intracellular site of action of ODSH for blocking HMGB1 release. ODSH inhibited RAW264.7 cell nuclear extract, human macrophage nuclear extract, and recombinant p300 HAT activity in vitro, resulting in the failure to acetylate HMGB1. In silico molecular modeling predicted that of the numerous possible ODSH sequences, a small number preferentially recognizes a specific binding site on p300. Fluorescence binding studies showed that ODSH bound p300 tightly (dissociation constant ∼1 nM) in a highly cooperative manner. These results suggest that ODSH inhibited HMGB1 release, at least in part, by direct molecular inhibition of p300 HAT activity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Daniel K Afosah
- 2 Medicinal Chemistry and Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia; and
| | - Nehru Viji Sankaranarayanan
- 2 Medicinal Chemistry and Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia; and
| | - Rio S Boothello
- 2 Medicinal Chemistry and Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia; and
| | - Umesh R Desai
- 2 Medicinal Chemistry and Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia; and
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25
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Afosah DK, Al-Horani RA, Sankaranarayanan NV, Desai UR. Potent, Selective, Allosteric Inhibition of Human Plasmin by Sulfated Non-Saccharide Glycosaminoglycan Mimetics. J Med Chem 2017; 60:641-657. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.6b01474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel K. Afosah
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry,
and Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23219, United States
| | - Rami A. Al-Horani
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry,
and Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23219, United States
| | - Nehru Viji Sankaranarayanan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry,
and Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23219, United States
| | - Umesh R. Desai
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry,
and Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23219, United States
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26
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Al-Horani RA, Karuturi R, Lee M, Afosah DK, Desai UR. Allosteric Inhibition of Factor XIIIa. Non-Saccharide Glycosaminoglycan Mimetics, but Not Glycosaminoglycans, Exhibit Promising Inhibition Profile. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0160189. [PMID: 27467511 PMCID: PMC4965010 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0160189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2016] [Accepted: 07/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Factor XIIIa (FXIIIa) is a transglutaminase that catalyzes the last step in the coagulation process. Orthostery is the only approach that has been exploited to design FXIIIa inhibitors. Yet, allosteric inhibition of FXIIIa is a paradigm that may offer a key advantage of controlled inhibition over orthosteric inhibition. Such an approach is likely to lead to novel FXIIIa inhibitors that do not carry bleeding risks. We reasoned that targeting a collection of basic amino acid residues distant from FXIIIa’s active site by using sulfated glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) or non-saccharide GAG mimetics (NSGMs) would lead to the discovery of the first allosteric FXIIIa inhibitors. We tested a library of 22 variably sulfated GAGs and NSGMs against human FXIIIa to discover promising hits. Interestingly, although some GAGs bound to FXIIIa better than NSGMs, no GAG displayed any inhibition. An undecasulfated quercetin analog was found to inhibit FXIIIa with reasonable potency (efficacy of 98%). Michaelis-Menten kinetic studies revealed an allosteric mechanism of inhibition. Fluorescence studies confirmed close correspondence between binding affinity and inhibition potency, as expected for an allosteric process. The inhibitor was reversible and at least 9-fold- and 26-fold selective over two GAG-binding proteins factor Xa (efficacy of 71%) and thrombin, respectively, and at least 27-fold selective over a cysteine protease papain. The inhibitor also inhibited the FXIIIa-mediated polymerization of fibrin in vitro. Overall, our work presents the proof-of-principle that FXIIIa can be allosterically modulated by sulfated non-saccharide agents much smaller than GAGs, which should enable the design of selective and safe anticoagulants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rami A. Al-Horani
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry & Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Rajesh Karuturi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry & Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Michael Lee
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry & Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Daniel K. Afosah
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry & Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Umesh R. Desai
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry & Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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