1
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Luscombe VB, Wang P, Russell AJ, Greaves DR. Biased agonists of GPR84 and insights into biological control. Br J Pharmacol 2024; 181:1509-1523. [PMID: 38148720 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023] Open
Abstract
GPR84 was first identified as an open reading frame encoding an orphan Class A G protein coupled receptor in 2001. Gpr84 mRNA is expressed in a limited number of cell types with the highest levels of expression being in innate immune cells, M1 polarised macrophages and neutrophils. The first reported ligands for this receptor were medium chain fatty acids with chain lengths between 9 and 12 carbons. Subsequently, a series of synthetic agonists that signal via the GPR84 receptor were identified. Radioligand binding assays and molecular modelling with site-directed mutagenesis suggest the presence of three ligand binding sites on the receptor, but the physiological agonist(s) of the receptor remain unidentified. Here, we review the effects of GPR84 agonists on innate immune cells following a series of chemical discoveries since 2001. The development of highly biased agonists has helped to probe receptor function in vitro, and the remaining challenge is to follow the effects of biased signalling to the physiological functions of innate immune cell types. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed issue GPR84 Pharmacology. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v181.10/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pinqi Wang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Angela J Russell
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - David R Greaves
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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2
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Kennett A, Epple S, van der Valk G, Georgiou I, Gout E, Vivès RR, Russell AJ. Correction: Modified minimal-size fragments of heparan sulfate as inhibitors of endosulfatase-2 (Sulf-2). Chem Commun (Camb) 2024; 60:4617. [PMID: 38602132 DOI: 10.1039/d4cc90123a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Correction for 'Modified minimal-size fragments of heparan sulfate as inhibitors of endosulfatase-2 (Sulf-2)' by Alice Kennett et al., Chem. Commun., 2024, 60, 436-439, https://doi.org/10.1039/D3CC02565A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Kennett
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK.
| | - Sven Epple
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK.
| | | | - Irene Georgiou
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK.
| | - Evelyne Gout
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, CEA, IBS, Grenoble, France
| | | | - Angela J Russell
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK.
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QT, UK
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3
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Brimblecombe KR, Connor-Robson N, Bataille CJR, Roberts BM, Gracie C, O'Connor B, Te Water Naude R, Karthik G, Russell AJ, Wade-Martins R, Cragg SJ. Inhibition of striatal dopamine release by the L-type calcium channel inhibitor isradipine co-varies with risk factors for Parkinson's. Eur J Neurosci 2024; 59:1242-1259. [PMID: 37941514 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.16180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Ca2+ entry into nigrostriatal dopamine (DA) neurons and axons via L-type voltage-gated Ca2+ channels (LTCCs) contributes, respectively, to pacemaker activity and DA release and has long been thought to contribute to vulnerability to degeneration in Parkinson's disease. LTCC function is greater in DA axons and neurons from substantia nigra pars compacta than from ventral tegmental area, but this is not explained by channel expression level. We tested the hypothesis that LTCC control of DA release is governed rather by local mechanisms, focussing on candidate biological factors known to operate differently between types of DA neurons and/or be associated with their differing vulnerability to parkinsonism, including biological sex, α-synuclein, DA transporters (DATs) and calbindin-D28k (Calb1). We detected evoked DA release ex vivo in mouse striatal slices using fast-scan cyclic voltammetry and assessed LTCC support of DA release by detecting the inhibition of DA release by the LTCC inhibitors isradipine or CP8. Using genetic knockouts or pharmacological manipulations, we identified that striatal LTCC support of DA release depended on multiple intersecting factors, in a regionally and sexually divergent manner. LTCC function was promoted by factors associated with Parkinsonian risk, including male sex, α-synuclein, DAT and a dorsolateral co-ordinate, but limited by factors associated with protection, that is, female sex, glucocerebrosidase activity, Calb1 and ventromedial co-ordinate. Together, these data show that LTCC function in DA axons and isradipine effect are locally governed and suggest they vary in a manner that in turn might impact on, or reflect, the cellular stress that leads to parkinsonian degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine R Brimblecombe
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Oxford Parkinson's Disease Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, Maryland, USA
| | - Natalie Connor-Robson
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Oxford Parkinson's Disease Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Carole J R Bataille
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Bradley M Roberts
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Oxford Parkinson's Disease Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Caitlin Gracie
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Bethan O'Connor
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Gayathri Karthik
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Angela J Russell
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Richard Wade-Martins
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Oxford Parkinson's Disease Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, Maryland, USA
| | - Stephanie J Cragg
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Oxford Parkinson's Disease Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, Maryland, USA
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4
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Wang P, Raja A, Luscombe VB, Bataille CJR, Lucy D, Rogga VV, Greaves DR, Russell AJ. Development of Highly Potent, G-Protein Pathway Biased, Selective, and Orally Bioavailable GPR84 Agonists. J Med Chem 2024; 67:110-137. [PMID: 38146625 PMCID: PMC10788923 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
Orphan G-protein-coupled receptor 84 (GPR84) is a receptor that has been linked to cancer, inflammatory, and fibrotic diseases. We have reported DL-175 as a biased agonist at GPR84 which showed differential signaling via Gαi/cAMP and β-arrestin, but which is rapidly metabolized. Herein, we describe an optimization of DL-175 through a systematic structure-activity relationship (SAR) analysis. This reveals that the replacement of the naphthalene group improved metabolic stability and the addition of a 5-hydroxy substituent to the pyridine N-oxide group, yielding compounds 68 (OX04528) and 69 (OX04529), enhanced the potency for cAMP signaling by 3 orders of magnitude to low picomolar values. Neither compound showed detectable effects on β-arrestin recruitment up to 80 μM. Thus, the new GPR84 agonists 68 and 69 displayed excellent potency, high G-protein signaling bias, and an appropriate in vivo pharmacokinetic profile that will allow investigation of GPR84 biased agonist activity in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pinqi Wang
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, U.K.
- Department
of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3QT, U.K.
| | - Arun Raja
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, U.K.
- Department
of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3QT, U.K.
| | - Vincent B. Luscombe
- Sir
William Dunn School of Pathology, University
of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3RE, U.K.
| | - Carole J. R. Bataille
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, U.K.
- Department
of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3QT, U.K.
| | - Daniel Lucy
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, U.K.
- Sir
William Dunn School of Pathology, University
of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3RE, U.K.
| | - Vanessa V. Rogga
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, U.K.
| | - David R. Greaves
- Sir
William Dunn School of Pathology, University
of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3RE, U.K.
| | - Angela J. Russell
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, U.K.
- Department
of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3QT, U.K.
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5
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Kennett A, Epple S, van der Valk G, Georgiou I, Gout E, Vivès RR, Russell AJ. Modified minimal-size fragments of heparan sulfate as inhibitors of endosulfatase-2 (Sulf-2). Chem Commun (Camb) 2024; 60:436-439. [PMID: 38086706 DOI: 10.1039/d3cc02565a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Sulf-2 has been identified as a putative target for anticancer therapies. Here we report the design and synthesis of sulfated disaccharide inhibitors based on IdoA(2S)-GlcNS(6S). Trisulfated disaccharide inhibitor IdoA(2S)-GlcNS(6Sulfamate) demonstrated potent Sulf-2 inhibition. The IC50 value was determined to be 39.8 μM ± 18.3, which is comparable to a tetrasaccharide inhibitor of HSulf-1 reported in the literature. We propose that the disaccharide IdoA(2S)-GlcNS(6S) is the shortest fragment size required for effective inhibition of the Sulfs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Kennett
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK.
| | - Sven Epple
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK.
| | | | - Irene Georgiou
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK.
| | - Evelyne Gout
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, CEA, IBS, Grenoble, France
| | | | - Angela J Russell
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK.
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QT, UK
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6
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Luscombe VB, Baena-López LA, Bataille CJR, Russell AJ, Greaves DR. Kinetic insights into agonist-dependent signalling bias at the pro-inflammatory G-protein coupled receptor GPR84. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 956:175960. [PMID: 37543157 PMCID: PMC10804997 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.175960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
GPR84 is an orphan G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) linked to inflammation. Strategies targeting GPR84 to prevent excessive inflammation in disease are hampered by a lack of understanding of its precise functional role. We have developed heterologous cell lines with low GPR84 expression levels that phenocopy the response of primary cells in a label-free cell electrical impedance (CEI) sensing system that measures cell morphology and adhesion. We then investigated the signalling profile and membrane localisation of GPR84 upon treatment with 6-OAU and DL-175, two agonists known to differentially influence immune cell function. When compared to 6-OAU, DL-175 was found to exhibit a delayed impedance response, a delayed and suppressed activation of Akt, which together correlated with an impaired ability to internalise GPR84 from the plasma membrane. The signalling differences were transient and occurred only at early time points in the low expressing cell lines, highlighting the importance of receptor number and kinetic readouts when evaluating signalling bias. Our findings open new ways to understand GPR84 signalling and evaluate the effect of newly developed agonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent B Luscombe
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, South Parks Rd, University of Oxford, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX1 3RE, United Kingdom
| | - Luis Alberto Baena-López
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, South Parks Rd, University of Oxford, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX1 3RE, United Kingdom
| | - Carole J R Bataille
- Department of Chemistry, Mansfield Rd, University of Oxford, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX1 3TA, United Kingdom
| | - Angela J Russell
- Department of Chemistry, Mansfield Rd, University of Oxford, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX1 3TA, United Kingdom; Department of Pharmacology, Mansfield Rd, University of Oxford, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX1 3TA, United Kingdom
| | - David R Greaves
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, South Parks Rd, University of Oxford, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX1 3RE, United Kingdom.
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7
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Josa-Culleré L, Galan SRG, Cogswell TJ, Jackson TR, Jay-Smith M, Mola L, Greaves CR, Carter TS, Madden KS, Trott S, Zhang D, Bataille CJR, Davies SG, Vyas P, Milne TA, Naylor A, Wynne GM, Russell AJ. Phenotypic screening identifies a trisubstituted imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine series that induces differentiation in multiple AML cell lines. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 258:115509. [PMID: 37343464 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is an aggressive type of leukaemia with low rates of long-term survival. While the current standard of care is based on cytotoxic chemotherapy, a promising emerging approach is differentiation therapy. However, most current differentiating agents target specific mutations and are effective only in certain patient subtypes. To identify agents which may be effective in wider population cohorts, we performed a phenotypic screen with the myeloid marker CD11b and identified a compound series that was able to differentiate AML cell lines in vitro regardless of their mutation status. Structure-activity relationship studies revealed that replacing the formamide and catechol methyl ether groups with sulfonamide and indazole respectively improved the in vitro metabolic profile of the series while maintaining the differentiation profile in multiple cell lines. This optimisation exercise enabled progression of a lead compound to in vivo efficacy testing. Our work supports the promise of phenotypic screening to identify novel small molecules that induce differentiation in a wide range of AML subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laia Josa-Culleré
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Sébastien R G Galan
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Thomas J Cogswell
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Thomas R Jackson
- MRC Molecular Haematology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 9DS, UK
| | - Morgan Jay-Smith
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Laura Mola
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Christopher R Greaves
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Tom S Carter
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Katrina S Madden
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Sophie Trott
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Douzi Zhang
- MRC Molecular Haematology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 9DS, UK
| | - Carole J R Bataille
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, UK; Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3QT, UK
| | - Stephen G Davies
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Paresh Vyas
- MRC Molecular Haematology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 9DS, UK
| | - Thomas A Milne
- MRC Molecular Haematology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 9DS, UK.
| | - Alan Naylor
- Alan Naylor Consultancy Ltd., Harston, Cambridge, CB22 7QJ, UK
| | - Graham M Wynne
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Angela J Russell
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, UK; Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3QT, UK.
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8
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de la Camara CMF, Storm T, Salman A, Burgoyne T, Rasmussen MQ, Orlans HO, Russell AJ, Davies SG, Barnard AR, MacLaren RE. Developmental Expression of the Cell Cycle Regulator p16 INK4a in Retinal Glial Cells: A Novel Marker for Immature Ocular Astrocytes? J Histochem Cytochem 2023:221554231184286. [PMID: 37350564 DOI: 10.1369/00221554231184286] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinal astrocytes are vital for neuronal homeostasis in the retina. Together with Müller glia, they provide retinal cells with neurotrophic factors, antioxidative support, and defense mechanisms such as the formation of the blood-retinal barrier. Substantial heterogeneity of astrocyte morphology and function represents a challenge for identification of distinct subtypes which may be potential targets for therapeutic purposes. Hence, identification of novel markers of astrocyte subpopulations is highly relevant to better understand the molecular mechanisms involved in retinal development, homeostasis, and pathology. In this study, we observed that the cell cycle regulator, p16INK4a, is expressed in immature astrocytes in the mouse retina. Immunohistochemical analysis showed p16INK4a expression in the optic nerve of wild-type mice from 3 days to 3 months of age and in the nerve fiber layer of the adult mouse retina. Colocalization of p16INK4a expression and glial fibrillary acidic protein (immature/mature astrocyte marker) tends to decrease with age. However, colocalization of p16INK4a expression and vimentin (immature astrocyte marker) remains high in the optic nerve from the early postnatal period to adulthood. The observations from this study provide a valuable tool for further investigations of ocular astrocytes in the developing retina as well as in degenerative retinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Martinez-Fernandez de la Camara
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Oxford Eye Hospital, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Tina Storm
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Ahmed Salman
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas Burgoyne
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Paediatric Respiratory Medicine, Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia Centre, Royal Brompton & Harefield NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Harry O Orlans
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Angela J Russell
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen G Davies
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Alun R Barnard
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Oxford Eye Hospital, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Robert E MacLaren
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Oxford Eye Hospital, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom
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9
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Madden KS, Todd PM, Urata K, Russell AJ, Vincent KA, Reeve HA. A pharmacophore-based approach to demonstrating the scope of alcohol dehydrogenases. Bioorg Med Chem 2023; 83:117255. [PMID: 36966660 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2023.117255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/28/2023]
Abstract
Barriers to the ready adoption of biocatalysis into asymmetric synthesis for early stage medicinal chemistry are addressed, using ketone reduction by alcohol dehydrogenase as a model reaction. An efficient substrate screening approach is used to show the wide substrate scope of commercial alcohol dehydrogenase enzymes, with a high tolerance to chemical groups employed in drug discovery (heterocycle, trifluoromethyl and nitrile/nitro groups) observed. We use our screening data to build a preliminary predictive pharmacophore-based screening tool using Forge software, with a precision of 0.67/1, demonstrating the potential for developing substrate screening tools for commercially available enzymes without publicly available structures. We hope that this work will facilitate a culture shift towards adopting biocatalysis alongside traditional chemical catalytic methods in early stage drug discovery.
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10
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Lindsay C, Musgaard M, Russell AJ, Sitsapesan R. Statin activation of skeletal ryanodine receptors (RyR1) is a class effect but separable from HMG-CoA reductase inhibition. Br J Pharmacol 2022; 179:4941-4957. [PMID: 35703154 PMCID: PMC9804224 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Statins, inhibitors of HMG-CoA reductase, are mainstay treatment for hypercholesterolaemia. However, muscle pain and weakness prevent many patients from benefiting from their cardioprotective effects. We previously demonstrated that simvastatin activates skeletal ryanodine receptors (RyR1), an effect that could be important in initiating myopathy. Using a range of structurally diverse statin analogues, we examined structural features associated with RyR1 activation, aiming to identify statins lacking this property. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Compounds were screened for RyR1 activity utilising [3 H]ryanodine binding. Mechanistic insight into RyR1 activity was studied by incorporating RyR1 channels from sheep, mouse or rabbit skeletal muscle into bilayers. KEY RESULTS All UK-prescribed statins activated RyR1 at nanomolar concentrations. Cerivastatin, withdrawn from the market due to life-threatening muscle-related side effects, was more effective than currently-prescribed statins and possessed the unique ability to open RyR1 channels independently of cytosolic Ca2+ . We synthesised the one essential structural moiety that all statins must possess for HMG-CoA reductase inhibition, the R-3,5-dihydroxypentanoic acid unit, and it did not activate RyR1. We also identified five analogues retaining potent HMG-CoA reductase inhibition that inhibited RyR1 and four that lacked the ability to modulate RyR1. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS That cerivastatin activates RyR1 most strongly supports the hypothesis that RyR1 activation is implicated in statin-induced myopathy. Demonstrating that statin regulation of RyR1 and HMG-CoA reductase are separable effects will allow the role of RyR1 in statin-induced myopathy to be further elucidated by the tool compounds we have identified, allowing development of effective cardioprotective statins with improved patient tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris Lindsay
- Department of PharmacologyUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Maria Musgaard
- Structural Bioinformatics and Computational Biochemistry, Department of BiochemistryUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
- OMass TherapeuticsOxfordUK
| | - Angela J. Russell
- Department of PharmacologyUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research LaboratoryUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
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11
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Chatzopoulou M, Conole D, Emer E, Rowley JA, Willis NJ, Squire SE, Gill B, Brough S, Wilson FX, Wynne GM, Davies SG, Davies KE, Russell AJ. Structure-activity relationships of 2-pyrimidinecarbohydrazides as utrophin modulators for the potential treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Bioorg Med Chem 2022; 69:116812. [PMID: 35772287 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2022.116812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
A therapeutic approach that holds the potential to treat all Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) patient populations is utrophin modulation. Ezutromid, a first generation utrophin modulator which was later found to act via antagonism of the arylhydrocarbon receptor, progressed to Phase 2 clinical trials. Although interim data showed target engagement and functional improvements, ezutromid ultimately failed to meet its clinical endpoints. We recently described the identification of a new class of hydrazide utrophin modulators which has a different mechanism of action to ezutromid. In this study we report our early optimisation studies on this hydrazide series. The new analogues had significantly improved potency in cell-based assays, increased sp3 character and reduced lipophilicity, which also improved their physicochemical properties. A representative new analogue combining these attributes increased utrophin protein in dystrophic mouse cells showing it can be used as a chemical tool to reveal new insights regarding utrophin upregulation as a strategy for DMD therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Chatzopoulou
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Daniel Conole
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Enrico Emer
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Jessica A Rowley
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Nicky J Willis
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Sarah E Squire
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Sir Henry Wellcome Building of Gene Function, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PT, UK
| | - Becky Gill
- Key Organics Ltd, Highfield Road Industrial Estate, Camelford, Cornwall PL32 9RA, UK
| | - Steve Brough
- Key Organics Ltd, Highfield Road Industrial Estate, Camelford, Cornwall PL32 9RA, UK
| | - Francis X Wilson
- Summit Therapeutics Plc, 136a Eastern Avenue, Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxfordshire OX14 4SB, UK
| | - Graham M Wynne
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Stephen G Davies
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Kay E Davies
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Sir Henry Wellcome Building of Gene Function, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PT, UK
| | - Angela J Russell
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK; Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3PQ, UK
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12
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Jackson TR, Vuorinen A, Josa-Culleré L, Madden KS, Conole D, Cogswell TJ, Wilkinson IV, Kettyle LM, Zhang D, O’Mahony A, Gracias D, McCall L, Westwood R, Terstappen GC, Davies SG, Tate EW, Wynne GM, Vyas P, Russell AJ, Milne TA. A tubulin binding molecule drives differentiation of acute myeloid leukemia cells. iScience 2022; 25:104787. [PMID: 35992086 PMCID: PMC9385704 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite much progress in developing better drugs, many patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) still die within a year of diagnosis. This is partly because it is difficult to identify therapeutic targets that are effective across multiple AML subtypes. One common factor across AML subtypes is the presence of a block in differentiation. Overcoming this block should allow for the identification of therapies that are not dependent on a specific mutation for their efficacy. Here, we used a phenotypic screen to identify compounds that stimulate differentiation in genetically diverse AML cell lines. Lead compounds were shown to decrease tumor burden and to increase survival in vivo. Using multiple complementary target deconvolution approaches, these compounds were revealed to be anti-mitotic tubulin disruptors that cause differentiation by inducing a G2-M mitotic arrest. Together, these results reveal a function for tubulin disruptors in causing differentiation of AML cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas R. Jackson
- MRC Molecular Haematology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre Haematology Theme, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Aini Vuorinen
- MRC Molecular Haematology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre Haematology Theme, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Laia Josa-Culleré
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Katrina S. Madden
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Daniel Conole
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, 82 Wood Lane, London W12 0BZ, UK
| | - Thomas J. Cogswell
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3QT, UK
| | - Isabel V.L. Wilkinson
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Laura M. Kettyle
- Axis Bioservices, 189 Castleroe Rd, Coleraine, Co. Londonderry BT51 3RP, Northern Ireland
| | - Douzi Zhang
- MRC Molecular Haematology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre Haematology Theme, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Alison O’Mahony
- Eurofins Discovery Phenotypic Services, St. Charles, MO 63304 and Burlingame, CA 94010, USA
- Discovery Platform at Recursion, 41 S Rio Grande Street, Salt Lake City, UT 84101, USA
| | - Deanne Gracias
- MRC Molecular Haematology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre Haematology Theme, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Lorna McCall
- MRC Molecular Haematology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre Haematology Theme, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Robert Westwood
- Oxstem Ltd, Midland House West Way, Botley, Oxford OX2 0PH, UK
| | | | - Stephen G. Davies
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Edward W. Tate
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, 82 Wood Lane, London W12 0BZ, UK
| | - Graham M. Wynne
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK
- Oxstem Ltd, Midland House West Way, Botley, Oxford OX2 0PH, UK
| | - Paresh Vyas
- MRC Molecular Haematology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre Haematology Theme, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Angela J. Russell
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3QT, UK
| | - Thomas A. Milne
- MRC Molecular Haematology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre Haematology Theme, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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13
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Balmforth D, Swales JA, Silpa L, Dunton A, Davies KE, Davies SG, Kamath A, Gupta J, Gupta S, Masood MA, McKnight Á, Rees D, Russell AJ, Jaggi M, Uppal R. Evaluating the efficacy and safety of a novel prophylactic nasal spray in the prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection: A multi-centre, double blind, placebo-controlled, randomised trial. J Clin Virol 2022; 155:105248. [PMID: 35952426 PMCID: PMC9313533 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2022.105248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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14
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Conway SJ, Kawamura A, Marr TM, Platt F, Russell AJ. Increasing Diversity in Admissions to Postgraduate Study. J Med Chem 2022; 65:5867-5869. [PMID: 35438504 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Stuart J Conway
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, U.K
| | - Akane Kawamura
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, U.K
| | - Tracey M Marr
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, U.K
| | - Frances Platt
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QT, U.K
| | - Angela J Russell
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, U.K
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15
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Chatzopoulou M, Madden KS, Bromhead LJ, Greaves C, Cogswell TJ, Da Silva Pinto S, Galan SRG, Georgiou I, Kennedy MS, Kennett A, Apps G, Russell AJ, Wynne GM. Pilot Study to Quantify Palladium Impurities in Lead-like Compounds Following Commonly Used Purification Techniques. ACS Med Chem Lett 2022; 13:262-270. [PMID: 35173892 PMCID: PMC8842129 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.1c00638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
![]()
Palladium-catalyzed
reactions are among the most commonly used
procedures in organic synthesis. The products have a range of uses,
including as intermediates in total synthesis and as screening compounds
for drug discovery or agrochemical projects. Despite the known and
potentially deleterious effects of low-level metal impurities in biological
assays, the quantification of metal remaining in reaction products
to verify the effective removal of the transition element is rarely
reported. Using palladium as an exemplar, we describe a pilot study
that for the first time quantifies residual metal levels in reaction
products following increasingly rigorous purification protocols. Our
results demonstrate that significant levels of residual palladium
can remain in isolated reaction products following chromatographic
purification, and only by using a subsequent metal scavenging step
are they reliably reduced to a low level. Finally, we provide a set
of simple guidelines that should minimize the potential for issues
associated with residual palladium in reaction products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Chatzopoulou
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3TA, United Kingdom
| | - Katrina S. Madden
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3TA, United Kingdom
| | - Liam J. Bromhead
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3TA, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher Greaves
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3PQ, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas J. Cogswell
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3PQ, United Kingdom
| | - Solange Da Silva Pinto
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3PQ, United Kingdom
| | - Sébastien R. G. Galan
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3TA, United Kingdom
| | - Irene Georgiou
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3PQ, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew S. Kennedy
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3PQ, United Kingdom
| | - Alice Kennett
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3TA, United Kingdom
| | - Geraint Apps
- CEMAS, Imperial House, Oaklands Business Centre, Oaklands Park,
Wokingham, Berkshire RG41 2FD, United Kingdom
| | - Angela J. Russell
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3TA, United Kingdom
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3PQ, United Kingdom
| | - Graham M. Wynne
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3TA, United Kingdom
- OxStem Limited, Midland House, West Way, Botley, Oxford OX2 0PH, United Kingdom
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16
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Silpa L, Sim R, Russell AJ. Recent Advances in Small Molecule Stimulation of Regeneration and Repair. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2022; 61:128601. [PMID: 35123003 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2022.128601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Therapeutic approaches to stimulate regeneration and repair have the potential to transform healthcare and improve outcomes for patients suffering from numerous chronic degenerative diseases. To date most approaches have involved the transplantation of therapeutic cells, and while there have been a small number of clinical approvals, major hurdles exist to the routine adoption of such therapies. In recent years humans and other mammals have been shown to possess a regenerative capacity across multiple tissues and organs, and an innate regenerative and repair response has been shown to be activated in these organs in response to injury. These realisations have inspired a transformative approach in regenerative medicine: the development of new agents to directly target these innate regeneration and repair pathways. In this article we will review the current state of the art in the discovery of small molecule modulators of regeneration and their translation towards therapeutic agents, focussing specifically on the areas of neuroregeneration and cardiac regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurence Silpa
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford OX1 3TA
| | - Rachel Sim
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford OX1 3TA
| | - Angela J Russell
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford OX1 3TA; Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, University of Oxford OX1 3QT.
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17
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Josa-Culleré L, Madden KS, Cogswell TJ, Jackson TR, Carter TS, Zhang D, Trevitt G, Davies SG, Vyas P, Wynne GM, Milne TA, Russell AJ. A Phenotypic Screen Identifies a Compound Series That Induces Differentiation of Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cells In Vitro and Shows Antitumor Effects In Vivo. J Med Chem 2021; 64:15608-15628. [PMID: 34672555 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Induction of differentiation is a promising therapeutic strategy against acute myeloid leukemia. However, current differentiation therapies are effective only to specific patient populations. To identify novel differentiation agents with wider efficacy, we developed a phenotypic high-throughput screen with a range of genetically diverse cell lines. From the resulting hits, one chemical scaffold was optimized in terms of activity and physicochemical properties to yield OXS007417, a proof-of-concept tool compound, which was also able to decrease tumor volume in a murine in vivo xenograft model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laia Josa-Culleré
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, U.K
| | - Katrina S Madden
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, U.K
| | - Thomas J Cogswell
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3QT, U.K
| | - Thomas R Jackson
- MRC Molecular Haematology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre Haematology Theme, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, U.K
| | - Tom S Carter
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, U.K
| | - Douzi Zhang
- MRC Molecular Haematology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre Haematology Theme, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, U.K
| | - Graham Trevitt
- XenoGesis Ltd., BioCity Nottingham, Pennyfoot Street, Nottingham NG1 1GF, Nottinghamshire, U.K
| | - Stephen G Davies
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, U.K
| | - Paresh Vyas
- MRC Molecular Haematology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre Haematology Theme, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, U.K
| | - Graham M Wynne
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, U.K
| | - Thomas A Milne
- MRC Molecular Haematology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre Haematology Theme, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, U.K
| | - Angela J Russell
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, U.K.,Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3QT, U.K
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18
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Josa-Culleré L, Cogswell TJ, Georgiou I, Jay-Smith M, Jackson TR, Bataille CJR, Davies SG, Vyas P, Milne TA, Wynne GM, Russell AJ. Identification and Preliminary Structure-Activity Relationship Studies of 1,5-Dihydrobenzo[ e][1,4]oxazepin-2(3 H)-ones That Induce Differentiation of Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cells In Vitro. Molecules 2021; 26:6648. [PMID: 34771052 PMCID: PMC8588310 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26216648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the most aggressive type of blood cancer, and there is a continued need for new treatments that are well tolerated and improve long-term survival rates in patients. Induction of differentiation has emerged as a promising alternative to conventional cytotoxic chemotherapy, but known agents lack efficacy in genetically distinct patient populations. Previously, we established a phenotypic screen to identify small molecules that could stimulate differentiation in a range of AML cell lines. Utilising this strategy, a 1,5-dihydrobenzo[e][1,4]oxazepin-2(3H)-one hit compound was identified. Herein, we report the hit validation in vitro, structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies and the pharmacokinetic profiles for selected compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laia Josa-Culleré
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK; (T.J.C.); (I.G.); (M.J.-S.); (C.J.R.B.); (S.G.D.); (G.M.W.)
| | - Thomas J. Cogswell
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK; (T.J.C.); (I.G.); (M.J.-S.); (C.J.R.B.); (S.G.D.); (G.M.W.)
| | - Irene Georgiou
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK; (T.J.C.); (I.G.); (M.J.-S.); (C.J.R.B.); (S.G.D.); (G.M.W.)
| | - Morgan Jay-Smith
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK; (T.J.C.); (I.G.); (M.J.-S.); (C.J.R.B.); (S.G.D.); (G.M.W.)
| | - Thomas R. Jackson
- MRC Molecular Haematology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre Haematology Theme, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, UK; (T.R.J.); (P.V.); (T.A.M.)
| | - Carole J. R. Bataille
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK; (T.J.C.); (I.G.); (M.J.-S.); (C.J.R.B.); (S.G.D.); (G.M.W.)
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3QT, UK
| | - Stephen G. Davies
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK; (T.J.C.); (I.G.); (M.J.-S.); (C.J.R.B.); (S.G.D.); (G.M.W.)
| | - Paresh Vyas
- MRC Molecular Haematology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre Haematology Theme, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, UK; (T.R.J.); (P.V.); (T.A.M.)
| | - Thomas A. Milne
- MRC Molecular Haematology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre Haematology Theme, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, UK; (T.R.J.); (P.V.); (T.A.M.)
| | - Graham M. Wynne
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK; (T.J.C.); (I.G.); (M.J.-S.); (C.J.R.B.); (S.G.D.); (G.M.W.)
| | - Angela J. Russell
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK; (T.J.C.); (I.G.); (M.J.-S.); (C.J.R.B.); (S.G.D.); (G.M.W.)
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3QT, UK
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19
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Partridge F, Bataille CJ, Forman R, Marriott AE, Forde-Thomas J, Häberli C, Dinsdale RL, O’Sullivan JD, Willis NJ, Wynne GM, Whiteland H, Archer J, Steven A, Keiser J, Turner JD, Hoffmann KF, Taylor MJ, Else KJ, Russell AJ, Sattelle DB. Structural Requirements for Dihydrobenzoxazepinone Anthelmintics: Actions against Medically Important and Model Parasites: Trichuris muris, Brugia malayi, Heligmosomoides polygyrus, and Schistosoma mansoni. ACS Infect Dis 2021; 7:1260-1274. [PMID: 33797218 PMCID: PMC8154432 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.1c00025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [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: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Nine hundred million people are infected with the soil-transmitted helminths Ascaris lumbricoides (roundworm), hookworm, and Trichuris trichiura (whipworm). However, low single-dose cure rates of the benzimidazole drugs, the mainstay of preventative chemotherapy for whipworm, together with parasite drug resistance, mean that current approaches may not be able to eliminate morbidity from trichuriasis. We are seeking to develop new anthelmintic drugs specifically with activity against whipworm as a priority and previously identified a hit series of dihydrobenzoxazepinone (DHB) compounds that block motility of ex vivo Trichuris muris. Here, we report a systematic investigation of the structure-activity relationship of the anthelmintic activity of DHB compounds. We synthesized 47 analogues, which allowed us to define features of the molecules essential for anthelmintic action as well as broadening the chemotype by identification of dihydrobenzoquinolinones (DBQs) with anthelmintic activity. We investigated the activity of these compounds against other parasitic nematodes, identifying DHB compounds with activity against Brugia malayi and Heligmosomoides polygyrus. We also demonstrated activity of DHB compounds against the trematode Schistosoma mansoni, a parasite that causes schistosomiasis. These results demonstrate the potential of DHB and DBQ compounds for further development as broad-spectrum anthelmintics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederick
A. Partridge
- Centre
for Respiratory Biology, UCL Respiratory, Division of Medicine, University College London, London WC1E 6JF, United Kingdom
| | - Carole J.R. Bataille
- Department
of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3TA, United Kingdom
| | - Ruth Forman
- Lydia
Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty of Biology,
Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, United Kingdom
| | - Amy E. Marriott
- Centre
for Drugs and Diagnostics, Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, United Kingdom
| | - Josephine Forde-Thomas
- Institute
of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, Wales SY23 3DA, United Kingdom
| | - Cécile Häberli
- Department
of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, Basel CH-4002, Switzerland
- University
of Basel, Petersplatz
1, Basel CH-4001, Switzerland
| | - Ria L. Dinsdale
- Department
of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3TA, United Kingdom
| | - James D.B. O’Sullivan
- Lydia
Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty of Biology,
Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, United Kingdom
- Henry
Royce Institute, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, United
Kingdom
| | - Nicky J. Willis
- Department
of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3TA, United Kingdom
- Alzheimer’s
Research UK UCL Drug Discovery Institute, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Graham M. Wynne
- Department
of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3TA, United Kingdom
| | - Helen Whiteland
- Institute
of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, Wales SY23 3DA, United Kingdom
| | - John Archer
- Centre
for Drugs and Diagnostics, Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Steven
- Centre
for Drugs and Diagnostics, Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, United Kingdom
| | - Jennifer Keiser
- Department
of Medical Parasitology and Infection Biology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, Basel CH-4002, Switzerland
- University
of Basel, Petersplatz
1, Basel CH-4001, Switzerland
| | - Joseph D. Turner
- Centre
for Drugs and Diagnostics, Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, United Kingdom
- Centre
for Neglected Tropical Diseases, Liverpool
School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, United Kingdom
| | - Karl F. Hoffmann
- Institute
of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, Wales SY23 3DA, United Kingdom
| | - Mark J. Taylor
- Centre
for Drugs and Diagnostics, Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, United Kingdom
- Centre
for Neglected Tropical Diseases, Liverpool
School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, United Kingdom
| | - Kathryn J. Else
- Lydia
Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty of Biology,
Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, United Kingdom
| | - Angela J. Russell
- Department
of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3TA, United Kingdom
- Department
of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3QT, United
Kingdom
| | - David B. Sattelle
- Centre
for Respiratory Biology, UCL Respiratory, Division of Medicine, University College London, London WC1E 6JF, United Kingdom
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20
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Vuorinen A, Wilkinson IVL, Chatzopoulou M, Edwards B, Squire SE, Fairclough RJ, Bazan NA, Milner JA, Conole D, Donald JR, Shah N, Willis NJ, Martínez RF, Wilson FX, Wynne GM, Davies SG, Davies KE, Russell AJ. Discovery and mechanism of action studies of 4,6-diphenylpyrimidine-2-carbohydrazides as utrophin modulators for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 220:113431. [PMID: 33915371 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a fatal disease with no cure, caused by lack of the cytoskeletal protein dystrophin. Upregulation of utrophin, a dystrophin paralogue, offers a potential therapy independent of mutation type. The failure of first-in-class utrophin modulator ezutromid/SMT C1100 in Phase II clinical trials necessitates development of compounds with better efficacy, physicochemical and ADME properties and/or complementary mechanisms. We have discovered and performed a preliminary optimisation of a novel class of utrophin modulators using an improved phenotypic screen, where reporter expression is derived from the full genomic context of the utrophin promoter. We further demonstrate through target deconvolution studies, including expression analysis and chemical proteomics, that this compound series operates via a novel mechanism of action, distinct from that of ezutromid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aini Vuorinen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Isabel V L Wilkinson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Maria Chatzopoulou
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Ben Edwards
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Sir Henry Wellcome Building of Gene Function, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PT, UK
| | - Sarah E Squire
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Sir Henry Wellcome Building of Gene Function, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PT, UK
| | - Rebecca J Fairclough
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Sir Henry Wellcome Building of Gene Function, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PT, UK
| | - Noelia Araujo Bazan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Josh A Milner
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Daniel Conole
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, UK
| | - James R Donald
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Nandini Shah
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Sir Henry Wellcome Building of Gene Function, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PT, UK
| | - Nicky J Willis
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, UK
| | - R Fernando Martínez
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Francis X Wilson
- Summit Therapeutics Plc, 136a Eastern Avenue, Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, OX14 4SB, UK
| | - Graham M Wynne
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Stephen G Davies
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Kay E Davies
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Sir Henry Wellcome Building of Gene Function, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PT, UK.
| | - Angela J Russell
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, UK; Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3PQ, UK.
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21
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Chatzopoulou M, Emer E, Lecci C, Rowley JA, Casagrande AS, Moir L, Squire SE, Davies SG, Harriman S, Wynne GM, Wilson FX, Davies KE, Russell AJ. Decreasing HepG2 Cytotoxicity by Lowering the Lipophilicity of Benzo[d]oxazolephosphinate Ester Utrophin Modulators. ACS Med Chem Lett 2020; 11:2421-2427. [PMID: 33335663 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.0c00405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Utrophin modulation is a disease-modifying therapeutic strategy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy that would be applicable to all patient populations. To improve the suboptimal profile of ezutromid, the first-in-class clinical candidate, a second generation of utrophin modulators bearing a phosphinate ester moiety was developed. This modification significantly improved the physicochemical and ADME properties, but one of the main lead molecules was found to have dose-limiting hepatotoxicity. In this work we describe how less lipophilic analogues retained utrophin modulatory activity in a reporter gene assay, upregulated utrophin protein in dystrophic mouse muscle cells, but also had improved physicochemical and ADME properties. Notably, ClogP was found to directly correlate with pIC50 in HepG2 cells, hence leading to a potentially safer toxicological profiles in this series. Compound 21 showed a balanced profile (H2K EC50: 4.17 μM, solubility: 477 μM, mouse hepatocyte T 1/2 > 240 min) and increased utrophin protein 1.6-fold in a Western blot assay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Chatzopoulou
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, U.K
| | - Enrico Emer
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, U.K
| | - Cristina Lecci
- Evoetec (U.K.) Ltd, 114 Innovation Drive, Milton Park, Milton, Abingdon OX14 4RZ, U.K
| | - Jessica A. Rowley
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, U.K
| | | | - Lee Moir
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PT, U.K
| | - Sarah E. Squire
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PT, U.K
| | - Stephen G. Davies
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, U.K
| | - Shawn Harriman
- Summit Therapeutics plc, 136a Eastern Avenue, Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxfordshire OX14 4SB, U.K
| | - Graham M. Wynne
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, U.K
| | - Francis X. Wilson
- Summit Therapeutics plc, 136a Eastern Avenue, Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxfordshire OX14 4SB, U.K
| | - Kay E. Davies
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PT, U.K
| | - Angela J. Russell
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, U.K
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3PQ, U.K
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22
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Quevedo CE, Bataille CJR, Byrne S, Durbin M, Elkins J, Guillermo A, Jones AM, Knapp S, Nadali A, Walker RG, Wilkinson IVL, Wynne GM, Davies SG, Russell AJ. Aminothiazolones as potent, selective and cell active inhibitors of the PIM kinase family. Bioorg Med Chem 2020; 28:115724. [PMID: 33128909 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2020.115724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
We have previously reported the discovery of a series of rhodanine-based inhibitors of the PIM family of serine/threonine kinases. Here we described the optimisation of those compounds to improve their physicochemical and ADME properties as well as reducing their off-targets activities against other kinases. Through molecular modeling and systematic structure activity relationship (SAR) studies, advanced molecules with high inhibitory potency, reduced off-target activity and minimal efflux were identified as new pan-PIM inhibitors. One example of an early lead, OX01401, was found to inhibit PIMs with nanomolar potency (15 nM for PIM1), inhibit proliferation of two PIM-expressing leukaemic cancer cell lines, MV4-11 and K562, and to reduce intracellular phosphorylation of a PIM substrate in a concentration dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilo E Quevedo
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Carole J R Bataille
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Simon Byrne
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Matthew Durbin
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Jon Elkins
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus Research Building, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, UK
| | - Abigail Guillermo
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3QT, UK
| | - Alan M Jones
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Stefan Knapp
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus Research Building, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, UK
| | - Anna Nadali
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3QT, UK
| | - Roderick G Walker
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3QT, UK
| | - Isabel V L Wilkinson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Graham M Wynne
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Stephen G Davies
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Angela J Russell
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK; Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3QT, UK.
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23
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Luscombe VB, Lucy D, Bataille CJR, Russell AJ, Greaves DR. 20 Years an Orphan: Is GPR84 a Plausible Medium-Chain Fatty Acid-Sensing Receptor? DNA Cell Biol 2020; 39:1926-1937. [PMID: 33001759 DOI: 10.1089/dna.2020.5846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
GPR84 is an inflammation-induced receptor highly expressed on immune cells, yet its endogenous ligand is still unknown. This makes any interpretation of its physiological activity in vivo difficult. However, experiments with potent synthetic agonists have highlighted what the receptor can do, namely, enhance proinflammatory signaling and macrophage effector functions such as phagocytosis. Developing drugs to block these effects has attracted interest from the scientific community with the aim of decreasing disease activity in inflammatory disorders or enhancing inflammation resolution. In this review, we critically reassess the widely held belief that the major role of GPR84 is that of being a medium-chain fatty acid (MCFA) receptor. While MCFAs have been shown to activate GPR84, it remains to be demonstrated that they are present in relevant tissues at appropriate concentrations. In contrast to four other "full-time" free fatty acid receptor subtypes, GPR84 is not expressed by enteroendocrine cells and has limited expression in the gastrointestinal tract. Across multiple tissues and cell types, the highest expression levels of GPR84 are observed hours after exposure to an inflammatory stimulus. These factors obscure the relationship between ligand and receptor in the human body and do not support the exclusive physiological pairing of MCFAs with GPR84. To maximize the chances of developing efficacious drugs for inflammatory diseases, we must advance our understanding of GPR84 and what it does in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent B Luscombe
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Lucy
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Department of Chemistry and University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Angela J Russell
- Department of Chemistry and University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - David R Greaves
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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24
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Wilkinson IVL, Terstappen GC, Russell AJ. Combining experimental strategies for successful target deconvolution. Drug Discov Today 2020; 25:S1359-6446(20)30373-1. [PMID: 32971235 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2020.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Investment in phenotypic drug discovery has led to increased demand for rapid and robust target deconvolution to aid successful drug development. Although methods for target identification and mechanism of action (MoA) discovery are flourishing, they typically lead to lists of putative targets. Validating which target(s) are involved in the therapeutic mechanism of a compound poses a significant challenge, requiring direct binding, target engagement, and functional studies in relevant physiological contexts. A combination of orthogonal approaches can allow target identification beyond the proteome as well as aid prioritisation for resource-intensive target validation studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel V L Wilkinson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Georg C Terstappen
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3PQ, UK
| | - Angela J Russell
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, UK; Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3PQ, UK.
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25
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Payne K, Maras KL, Russell AJ, Brosnan MJ, Mills R. Self-reported motivations for engaging or declining to engage in cyber-dependent offending and the role of autistic traits. Res Dev Disabil 2020; 104:103681. [PMID: 32474231 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2020.103681] [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] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Revised: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Cyber-dependent offending, i.e. criminal behaviour reliant on computing and the online domain, has been reportedly associated with particular characteristics and motivations such as being young, male, autistic and motivated by challenge. These associations are anecdotal however and empirical evidence is limited. The present study investigated reasons for engaging or declining to commit cyber-dependent offending in cyber-skilled non-offenders (n = 175) and offenders (n = 7) via an online survey measuring cyber-dependent criminality. The potential role of autism and autistic traits was also considered. Qualitative interviews about motivations for offending were carried out with the offenders. The cyber-dependent offenders reported seven main reasons for engaging in cyber-dependent offending: (1) lack of understanding; (2) entertainment; (3) peer influence; (4) experience and career; (5) anonymity and risk perception; (6) life events; and (7) morals. Twenty-nine (approximately 17 %) of the non-offenders had been asked to engage in cyber-dependent offending but had declined. Their reasons and motivations for declining to commit cyber-dependent offences were compared with the cyber-dependent offenders reasons and motivations for engaging in cybercrime. Seven main reasons for declining to offend were identified: (1) moral principles; (2) perception of risk; (3) fear of consequences; (4) not wanting to; (5) wanting to adhere to the law; (6) behaviour being too complicated; and (7) price being too low. Implications for practise are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Payne
- University of Northampton, UK.
| | - K L Maras
- University of Northampton, UK; Centre for Applied Autism Research, Department of Psychology, University of Bath, UK
| | - A J Russell
- Centre for Applied Autism Research, Department of Psychology, University of Bath, UK
| | - M J Brosnan
- Centre for Applied Autism Research, Department of Psychology, University of Bath, UK
| | - R Mills
- Centre for Applied Autism Research, Department of Psychology, University of Bath, UK
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26
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Babbs A, Berg A, Chatzopoulou M, Davies KE, Davies SG, Edwards B, Elsey DJ, Emer E, Guiraud S, Harriman S, Lecci C, Moir L, Peters D, Robinson N, Rowley JA, Russell AJ, Squire SE, Tinsley JM, Wilson FX, Wynne GM. 2-Arylbenzo[ d]oxazole Phosphinate Esters as Second-Generation Modulators of Utrophin for the Treatment of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. J Med Chem 2020; 63:7880-7891. [PMID: 32551645 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c00807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Utrophin modulation is a promising therapeutic strategy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), which should be applicable to all patient populations. Following on from ezutromid, the first-generation utrophin modulator, we describe the development of a second generation of utrophin modulators, based on the bioisosteric replacement of the sulfone group with a phosphinate ester and substitution of the metabolically labile naphthalene with a haloaryl substituent. The improved physicochemical and absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) properties, further reflected in the enhanced pharmacokinetic profile of the most advanced compounds, 30 and 27, led to significantly better in vivo exposure compared to ezutromid and alleviation of the dystrophic phenotype in mdx mice. While 30 was found to have dose-limiting hepatotoxicity, 27 and its enantiomers exhibited limited off-target effects, resulting in a safe profile and highlighting their potential utility as next-generation utrophin modulators suitable for progression toward a future DMD therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arran Babbs
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PT, U.K
| | - Adam Berg
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PT, U.K
| | - Maria Chatzopoulou
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, U.K
| | - Kay E Davies
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PT, U.K
| | - Stephen G Davies
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, U.K
| | - Benjamin Edwards
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PT, U.K
| | - David J Elsey
- Summit Therapeutics plc, 136a Eastern Avenue, Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxfordshire OX14 4SB, U.K
| | - Enrico Emer
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, U.K
| | - Simon Guiraud
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PT, U.K
| | - Shawn Harriman
- Summit Therapeutics plc, 136a Eastern Avenue, Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxfordshire OX14 4SB, U.K
| | - Cristina Lecci
- Evotec (UK) Ltd, 114 Innovation Dr, Milton Park, Milton, Abingdon OX14 4RZ, U.K
| | - Lee Moir
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PT, U.K
| | - David Peters
- Summit Therapeutics plc, 136a Eastern Avenue, Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxfordshire OX14 4SB, U.K
| | - Neil Robinson
- S.H.B. Enterprises Ltd, 55 Station Road, Beaconsfield HP19 1QL, U.K
| | - Jessica A Rowley
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, U.K
| | - Angela J Russell
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, U.K.,Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3PQ, U.K
| | - Sarah E Squire
- MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PT, U.K
| | - Jonathon M Tinsley
- Summit Therapeutics plc, 136a Eastern Avenue, Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxfordshire OX14 4SB, U.K
| | - Francis X Wilson
- Summit Therapeutics plc, 136a Eastern Avenue, Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxfordshire OX14 4SB, U.K
| | - Graham M Wynne
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, U.K
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27
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Partridge FA, Forman R, Bataille CJR, Wynne GM, Nick M, Russell AJ, Else KJ, Sattelle DB. Anthelmintic drug discovery: target identification, screening methods and the role of open science. Beilstein J Org Chem 2020; 16:1203-1224. [PMID: 32550933 PMCID: PMC7277699 DOI: 10.3762/bjoc.16.105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Helminths, including cestodes, nematodes and trematodes, are a huge global health burden, infecting hundreds of millions of people. In many cases, existing drugs such as benzimidazoles, diethylcarbamazine, ivermectin and praziquantel are insufficiently efficacious, contraindicated in some populations, or at risk of the development of resistance, thereby impeding progress towards World Health Organization goals to control or eliminate these neglected tropical diseases. However, there has been limited recent progress in developing new drugs for these diseases due to lack of commercial attractiveness, leading to the introduction of novel, more efficient models for drug innovation that attempt to reduce the cost of research and development. Open science aims to achieve this by encouraging collaboration and the sharing of data and resources between organisations. In this review we discuss how open science has been applied to anthelmintic drug discovery. Open resources, including genomic information from many parasites, are enabling the identification of targets for new antiparasitic agents. Phenotypic screening remains important, and there has been much progress in open-source systems for compound screening with parasites, including motility assays but also high content assays with more detailed investigation of helminth physiology. Distributed open science compound screening programs, such as the Medicines for Malaria Venture Pathogen Box, have been successful at facilitating screening in diverse assays against many different parasite pathogens and models. Of the compounds identified so far in these screens, tolfenpyrad, a repurposed insecticide, shows significant promise and there has been much progress in creating more potent and selective derivatives. This work exemplifies how open science approaches can catalyse drug discovery against neglected diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederick A Partridge
- Centre for Respiratory Biology, UCL Respiratory, Division of Medicine, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Ruth Forman
- The Lydia Becker Institute for Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, United Kingdom
| | - Carole J R Bataille
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, 12 Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA United Kingdom
| | - Graham M Wynne
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, 12 Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA United Kingdom
| | - Marina Nick
- Centre for Respiratory Biology, UCL Respiratory, Division of Medicine, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Angela J Russell
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, 12 Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA United Kingdom
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3QT, United Kingdom
| | - Kathryn J Else
- The Lydia Becker Institute for Immunology and Inflammation, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, United Kingdom
| | - David B Sattelle
- Centre for Respiratory Biology, UCL Respiratory, Division of Medicine, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
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28
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Storm T, Wilson I, Campbell R, Bolinches-Amorós A, Russell AJ, Davies SG, Barnard AR, MacLaren RE. A Semiautomated, Phenotypic, In Vitro Scratch Assay for Assessing Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cell Wound Healing. J Ocul Pharmacol Ther 2020; 36:257-266. [PMID: 32027217 DOI: 10.1089/jop.2019.0116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Age-related macular degeneration leads to retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cell death and loss of central vision. In vivo studies have shown that the RPE layer has an innate, but limited, ability to repopulate atrophic areas. We aimed to establish a semiautomated, in vitro, wound healing assay workflow for targeted screening of compounds able to influence RPE wound healing. Methods: The ARPE-19 phenotype was evaluated using bright-field microscopy, immunocytochemistry, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. ARPE-19 monolayers were simultaneously scratched in a 96-well format and treated with Hoechst-33342 and an array of compounds. Initial wound dimensions and wound healing were subsequently evaluated using the EVOS FL Auto 2.0 imaging platform combined with automated image analyses. Results: Long-term cultured ARPE-19 cells displayed a more in vivo RPE-like phenotype compared with recently seeded or short-term cultured cells. No statistical difference of initial scratch width was observed between short-term and long-term cultured cells, but more wells were excluded from analyses in total in the latter case due to scratch width, scratch smoothness, and imaging errors. Furthermore, the previous time spent in continuous culture had an effect on the observation of an altered wound healing response to different treatment conditions. Conclusions: We have established a semiautomated, 96-well format, in vitro wound healing assay with a reproducible workflow. This would enable screening of a significant number of compounds and greatly advances the potential of identifying novel therapeutics that may enhance the innate ability of RPE cells to repopulate atrophic areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Storm
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Iain Wilson
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Ross Campbell
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Arantxa Bolinches-Amorós
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Angela J Russell
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen G Davies
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Alun R Barnard
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Robert E MacLaren
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
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29
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Wilkinson IVL, Perkins KJ, Dugdale H, Moir L, Vuorinen A, Chatzopoulou M, Squire SE, Monecke S, Lomow A, Geese M, Charles PD, Burch P, Tinsley JM, Wynne GM, Davies SG, Wilson FX, Rastinejad F, Mohammed S, Davies KE, Russell AJ. Chemical Proteomics and Phenotypic Profiling Identifies the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor as a Molecular Target of the Utrophin Modulator Ezutromid. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201912392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Isabel V. L. Wilkinson
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of OxfordChemistry Research Laboratory Mansfield Road Oxford OX1 3TA UK
| | - Kelly J. Perkins
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and GeneticsUniversity of OxfordSir Henry Wellcome Building of Gene Function South Parks Road Oxford OX1 3PT UK
| | - Hannah Dugdale
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and GeneticsUniversity of OxfordSir Henry Wellcome Building of Gene Function South Parks Road Oxford OX1 3PT UK
| | - Lee Moir
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and GeneticsUniversity of OxfordSir Henry Wellcome Building of Gene Function South Parks Road Oxford OX1 3PT UK
| | - Aini Vuorinen
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of OxfordChemistry Research Laboratory Mansfield Road Oxford OX1 3TA UK
| | - Maria Chatzopoulou
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of OxfordChemistry Research Laboratory Mansfield Road Oxford OX1 3TA UK
| | - Sarah E. Squire
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and GeneticsUniversity of OxfordSir Henry Wellcome Building of Gene Function South Parks Road Oxford OX1 3PT UK
| | - Sebastian Monecke
- Evotec International GmbHManfred Eigen Campus Essener Bogen 7 22419 Hamburg Germany
| | - Alexander Lomow
- Evotec International GmbHManfred Eigen Campus Essener Bogen 7 22419 Hamburg Germany
| | - Marcus Geese
- Evotec International GmbHManfred Eigen Campus Essener Bogen 7 22419 Hamburg Germany
| | - Philip D. Charles
- Department of BiochemistryUniversity of Oxford South Parks Rd Oxford OX1 3QU UK
- Target Discovery InstituteUniversity of OxfordOld Road Campus Roosevelt Drive Oxford OX3 7FZ UK
| | - Peter Burch
- Summit Therapeutics plc. 136a Eastern Avenue, Milton Park Abingdon Oxfordshire OX14 4SB UK
| | - Jonathan M. Tinsley
- Summit Therapeutics plc. 136a Eastern Avenue, Milton Park Abingdon Oxfordshire OX14 4SB UK
| | - Graham M. Wynne
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of OxfordChemistry Research Laboratory Mansfield Road Oxford OX1 3TA UK
| | - Stephen G. Davies
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of OxfordChemistry Research Laboratory Mansfield Road Oxford OX1 3TA UK
| | - Francis X. Wilson
- Summit Therapeutics plc. 136a Eastern Avenue, Milton Park Abingdon Oxfordshire OX14 4SB UK
| | - Fraydoon Rastinejad
- Target Discovery InstituteUniversity of OxfordOld Road Campus Roosevelt Drive Oxford OX3 7FZ UK
| | - Shabaz Mohammed
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of OxfordChemistry Research Laboratory Mansfield Road Oxford OX1 3TA UK
- Department of BiochemistryUniversity of Oxford South Parks Rd Oxford OX1 3QU UK
| | - Kay E. Davies
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and GeneticsUniversity of OxfordSir Henry Wellcome Building of Gene Function South Parks Road Oxford OX1 3PT UK
| | - Angela J. Russell
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of OxfordChemistry Research Laboratory Mansfield Road Oxford OX1 3TA UK
- Department of PharmacologyUniversity of Oxford Mansfield Road Oxford OX1 3PQ UK
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Wilkinson IVL, Perkins KJ, Dugdale H, Moir L, Vuorinen A, Chatzopoulou M, Squire SE, Monecke S, Lomow A, Geese M, Charles PD, Burch P, Tinsley JM, Wynne GM, Davies SG, Wilson FX, Rastinejad F, Mohammed S, Davies KE, Russell AJ. Chemical Proteomics and Phenotypic Profiling Identifies the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor as a Molecular Target of the Utrophin Modulator Ezutromid. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2020; 59:2420-2428. [PMID: 31755636 PMCID: PMC7003794 DOI: 10.1002/anie.201912392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [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: 09/27/2019] [Revised: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a fatal muscle-wasting disease arising from mutations in the dystrophin gene. Upregulation of utrophin to compensate for the missing dystrophin offers a potential therapy independent of patient genotype. The first-in-class utrophin modulator ezutromid/SMT C1100 was developed from a phenotypic screen through to a Phase 2 clinical trial. Promising efficacy and evidence of target engagement was observed in DMD patients after 24 weeks of treatment, however trial endpoints were not met after 48 weeks. The objective of this study was to understand the mechanism of action of ezutromid which could explain the lack of sustained efficacy and help development of new generations of utrophin modulators. Using chemical proteomics and phenotypic profiling we show that the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a target of ezutromid. Several lines of evidence demonstrate that ezutromid binds AhR with an apparent KD of 50 nm and behaves as an AhR antagonist. Furthermore, other reported AhR antagonists also upregulate utrophin, showing that this pathway, which is currently being explored in other clinical applications including oncology and rheumatoid arthritis, could also be exploited in future DMD therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel V. L. Wilkinson
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of OxfordChemistry Research LaboratoryMansfield RoadOxfordOX1 3TAUK
| | - Kelly J. Perkins
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and GeneticsUniversity of OxfordSir Henry Wellcome Building of Gene FunctionSouth Parks RoadOxfordOX1 3PTUK
| | - Hannah Dugdale
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and GeneticsUniversity of OxfordSir Henry Wellcome Building of Gene FunctionSouth Parks RoadOxfordOX1 3PTUK
| | - Lee Moir
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and GeneticsUniversity of OxfordSir Henry Wellcome Building of Gene FunctionSouth Parks RoadOxfordOX1 3PTUK
| | - Aini Vuorinen
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of OxfordChemistry Research LaboratoryMansfield RoadOxfordOX1 3TAUK
| | - Maria Chatzopoulou
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of OxfordChemistry Research LaboratoryMansfield RoadOxfordOX1 3TAUK
| | - Sarah E. Squire
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and GeneticsUniversity of OxfordSir Henry Wellcome Building of Gene FunctionSouth Parks RoadOxfordOX1 3PTUK
| | - Sebastian Monecke
- Evotec International GmbHManfred Eigen CampusEssener Bogen 722419HamburgGermany
| | - Alexander Lomow
- Evotec International GmbHManfred Eigen CampusEssener Bogen 722419HamburgGermany
| | - Marcus Geese
- Evotec International GmbHManfred Eigen CampusEssener Bogen 722419HamburgGermany
| | - Philip D. Charles
- Department of BiochemistryUniversity of OxfordSouth Parks RdOxfordOX1 3QUUK
- Target Discovery InstituteUniversity of OxfordOld Road CampusRoosevelt DriveOxfordOX3 7FZUK
| | - Peter Burch
- Summit Therapeutics plc.136a Eastern Avenue, Milton ParkAbingdonOxfordshireOX14 4SBUK
| | - Jonathan M. Tinsley
- Summit Therapeutics plc.136a Eastern Avenue, Milton ParkAbingdonOxfordshireOX14 4SBUK
| | - Graham M. Wynne
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of OxfordChemistry Research LaboratoryMansfield RoadOxfordOX1 3TAUK
| | - Stephen G. Davies
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of OxfordChemistry Research LaboratoryMansfield RoadOxfordOX1 3TAUK
| | - Francis X. Wilson
- Summit Therapeutics plc.136a Eastern Avenue, Milton ParkAbingdonOxfordshireOX14 4SBUK
| | - Fraydoon Rastinejad
- Target Discovery InstituteUniversity of OxfordOld Road CampusRoosevelt DriveOxfordOX3 7FZUK
| | - Shabaz Mohammed
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of OxfordChemistry Research LaboratoryMansfield RoadOxfordOX1 3TAUK
- Department of BiochemistryUniversity of OxfordSouth Parks RdOxfordOX1 3QUUK
| | - Kay E. Davies
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and GeneticsUniversity of OxfordSir Henry Wellcome Building of Gene FunctionSouth Parks RoadOxfordOX1 3PTUK
| | - Angela J. Russell
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of OxfordChemistry Research LaboratoryMansfield RoadOxfordOX1 3TAUK
- Department of PharmacologyUniversity of OxfordMansfield RoadOxfordOX1 3PQUK
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31
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Babbs A, Berg A, Chatzopoulou M, Davies KE, Davies SG, Edwards B, Elsey DJ, Emer E, Figuccia AL, Fletcher AM, Guiraud S, Harriman S, Moir L, Robinson N, Rowley JA, Russell AJ, Squire SE, Thomson JE, Tinsley JM, Wilson FX, Wynne GM. Synthesis of SMT022357 enantiomers and in vivo evaluation in a Duchenne muscular dystrophy mouse model. Tetrahedron 2020; 76:130819. [PMID: 32713969 PMCID: PMC7369641 DOI: 10.1016/j.tet.2019.130819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Revised: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Following on from ezutromid, the first-in-class benzoxazole utrophin modulator that progressed to Phase 2 clinical trials for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a new chemotype was designed to optimise its physicochemical and ADME profile. Herein we report the synthesis of SMT022357, a second generation utrophin modulator preclinical candidate, and an asymmetric synthesis of its constituent enantiomers. The pharmacological properties of both enantiomers were evaluated in vitro and in vivo. No significant difference in the activity or efficacy was observed between the two enantiomers; activity was found to be comparable to the racemic mixture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arran Babbs
- Department of Anatomy and Genetics, MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PT, UK
| | - Adam Berg
- Department of Anatomy and Genetics, MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PT, UK
| | - Maria Chatzopoulou
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Kay E. Davies
- Department of Anatomy and Genetics, MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PT, UK
| | - Stephen G. Davies
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Benjamin Edwards
- Department of Anatomy and Genetics, MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PT, UK
| | - David J. Elsey
- Summit Therapeutics plc, 136a Eastern Avenue, Milton Park, Abingdon, OX14 4SB, UK
| | - Enrico Emer
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Aude L.A. Figuccia
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Ai M. Fletcher
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Simon Guiraud
- Department of Anatomy and Genetics, MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PT, UK
| | - Shawn Harriman
- Summit Therapeutics plc, 136a Eastern Avenue, Milton Park, Abingdon, OX14 4SB, UK
| | - Lee Moir
- Department of Anatomy and Genetics, MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PT, UK
| | - Neil Robinson
- S.H.B. Enterprises Ltd, 55 Station Road, Beaconsfield, HP19 1QL, UK
| | - Jessica A. Rowley
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Angela J. Russell
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, UK
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3PQ, UK
| | - Sarah E. Squire
- Department of Anatomy and Genetics, MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PT, UK
| | - James E. Thomson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Jonathon M. Tinsley
- Summit Therapeutics plc, 136a Eastern Avenue, Milton Park, Abingdon, OX14 4SB, UK
| | - Francis X. Wilson
- Summit Therapeutics plc, 136a Eastern Avenue, Milton Park, Abingdon, OX14 4SB, UK
| | - Graham M. Wynne
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, UK
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32
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Wilkinson IVL, Reynolds JK, Galan SRG, Vuorinen A, Sills AJ, Pires E, Wynne GM, Wilson FX, Russell AJ. Characterisation of utrophin modulator SMT C1100 as a non-competitive inhibitor of firefly luciferase. Bioorg Chem 2019; 94:103395. [PMID: 31733898 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2019.103395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [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: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Firefly luciferase (FLuc) is a powerful tool for molecular and cellular biology, and popular in high-throughput screening and drug discovery. However, FLuc assays have been plagued with positive and negative artefacts due to stabilisation and inhibition by small molecules from a range of chemical classes. Here we disclose Phase II clinical compound SMT C1100 for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy as an FLuc inhibitor (KD of 0.40 ± 0.15 µM). Enzyme kinetic studies using SMT C1100 and other non-competitive inhibitors including resveratrol and NFκBAI4 identified previously undescribed modes of inhibition with respect to FLuc's luciferyl adenylate intermediate. Employing a photoaffinity strategy to identify SMT C1100's binding site, a photolabelled SMT C1100 probe instead underwent FLuc-dependent photooxidation. Our findings support novel binding sites on FLuc for non-competitive inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel V L Wilkinson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Jessica K Reynolds
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Sébastien R G Galan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Aini Vuorinen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Adam J Sills
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Elisabete Pires
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Graham M Wynne
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Francis X Wilson
- Summit Therapeutics plc, 136a Eastern Avenue, Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxfordshire OX14 4SB, UK
| | - Angela J Russell
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK; Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3PQ, UK.
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Chatzopoulou M, Claridge TDW, Davies KE, Davies SG, Elsey DJ, Emer E, Fletcher AM, Harriman S, Robinson N, Rowley JA, Russell AJ, Tinsley JM, Weaver R, Wilkinson IVL, Willis NJ, Wilson FX, Wynne GM. Isolation, Structural Identification, Synthesis, and Pharmacological Profiling of 1,2-trans-Dihydro-1,2-diol Metabolites of the Utrophin Modulator Ezutromid. J Med Chem 2019; 63:2547-2556. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b01547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Chatzopoulou
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, United Kingdom
| | - Tim D. W. Claridge
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, United Kingdom
| | - Kay E. Davies
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PT, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen G. Davies
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, United Kingdom
| | - David J. Elsey
- Summit Therapeutics plc, 136a Eastern Avenue, Milton Park, Abingdon OX14 4SB, United Kingdom
| | - Enrico Emer
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, United Kingdom
| | - Ai M. Fletcher
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, United Kingdom
| | - Shawn Harriman
- Summit Therapeutics plc, One Broadway, 14th Floor, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Neil Robinson
- S.H.B. Enterprises Ltd., 55 Station Road, Beaconsfield HP19 1QL, United Kingdom
| | - Jessica A. Rowley
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, United Kingdom
| | - Angela J. Russell
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, United Kingdom
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3PQ, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathon M. Tinsley
- Summit Therapeutics plc, 136a Eastern Avenue, Milton Park, Abingdon OX14 4SB, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Weaver
- XenoGesis Ltd., BioCity Nottingham, Pennyfoot Street, Nottingham NG1 1GF, United Kingdom
| | - Isabel V. L. Wilkinson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, United Kingdom
| | - Nicky J. Willis
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, United Kingdom
| | - Francis X. Wilson
- Summit Therapeutics plc, 136a Eastern Avenue, Milton Park, Abingdon OX14 4SB, United Kingdom
| | - Graham M. Wynne
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, United Kingdom
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Lucy D, Purvis GSD, Zeboudj L, Chatzopoulou M, Recio C, Bataille CJR, Wynne GM, Greaves DR, Russell AJ. A Biased Agonist at Immunometabolic Receptor GPR84 Causes Distinct Functional Effects in Macrophages. ACS Chem Biol 2019; 14:2055-2064. [PMID: 31465201 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.9b00533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
GPR84 is an orphan G-protein-coupled receptor that is expressed on immune cells and implicated in several inflammatory diseases. The validation of GPR84 as a therapeutic target is hindered by the narrow range of available chemical tools and consequent poor understanding of GPR84 pathophysiology. Here we describe the discovery and characterization of DL-175, a potent, selective, and structurally novel GPR84 agonist and the first to display significantly biased signaling across GPR84-overexpressing cells, primary murine macrophages, and human U937 cells. By comparing DL-175 with reported GPR84 ligands, we show for the first time that biased GPR84 agonists have markedly different abilities to induce chemotaxis in human myeloid cells, while causing similar levels of phagocytosis enhancement. This work demonstrates that biased agonism at GPR84 enables the selective activation of functional responses in immune cells and delivers a high-quality chemical probe for further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Lucy
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road Oxford OX1 3TA, U.K
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3RE, U.K
| | - Gareth S. D. Purvis
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3RE, U.K
| | - Lynda Zeboudj
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3RE, U.K
| | - Maria Chatzopoulou
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road Oxford OX1 3TA, U.K
| | - Carlota Recio
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3RE, U.K
| | | | - Graham M. Wynne
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road Oxford OX1 3TA, U.K
| | - David R. Greaves
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3RE, U.K
| | - Angela J. Russell
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road Oxford OX1 3TA, U.K
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3QT, U.K
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Stefaniak J, Lewis AM, Conole D, Galan SRG, Bataille CJR, Wynne GM, Castaldi MP, Lundbäck T, Russell AJ, Huber KVM. Chemical Instability and Promiscuity of Arylmethylidenepyrazolinone-Based MDMX Inhibitors. ACS Chem Biol 2018; 13:2849-2854. [PMID: 30216042 PMCID: PMC6198280 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.8b00665] [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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Targeting the protein-protein interaction between p53 and MDM2/MDMX (MDM4) represents an attractive anticancer strategy for the treatment of p53-competent tumors. Several selective and potent MDM2 inhibitors have been developed and entered the clinic; however, the repertoire of MDMX antagonists is still limited. The arylmethylidenepyrazolinone SJ-172550 has been reported as a selective MDMX antagonist; yet, uncertainties about its mechanism of action have raised doubts about its use as a chemical probe. Here, we show that, in addition to its unclear mode of action, SJ-172550 is unstable in aqueous buffers, giving rise to side products of unknown biological activity. Using an SJ-172550-derived affinity probe, we observed promiscuous binding to cellular proteins whereas cellular thermal shift assays did not reveal a stabilizing effect on MDMX. Overall, our results raise further questions about the interpretation of data using SJ-172550 and related compounds to investigate cellular phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakub Stefaniak
- Structural Genomics Consortium, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Target Discovery Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew M. Lewis
- Structural Genomics Consortium, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Target Discovery Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Conole
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Sébastien R. G. Galan
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Carole J. R. Bataille
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Graham M. Wynne
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - M. Paola Castaldi
- Discovery Sciences, IMED Biotech Unit, AstraZeneca, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, United States
| | - Thomas Lundbäck
- Discovery Sciences, IMED Biotech Unit, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Angela J. Russell
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Kilian V. M. Huber
- Structural Genomics Consortium, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Target Discovery Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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36
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Chatzopoulou M, Martínez RF, Willis NJ, Claridge TD, Wilson FX, Wynne GM, Davies SG, Russell AJ. The Dimroth rearrangement as a probable cause for structural misassignments in imidazo[1,2-a]pyrimidines: A N-labelling study and an easy method for the determination of regiochemistry. Tetrahedron 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tet.2018.06.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Recio C, Lucy D, Iveson P, Iqbal AJ, Valaris S, Wynne G, Russell AJ, Choudhury RP, O'Callaghan C, Monaco C, Greaves DR. The Role of Metabolite-Sensing G Protein-Coupled Receptors in Inflammation and Metabolic Disease. Antioxid Redox Signal 2018; 29:237-256. [PMID: 29117706 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2017.7168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
SIGNIFICANCE Great attention has been placed on the link between metabolism and immune function giving rise to the term "immunometabolism." It is widely accepted that inflammation and oxidative stress are key processes that underlie metabolic complications during obesity, diabetes, and atherosclerosis. Therefore, identifying the mechanisms and mediators that are involved in the regulation of both inflammation and metabolic homeostasis is of high scientific and therapeutic interest. Recent Advances: G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) that signal in response to metabolites have emerged as attractive therapeutic targets in inflammatory disease. Critical Issues and Future Directions: In this review, we discuss recent findings about the physiological role of the main metabolite-sensing GPCRs, their implication in immunometabolic disorders, their principal endogenous and synthetic ligands, and their potential as drug targets in inflammation and metabolic disease. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 29, 237-256.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlota Recio
- 1 Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford , Oxford, Great Britain
| | - Daniel Lucy
- 2 Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford , Oxford, Great Britain
| | - Poppy Iveson
- 1 Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford , Oxford, Great Britain
| | - Asif J Iqbal
- 1 Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford , Oxford, Great Britain
| | - Sophia Valaris
- 1 Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford , Oxford, Great Britain
| | - Graham Wynne
- 2 Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford , Oxford, Great Britain
| | - Angela J Russell
- 2 Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford , Oxford, Great Britain
| | - Robin P Choudhury
- 3 Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford , Oxford, Great Britain
| | - Chris O'Callaghan
- 4 Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford , Oxford, Great Britain
| | - Claudia Monaco
- 5 Kennedy Institute for Rheumatology, University of Oxford , Oxford, Great Britain
| | - David R Greaves
- 1 Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford , Oxford, Great Britain
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Partridge FA, Forman R, Willis NJ, Bataille CJR, Murphy EA, Brown AE, Heyer-Chauhan N, Marinič B, Sowood DJC, Wynne GM, Else KJ, Russell AJ, Sattelle DB. 2,4-Diaminothieno[3,2-d]pyrimidines, a new class of anthelmintic with activity against adult and egg stages of whipworm. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018; 12:e0006487. [PMID: 29995893 PMCID: PMC6062138 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [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: 02/06/2018] [Revised: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 05/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The human whipworm Trichuris trichiura is a parasite that infects around 500 million people globally, with consequences including damage to physical growth and educational performance. Current drugs such as mebendazole have a notable lack of efficacy against whipworm, compared to other soil-transmitted helminths. Mass drug administration programs are therefore unlikely to achieve eradication and new treatments for trichuriasis are desperately needed. All current drug control strategies focus on post-infection eradication, targeting the parasite in vivo. Here we propose developing novel anthelmintics which target the egg stage of the parasite in the soil as an adjunct environmental strategy. As evidence in support of such an approach we describe the actions of a new class of anthelmintic compounds, the 2,4-diaminothieno[3,2-d]pyrimidines (DATPs). This compound class has found broad utility in medicinal chemistry, but has not previously been described as having anthelmintic activity. Importantly, these compounds show efficacy against not only the adult parasite, but also both the embryonated and unembryonated egg stages and thereby may enable a break in the parasite lifecycle. The human whipworm, Trichuris trichiura, infects around 500 million people globally, impacting on their physical growth and educational performance. There are currently huge mass drug administration (MDA) programs aiming to control whipworm, along with the other major soil transmitted helminths, Ascaris and hookworm. However single doses of albendazole and mebendazole, which are used in MDA, have particularly poor effectiveness against whipworm, with cure rates less than 40%. This means that MDA may not be able to control and eliminate whipworm infection, and risks the spread of resistance to albendazole and mebendazole in the parasite population. We are attempting to develop new treatments for parasitic worm infection, particularly focused on whipworm. We report the identification of a class of compounds, diaminothienopyrimidines (DATPs), which have not previously been described as anthelmintics. These compounds are effective against adult stages of whipworm, and also block the development of the model nematode C. elegans. Our DATP compounds reduce the ability of treated eggs to successfully establish infection in a mouse model of human whipworm. These results support a potential environmental spray to control whipworm by targeting the infectious egg stage in environmental hotspots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederick A. Partridge
- Centre for Respiratory Biology, UCL Respiratory, Division of Medicine, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ruth Forman
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Nicky J. Willis
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Carole J. R. Bataille
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Emma A. Murphy
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Anwen E. Brown
- Centre for Respiratory Biology, UCL Respiratory, Division of Medicine, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Narinder Heyer-Chauhan
- Centre for Respiratory Biology, UCL Respiratory, Division of Medicine, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Bruno Marinič
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel J. C. Sowood
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Graham M. Wynne
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Kathryn J. Else
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (DBS); (KJE); (AJR)
| | - Angela J. Russell
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (DBS); (KJE); (AJR)
| | - David B. Sattelle
- Centre for Respiratory Biology, UCL Respiratory, Division of Medicine, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (DBS); (KJE); (AJR)
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Recio C, Lucy D, Purvis GSD, Iveson P, Zeboudj L, Iqbal AJ, Lin D, O’Callaghan C, Davison L, Griesbach E, Russell AJ, Wynne GM, Dib L, Monaco C, Greaves DR. Activation of the Immune-Metabolic Receptor GPR84 Enhances Inflammation and Phagocytosis in Macrophages. Front Immunol 2018; 9:1419. [PMID: 29973940 PMCID: PMC6019444 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2018] [Accepted: 06/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
GPR84 is a member of the metabolic G protein-coupled receptor family, and its expression has been described predominantly in immune cells. GPR84 activation is involved in the inflammatory response, but the mechanisms by which it modulates inflammation have been incompletely described. In this study, we investigated GPR84 expression, activation, and function in macrophages to establish the role of the receptor during the inflammatory response. We observed that GPR84 expression in murine tissues is increased by endotoxemia, hyperglycemia, and hypercholesterolemia. Ex vivo studies revealed that GPR84 mRNA expression is increased by LPS and other pro-inflammatory molecules in different murine and human macrophage populations. Likewise, high glucose concentrations and the presence of oxidized LDL increased GPR84 expression in macrophages. Activation of the GPR84 receptor with a selective agonist, 6-(octylamino) pyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione (6-n-octylaminouracil, 6-OAU), enhanced the expression of phosphorylated Akt, p-ERK, and p65 nuclear translocation under inflammatory conditions and elevated the expression levels of the inflammatory mediators TNFα, IL-6, IL-12B, CCL2, CCL5, and CXCL1. In addition, GPR84 activation triggered increased bacterial adhesion and phagocytosis in macrophages. The enhanced inflammatory response mediated by 6-OAU was not observed in GPR84-/- cells nor in macrophages treated with a selective GPR84 antagonist. Collectively, our results reveal that GPR84 functions as an enhancer of inflammatory signaling in macrophages once inflammation is established. Therefore, molecules that antagonize the GPR84 receptor may be potential therapeutic tools in inflammatory and metabolic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlota Recio
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Lucy
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Gareth S. D. Purvis
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Poppy Iveson
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Lynda Zeboudj
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Asif J. Iqbal
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Lin
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Chris O’Callaghan
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Lucy Davison
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Esther Griesbach
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Angela J. Russell
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Graham M. Wynne
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Lea Dib
- Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Claudia Monaco
- Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - David R. Greaves
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Venturi E, Lindsay C, Lotteau S, Yang Z, Steer E, Witschas K, Wilson AD, Wickens JR, Russell AJ, Steele D, Calaghan S, Sitsapesan R. Simvastatin activates single skeletal RyR1 channels but exerts more complex regulation of the cardiac RyR2 isoform. Br J Pharmacol 2018; 175:938-952. [PMID: 29278865 PMCID: PMC5825303 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14136] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2017] [Revised: 11/23/2017] [Accepted: 12/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Statins are amongst the most widely prescribed drugs for those at risk of cardiovascular disease, lowering cholesterol levels by inhibiting 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl (HMG)-CoA reductase. Although effective at preventing cardiovascular disease, statin use is associated with muscle weakness, myopathies and, occasionally, fatal rhabdomyolysis. As simvastatin, a commonly prescribed statin, promotes Ca2+ release from sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) vesicles, we investigated if simvastatin directly activates skeletal (RyR1) and cardiac (RyR2) ryanodine receptors. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH RyR1 and RyR2 single-channel behaviour was investigated after incorporation of sheep cardiac or mouse skeletal SR into planar phospholipid bilayers under voltage-clamp conditions. LC-MS was used to monitor the kinetics of interconversion of simvastatin between hydroxy-acid and lactone forms during these experiments. Cardiac and skeletal myocytes were permeabilised to examine simvastatin modulation of SR Ca2+ release. KEY RESULTS Hydroxy acid simvastatin (active at HMG-CoA reductase) significantly and reversibly increased RyR1 open probability (Po) and shifted the distribution of Ca2+ spark frequency towards higher values in skeletal fibres. In contrast, simvastatin reduced RyR2 Po and shifted the distribution of spark frequency towards lower values in ventricular cardiomyocytes. The lactone pro-drug form of simvastatin (inactive at HMG-CoA reductase) also activated RyR1, suggesting that the HMG-CoA inhibitor pharmacophore was not responsible for RyR1 activation. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Simvastatin interacts with RyR1 to increase SR Ca2+ release and thus may contribute to its reported adverse effects on skeletal muscle. The ability of low concentrations of simvastatin to reduce RyR2 Po may also protect against Ca2+ -dependent arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Venturi
- Department of PharmacologyUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Chris Lindsay
- Department of PharmacologyUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research LaboratoryUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | | | - Zhaokang Yang
- School of Biomedical SciencesUniversity of LeedsLeedsUK
| | - Emma Steer
- School of Biomedical SciencesUniversity of LeedsLeedsUK
| | | | | | - James R Wickens
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research LaboratoryUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Angela J Russell
- Department of PharmacologyUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research LaboratoryUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Derek Steele
- School of Biomedical SciencesUniversity of LeedsLeedsUK
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Wilson AD, Lindsay C, Venturi E, Russell AJ, Sitsapesan R. Statins Bind to Cardiac Ryanodine Receptor (RyR2) Channels to Alter Opening Frequency. Biophys J 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2017.11.3361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
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Dittner AJ, Hodsoll J, Rimes KA, Russell AJ, Chalder T. Cognitive-behavioural therapy for adult attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: a proof of concept randomised controlled trial. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2018; 137:125-137. [PMID: 29282731 DOI: 10.1111/acps.12836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate efficacy, patient acceptability and feasibility of formulation-based cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) for adults with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). NICE guidelines for adult ADHD recommend further research into psychological treatments. METHOD Sixty participants with adult ADHD were randomly allocated to treatment as usual (TAU) vs. TAU plus up to 16 sessions of individual formulation-based CBT for ADHD. RESULTS Adding formulation-based CBT to TAU for ADHD significantly improved ADHD symptoms on the Barkley Current Symptoms Scale and scores on the Work and Social Adjustment Scale. Adjusted effect sizes (ES) were 1.31 and 0.82 respectively. There were also significant improvements on secondary outcomes including independently evaluated clinical global improvement, self-rated anxiety, depression, global distress and patient satisfaction (adjusted effect sizes 0.52-1.01). CONCLUSIONS This is the first randomised controlled trial to provide preliminary evidence of efficacy and acceptability of individual formulation-based CBT for ADHD when added to TAU over TAU alone. This approach now needs to be tested in a larger multicentred randomised controlled trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- A J Dittner
- Psychological Medicine and Integrated Care Clinical Academic Group, Chronic Fatigue Research and Treatment Unit (formerly Behavioural and Developmental Psychiatry Clinical Academic Group, Maudsley Adult ADHD Service), South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, King's College London, King's Health Partners, London, UK
| | - J Hodsoll
- Department of Biostatistics, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, King's Health Partners, London, UK
| | - K A Rimes
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, King's Health Partners, London, UK
| | - A J Russell
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.,Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - T Chalder
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, King's Health Partners, London, UK
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43
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Cooper K, Loades ME, Russell AJ. Adapting Psychological Therapies for Autism - Therapist Experience, Skills and Confidence. Res Autism Spectr Disord 2018; 45:43-50. [PMID: 30245739 PMCID: PMC6150418 DOI: 10.1016/j.rasd.2017.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychological interventions informed by cognitive behavioural theory have proven efficacy in treating mild-moderate anxiety and depression. They have been successfully adapted for autistic children and adults who experience disproportionately high rates of co-occurring emotional problems. There has been little research into the perspectives and experience of psychological therapists adapting cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) as part of routine clinical practice. We surveyed therapist skills, experience and confidence in working psychologically with autistic people, in order to highlight gaps and needs, as well as strengths in terms of therapist skills when working with this group. METHOD Fifty therapists attending a training event completed a survey about their experience of adapting CBT for autistic clients, alongside a measure of therapist confidence. RESULTS Almost all therapists reported making adaptations to CBT practice when working with autistic clients. Key challenges identified were rigidity in thinking and pacing sessions appropriately. Therapists were relatively confident about core engagement and assessment skills but reported less confidence in using their knowledge to help this group. Therapist confidence was not associated with years of practice or number of adaptations made, but was positively associated with level of therapy training received. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights a need for training and ongoing supervision to increase therapist confidence in and ability to make appropriate adaptations to CBT treatment protocols for autistic people.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Cooper
- Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY
| | - M E Loades
- Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY
- Bristol Medical School, Oakfield House, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 2BN
| | - A J Russell
- Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY
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Partridge FA, Brown AE, Buckingham SD, Willis NJ, Wynne GM, Forman R, Else KJ, Morrison AA, Matthews JB, Russell AJ, Lomas DA, Sattelle DB. An automated high-throughput system for phenotypic screening of chemical libraries on C. elegans and parasitic nematodes. Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist 2017; 8:8-21. [PMID: 29223747 PMCID: PMC5734697 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2017.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2017] [Revised: 11/23/2017] [Accepted: 11/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Parasitic nematodes infect hundreds of millions of people and farmed livestock. Further, plant parasitic nematodes result in major crop damage. The pipeline of therapeutic compounds is limited and parasite resistance to the existing anthelmintic compounds is a global threat. We have developed an INVertebrate Automated Phenotyping Platform (INVAPP) for high-throughput, plate-based chemical screening, and an algorithm (Paragon) which allows screening for compounds that have an effect on motility and development of parasitic worms. We have validated its utility by determining the efficacy of a panel of known anthelmintics against model and parasitic nematodes: Caenorhabditis elegans, Haemonchus contortus, Teladorsagia circumcincta, and Trichuris muris. We then applied the system to screen the Pathogen Box chemical library in a blinded fashion and identified compounds already known to have anthelmintic or anti-parasitic activity, including tolfenpyrad, auranofin, and mebendazole; and 14 compounds previously undescribed as anthelmintics, including benzoxaborole and isoxazole chemotypes. This system offers an effective, high-throughput system for the discovery of novel anthelmintics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederick A Partridge
- Centre for Respiratory Biology, UCL Respiratory, Division of Medicine, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Anwen E Brown
- Centre for Respiratory Biology, UCL Respiratory, Division of Medicine, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Steven D Buckingham
- Centre for Respiratory Biology, UCL Respiratory, Division of Medicine, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Nicky J Willis
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, 12 Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, United Kingdom
| | - Graham M Wynne
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, 12 Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, United Kingdom
| | - Ruth Forman
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, United Kingdom
| | - Kathryn J Else
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, United Kingdom
| | - Alison A Morrison
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentland Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, Midlothian, EH26 0PZ, United Kingdom
| | - Jacqueline B Matthews
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentland Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, Midlothian, EH26 0PZ, United Kingdom
| | - Angela J Russell
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, 12 Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, United Kingdom; Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3QT, United Kingdom
| | - David A Lomas
- Centre for Respiratory Biology, UCL Respiratory, Division of Medicine, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom.
| | - David B Sattelle
- Centre for Respiratory Biology, UCL Respiratory, Division of Medicine, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom.
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Brambilla M, Brennan MB, Csatayová K, Davies SG, Fletcher AM, Kennett AMR, Lee JA, Roberts PM, Russell AJ, Thomson JE. Probing Competitive and Co-operative Hydroxyl and Ammonium Hydrogen-Bonding Directed Epoxidations. J Org Chem 2017; 82:10297-10309. [PMID: 28858526 DOI: 10.1021/acs.joc.7b01774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The diastereoselectivities and rates of epoxidation (upon treatment with Cl3CCO2H then m-CPBA) of a range of cis- and trans-4-aminocycloalk-2-en-1-ol derivatives (containing five-, six-, and seven-membered rings) have been investigated. In all cases where the two potential directing groups can promote epoxidation on opposite faces of the ring scaffold, evidence of competitive epoxidation pathways, promoted by hydrogen-bonding to either the in situ formed ammonium moiety or the hydroxyl group, was observed. In contrast to the relative directing group abilities already established for the six-membered ring system (NHBn ≫ OH > NBn2), an N,N-dibenzylammonium moiety appeared more proficient than a hydroxyl group at directing the stereochemical course of the epoxidation reaction in a five- or seven-membered system. In the former case, this was rationalized by the drive to minimize torsional strain in the transition state being coupled with assistance from hydrogen-bonding to the ammonium moiety. In the latter case, this was ascribed to the steric bulk of the ammonium moiety disfavoring conformations in which hydrogen-bonding to the hydroxyl group results in direction of the epoxidation to the syn face. In cases where the two potential directing groups can promote epoxidation on the same face of the ring scaffold, an enhancement of epoxidation diastereoselectivity was not observed, while introduction of a second, allylic heteroatom to the substrate results in diminishment of the rate of epoxidation in all cases. Presumably, reduction of the nucleophilicity of the olefin by the second, inductively electron-withdrawing heteroatom is the dominant factor, and any assistance to the epoxidation reaction by the potential to form hydrogen-bonds to two directing groups rather than one is clearly unable to overwhelm it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Brambilla
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford , Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, U.K
| | - Méabh B Brennan
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford , Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, U.K
| | - Kristína Csatayová
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford , Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, U.K
| | - Stephen G Davies
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford , Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, U.K
| | - Ai M Fletcher
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford , Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, U.K
| | - Alice M R Kennett
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford , Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, U.K
| | - James A Lee
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford , Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, U.K
| | - Paul M Roberts
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford , Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, U.K
| | - Angela J Russell
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford , Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, U.K
| | - James E Thomson
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford , Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, U.K
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Quevedo CE, Cruz A, Tulmin H, Bataille CJ, Tanaka T, Petch D, Russell AJ, Phillips S, Rabbitts TH. Abstract LB-068: From intracellular antibody fragments to small molecule inhibitors of mutant KRAS. Cancer Res 2017. [DOI: 10.1158/1538-7445.am2017-lb-068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Our aim was to develop methods to employ intracellular antibody fragments as lead macromolecules for small compound selections. We have used this approach to identify small molecules binding to mutant RAS with potential to inhibit the RAS-effector interactions. Mutation in RAS family members is among the most frequent in human cancer and the mutant RAS proteins are tumour-specific proteins for therapy. We have previously selected an intracellular antibody single domain fragment that binds to mutant forms of KRAS and HRAS and used this antibody fragment to demonstrate that blocking RAS-effector interaction-dependent signal transduction prevents tumour initiation and overt tumour growth in mouse preclinical models. The antibody fragment binds to GTP-bound RAS with high pM affinity and we have used this property to isolate compounds from a fragment library using a competitive SPR method that places the compounds in the region of the binding site of the antibody fragment. Using a combination of X-ray crystallography and medicinal chemistry, we have obtained a family of compounds that bind adjacent to the KRAS switch I region with nM affinity and that inhibit the downstream phosphorylation of AKT and ERK that results from RAS signaling. The chemical evolution and interaction characteristics of the KRAS-binding compounds will be described and their biochemical and cell-based properties presented. We have validated our approach using an antibody fragment as a screening tool for the
identification of small molecule inhibitors of the RAS-effector interaction. This approach has yielded small compound fragments that are currently being developed as potential RAS-effector inhibitors in our medicinal chemistry programme.
Citation Format: Camilo E. Quevedo, Abimael Cruz, Hanna Tulmin, Carole J. Bataille, Tomoyuki Tanaka, Donna Petch, Angela J. Russell, Simon Phillips, Terence H. Rabbitts. From intracellular antibody fragments to small molecule inhibitors of mutant KRAS [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-068. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-LB-068
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Tomoyuki Tanaka
- 2Leeds Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Donna Petch
- 2Leeds Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
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Kerr AG, Tam LCS, Hale AB, Cioroch M, Douglas G, Agkatsev S, Hibbitt O, Mason J, Holt-Martyn J, Bataille CJR, Wynne GM, Channon KM, Russell AJ, Wade-Martins R. A Genomic DNA Reporter Screen Identifies Squalene Synthase Inhibitors That Act Cooperatively with Statins to Upregulate the Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2017; 361:417-428. [PMID: 28360334 PMCID: PMC5443320 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.116.239574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2016] [Accepted: 03/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypercholesterolemia remains one of the leading risk factors for the development of cardiovascular disease. Many large double-blind studies have demonstrated that lowering low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol using a statin can reduce the risk of having a cardiovascular event by approximately 30%. However, despite the success of statins, some patient populations are unable to lower their LDL cholesterol to meet the targeted lipid levels, due to compliance or potency issues. This is especially true for patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia who may require additional upregulation of the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) to reduce LDL cholesterol levels below those achievable with maximal dosing of statins. Here we identify a series of small molecules from a genomic DNA reporter screen that upregulate the LDLR in mouse and human liver cell lines at nanomolar potencies (EC50 = 39 nM). Structure-activity relationship studies carried out on the lead compound, OX03771 [(E)-N,N-dimethyl-3-(4-styrylphenoxy)propan-1-amine], led to the identification of compound OX03050 [(E)-3-(4-styrylphenoxy)propan-1-ol], which had similar potency (EC50 = 26 nM) but a much-improved pharmacokinetic profile and showed in vivo efficacy. Compounds OX03050 and OX03771 were found to inhibit squalene synthase, the first committed step in cholesterol biosynthesis. These squalene synthase inhibitors were shown to act cooperatively with statins to increase LDLR expression in vitro. Overall, we demonstrated here a novel series of small molecules with the potential to be further developed to treat patients either alone or in combination with statins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alastair G Kerr
- Departments of Physiology, Anatomy, and Genetics (A.G.K., L.C.S.T., M.C., S.A., O.H., J.H.-M., R.W.-M.) and Pharmacology (A.J.R.), University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom (A.B.H., G.D., K.M.C.); and Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom (J.M., C.J.R.B., G.M.W., A.J.R.)
| | - Lawrence C S Tam
- Departments of Physiology, Anatomy, and Genetics (A.G.K., L.C.S.T., M.C., S.A., O.H., J.H.-M., R.W.-M.) and Pharmacology (A.J.R.), University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom (A.B.H., G.D., K.M.C.); and Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom (J.M., C.J.R.B., G.M.W., A.J.R.)
| | - Ashley B Hale
- Departments of Physiology, Anatomy, and Genetics (A.G.K., L.C.S.T., M.C., S.A., O.H., J.H.-M., R.W.-M.) and Pharmacology (A.J.R.), University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom (A.B.H., G.D., K.M.C.); and Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom (J.M., C.J.R.B., G.M.W., A.J.R.)
| | - Milena Cioroch
- Departments of Physiology, Anatomy, and Genetics (A.G.K., L.C.S.T., M.C., S.A., O.H., J.H.-M., R.W.-M.) and Pharmacology (A.J.R.), University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom (A.B.H., G.D., K.M.C.); and Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom (J.M., C.J.R.B., G.M.W., A.J.R.)
| | - Gillian Douglas
- Departments of Physiology, Anatomy, and Genetics (A.G.K., L.C.S.T., M.C., S.A., O.H., J.H.-M., R.W.-M.) and Pharmacology (A.J.R.), University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom (A.B.H., G.D., K.M.C.); and Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom (J.M., C.J.R.B., G.M.W., A.J.R.)
| | - Sarina Agkatsev
- Departments of Physiology, Anatomy, and Genetics (A.G.K., L.C.S.T., M.C., S.A., O.H., J.H.-M., R.W.-M.) and Pharmacology (A.J.R.), University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom (A.B.H., G.D., K.M.C.); and Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom (J.M., C.J.R.B., G.M.W., A.J.R.)
| | - Olivia Hibbitt
- Departments of Physiology, Anatomy, and Genetics (A.G.K., L.C.S.T., M.C., S.A., O.H., J.H.-M., R.W.-M.) and Pharmacology (A.J.R.), University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom (A.B.H., G.D., K.M.C.); and Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom (J.M., C.J.R.B., G.M.W., A.J.R.)
| | - Joseph Mason
- Departments of Physiology, Anatomy, and Genetics (A.G.K., L.C.S.T., M.C., S.A., O.H., J.H.-M., R.W.-M.) and Pharmacology (A.J.R.), University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom (A.B.H., G.D., K.M.C.); and Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom (J.M., C.J.R.B., G.M.W., A.J.R.)
| | - James Holt-Martyn
- Departments of Physiology, Anatomy, and Genetics (A.G.K., L.C.S.T., M.C., S.A., O.H., J.H.-M., R.W.-M.) and Pharmacology (A.J.R.), University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom (A.B.H., G.D., K.M.C.); and Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom (J.M., C.J.R.B., G.M.W., A.J.R.)
| | - Carole J R Bataille
- Departments of Physiology, Anatomy, and Genetics (A.G.K., L.C.S.T., M.C., S.A., O.H., J.H.-M., R.W.-M.) and Pharmacology (A.J.R.), University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom (A.B.H., G.D., K.M.C.); and Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom (J.M., C.J.R.B., G.M.W., A.J.R.)
| | - Graham M Wynne
- Departments of Physiology, Anatomy, and Genetics (A.G.K., L.C.S.T., M.C., S.A., O.H., J.H.-M., R.W.-M.) and Pharmacology (A.J.R.), University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom (A.B.H., G.D., K.M.C.); and Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom (J.M., C.J.R.B., G.M.W., A.J.R.)
| | - Keith M Channon
- Departments of Physiology, Anatomy, and Genetics (A.G.K., L.C.S.T., M.C., S.A., O.H., J.H.-M., R.W.-M.) and Pharmacology (A.J.R.), University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom (A.B.H., G.D., K.M.C.); and Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom (J.M., C.J.R.B., G.M.W., A.J.R.)
| | - Angela J Russell
- Departments of Physiology, Anatomy, and Genetics (A.G.K., L.C.S.T., M.C., S.A., O.H., J.H.-M., R.W.-M.) and Pharmacology (A.J.R.), University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom (A.B.H., G.D., K.M.C.); and Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom (J.M., C.J.R.B., G.M.W., A.J.R.)
| | - Richard Wade-Martins
- Departments of Physiology, Anatomy, and Genetics (A.G.K., L.C.S.T., M.C., S.A., O.H., J.H.-M., R.W.-M.) and Pharmacology (A.J.R.), University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom (A.B.H., G.D., K.M.C.); and Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom (J.M., C.J.R.B., G.M.W., A.J.R.)
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Bataille CJR, Brennan MB, Byrne S, Davies SG, Durbin M, Fedorov O, Huber KVM, Jones AM, Knapp S, Liu G, Nadali A, Quevedo CE, Russell AJ, Walker RG, Westwood R, Wynne GM. Thiazolidine derivatives as potent and selective inhibitors of the PIM kinase family. Bioorg Med Chem 2017; 25:2657-2665. [PMID: 28341403 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2017.02.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2016] [Revised: 02/23/2017] [Accepted: 02/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The PIM family of serine/threonine kinases have become an attractive target for anti-cancer drug development, particularly for certain hematological malignancies. Here, we describe the discovery of a series of inhibitors of the PIM kinase family using a high throughput screening strategy. Through a combination of molecular modeling and optimization studies, the intrinsic potencies and molecular properties of this series of compounds was significantly improved. An excellent pan-PIM isoform inhibition profile was observed across the series, while optimized examples show good selectivity over other kinases. Two PIM-expressing leukemic cancer cell lines, MV4-11 and K562, were employed to evaluate the in vitro anti-proliferative effects of selected inhibitors. Encouraging activities were observed for many examples, with the best example (44) giving an IC50 of 0.75μM against the K562 cell line. These data provide a promising starting point for further development of this series as a new cancer therapy through PIM kinase inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carole J R Bataille
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Méabh B Brennan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Simon Byrne
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Stephen G Davies
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK.
| | - Matthew Durbin
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Oleg Fedorov
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus Research Building, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, UK
| | - Kilian V M Huber
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Alan M Jones
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Stefan Knapp
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus Research Building, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, UK
| | - Gu Liu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Anna Nadali
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3QT, UK
| | - Camilo E Quevedo
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Angela J Russell
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK; Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3QT, UK.
| | - Roderick G Walker
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3QT, UK
| | - Robert Westwood
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Graham M Wynne
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK
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49
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Partridge FA, Murphy EA, Willis NJ, Bataille CJR, Forman R, Heyer-Chauhan N, Marinič B, Sowood DJC, Wynne GM, Else KJ, Russell AJ, Sattelle DB. Dihydrobenz[e][1,4]oxazepin-2(3H)-ones, a new anthelmintic chemotype immobilising whipworm and reducing infectivity in vivo. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017; 11:e0005359. [PMID: 28182663 PMCID: PMC5321434 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [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: 10/13/2016] [Revised: 02/22/2017] [Accepted: 01/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Trichuris trichiura is a human parasitic whipworm infecting around 500 million people globally, damaging the physical growth and educational performance of those infected. Current drug treatment options are limited and lack efficacy against the worm, preventing an eradication programme. It is therefore important to develop new treatments for trichuriasis. Using Trichuris muris, an established model for T. trichiura, we screened a library of 480 novel drug-like small molecules for compounds causing paralysis of the ex vivo adult parasite. We identified a class of dihydrobenz[e][1,4]oxazepin-2(3H)-one compounds with anthelmintic activity against T. muris. Further screening of structurally related compounds and resynthesis of the most potent molecules led to the identification of 20 active dihydrobenzoxazepinones, a class of molecule not previously implicated in nematode control. The most active immobilise adult T. muris with EC50 values around 25–50μM, comparable to the existing anthelmintic levamisole. The best compounds from this chemotype show low cytotoxicity against murine gut epithelial cells, demonstrating selectivity for the parasite. Developing a novel oral pharmaceutical treatment for a neglected disease and deploying it via mass drug administration is challenging. Interestingly, the dihydrobenzoxazepinone OX02983 reduces the ability of embryonated T. muris eggs to establish infection in the mouse host in vivo. Complementing the potential development of dihydrobenzoxazepinones as an oral anthelmintic, this supports an alternative strategy of developing a therapeutic that acts in the environment, perhaps via a spray, to interrupt the parasite lifecycle. Together these results show that the dihydrobenzoxazepinones are a new class of anthelmintic, active against both egg and adult stages of Trichuris parasites. They demonstrate encouraging selectivity for the parasite, and importantly show considerable scope for further optimisation to improve potency and pharmacokinetic properties with the aim of developing a clinical agent. Trichuris trichiura is a human parasitic whipworm infecting around 500 million people globally and having major consequences on the physical growth and educational performance of those infected. Current drug treatment options are limited and lack efficacy against the worm. Critically, they lack the effectiveness that would allow for a practical program for eradication of this parasite. It is therefore important to develop new treatments for trichuriasis. We screened for molecules that could paralyse the adult of a closely related mouse parasite, and identified a class of compounds, the dihydrobenzoxazepinones, not previously implicated as anthelmintics. Importantly, our compounds are active against the parasite but show only low toxicity against mouse cells, demonstrating selectivity for the parasite. Dihydrobenzoxazepinones could be developed as potential pharmaceutical treatments for trichuriasis. Since developing and deploying new drugs for neglected diseases by mass administration is challenging, we also explored whether the compounds could potentially be used to interrupt the Trichuris lifecycle by acting on eggs. Our dihydrobenzoxazepinone compounds reduced the ability of T. muris eggs to establish infection in their mouse host. This supports an environmental spray strategy for the control of Trichuris targeting their eggs in environmental hotspots such as latrines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederick A. Partridge
- Centre for Respiratory Biology, UCL Respiratory, Division of Medicine, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Emma A. Murphy
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Nicky J. Willis
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Carole J. R. Bataille
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Ruth Forman
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Narinder Heyer-Chauhan
- Centre for Respiratory Biology, UCL Respiratory, Division of Medicine, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Bruno Marinič
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel J. C. Sowood
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Graham M. Wynne
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Kathryn J. Else
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (KJE); (AJR); (DBS)
| | - Angela J. Russell
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (KJE); (AJR); (DBS)
| | - David B. Sattelle
- Centre for Respiratory Biology, UCL Respiratory, Division of Medicine, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (KJE); (AJR); (DBS)
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Gumucio JP, Flood MD, Bedi A, Kramer HF, Russell AJ, Mendias CL. Inhibition of prolyl 4-hydroxylase decreases muscle fibrosis following chronic rotator cuff tear. Bone Joint Res 2017; 6:57-65. [PMID: 28108482 PMCID: PMC5301902 DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.61.bjr-2016-0232.r1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2016] [Accepted: 11/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Rotator cuff tears are among the most frequent upper extremity injuries. Current treatment strategies do not address the poor quality of the muscle and tendon following chronic rotator cuff tears. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α) is a transcription factor that activates many genes that are important in skeletal muscle regeneration. HIF-1α is inhibited under normal physiological conditions by the HIF prolyl 4-hydroxylases (PHDs). In this study, we used a pharmacological PHD inhibitor, GSK1120360A, to enhance the activity of HIF-1α following the repair of a chronic cuff tear, and measured muscle fibre contractility, fibrosis, gene expression, and enthesis mechanics. Methods Chronic supraspinatus tears were induced in adult rats, and repaired 28 days later. Rats received 0 mg/kg, 3 mg/kg, or 10 mg/kg GSK1120360A daily. Collagen content, contractility, fibre type distribution and size, the expression of genes involved in fibrosis, lipid accumulation, atrophy and inflammation, and the mechanical properties of the enthesis were then assessed two weeks following surgical repair. Results At two weeks following repair, treatment groups showed increased muscle mass but there was a 15% decrease in force production in the 10 mg/kg group from controls, and no difference between the 0 mg/kg and the 3 mg/kg groups. There was a decrease in the expression of several gene transcripts related to matrix accumulation and fibrosis, and a 50% decrease in collagen content in both treated groups compared with controls. Additionally, the expression of inflammatory genes was reduced in the treated groups compared with controls. Finally, PHD inhibition improved the maximum stress and displacement to failure in repaired tendons. Conclusions GSK1120360A resulted in improved enthesis mechanics with variable effects on muscle function. PHD inhibition may be beneficial for connective tissue injuries in which muscle atrophy has not occurred. Cite this article: J. P. Gumucio, M. D. Flood, A. Bedi, H. F. Kramer, A. J. Russell, C. L. Mendias. Inhibition of prolyl 4-hydroxylase decreases muscle fibrosis following chronic rotator cuff tear. Bone Joint Res 2017;6:57–65. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.61.BJR-2016-0232.R1.
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Affiliation(s)
- J P Gumucio
- Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery and Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - M D Flood
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - A Bedi
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - H F Kramer
- Muscle Metabolism DPU, GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals, Muscle Metabolism DPU, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - A J Russell
- Muscle Metabolism DPU, GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals, Muscle Metabolism DPU, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - C L Mendias
- Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery and Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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