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Otazu K, Olivos-Ramirez GE, Fernández-Silva PD, Vilca-Quispe J, Vega-Chozo K, Jimenez-Avalos GM, Chenet-Zuta ME, Sosa-Amay FE, Cárdenas Cárdenas RG, Ropón-Palacios G, Dattani N, Camps I. The Malaria Box molecules: a source for targeting the RBD and NTD cryptic pocket of the spike glycoprotein in SARS-CoV-2. J Mol Model 2024; 30:217. [PMID: 38888748 DOI: 10.1007/s00894-024-06006-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
CONTEXT SARS-CoV-2, responsible for COVID-19, has led to over 500 million infections and more than 6 million deaths globally. There have been limited effective treatments available. The study aims to find a drug that can prevent the virus from entering host cells by targeting specific sites on the virus's spike protein. METHOD We examined 13,397 compounds from the Malaria Box library against two specific sites on the spike protein: the receptor-binding domain (RBD) and a predicted cryptic pocket. Using virtual screening, molecular docking, molecular dynamics, and MMPBSA techniques, they evaluated the stability of two compounds. TCMDC-124223 showed high stability and binding energy in the RBD, while TCMDC-133766 had better binding energy in the cryptic pocket. The study also identified that the interacting residues are conserved, which is crucial for addressing various virus variants. The findings provide insights into the potential of small molecules as drugs against the spike protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kewin Otazu
- Laboratório de Modelagem Computacional - LaModel, Instituto de Ciências Exatas - ICEx, Universidade Federal de Alfenas-UNIFAL-MG, Alfenas, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Gustavo E Olivos-Ramirez
- Laboratório de Modelagem Computacional - LaModel, Instituto de Ciências Exatas - ICEx, Universidade Federal de Alfenas-UNIFAL-MG, Alfenas, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- HPQC Labs, Waterloo, Canada
| | - Pablo D Fernández-Silva
- Laboratório de Modelagem Computacional - LaModel, Instituto de Ciências Exatas - ICEx, Universidade Federal de Alfenas-UNIFAL-MG, Alfenas, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Julissa Vilca-Quispe
- Laboratório de Modelagem Computacional - LaModel, Instituto de Ciências Exatas - ICEx, Universidade Federal de Alfenas-UNIFAL-MG, Alfenas, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Karolyn Vega-Chozo
- Laboratório de Modelagem Computacional - LaModel, Instituto de Ciências Exatas - ICEx, Universidade Federal de Alfenas-UNIFAL-MG, Alfenas, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | | | - Frida E Sosa-Amay
- Laboratorio de Farmacología y Toxicología, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad Nacional de la Amazonía Peruana, Iquitos, Perú
| | | | - Georcki Ropón-Palacios
- Laboratório de Modelagem Computacional - LaModel, Instituto de Ciências Exatas - ICEx, Universidade Federal de Alfenas-UNIFAL-MG, Alfenas, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
- HPQC Labs, Waterloo, Canada.
| | - Nike Dattani
- HPQC College, Waterloo, Canada.
- HPQC Labs, Waterloo, Canada.
| | - Ihosvany Camps
- Laboratório de Modelagem Computacional - LaModel, Instituto de Ciências Exatas - ICEx, Universidade Federal de Alfenas-UNIFAL-MG, Alfenas, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
- HPQC Labs, Waterloo, Canada.
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Dong M, Galvan Achi JM, Du R, Rong L, Cui Q. Development of SARS-CoV-2 entry antivirals. CELL INSIGHT 2024; 3:100144. [PMID: 38323318 PMCID: PMC10844678 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellin.2023.100144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
The global outbreak of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) threatened human health and public safety. The development of anti-SARS-CoV-2 therapies have been essential to curb the spread of SARS-CoV-2. Particularly, antivirals targeting viral entry have become an attractive target for the development of anti-SARS-CoV-2 therapies. In this review, we elucidate the mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 viral entry and summarize the development of antiviral inhibitors targeting viral entry. Moreover, we speculate upon future directions toward more potent inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 entry. This study is expected to provide novel insights for the efficient discovery of promising candidate drugs against the entry of SARS-CoV-2, and contribute to the development of broad-spectrum anti-coronavirus drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiyue Dong
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, 250355, China
| | - Jazmin M. Galvan Achi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL60612, USA
| | - Ruikun Du
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, 250355, China
- Qingdao Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qingdao, Shandong, 266122, China
| | - Lijun Rong
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL60612, USA
| | - Qinghua Cui
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, 250355, China
- Qingdao Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qingdao, Shandong, 266122, China
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3
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Lin SH, Wu KT, Wang CC, Huang KT, Hsu LW, Eng HL, Chiu KW. Immune Responses to Anti-Hepatitis C Virus Antibodies during Pre-Liver Transplantation Direct-Acting Antiviral Therapy in Hepatitis C Virus-Infected Recipients Associated with Post-Liver Transplantation Allograft Injury. Antibodies (Basel) 2024; 13:7. [PMID: 38247571 PMCID: PMC10801541 DOI: 10.3390/antib13010007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The impact of antibody responses following direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy in hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected recipients before and after liver transplantation (LT) is still undetermined. METHODS In this observational cohort study, we aimed to explore the association between changes in anti-HCV antibody titers following pre-LT DAA therapy and allograft injury, including biliary complications (BCs) and acute cellular rejection (ACR). RESULTS A total of 153 cases were enrolled from January 2015 to February 2021. Serum anti-HCV antibody titers were assessed before and after (day 30) LT. Among all recipients, 31/153 (20.3%) had pre-LT DAA therapy (the DAA group) and 122/153 (79.7%) did not undergo pre-LT DAA therapy (the DAA-naïve group). A higher incidence of post-LT BCs was observed in the DAA group (p = 0.028). Compared with the DAA-naïve group, the DAA group had a significantly higher mean level of anti-HCV titer upregulation (p = 0.0024); furthermore, among the recipients with BCs (n = 28) and ACR (n = 41), those in the DAA group exhibited significantly higher mean levels of anti-HCV antibody titer upregulation (p < 0.005). CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, we speculate that the upregulation of anti-HCV antibody titers, which might have been induced via the restoration of HCV-specific immune responses through pre-LT DAA therapy, was associated with post-LT allograft injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Hsien Lin
- Division of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan;
- Liver Transplantation Center, Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan; (C.-C.W.); (K.-T.H.); (L.-W.H.); (H.-L.E.)
| | - Kun-Ta Wu
- E-Da Healthcare Group, E-Da Hospital, College of Medicine, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung 82445, Taiwan;
| | - Chih-Chi Wang
- Liver Transplantation Center, Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan; (C.-C.W.); (K.-T.H.); (L.-W.H.); (H.-L.E.)
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan
| | - Kuang-Tzu Huang
- Liver Transplantation Center, Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan; (C.-C.W.); (K.-T.H.); (L.-W.H.); (H.-L.E.)
- Institute for Translational Research in Biomedicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan
| | - Li-Wen Hsu
- Liver Transplantation Center, Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan; (C.-C.W.); (K.-T.H.); (L.-W.H.); (H.-L.E.)
- Institute for Translational Research in Biomedicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan
| | - Hock-Liew Eng
- Liver Transplantation Center, Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan; (C.-C.W.); (K.-T.H.); (L.-W.H.); (H.-L.E.)
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
- Department of Pathology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan
| | - King-Wah Chiu
- Division of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan;
- Liver Transplantation Center, Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan; (C.-C.W.); (K.-T.H.); (L.-W.H.); (H.-L.E.)
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
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Huang Y, Wu J, Zhan C, Liu R, Zhou Z, Huang X, Tian Y, Lin Z, Song Z. TRAF-STOP alleviates osteoclastogenesis in periodontitis. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1119847. [PMID: 37261283 PMCID: PMC10229065 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1119847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The enhanced osteoclastogenesis contributes to alveolar bone resorption in periodontitis, which increases the risk of tooth loss. To reduce bone destruction, the inhibition of osteoclast development is proposed as a feasible treatment. CD40L-CD40-TRAF6 signal transduction plays a crucial role in inflammation, but how it regulates osteoclast activity in periodontitis has not been elucidated. In this study, we showed the potential role of CD40L-CD40-TRAF6 signaling in periodontitis. CD40L obviously promoted osteoclast formation and bone resorption capacity in vitro. Mechanistically, we found that osteoclastogenesis was enhanced by the overexpression of NFATc1 and NF-κB activation. Importantly, osteoclast activity was effectively suppressed by TRAF-STOP, a small molecular inhibitor of TRAF6. Furthermore, local injection of TRAF-STOP-loaded injectable PLGA-PEG-PLGA hydrogel could alleviate ligation-induced periodontitis in vivo. Taken together, TRAF-STOP shows promising clinical efficacy in periodontitis through alleviating osteoclastogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaxian Huang
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510055, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinyan Wu
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510055, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chi Zhan
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510055, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rong Liu
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhaocai Zhou
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510055, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xin Huang
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510055, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yaguang Tian
- Department of Stomatology, Hainan General Hospital, Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou 570311, Hainan, China
| | - Zhengmei Lin
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510055, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhi Song
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510055, Guangzhou, China
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Bloom SMK, O’Hare N, Forbes NS. Bacterial delivery of therapeutic proteins to the nuclei of cancer cells. Biotechnol Bioeng 2023; 120:1437-1448. [PMID: 36710503 PMCID: PMC10101893 DOI: 10.1002/bit.28340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Targeting nucleic targets with therapeutic proteins would enhance the treatment of hard-to-treat cancers. However, exogenous proteins are excluded from the nucleus by both the cellular and nuclear membranes. We have recently developed Salmonella that deliver active proteins into the cytoplasm of cancer cells. Here, we hypothesized that bacterially delivered proteins accumulate within nuclei, nuclear localization sequences (NLSs) increase delivery, and bacterially delivered proteins kill cancer cells. To test this hypothesis, we developed intranuclear delivering (IND) Salmonella and quantified the delivery of three model proteins. IND Salmonella delivered both ovalbumin and green fluorescent protein to nuclei of MCF7 cancer cells. The amount of protein in nuclei was linearly dependent on the amount delivered to the cytoplasm. The addition of a NLSs increased both the amount of protein in each nucleus and the number of nuclei that received protein. Delivery of Omomyc, a protein inhibitor of the nuclear transcript factor, Myc, altered cell physiology, and significantly induced cell death. These results show that IND Salmonella deliver functional proteins to the nucleus of cancerous cells. Extending this method to other transcription factors will increase the number of accessible targets for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nicholas O’Hare
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst
| | - Neil S. Forbes
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, University of Massachusetts, Amherst
- Institute for Applied Life Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst
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Milanetti E, Miotto M, Bo' L, Di Rienzo L, Ruocco G. Investigating the competition between ACE2 natural molecular interactors and SARS-CoV-2 candidate inhibitors. Chem Biol Interact 2023; 374:110380. [PMID: 36822303 PMCID: PMC9942480 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2023.110380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2022] [Revised: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic still poses a threat to the global health as the virus continues spreading in most countries. Therefore, the identification of molecules capable of inhibiting the binding between the ACE2 receptor and the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein is of paramount importance. Recently, two DNA aptamers were designed with the aim to inhibit the interaction between the ACE2 receptor and the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2. Indeed, the two molecules interact with the ACE2 receptor in the region around the K353 residue, preventing its binding of the spike protein. If on the one hand this inhibition process hinders the entry of the virus into the host cell, it could lead to a series of side effects, both in physiological and pathological conditions, preventing the correct functioning of the ACE2 receptor. Here, we discuss through a computational study the possible effect of these two very promising DNA aptamers, investigating all possible interactions between ACE2 and its experimentally known molecular partners. Our in silico predictions show that some of the 10 known molecular partners of ACE2 could interact, physiologically or pathologically, in a region adjacent to the K353 residue. Thus, the curative action of the proposed DNA aptamers could recruit ACE2 from its biological functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edoardo Milanetti
- Department of Physics, Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy; Center for Life Nanoscience, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - Mattia Miotto
- Center for Life Nanoscience, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Leonardo Bo'
- Center for Life Nanoscience, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Di Rienzo
- Center for Life Nanoscience, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Ruocco
- Department of Physics, Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy; Center for Life Nanoscience, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161, Rome, Italy
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Tran QH, Cao HN, Nguyen DN, Tran TTN, Le MT, Nguyen QT, Tran VT, Tran VH, Thai KM. Targeting Olokizumab-Interleukin 6 interaction interface to discover novel IL-6 inhibitors. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023; 41:14003-14015. [PMID: 36995131 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2193990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
The IL-6/IL-6R or IL-6/GP130 protein-protein interactions play a significant role in controlling the development of chronic inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, Castleman disease, psoriasis, and, most recently, COVID-19. Modulating or antagonizing protein-protein interactions of IL6 binding to its receptors by oral drugs promises similar efficacy to biological therapy in patients, namely monoclonal antibodies. In this study, we used a crystal structure of the Fab part of olokizumab in a complex with IL-6 (PDB ID: 4CNI) to uncover starting points for small molecule IL-6 antagonist discovery. Firstly, a structure‑based pharmacophore model of the protein active site cavity was generated to identify possible candidates, followed by virtual screening with a significant database Drugbank. After the docking protocol validation, a virtual screening by molecular docking was carried out and a total of 11 top hits were reported. Detailed analysis of the best scoring molecules was performed with ADME/T analysis and molecular dynamics simulation. Furthermore, the Molecular Mechanics-Generalized Born Surface Area (MM/GBSA) technique has been utilized to evaluate the free binding energy. Based on the finding, one newly obtained compound in this study, namely DB15187, may serve as a lead compound for the discovery of IL-6 inhibitors.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Que-Huong Tran
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Da Nang University of Medical Technology and Pharmacy, Da Nang, Vietnam
| | - Hoang-Nhi Cao
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Dac-Nhan Nguyen
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Thi-Thuy-Nga Tran
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Da Nang University of Medical Technology and Pharmacy, Da Nang, Vietnam
| | - Minh-Tri Le
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- School of Medicine, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Quoc-Thai Nguyen
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Van-Thanh Tran
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Viet-Hung Tran
- Faculty of Traditional Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Institute of Drug Quality Control Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Khac-Minh Thai
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
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Broad-Spectrum Small-Molecule Inhibitors of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike-ACE2 Protein-Protein Interaction from a Chemical Space of Privileged Protein Binders. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15091084. [PMID: 36145305 PMCID: PMC9504289 DOI: 10.3390/ph15091084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Therapeutically useful small-molecule inhibitors (SMIs) of protein−protein interactions (PPIs) initiating the cell attachment and entry of viruses could provide novel alternative antivirals that act via mechanisms similar to that of neutralizing antibodies but retain the advantages of small-molecule drugs such as oral bioavailability and low likelihood of immunogenicity. From screening our library, which is focused around the chemical space of organic dyes to provide good protein binders, we have identified several promising SMIs of the SARS-CoV-2 spike—ACE2 interaction, which is needed for the attachment and cell entry of this coronavirus behind the COVID-19 pandemic. They included organic dyes, such as Congo red, direct violet 1, and Evans blue, which seem to be promiscuous PPI inhibitors, as well as novel drug-like compounds (e.g., DRI-C23041). Here, we show that in addition to the original SARS-CoV-2 strain, these SMIs also inhibit this PPI for variants of concern including delta (B.1.617.2) and omicron (B.1.1.529) as well as HCoV-NL63 with low- or even sub-micromolar activity. They also concentration-dependently inhibited SARS-CoV-2-S expressing pseudovirus entry into hACE2-expressing cells with low micromolar activity (IC50 < 10 μM) both for the original strain and the delta variant. DRI-C23041 showed good therapeutic (selectivity) index, i.e., separation between activity and cytotoxicity (TI > 100). Specificities and activities require further optimization; nevertheless, these results provide a promising starting point toward novel broad-spectrum small-molecule antivirals that act via blocking the interaction between the spike proteins of coronaviruses and their ACE2 receptor initiating cellular entry.
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Hwang SY, Park S, Jo H, Hee Seo S, Jeon KH, Kim S, Jung AR, Song C, Ahn M, Yeon Kwak S, Lee HJ, Uesugi M, Na Y, Kwon Y. Interrupting specific hydrogen bonds between ELF3 and MED23 as an alternative drug resistance-free strategy for HER2-overexpressing cancers. J Adv Res 2022; 47:173-187. [PMID: 35963541 PMCID: PMC10173165 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2022.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION HER2 overexpression induces cancer aggression and frequent recurrences in many solid tumors. Because HER2 overproduction is generally followed by gene amplification, inhibition of protein-protein interaction (PPI) between transcriptional factor ELF3 and its coactivator MED23 has been considered an effective but challenging strategy. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to determine the hotspot of ELF3-MED23 PPI and further specify the essential residues and their key interactions in the hotspot which are controllable by small molecules with significant anticancer activity. METHODS Intensive biological evaluation methods including SEAP, fluorescence polarization, LC-MS/MS-based quantitative, biosensor, GST-pull down assays, and in silico structural analysis were performed to determine hotspot of ELF3-MED23 PPI and to elicit YK1, a novel small molecule PPI inhibitor. The effects of YK1 on possible PPIs of MED23 and the efficacy of trastuzumab were assessed using cell culture and tumor xenograft mouse models. RESULTS ELF3-MED23 PPI was found to be specifically dependent on H-bondings between D400, H449 of MED23 and W138, I140 of ELF3 for upregulating HER2 gene transcription. Employing YK1, we confirmed that interruption on these H-bondings significantly attenuated the HER2-mediated oncogenic signaling cascades and exhibited significant in vitro and in vivo anticancer activity against HER2-overexpressing breast and gastric cancers even in their trastuzumab refractory clones. CONCLUSION Our approach to develop specific ELF3-MED23 PPI inhibitor without interfering other PPIs of MED23 can finally lead to successful development of a drug resistance-free compound to interrogate HER2 biology in diverse conditions of cancers overexpressing HER2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soo-Yeon Hwang
- College of Pharmacy & Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Korea
| | - Seojeong Park
- College of Pharmacy & Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Korea
| | - Hyunji Jo
- College of Pharmacy & Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Korea
| | - Seung Hee Seo
- College of Pharmacy & Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Korea
| | - Kyung-Hwa Jeon
- College of Pharmacy & Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Korea
| | - Seojeong Kim
- College of Pharmacy & Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Korea
| | - Ah-Reum Jung
- College of Pharmacy & Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Korea
| | - Chanju Song
- College of Pharmacy & Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Korea
| | - Misun Ahn
- College of Pharmacy & Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Korea
| | - Soo Yeon Kwak
- College of Pharmacy, CHA University, Pocheon 11160, Korea
| | - Hwa-Jong Lee
- College of Pharmacy & Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Korea
| | - Motonari Uesugi
- Institute for Chemical Research and Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (iCeMS), Kyoto University, Uji, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan
| | - Younghwa Na
- College of Pharmacy, CHA University, Pocheon 11160, Korea.
| | - Youngjoo Kwon
- College of Pharmacy & Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Korea.
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Liu XH, Cheng T, Liu BY, Chi J, Shu T, Wang T. Structures of the SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein and applications for novel drug development. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:955648. [PMID: 36016554 PMCID: PMC9395726 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.955648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 has raised a health crisis worldwide. The high morbidity and mortality associated with COVID-19 and the lack of effective drugs or vaccines for SARS-CoV-2 emphasize the urgent need for standard treatment and prophylaxis of COVID-19. The receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the glycosylated spike protein (S protein) is capable of binding to human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2) and initiating membrane fusion and virus entry. Hence, it is rational to inhibit the RBD activity of the S protein by blocking the RBD interaction with hACE2, which makes the glycosylated S protein a potential target for designing and developing antiviral agents. In this study, the molecular features of the S protein of SARS-CoV-2 are highlighted, such as the structures, functions, and interactions of the S protein and ACE2. Additionally, computational tools developed for the treatment of COVID-19 are provided, for example, algorithms, databases, and relevant programs. Finally, recent advances in the novel development of antivirals against the S protein are summarized, including screening of natural products, drug repurposing and rational design. This study is expected to provide novel insights for the efficient discovery of promising drug candidates against the S protein and contribute to the development of broad-spectrum anti-coronavirus drugs to fight against SARS-CoV-2.
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Chuang ST, Papp H, Kuczmog A, Eells R, Condor Capcha JM, Shehadeh LA, Jakab F, Buchwald P. Methylene Blue Is a Nonspecific Protein-Protein Interaction Inhibitor with Potential for Repurposing as an Antiviral for COVID-19. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:621. [PMID: 35631447 PMCID: PMC9144480 DOI: 10.3390/ph15050621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
We have previously identified methylene blue, a tricyclic phenothiazine dye approved for clinical use for the treatment of methemoglobinemia and for other medical applications as a small-molecule inhibitor of the protein-protein interaction (PPI) between the spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus and ACE2, the first critical step of the attachment and entry of this coronavirus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic. Here, we show that methylene blue concentration dependently inhibits this PPI for the spike protein of the original strain as well as for those of variants of concern such as the D614G mutant and delta (B.1.617.2) with IC50 in the low micromolar range (1-5 μM). Methylene blue also showed promiscuous activity and inhibited several other PPIs of viral proteins (e.g., HCoV-NL63-ACE2, hepatitis C virus E-CD81) as well as others (e.g., IL-2-IL-2Rα) with similar potency. This nonspecificity notwithstanding, methylene blue inhibited the entry of pseudoviruses bearing the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 in hACE2-expressing host cells, both for the original strain and the delta variant. It also blocked SARS-CoV-2 (B.1.5) virus replication in Vero E6 cells with an IC50 in the low micromolar range (1.7 μM) when assayed using quantitative PCR of the viral RNA. Thus, while it seems to be a promiscuous PPI inhibitor with low micromolar activity and has a relatively narrow therapeutic index, methylene blue inhibits entry and replication of SARS-CoV-2, including several of its mutant variants, and has potential as a possible inexpensive, broad-spectrum, orally bioactive small-molecule antiviral for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung-Ting Chuang
- Diabetes Research Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA;
| | - Henrietta Papp
- National Laboratory of Virology, University of Pécs, 7622 Pécs, Hungary; (H.P.); (A.K.); (F.J.)
- Institute of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pécs, 7622 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Anett Kuczmog
- National Laboratory of Virology, University of Pécs, 7622 Pécs, Hungary; (H.P.); (A.K.); (F.J.)
- Institute of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pécs, 7622 Pécs, Hungary
| | | | - Jose M. Condor Capcha
- Division of Cardiology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (J.M.C.C.); (L.A.S.)
- Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Lina A. Shehadeh
- Division of Cardiology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (J.M.C.C.); (L.A.S.)
- Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Ferenc Jakab
- National Laboratory of Virology, University of Pécs, 7622 Pécs, Hungary; (H.P.); (A.K.); (F.J.)
- Institute of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pécs, 7622 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Peter Buchwald
- Diabetes Research Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA;
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
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Mittal L, Tonk R, Awasthi A, Asthana S. Traversing through the Dynamic Protein-Protein Interaction Landscape and Conformational Plasticity of PD-1 for Small-Molecule Discovery. J Med Chem 2022; 65:5941-5953. [PMID: 35420421 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) blocking the PD-1/PD-L1 interface have shown remarkable success in treating malignancies, but they may also initiate lethal immune-related adverse events. Small molecules may circumvent the mAb limitations; however, none has entered clinical trials targeting PD-1. Its complex protein-protein interaction interfaces necessitate an atomic-level understanding of recognition and binding mechanisms. Hence, we have aimed to highlight the PD-1's sequence-structure-dynamic-function link with its cognate ligands and diversely reported inhibitors. We focus primarily on the anti-PD-1 mAbs, their mode of actions, and interactions with PD-1 epitopes. The comparison of co-crystals showed that these ligands/inhibitors harness the PD-1's conformational plasticity and structural determinants differentially. The relationship between modulator binding patterns and biological activity is demonstrated using interaction fingerprinting of all reported human PD-1 co-crystals. The significant dynamical events and hot-spot residues underpinned from crystallographic wealth and computational studies have been highlighted to expedite small-molecule discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lovika Mittal
- Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), Haryana 121001, India.,Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University (DPSRU), Delhi 110017, India
| | - Rajiv Tonk
- Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University (DPSRU), Delhi 110017, India
| | - Amit Awasthi
- Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), Haryana 121001, India
| | - Shailendra Asthana
- Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), Haryana 121001, India
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Nakaya T, Aizawa K, Taguchi Y, Tsuji K, Sekine S, Murakami K, Kasai M, Nakano H, Kondoh Y, Dan S, Yoshimori A, Kouji H, Takehara D, Suzuki T, Osada H, Murata M, Tanaka A, Nagai R. Development of Low-Molecular-Weight Compounds Targeting the Cancer-Associated KLF5 Transcription Factor. ACS Med Chem Lett 2022; 13:687-694. [PMID: 35450365 PMCID: PMC9014505 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.1c00721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Krüppel-like factor 5 (KLF5) is a potential target for anticancer drugs. However, as an intrinsically disordered protein (IDP) whose tertiary structure cannot be solved, innovative strategies are needed. We focused on its hydrophobic α-helix structure, defined as an induced helical motif (IHM), which is a possible interface for protein-protein interaction. Using mathematical analyses predicting the α-helix's structure and hydrophobicity, a 4-amino-acid site (V-A-I-F) was identified as an IHM. Low-molecular-weight compounds that mimic the main chain conformation of the α-helix with the four side chains of V-A-I-F were synthesized using bicyclic pyrazinooxadiazine-4,7-dione. These compounds selectively suppressed the proliferation and survival of cancer cells but not noncancer cells and decreased the protein but not mRNA levels of KLF5 in addition to reducing proteins of Wnt signaling. The compounds further suppressed transplanted colorectal cancer cells in vivo without side effects. Our approach appears promising for developing drugs against key IDPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeo Nakaya
- Department of Pathology, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Tochigi 329-0498, Japan
| | - Kenichi Aizawa
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Tochigi 329-0498, Japan
| | - Yuki Taguchi
- Department of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, University of Tokyo,
Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-8902, Japan
- Cell Biology Center, Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama, Kanagawa 226-8503, Japan
| | - Kentaro Tsuji
- Department of Pathology, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Tochigi 329-0498, Japan
| | - Sachi Sekine
- Department of Pathology and Department of Pediatric Surgery , Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Tochigi 329-0498, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Murakami
- Department of Pathology, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Tochigi 329-0498, Japan
- Department of Dentistry and Oral Surgery, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Tochigi 329-0498, Japan
| | - Masaji Kasai
- PRISM BioLab Co., Ltd., Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-8555, Japan
| | | | - Yasumitsu Kondoh
- Chemical Biology Research Group, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Shingo Dan
- Division of Molecular Pharmacology, Cancer Chemotherapy Center, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-8550, Japan
| | - Atsushi Yoshimori
- Institute for Theoretical Medicine, Inc., Fujisawa Kanagawa 251-0012, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Kouji
- PRISM BioLab Co., Ltd., Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-8555, Japan
- ¶Oita University Institute of Advanced Medicine, Inc., Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-0052, Japan
| | - Dai Takehara
- PRISM BioLab Co., Ltd., Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-8555, Japan
| | - Toru Suzuki
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester Cardiovascular Research Centre, Glenfield Hospital, Leicester LE39QP, U.K
| | - Hiroyuki Osada
- Chemical Biology Research Group, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Masayuki Murata
- Department of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, University of Tokyo,
Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-8902, Japan
- Cell Biology Center, Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama, Kanagawa 226-8503, Japan
| | - Akira Tanaka
- Department of Pathology, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Tochigi 329-0498, Japan
| | - Ryozo Nagai
- Jichi Medical University, 3311-1 Yakushiji, Shimotsuke, Tochigi 329-0498, Japan
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14
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tRNA fMet Inactivating Mycobacterium tuberculosis VapBC Toxin-Antitoxin Systems as Therapeutic Targets. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2022; 66:e0189621. [PMID: 35404073 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01896-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The Mycobacterium tuberculosis genome contains an abundance of toxin-antitoxin (TA) systems, 50 of which belong to the VapBC family. The activity of VapC toxins is controlled by dynamic association with their cognate antitoxins-the toxin is inactive when complexed with VapB antitoxin but active when freed. Here, we determined the cellular target of two phylogenetically related VapC toxins and demonstrate how their properties can be harnessed for drug development. First, we used a specialized RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) approach, 5' RNA-seq, to accurately identify the in vivo RNA target of M. tuberculosis VapC2 and VapC21 toxins. Both toxins exclusively disable initiator tRNAfMet through cleavage at a single, identical site within their anticodon loop. Consistent with the essential role and global requirement for initiator tRNAfMet in bacteria, expression of each VapC toxin resulted in potent translation inhibition followed by growth arrest and cell death. Guided by previous structural studies, we then mutated two conserved amino acids in the antitoxin (WR→AA) that resided in the toxin-antitoxin interface and were predicted to inhibit toxin activity. Both mutants were markedly less efficient in rescuing growth over time, suggesting that screens for high-affinity small-molecule inhibitors against this or other crucial VapB-VapC interaction sites could drive constitutive inactivation of tRNAfMet by these VapC toxins. Collectively, the properties of the VapBC2 and VapBC21 TA systems provide a framework for development of bactericidal antitubercular agents with high specificity for M. tuberculosis cells.
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Verma J, Subbarao N. In silico identification of small molecule protein-protein interaction inhibitors: targeting hotspot regions at the interface of MXRA8 and CHIKV envelope protein. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2022; 41:3349-3367. [PMID: 35272566 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2022.2048080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is an arthritogenic arbovirus responsible for re-emerging epidemics of Chikungunya fever around the world for centuries. Chikungunya has become endemic in Africa, Southeast Asia, the Indian subcontinent, and subtropical regions of the Americas. The unavailability of antiviral therapy or vaccine against the CHIKV and its continuous re-emergence demands an urgent need to develop potential candidate therapeutics. CHIKV entry into the host cell is mediated by its envelope proteins engaging the cellular receptor MXRA8 to invade the susceptible cells. We report here two essential target binding sites at the CHIKV E1-E2 proteins by identifying hotspot regions at the E1-E2-MXRA8 binding interface. Further, we employed high throughput computational screening to identify potential small molecule protein-protein interaction (PPI) modulators which could effectively bind at the identified target sites. Molecular dynamics simulations and binding free energy calculations confirmed the stability of three compounds, viz., ZINC299817498, ZINC584908978, and LAS52155651, at both the predicted interface binding sites. The polar and charged residues at the interface were responsible for energetically holding the ligands at the binding sites. Altogether, our findings suggest that the predicted target binding sites at the E1-E2 dimer could be essential to block the receptor interaction as well as the fusion process of the CHIKV particles. Thus, we identified a few small molecule PPI inhibitors with great potential to block the E1-E2-MXRA8 interaction and act as promising templates to design anti-CHIKV drugs.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jyoti Verma
- School of Computational and Integrative Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Naidu Subbarao
- School of Computational and Integrative Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
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16
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Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, causing COVID-19, is the most challenging pandemic of the modern era. It has resulted in over 5 million deaths worldwide. To quickly explore therapeutics for COVID-19, we utilized a previously-established system, namely CEBIT. We performed a high-throughput screening of FDA-approved drugs to inhibit the interaction between the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and its obligate receptor ACE2. This interaction is essential for viral entry and therefore represents a promising therapeutic target. Based on the recruitment of interacting molecules into phase-separated condensates as a readout, we identified six positive candidates from a library of 2572 compounds, most of which have been reported to inhibit the entry of SARS-CoV-2 into host cells. Our surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and molecular docking analyses revealed the possible mechanisms via which these compounds interfere with the interaction between RBD and ACE2. Hence, our results indicate that CEBIT is highly versatile for identifying drugs against SARS-CoV-2 entry, and targeting CoV-2 entry by small molecule drugs is a viable therapeutic option to treat COVID-19 in addition to commonly used monoclonal antibodies.
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17
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Kulkarni AM, Parate S, Lee G, Kim Y, Jung TS, Lee KW, Ha MW. Computational Simulations Highlight the IL2Rα Binding Potential of Polyphenol Stilbenes from Fenugreek. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27041215. [PMID: 35209009 PMCID: PMC8880457 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27041215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Widely used in global households, fenugreek is well known for its culinary and medicinal uses. The various reported medicinal properties of fenugreek are by virtue of the different natural phytochemicals present in it. Regarded as a promising target, interleukin 2 receptor subunit alpha (IL2Rα) has been shown to influence immune responses. In the present research, using in silico techniques, we have demonstrated the potential IL2Rα binding properties of three polyphenol stilbenes (desoxyrhaponticin, rhaponticin, rhapontigenin) from fenugreek. As the first step, molecular docking was performed to assess the binding potential of the fenugreek phytochemicals with IL2Rα. All three phytochemicals demonstrated interactions with active site residues. To confirm the reliability of our molecular docking results, 100 ns molecular dynamics simulations studies were undertaken. As discerned by the RMSD and RMSF analyses, IL2Rα in complex with the desoxyrhaponticin, rhaponticin, and rhapontigenin indicated stability. The RMSD analysis of the phytochemicals alone also demonstrated no significant structural changes. Based on the stable molecular interactions and comparatively slightly better MM/PBSA binding free energy, rhaponticin seems promising. Additionally, ADMET analysis performed for the stilbenes indicated that all of them obey the ADMET rules. Our computational study thus supports further in vitro IL2Rα binding studies on these stilbenes, especially rhaponticin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Apoorva M. Kulkarni
- Department of Bio & Medical Big Data (BK4 Program), Division of Life Science, Research Institute of Natural Science (RINS), Gyeongsang National University (GNU), 501 Jinju-daero, Jinju 52828, Korea;
| | - Shraddha Parate
- Division of Applied Life Science, Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Research Center (PMBBRC), Gyeongsang National University (GNU), 501 Jinju-daero, Jinju 52828, Korea; (S.P.); (G.L.)
| | - Gihwan Lee
- Division of Applied Life Science, Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Research Center (PMBBRC), Gyeongsang National University (GNU), 501 Jinju-daero, Jinju 52828, Korea; (S.P.); (G.L.)
| | - Yongseong Kim
- School of Cosmetics and Food Development, Kyungnam University, Masan 631-701, Korea;
| | - Tae Sung Jung
- Laboratory of Aquatic Animal Diseases, Research Institute of Natural Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, 501-201, 501 Jinju-daero, Jinju-si 52828, Gyeongsangnam-do, Korea;
| | - Keun Woo Lee
- Department of Bio & Medical Big Data (BK4 Program), Division of Life Science, Research Institute of Natural Science (RINS), Gyeongsang National University (GNU), 501 Jinju-daero, Jinju 52828, Korea;
- Correspondence: (K.W.L.); (M.W.H.)
| | - Min Woo Ha
- Jeju Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Jeju National University, 102 Jejudaehak-ro, Jeju 63243, Jeju-do, Korea
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Advanced Convergence Technology & Science, Jeju National University, 102 Jejudaehak-ro, Jeju 63243, Jeju-do, Korea
- Correspondence: (K.W.L.); (M.W.H.)
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18
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Sharma N, Gadhave K, Kumar P, Giri R. Transactivation domain of Adenovirus Early Region 1A (E1A): Investigating folding dynamics and aggregation. Curr Res Struct Biol 2022; 4:29-40. [PMID: 35146445 PMCID: PMC8801969 DOI: 10.1016/j.crstbi.2022.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Transactivation domain of Adenovirus Early region 1A (E1A) oncoprotein is an intrinsically disordered molecular hub protein. It is involved in binding to different domains of human cell transcriptional co-activators such as retinoblastoma (pRb), CREB-binding protein (CBP), and its paralogue p300. The conserved region 1 (TAD) of E1A is known to undergo structural transitions and folds upon interaction with transcriptional adaptor zinc finger 2 (TAZ2). Previous reports on Taz2-E1A studies have suggested the formation of helical conformations of E1A-TAD. However, the folding behavior of the TAD region in isolation has not been studied in detail. Here, we have elucidated the folding behavior of E1A peptide at varied temperatures and solution conditions. Further, we have studied the effects of macromolecular crowding on E1A-TAD peptide. Additionally, we have also predicted the molecular recognition features of E1A using MoRF predictors. The predicted MoRFs are consistent with its structural transitions observed during TAZ2 interactions for transcriptional regulation in literature. Also, as a general rule of MoRFs, E1A undergoes helical transitions in alcohol and osmolyte solution. Finally, we studied the aggregation behavior of E1A, where we observed that the E1A could form amyloid-like aggregates that are cytotoxic to mammalian cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nitin Sharma
- School of Basic Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Mandi, Kamand, Himachal Pradesh, 175005, India
| | - Kundlik Gadhave
- School of Basic Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Mandi, Kamand, Himachal Pradesh, 175005, India
| | - Prateek Kumar
- School of Basic Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Mandi, Kamand, Himachal Pradesh, 175005, India
| | - Rajanish Giri
- School of Basic Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Mandi, Kamand, Himachal Pradesh, 175005, India
- BioX Center, Indian Institute of Technology Mandi, Kamand, Himachal Pradesh, 175005, India
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Volarić J, Szymanski W, Simeth NA, Feringa BL. Molecular photoswitches in aqueous environments. Chem Soc Rev 2021; 50:12377-12449. [PMID: 34590636 PMCID: PMC8591629 DOI: 10.1039/d0cs00547a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Molecular photoswitches enable dynamic control of processes with high spatiotemporal precision, using light as external stimulus, and hence are ideal tools for different research areas spanning from chemical biology to smart materials. Photoswitches are typically organic molecules that feature extended aromatic systems to make them responsive to (visible) light. However, this renders them inherently lipophilic, while water-solubility is of crucial importance to apply photoswitchable organic molecules in biological systems, like in the rapidly emerging field of photopharmacology. Several strategies for solubilizing organic molecules in water are known, but there are not yet clear rules for applying them to photoswitchable molecules. Importantly, rendering photoswitches water-soluble has a serious impact on both their photophysical and biological properties, which must be taken into consideration when designing new systems. Altogether, these aspects pose considerable challenges for successfully applying molecular photoswitches in aqueous systems, and in particular in biologically relevant media. In this review, we focus on fully water-soluble photoswitches, such as those used in biological environments, in both in vitro and in vivo studies. We discuss the design principles and prospects for water-soluble photoswitches to inspire and enable their future applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Volarić
- Centre for Systems Chemistry, Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, Faculty for Science and Engineering, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Wiktor Szymanski
- Centre for Systems Chemistry, Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, Faculty for Science and Engineering, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands.
- Department of Radiology, Medical Imaging Center, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Nadja A Simeth
- Centre for Systems Chemistry, Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, Faculty for Science and Engineering, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands.
- Institute for Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry, University of Göttingen, Tammannstr. 2, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Ben L Feringa
- Centre for Systems Chemistry, Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, Faculty for Science and Engineering, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands.
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20
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Johnston DS, Goldberg E. Preclinical contraceptive development for men and women. Biol Reprod 2021; 103:147-156. [PMID: 32561907 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Revised: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This manuscript endeavors to present research considerations for the preclinical development of non-hormonal contraceptives. Topics include (1) how advances in genomics and bioinformatics impact the identification of novel targets for non-hormonal contraception, (2) the importance of target validation prior to investment in a contraceptive development campaign, (3) considerations on targeting gametogenesis vs gamete maturation/function, (4) how targets from the male reproductive system are expanding women's options for 'on demand' contraception, and (5) some emerging non-hormonal methods that are not based on a specific molecular target. Also presented are ideas for developing a pipeline of non-hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal-acting contraceptives for men and women while balancing risk and innovation, and our perspective on the pros and cons of industry and academic environments on contraceptive development. Three product development programs are highlighted that are biologically interesting, innovative, and likely to influence the field of contraceptive development in years to come.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel S Johnston
- Contraception Research Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Erwin Goldberg
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
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21
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Park SY, Kim JY, Jang GB, Choi JH, Kim JH, Lee CJ, Lee S, Baek JH, Park KK, Kim JM, Chang HJ, Cho NC, Nam JS. Aberrant activation of the CD45-Wnt signaling axis promotes stemness and therapy resistance in colorectal cancer cells. Am J Cancer Res 2021; 11:8755-8770. [PMID: 34522210 PMCID: PMC8419050 DOI: 10.7150/thno.63446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Chemoradiation (CRT) is commonly used as an adjuvant or neoadjuvant treatment for colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. However, resistant cells manage to survive and propagate after CRT, increasing the risk of recurrence. Thus, better understanding the mechanism of resistant cancer cells is required to achieve better clinical outcomes. Methods: Here, we explored gene expression profiling of CRC patient tumors to identify therapy resistance genes and discovered that protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type C (PTPRC), which encodes CD45, was increased in remnant tumor tissues after CRT and correlated with metastasis. Through multiple validations using patient tumors and CRC cell lines, we found for the first time the increase of CD45 expression in CRC (EpCAM+) epithelial cells surviving after CRT. Thus, we investigated the biological role and downstream events of CD45 were explored in human CRC cells and CRC mouse models. Results: Increased CD45 expression in cancer cells in pretreated primary tumors accounts for poor regression and recurrence-free survival in CRT-treated patients. High CD45 expression promotes CRC cell survival upon 5-fluorouracil or radiation treatment, while CD45 depletion sensitizes CRC cells to CRT. Intriguingly, CD45 is preferentially expressed in cancer stem-like cells (CSCs), as determined by spheroid culture and the expression of CSC markers, and is required for the distinct functions of CSCs, such as cancer initiation, repopulation, and metastasis. Mechanistically, CD45 phosphatase activity promotes Wnt transcriptional activity by stabilizing the β-catenin protein, which collectively enhances stemness and the therapy-resistant phenotype. Conclusions: Our results highlight a novel function of CD45 as a mediator of CRT resistance and provide a potential therapy strategy for CRC therapy.
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22
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Chemical tools for epichaperome-mediated interactome dysfunctions of the central nervous system. Nat Commun 2021; 12:4669. [PMID: 34344873 PMCID: PMC8333062 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24821-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Diseases are a manifestation of how thousands of proteins interact. In several diseases, such as cancer and Alzheimer’s disease, proteome-wide disturbances in protein-protein interactions are caused by alterations to chaperome scaffolds termed epichaperomes. Epichaperome-directed chemical probes may be useful for detecting and reversing defective chaperomes. Here we provide structural, biochemical, and functional insights into the discovery of epichaperome probes, with a focus on their use in central nervous system diseases. We demonstrate on-target activity and kinetic selectivity of a radiolabeled epichaperome probe in both cells and mice, together with a proof-of-principle in human patients in an exploratory single group assignment diagnostic study (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03371420). The clinical study is designed to determine the pharmacokinetic parameters and the incidence of adverse events in patients receiving a single microdose of the radiolabeled probe administered by intravenous injection. In sum, we introduce a discovery platform for brain-directed chemical probes that specifically modulate epichaperomes and provide proof-of-principle applications in their use in the detection, quantification, and modulation of the target in complex biological systems. Here, the authors show structural, biochemical, and functional insights into the discovery of epichaperome‐ directed chemical probes for use in central nervous system diseases. Probes emerging from this work have translated to human clinical studies in Alzheimer’s disease and cancer.
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23
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Awadasseid A, Wu Y, Zhang W. Advance investigation on synthetic small-molecule inhibitors targeting PD-1/PD-L1 signaling pathway. Life Sci 2021; 282:119813. [PMID: 34256042 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2020] [Revised: 06/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade has displayed substantial anti-tumor resistance in a variety of forms of cancer, but the fundamental regulation role remains unclear, and several questions continue to be addressed. PD-1/PD-L1 has been recognized as an anti-cancer drug target for several years, and through targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 signaling pathway, many monoclonal antibodies have thus far produced promising results in cancer therapy. The discovery of small-molecule inhibitors focused on the PD-1/PD-L1 signaling pathway is steadily reviving over decades, owing to the intrinsic shortcomings of the antibodies. PD-1 function and its PD-L1 or PD-L2 ligands are essential for the activation, proliferation, and cytotoxic secretion of T-cells in cancer to degenerate anti-tumor immune response. The axis PD-1/PD-L1 is important for the immune escape of cancer which has an immense impact on cancer treatment. In this review, we summarize the function of PD-1 and PD-L1 in cancer and aiming to enhance cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annoor Awadasseid
- Lab of Chemical Biology and Molecular Drug Design, College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China; Institute of Drug Development & Chemical Biology, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China; Department of Biochemistry & Food Sciences, University of Kordofan, El-Obeid 51111, Sudan
| | - Yanling Wu
- Lab of Molecular Immunology, Virus Inspection Department, Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou 310051, China.
| | - Wen Zhang
- Lab of Chemical Biology and Molecular Drug Design, College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China; Institute of Drug Development & Chemical Biology, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China.
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24
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Bojadzic D, Alcazar O, Chen J, Chuang ST, Capcha JMC, Shehadeh LA, Buchwald P. Small-Molecule Inhibitors of the Coronavirus Spike: ACE2 Protein-Protein Interaction as Blockers of Viral Attachment and Entry for SARS-CoV-2. ACS Infect Dis 2021; 7:1519-1534. [PMID: 33979123 PMCID: PMC8130611 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.1c00070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Inhibitors of the protein-protein interaction (PPI) between the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and human ACE2 (hACE2), which acts as a ligand-receptor pair that initiates the viral attachment and cellular entry of this coronavirus causing the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, are of considerable interest as potential antiviral agents. While blockade of such PPIs with small molecules is more challenging than that with antibodies, small-molecule inhibitors (SMIs) might offer alternatives that are less strain- and mutation-sensitive, suitable for oral or inhaled administration, and more controllable/less immunogenic. Here, we report the identification of SMIs of this PPI by screening our compound library focused around the chemical space of organic dyes. Among promising candidates identified, several dyes (Congo red, direct violet 1, Evans blue) and novel druglike compounds (DRI-C23041, DRI-C91005) inhibited the interaction of hACE2 with the spike proteins of SARS-CoV-2 as well as SARS-CoV with low micromolar activity in our cell-free ELISA-type assays (IC50's of 0.2-3.0 μM), whereas control compounds, such as sunset yellow FCF, chloroquine, and suramin, showed no activity. Protein thermal shift assays indicated that the SMIs of interest identified here bind SARS-CoV-2-S and not hACE2. While dyes seemed to be promiscuous inhibitors, DRI-C23041 showed some selectivity and inhibited the entry of two different SARS-CoV-2-S expressing pseudoviruses into hACE2-expressing cells in a concentration-dependent manner with low micromolar IC50's (6-7 μM). This provides proof-of-principle evidence for the feasibility of small-molecule inhibition of PPIs critical for SARS-CoV-2 attachment/entry and serves as a first guide in the search for SMI-based alternative antiviral therapies for the prevention and treatment of diseases caused by coronaviruses in general and COVID-19 in particular.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damir Bojadzic
- Diabetes Research Institute, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Oscar Alcazar
- Diabetes Research Institute, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Jinshui Chen
- Diabetes Research Institute, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Sung-Ting Chuang
- Diabetes Research Institute, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Jose M. Condor Capcha
- Division of Cardiology, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
- Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Lina A. Shehadeh
- Division of Cardiology, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
- Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
- Peggy and Harold Katz Family Drug Discovery Center, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Peter Buchwald
- Diabetes Research Institute, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
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25
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Saldías MP, Maureira D, Orellana-Serradell O, Silva I, Lavanderos B, Cruz P, Torres C, Cáceres M, Cerda O. TRP Channels Interactome as a Novel Therapeutic Target in Breast Cancer. Front Oncol 2021; 11:621614. [PMID: 34178620 PMCID: PMC8222984 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.621614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is one of the most frequent cancer types worldwide and the first cause of cancer-related deaths in women. Although significant therapeutic advances have been achieved with drugs such as tamoxifen and trastuzumab, breast cancer still caused 627,000 deaths in 2018. Since cancer is a multifactorial disease, it has become necessary to develop new molecular therapies that can target several relevant cellular processes at once. Ion channels are versatile regulators of several physiological- and pathophysiological-related mechanisms, including cancer-relevant processes such as tumor progression, apoptosis inhibition, proliferation, migration, invasion, and chemoresistance. Ion channels are the main regulators of cellular functions, conducting ions selectively through a pore-forming structure located in the plasma membrane, protein–protein interactions one of their main regulatory mechanisms. Among the different ion channel families, the Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) family stands out in the context of breast cancer since several members have been proposed as prognostic markers in this pathology. However, only a few approaches exist to block their specific activity during tumoral progress. In this article, we describe several TRP channels that have been involved in breast cancer progress with a particular focus on their binding partners that have also been described as drivers of breast cancer progression. Here, we propose disrupting these interactions as attractive and potential new therapeutic targets for treating this neoplastic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Paz Saldías
- Program of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBM), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Millennium Nucleus of Ion Channels-Associated Diseases (MiNICAD), Santiago, Chile
| | - Diego Maureira
- Program of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBM), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Millennium Nucleus of Ion Channels-Associated Diseases (MiNICAD), Santiago, Chile
| | - Octavio Orellana-Serradell
- Program of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBM), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Millennium Nucleus of Ion Channels-Associated Diseases (MiNICAD), Santiago, Chile
| | - Ian Silva
- Program of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBM), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Millennium Nucleus of Ion Channels-Associated Diseases (MiNICAD), Santiago, Chile
| | - Boris Lavanderos
- Program of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBM), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Millennium Nucleus of Ion Channels-Associated Diseases (MiNICAD), Santiago, Chile
| | - Pablo Cruz
- Program of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBM), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Millennium Nucleus of Ion Channels-Associated Diseases (MiNICAD), Santiago, Chile
| | - Camila Torres
- Program of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBM), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Millennium Nucleus of Ion Channels-Associated Diseases (MiNICAD), Santiago, Chile
| | - Mónica Cáceres
- Program of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBM), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Millennium Nucleus of Ion Channels-Associated Diseases (MiNICAD), Santiago, Chile.,The Wound Repair, Treatment, and Health (WoRTH) Initiative, Santiago, Chile
| | - Oscar Cerda
- Program of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICBM), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Millennium Nucleus of Ion Channels-Associated Diseases (MiNICAD), Santiago, Chile.,The Wound Repair, Treatment, and Health (WoRTH) Initiative, Santiago, Chile
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26
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Higo J, Takashima H, Fukunishi Y, Yoshimori A. Generalized-ensemble method study: A helix-mimetic compound inhibits protein-protein interaction by long-range and short-range intermolecular interactions. J Comput Chem 2021; 42:956-969. [PMID: 33755222 DOI: 10.1002/jcc.26516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2020] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
A heterocyclic compound mS-11 is a helix-mimetic designed to inhibit binding of an intrinsic disordered protein neural restrictive silence factor/repressor element 1 silencing factor (NRSF/REST) to a receptor protein mSin3B. We apply a generalized ensemble method, multi-dimensional virtual-system coupled molecular dynamics developed by ourselves recently, to a system consisting of mS-11 and mSin3B, and obtain a thermally equilibrated distribution, which is comprised of the bound and unbound states extensively. The lowest free-energy position of mS-11 coincides with the NRSF/REST position in the experimentally-determined NRSF/REST-mSin3B complex. Importantly, the molecular orientation of mS-11 is ordering in a wide region around mSin3B. The resultant binding scenario is: When mS-11 is distant from the binding site of mSin3B, mS-11 descends the free-energy slope toward the binding site maintaining the molecular orientation to be advantageous for binding. Then, finally a long and flexible hydrophobic sidechain of mS-11 fits into the binding site, which is the lowest-free-energy complex structure inhibiting NRSF/REST binding to mSin3B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junichi Higo
- Graduate School of Simulation Studies, University of Hyogo, Kobe, Japan
| | - Hajime Takashima
- Department of Research and Development, PRISM BioLab Co., Ltd., Fujisawa, Japan
| | - Yoshifumi Fukunishi
- Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Atsushi Yoshimori
- Chemoinformatics & AI Research Group, Institute for Theoretical Medicine, Inc., Fujisawa, Japan
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27
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Peptide-based and small molecule PD-1 and PD-L1 pharmacological modulators in the treatment of cancer. Pharmacol Ther 2021; 227:107870. [PMID: 33895183 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.107870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy is an option to enhance physiological defence mechanism to fight cancer, where natural substances (e.g., antigen/antibody) or small synthetic molecule can be utilized to improve and restore the immune system to stop or slacken the development of malignant cells, stop metastasis and/or help the immune response with synthetic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and tumour-agnostic therapy to eliminate cancer cells. Interaction between the programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) and its receptor (programmed cell death protein 1, PD-1), and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA4) linked signalling pathways have been identified as perilous towards the body's immune mechanism in regulating the progression of cancer. It is known that certain cancers use these pathways to evade the body's defence mechanism. The immune system is capable of responding to cancer by stalling these trails with specific synthetic antibodies or immune checkpoint inhibitors, which can ultimately either stop or slow cancer cell development. Recent findings and data suggested that using such inhibitors invigorated a new approach to cancer treatment. These inhibitors usually activate the immune system to identify and eliminate cancer cells rather than attacking tumour cells directly. PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors have already been substantiated for their efficacy in over twenty variations of cancer through different clinical trials. Studies on molecular interaction with existing PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors that are mainly dominated by antibodies are constantly generating new ideas to develop novel inhibitors. This review has summarised information on reported and/or patented small molecules and peptides for their ability to interact with the PD-1/PD-L1 as a potential anticancer strategy.
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28
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Maas MN, Hintzen JCJ, Löffler PMG, Mecinović J. Targeting SARS-CoV-2 spike protein by stapled hACE2 peptides. Chem Commun (Camb) 2021; 57:3283-3286. [PMID: 33651072 DOI: 10.1039/d0cc08387a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein RBD interacts with the hACE2 receptor to initiate cell entry and infection. We set out to develop lactam-based i,i + 4 stapled hACE2 peptides targeting SARS-CoV-2. In vitro screening demonstrates the inhibition of the Spike protein RBD-hACE2 complex formation by the hACE221-55A36K-F40E stapled peptide (IC50: 3.6 μM, Kd: 2.1 μM), suggesting that hACE2 peptidomimetics could form the basis for the development of anti-COVID-19 therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marijn N Maas
- University of Southern Denmark, Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Campusvej 55, 5230 Odense, Denmark.
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29
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Park JJ, Thi EP, Carpio VH, Bi Y, Cole AG, Dorsey BD, Fan K, Harasym T, Iott CL, Kadhim S, Kim JH, Lee ACH, Nguyen D, Paratala BS, Qiu R, White A, Lakshminarasimhan D, Leo C, Suto RK, Rijnbrand R, Tang S, Sofia MJ, Moore CB. Checkpoint inhibition through small molecule-induced internalization of programmed death-ligand 1. Nat Commun 2021; 12:1222. [PMID: 33619272 PMCID: PMC7900207 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-21410-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Programmed death-ligand 1 is a glycoprotein expressed on antigen presenting cells, hepatocytes, and tumors which upon interaction with programmed death-1, results in inhibition of antigen-specific T cell responses. Here, we report a mechanism of inhibiting programmed death-ligand 1 through small molecule-induced dimerization and internalization. This represents a mechanism of checkpoint inhibition, which differentiates from anti-programmed death-ligand 1 antibodies which function through molecular disruption of the programmed death 1 interaction. Testing of programmed death ligand 1 small molecule inhibition in a humanized mouse model of colorectal cancer results in a significant reduction in tumor size and promotes T cell proliferation. In addition, antigen-specific T and B cell responses from patients with chronic hepatitis B infection are significantly elevated upon programmed death ligand 1 small molecule inhibitor treatment. Taken together, these data identify a mechanism of small molecule-induced programmed death ligand 1 internalization with potential therapeutic implications in oncology and chronic viral infections.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Yingzhi Bi
- Arbutus Biopharma Inc, Warminster, PA, USA
| | | | | | - Kristi Fan
- Arbutus Biopharma Inc, Warminster, PA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Sunny Tang
- Arbutus Biopharma Inc, Warminster, PA, USA
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30
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Howell LA, Beekman AM. In silico peptide-directed ligand design complements experimental peptide-directed binding for protein-protein interaction modulator discovery. RSC Chem Biol 2021; 2:215-219. [PMID: 34458784 PMCID: PMC8341744 DOI: 10.1039/d0cb00148a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Using the protein-protein interaction of Mcl-1/Noxa, two methods for efficient modulator discovery are directly compared. In silico peptide-directed ligand design is evaluated against experimental peptide-directed binding, allowing for the discovery of two new inhibitors of Mcl-1/Noxa with cellular activity. In silico peptide-directed ligand design demonstrates an in vitro hit rate of 80% (IC50 < 100 μM). The two rapid and efficient methods demonstrate complementary features for protein-protein interaction modulator discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lesley Ann Howell
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London Mile End Road London E1 4NS UK
| | - Andrew Michael Beekman
- School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park Norwich Norfolk NR47TJ UK
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31
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Bojadzic D, Alcazar O, Buchwald P. Methylene Blue Inhibits the SARS-CoV-2 Spike-ACE2 Protein-Protein Interaction-a Mechanism that can Contribute to its Antiviral Activity Against COVID-19. Front Pharmacol 2021; 11:600372. [PMID: 33519460 PMCID: PMC7838506 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.600372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to our interest in the chemical space of organic dyes to identify potential small-molecule inhibitors (SMIs) for protein-protein interactions (PPIs), we initiated a screen of such compounds to assess their inhibitory activity against the interaction between SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and its cognate receptor ACE2, which is the first critical step initiating the viral attachment and entry of this coronavirus responsible for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. As part of this, we found that methylene blue, a tricyclic phenothiazine compound approved by the FDA for the treatment of methemoglobinemia and used for other medical applications (including the inactivation of viruses in blood products prior to transfusion when activated by light), inhibits this interaction. We confirmed that it does so in a concentration-dependent manner with a low micromolar half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50 = 3 μM) in our protein-based ELISA-type setup, while chloroquine, siramesine, and suramin showed no inhibitory activity in this assay. Erythrosine B, which we have shown before to be a promiscuous SMI of PPIs, also inhibited this interaction. Methylene blue inhibited the entry of a SARS-CoV-2 spike bearing pseudovirus into ACE2-expressing cells with similar IC50 (3.5 μM). Hence, this PPI inhibitory activity could contribute to its antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 even in the absence of light by blocking its attachment to ACE2-expressing cells and making this inexpensive and widely available drug potentially useful in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 as an oral or inhaled medication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damir Bojadzic
- Diabetes Research Institute, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Oscar Alcazar
- Diabetes Research Institute, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Peter Buchwald
- Diabetes Research Institute, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
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32
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Egieyeh S, Egieyeh E, Malan S, Christofells A, Fielding B. Computational drug repurposing strategy predicted peptide-based drugs that can potentially inhibit the interaction of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein with its target (humanACE2). PLoS One 2021; 16:e0245258. [PMID: 33417604 PMCID: PMC7793299 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0245258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug repurposing for COVID-19 has several potential benefits including shorter development time, reduced costs and regulatory support for faster time to market for treatment that can alleviate the current pandemic. The current study used molecular docking, molecular dynamics and protein-protein interaction simulations to predict drugs from the Drug Bank that can bind to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein interacting surface on the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2) receptor. The study predicted a number of peptide-based drugs, including Sar9 Met (O2)11-Substance P and BV2, that might bind sufficiently to the hACE2 receptor to modulate the protein-protein interaction required for infection by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Such drugs could be validated in vitro or in vivo as potential inhibitors of the interaction of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein with the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2) in the airway. Exploration of the proposed and current pharmacological indications of the peptide drugs predicted as potential inhibitors of the interaction between the spike protein and hACE2 receptor revealed that some of the predicted peptide drugs have been investigated for the treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), viral infection, inflammation and angioedema, and to stimulate the immune system, and potentiate antiviral agents against influenza virus. Furthermore, these predicted drug hits may be used as a basis to design new peptide or peptidomimetic drugs with better affinity and specificity for the hACE2 receptor that may prevent interaction between SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and hACE2 that is prerequisite to the infection by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Egieyeh
- Computational Pharmacology and Cheminformatics Research Group, Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy Unit, School of Pharmacy, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
- * E-mail:
| | - Elizabeth Egieyeh
- Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy Unit, School of Pharmacy, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sarel Malan
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Unit, School of Pharmacy, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Alan Christofells
- South African Medical Research Council Bioinformatics Unit, South African National Bioinformatics Institute, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Burtram Fielding
- Molecular Biology and Virology Research Laboratory, Department of Medical Biosciences, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
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33
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In Silico Identification of Potential Druggable Binding Sites on CIN85 SH3 Domain. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22020534. [PMID: 33430321 PMCID: PMC7825788 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22020534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 01/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) play a pivotal role in the regulation of many physiological processes. The dysfunction of some PPIs interactions led to the alteration of different biological pathways causing various diseases including cancer. In this context, the inhibition of PPIs represents an attractive strategy for the design of new antitumoral agents. In recent years, computational approaches were successfully used to study the interactions between proteins, providing useful hints for the design of small molecules able to modulate PPIs. Targeting PPIs presents several challenges mainly due to the large and flat binding surface that lack the typical binding pockets of traditional drug targets. Despite these hurdles, substantial progress has been made in the last decade resulting in the identification of PPI modulators where some of them even found clinical use. This study focuses on MUC1-CIN85 PPI which is involved in the migration and invasion of cancer cells. Particularly, we investigated the presence of druggable binding sites on the CIN85 surface which provided new insights for the structure-based design of novel MUC1-CIN85 PPI inhibitors as anti-metastatic agents.
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34
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Kobryn AE, Maruyama Y, Velázquez-Martínez CA, Yoshida N, Gusarov S. Modeling the interaction of SARS-CoV-2 binding to the ACE2 receptor via molecular theory of solvation. NEW J CHEM 2021. [DOI: 10.1039/d1nj02015c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) protein is a cell gate receptor for the SARS-CoV-2 virus, responsible for the development of symptoms associated with the Covid-19 disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander E. Kobryn
- Nanotechnology Research Centre, National Research Council Canada, 11421 Saskatchewan Drive NW, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2M9, Canada
| | - Yutaka Maruyama
- Architecture Development Team, FLAGSHIP 2020 Project, RIKEN Center for Computational Science, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047, Japan
| | - Carlos A. Velázquez-Martínez
- 2142-L Katz Group Centre for Research, University of Alberta, 11315-87 Avenue NW, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2H5, Canada
| | - Norio Yoshida
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Kyushu University, 744, Motooka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka, 819-0395, Japan
| | - Sergey Gusarov
- Nanotechnology Research Centre, National Research Council Canada, 11421 Saskatchewan Drive NW, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2M9, Canada
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In silico derived small molecules targeting the finger-finger interaction between the histone lysine methyltransferase NSD1 and Nizp1 repressor. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2020; 18:4082-4092. [PMID: 33363704 PMCID: PMC7736721 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2020.11.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
PHD fingers are small chromatin binding domains, that alone or in tandem work as versatile interaction platforms for diversified activities, ranging from the decoding of the modification status of histone tails to the specific recognition of non-histone proteins. They play a crucial role in their host protein as mutations thereof cause several human malignancies. Thus, PHD fingers are starting to be considered as valuable pharmacological targets. While inhibitors or chemical probes of the histone binding activity of PHD fingers are emerging, their druggability as non-histone interaction platform is still unexplored. In the current study, using a computational and experimental pipeline, we provide proof of concept that the tandem PHD finger of Nuclear receptor-binding SET (Su(var)3–9, Enhancer of zeste, Trithorax) domain protein 1 (PHDVC5HCHNSD1) is ligandable. Combining virtual screening of a small subset of the ZINC database (Zinc Drug Database, ZDD, 2924 molecules) to NMR binding assays and ITC measurements, we have identified Mitoxantrone dihydrochloride, Quinacrine dihydrochloride and Chloroquine diphosphate as the first molecules able to bind to PHDVC5HCHNSD1 and to reduce its documented interaction with the Zinc finger domain (C2HRNizp1) of the transcriptional repressor Nizp1 (NSD1-interacting Zn-finger protein). These results pave the way for the design of small molecules with improved effectiveness in inhibiting this finger-finger interaction.
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Key Words
- C2HRNizp1, C2HR finger domain of Nizp1
- NMR
- NMR, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance
- NSD1
- NSD1, Nuclear receptor-binding SET (Su(var)3–9, Enhancer of zeste, Trithorax) domain protein 1
- Nizp1
- Nizp1, (NSD1-interacting Zn-finger protein)
- PHD finger
- PHD finger, Plant Homeodomain finger
- PHDVC5HCHNSD1, Fifth PHD and C5HCH tandem domain of NSD1
- Protein-protein interactions
- STD, saturation transfer difference
- VS, Virtual Screening
- Virtual screening
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Valtonen S, Vuorinen E, Kariniemi T, Eskonen V, Le Quesne J, Bushell M, Härmä H, Kopra K. Nanomolar Protein-Protein Interaction Monitoring with a Label-Free Protein-Probe Technique. Anal Chem 2020; 92:15781-15788. [PMID: 33237744 PMCID: PMC7745204 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.0c02823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) are an essential part of correct cellular functionality, making them increasingly interesting drug targets. While Förster resonance energy transfer-based methods have traditionally been widely used for PPI studies, label-free techniques have recently drawn significant attention. These methods are ideal for studying PPIs, most importantly as there is no need for labeling of either interaction partner, reducing potential interferences and overall costs. Already, several different label-free methods are available, such as differential scanning calorimetry and surface plasmon resonance, but these biophysical methods suffer from low to medium throughput, which reduces suitability for high-throughput screening (HTS) of PPI inhibitors. Differential scanning fluorimetry, utilizing external fluorescent probes, is an HTS compatible technique, but high protein concentration is needed for experiments. To improve the current concepts, we have developed a method based on time-resolved luminescence, enabling PPI monitoring even at low nanomolar protein concentrations. This method, called the protein probe technique, is based on a peptide conjugated with Eu3+ chelate, and it has already been applied to monitor protein structural changes and small molecule interactions at elevated temperatures. Here, the applicability of the protein probe technique was demonstrated by monitoring single-protein pairing and multiprotein complexes at room and elevated temperatures. The concept functionality was proven by using both artificial and multiple natural protein pairs, such as KRAS and eIF4A together with their binding partners, and C-reactive protein in a complex with its antibody.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salla Valtonen
- Department
of Chemistry, Chemistry of Drug Development, University of Turku, Vatselankatu 2, 20500 Turku, Finland
| | - Emmiliisa Vuorinen
- Department
of Chemistry, Chemistry of Drug Development, University of Turku, Vatselankatu 2, 20500 Turku, Finland
| | - Taru Kariniemi
- Department
of Chemistry, Chemistry of Drug Development, University of Turku, Vatselankatu 2, 20500 Turku, Finland
| | - Ville Eskonen
- Department
of Chemistry, Chemistry of Drug Development, University of Turku, Vatselankatu 2, 20500 Turku, Finland
| | - John Le Quesne
- University
of Cambridge, MRC Toxicology Unit, Hodgkin Building, Lancaster Road, Leicester LE1 7HB, U.K.
| | - Martin Bushell
- Cancer
Research U.K. Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow G61 1BD, U.K.
- Institute
of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow G61 1QH, U.K.
| | - Harri Härmä
- Department
of Chemistry, Chemistry of Drug Development, University of Turku, Vatselankatu 2, 20500 Turku, Finland
| | - Kari Kopra
- Department
of Chemistry, Chemistry of Drug Development, University of Turku, Vatselankatu 2, 20500 Turku, Finland
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Alverez CN, Park JE, Toti KS, Xia Y, Krausz KW, Rai G, Bang JK, Gonzalez FJ, Jacobson KA, Lee KS. Identification of a New Heterocyclic Scaffold for Inhibitors of the Polo-Box Domain of Polo-like Kinase 1. J Med Chem 2020; 63:14087-14117. [PMID: 33175530 PMCID: PMC7769008 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
As a mitotic-specific target widely deregulated in various human cancers, polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1) has been extensively explored for anticancer activity and drug discovery. Although multiple catalytic domain inhibitors were tested in preclinical and clinical studies, their efficacies are limited by dose-limiting cytotoxicity, mainly from off-target cross reactivity. The C-terminal noncatalytic polo-box domain (PBD) of Plk1 has emerged as an attractive target for generating new protein-protein interaction inhibitors. Here, we identified a 1-thioxo-2,4-dihydro-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]quinazolin-5(1H)-one scaffold that efficiently inhibits Plk1 PBD but not its related Plk2 and Plk3 PBDs. Structure-activity relationship studies led to multiple inhibitors having ≥10-fold higher inhibitory activity than the previously characterized Plk1 PBD-specific phosphopeptide, PLHSpT (Kd ∼ 450 nM). In addition, S-methyl prodrugs effectively inhibited mitotic progression and cell proliferation and their metabolic stability was determined. These data describe a novel class of small-molecule inhibitors that offer a promising avenue for future drug discovery against Plk1-addicted cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celeste N Alverez
- Chemistry Section, Laboratory of Metabolism, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland 20850, United States
| | - Jung-Eun Park
- Chemistry Section, Laboratory of Metabolism, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
| | - Kiran S Toti
- Molecular Recognition Section, Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
| | - Yangliu Xia
- Chemistry Section, Laboratory of Metabolism, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
| | - Kristopher W Krausz
- Chemistry Section, Laboratory of Metabolism, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
| | - Ganesha Rai
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland 20850, United States
| | - Jeong K Bang
- Division of Magnetic Resonance, Korea Basic Science Institute, Cheongju 28119, Republic of Korea
| | - Frank J Gonzalez
- Chemistry Section, Laboratory of Metabolism, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
| | - Kenneth A Jacobson
- Molecular Recognition Section, Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
| | - Kyung S Lee
- Chemistry Section, Laboratory of Metabolism, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
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38
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Youssef N, Noureldein M, Daoud G, Eid AA. Immune checkpoint inhibitors and diabetes: Mechanisms and predictors. DIABETES & METABOLISM 2020; 47:101193. [PMID: 33010422 DOI: 10.1016/j.diabet.2020.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The emergence of immune checkpoint inhibitors in the arsenal of cancer immunotherapy was a breakthrough which provided hope to many cancer patients. However, not long has passed since their discovery that some adverse effects were associated with these promising therapeutic agents. Immune checkpoint inhibitors dysregulate host immunity and may precipitate autoimmune diseases including diabetes mellitus. In this review, we go beyond the case reports towards understanding the underlying mechanisms by which Programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) and Programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) inhibitors precipitate diabetes. We discuss the role of PD-1/PD-L1 in autoimmunity and the use of mice models to describe their involvement in diabetes. We also reviewed the genetic anomalies in PD-1/PD-L1genes and their link to diabetes. Finally, we present the studies conducted to identify patients at risk of developing autoimmune diseases as an adverse effect for PD-1/PD-L1 use. Understanding these issues can guide researchers to find a way to circumvent the autoimmune adverse reactions seen with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors without affecting their antitumor activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Youssef
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Centre, American University of Beirut, Bliss Street, 11-0236, Riad El-Solh 1107-2020, Lebanon; AUB Diabetes, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Mohamed Noureldein
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Centre, American University of Beirut, Bliss Street, 11-0236, Riad El-Solh 1107-2020, Lebanon; AUB Diabetes, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Georges Daoud
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Centre, American University of Beirut, Bliss Street, 11-0236, Riad El-Solh 1107-2020, Lebanon
| | - Assaad A Eid
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Centre, American University of Beirut, Bliss Street, 11-0236, Riad El-Solh 1107-2020, Lebanon; AUB Diabetes, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.
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Calabrese LH, Caporali R, Blank CU, Kirk AD. Modulating the wayward T cell: New horizons with immune checkpoint inhibitor treatments in autoimmunity, transplant, and cancer. J Autoimmun 2020; 115:102546. [PMID: 32980229 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2020.102546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The T-cell response is regulated by the balance between costimulatory and coinhibitory signals. Immune checkpoints are essential for efficient T-cell activation, but also for maintaining self-tolerance and protecting tissues from damage caused by the immune system, and for providing protective immunity. Modulating immune checkpoints can serve diametric goals, such that blocking a coinhibitory molecule can unleash anti-cancer immunity whereas stimulating the same molecule can reduce an over-reaction in autoimmune disease. The purpose of this review is to examine the regulation of T-cell costimulation and coinhibition, which is central to the processes underpinning autoimmunity, transplant rejection and immune evasion in cancer. We will focus on the immunomodulation agents that regulate these unwanted over- and under-reactions. The use of such agents has led to control of symptoms and slowing of progression in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, reduced rejection rates in transplant patients, and prolonged survival in patients with cancer. The management of immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment in certain challenging patient populations, including patients with pre-existing autoimmune conditions or transplant patients who develop cancer, as well as the management of immune-related adverse events in patients receiving antitumor therapy, is examined. Finally, the future of immune checkpoint inhibitors, including examples of emerging targets that are currently in development, as well as recent insights gained using new molecular techniques, is discussed. T-cell costimulation and coinhibition play vital roles in these diverse therapeutic areas. Targeting immune checkpoints continues to be a powerful avenue for the development of agents suitable for treating autoimmune diseases and cancers and for improving transplant outcomes. Enhanced collaboration between therapy area specialists to share learnings across disciplines will improve our understanding of the opposing effects of treatments for autoimmune disease/transplant rejection versus cancer on immune checkpoints, which has the potential to lead to improved patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Roberto Caporali
- University of Milan, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health and Rheumatology Division, ASST Pini-CTO Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Allan D Kirk
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
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40
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Narva S, Xiong X, Ma X, Tanaka Y, Wu Y, Zhang W. Synthesis and Evaluation of Biphenyl-1,2,3-Triazol-Benzonitrile Derivatives as PD-1/PD-L1 Inhibitors. ACS OMEGA 2020; 5:21181-21190. [PMID: 32875254 PMCID: PMC7450630 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.0c02916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we designed and synthesized a series of 3-(4-((5-((2-methylbiphenyl-3-yl) methoxy)-2-(piperazin-1-ylmethyl)phenoxy)methyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)benzonitrile derivatives and examined the effect of the compounds on the interaction between PD-1 and PD-L1. Among the newly synthesized compounds, compound 7 exhibited the most potent inhibitory activity for PD-1/PD-L1 binding, with an IC50 value being 8.52 μM, through homogeneous time-resolved fluorescence (HTRF) assay. Docking studies indicated that compound 7 can very well interact with PD-L1 dimerization like BMS-202 as a positive control, consistent with the results of the HTRF assay. Compound 7 is thus a promising candidate for further optimization as an inhibitor of the PD-1/PD-L1 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suresh Narva
- Laboratory
of Chemical Biology and Molecular Drug Design, College of Pharmaceutical
Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
- Institute
of Drug Development & Chemical Biology, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Xuqiong Xiong
- Laboratory
of Chemical Biology and Molecular Drug Design, College of Pharmaceutical
Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
- Institute
of Drug Development & Chemical Biology, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Xudong Ma
- Laboratory
of Chemical Biology and Molecular Drug Design, College of Pharmaceutical
Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
- Institute
of Drug Development & Chemical Biology, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Yoshimasa Tanaka
- Center
for Medical Innovation, Nagasaki University, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki 852-8588, Japan
| | - Yanling Wu
- Laboratory
of Molecular Immunology, Virus Inspection Department, Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou 310051, China
| | - Wen Zhang
- Laboratory
of Chemical Biology and Molecular Drug Design, College of Pharmaceutical
Science, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
- Institute
of Drug Development & Chemical Biology, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
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41
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McKee CM, Coll RC. NLRP3 inflammasome priming: A riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma. J Leukoc Biol 2020; 108:937-952. [PMID: 32745339 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.3mr0720-513r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The NLRP3 (NOD-, LRR-, and pyrin domain-containing protein 3) inflammasome is an immunological sensor that detects a wide range of microbial- and host-derived signals. Inflammasome activation results in the release of the potent pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18 and triggers a form of inflammatory cell death known as pyroptosis. Excessive NLRP3 activity is associated with the pathogenesis of a wide range of inflammatory diseases, thus NLRP3 activation mechanisms are an area of intensive research. NLRP3 inflammasome activation is a tightly regulated process that requires both priming and activation signals. In particular, recent research has highlighted the highly complex nature of the priming step, which involves transcriptional and posttranslational mechanisms, and numerous protein binding partners. This review will describe the current understanding of NLRP3 priming and will discuss the potential opportunities for targeting this process therapeutically to treat NLRP3-associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe M McKee
- The Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Antrim, UK
| | - Rebecca C Coll
- The Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Antrim, UK
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42
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Apaya MK, Kuo TF, Yang MT, Yang G, Hsiao CL, Chang SB, Lin Y, Yang WC. Phytochemicals as modulators of β-cells and immunity for the therapy of type 1 diabetes: Recent discoveries in pharmacological mechanisms and clinical potential. Pharmacol Res 2020; 156:104754. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.104754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2019] [Revised: 03/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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43
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Preparation of Biphenyl-Conjugated Bromotyrosine for Inhibition of PD-1/PD-L1 Immune Checkpoint Interactions. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21103639. [PMID: 32455628 PMCID: PMC7279355 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21103639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy has been revolutionized by the development of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that inhibit interactions between immune checkpoint molecules, such as programmed cell-death 1 (PD-1), and its ligand PD-L1. However, mAb-based drugs have some drawbacks, including poor tumor penetration and high production costs, which could potentially be overcome by small molecule drugs. BMS-8, one of the potent small molecule drugs, induces homodimerization of PD-L1, thereby inhibiting its binding to PD-1. Our assay system revealed that BMS-8 inhibited the PD-1/PD-L1 interaction with IC50 of 7.2 μM. To improve the IC50 value, we designed and synthesized a small molecule based on the molecular structure of BMS-8 by in silico simulation. As a result, we successfully prepared a biphenyl-conjugated bromotyrosine (X) with IC50 of 1.5 μM, which was about five times improved from BMS-8. We further prepared amino acid conjugates of X (amino-X), to elucidate a correlation between the docking modes of the amino-Xs and IC50 values. The results suggested that the displacement of amino-Xs from the BMS-8 in the pocket of PD-L1 homodimer correlated with IC50 values. This observation provides us a further insight how to derivatize X for better inhibitory effect.
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Fan Z, Tian Y, Chen Z, Liu L, Zhou Q, He J, Coleman J, Dong C, Li N, Huang J, Xu C, Zhang Z, Gao S, Zhou P, Ding K, Chen L. Blocking interaction between SHP2 and PD-1 denotes a novel opportunity for developing PD-1 inhibitors. EMBO Mol Med 2020; 12:e11571. [PMID: 32391629 PMCID: PMC7278553 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.201911571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Revised: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Small molecular PD-1 inhibitors are lacking in current immuno-oncology clinic. PD-1/PD-L1 antibody inhibitors currently approved for clinical usage block interaction between PD-L1 and PD-1 to enhance cytotoxicity of CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL). Whether other steps along the PD-1 signaling pathway can be targeted remains to be determined. Here, we report that methylene blue (MB), an FDA-approved chemical for treating methemoglobinemia, potently inhibits PD-1 signaling. MB enhances the cytotoxicity, activation, cell proliferation, and cytokine-secreting activity of CTL inhibited by PD-1. Mechanistically, MB blocks interaction between Y248-phosphorylated immunoreceptor tyrosine-based switch motif (ITSM) of human PD-1 and SHP2. MB enables activated CTL to shrink PD-L1 expressing tumor allografts and autochthonous lung cancers in a transgenic mouse model. MB also effectively counteracts the PD-1 signaling on human T cells isolated from peripheral blood of healthy donors. Thus, we identify an FDA-approved chemical capable of potently inhibiting the function of PD-1. Equally important, our work sheds light on a novel strategy to develop inhibitors targeting PD-1 signaling axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenzhen Fan
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology and Key Laboratory of Functional Protein Research of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Institute of Life and Health Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yahui Tian
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology and Key Laboratory of Functional Protein Research of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Institute of Life and Health Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhipeng Chen
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology and Key Laboratory of Functional Protein Research of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Institute of Life and Health Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lu Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology and Key Laboratory of Functional Protein Research of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Institute of Life and Health Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qian Zhou
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology and Key Laboratory of Functional Protein Research of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Institute of Life and Health Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingjing He
- Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - James Coleman
- Biomedical Research Centre, Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK
| | - Changjiang Dong
- Biomedical Research Centre, Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK
| | - Nan Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology and Key Laboratory of Functional Protein Research of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Institute of Life and Health Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junqi Huang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology and Key Laboratory of Functional Protein Research of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Institute of Life and Health Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chenqi Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Science Research Center, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhimin Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Song Gao
- Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Penghui Zhou
- Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ke Ding
- School of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liang Chen
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology and Key Laboratory of Functional Protein Research of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Institute of Life and Health Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
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45
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Ashizawa T, Iizuka A, Tanaka E, Kondou R, Miyata H, Maeda C, Sugino T, Yamaguchi K, Ando T, Ishikawa Y, Ito M, Akiyama Y. Antitumor activity of the PD-1/PD-L1 binding inhibitor BMS-202 in the humanized MHC-double knockout NOG mouse. Biomed Res 2020; 40:243-250. [PMID: 31839668 DOI: 10.2220/biomedres.40.243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Recently, the first series of small molecule inhibitors of PD-1/PD-L1 were reported by Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS), which were developed using a homogeneous time-resolved fluorescence (HTRF)-based screening investigation of the PD-1/PD-L1 interaction. Additional crystallographic and biophysical studies showed that these compounds inhibited the interaction of PD-1/PD-L1 by inducing the dimerization of PD-L1, in which each dimer binds one molecule of the stabilizer at its interface. However, the immunological mechanism of the antitumor effect of these compounds remains to be elucidated. In the present study, we focused on BMS-202 (a representative of the BMS compounds) and investigated its antitumor activity using in vitro and in vivo experiments. BMS-202 inhibited the proliferation of strongly PD-L1-positive SCC-3 cells (IC50 15 μM) and anti-CD3 antibody-activated Jurkat cells (IC50 10 μM) in vitro. Additionally, BMS-202 had no regulatory effect on the PD-1 or PD-L1 expression level on the cell surface of these cells. In an in vivo study using humanized MHC-double knockout (dKO) NOG mice, BMS-202 showed a clear antitumor effect compared with the controls; however, a direct cytotoxic effect was revealed to be involved in the antitumor mechanism, as there was no lymphocyte accumulation in the tumor site. These results suggest that the antitumor effect of BMS-202 might be partly mediated by a direct off-target cytotoxic effect in addition to the immune response-based mechanism. Also, the humanized dKO NOG mouse model used in this study was shown to be a useful tool for the screening of small molecule inhibitors of PD-1/PD-L1 binding that can inhibit tumor growth via an immune-response-mediated mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tadashi Ashizawa
- Immunotherapy Division, Shizuoka Cancer Center Research Institute
| | - Akira Iizuka
- Immunotherapy Division, Shizuoka Cancer Center Research Institute
| | - Emiko Tanaka
- Immunotherapy Division, Shizuoka Cancer Center Research Institute
| | - Ryota Kondou
- Immunotherapy Division, Shizuoka Cancer Center Research Institute
| | - Haruo Miyata
- Immunotherapy Division, Shizuoka Cancer Center Research Institute
| | - Chie Maeda
- Immunotherapy Division, Shizuoka Cancer Center Research Institute
| | | | - Ken Yamaguchi
- Office of the president, Shizuoka Cancer Center Hospital
| | | | | | - Mamoru Ito
- Central Institute for Experimental Animals
| | - Yasuto Akiyama
- Immunotherapy Division, Shizuoka Cancer Center Research Institute
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Xiao T, Frey G, Fu Q, Lavine CL, Scott DA, Seaman MS, Chou JJ, Chen B. HIV-1 fusion inhibitors targeting the membrane-proximal external region of Env spikes. Nat Chem Biol 2020; 16:529-537. [PMID: 32152540 PMCID: PMC7723321 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-020-0496-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Combination antiretroviral therapy has transformed HIV-1 infection, once a fatal illness, into a manageable chronic condition. Drug resistance, severe side effects and treatment noncompliance bring challenges to combination antiretroviral therapy implementation in clinical settings and indicate the need for additional molecular targets. Here, we have identified several small-molecule fusion inhibitors, guided by a neutralizing antibody, against an extensively studied vaccine target-the membrane proximal external region (MPER) of the HIV-1 envelope spike. These compounds specifically inhibit the HIV-1 envelope-mediated membrane fusion by blocking CD4-induced conformational changes. An NMR structure of one compound complexed with a trimeric MPER construct reveals that the compound partially inserts into a hydrophobic pocket formed exclusively by the MPER residues, thereby stabilizing its prefusion conformation. These results suggest that the MPER is a potential therapeutic target for developing fusion inhibitors and that strategies employing an antibody-guided search for novel therapeutics may be applied to other human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianshu Xiao
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, and Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Gary Frey
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, and Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,ICCB-Longwood Screening Facility, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Qingshan Fu
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Christy L Lavine
- Center for Virology and Vaccine Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David A Scott
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michael S Seaman
- Center for Virology and Vaccine Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - James J Chou
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Bing Chen
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, and Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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Shirley JL, Keeler GD, Sherman A, Zolotukhin I, Markusic DM, Hoffman BE, Morel LM, Wallet MA, Terhorst C, Herzog RW. Type I IFN Sensing by cDCs and CD4 + T Cell Help Are Both Requisite for Cross-Priming of AAV Capsid-Specific CD8 + T Cells. Mol Ther 2019; 28:758-770. [PMID: 31780366 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2019.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Revised: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors are widely used in clinical gene therapy to correct genetic disease by in vivo gene transfer. Although the vectors are useful, in part because of their limited immunogenicity, immune responses directed at vector components have complicated applications in humans. These include, for instance, innate immune sensing of vector components by plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs), which sense the vector DNA genome via Toll-like receptor 9. Adaptive immune responses employ antigen presentation by conventional dendritic cells (cDCs), which leads to cross-priming of capsid-specific CD8+ T cells. In this study, we sought to determine the mechanisms that promote licensing of cDCs, which is requisite for CD8+ T cell activation. Blockage of type 1 interferon (T1 IFN) signaling by monoclonal antibody therapy prevented cross-priming. Furthermore, experiments in cell-type-restricted knockout mice showed a specific requirement for the receptor for T1 IFN (IFNaR) in cDCs. In contrast, natural killer (NK) cells are not needed, indicating a direct rather than indirect effect of T1 IFN on cDCs. In addition, co-stimulation by CD4+ T cells via CD40-CD40L was required for cross-priming, and blockage of co-stimulation but not of T1 IFN additionally reduced antibody formation against capsid. These mechanistic insights inform the development of targeted immune interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie L Shirley
- Department Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | | | | | - Irene Zolotukhin
- Department Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - David M Markusic
- Herman B. Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Brad E Hoffman
- Department Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Laurence M Morel
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Mark A Wallet
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Cox Terhorst
- Division of Immunology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC), Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Roland W Herzog
- Department Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Herman B. Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
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Bojadzic D, Buchwald P. CD40-targeting KGYY 15 peptides do not efficiently block the CD40-CD40L interaction. Diabetologia 2019; 62:2158-2160. [PMID: 31501919 DOI: 10.1007/s00125-019-04996-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Damir Bojadzic
- Diabetes Research Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, 1450 NW 10th Ave, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Peter Buchwald
- Diabetes Research Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, 1450 NW 10th Ave, Miami, FL, USA.
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA.
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Smolle MA, Prinz F, Calin GA, Pichler M. Current concepts of non-coding RNA regulation of immune checkpoints in cancer. Mol Aspects Med 2019; 70:117-126. [PMID: 31582259 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2019.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The discovery of immune checkpoint molecules as important regulators of immune responses in healthy individuals as well as immune escape of malignant tumours has led to profound changes in understanding, research and treatment of human cancer. Especially the introduction of immune checkpoint inhibitors in cancer therapy has set anti-cancer therapy on a novel level. With increasing experience of approved CTLA-4 and PD1/PD-L1 inhibitors and the evolution of novel immune checkpoint molecules from pre-clinical models to clinical trials, mechanisms of the regulation of these immune system guiding factors, are of paramount importance to overcome mechanisms of resistance. Non-protein coding RNAs (i.e. non-coding RNAs) such as short microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs are involved in regulating of various cellular processes and have attracted attention of cancer researchers and immunologists over the last years. In the present review, interactions between non coding RNAs and immune checkpoint molecules, within the framework of human cancer, will be discussed and current and developing concepts between the immunological and non-coding RNA world, will be elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Anna Smolle
- Department for Orthopaedics & Trauma, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 5, 8036, Graz, Austria.
| | - Felix Prinz
- Research Unit for Non-Coding RNA and Genome Editing in Cancer, Division of Oncology, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 15, 8036, Graz, Austria.
| | - George Adrian Calin
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Unit 1950, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
| | - Martin Pichler
- Research Unit for Non-Coding RNA and Genome Editing in Cancer, Division of Oncology, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 15, 8036, Graz, Austria; Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Unit 1950, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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Buchwald P. A Receptor Model With Binding Affinity, Activation Efficacy, and Signal Amplification Parameters for Complex Fractional Response Versus Occupancy Data. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:605. [PMID: 31244653 PMCID: PMC6580154 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.00605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
In quantitative pharmacology, multi-parameter receptor models are needed to account for the complex nonlinear relationship between fractional occupancy and response that can occur due to the intermixing of the effects of partial receptor activation and post-receptor signal amplification. Here, a general two-state receptor model and corresponding quantitative forms are proposed that unify three distinct processes, each characterized with its own parameter: 1) receptor binding, characterized by Kd, the equilibrium dissociation constant used for binding affinity; 2) receptor activation, characterized by an (intrinsic) efficacy parameter ε; and 3) post-activation signal transduction (amplification), characterized by a gain parameter γ. Constitutive activity is accommodated via an additional εR0 parameter quantifying the activation of the ligand-free receptor. Receptors can be active or inactive in both their ligand-free and ligand-bound states (two-state receptor theory), but ligand binding alters the likelihood of activation (induced fit). Because structural data now confirm that for most receptors in their active conformation, the small-molecule ligand-binding site is buried inside, straightforward binding to the active form (direct conformational selection) is unlikely. The proposed general equation has parameters that are more intuitive and better suited for optimization by nonlinear regression than those of the operational (Black and Leff) or del Castillo–Katz model. The model provides a unified framework for fitting complex data including a) fractional responses that do not match independently measured fractional occupancies, b) responses measured after partial irreversible inactivation of the “receptor reserve” (Furchgott method), c) fractional responses that are different along distinct downstream pathways (biased agonism), and d) responses with constitutive receptor activity. Furthermore, unlike previous models, the present one can be reduced back for special cases of its parameters to consecutively nested simplified forms that can be used on their own when adequate (e.g., εR0 = 0, no constitutive activity; γ = 1: Emax model for partial agonism; ε = 1: Clark equation).
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Buchwald
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Diabetes Research Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
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