1
|
Tautermann CS, Borghardt JM, Pfau R, Zentgraf M, Weskamp N, Sauer A. Towards holistic Compound Quality Scores: Extending ligand efficiency indices with compound pharmacokinetic characteristics. Drug Discov Today 2023; 28:103758. [PMID: 37660984 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103758] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
The suitability of small molecules as oral drugs is often assessed by simple physicochemical rules, the application of ligand efficiency scores or by composite scores based on physicochemical compound properties. These rules and scores are empirical and typically lack mechanistic background, such as information on pharmacokinetics (PK). We introduce new types of Compound Quality Scores (CQS, specifically called dose scores and cmax scores), which explicitly include predicted or, when available, experimental PK parameters and combine these with on-target potency. These CQS scores are surrogates for an estimated dose and corresponding cmax and allow prioritizing of compounds within test cascades as well as before synthesis. We demonstrate the complementarity and, in most cases, superior performance relative to existing efficiency metrics by project examples.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christofer S Tautermann
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Medicinal Chemistry, Birkendorfer Strasse 65, Biberach 88397, Germany; Department of General, Inorganic and Theoretical Chemistry, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck 6020, Austria.
| | - Jens M Borghardt
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Drug Discovery Sciences, Birkendorfer Strasse 65, Biberach 88397, Germany.
| | - Roland Pfau
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Medicinal Chemistry, Birkendorfer Strasse 65, Biberach 88397, Germany; Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, CNS Research, Birkendorfer Strasse 65, Biberach 88397, Germany.
| | - Matthias Zentgraf
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Discovery Research Coordination Germany, Birkendorfer Strasse 65, Biberach 88397, Germany.
| | - Nils Weskamp
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Medicinal Chemistry, Birkendorfer Strasse 65, Biberach 88397, Germany.
| | - Achim Sauer
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Drug Discovery Sciences, Birkendorfer Strasse 65, Biberach 88397, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ivanova L, Karelson M. The Impact of Software Used and the Type of Target Protein on Molecular Docking Accuracy. Molecules 2022; 27. [PMID: 36558174 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27249041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The modern development of computer technology and different in silico methods have had an increasing impact on the discovery and development of new drugs. Different molecular docking techniques most widely used in silico methods in drug discovery. Currently, the time and financial costs for the initial hit identification can be significantly reduced due to the ability to perform high-throughput virtual screening of large compound libraries in a short time. However, the selection of potential hit compounds still remains more of a random process, because there is still no consensus on what the binding energy and ligand efficiency (LE) of a potentially active compound should be. In the best cases, only 20-30% of compounds identified by molecular docking are active in biological tests. In this work, we evaluated the impact of the docking software used as well as the type of the target protein on the molecular docking results and their accuracy using an example of the three most popular programs and five target proteins related to neurodegenerative diseases. In addition, we attempted to determine the "reliable range" of the binding energy and LE that would allow selecting compounds with biological activity in the desired concentration range.
Collapse
|
3
|
Milani G, Cavalluzzi MM, Solidoro R, Salvagno L, Quintieri L, Di Somma A, Rosato A, Corbo F, Franchini C, Duilio A, Caputo L, Habtemariam S, Lentini G. Molecular Simplification of Natural Products: Synthesis, Antibacterial Activity, and Molecular Docking Studies of Berberine Open Models. Biomedicines 2021; 9:452. [PMID: 33922200 PMCID: PMC8146520 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9050452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Berberine, the main bioactive component of many medicinal plants belonging to various genera such as Berberis, Coptis, and Hydrastis is a multifunctional compound. Among the numerous interesting biological properties of berberine is broad antimicrobial activity including a range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. With the aim of identifying berberine analogues possibly endowed with higher lead-likeness and easier synthetic access, the molecular simplification approach was applied to the secondary metabolite and a series of analogues were prepared and screened for their antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial test species. Rewardingly, the berberine simplified analogues displayed 2-20-fold higher potency with respect to berberine. Since our berberine simplified analogues may be easily synthesized and are characterized by lower molecular weight than the parent compound, they are further functionalizable and should be more suitable for oral administration. Molecular docking simulations suggested FtsZ, a well-known protein involved in bacterial cell division, as a possible target.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gualtiero Milani
- Department of Pharmacy–Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, via E. Orabona n. 4, 70126 Bari, Italy; (G.M.); (R.S.); (L.S.); (A.R.); (F.C.); (C.F.); (G.L.)
| | - Maria Maddalena Cavalluzzi
- Department of Pharmacy–Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, via E. Orabona n. 4, 70126 Bari, Italy; (G.M.); (R.S.); (L.S.); (A.R.); (F.C.); (C.F.); (G.L.)
| | - Roberta Solidoro
- Department of Pharmacy–Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, via E. Orabona n. 4, 70126 Bari, Italy; (G.M.); (R.S.); (L.S.); (A.R.); (F.C.); (C.F.); (G.L.)
| | - Lara Salvagno
- Department of Pharmacy–Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, via E. Orabona n. 4, 70126 Bari, Italy; (G.M.); (R.S.); (L.S.); (A.R.); (F.C.); (C.F.); (G.L.)
| | - Laura Quintieri
- Institute of Sciences of Food Production (CNR-ISPA) National Council of Research, Via G. Amendola, 122/O, 70126 Bari, Italy; (L.Q.); (L.C.)
| | - Angela Di Somma
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II” Via Cinthia 4, 80126 Napoli, Italy; (A.D.S.); (A.D.)
| | - Antonio Rosato
- Department of Pharmacy–Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, via E. Orabona n. 4, 70126 Bari, Italy; (G.M.); (R.S.); (L.S.); (A.R.); (F.C.); (C.F.); (G.L.)
| | - Filomena Corbo
- Department of Pharmacy–Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, via E. Orabona n. 4, 70126 Bari, Italy; (G.M.); (R.S.); (L.S.); (A.R.); (F.C.); (C.F.); (G.L.)
| | - Carlo Franchini
- Department of Pharmacy–Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, via E. Orabona n. 4, 70126 Bari, Italy; (G.M.); (R.S.); (L.S.); (A.R.); (F.C.); (C.F.); (G.L.)
| | - Angela Duilio
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II” Via Cinthia 4, 80126 Napoli, Italy; (A.D.S.); (A.D.)
| | - Leonardo Caputo
- Institute of Sciences of Food Production (CNR-ISPA) National Council of Research, Via G. Amendola, 122/O, 70126 Bari, Italy; (L.Q.); (L.C.)
| | - Solomon Habtemariam
- Pharmacognosy Research Laboratories & Herbal Analysis Services, University of Greenwich, Chatham-Maritime, Kent ME4 4TB, UK;
| | - Giovanni Lentini
- Department of Pharmacy–Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, via E. Orabona n. 4, 70126 Bari, Italy; (G.M.); (R.S.); (L.S.); (A.R.); (F.C.); (C.F.); (G.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Singh R, Bhardwaj V, Das P, Purohit R. Natural analogues inhibiting selective cyclin-dependent kinase protein isoforms: a computational perspective. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2019; 38:5126-5135. [PMID: 31760872 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2019.1696709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) are known for their vital role in regulating cell cycle progression through protein-kinase interactions. CDKs also help in regulating transcription and development of the central nervous system. Inhibition of CDKs is a very fundamental approach for drug discovery in areas of different types of cancers, Alzheimer's, and HIV infections. The present research focuses on finding a novel, potent, and specific natural inhibitors of CDK isoforms (CDK2, CDK5, CDK7, CDK9). Molecular docking, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, and Molecular Mechanics Poisson-Boltzmann Surface Area (MM-PBSA) were carried out to get an in-depth understanding of protein-ligand interactions. Based on our molecular docking results, Ligands-3, 5, 14, and 16 were screened among 17 different Pyrrolone-fused benzosuberene compounds as potent and specific inhibitors without any cross-reactivity against different CDK isoforms. Analysis of MD simulations and MM-PBSA studies, revealed the binding energy profiles of all the selected complexes. Our selected ligands performed better than the standard inhibitor (Roscovitine). Ligands-3 and 14 show specificity for CDK7 and Ligands-5 and 16 were specific against CDK9. These ligands are expected to possess lower risk of side effects due to their natural origin. Moreover, the backbone structure of these ligands could also be exploited to develop specific inhibitors against other CDK isoforms.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Singh
- Structural Bioinformatics Lab, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (CSIR-IHBT), Palampur, HP, India.,Biotechnology Division, CSIR-IHBT, Palampur, HP, India
| | - Vijay Bhardwaj
- Structural Bioinformatics Lab, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (CSIR-IHBT), Palampur, HP, India.,Biotechnology Division, CSIR-IHBT, Palampur, HP, India
| | - Pralay Das
- Natural Product Chemistry and Process Development, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur, HP, India.,Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR), CSIR-IHBT Campus, Palampur, HP, India
| | - Rituraj Purohit
- Structural Bioinformatics Lab, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (CSIR-IHBT), Palampur, HP, India.,Biotechnology Division, CSIR-IHBT, Palampur, HP, India.,Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR), CSIR-IHBT Campus, Palampur, HP, India
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Kirsch P, Hartman AM, Hirsch AKH, Empting M. Concepts and Core Principles of Fragment-Based Drug Design. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24234309. [PMID: 31779114 PMCID: PMC6930586 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24234309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Revised: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In this review, a general introduction to fragment-based drug design and the underlying concepts is given. General considerations and methodologies ranging from library selection/construction over biophysical screening and evaluation methods to in-depth hit qualification and subsequent optimization strategies are discussed. These principles can be generally applied to most classes of drug targets. The examples given for fragment growing, merging, and linking strategies at the end of the review are set in the fields of enzyme-inhibitor design and macromolecule–macromolecule interaction inhibition. Building upon the foundation of fragment-based drug discovery (FBDD) and its methodologies, we also highlight a few new trends in FBDD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philine Kirsch
- Helmholtz-Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS)-Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Department of Drug Design and Optimization (DDOP), Campus E8.1, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany; (P.K.); (A.M.H.); (A.K.H.H.)
- Department of Pharmacy, Saarland University, Campus E8.1, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Alwin M. Hartman
- Helmholtz-Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS)-Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Department of Drug Design and Optimization (DDOP), Campus E8.1, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany; (P.K.); (A.M.H.); (A.K.H.H.)
- Department of Pharmacy, Saarland University, Campus E8.1, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
- Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Anna K. H. Hirsch
- Helmholtz-Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS)-Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Department of Drug Design and Optimization (DDOP), Campus E8.1, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany; (P.K.); (A.M.H.); (A.K.H.H.)
- Department of Pharmacy, Saarland University, Campus E8.1, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
- Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Martin Empting
- Helmholtz-Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS)-Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Department of Drug Design and Optimization (DDOP), Campus E8.1, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany; (P.K.); (A.M.H.); (A.K.H.H.)
- Department of Pharmacy, Saarland University, Campus E8.1, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-681-988-062-031
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Polanski J, Bak A. Ligand potency - an essential estimator for drug design: between intuition, misinterpretation and serendipity. Future Med Chem 2019; 11:1827-43. [PMID: 31304827 DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2018-0230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
This is a review of developments in the field of potency, which is an essential estimator for drug design. We discuss the basic concepts of research and discovery, focusing on how misinterpretation in this area, - but also intuition and serendipity, which are common in drug design - helped us to pave a bumpy road towards better drugs. How far we still are from this goal can be seen in the Eroom law, which states that the efficiency of pharma research and development is decreasing. At the same time, pharma bestsellers are getting older.
Collapse
|
7
|
Laskar AA, Danishuddin, Khan SH, Subbarao N, Younus H. Enhancement in the Catalytic Activity of Human Salivary Aldehyde Dehydrogenase by Alliin from Garlic: Implications in Aldehyde Toxicity and Oral Health. Curr Pharm Biotechnol 2019; 20:506-516. [PMID: 31038061 DOI: 10.2174/1389201020666190416140817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [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: 12/10/2018] [Revised: 02/23/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lower human salivary aldehyde dehydrogenase (hsALDH) activity increases the risk of aldehyde mediated pathogenesis including oral cancer. Alliin, the bioactive compound of garlic, exhibits many beneficial health effects. OBJECTIVE To study the effect of alliin on hsALDH activity. METHODS Enzyme kinetics was performed to study the effect of alliin on the activity of hsALDH. Different biophysical techniques were employed for structural and binding studies. Docking analysis was done to predict the binding region and the type of binding forces. RESULTS Alliin enhanced the dehydrogenase activity of the enzyme. It slightly reduced the Km and significantly enhanced the Vmax value. At 1 µM alliin concentration, the initial reaction rate increased by about two times. Further, it enhanced the hsALDH esterase activity. Biophysical studies indicated a strong complex formation between the enzyme and alliin (binding constant, Kb: 2.35 ± 0.14 x 103 M-1). It changes the secondary structure of hsALDH. Molecular docking study indicated that alliin interacts to the enzyme near the substrate binding region involving some active site residues that are evolutionary conserved. There was a slight increase in the nucleophilicity of active site cysteine in the presence of alliin. Ligand efficiency metrics values indicate that alliin is an efficient ligand for the enzyme. CONCLUSION Alliin activates the catalytic activity of the enzyme. Hence, consumption of alliincontaining garlic preparations or alliin supplements and use of alliin in pure form may lower aldehyde related pathogenesis including oral carcinogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amaj A Laskar
- Enzymology Laboratory, Interdisciplinary Biotechnology Unit, Faculty of Life Sciences, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, 202002, India
| | - Danishuddin
- School of Computational and Integrative Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Shaheer H Khan
- Enzymology Laboratory, Interdisciplinary Biotechnology Unit, Faculty of Life Sciences, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, 202002, India
| | - Naidu Subbarao
- School of Computational and Integrative Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Hina Younus
- Enzymology Laboratory, Interdisciplinary Biotechnology Unit, Faculty of Life Sciences, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, 202002, India
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Xue X, Bao G, Zhang HQ, Zhao NY, Sun Y, Zhang Y, Wang XL. An Application of Fit Quality to Screen MDM2/p53 Protein-Protein Interaction Inhibitors. Molecules 2018; 23:E3174. [PMID: 30513790 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23123174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2018] [Revised: 11/28/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The judicious application of ligand or binding efficiency (LE) metrics, which quantify the molecular properties required to obtain binding affinity for a drug target, is gaining traction in the selection and optimization of fragments, hits and leads. Here we report for the first time the use of LE based metric, fit quality (FQ), in virtual screening (VS) of MDM2/p53 protein-protein interaction inhibitors (PPIIs). Firstly, a Receptor-Ligand pharmacophore model was constructed on multiple MDM2/ligand complex structures to screen the library. The enrichment factor (EF) for screening was calculated based on a decoy set to define the screening threshold. Finally, 1% of the library, 335 compounds, were screened and re-filtered with the FQ metric. According to the statistical results of FQ vs. activity of 156 MDM2/p53 PPIIs extracted from literatures, the cut-off was defined as FQ = 0.8. After the second round of VS, six compounds with the FQ > 0.8 were picked out for assessing their antitumor activity. At the cellular level, the six hits exhibited a good selectivity (larger than 3) against HepG2 (wt-p53) vs. Hep3B (p53 null) cell lines. On the further study, the six hits exhibited an acceptable affinity (range of Ki from 102 to 103 nM) to MDM2 when comparing to Nutlin-3a. Based on our work, FQ based VS strategy could be applied to discover other PPIIs.
Collapse
|
9
|
Bojadzic D, Buchwald P. Toward Small-Molecule Inhibition of Protein-Protein Interactions: General Aspects and Recent Progress in Targeting Costimulatory and Coinhibitory (Immune Checkpoint) Interactions. Curr Top Med Chem 2018; 18:674-699. [PMID: 29848279 PMCID: PMC6067980 DOI: 10.2174/1568026618666180531092503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [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: 12/01/2017] [Revised: 02/27/2018] [Accepted: 05/11/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Protein-Protein Interactions (PPIs) that are part of the costimulatory and coinhibitory (immune checkpoint) signaling are critical for adequate T cell response and are important therapeutic targets for immunomodulation. Biologics targeting them have already achieved considerable clinical success in the treatment of autoimmune diseases or transplant recipients (e.g., abatacept, belatacept, and belimumab) as well as cancer (e.g., ipilimumab, nivolumab, pembrolizumab, atezolizumab, durvalumab, and avelumab). In view of such progress, there have been only relatively limited efforts toward developing small-molecule PPI inhibitors (SMPPIIs) targeting these cosignaling interactions, possibly because they, as all other PPIs, are difficult to target by small molecules and were not considered druggable. Nevertheless, substantial progress has been achieved during the last decade. SMPPIIs proving the feasibility of such approaches have been identified through various strategies for a number of cosignaling interactions including CD40-CD40L, OX40-OX40L, BAFFR-BAFF, CD80-CD28, and PD-1-PD-L1s. Here, after an overview of the general aspects and challenges of SMPPII-focused drug discovery, we review them briefly together with relevant structural, immune-signaling, physicochemical, and medicinal chemistry aspects. While so far only a few of these SMPPIIs have shown activity in animal models (DRI-C21045 for CD40-D40L, KR33426 for BAFFR-BAFF) or reached clinical development (RhuDex for CD80-CD28, CA-170 for PD-1-PD-L1), there is proof-of-principle evidence for the feasibility of such approaches in immunomodulation. They can result in products that are easier to develop/ manufacture and are less likely to be immunogenic or encounter postmarket safety events than corresponding biologics, and, contrary to them, can even become orally bioavailable.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Damir Bojadzic
- Diabetes Research Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Peter Buchwald
- Diabetes Research Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Handlon AL, Schaller LT, Leesnitzer LM, Merrihew RV, Poole C, Ulrich JC, Wilson JW, Cadilla R, Turnbull P. Optimizing Ligand Efficiency of Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs). ACS Med Chem Lett 2016; 7:83-8. [PMID: 26819671 PMCID: PMC4716610 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.5b00377] [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] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2015] [Accepted: 11/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
A series of selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) containing the 1-(trifluoromethyl)benzyl alcohol core have been optimized for androgen receptor (AR) potency and drug-like properties. We have taken advantage of the lipophilic ligand efficiency (LLE) parameter as a guide to interpret the effect of structural changes on AR activity. Over the course of optimization efforts the LLE increased over 3 log units leading to a SARM 43 with nanomolar potency, good aqueous kinetic solubility (>700 μM), and high oral bioavailability in rats (83%).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anthony L. Handlon
- Metabolic Pathways Cardiovascular
Unit and Platform Technology & Science, GlaxoSmithKline, 709
Swedeland Road, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania 19406-0939, United States
| | - Lee T. Schaller
- Metabolic Pathways Cardiovascular
Unit and Platform Technology & Science, GlaxoSmithKline, 709
Swedeland Road, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania 19406-0939, United States
| | | | - Raymond V. Merrihew
- Metabolic Pathways Cardiovascular
Unit and Platform Technology & Science, GlaxoSmithKline, 709
Swedeland Road, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania 19406-0939, United States
| | - Chuck Poole
- Metabolic Pathways Cardiovascular
Unit and Platform Technology & Science, GlaxoSmithKline, 709
Swedeland Road, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania 19406-0939, United States
| | - John C. Ulrich
- Metabolic Pathways Cardiovascular
Unit and Platform Technology & Science, GlaxoSmithKline, 709
Swedeland Road, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania 19406-0939, United States
| | - Joseph W. Wilson
- Metabolic Pathways Cardiovascular
Unit and Platform Technology & Science, GlaxoSmithKline, 709
Swedeland Road, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania 19406-0939, United States
| | - Rodolfo Cadilla
- Metabolic Pathways Cardiovascular
Unit and Platform Technology & Science, GlaxoSmithKline, 709
Swedeland Road, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania 19406-0939, United States
| | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Abstract
The human epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) family consists of four members that belong to the ErbB lineage of proteins (ErbB1-4). These receptors consist of a glycosylated extracellular domain, a single hydrophobic transmembrane segment, and an intracellular portion with a juxtamembrane segment, a protein kinase domain, and a carboxyterminal tail. Seven ligands bind to EGFR including epidermal growth factor and transforming growth factor α, none bind to ErbB2, two bind to ErbB3, and seven ligands bind to ErbB4. The ErbB proteins function as homo and heterodimers. The heterodimer consisting of ErbB2, which lacks a ligand, and ErbB3, which is kinase impaired, is surprisingly the most robust signaling complex of the ErbB family. Growth factor binding to EGFR induces a large conformational change in the extracellular domain, which leads to the exposure of a dimerization arm in domain II of the extracellular segment. Two ligand-EGFR complexes unite to form a back-to-back dimer in which the ligands are on opposite sides of the aggregate. Following ligand binding, EGFR intracellular kinase domains form an asymmetric homodimer that resembles the heterodimer formed by cyclin and cyclin-dependent kinase. The carboxyterminal lobe of the activator kinase of the dimer interacts with the amino-terminal lobe of the receiver kinase thereby leading to its allosteric stimulation. Downstream ErbB signaling modules include the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt (PKB) pathway, the Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK1/2 pathway, and the phospholipase C (PLCγ) pathway. Several malignancies are associated with the mutation or increased expression of members of the ErbB family including lung, breast, stomach, colorectal, head and neck, and pancreatic carcinomas and glioblastoma (a brain tumor). Gefitinib, erlotinib, and afatinib are orally effective protein-kinase targeted quinazoline derivatives that are used in the treatment of ERBB1-mutant lung cancer. Lapatinib is an orally effective quinazoline derivative used in the treatment of ErbB2-overexpressing breast cancer. Trastuzumab, pertuzumab, and ado-trastuzumab emtansine, which are given intravenously, are monoclonal antibodies that target the extracellular domain and are used for the treatment of ErbB2-positive breast cancer; ado-trastuzumab emtansine is an antibody-drug conjugate that delivers a cytotoxic drug to cells overexpressing ErbB2. Cetuximab and panitumumab are monoclonal antibodies that target ErbB1 and are used in the treatment of colorectal cancer. Cancers treated with these targeted drugs eventually become resistant to them. The role of combinations of targeted drugs or targeted drugs with cytotoxic therapies is being explored in an effort to prevent or delay drug resistance in the treatment of these malignancies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert Roskoski
- Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research, 3754 Brevard Road, Suite 116, Box 19, Horse Shoe, NC 28742, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Rodrigues T, Ressurreição AS, da Cruz FP, Albuquerque IS, Gut J, Carrasco MP, Gonçalves D, Guedes RC, dos Santos DJVA, Mota MM, Rosenthal PJ, Moreira R, Prudêncio M, Lopes F. Flavones as isosteres of 4(1H)-quinolones: discovery of ligand efficient and dual stage antimalarial lead compounds. Eur J Med Chem 2013; 69:872-80. [PMID: 24125849 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2013.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2013] [Revised: 09/01/2013] [Accepted: 09/03/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Malaria is responsible for nearly one million deaths annually, and the increasing prevalence of multi-resistant strains of Plasmodium falciparum poses a great challenge to controlling the disease. A diverse set of flavones, isosteric to 4(1H)-quinolones, were prepared and profiled for their antiplasmodial activity against the blood stage of P. falciparum W2 strain, and the liver stage of the rodent parasite Plasmodium berghei. Ligand efficient leads were identified as dual stage antimalarials, suggesting that scaffold optimization may afford potent antiplasmodial compounds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tiago Rodrigues
- Research Institute for Medicines and Pharmaceutical Sciences (iMed.UL), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-019 Lisbon, Portugal.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Allen CE, Chow CL, Caldwell JJ, Westwood IM, van Montfort RLM, Collins I. Synthesis and evaluation of heteroaryl substituted diazaspirocycles as scaffolds to probe the ATP-binding site of protein kinases. Bioorg Med Chem 2013; 21:5707-24. [PMID: 23920481 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2013.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 05/31/2013] [Revised: 07/08/2013] [Accepted: 07/10/2013] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
With the success of protein kinase inhibitors as drugs to target cancer, there is a continued need for new kinase inhibitor scaffolds. We have investigated the synthesis and kinase inhibition of new heteroaryl-substituted diazaspirocyclic compounds that mimic ATP. Versatile syntheses of substituted diazaspirocycles through ring-closing metathesis were demonstrated. Diazaspirocycles directly linked to heteroaromatic hinge binder groups provided ligand efficient inhibitors of multiple kinases, suitable as starting points for further optimization. The binding modes of representative diazaspirocyclic motifs were confirmed by protein crystallography. Selectivity profiles were influenced by the hinge binder group and the interactions of basic nitrogen atoms in the scaffold with acidic side-chains of residues in the ATP pocket. The introduction of more complex substitution to the diazaspirocycles increased potency and varied the selectivity profiles of these initial hits through engagement of the P-loop and changes to the spirocycle conformation, demonstrating the potential of these core scaffolds for future application to kinase inhibitor discovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte E Allen
- Cancer Research UK Cancer Therapeutics Unit, The Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Nakada K, Yoshikawa M, Ide S, Suemasa A, Kawamura S, Kobayashi T, Masuda E, Ito Y, Hayakawa W, Katayama T, Yamada S, Arisawa M, Minami M, Shuto S. Cyclopropane-based conformational restriction of GABA by a stereochemical diversity-oriented strategy: identification of an efficient lead for potent inhibitors of GABA transports. Bioorg Med Chem 2013; 21:4938-50. [PMID: 23886812 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2013.06.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2013] [Revised: 06/26/2013] [Accepted: 06/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
A series of cyclopropane-based conformationally restricted γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) analogs with stereochemical diversity, that is, the trans- and cis-2,3-methano analogs Ia and Ib and their enantiomers ent-Ia and ent-Ib, and also the trans- and cis-3,4-methano analogs IIa and IIb and their enantiomers ent-IIa and ent-Iib, were synthesized from the chiral cyclopropane units Type-a and Type-b that we developed. These analogs were systematically evaluated with four GABA transporter (GAT) subtypes. The trans-3,4-methano analog IIa had inhibitory effects on GAT3 (IC50=23.9μM) and betaine-GABA transporter1 (5.48μM), indicating its potential as an effective lead compound for the development of potent GAT inhibitors due to its hydrophilic and low molecular weight properties and excellent ligand efficiency.
Collapse
|
15
|
Dow RL, Carpino PA, Gautreau D, Hadcock JR, Iredale PA, Kelly-Sullivan D, Lizano JS, O’Connor RE, Schneider SR, Scott DO, Ward KM. Design of a Potent CB1 Receptor Antagonist Series: Potential Scaffold for Peripherally-Targeted Agents. ACS Med Chem Lett 2012; 3:397-401. [PMID: 24900484 DOI: 10.1021/ml3000325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [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: 02/03/2012] [Accepted: 03/21/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Antagonism of cannabinoid-1 (CB1) receptor signaling has been demonstrated to inhibit feeding behaviors in humans, but CB1-mediated central nervous system (CNS) side effects have halted the marketing and further development of the lead drugs against this target. However, peripherally restricted CB1 receptor antagonists may hold potential for providing the desired efficacy with reduced CNS side effect profiles. In this report we detail the discovery and structure-activity-relationship analysis of a novel bicyclic scaffold (3) that exhibits potent CB1 receptor antagonism and oral activity in preclinical feeding models. Optimization of physical properties has led to the identification of analogues which are predicted to have reduced CNS exposure and could serve as a starting point for the design of peripherally targeted CB1 receptor antagonists.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert L. Dow
- Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, Eastern
Point Road, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Philip A. Carpino
- Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, Eastern
Point Road, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Denise Gautreau
- Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, Eastern
Point Road, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - John R. Hadcock
- Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, Eastern
Point Road, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Philip A. Iredale
- Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, Eastern
Point Road, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Dawn Kelly-Sullivan
- Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, Eastern
Point Road, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Jeffrey S. Lizano
- Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, Eastern
Point Road, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Rebecca E. O’Connor
- Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, Eastern
Point Road, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Steven R. Schneider
- Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, Eastern
Point Road, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Dennis O. Scott
- Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, Eastern
Point Road, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Karen M. Ward
- Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, Eastern
Point Road, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Venhorst J, Núñez S, Kruse CG. Design of a high fragment efficiency library by molecular graph theory. ACS Med Chem Lett 2010; 1:499-503. [PMID: 24900238 DOI: 10.1021/ml100163s] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [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: 07/08/2010] [Accepted: 09/01/2010] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular graph theory was used to design a unique and diverse, high-efficiency fragment screening collection. A data set retrieved from the annotated database AurSCOPE GPS was used as the reference set, and the GDB-13 database, a virtual library of enumerated organic molecules, was used as a source for the fragment selection. The data graph collection of Discngine as implemented in PipelinePilot was applied to perform the graph pharmacophore similarity matching between the reference and the GDB-13 data sets, leading to the ultimate fragment screening library. The relevance of this unique fragment collection was demonstrated by means of a virtual screening exercise using human trypsin as a test case. Several novel entities with high similarity to known trypsin inhibitors were identified in the in silico exercise. The application of this unique, high fragment efficiency collection to other protein targets in the framework of fragment-based drug discovery is warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Sara Núñez
- Abbott Healthcare Products, 1381 CP Weesp, The Netherlands
| | - Chris G. Kruse
- Abbott Healthcare Products, 1381 CP Weesp, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Medina JR, Blackledge CW, Heerding DA, Campobasso N, Ward P, Briand J, Wright L, Axten JM. Aminoindazole PDK1 Inhibitors: A Case Study in Fragment-Based Drug Discovery. ACS Med Chem Lett 2010; 1:439-42. [PMID: 24900229 DOI: 10.1021/ml100136n] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [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: 06/10/2010] [Accepted: 07/12/2010] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Fragment screening of phosphoinositide-dependent kinase-1 (PDK1) in a biochemical kinase assay afforded hits that were characterized and prioritized based on ligand efficiency and binding interactions with PDK1 as determined by NMR. Subsequent crystallography and follow-up screening led to the discovery of aminoindazole 19, a potent leadlike PDK1 inhibitor with high ligand efficiency. Well-defined structure-activity relationships and protein crystallography provide a basis for further elaboration and optimization of 19 as a PDK1 inhibitor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jesús R. Medina
- Oncology Research, Signal Transduction DPU Medicinal Chemistry
| | | | | | - Nino Campobasso
- Molecular Discovery Research, Computational and Structural Chemistry
| | - Paris Ward
- Molecular Discovery Research, Computational and Structural Chemistry
| | | | - Lois Wright
- Molecular Discovery Research, Screening and Compound Profiling, GlaxoSmithKline, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709
| | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Wager TT, Chandrasekaran RY, Hou X, Troutman MD, Verhoest PR, Villalobos A, Will Y. Defining desirable central nervous system drug space through the alignment of molecular properties, in vitro ADME, and safety attributes. ACS Chem Neurosci 2010; 1:420-34. [PMID: 22778836 PMCID: PMC3368653 DOI: 10.1021/cn100007x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 321] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2010] [Accepted: 03/02/2010] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
As part of our effort to increase survival of drug candidates and to move our medicinal chemistry design to higher probability space for success in the Neuroscience therapeutic area, we embarked on a detailed study of the property space for a collection of central nervous system (CNS) molecules. We carried out a thorough analysis of properties for 119 marketed CNS drugs and a set of 108 Pfizer CNS candidates. In particular, we focused on understanding the relationships between physicochemical properties, in vitro ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination) attributes, primary pharmacology binding efficiencies, and in vitro safety data for these two sets of compounds. This scholarship provides guidance for the design of CNS molecules in a property space with increased probability of success and may lead to the identification of druglike candidates with favorable safety profiles that can successfully test hypotheses in the clinic.
Collapse
|
19
|
Abstract
Fragment-based drug discovery is a validated approach for the discovery of drug candidates. However, the weak affinity of fragment compounds requires highly sensitive biophysical techniques, such as nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) or X-ray crystallography, to identify hits. Thus the advantages of screening small fragment libraries are partly offset by the high cost of biophysical analyses. Here we present a method for biosensor-based fragment screening using surface plasmon resonance (SPR). In order to reduce the false positive detection rate we present a novel method of data analysis that incorporates multiple referencing with ligand efficiency. By implementing all necessary steps for assay design, data analysis and interpretation, SPR-based fragment screening has potential to eliminate all nonspecific (false positive) binders. Therefore, given the advantages of low protein consumption, rapid assay development and kinetic and thermodynamic validation of hits, SPR can be considered as a primary screening technology for fragment-based drug discovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Iva Navratilova
- Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 5EH, U.K
| | - Andrew L. Hopkins
- Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 5EH, U.K
| |
Collapse
|