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Mozaffari S, Nikfar S, Abdollahi M. Drugs of the future for diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome: an overview of current investigational drugs. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2024; 33:219-228. [PMID: 38366822 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2024.2320703] [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: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) has a significant impact on society and quality of life. Current treatments are ineffective, and new investigational drugs are necessary. AREAS COVERED Numerous potential therapies are developing, targeting different areas such as cannabinoid signaling, opioid receptors, tachykinin (NK2) receptors, β3-adrenergic receptors, intestinal microbiota, inflammation, and 5HT receptors. Clinical trial evidence has shown that loperamide, eluxadoline, alosetron, ramosetron, bile acid sequestrants, and rifaximin can modulate GI alterations and benefit patients with IBS-D. Among the potential therapies, ibodutant, ibudilast, blautix, BOS-589, solabegron, vibegron, olorinab, ebastine, and ORP-101 have demonstrated possible effects but remain confirmed. EXPERT OPINION Individuals with IBS-D require cost-effective treatment options that do not impede their productivity or that of their caregivers. This is necessary for consistent healthcare and improved quality of life. Therefore, we should focus on developing new, efficient, and affordable medications for IBS-D. The government, insurers, and society must recognize this need and collaborate to ensure its fulfillment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shilan Mozaffari
- Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center (PSRC), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shekoufeh Nikfar
- Department of Pharmacoeconomics and Pharmaceutical Administration, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Personalized Medicine Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Abdollahi
- Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, and Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center (PSRC), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Zhou X, Xu D, Li M, Zeng X. New investigational drugs to treat Sjogren's syndrome: lessons learnt from immunology. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2024; 33:105-114. [PMID: 38293750 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2024.2312216] [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: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Sjögren's syndrome is a heterogeneous autoimmune condition that impairs quality of life because of dryness, fatigue, pain, and systemic involvements. Current treatment largely depends on empirical evidence, with no effective therapy approved. Clinical trials on targeted drugs often fail to report efficacy due to common factors. AREAS COVERED This review summarizes the pathogenesis and what caused the failure of new investigational drugs in clinical trials, highlighting solutions for more effective investigations, with greater consistency between research outcomes, clinical use, and patient needs. EXPERT OPINION Unlinked pathobiology with symptoms resulted in misidentified targets and disappointing trials. Useful stratification tools are necessary for the heterogeneous SS patients. Composite endpoints or improvements in ESSDAI scores are needed, considering the high placebo response, and the unbalance between symptom burden and disease activity. Compared to classic biologics, targeted cell therapy will be a more promising field of investigation in the coming years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingyu Zhou
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases (NCRC-DID), Ministry of Science & Technology, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Dong Xu
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases (NCRC-DID), Ministry of Science & Technology, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Mengtao Li
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases (NCRC-DID), Ministry of Science & Technology, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaofeng Zeng
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases (NCRC-DID), Ministry of Science & Technology, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
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Yu J, Kim RD. Progress in the treatment of anal cancer: an overview of the latest investigational drugs. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2024; 33:145-157. [PMID: 38275174 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2024.2311191] [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: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Anal cancer, a rare malignancy accounting for 2.5-3.0% of gastrointestinal cancers, primarily manifests as squamous cell carcinoma associated with HPV. Recent years have witnessed significant advancements in managing squamous cell carcinoma of the anus (SCCA), particularly with the introduction of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and randomized data on front-line chemotherapy. AREAS COVERED This review discusses the current standard treatments for both early and advanced SCCA, based on published data. The authors then describe the new approaches, focusing on ICI combinations, targeted agents, T-cell adoptive therapy, and HPV-therapeutic vaccines. EXPERT OPINION The current standard treatment for SCCA includes front-line carboplatin and paclitaxel, with pembrolizumab and nivolumab as later-line options. While modified DCF has shown promise in single-arm studies, its role as a front-line therapy requires confirmation through randomized data. We eagerly anticipate the results of phase 3 trials investigating the front-line chemo-immunotherapy for metastatic SCCA and ICI consolidation following chemoradiation for early-stage SCCA. Novel approaches like T-cell adoptive therapy, HPV-therapeutic vaccines, and bifunctional antibodies combined with HPV vaccines are in early-stage trials for HPV-mediated tumors, including HPV-positive SCCA. These approaches targeting HPV epitopes may eventually gain tumor-agnostic approval, although their role in SCCA may take time to establish.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Yu
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, U.S.A
| | - Richard D Kim
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute University of South Florida College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, U.S.A
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Abstract
Novel agents addressing non-amyloid, non-tau targets in Alzheimer's Disease (AD) comprise 70% of the AD drug development pipeline of agents currently in clinical trials. Most of the target processes identified in the Common Alzheimer's Disease Research Ontology (CADRO) are represented by novel agents in trials. Inflammation and synaptic plasticity/neuroprotection are the CADRO categories with the largest number of novel candidate therapies. Within these categories, there are few overlapping targets among the test agents. Additional categories being evaluated include apolipoprotein E [Formula: see text] 4 (APOE4) effects, lipids and lipoprotein receptors, neurogenesis, oxidative stress, bioenergetics and metabolism, vascular factors, cell death, growth factors and hormones, circadian rhythm, and epigenetic regulators. We highlight current drugs being tested within these categories and their mechanisms. Trials will be informative regarding which targets can be modulated to produce a slowing of clinical decline. Possible therapeutic combinations of agents may be suggested by trial outcomes. Biomarkers are evolving in concert with new targets and novel agents, and biomarker outcomes offer a means of supporting disease modification by the putative treatment. Identification of novel targets and development of corresponding therapeutics offer an important means of advancing new treatments for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey L Cummings
- Department of Brain Health, Chambers-Grundy Center for Transformative Neuroscience, School of Integrated Health Sciences, University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV), Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.
- Department of Brain Health, School of Integrated Health Sciences, University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV), Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.
- , 1380 Opal Valley Street, Henderson, Nevada, 89052, USA.
| | - Amanda M Leisgang Osse
- Department of Brain Health, Chambers-Grundy Center for Transformative Neuroscience, School of Integrated Health Sciences, University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV), Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
- Department of Brain Health, School of Integrated Health Sciences, University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV), Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
| | - Jefferson W Kinney
- Department of Brain Health, Chambers-Grundy Center for Transformative Neuroscience, School of Integrated Health Sciences, University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV), Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
- Department of Brain Health, School of Integrated Health Sciences, University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV), Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
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Balzano T, Llansola M, Arenas YM, Izquierdo-Altarejos P, Felipo V. Hepatic encephalopathy: investigational drugs in preclinical and early phase development. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2023; 32:1055-1069. [PMID: 37902074 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2023.2277386] [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: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a neuropsychiatric syndrome, in patients with liver disease, which affects life quality and span. Current treatments are lactulose or rifaximin, acting on gut microbiota. Treatments aiming ammonia levels reduction have been tested with little success. AREAS COVERED Pre-clinical research shows that the process inducing HE involves sequentially: liver failure, altered microbiome, hyperammonemia, peripheral inflammation, changes in immunophenotype and extracellular vesicles and neuroinflammation, which alters neurotransmission impairing cognitive and motor function. HE may be reversed using drugs acting at any step: modulating microbiota with probiotics or fecal transplantation; reducing peripheral inflammation with anti-TNFα, autotaxin inhibitors or silymarin; reducing neuroinflammation with sulforaphane, p38 MAP kinase or phosphodiesteras 5 inhibitors, antagonists of sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 2, enhancing meningeal lymphatic drainage or with extracellular vesicles from mesenchymal stem cells; reducing GABAergic neurotransmission with indomethacin or golexanolone. EXPERT OPINION A factor limiting the progress of HE treatment is the lack of translation of research advances into clinical trials. Only drugs acting on microbiota or ammonia reduction have been tested in patients. It is urgent to change the mentality on how to approach HE treatment to develop clinical trials to assess drugs acting on the immune system/peripheral inflammation, neuroinflammation or neurotransmission to improve HE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziano Balzano
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
- HM CINAC (Centro Integral de Neurociencias Abarca Campal), Hospital Universitario HM Puerta del Sur, HM Hospitales, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Llansola
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Yaiza M Arenas
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
- Departamento de Patología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Vicente Felipo
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
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Wells-Gatnik WD, Wences Chirino TY, Onan FN, Onan D, Martelletti P. Emerging experimental drugs in clinical trials for migraine: observations and key talking points. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2023; 32:761-771. [PMID: 37672405 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2023.2254691] [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: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There have been significant advances in the treatment of migraine. In response to the clinical success of monoclonal antibodies targeting calcitonin gene-related peptide, there is interest in the clinical trial outcomes of alternative emerging drugs that act on novel targets associated with migraine pathophysiology. As approximately 50% of patients do not respond to CGRP therapies, there is significant value in future drug innovation. Emerging drugs in clinical trials for the treatment of migraine aim to fill this need. AREAS COVERED The emerging drugs that will be discussed in this review include zavegepant, lasmiditan, delta opioid receptor agonists, neuronal nitric oxide synthase inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies targeting pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) and its receptor, dual orexin receptor antagonists, metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 antagonists, and inducers of ketosis. EXPERT OPINION When considering the preclinical and clinical research related to the emerging drug classes discussed in this review, most therapies are derived from highly supported targets of migraine pathogenesis. Although the individual drugs discussed in this review may be of dubious clinical value, the importance of the therapeutic targets on which they act cannot be understated. Future research is necessary to appropriately target the pathways elucidated by preclinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Dilara Onan
- Faculty of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Türkiye
| | - Paolo Martelletti
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
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Hajj Ali A, Mehra N, Desai MY. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: investigational drugs inhibiting myosin and upcoming agents. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2023; 32:849-853. [PMID: 37787068 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2023.2263362] [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: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a phenotypically variable disorder with a genetic basis, was first described in the late 1800s. Since the discovery of the disease, various medical and surgical treatments have been proposed with surgical treatments proving to be of more benefit than medical in patients with severe symptoms. Although beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, and disopyramide have been used for their negative inotropic effect, the data behind utilization of these medications is weak at best. AREAS COVERED Herein, we describe a first-in-man class of medications called cardiac myosin inhibitors (CMI), which have been recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of symptomatic patients with obstructive HCM. PubMed was the primary database searched. EXPERT OPINION Whether these medications will stand the test of time remains to be seen. They do appear to provide significant benefit and disease modification in early randomized trials with the drawback of decreasing contractility and ejection fraction. In our opinion, this new class of medications is an option for patients with NYHA class II-III symptoms from obstructive HCM who have EF ≥ 55%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adel Hajj Ali
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Nandini Mehra
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Milind Y Desai
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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Colic J, Campochiaro C, Hughes M, Matucci Cerinic M, Dagna L. Investigational drugs for the treatment of scleroderma: what's new? Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2023; 32:601-614. [PMID: 37526079 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2023.2242762] [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: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an orphan, chronic, autoimmune, fibrotic disease with unknown etiology characterized by progressive fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. SSc has the highest mortality, the deadliest among the connective tissue diseases, despite the introduction of new treatment options in the past decades. AREAS COVERED The aim of the current systematic review was to investigate new targeted therapy and their impact on disease progression, mainly focusing on phase I and II clinical trials within the past three years. EXPERT OPINION Despite recent groundbreaking advancements in understanding SSc pathophysiology, early diagnosis and early introduction of effective targeted treatments within the optimal window of opportunity to prevent irreversible disease damage still represents a significant clinical challenge. Ongoing significant research for new molecular and epigenetics pathways is of fundamental importance to offer new perspectives on disease phenotype and for the development of personalized treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelena Colic
- Department of Rheumatology, Institute of Rheumatology, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Corrado Campochiaro
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milano, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milano, Italy
| | - Michael Hughes
- Division of Musculoskeletal and Dermatological Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, England
| | - Marco Matucci Cerinic
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milano, Italy
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi (AOUC) and Denothe Centre, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Dagna
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milano, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milano, Italy
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Durdagi S, Orhan MD, Aksoydan B, Calis S, Dogan B, Sahin K, Shahraki A, Iyison NB, Avsar T. Screening of Clinically Approved and Investigation Drugs as Potential Inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2: A Combined in silico and in vitro Study. Mol Inform 2022; 41:e2100062. [PMID: 34529322 PMCID: PMC8646260 DOI: 10.1002/minf.202100062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In the current study, we used 7922 FDA approved small molecule drugs as well as compounds in clinical investigation from NIH's NPC database in our drug repurposing study. SARS-CoV-2 main protease as well as Spike protein/ACE2 targets were used in virtual screening and top-100 compounds from each docking simulations were considered initially in short molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and their average binding energies were calculated by MM/GBSA method. Promising hit compounds selected based on average MM/GBSA scores were then used in long MD simulations. Based on these numerical calculations following compounds were found as hit inhibitors for the SARS-CoV-2 main protease: Pinokalant, terlakiren, ritonavir, cefotiam, telinavir, rotigaptide, and cefpiramide. In addition, following 3 compounds were identified as inhibitors for Spike/ACE2: Denopamine, bometolol, and rotigaptide. In order to verify the predictions of in silico analyses, 4 compounds (ritonavir, rotigaptide, cefotiam, and cefpiramide) for the main protease and 2 compounds (rotigaptide and denopamine) for the Spike/ACE2 interactions were tested by in vitro experiments. While the concentration-dependent inhibition of the ritonavir, rotigaptide, and cefotiam was observed for the main protease; denopamine was effective at the inhibition of Spike/ACE2 binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serdar Durdagi
- Computational Biology and Molecular Simulations LaboratoryDepartment of BiophysicsSchool of MedicineBahcesehir University34734IstanbulTurkey
- Neuroscience ProgramGraduate School of Health SciencesBahçeşehir University34353IstanbulTurkey
- Virtual Drug Screening and Development LaboratorySchool of MedicineBahcesehir University34734IstanbulTurkey
- Head of Department of Basic Medical SciencesHead of Department of BiophysicsSchool of MedicineBahcesehir UniversityDurdagi Research Group (DRG)34734IstanbulTurkey
| | - Muge Didem Orhan
- Department of Medical BiologySchool of MedicineBahcesehir University34734IstanbulTurkey
| | - Busecan Aksoydan
- Computational Biology and Molecular Simulations LaboratoryDepartment of BiophysicsSchool of MedicineBahcesehir University34734IstanbulTurkey
- Neuroscience ProgramGraduate School of Health SciencesBahçeşehir University34353IstanbulTurkey
| | - Seyma Calis
- Department of Medical BiologySchool of MedicineBahcesehir University34734IstanbulTurkey
| | - Berna Dogan
- Computational Biology and Molecular Simulations LaboratoryDepartment of BiophysicsSchool of MedicineBahcesehir University34734IstanbulTurkey
| | - Kader Sahin
- Computational Biology and Molecular Simulations LaboratoryDepartment of BiophysicsSchool of MedicineBahcesehir University34734IstanbulTurkey
| | - Aida Shahraki
- Computational Biology and Molecular Simulations LaboratoryDepartment of BiophysicsSchool of MedicineBahcesehir University34734IstanbulTurkey
- Department of Molecular Biology and GeneticsBogazici University34470IstanbulTurkey
| | - Necla Birgül Iyison
- Department of Molecular Biology and GeneticsBogazici University34470IstanbulTurkey
| | - Timucin Avsar
- Department of Medical BiologySchool of MedicineBahcesehir University34734IstanbulTurkey
- Head of Department of Medical Biology
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Grau-Expósito J, Perea D, Suppi M, Massana N, Vergara A, Soler MJ, Trinite B, Blanco J, García-Pérez J, Alcamí J, Serrano-Mollar A, Rosado J, Falcó V, Genescà M, Buzon MJ. Evaluation of SARS-CoV-2 entry, inflammation and new therapeutics in human lung tissue cells. PLoS Pathog 2022; 18:e1010171. [PMID: 35025963 PMCID: PMC8791477 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [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: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of physiological models that reproduce SARS-CoV-2 infection in primary human cells will be instrumental to identify host-pathogen interactions and potential therapeutics. Here, using cell suspensions directly from primary human lung tissues (HLT), we have developed a rapid platform for the identification of viral targets and the expression of viral entry factors, as well as for the screening of viral entry inhibitors and anti-inflammatory compounds. The direct use of HLT cells, without long-term cell culture and in vitro differentiation approaches, preserves main immune and structural cell populations, including the most susceptible cell targets for SARS-CoV-2; alveolar type II (AT-II) cells, while maintaining the expression of proteins involved in viral infection, such as ACE2, TMPRSS2, CD147 and AXL. Further, antiviral testing of 39 drug candidates reveals a highly reproducible method, suitable for different SARS-CoV-2 variants, and provides the identification of new compounds missed by conventional systems, such as VeroE6. Using this method, we also show that interferons do not modulate ACE2 expression, and that stimulation of local inflammatory responses can be modulated by different compounds with antiviral activity. Overall, we present a relevant and rapid method for the study of SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith Grau-Expósito
- Infectious Diseases Department, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, VHIR Task Force COVID-19, Barcelona, Spain
| | - David Perea
- Infectious Diseases Department, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, VHIR Task Force COVID-19, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marina Suppi
- Infectious Diseases Department, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, VHIR Task Force COVID-19, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Núria Massana
- Infectious Diseases Department, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, VHIR Task Force COVID-19, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ander Vergara
- Nephrology Research Department, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, VHIR Task Force COVID-19, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria José Soler
- Nephrology Research Department, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, VHIR Task Force COVID-19, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Benjamin Trinite
- IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute, Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP), Can Ruti Campus, Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), Badalona, Spain
| | - Julià Blanco
- IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute, Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP), Can Ruti Campus, Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), Badalona, Spain
- University of Vic–Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC), Vic, Spain
| | - Javier García-Pérez
- AIDS Immunopathology Unit, National Center of Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - José Alcamí
- AIDS Immunopathology Unit, National Center of Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
- Clinic HIV Unit, Hospital Clinic, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Serrano-Mollar
- Experimental Pathology Department, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques de Barcelona, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IIBB-CSIC), Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Red de Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), Madrid, Spain
| | - Joel Rosado
- Thoracic Surgery and Lung Transplantation Department, Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, VHIR Task Force COVID-19, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Vicenç Falcó
- Infectious Diseases Department, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, VHIR Task Force COVID-19, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Meritxell Genescà
- Infectious Diseases Department, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, VHIR Task Force COVID-19, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria J. Buzon
- Infectious Diseases Department, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, VHIR Task Force COVID-19, Barcelona, Spain
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Lescoat A, Varga J, Matucci-Cerinic M, Khanna D. New promising drugs for the treatment of systemic sclerosis: pathogenic considerations, enhanced classifications, and personalized medicine. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2021; 30:635-652. [PMID: 33909517 PMCID: PMC8292968 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2021.1923693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [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: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Systemic sclerosis (SSc), also known as scleroderma, is a complex orphan disease characterized by early inflammatory features, vascular hyper-reactivity, and fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. Although substantial progress has been made in the understanding of the pathogenesis of SSc, there is still no disease-modifying drug that could significantly impact the natural history of the disease.Areas covered: This review discusses the rationale, preclinical evidence, first clinical eevidence,and pending issues concerning new promising therapeutic options that are under investigation in SSc. The search strategy was based on PubMed database and clinical trial.gov, highlighting recent key pathogenic aspects and phase I or II trials of investigational drugs in SSc.Expert opinion: The identification of new molecular entities that potentially impact inflammation and fibrosis may constitute promising options for a disease modifying-agent in SSc. The early combinations of antifibrotic drugs (such as pirfenidone) with immunomodulatory agents (such as mycophenolate mofetil) may also participate to achieve such a goal. A more refined stratification of patients, based on clinical features, molecular signatures, and identification of subpopulations with distinct clinical trajectories, may also improve management strategies in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alain Lescoat
- Department of internal medicine, Division of rheumatology and Michigan Scleroderma Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of internal medicine, Univ Rennes, CHU Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut De Recherche En Santé, Environnement Et Travail) - UMR_S 1085, Rennes, France
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Immunology, Rennes University Hospital, Rennes, France
| | - John Varga
- Department of internal medicine, Division of rheumatology and Michigan Scleroderma Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Marco Matucci-Cerinic
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Dinesh Khanna
- Department of internal medicine, Division of rheumatology and Michigan Scleroderma Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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12
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Rudnicki SA, Andrews JA, Duong T, Cockroft BM, Malik FI, Meng L, Wei J, Wolff AA, Genge A, Johnson NE, Tesi-Rocha C, Connolly AM, Darras BT, Felice K, Finkel RS, Shieh PB, Mah JK, Statland J, Campbell C, Habib AA, Kuntz NL, Oskoui M, Day JW. Reldesemtiv in Patients with Spinal Muscular Atrophy: a Phase 2 Hypothesis-Generating Study. Neurotherapeutics 2021; 18:1127-1136. [PMID: 33624184 PMCID: PMC8423982 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-020-01004-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
This phase 2, double-blind, placebo-controlled, hypothesis-generating study evaluated the effects of oral reldesemtiv, a fast skeletal muscle troponin activator, in patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Patients ≥ 12 years of age with type II, III, or IV SMA were randomized into 2 sequential, ascending reldesemtiv dosing cohorts (cohort 1: 150 mg bid or placebo [2:1]; cohort 2: 450 mg bid or placebo [2:1]). The primary objective was to determine potential pharmacodynamic effects of reldesemtiv on 8 outcome measures in SMA, including 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) and maximum expiratory pressure (MEP). Changes from baseline to weeks 4 and 8 were determined. Pharmacokinetics and safety were also evaluated. Patients were randomized to reldesemtiv 150 mg, 450 mg, or placebo (24, 20, and 26, respectively). The change from baseline in 6MWD was greater for reldesemtiv 450 mg than for placebo at weeks 4 and 8 (least squares [LS] mean difference, 35.6 m [p = 0.0037] and 24.9 m [p = 0.058], respectively). Changes from baseline in MEP at week 8 on reldesemtiv 150 and 450 mg were significantly greater than those on placebo (LS mean differences, 11.7 [p = 0.038] and 13.2 cm H2O [p = 0.03], respectively). For 6MWD and MEP, significant changes from placebo were seen in the highest reldesemtiv peak plasma concentration quartile (Cmax > 3.29 μg/mL; LS mean differences, 43.3 m [p = 0.010] and 28.8 cm H2O [p = 0.0002], respectively). Both dose levels of reldesemtiv were well tolerated. Results suggest reldesemtiv may offer clinical benefit and support evaluation in larger SMA patient populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jinsy A Andrews
- Cytokinetics, Incorporated, South San Francisco, CA, USA
- Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Bettina M Cockroft
- Cytokinetics, Incorporated, South San Francisco, CA, USA
- Sangamo Therapeutics, Brisbane, CA, USA
| | - Fady I Malik
- Cytokinetics, Incorporated, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Lisa Meng
- Cytokinetics, Incorporated, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jenny Wei
- Cytokinetics, Incorporated, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Andrew A Wolff
- Cytokinetics, Incorporated, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Angela Genge
- Montreal Neurological Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Nicholas E Johnson
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
- University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | | | - Anne M Connolly
- Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
- Washington University, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Basil T Darras
- Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Richard S Finkel
- Nemours Children's Hospital, Orlando, FL, USA
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Perry B Shieh
- University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jean K Mah
- University of Calgary, Alberta Children's Hospital, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | | | - Craig Campbell
- Department of Pediatrics, Epidemiology and Clinical Neurological Sciences, University of Western Ontario, London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON, Canada
| | - Ali A Habib
- University of California, Irvine, Orange, CA, USA
| | - Nancy L Kuntz
- Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Maryam Oskoui
- McGill University Health Centre Research Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Rodriguez S, Hug C, Todorov P, Moret N, Boswell SA, Evans K, Zhou G, Johnson NT, Hyman BT, Sorger PK, Albers MW, Sokolov A. Machine learning identifies candidates for drug repurposing in Alzheimer's disease. Nat Commun 2021; 12:1033. [PMID: 33589615 PMCID: PMC7884393 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-21330-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Clinical trials of novel therapeutics for Alzheimer's Disease (AD) have consumed a large amount of time and resources with largely negative results. Repurposing drugs already approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for another indication is a more rapid and less expensive option. We present DRIAD (Drug Repurposing In AD), a machine learning framework that quantifies potential associations between the pathology of AD severity (the Braak stage) and molecular mechanisms as encoded in lists of gene names. DRIAD is applied to lists of genes arising from perturbations in differentiated human neural cell cultures by 80 FDA-approved and clinically tested drugs, producing a ranked list of possible repurposing candidates. Top-scoring drugs are inspected for common trends among their targets. We propose that the DRIAD method can be used to nominate drugs that, after additional validation and identification of relevant pharmacodynamic biomarker(s), could be readily evaluated in a clinical trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steve Rodriguez
- Laboratory of Systems Pharmacology, Harvard Program in Therapeutic Science, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Clemens Hug
- Laboratory of Systems Pharmacology, Harvard Program in Therapeutic Science, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Petar Todorov
- Laboratory of Systems Pharmacology, Harvard Program in Therapeutic Science, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nienke Moret
- Laboratory of Systems Pharmacology, Harvard Program in Therapeutic Science, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sarah A Boswell
- Laboratory of Systems Pharmacology, Harvard Program in Therapeutic Science, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kyle Evans
- Laboratory of Systems Pharmacology, Harvard Program in Therapeutic Science, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - George Zhou
- Laboratory of Systems Pharmacology, Harvard Program in Therapeutic Science, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Nathan T Johnson
- Laboratory of Systems Pharmacology, Harvard Program in Therapeutic Science, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Bradley T Hyman
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Peter K Sorger
- Laboratory of Systems Pharmacology, Harvard Program in Therapeutic Science, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mark W Albers
- Laboratory of Systems Pharmacology, Harvard Program in Therapeutic Science, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA.
| | - Artem Sokolov
- Laboratory of Systems Pharmacology, Harvard Program in Therapeutic Science, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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Freshour SL, Kiwala S, Cotto KC, Coffman AC, McMichael JF, Song JJ, Griffith M, Griffith O, Wagner AH. Integration of the Drug-Gene Interaction Database (DGIdb 4.0) with open crowdsource efforts. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:D1144-D1151. [PMID: 33237278 PMCID: PMC7778926 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa1084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 377] [Impact Index Per Article: 125.7] [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: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The Drug-Gene Interaction Database (DGIdb, www.dgidb.org) is a web resource that provides information on drug-gene interactions and druggable genes from publications, databases, and other web-based sources. Drug, gene, and interaction data are normalized and merged into conceptual groups. The information contained in this resource is available to users through a straightforward search interface, an application programming interface (API), and TSV data downloads. DGIdb 4.0 is the latest major version release of this database. A primary focus of this update was integration with crowdsourced efforts, leveraging the Drug Target Commons for community-contributed interaction data, Wikidata to facilitate term normalization, and export to NDEx for drug-gene interaction network representations. Seven new sources have been added since the last major version release, bringing the total number of sources included to 41. Of the previously aggregated sources, 15 have been updated. DGIdb 4.0 also includes improvements to the process of drug normalization and grouping of imported sources. Other notable updates include the introduction of a more sophisticated Query Score for interaction search results, an updated Interaction Score, the inclusion of interaction directionality, and several additional improvements to search features, data releases, licensing documentation and the application framework.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon L Freshour
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63110, USA
- McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63108, USA
| | - Susanna Kiwala
- McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63108, USA
| | - Kelsy C Cotto
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63110, USA
- McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63108, USA
| | - Adam C Coffman
- McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63108, USA
| | - Joshua F McMichael
- McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63108, USA
| | - Jonathan J Song
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63110, USA
- McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63108, USA
| | - Malachi Griffith
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63110, USA
- McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63108, USA
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Obi L Griffith
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63110, USA
- McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63108, USA
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Alex H Wagner
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63110, USA
- McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63108, USA
- The Steve and Cindy Rasmussen Institute for Genomic Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
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15
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Yang T, Li Z, Chen Y, Feng D, Wang G, Fu Z, Ding X, Tan X, Zhao J, Luo X, Chen K, Jiang H, Zheng M. DrugSpaceX: a large screenable and synthetically tractable database extending drug space. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:D1170-D1178. [PMID: 33104791 PMCID: PMC7778939 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [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: 07/24/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the most prominent topics in drug discovery is efficient exploration of the vast drug-like chemical space to find synthesizable and novel chemical structures with desired biological properties. To address this challenge, we created the DrugSpaceX (https://drugspacex.simm.ac.cn/) database based on expert-defined transformations of approved drug molecules. The current version of DrugSpaceX contains >100 million transformed chemical products for virtual screening, with outstanding characteristics in terms of structural novelty, diversity and large three-dimensional chemical space coverage. To illustrate its practical application in drug discovery, we used a case study of discoidin domain receptor 1 (DDR1), a kinase target implicated in fibrosis and other diseases, to show DrugSpaceX performing a quick search of initial hit compounds. Additionally, for ligand identification and optimization purposes, DrugSpaceX also provides several subsets for download, including a 10% diversity subset, an extended drug-like subset, a drug-like subset, a lead-like subset, and a fragment-like subset. In addition to chemical properties and transformation instructions, DrugSpaceX can locate the position of transformation, which will enable medicinal chemists to easily integrate strategy planning and protection design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianbiao Yang
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, UCAS, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Zhaojun Li
- School of Information Management, Dezhou University, No. 566 University Rd. West, Dezhou 253023, Shandong, China
| | - Yingjia Chen
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Dan Feng
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
- Department of Chemistry, College of Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guangchao Wang
- School of Information Management, Dezhou University, No. 566 University Rd. West, Dezhou 253023, Shandong, China
| | - Zunyun Fu
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Road, Jiangsu, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Xiaoyu Ding
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xiaoqin Tan
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jihui Zhao
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xiaomin Luo
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Kaixian Chen
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Hualiang Jiang
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, UCAS, Hangzhou 310024, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 393 Huaxiazhong Road, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Mingyue Zheng
- Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
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Ton AT, Singh K, Morin H, Ban F, Leblanc E, Lee J, Lallous N, Cherkasov A. Dual-Inhibitors of N-Myc and AURKA as Potential Therapy for Neuroendocrine Prostate Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21218277. [PMID: 33167327 PMCID: PMC7663809 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21218277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [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: 09/20/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Resistance to androgen-receptor (AR) directed therapies is, among other factors, associated with Myc transcription factors that are involved in development and progression of many cancers. Overexpression of N-Myc protein in prostate cancer (PCa) leads to its transformation to advanced neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC) that currently has no approved treatments. N-Myc has a short half-life but acts as an NEPC stimulator when it is stabilized by forming a protective complex with Aurora A kinase (AURKA). Therefore, dual-inhibition of N-Myc and AURKA would be an attractive therapeutic avenue for NEPC. Following our computer-aided drug discovery approach, compounds exhibiting potent N-Myc specific inhibition and strong anti-proliferative activity against several N-Myc driven cell lines, were identified. Thereafter, we have developed dual inhibitors of N-Myc and AURKA through structure-based drug design approach by merging our novel N-Myc specific chemical scaffolds with fragments of known AURKA inhibitors. Favorable binding modes of the designed compounds to both N-Myc and AURKA target sites have been predicted by docking. A promising lead compound, 70812, demonstrated low-micromolar potency against both N-Myc and AURKA in vitro assays and effectively suppressed NEPC cell growth.
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Research has advanced our understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms of cerebral edema and has propelled the development of novel antiedema therapeutics. Current evidence supports aberrant neuro-glial ion transport as a central mechanism that underlies pathological fluid accumulation after central nervous system injury. AREAS COVERED Novel agents in clinical development show potential in altering the natural history and treatment of cerebral edema. Using the PubMed and Google Scholar databases, we review recent advances in our understanding of cerebral edema and describe agents under active investigation, their mechanism, and their application in recent and ongoing clinical trials. EXPERT OPINION Pharmacotherapies that target molecular mechanisms underlying the compensatory post-injury response of ion channels and transporters that lead to pathological alteration of osmotic gradients are the most promising therapeutic strategies. Repurposing of drugs such as glyburide that inhibit the aberrant upregulation of ion channels such as SUR1-TRPM4, and novel agents, such as ZT-1a, which reestablish physiological regulation of ion channels such as NKCC1/KCC, could be useful adjuvants to prevent and even reverse fluid accumulation in the brain parenchyma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie M Robert
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yale School of Medicine , New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Benjamin C Reeves
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yale School of Medicine , New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Seth L Alper
- Division of Nephrology and Vascular Biology Research Center, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School , Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jinwei Zhang
- Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Medical School, College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Hatherly Laboratories , Exeter, UK
| | - Kristopher T Kahle
- Departments of Neurosurgery, Pediatrics, and Cellular & Molecular Physiology and Yale-Rockefeller NIH Centers for Mendelian Genomics, Yale School of Medicine , New Haven, CT, USA
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Salick MR, Lubeck E, Riesselman A, Kaykas A. The future of cerebral organoids in drug discovery. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2020; 111:67-73. [PMID: 32654970 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2020.05.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [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: 12/10/2019] [Revised: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Until the discovery of human embryonic stem cells and human induced pluripotent stem cells, biotechnology companies were severely limited in the number of human tissues that they could model in large-scale in vitro studies. Until this point, companies have been limited to immortalized cancer lines or a small number of primary cell types that could be extracted and expanded. Nowadays, protocols continue to be developed in the stem cell field, enabling researchers to model an ever-growing library of cell types in controlled, large-scale screens. One differentiation method in particular- cerebral organoids- shows substantial potential in the field of neuroscience and developmental neurobiology. Cerebral organoid technology is still in an early phase of development, and there are several challenges that are currently being addressed by academic and industrial researchers alike. Here we briefly describe some of the early adopters of cerebral organoids, several of the challenges that they are likely facing, and various technologies that are currently being implemented to overcome them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max R Salick
- insitro 279 East Grand Avenue South, San Francisco CA, United States
| | - Eric Lubeck
- insitro 279 East Grand Avenue South, San Francisco CA, United States
| | - Adam Riesselman
- insitro 279 East Grand Avenue South, San Francisco CA, United States
| | - Ajamete Kaykas
- insitro 279 East Grand Avenue South, San Francisco CA, United States
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19
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Joseph S, Sharma A, Horne LP, Wood CE, Langaee T, James MO, Stacpoole PW, Keller-Wood M. Pharmacokinetic and Biochemical Profiling of Sodium Dichloroacetate in Pregnant Ewes and Fetuses. Drug Metab Dispos 2020; 49:451-458. [PMID: 33811107 PMCID: PMC11019763 DOI: 10.1124/dmd.120.000330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [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: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Sodium dichloroacetate (DCA) is an investigational drug that shows promise in the treatment of acquired and congenital mitochondrial diseases, including myocardial ischemia and failure. DCA increases glucose utilization and decreases lactate production, so it may also have clinical utility in reducing lactic acidosis during labor. In the current study, we tested the ability of DCA to cross the placenta and be measured in fetal blood after intravenous administration to pregnant ewes during late gestation and labor. Sustained administration of DCA to the mother over 72 hours achieved pharmacologically active levels of DCA in the fetus and decreased fetal plasma lactate concentrations. Multicompartmental pharmacokinetics modeling indicated that drug metabolism in the fetal and maternal compartments is best described by the DCA inhibiting lactate production in both compartments, consistent with our finding that the hepatic expression of the DCA-metabolizing enzyme glutathione transferase zeta1 was decreased in the ewes and their fetuses exposed to the drug. We provide the first evidence that DCA can cross the placental compartment to enter the fetal circulation and inhibit its own hepatic metabolism in the fetus, leading to increased DCA concentrations and decreased fetal plasma lactate concentrations during its parenteral administration to the mother. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: This study was the first to administer sodium dichloroacetate (DCA) to pregnant animals (sheep). It showed that DCA administered to the mother can cross the placental barrier and achieve concentrations in fetus sufficient to decrease fetal lactate concentrations. Consistent with findings reported in other species, DCA-mediated inhibition of glutathione transferase zeta1 was also observed in ewes, resulting in reduced metabolism of DCA after prolonged administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serene Joseph
- Departments of Pharmacodynamics (S.J., M.K.-W.), Pharmaceutics (A.S.), Medicinal Chemistry (M.O.J.), Pharmacotherapy and Translational Research (T.L.), Center for Pharmacogenomics and Precision Medicine (T.L.), and Departments of Medicine and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (L.P.H., P.W.S.), Physiology and Functional Genomics (C.E.W.), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Abhisheak Sharma
- Departments of Pharmacodynamics (S.J., M.K.-W.), Pharmaceutics (A.S.), Medicinal Chemistry (M.O.J.), Pharmacotherapy and Translational Research (T.L.), Center for Pharmacogenomics and Precision Medicine (T.L.), and Departments of Medicine and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (L.P.H., P.W.S.), Physiology and Functional Genomics (C.E.W.), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Lloyd P Horne
- Departments of Pharmacodynamics (S.J., M.K.-W.), Pharmaceutics (A.S.), Medicinal Chemistry (M.O.J.), Pharmacotherapy and Translational Research (T.L.), Center for Pharmacogenomics and Precision Medicine (T.L.), and Departments of Medicine and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (L.P.H., P.W.S.), Physiology and Functional Genomics (C.E.W.), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Charles E Wood
- Departments of Pharmacodynamics (S.J., M.K.-W.), Pharmaceutics (A.S.), Medicinal Chemistry (M.O.J.), Pharmacotherapy and Translational Research (T.L.), Center for Pharmacogenomics and Precision Medicine (T.L.), and Departments of Medicine and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (L.P.H., P.W.S.), Physiology and Functional Genomics (C.E.W.), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Taimour Langaee
- Departments of Pharmacodynamics (S.J., M.K.-W.), Pharmaceutics (A.S.), Medicinal Chemistry (M.O.J.), Pharmacotherapy and Translational Research (T.L.), Center for Pharmacogenomics and Precision Medicine (T.L.), and Departments of Medicine and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (L.P.H., P.W.S.), Physiology and Functional Genomics (C.E.W.), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Margaret O James
- Departments of Pharmacodynamics (S.J., M.K.-W.), Pharmaceutics (A.S.), Medicinal Chemistry (M.O.J.), Pharmacotherapy and Translational Research (T.L.), Center for Pharmacogenomics and Precision Medicine (T.L.), and Departments of Medicine and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (L.P.H., P.W.S.), Physiology and Functional Genomics (C.E.W.), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Peter W Stacpoole
- Departments of Pharmacodynamics (S.J., M.K.-W.), Pharmaceutics (A.S.), Medicinal Chemistry (M.O.J.), Pharmacotherapy and Translational Research (T.L.), Center for Pharmacogenomics and Precision Medicine (T.L.), and Departments of Medicine and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (L.P.H., P.W.S.), Physiology and Functional Genomics (C.E.W.), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Maureen Keller-Wood
- Departments of Pharmacodynamics (S.J., M.K.-W.), Pharmaceutics (A.S.), Medicinal Chemistry (M.O.J.), Pharmacotherapy and Translational Research (T.L.), Center for Pharmacogenomics and Precision Medicine (T.L.), and Departments of Medicine and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (L.P.H., P.W.S.), Physiology and Functional Genomics (C.E.W.), University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
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20
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Rogers RF, Walton MI, Cherry DL, Collins I, Clarke PA, Garrett MD, Workman P. CHK1 Inhibition Is Synthetically Lethal with Loss of B-Family DNA Polymerase Function in Human Lung and Colorectal Cancer Cells. Cancer Res 2020; 80:1735-1747. [PMID: 32161100 PMCID: PMC7611445 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-19-1372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [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: 05/14/2019] [Revised: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Checkpoint kinase 1 (CHK1) is a key mediator of the DNA damage response that regulates cell-cycle progression, DNA damage repair, and DNA replication. Small-molecule CHK1 inhibitors sensitize cancer cells to genotoxic agents and have shown single-agent preclinical activity in cancers with high levels of replication stress. However, the underlying genetic determinants of CHK1 inhibitor sensitivity remain unclear. We used the developmental clinical drug SRA737 in an unbiased large-scale siRNA screen to identify novel mediators of CHK1 inhibitor sensitivity and uncover potential combination therapies and biomarkers for patient selection. We identified subunits of the B-family of DNA polymerases (POLA1, POLE, and POLE2) whose silencing sensitized the human A549 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and SW620 colorectal cancer cell lines to SRA737. B-family polymerases were validated using multiple siRNAs in a panel of NSCLC and colorectal cancer cell lines. Replication stress, DNA damage, and apoptosis were increased in human cancer cells following depletion of the B-family DNA polymerases combined with SRA737 treatment. Moreover, pharmacologic blockade of B-family DNA polymerases using aphidicolin or CD437 combined with CHK1 inhibitors led to synergistic inhibition of cancer cell proliferation. Furthermore, low levels of POLA1, POLE, and POLE2 protein expression in NSCLC and colorectal cancer cells correlated with single-agent CHK1 inhibitor sensitivity and may constitute biomarkers of this phenotype. These findings provide a potential basis for combining CHK1 and B-family polymerase inhibitors in cancer therapy. SIGNIFICANCE: These findings demonstrate how the therapeutic benefit of CHK1 inhibitors may potentially be enhanced and could have implications for patient selection and future development of new combination therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca F Rogers
- Cancer Research UK Cancer Therapeutics Unit, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Michael I Walton
- Cancer Research UK Cancer Therapeutics Unit, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel L Cherry
- School of Biosciences, Stacey Building, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, United Kingdom
| | - Ian Collins
- Cancer Research UK Cancer Therapeutics Unit, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Paul A Clarke
- Cancer Research UK Cancer Therapeutics Unit, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Michelle D Garrett
- School of Biosciences, Stacey Building, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, United Kingdom.
| | - Paul Workman
- Cancer Research UK Cancer Therapeutics Unit, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom.
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21
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Multiple Myeloma: The CAR T-cell Therapy Landscape. Cancer Discov 2020; 10:OF6. [PMID: 31915196 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.CD-ND2019-015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BCMA-targeting chimeric antigen receptor T cells increasingly look like a potent option for multiple myeloma. Across several candidates spotlighted during the 2019 American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting, high response rates were seen in patients whose disease was refractory to multiple standard therapies.
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Abstract
Structure based drug designing is an important endeavor in the field of structural bioinformatics. Previously the entire process was dependent on the wet-lab experiments to build libraries of ligand molecules. And the molecules used to be tested to determine their binding efficacies with protein target. However, the entire process is very lengthy and above all highly expensive. With the advent of supercomputers and increasing computational powers, the search process for finding suitable ligand molecules against target proteins have become more streamlined and cost-effective. Now the entire ligand search process is performed in-silico with the help of the techniques of virtual screening, molecular docking simulations and molecular dynamics studies. In the present chapter, a brief overview of the computational techniques involved in structure based drug designing is presented with a special emphasis on the thermodynamic principles behind the molecular interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angshuman Bagchi
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Kalyani, Kalyani, West Bengal, India
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23
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Czerwiński M, Gilligan K, Westland K, Ogilvie BW. Effects of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, macrophage inflammatory protein-1α, and interferon-α2a on P450 enzymes in human hepatocytes in vitro. Pharmacol Res Perspect 2019; 7:e00551. [PMID: 31857909 PMCID: PMC6902742 DOI: 10.1002/prp2.551] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Revised: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Some immunomodulatory agents stimulate the release of cytokines capable of suppressing P450 enzymes and potentially affecting pharmacokinetics of coadministered medications. Cytokines released in response to an immunomodulator in the blood ex vivo can be used to screen for the potential for drug-drug interactions. Tilsotolimod, an investigational agonist of Toll-like receptor 9, stimulated the release of macrophage chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), macrophage inflammatory protein-1α (MIP-1α), and interferon-α2a (INF-α2a) in blood obtained from healthy donors. Although tilsotolimod did not directly affect CYP1A2, CYP2B6, or CYP3A4 expression or activity, the cytokines stimulated by the drug reduced CYP1A2 and CYP2B6 enzyme activities in cultured human hepatocytes. This study sought to identify which cytokines were responsible for tilsotolimod's indirect effects on P450 enzymes in vitro. A 72-h treatment with recombinant human chemokines MCP-1 and MIP-1α did not alter CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP3A4, or signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) mRNA expression or CYP1A2, CYP2B6, or CYP3A4/5 enzyme activity in cocultures of human hepatocytes and Kupffer cells. INF-α2a, at 2.5 ng/mL but not at the lower concentrations applied to the cells, increased CYP1A2 and STAT1 mRNA by 2.4- and 5.2-fold, respectively, and reduced CYP2B6 enzyme activity to 46% of control. This study established that INF-α2a, but not MCP-1 or MIP-1α, mediated tilsotolimod effects on CYP1A2 and CYP2B6 expression in human hepatocytes.
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Tovoli F, Casadei-Gardini A, Benevento F, Piscaglia F. Immunotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma: A review of potential new drugs based on ongoing clinical studies as of 2019. Dig Liver Dis 2019; 51:1067-1073. [PMID: 31208929 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2019.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2018] [Revised: 03/31/2019] [Accepted: 05/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In the latest years, antineoplastic immunotherapy revolutionised the therapeutic landscape in oncology. First shown to be effective in melanoma and non-small cell lung carcinoma, immune checkpoint inhibitors are now being tested for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Preliminary results have been particularly promising. As a consequence, an increasing number of clinical trials are underway. The role of the immune system in carcinogenesis (with particular reference to tumour escape immune mechanisms), as well as the current immunotherapy trials for HCC in its different clinical scenarios, are the subject of this review. In particular, we aim to provide fresh updates about these novel therapeutic agents which promise to shape the future therapeutic scenario of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Tovoli
- Unit of Internal Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Andrea Casadei-Gardini
- Unit of Oncology, Department of Oncology, University Hospital of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Francesca Benevento
- Unit of Internal Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Fabio Piscaglia
- Unit of Internal Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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25
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Medvedev A, Moeser M, Medvedeva L, Martsen E, Granick A, Raines L, Zeng M, Makarov S, Houck KA, Makarov SS. Evaluating biological activity of compounds by transcription factor activity profiling. Sci Adv 2018; 4:eaar4666. [PMID: 30263952 PMCID: PMC6157966 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aar4666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2017] [Accepted: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Assessing the biological activity of compounds is an essential objective of biomedical research. We show that one can infer the bioactivity of compounds by assessing the activity of transcription factors (TFs) that regulate gene expression. Using a multiplex reporter system, the FACTORIAL, we characterized cell response to a compound by a quantitative signature, the TF activity profile (TFAP). We found that perturbagens of biological pathways elicited distinct TFAP signatures in human cells. Unexpectedly, perturbagens of the same pathway all produced identical TFAPs, regardless of where or how they interfered. We found invariant TFAPs for mitochondrial, histone deacetylase, and ubiquitin/proteasome pathway inhibitors; cytoskeleton disruptors; and DNA-damaging agents. Using these invariant signatures permitted straightforward identification of compounds with specified bioactivities among uncharacterized chemicals. Furthermore, this approach allowed us to assess the multiple bioactivities of polypharmacological drugs. Thus, TF activity profiling affords straightforward assessment of the bioactivity of compounds through the identification of perturbed biological pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Matt Moeser
- Attagene Inc., P.O. Box 12054, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Liubov Medvedeva
- Attagene Inc., P.O. Box 12054, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Elena Martsen
- Attagene Inc., P.O. Box 12054, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Alexander Granick
- Attagene Inc., P.O. Box 12054, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Lydia Raines
- Attagene Inc., P.O. Box 12054, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Ming Zeng
- Attagene Inc., P.O. Box 12054, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Sergei Makarov
- Attagene Inc., P.O. Box 12054, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Keith A. Houck
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 109 T.W. Alexander Drive, D343-03, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA
| | - Sergei S. Makarov
- Attagene Inc., P.O. Box 12054, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
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van Gerven J, Bonelli M. Commentary on the EMA Guideline on strategies to identify and mitigate risks for first-in-human and early clinical trials with investigational medicinal products. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2018; 84:1401-1409. [PMID: 29451320 PMCID: PMC6005602 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.13550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Joop van Gerven
- Central Committee on Research Involving Human Subjects CCMOThe HagueThe Netherlands
| | - Milton Bonelli
- Human Medicines Research and Development Support DivisionEuropean Medicines AgencyLondonUK
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Abstract
Radiopharmaceutical therapies have provided an attractive therapeutic approach since the introduction of 131I to treat thyroid cancer. New insights in cancer biology and radiochemistry have brought radiopharmaceuticals to the leading edge of oncology clinical research. National Cancer Institute (NCI) programs watch for new radiopharmaceutical breakthroughs that should be used to treat patients with unmet therapeutic needs. Such efforts occur through leveraged partnerships between NCI's Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program and its Radiation Research Program. If groundbreaking discoveries are made, NCI pulls together clinician scientists to design novel radiopharmaceutical phase I and II monotherapy or combination trials. The specific infrastructure needs, such as radiopharmaceutical dosimetry and treatment planning, demand new programmatic workflow and regulatory oversight. This article discusses a modern approach to the development of radiopharmaceutical therapies in the era of personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles A Kunos
- From the Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD; Radiation Research Program, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Jacek Capala
- From the Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD; Radiation Research Program, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
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28
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Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common malignant neoplasm affecting women in Western countries, and most new cases are manifested during the postmenopausal period. The clinical results obtained with aminoglutethimide, and later with formestane, have established aromatase inhibition as one of the major therapeutic options in hormone-dependent advanced disease. Nevertheless, the lack of specificity of aminoglutethimide and the less than optimal oral activity of formestane soon led to further efforts to find a potent, highly selective, orally active, side-effect-free aromatase inhibitor for use in postmenopausal women with advanced breast cancer. Here we review the available data on three new, competitive non-steroidal aromatase inhibitors –- letrozole, vorozole and anastrozole –- which are approaching the point of detailed pharmacologic and clinical evaluation. Preliminary data have confirmed the high potency and selectivity of these endocrine agents, but their antitumor activity still remains to be completely defined. Challenges given by these novel aromatase inhibitors are discussed taking into account the biologic implications related to their mechanism of action and their future use in the management of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Bajetta
- Division of Medical Oncology B, Istituto Nazionale per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
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29
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Wieschowski S, Chin WWL, Federico C, Sievers S, Kimmelman J, Strech D. Preclinical efficacy studies in investigator brochures: Do they enable risk-benefit assessment? PLoS Biol 2018; 16:e2004879. [PMID: 29621228 PMCID: PMC5886385 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.2004879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2017] [Accepted: 02/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Human protection policies require favorable risk–benefit judgments prior to launch of clinical trials. For phase I and II trials, evidence for such judgment often stems from preclinical efficacy studies (PCESs). We undertook a systematic investigation of application materials (investigator brochures [IBs]) presented for ethics review for phase I and II trials to assess the content and properties of PCESs contained in them. Using a sample of 109 IBs most recently approved at 3 institutional review boards based at German Medical Faculties between the years 2010–2016, we identified 708 unique PCESs. We then rated all identified PCESs for their reporting on study elements that help to address validity threats, whether they referenced published reports, and the direction of their results. Altogether, the 109 IBs reported on 708 PCESs. Less than 5% of all PCESs described elements essential for reducing validity threats such as randomization, sample size calculation, and blinded outcome assessment. For most PCESs (89%), no reference to a published report was provided. Only 6% of all PCESs reported an outcome demonstrating no effect. For the majority of IBs (82%), all PCESs were described as reporting positive findings. Our results show that most IBs for phase I/II studies did not allow evaluators to systematically appraise the strength of the supporting preclinical findings. The very rare reporting of PCESs that demonstrated no effect raises concerns about potential design or reporting biases. Poor PCES design and reporting thwart risk–benefit evaluation during ethical review of phase I/II studies. To make a clinical trial ethical, regulatory agencies and institutional review boards have to judge whether the trial-related benefits (the knowledge gain) outweigh the trial-inherent risks. For early-phase human research, these risk–benefit assessments are often based on evidence from preclinical animal studies reported in so-called “investigator brochures.” However, our analysis shows that the vast majority of such investigator brochures lack sufficient information to systematically appraise the strength of the supporting preclinical findings. Furthermore, the very rare reporting of preclinical efficacy studies that demonstrated no effect raises concerns about potential design and/or reporting biases. The poor preclinical study design and reporting thwarts risk–benefit evaluation during ethical review of early human research. Regulators should develop standards for the design and reporting of preclinical efficacy studies in order to support the conduct of ethical clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Wieschowski
- Institute for Ethics, History, and Philosophy of Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - William Wei Lim Chin
- Institute for Ethics, History, and Philosophy of Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Carole Federico
- Studies of Translation, Ethics, and Medicine (STREAM), Biomedical Ethics Unit, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Sören Sievers
- Institute for Ethics, History, and Philosophy of Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jonathan Kimmelman
- Studies of Translation, Ethics, and Medicine (STREAM), Biomedical Ethics Unit, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Daniel Strech
- Institute for Ethics, History, and Philosophy of Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- * E-mail:
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30
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Ferrari S, Severi L, Pozzi C, Quotadamo A, Ponterini G, Losi L, Marverti G, Costi MP. Human Thymidylate Synthase Inhibitors Halting Ovarian Cancer Growth. Vitam Horm 2018; 107:473-513. [PMID: 29544641 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2017.12.002] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Human thymidylate synthase (hTS) has an important role in DNA biosynthesis, thus it is essential for cell survival. TS is involved in the folate pathways, specifically in the de novo pyrimidine biosynthesis. Structure and functions are intimately correlated, account for cellular activity and, in a broader view, with in vivo mechanisms. hTS is a target for anticancer agents, some of which are clinical drugs. The understanding of the detailed mechanism of TS inhibition by currently used drugs and of the interaction with the mechanism of action of other anticancer agents can suggest new perspective of TS inhibition able to improve the anticancer effect and to overcome drug resistance. TS-targeting drugs in therapy today are inhibitors that bind at the active site and that mostly resemble the substrates. Nonsubstrate analogs offer an opportunity for allosteric binding and novel mode of inhibition in the cancer cells. This chapter illustrates the relationship among the large number of hTS actions at molecular and clinical levels, its role as a target for ovarian cancer therapy, in particular in cases of overexpression of hTS and other folate proteins such as those induced by platinum drug treatments, and address the potential combination of TS inhibitors with other suitable anticancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Leda Severi
- University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Lorena Losi
- University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
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31
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Nunez DJ, D'Alessio D. Glucagon receptor as a drug target: A witches' brew of eye of newt (peptides) and toe of frog (receptors). Diabetes Obes Metab 2018; 20:233-237. [PMID: 28842950 DOI: 10.1111/dom.13102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2017] [Accepted: 08/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/adverse effects
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/pharmacology
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/therapeutic use
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/drug therapy
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/metabolism
- Drugs, Investigational/adverse effects
- Drugs, Investigational/pharmacology
- Drugs, Investigational/therapeutic use
- Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor/agonists
- Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor/metabolism
- Humans
- Hypoglycemic Agents/adverse effects
- Hypoglycemic Agents/pharmacology
- Hypoglycemic Agents/therapeutic use
- Molecular Targeted Therapy
- Receptors, Glucagon/agonists
- Receptors, Glucagon/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptors, Glucagon/metabolism
- Signal Transduction/drug effects
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek J Nunez
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Nutrition, Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - David D'Alessio
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Nutrition, Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
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32
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Bennett J, Capece D, Begalli F, Verzella D, D'Andrea D, Tornatore L, Franzoso G. NF-κB in the crosshairs: Rethinking an old riddle. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2018; 95:108-112. [PMID: 29277662 PMCID: PMC6562234 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2017.12.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2017] [Revised: 12/18/2017] [Accepted: 12/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Constitutive NF-κB signalling has been implicated in the pathogenesis of most human malignancies and virtually all non-malignant pathologies. Accordingly, the NF-κB pathway has been aggressively pursued as an attractive therapeutic target for drug discovery. However, the severe on-target toxicities associated with systemic NF-κB inhibition have thus far precluded the development of a clinically useful, NF-κB-targeting medicine as a way to treat patients with either oncological or non-oncological diseases. This minireview discusses some of the more promising approaches currently being developed to circumvent the preclusive safety liabilities of global NF-κB blockade by selectively targeting pathogenic NF-κB signalling in cancer, while preserving the multiple physiological functions of NF-κB in host defence responses and tissue homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Bennett
- Centre for Cell Signalling and Inflammation, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Daria Capece
- Centre for Cell Signalling and Inflammation, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Federica Begalli
- Centre for Cell Signalling and Inflammation, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Daniela Verzella
- Centre for Cell Signalling and Inflammation, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Daniel D'Andrea
- Centre for Cell Signalling and Inflammation, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Laura Tornatore
- Centre for Cell Signalling and Inflammation, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Guido Franzoso
- Centre for Cell Signalling and Inflammation, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK.
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33
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Yang JW, Kim HS, Choi YW, Kim YM, Kang KW. Therapeutic application of GPR119 ligands in metabolic disorders. Diabetes Obes Metab 2018; 20:257-269. [PMID: 28722242 DOI: 10.1111/dom.13062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2017] [Revised: 06/23/2017] [Accepted: 07/05/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
GPR119 belongs to the G protein-coupled receptor family and exhibits dual modes of action upon ligand-dependent activation: pancreatic secretion of insulin in a glucose-dependent manner and intestinal secretion of incretins. Hence, GPR119 has emerged as a promising target for treating type 2 diabetes mellitus without causing hypoglycaemia. However, despite continuous efforts by many major pharmaceutical companies, no synthetic GPR119 ligand has been approved as a new class of anti-diabetic agents thus far, nor has any passed beyond phase II clinical studies. Herein, we summarize recent advances in research concerning the physiological/pharmacological effects of GPR119 and its synthetic ligands on the regulation of energy metabolism, and we speculate on future applications of GPR119 ligands for the treatment of metabolic diseases, focusing on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Won Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyo Seon Kim
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-Won Choi
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy and Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hanyang University, Ansan, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Mi Kim
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy and Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hanyang University, Ansan, Republic of Korea
| | - Keon Wook Kang
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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34
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordana B Cohen
- Renal-Electrolyte and Hypertension Division, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Michael L Perlis
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Raymond R Townsend
- Renal-Electrolyte and Hypertension Division, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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35
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Inhibitors against the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway are revolutionizing the treatment and management of malignancies. AREAS COVERED We summarize our current understanding of the function of PD-1, its role in immune evasion, the clinical data available that support the use of PD-1 antagonist in Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphomas, and potential predictors of response. EXPERT OPINION We anticipate that in the next 10 years, agents that modulate the immune system such as PD-1 antagonists will be increasingly used in favor over traditional cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agents. PD-1 antagonists will be combined with future immunotherapies or used as adjuncts to cellular therapy to boost tumor-specific immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andres Chang
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322
- Emory Vaccine Center, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322
| | - Danielle Schlafer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Services, Emory Healthcare, Atlanta, GA 30322
| | - Christopher R. Flowers
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322
| | - Pamela B. Allen
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322
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Wronkowitz N, Hartmann T, Görgens SW, Dietze-Schroeder D, Indrakusuma I, Choi IY, Park SH, Lee YM, Kwon SC, Kang Y, Hompesch M, Eckel J. LAPS Insulin115: A novel ultra-long-acting basal insulin with a unique action profile. Diabetes Obes Metab 2017; 19:1722-1731. [PMID: 28497570 DOI: 10.1111/dom.13006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2017] [Revised: 05/04/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To conduct a comprehensive pre-clinical study of the novel ultra-long acting insulin analogue LAPS Insulin115. METHODS Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic studies comparing LAPS Insulin115 with other basal insulins were conducted in genetically diabetic (db/db) mice. Insulin signalling in the major target organs was analysed using Western blot after single subcutaneous injection in wild-type male Wistar rats. Using in vitro assays we analysed transendothelial transport, insulin receptor (IR) interaction, and the mitogenic and metabolic properties of LAPS Insulin115. Furthermore, IR downregulation after long-term exposure to high concentrations of LAPS Insulin115 was analysed using an in vitro desensitization/resensitization model. RESULTS The novel Fc-conjugated insulin derivative LAPS Insulin115 showed an extensively prolonged pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profile in rodents. Despite its size of 59 kDa, LAPS Insulin115 passes the vascular endothelial barrier and induces insulin signalling in all major target tissues in rats. In vitro, LAPS Insulin115 showed a very slow onset of action because of its reduced IR affinity; however, after long-term stimulation it was equipotent in respect to its metabolic potency and showed no increased mitogenic action when compared with regular insulin. Remarkably, under conditions of chronic exposure, LAPS Insulin115 does not induce irreversible desensitization of target cells, which is probably attributable to much less prominent IR downregulation. CONCLUSION Thus, LAPS Insulin115 exhibits a unique in vivo and in vitro profile and thereby represents an excellent candidate for a once-weekly insulin analogue.
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MESH Headings
- Absorption, Physiological
- Animals
- Cell Line
- Cells, Cultured
- Drugs, Investigational/chemistry
- Drugs, Investigational/metabolism
- Drugs, Investigational/pharmacology
- Drugs, Investigational/therapeutic use
- Gene Expression Regulation/drug effects
- Half-Life
- Humans
- Hypoglycemic Agents/chemistry
- Hypoglycemic Agents/metabolism
- Hypoglycemic Agents/pharmacology
- Hypoglycemic Agents/therapeutic use
- Immunoglobulin Fc Fragments/genetics
- Immunoglobulin Fc Fragments/metabolism
- Immunoglobulin Fc Fragments/pharmacology
- Immunoglobulin Fc Fragments/therapeutic use
- Insulin, Long-Acting/genetics
- Insulin, Long-Acting/metabolism
- Insulin, Long-Acting/pharmacology
- Insulin, Long-Acting/therapeutic use
- Intra-Abdominal Fat/drug effects
- Intra-Abdominal Fat/metabolism
- Male
- Mice, Mutant Strains
- Organ Specificity
- Phosphorylation/drug effects
- Protein Processing, Post-Translational/drug effects
- Rats, Wistar
- Receptor, Insulin/agonists
- Receptor, Insulin/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptor, Insulin/genetics
- Receptor, Insulin/metabolism
- Recombinant Fusion Proteins/chemistry
- Recombinant Fusion Proteins/metabolism
- Recombinant Fusion Proteins/pharmacology
- Recombinant Fusion Proteins/therapeutic use
- Signal Transduction/drug effects
- Toxicity Tests, Chronic
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Wronkowitz
- Paul-Langerhans-Group, German Diabetes Centre, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Ira Indrakusuma
- Paul-Langerhans-Group, German Diabetes Centre, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | | | | | - Young-Mi Lee
- Hanmi Pharmaceutical, Co., Ltd., Seoul, South Korea
| | | | | | | | - Jürgen Eckel
- Paul-Langerhans-Group, German Diabetes Centre, Düsseldorf, Germany
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37
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Maxwell-Scott HG, Goldenberg SD. Existing and investigational therapies for the treatment of Clostridium difficile infection: A focus on narrow spectrum, microbiota-sparing agents. Med Mal Infect 2017; 48:1-9. [PMID: 29169816 DOI: 10.1016/j.medmal.2017.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [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: 09/14/2017] [Accepted: 10/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Despite intense international attention and efforts to reduce its incidence, Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) remains a significant concern for patients, clinicians, and healthcare organizations. It is costly for payers and disabling for patients. Furthermore, recurrent CDI is particularly difficult to manage, resulting in excess mortality, hospital length of stay, and other healthcare resource use. A greater understanding of the role of the gut microbiome has emphasized the importance of this diverse community in providing colonization resistance against CDI. The introduction of fidaxomicin, which has limited effect on the microflora has improved clinical outcomes in relation to disease recurrence. There are a number of other new agents in development, which appear to have a narrow spectrum of activity whilst exerting minimal effect on the microflora. Whilst the role of these emerging agents in the treatment of CDI is presently unclear, they appear to be promising candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- H G Maxwell-Scott
- London and Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, Centre for Clinical Infection and Diagnostics Research, King's College, London, United Kingdom
| | - S D Goldenberg
- London and Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, Centre for Clinical Infection and Diagnostics Research, King's College, London, United Kingdom.
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38
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Abstract
Knowledge of the three-dimensional structure of therapeutically relevant targets has informed drug discovery since the first protein structures were determined using X-ray crystallography in the 1950s and 1960s. In this editorial we provide a brief overview of the powerful impact of structure-based drug design (SBDD), which has its roots in computational and structural biology, with major contributions from both academia and industry. We describe advances in the application of SBDD for integral membrane protein targets that have traditionally proved very challenging. We emphasize the major progress made in fragment-based approaches for which success has been exemplified by over 30 clinical drug candidates and importantly three FDA-approved drugs in oncology. We summarize the articles in this issue that provide an excellent snapshot of the current state of the field of SBDD and fragment-based drug design and which offer key insights into exciting new developments, such as the X-ray free-electron laser technology, cryo-electron microscopy, open science approaches and targeted protein degradation. We stress the value of SBDD in the design of high-quality chemical tools that are used to interrogate biology and disease pathology, and to inform target validation. We emphasize the need to maintain the scientific rigour that has been traditionally associated with structural biology and extend this to other methods used in drug discovery. This is particularly important because the quality and robustness of any form of contributory data determines its usefulness in accelerating drug design, and therefore ultimately in providing patient benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rob L M van Montfort
- Cancer Research UK Cancer Therapeutics Unit, Division of Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SM2 5NG, U.K.
- Division of Structural Biology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SW3 6JB, U.K
| | - Paul Workman
- Cancer Research UK Cancer Therapeutics Unit, Division of Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SM2 5NG, U.K.
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Seino S, Sugawara K, Yokoi N, Takahashi H. β-Cell signalling and insulin secretagogues: A path for improved diabetes therapy. Diabetes Obes Metab 2017; 19 Suppl 1:22-29. [PMID: 28880474 DOI: 10.1111/dom.12995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2017] [Revised: 04/24/2017] [Accepted: 04/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Insulin secretagogues including sulfonylureas, glinides and incretin-related drugs such as dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists are widely used for treatment of type 2 diabetes. In addition, glucokinase activators and G-protein-coupled receptor 40 (GPR40) agonists also have been developed, although the drugs are not clinically usable. These different drugs exert their effects on insulin secretion by different mechanisms. Recent advances in β-cell signalling studies have not only deepened our understanding of insulin secretion but also revealed novel mechanisms of insulin secretagogues. Clarification of the signalling mechanisms of the insulin secretagogues will contribute to improved drug therapy for diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susumu Seino
- Division of Molecular and Metabolic Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Kenji Sugawara
- Division of Molecular and Metabolic Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
- Division of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Norihide Yokoi
- Division of Molecular and Metabolic Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Harumi Takahashi
- Division of Molecular and Metabolic Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
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Abstract
Four major receptor families enable cells to respond to chemical and physical signals from their proximal environment. The ligand- and voltage-gated ion channels, G-protein-coupled receptors, nuclear hormone receptors and receptor tyrosine kinases are all allosteric proteins that carry multiple, spatially distinct, yet conformationally linked ligand-binding sites. Recent studies point to common mechanisms governing the allosteric transitions of these receptors, including the impact of oligomerization, pre-existing and functionally distinct conformational ensembles, intrinsically disordered regions, and the occurrence of allosteric modulatory sites. Importantly, synthetic allosteric modulators are being discovered for these receptors, providing an enriched, yet challenging, landscape for novel therapeutics.
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MESH Headings
- Allosteric Regulation/drug effects
- Allosteric Site/drug effects
- Animals
- Binding Sites/drug effects
- Dimerization
- Drug Discovery/trends
- Drugs, Investigational/chemistry
- Drugs, Investigational/pharmacology
- Humans
- Ligand-Gated Ion Channels/agonists
- Ligand-Gated Ion Channels/antagonists & inhibitors
- Ligand-Gated Ion Channels/chemistry
- Ligand-Gated Ion Channels/metabolism
- Ligands
- Models, Molecular
- Protein Conformation/drug effects
- Protein Multimerization/drug effects
- Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/agonists
- Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/chemistry
- Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/metabolism
- Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear/agonists
- Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear/chemistry
- Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear/metabolism
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/agonists
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/chemistry
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/metabolism
- Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels/chemistry
- Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Arthur Christopoulos
- Drug Discovery Biology and Department of Pharmacology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, VIC 3052 Parkville, Australia
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Zhou X, Pant S, Nemunaitis J, Craig Lockhart A, Falchook G, Bauer TM, Patel M, Sarantopoulos J, Bargfrede M, Muehler A, Rangachari L, Zhang B, Venkatakrishnan K. Effects of rifampin, itraconazole and esomeprazole on the pharmacokinetics of alisertib, an investigational aurora a kinase inhibitor in patients with advanced malignancies. Invest New Drugs 2017; 36:248-258. [PMID: 28852909 PMCID: PMC5869871 DOI: 10.1007/s10637-017-0499-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [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: 06/30/2017] [Accepted: 08/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Aim Two studies investigated the effect of gastric acid reducing agents and strong inducers/inhibitors of CYP3A4 on the pharmacokinetics of alisertib, an investigational Aurora A kinase inhibitor, in patients with advanced malignancies. Methods In Study 1, patients received single doses of alisertib (50 mg) in the presence and absence of either esomeprazole (40 mg once daily [QD]) or rifampin (600 mg QD). In Study 2, patients received single doses of alisertib (30 mg) in the presence and absence of itraconazole (200 mg QD). Blood samples for alisertib and 2 major metabolites were collected up to 72 h (Study 1) and 96 h (Study 2) postdose. Area under the curve from time zero extrapolated to infinity (AUC0-inf) and maximum concentrations (Cmax) were calculated and compared using analysis of variance to estimate least squares (LS) mean ratios and 90% confidence intervals (CIs). Results The LS mean ratios (90% CIs) for alisertib AUC0-inf and Cmax in the presence compared to the absence of esomeprazole were 1.28 (1.07, 1.53) and 1.14 (0.97, 1.35), respectively. The LS mean ratios (90% CIs) for alisertib AUC0-inf and Cmax in the presence compared to the absence of rifampin were 0.53 (0.41, 0.70) and 1.03 (0.84, 1.26), respectively. The LS mean ratios (90% CIs) for alisertib AUC0-inf and Cmax in the presence compared to the absence of itraconazole were 1.39 (0.99, 1.95) and 0.98 (0.82, 1.19), respectively. Conclusions The use of gastric acid reducing agents, strong CYP3A inhibitors or strong metabolic enzyme inducers should be avoided in patients receiving alisertib.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofei Zhou
- Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - Shubham Pant
- Oklahoma University Medical Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | | | | | - Gerald Falchook
- Sarah Cannon Research Institute at HealthONE, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Todd M Bauer
- Sarah Cannon Research Institute, Nashville, TN, USA
| | | | - John Sarantopoulos
- Institute for Drug Development, Cancer Therapy and Research Center, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | | | - Andreas Muehler
- Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Lakshmi Rangachari
- Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Bin Zhang
- Seqirus Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Karthik Venkatakrishnan
- Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Cambridge, MA, USA
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Common recurrent genetic alterations have been identified in prostate cancer through comprehensive sequencing efforts, and the prevalence of mutations in DNA repair pathway genes in patients with advanced and metastatic disease approaches 20-25%. Identification of these underlying DNA repair defects may present unique treatment opportunities for patients, both in terms of standard-of-care treatments and selected investigational agents. Areas covered: We review our current understanding of the genomic landscape of prostate cancer, with special attention to alterations in DNA repair pathway genes in metastatic castration-resistant disease. For patients with tumors deficient in homologous recombination repair, potential opportunities for treatment include platinum chemotherapy, poly(ADP) ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitors, bipolar androgen therapy, and maybe immune checkpoint blockade therapy. In addition, tumors with mismatch repair defects (i.e. microsatellite instability) may be particularly susceptible to checkpoint blockade immunotherapy. Expert commentary: We anticipate that genomic profiling of tumors will become necessary to guide treatment of advanced prostate cancer in the coming years. Work is needed to define the optimal tissue to test, and to define the natural history of tumors with specific genetic defects. The prognostic and therapeutic importance of germline vs somatic DNA repair alterations, and mono-allelic vs bi-allelic inactivation, also remains unclear. Finally, optimal strategies to sequence or combine targeted agents for these patients with 'actionable' mutations are now needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin A. Teply
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore
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43
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Stadlbauer K, Brunmair B, Lehner Z, Adorjan I, Scherer T, Luger A, Bauer L, Fürnsinn C. Preclinical characterization of 55P0251, a novel compound that amplifies glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and counteracts hyperglycaemia in rodents. Diabetes Obes Metab 2017; 19:1088-1096. [PMID: 28211608 DOI: 10.1111/dom.12914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2016] [Revised: 02/03/2017] [Accepted: 02/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIMS 55P0251 is a novel compound with blood glucose lowering activity in mice, which has been developed from a molecular backbone structure found in herbal remedies. We here report its basic pharmacological attributes and initial progress in unmasking the mode of action. MATERIALS AND METHODS Pharmacokinetic properties of 55P0251 were portrayed in several species. First efforts to elucidate the glucose lowering mechanism in rodents included numerous experimental protocols dealing with glucose tolerance, insulin secretion from isolated pancreatic islets and comparison to established drugs. RESULTS A single oral dose of 55P0251 improved glucose tolerance in mice with an ED50 between 1.5 and 2 mg/kg (reductions in areas under the curve, 1 mg/kg, -18%; 5 mg/kg, -30%; 27 mg/kg, -47%). Pharmacokinetic studies revealed attractive attributes, including a plasma half-life of approximately 3 hours and a bioavailability of approximately 58% in rats. 55P0251 amplified glucose stimulated insulin release from isolated mouse islets and improved glucose tolerance via increased insulin secretion in rats (increase in area under the insulin curve, +184%). Unlike sulfonylureas and glinides, 55P0251 hardly stimulated insulin release under basal conditions and did not induce hypoglycaemia in vivo, but it amplified the secretory response to glucose and other insulinotropic stimuli (KCl, glucagon-like peptide-1). Comparison to established anti-diabetic agents and examination of interaction with molecular targets (KATP channel, dipeptidyl peptidase-4, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor) excluded molecular mechanisms addressed by presently marketed drugs. CONCLUSIONS 55P0251 is a novel compound that potently counteracts hyperglycaemia in rodents via amplification of glucose-stimulated insulin release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Stadlbauer
- Division of Endocrinology & Metabolism, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Barbara Brunmair
- Division of Endocrinology & Metabolism, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Zsuzsanna Lehner
- Division of Endocrinology & Metabolism, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Thomas Scherer
- Division of Endocrinology & Metabolism, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Anton Luger
- Division of Endocrinology & Metabolism, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Clemens Fürnsinn
- Division of Endocrinology & Metabolism, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Weinberg BA, Hartley ML, Salem ME. Precision Medicine in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: Relevant Carcinogenic Pathways and Targets-PART 2: Approaches Beyond First-Line Therapy, and Novel Biologic Agents Under Investigation. Oncology (Williston Park) 2017; 31:573-580. [PMID: 28712102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
A frequent quandary for oncologists is the selection of chemotherapy and biologic therapy for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer in second-line and higher treatment settings. While not approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the first-line setting, the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-targeting agents ziv-aflibercept and ramucirumab are appropriate treatment options in the second-line setting, as is continuation of first-line bevacizumab. Tumor RAS mutational status is helpful to determine which patients may benefit from epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-directed therapies, and other novel biomarkers (BRAF, HER2, and mismatch repair deficiency) allow us to select patients who may benefit from biologic therapies that are FDA-approved for other malignancies. Maintenance therapy for patients with stable disease following first-line therapy is a unique clinical situation that warrants special attention. Immunotherapy has thus far been ineffective for patients with mismatch repair-proficient tumors, but novel combination strategies are being studied to break through this treatment barrier. Finally, several new biologic therapies with novel targets are under development and will likely contribute to the growing arsenal of treatment options for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.
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Tan WSD, Liao W, Zhou S, Wong WSF. Is there a future for andrographolide to be an anti-inflammatory drug? Deciphering its major mechanisms of action. Biochem Pharmacol 2017; 139:71-81. [PMID: 28377280 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2017.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2017] [Accepted: 03/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Andrographis paniculata has long been part of the traditional herbal medicine system in Asia and in Scandinavia. Andrographolide was isolated as a major bioactive constituent of A. paniculata in 1951, and since 1984, andrographolide and its analogs have been scrutinized with modern drug discovery approach for anti-inflammatory properties. With this accumulated wealth of pre-clinical data, it is imperative to review and consolidate different sources of information, to decipher the major anti-inflammatory mechanisms of action in inflammatory diseases, and to provide direction for future studies. Andrographolide and its analogs have been shown to provide anti-inflammatory benefits in a variety of inflammatory disease models. Among the diverse signaling pathways investigated, inhibition of NF-κB activity is the prevailing anti-inflammatory mechanism elicited by andrographolide. There is also increasing evidence supporting endogenous antioxidant defense enhancement by andrographolide through Nrf2 activation. However, the exact pathway leading to NF-κB and Nrf2 activation by andrographolide has yet to be elucidated. Validation and consensus on the major mechanistic actions of andrographolide in different inflammatory conditions are required before translating current findings into clinical settings. There are a few clinical trials conducted using andrographolide in fixed combination formulation which have shown anti-inflammatory benefits and good safety profile. A concerted effort is definitely needed to identify potent andrographolide lead compounds with improved pharmacokinetics and toxicological properties. Taken together, andrographolide and its analogs have great potential to be the next new class of anti-inflammatory agents, and more andrographolide molecules are likely moving towards clinical study stage in the near future.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal/adverse effects
- Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal/chemistry
- Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal/pharmacology
- Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal/therapeutic use
- Autoimmune Diseases/drug therapy
- Autoimmune Diseases/immunology
- Autoimmune Diseases/metabolism
- Autoimmune Diseases/prevention & control
- Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury/immunology
- Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury/metabolism
- Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury/prevention & control
- Dermatitis/drug therapy
- Dermatitis/immunology
- Dermatitis/metabolism
- Dermatitis/prevention & control
- Diterpenes/adverse effects
- Diterpenes/chemistry
- Diterpenes/pharmacology
- Diterpenes/therapeutic use
- Drug Design
- Drugs, Investigational/adverse effects
- Drugs, Investigational/chemistry
- Drugs, Investigational/pharmacology
- Drugs, Investigational/therapeutic use
- Hepatitis/drug therapy
- Hepatitis/immunology
- Hepatitis/metabolism
- Hepatitis/prevention & control
- Humans
- Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit/antagonists & inhibitors
- Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit/metabolism
- Liver Cirrhosis/drug therapy
- Liver Cirrhosis/immunology
- Liver Cirrhosis/metabolism
- Liver Cirrhosis/prevention & control
- Models, Biological
- NF-E2-Related Factor 2/agonists
- NF-E2-Related Factor 2/metabolism
- NF-kappa B p50 Subunit/antagonists & inhibitors
- NF-kappa B p50 Subunit/chemistry
- NF-kappa B p50 Subunit/metabolism
- Neurodegenerative Diseases/drug therapy
- Neurodegenerative Diseases/immunology
- Neurodegenerative Diseases/metabolism
- Neurodegenerative Diseases/prevention & control
- Oxidative Stress/drug effects
- Pneumonia/drug therapy
- Pneumonia/immunology
- Pneumonia/metabolism
- Protective Agents/chemistry
- Protective Agents/metabolism
- Protective Agents/therapeutic use
- Signal Transduction/drug effects
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Affiliation(s)
- W S Daniel Tan
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Health System, 16 Medical Drive, Singapore 117600, Singapore
| | - Wupeng Liao
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Health System, 16 Medical Drive, Singapore 117600, Singapore
| | - Shuo Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Health System, 16 Medical Drive, Singapore 117600, Singapore
| | - W S Fred Wong
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Health System, 16 Medical Drive, Singapore 117600, Singapore; Immunology Program, Life Science Institute, National University of Singapore, 28 Medical Drive, Singapore 117456, Singapore.
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Matsuda N, Lim B, Wang X, Ueno NT. Early clinical development of epidermal growth factor receptor targeted therapy in breast cancer. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2017; 26:463-479. [PMID: 28271910 PMCID: PMC5826640 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2017.1299707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [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: 07/22/2016] [Accepted: 02/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) targeted treatment has been evaluated but has not shown a clear clinical benefit for breast cancer. This review article aims to consider the knowledge of the biological background of EGFR pathways in dissecting clinical studies of EGFR targeted treatment in breast cancer. Areas covered: This review focuses on the role of the EGFR pathway and the investigational drugs that target EGFR for breast cancer. Expert opinion: Recent studies have indicated that EGFR targeted therapy for breast cancer has some promising effects for patients with triple-negative breast cancer, basal-like breast cancer, and inflammatory breast cancer. However, predictive and prognostic biomarkers for EGFR targeted therapy have not been identified. The overexpression or amplification of EGFR itself may not be the true factor of induction of the canonical pathway as an oncogenic driver of breast cancer. Instead, downstream, non-canonical pathways related to EGFR may contribute to some aspects of the biological behavior of breast cancer; therefore, the blockade of the receptor could result in sufficient suppression of downstream pathways to inhibit the aggressive behavior of breast cancer. Mechanistic studies to investigate the dynamic interaction between the EGFR pathway and non-canonical pathways are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoko Matsuda
- Section of Translational Breast Cancer Research, Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Morgan Welch Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Program and Clinic, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Bora Lim
- Section of Translational Breast Cancer Research, Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Morgan Welch Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Program and Clinic, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Xiaoping Wang
- Section of Translational Breast Cancer Research, Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Morgan Welch Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Program and Clinic, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Naoto T. Ueno
- Section of Translational Breast Cancer Research, Department of Breast Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Morgan Welch Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Program and Clinic, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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Ye X, Qi J, Yu D, Wu Y, Zhu S, Li S, Wu Q, Ren G, Li D. Pharmacological efficacy of FGF21 analogue, liraglutide and insulin glargine in treatment of type 2 diabetes. J Diabetes Complications 2017; 31:726-734. [PMID: 28143735 DOI: 10.1016/j.jdiacomp.2017.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2016] [Revised: 12/26/2016] [Accepted: 01/17/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a promising regulator of glucose and lipid metabolism with multiple beneficial effects including hypoglycemic and lipid-lowering. Previous studies have reported that FGF21 is expected to become a new drug for treatment of diabetes. Liraglutide and insulin glargine are the two representative anti-diabetic biological drugs. In the current study, we aim to compare the long-term pharmacological efficacy of mFGF21 (an FGF21 analogue), liraglutide and insulin glargine in type 2 diabetic db/db mice. Db/db mice were initially treated with three kinds of proteins (25nmol/kg/day) by subcutaneous injection once a day for 4weeks, then subsequently be treated with once every two days for next 4weeks. After 8weeks of treatments, the blood glucose levels, body weights, glycosylated hemoglobin levels, fasting insulin levels, serum lipid profiles, hepatic biochemical parameters, oral glucose tolerance tests and hepatic mRNA expression levels of several proteins (GK, G6P, GLUT-1 and GLUT-4) associated with glucose metabolism of the experimental mice were detected. Results demonstrated that three proteins could significantly decrease the fed blood glucose levels of db/db mice. After treatment for 1week, the fed blood glucose levels of db/db mice in liraglutide group were significantly lower than those in mFGF21 and insulin glargine groups. However, after 2weeks of administration, the long-lasting hypoglycemic effect of mFGF21 was superior to liraglutide and insulin glargine up to the end of the experiments. Compared with liraglutide and insulin glargine, mFGF21 significantly reduced the glycosylated hemoglobin levels and improved the ability on glycemic control, insulin resistance, serum lipid and liver function states in db/db mice after 8weeks treatments. In addition, mFGF21 regulated glucose metabolism through increasing the mRNA expression levels of GK and GLUT-1, and decreasing the mRNA expression level of G6P. But liraglutide and insulin glargine could only up-regulate the mRNA expression of GLUT-4. In summary, as a hypoglycemic drug for long-term treatment, mFGF21 has the potential to be an ideal drug candidate for the therapy of type 2 diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianlong Ye
- College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, No. 46 construction road, 453007, Xinxiang, Henan Province, China.
| | - Jianying Qi
- College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, No. 46 construction road, 453007, Xinxiang, Henan Province, China; Key Laboratory for Cell Differentiation Regulation, 453007, Xinxiang, Henan Province, China.
| | - Dan Yu
- College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, No. 59 Mucai Street, 150030, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China.
| | - Yunzhou Wu
- College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, No. 59 Mucai Street, 150030, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China.
| | - Shenglong Zhu
- College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, No. 59 Mucai Street, 150030, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China.
| | - Shujie Li
- College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, No. 59 Mucai Street, 150030, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China.
| | - Qiang Wu
- College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, No. 59 Mucai Street, 150030, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China.
| | - Guiping Ren
- College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, No. 59 Mucai Street, 150030, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China.
| | - Deshan Li
- College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, No. 59 Mucai Street, 150030, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China.
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Collins I, Wang H, Caldwell JJ, Chopra R. Chemical approaches to targeted protein degradation through modulation of the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. Biochem J 2017; 474:1127-1147. [PMID: 28298557 PMCID: PMC5350610 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20160762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2016] [Revised: 01/04/2017] [Accepted: 01/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Manipulation of the ubiquitin-proteasome system to achieve targeted degradation of proteins within cells using chemical tools and drugs has the potential to transform pharmacological and therapeutic approaches in cancer and other diseases. An increased understanding of the molecular mechanism of thalidomide and its analogues following their clinical use has unlocked small-molecule modulation of the substrate specificity of the E3 ligase cereblon (CRBN), which in turn has resulted in the advancement of new immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs) into the clinic. The degradation of multiple context-specific proteins by these pleiotropic small molecules provides a means to uncover new cell biology and to generate future drug molecules against currently undruggable targets. In parallel, the development of larger bifunctional molecules that bring together highly specific protein targets in complexes with CRBN, von Hippel-Lindau, or other E3 ligases to promote ubiquitin-dependent degradation has progressed to generate selective chemical compounds with potent effects in cells and in vivo models, providing valuable tools for biological target validation and with future potential for therapeutic use. In this review, we survey recent breakthroughs achieved in these two complementary methods and the discovery of new modes of direct and indirect engagement of target proteins with the proteasome. We discuss the experimental characterisation that validates the use of molecules that promote protein degradation as chemical tools, the preclinical and clinical examples disclosed to date, and the future prospects for this exciting area of chemical biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian Collins
- Cancer Research UK Cancer Therapeutics Unit, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SM2 5NG, U.K
| | - Hannah Wang
- Cancer Research UK Cancer Therapeutics Unit, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SM2 5NG, U.K
| | - John J Caldwell
- Cancer Research UK Cancer Therapeutics Unit, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SM2 5NG, U.K
| | - Raj Chopra
- Cancer Research UK Cancer Therapeutics Unit, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SM2 5NG, U.K.
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Grösch S, Niederberger E, Geisslinger G. Investigational drugs targeting the prostaglandin E2 signaling pathway for the treatment of inflammatory pain. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2017; 26:51-61. [PMID: 27841017 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2017.1260544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [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] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) are the most commonly used drugs for the treatment of pain, inflammation and fever. Although they are effective for a huge number of users, their analgesic properties are not sufficient for several patients and the occurrence of side effects still constitutes a big challenge during long term therapy. Areas covered: This review gives an overview about the first and second generations of NSAIDs (COX1/2 non-selective, COX-2 selective), and their main side effects which gave still an urgent need for safer drugs and for the establishment of novel treatment strategies (improved safety, tolerability, patient convenience). The current developments of a possible third generation NSAID class comprise changes in the formulation of already approved drugs, combination therapies, dual cyclooxygenase-lipoxygenase inhibitors, NO- and H2S-releasing NSAIDs, prostaglandin synthase inhibitors and EP receptor modulators, respectively. Literature search has been done with PubMed NCBI. Expert opinion: Currently, there is no newly developed drug that is superior to the already approved selective and non-selective NSAIDs. Several novel approaches show promising analgesic efficacy but side effects are still an important problem. Solutions might be constituted by combination therapies allowing administration of lower drug doses or by individualized therapies targeting molecules apart from COX, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Grösch
- a Pharmazentrum frankfurt/ZAFES , Institut für Klinische Pharmakologie, Klinikum der Goethe-Universität Frankfurt , Frankfurt am Main , Germany
| | - Ellen Niederberger
- a Pharmazentrum frankfurt/ZAFES , Institut für Klinische Pharmakologie, Klinikum der Goethe-Universität Frankfurt , Frankfurt am Main , Germany
| | - Gerd Geisslinger
- a Pharmazentrum frankfurt/ZAFES , Institut für Klinische Pharmakologie, Klinikum der Goethe-Universität Frankfurt , Frankfurt am Main , Germany
- b Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME), Project Group for Translational Medicine & Pharmacology (TMP) , Frankfurt/Main , Germany
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Furlanetto C, Merluzzi S, Palcic S. Innovations in the field of fungal biofilms: looking for new targets and new chemical compounds. Infez Med 2016; 24:183-189. [PMID: 27668897] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Biofilms pose a serious problem for public health. Penetration of pharmacological agents within a biofilm is hampered by the morphological structure of such microbial communities. A biofilm infection therefore entails adverse outcomes both in the field of cost management and patient prognosis. The problem is further complicated if the drugs available to combat a biofilm-related fungal infection versus a bacterial one are compared: in the case of a fungal infection, the drugs available are less efficacious than antibiotics used to counteract a bacterial infection. Furthermore, even the fairly recent introduction of antifungals, such as echinocandins, start presenting some limits of usage, such as ineffectiveness in treating some fungal populations and increased resistance. It therefore becomes imperative to search for innovative molecules in order to combat this condition. The discovery of new molecules and/or new targets can make a difference. This paper illustrates the main innovative molecules that are coming to light in the field of infection by fungal biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Costanza Furlanetto
- Pharmaceutical Assistance Dept., National Health Company for Health Care No 4 "Alto Vicentino" Hospital Santorso, Italy
| | - Sonia Merluzzi
- Transfusion Medicine Dept. Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria "S. Maria della Misericordia" Udine, Italy
| | - Stefano Palcic
- SC Pharmaceutical Assistance, National Health Company for Health Care No 1 "Triestina", Trieste, Italy
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