1
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Yan X, Qu C, Li Q, Zhu L, Tong HH, Liu H, Ouyang Q, Yao X. Multiscale calculations reveal new insights into the reaction mechanism between KRAS G12C and α, β-unsaturated carbonyl of covalent inhibitors. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2024; 23:1408-1417. [PMID: 38616962 PMCID: PMC11015740 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2024.03.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Utilizing α,β-unsaturated carbonyl group as Michael acceptors to react with thiols represents a successful strategy for developing KRASG12C inhibitors. Despite this, the precise reaction mechanism between KRASG12C and covalent inhibitors remains a subject of debate, primarily due to the absence of an appropriate residue capable of deprotonating the cysteine thiol as a base. To uncover this reaction mechanism, we first discussed the chemical reaction mechanism in solvent conditions via density functional theory (DFT) calculation. Based on this, we then proposed and validated the enzymatic reaction mechanism by employing quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) calculation. Our QM/MM analysis suggests that, in biological conditions, proton transfer and nucleophilic addition may proceed through a concerted process to form an enolate intermediate, bypassing the need for a base catalyst. This proposed mechanism differs from previous findings. Following the formation of the enolate intermediate, solvent-assisted tautomerization results in the final product. Our calculations indicate that solvent-assisted tautomerization is the rate-limiting step in the catalytic cycle under biological conditions. On the basis of this reaction mechanism, the calculated kinact/ki for two inhibitors is consistent well with the experimental results. Our findings provide new insights into the reaction mechanism between the cysteine of KRASG12C and the covalent inhibitors and may provide valuable information for designing effective covalent inhibitors targeting KRASG12C and other similar targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Yan
- Faculty of Applied Sciences, Macao Polytechnic University, Macao Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Chuanhua Qu
- College of Pharmacy, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Targeted and Innovative Therapeutics, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Kinase Modulators as Innovative Medicine, Chongqing University of Arts and Sciences, Chongqing 402160, China
| | - Qin Li
- Faculty of Applied Sciences, Macao Polytechnic University, Macao Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Lei Zhu
- College of Pharmacy, Third Military Medical University, Shapingba, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Henry H.Y. Tong
- Faculty of Applied Sciences, Macao Polytechnic University, Macao Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Huanxiang Liu
- Faculty of Applied Sciences, Macao Polytechnic University, Macao Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Qin Ouyang
- College of Pharmacy, Third Military Medical University, Shapingba, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Xiaojun Yao
- Faculty of Applied Sciences, Macao Polytechnic University, Macao Special Administrative Region of China
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2
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George N, Xiao J. Inhibiting sphingosine 1-phosphate lyase: From efficacy to mechanism. Neurobiol Dis 2024; 199:106585. [PMID: 38955289 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2024.106585] [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: 06/06/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Sphingosine-1 phosphate (S1P) is a lipid metabolite regulating diverse biological processes, including proliferation, differentiation, migration, and apoptosis, highlighting its physiological and therapeutic significance. Current S1P-based therapeutic approaches primarily focus on modulating the downstream signalling via targeting S1P receptors, however, this is challenged by incomplete receptor internalisation. Sphingosine-1-phosphate lyase (SPL) is a highly conserved enzyme that "gatekeeps" the final step of S1P degradation. Cognisant of the complex ligand and receptor interaction and dynamic metabolic networks, the selective modulation of SPL activity presents a new opportunity to regulate S1P biosynthesis and reveal its role in various systems. Over the past decade, an evolving effort has been made to identify new molecules that could block SPL activity in vitro or in vivo. This review focuses on summarising the current understanding of the reported SPL inhibitors identified through various screening approaches, discussing their efficacy in diverse model systems and the possible mechanism of action. Whilst effective modulation of S1P levels via inhibiting SPL is feasible, the specificity of those inhibitors remains inconclusive, presenting a clear challenge for future implications. Yet, none of the currently available SPL inhibitors is proven effective in elevating S1P levels within the central nervous system. This review article embraces future research focusing on investigating selective SPL inhibitors with high potency and possibly blood-brain-barrier permeability, which would aid the development of new S1P-based therapeutics for neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nelson George
- Department of Health Sciences and Biostatistics, School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Victoria, Australia
| | - Junhua Xiao
- Department of Health Sciences and Biostatistics, School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Victoria, Australia.
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3
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Zhang J, Zhang Y, Wang J, Xia Y, Zhang J, Chen L. Recent advances in Alzheimer's disease: Mechanisms, clinical trials and new drug development strategies. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:211. [PMID: 39174535 PMCID: PMC11344989 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01911-3] [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: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) stands as the predominant form of dementia, presenting significant and escalating global challenges. Its etiology is intricate and diverse, stemming from a combination of factors such as aging, genetics, and environment. Our current understanding of AD pathologies involves various hypotheses, such as the cholinergic, amyloid, tau protein, inflammatory, oxidative stress, metal ion, glutamate excitotoxicity, microbiota-gut-brain axis, and abnormal autophagy. Nonetheless, unraveling the interplay among these pathological aspects and pinpointing the primary initiators of AD require further elucidation and validation. In the past decades, most clinical drugs have been discontinued due to limited effectiveness or adverse effects. Presently, available drugs primarily offer symptomatic relief and often accompanied by undesirable side effects. However, recent approvals of aducanumab (1) and lecanemab (2) by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) present the potential in disrease-modifying effects. Nevertheless, the long-term efficacy and safety of these drugs need further validation. Consequently, the quest for safer and more effective AD drugs persists as a formidable and pressing task. This review discusses the current understanding of AD pathogenesis, advances in diagnostic biomarkers, the latest updates of clinical trials, and emerging technologies for AD drug development. We highlight recent progress in the discovery of selective inhibitors, dual-target inhibitors, allosteric modulators, covalent inhibitors, proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs), and protein-protein interaction (PPI) modulators. Our goal is to provide insights into the prospective development and clinical application of novel AD drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jifa Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neuro-system and Multimorbidity and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Yinglu Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neuro-system and Multimorbidity and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Jiaxing Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, 38163, TN, USA
| | - Yilin Xia
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neuro-system and Multimorbidity and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Jiaxian Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neuro-system and Multimorbidity and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Lei Chen
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Neuro-system and Multimorbidity and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
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4
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Liu Y, Tan J, Hu S, Hussain M, Qiao C, Tu Y, Lu X, Zhou Y. Dynamics Playing a Key Role in the Covalent Binding of Inhibitors to Focal Adhesion Kinase. J Chem Inf Model 2024; 64:6053-6061. [PMID: 39051776 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.4c00418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Covalent kinase inhibitors (CKIs) have recently garnered considerable attention, yet the rational design of CKIs continues to pose a great challenge. In the discovery of CKIs targeting focal adhesion kinase (FAK), it has been observed that the chemical structure of the linkers plays a key role in achieving covalent targeting of FAK. However, the mechanism behind the observation remains elusive. In this work, we employ a comprehensive suite of advanced computational methods to investigate the mechanism of CKIs covalently targeting FAK. We reveal that the linker of an inhibitor influences the contacts between the warhead and residue(s) and the residence time in active conformation, thereby dictating the inhibitor's capability to bind covalently to FAK. This study reflects the complexity of CKI design and underscores the importance of considering the dynamic interactions and residence times for the successful development of covalent drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiling Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Discovery of Chinese Ministry of Education, Guangzhou City Key Laboratory of Precision Chemical Drug Development, School of Pharmacy, Jinan University, #855 Xingye Avenue, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Jundong Tan
- School of Management, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511400, China
| | - Shiliang Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Discovery of Chinese Ministry of Education, Guangzhou City Key Laboratory of Precision Chemical Drug Development, School of Pharmacy, Jinan University, #855 Xingye Avenue, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Muzammal Hussain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York 10016, United States
| | - Chang Qiao
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Discovery of Chinese Ministry of Education, Guangzhou City Key Laboratory of Precision Chemical Drug Development, School of Pharmacy, Jinan University, #855 Xingye Avenue, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Yaoquan Tu
- Department of Theoretical Chemistry and Biology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm 114 28, Sweden
| | - Xiaoyun Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Discovery of Chinese Ministry of Education, Guangzhou City Key Laboratory of Precision Chemical Drug Development, School of Pharmacy, Jinan University, #855 Xingye Avenue, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Yang Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Discovery of Chinese Ministry of Education, Guangzhou City Key Laboratory of Precision Chemical Drug Development, School of Pharmacy, Jinan University, #855 Xingye Avenue, Guangzhou 510632, China
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5
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Kuttenlochner W, Beller P, Kaysser L, Groll M. Deciphering the SAM- and Metal-Dependent Mechanism of O-Methyltransferases in Cystargolide and Belactosin Biosynthesis: A Structure-Activity Relationship Study. J Biol Chem 2024:107646. [PMID: 39121999 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107646] [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: 05/21/2024] [Revised: 07/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Cystargolides and belactosins are natural products with a distinct dipeptide structure and an electrophilic β-lactone warhead. They are known to inhibit proteases such as the proteasome or caseinolytic protease P, highlighting their potential in treating cancers and neurodegenerative diseases. Recent genetic analyses have shown homology between the biosynthetic pathways of the two inhibitors. Here, we characterize the O-methyltransferases BelI and CysG, which catalyze the initial step of β-lactone formation. Employing techniques such as crystallography, computational analysis, mutagenesis, and activity assays, we identified a His-His-Asp (HHD) motif in the active sites of the two enzymes, which is crucial for binding a catalytically active calcium ion. Our findings thus elucidate a conserved divalent metal-dependent mechanism in both biosynthetic pathways that distinguishes BelI and CysG from previously characterized O-methyltransferases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Kuttenlochner
- Department of Bioscience, Center for Protein Assemblies (CPA), TUM School of Natural Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany.
| | - Patrick Beller
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Pharmaceutical Institute, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Leonard Kaysser
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute for Drug Discovery, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Michael Groll
- Department of Bioscience, Center for Protein Assemblies (CPA), TUM School of Natural Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany.
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6
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Harrison K, Carlos PW, Ullrich S, Aggarwal A, Johansen-Leete J, Sasi VM, Barter I, Maxwell JWC, Bedding MJ, Larance M, Turville S, Norman A, Jackson CJ, Nitsche C, Payne RJ. Exploiting Hydrophobic Amino Acid Scanning to Develop Cyclic Peptide Inhibitors of the SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease with Antiviral Activity. Chemistry 2024; 30:e202401606. [PMID: 38801240 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202401606] [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: 04/24/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
The development of novel antivirals is crucial not only for managing current COVID-19 infections but for addressing potential future zoonotic outbreaks. SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) is vital for viral replication and viability and therefore serves as an attractive target for antiviral intervention. Herein, we report the optimization of a cyclic peptide inhibitor that emerged from an mRNA display selection against the SARS-CoV-2 Mpro to enhance its cell permeability and in vitro antiviral activity. By identifying mutation-tolerant amino acid residues within the peptide sequence, we describe the development of a second-generation Mpro inhibitor bearing five cyclohexylalanine residues. This cyclic peptide analogue exhibited significantly improved cell permeability and antiviral activity compared to the parent peptide. This approach highlights the importance of optimizing cyclic peptide hits for activity against intracellular targets such as the SARS-CoV-2 Mpro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katriona Harrison
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Patrick W Carlos
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Sven Ullrich
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Anupriya Aggarwal
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Jason Johansen-Leete
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Vishnu Mini Sasi
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Isabel Barter
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Joshua W C Maxwell
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Max J Bedding
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Mark Larance
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
- School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Stuart Turville
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Alexander Norman
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Colin J Jackson
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Christoph Nitsche
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Richard J Payne
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
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7
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Ngo HX, Wen YW, Pisupati S, Huang W, Mandlekar S. A Comparative Clinical Pharmacology Analysis of FDA-Approved Targeted Covalent Inhibitors vs. Reversible Inhibitors in Oncology. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2024. [PMID: 39072721 DOI: 10.1002/cpt.3390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Targeted covalent inhibitors (TCIs) are an emerging class of anticancer therapeutics. TCIs are designed to selectively engage their targeted proteins via covalent warheads. From the drug development standpoint, the covalent inhibition mechanism is anticipated to elicit the following theoretical benefits: (i) an extended duration of therapeutic action that is determined by the target protein turnover rate and not necessarily by drug half-life, (ii) a lower therapeutic dose owing to greater pharmacological potency, (iii) lower risk of off-target binding and associated adverse events, and (iv) reduced drug-drug interaction (DDI) liability due to high selectivity and low dose. Elucidating the clinical relevance of these expected benefits requires an integrated assessment of pharmacokinetics (PK), efficacy, safety, and DDI data. In this review, we compared the clinical pharmacology attributes of FDA-approved oncology TCIs within the last 10 years against their reversible inhibitor (RI) counterparts. Our findings indicated that (i) PK half-lives of TCIs were typically shorter and (ii) at their respective recommended clinical doses per drug label, the molar unbound steady state areas under the concentration-time curve (AUCss) of TCIs were lower than those of RIs, but with longer clinically observed durations of response. However, (iii) there was no conclusive evidence supporting improved clinical safety profiles for TCIs, and (iv) DDI perpetrator profiles appeared to be similar between TCIs and RIs. The overall clinical pharmacology comparison of TCI vs. RI surveyed in this paper suggested that at least two of the four forecasted clinical benefits were achieved by TCIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huy X Ngo
- Clinical Pharmacology, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Yue Winnie Wen
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Swathi Pisupati
- Clinical Pharmacology, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Weize Huang
- Clinical Pharmacology, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Sandhya Mandlekar
- Clinical Pharmacology, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, California, USA
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8
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Blackner JJ, Schneider OM, Wong WO, Hall DG. Removing Neighboring Ring Influence in Monocyclic B-OH Diazaborines: Properties and Reactivity as Phenolic Bioisosteres with Dynamic Hydroxy Exchange. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:19499-19508. [PMID: 38959009 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c06360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
The design of small molecules with unique geometric profiles or molecular connectivity represents an intriguing yet neglected challenge in modern organic synthesis. This challenge is compounded when emphasis is placed on the preparation of new chemotypes that have distinct and practical functions. To expand the structural diversity of boron-containing heterocycles, we report herein the preparation of novel monocyclic hemiboronic acids, diazaborines. These compounds have enabled the study of a pseudoaromatic boranol-containing (B-OH) ring free of influence from an appended aromatic system. Synthetic and spectroscopic studies have provided insight into the aromatic character, Lewis acidic nature, chemical reactivity, and unique ability of the exocyclic B-OH unit to participate in hydroxy exchange, suggesting their use in organocatalysis and as reversible covalent inhibitors. Moreover, density functional theory and nucleus-independent chemical shift calculations reveal that the aromatic character of the boroheterocyclic ring is increased significantly in comparison to known bicyclic benzodiazaborines (naphthoid congeners), consequently leading to attenuated Lewis acidity. Direct structural comparison to a well-established biaryl isostere, 2-phenylphenol, through X-ray crystallographic analysis reveals that N-aryl derivatives are strikingly similar in size and conformation, with attenuated logP values underscoring the value of the polar BNN unit. Their potential application as low-molecular-weight scaffolds in drug discovery is demonstrated through orthogonal diversification and preliminary antifungal evaluation (Candida albicans), which unveiled analogs with low micromolar inhibitory concentration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jake J Blackner
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Centennial Centre for Interdisciplinary Science, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G2, Canada
| | - Olivia M Schneider
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Centennial Centre for Interdisciplinary Science, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G2, Canada
| | - Warren O Wong
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Centennial Centre for Interdisciplinary Science, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G2, Canada
| | - Dennis G Hall
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Centennial Centre for Interdisciplinary Science, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G2, Canada
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9
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Raouf YS. Covalent Inhibitors: To Infinity and Beyond. J Med Chem 2024; 67:10513-10516. [PMID: 38913822 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c01308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Yasir S Raouf
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain 15551, UAE
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10
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Cao L, Wang L. Biospecific Chemistry for Covalent Linking of Biomacromolecules. Chem Rev 2024; 124:8516-8549. [PMID: 38913432 PMCID: PMC11240265 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.4c00066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Interactions among biomacromolecules, predominantly noncovalent, underpin biological processes. However, recent advancements in biospecific chemistry have enabled the creation of specific covalent bonds between biomolecules, both in vitro and in vivo. This Review traces the evolution of biospecific chemistry in proteins, emphasizing the role of genetically encoded latent bioreactive amino acids. These amino acids react selectively with adjacent natural groups through proximity-enabled bioreactivity, enabling targeted covalent linkages. We explore various latent bioreactive amino acids designed to target different protein residues, ribonucleic acids, and carbohydrates. We then discuss how these novel covalent linkages can drive challenging protein properties and capture transient protein-protein and protein-RNA interactions in vivo. Additionally, we examine the application of covalent peptides as potential therapeutic agents and site-specific conjugates for native antibodies, highlighting their capacity to form stable linkages with target molecules. A significant focus is placed on proximity-enabled reactive therapeutics (PERx), a pioneering technology in covalent protein therapeutics. We detail its wide-ranging applications in immunotherapy, viral neutralization, and targeted radionuclide therapy. Finally, we present a perspective on the existing challenges within biospecific chemistry and discuss the potential avenues for future exploration and advancement in this rapidly evolving field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Cao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, The Cardiovascular Research Institute, and Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, The Cardiovascular Research Institute, and Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
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11
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Song Q, Zhang Q, Fan X, Kayaat F, Lv R, Li J, Wang Y. The discovery of novel imidazo[1,2- a]pyridine derivatives as covalent anticancer agents. Org Biomol Chem 2024; 22:5374-5384. [PMID: 38869445 DOI: 10.1039/d4ob00694a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
The success of targeted covalent inhibitors (TCIs) for treating cancers has spurred the search for novel scaffolds to install covalent warheads. In our endeavour, using a scaffold hopping strategy, we managed to utilize imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine as the core backbone and explored its potential for the development of covalent inhibitors, therefore, synthesizing a series of novel KRAS G12C inhibitors facilitated by the Groebke-Blackburn-Bienaymè reaction (GBB reaction). Preliminary bio-evaluation screening delivered compound I-11 as a potent anticancer agent for KRAS G12C-mutated NCI-H358 cells, whose effects were further clarified by a series of cellular, biochemical, and molecular docking experiments. These results not only indicate the potential of compound I-11 as a lead compound for the treatment of intractable cancers, but also validate the unique role of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine as a novel scaffold suitable for the discovery of covalent anticancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Song
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education; School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 26003, Shandong, P. R. China.
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266200, P. R. China
| | - Qianer Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education; School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 26003, Shandong, P. R. China.
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266200, P. R. China
| | - Xuejing Fan
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education; School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 26003, Shandong, P. R. China.
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266200, P. R. China
| | - Fatmata Kayaat
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education; School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 26003, Shandong, P. R. China.
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266200, P. R. China
| | - Ruicheng Lv
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education; School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 26003, Shandong, P. R. China.
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266200, P. R. China
| | - Jing Li
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education; School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 26003, Shandong, P. R. China.
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266200, P. R. China
| | - Yong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education; School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 26003, Shandong, P. R. China.
- Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266200, P. R. China
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12
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Klett T, Schwer M, Ernst LN, Engelhardt MU, Jaag SJ, Masberg B, Knappe C, Lämmerhofer M, Gehringer M, Boeckler FM. Evaluation of a Covalent Library of Diverse Warheads (CovLib) Binding to JNK3, USP7, or p53. Drug Des Devel Ther 2024; 18:2653-2679. [PMID: 38974119 PMCID: PMC11226190 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s466829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Over the last few years, covalent fragment-based drug discovery has gained significant importance. Thus, striving for more warhead diversity, we conceived a library consisting of 20 covalently reacting compounds. Our covalent fragment library (CovLib) contains four different warhead classes, including five α-cyanoacacrylamides/acrylates (CA), three epoxides (EO), four vinyl sulfones (VS), and eight electron-deficient heteroarenes with a leaving group (SNAr/SN). Methods After predicting the theoretical solubility of the fragments by LogP and LogS during the selection process, we determined their experimental solubility using a turbidimetric solubility assay. The reactivities of the different compounds were measured in a high-throughput 5,5'-dithiobis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid) DTNB assay, followed by a (glutathione) GSH stability assay. We employed the CovLib in a (differential scanning fluorimetry) DSF-based screening against different targets: c-Jun N-terminal kinase 3 (JNK3), ubiquitin-specific protease 7 (USP7), and the tumor suppressor p53. Finally, the covalent binding was confirmed by intact protein mass spectrometry (MS). Results In general, the purchased fragments turned out to be sufficiently soluble. Additionally, they covered a broad spectrum of reactivity. All investigated α-cyanoacrylamides/acrylates and all structurally confirmed epoxides turned out to be less reactive compounds, possibly due to steric hindrance and reversibility (for α-cyanoacrylamides/acrylates). The SNAr and vinyl sulfone fragments are either highly reactive or stable. DSF measurements with the different targets JNK3, USP7, and p53 identified reactive fragment hits causing a shift in the melting temperatures of the proteins. MS confirmed the covalent binding mode of all these fragments to USP7 and p53, while additionally identifying the SNAr-type electrophile SN002 as a mildly reactive covalent hit for p53. Conclusion The screening and target evaluation of the CovLib revealed first interesting hits. The highly cysteine-reactive fragments VS004, SN001, SN006, and SN007 covalently modify several target proteins and showed distinct shifts in the melting temperatures up to +5.1 °C and -9.1 °C.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Klett
- Laboratory for Molecular Design & Pharmaceutical Biophysics, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, 72076, Germany
| | - Martin Schwer
- Laboratory for Molecular Design & Pharmaceutical Biophysics, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, 72076, Germany
| | - Larissa N Ernst
- Laboratory for Molecular Design & Pharmaceutical Biophysics, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, 72076, Germany
| | - Marc U Engelhardt
- Laboratory for Molecular Design & Pharmaceutical Biophysics, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, 72076, Germany
| | - Simon J Jaag
- Pharmaceutical (Bio-) Analysis, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, 72076, Germany
| | - Benedikt Masberg
- Pharmaceutical (Bio-) Analysis, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, 72076, Germany
| | - Cornelius Knappe
- Pharmaceutical (Bio-) Analysis, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, 72076, Germany
| | - Michael Lämmerhofer
- Pharmaceutical (Bio-) Analysis, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, 72076, Germany
| | - Matthias Gehringer
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, 72076, Germany
- Medicinal Chemistry, Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, 72076, Germany
| | - Frank M Boeckler
- Laboratory for Molecular Design & Pharmaceutical Biophysics, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, 72076, Germany
- Interfaculty Institute for Biomedical Informatics (IBMI), Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, 72076, Germany
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13
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Krämer J, Wiendl H. Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitors in multiple sclerosis: evidence and expectations. Curr Opin Neurol 2024; 37:237-244. [PMID: 38533819 DOI: 10.1097/wco.0000000000001269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Despite availability of high-efficacy therapies for multiple sclerosis (MS), many patients experience significant disability worsening due to limited effects of currently available drugs on central nervous system (CNS)-compartmentalized inflammation. Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) is an intracellular signaling molecule involved in regulation of maturation, survival, migration, and activation of B cells and microglia, which are central players in the immunopathogenesis of progressive MS. Therefore, CNS-penetrant BTK inhibitors may better prevent disease progression by targeting immune cells on both sides of the blood-brain barrier. This review gives an overview on the preliminary results of clinical trials. RECENT FINDINGS Currently, the efficacy and safety of six BTK inhibitors are being evaluated in clinical trials in patients with relapsing and progressive MS. Evobrutinib, tolebrutinib and fenebrutinib have shown efficacy and safety in relapsing MS in phase 2 studies, and evobrutinib and tolebrutinib in their extension studies up to 3-5 years. However, evobrutinib failed to distinguish itself from the comparator drug teriflunomide in reduction of relapse rate (primary end point) in two phase 3 studies in relapsing MS. SUMMARY Inhibition of BTK has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach to target the CNS-compartmentalized inflammation. Results from phase 3 clinical trials will shed light on differences in efficacy and safety of BTK inhibitors and its potential role in the future MS landscape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Krämer
- Department of Neurology with Institute of Translational Neurology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
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14
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Alboreggia G, Udompholkul P, Baggio C, Muzzarelli K, Assar Z, Pellecchia M. Histidine-Covalent Stapled Alpha-Helical Peptides Targeting hMcl-1. J Med Chem 2024; 67:8172-8185. [PMID: 38695666 PMCID: PMC11129181 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024]
Abstract
Several novel and effective cysteine targeting (Cys) covalent drugs are in clinical use. However, the target area containing a druggable Cys residue is limited. Therefore, methods for creating covalent drugs that target different residues are being looked for; examples of such ligands include those that target the residues lysine (Lys) and tyrosine (Tyr). Though the histidine (His) side chain is more frequently found in protein binding locations and has higher desirable nucleophilicity, surprisingly limited research has been done to specifically target this residue, and there are not many examples of His-targeting ligands that have been rationally designed. In the current work, we created novel stapled peptides that are intended to target hMcl-1 His 252 covalently. We describe the in vitro (biochemical, NMR, and X-ray) and cellular design and characterization of such agents. Our findings further suggest that the use of electrophiles to specifically target His residues is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Alboreggia
- Division
of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Parima Udompholkul
- Division
of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Carlo Baggio
- Division
of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Kendall Muzzarelli
- Cayman
Chemical Co., 1180 E. Ellsworth road, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48108, United States
| | - Zahra Assar
- Cayman
Chemical Co., 1180 E. Ellsworth road, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48108, United States
| | - Maurizio Pellecchia
- Division
of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, California 92521, United States
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15
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Himmelbauer M, Bajrami B, Basile R, Capacci A, Chen T, Choi CK, Gilfillan R, Gonzalez-Lopez de Turiso F, Gu C, Hoemberger M, Johnson DS, Jones JH, Kadakia E, Kirkland M, Lin EY, Liu Y, Ma B, Magee T, Mantena S, Marx IE, Metrick CM, Mingueneau M, Murugan P, Muste CA, Nadella P, Nevalainen M, Parker Harp CR, Pattaropong V, Pietrasiewicz A, Prince RJ, Purgett TJ, Santoro JC, Schulz J, Sciabola S, Tang H, Vandeveer HG, Wang T, Yousaf Z, Helal CJ, Hopkins BT. Discovery and Preclinical Characterization of BIIB129, a Covalent, Selective, and Brain-Penetrant BTK Inhibitor for the Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis. J Med Chem 2024; 67:8122-8140. [PMID: 38712838 PMCID: PMC11129193 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease with an underlying pathology characterized by inflammation-driven neuronal loss, axonal injury, and demyelination. Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK), a nonreceptor tyrosine kinase and member of the TEC family of kinases, is involved in the regulation, migration, and functional activation of B cells and myeloid cells in the periphery and the central nervous system (CNS), cell types which are deemed central to the pathology contributing to disease progression in MS patients. Herein, we describe the discovery of BIIB129 (25), a structurally distinct and brain-penetrant targeted covalent inhibitor (TCI) of BTK with an unprecedented binding mode responsible for its high kinome selectivity. BIIB129 (25) demonstrated efficacy in disease-relevant preclinical in vivo models of B cell proliferation in the CNS, exhibits a favorable safety profile suitable for clinical development as an immunomodulating therapy for MS, and has a low projected total human daily dose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin
K. Himmelbauer
- Biogen Research and Development, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Bekim Bajrami
- Biogen Research and Development, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Rebecca Basile
- Biogen Research and Development, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Andrew Capacci
- Biogen Research and Development, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - TeYu Chen
- Biogen Research and Development, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Colin K. Choi
- Biogen Research and Development, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Rab Gilfillan
- Biogen Research and Development, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | | | - Chungang Gu
- Biogen Research and Development, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Marc Hoemberger
- Biogen Research and Development, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Douglas S. Johnson
- Biogen Research and Development, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - J. Howard Jones
- Biogen Research and Development, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Ekta Kadakia
- Biogen Research and Development, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Melissa Kirkland
- Biogen Research and Development, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Edward Y. Lin
- Biogen Research and Development, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Ying Liu
- Biogen Research and Development, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Bin Ma
- Biogen Research and Development, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Tom Magee
- Biogen Research and Development, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Srinivasa Mantena
- Biogen Research and Development, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Isaac E. Marx
- Biogen Research and Development, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Claire M. Metrick
- Biogen Research and Development, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Michael Mingueneau
- Biogen Research and Development, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Paramasivam Murugan
- Biogen Research and Development, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Cathy A. Muste
- Biogen Research and Development, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Prasad Nadella
- Biogen Research and Development, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Marta Nevalainen
- Biogen Research and Development, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Chelsea R. Parker Harp
- Biogen Research and Development, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Vatee Pattaropong
- Biogen Research and Development, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Alicia Pietrasiewicz
- Biogen Research and Development, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Robin J. Prince
- Biogen Research and Development, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Thomas J. Purgett
- Biogen Research and Development, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Joseph C. Santoro
- Biogen Research and Development, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Jurgen Schulz
- Biogen Research and Development, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Simone Sciabola
- Biogen Research and Development, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Hao Tang
- Biogen Research and Development, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - H. George Vandeveer
- Biogen Research and Development, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Ti Wang
- Biogen Research and Development, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Zain Yousaf
- Biogen Research and Development, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Christopher J. Helal
- Biogen Research and Development, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Brian T. Hopkins
- Biogen Research and Development, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
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16
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Kim HR, Byun DP, Thakur K, Ritchie J, Xie Y, Holewinski R, Suazo KF, Stevens M, Liechty H, Tagirasa R, Jing Y, Andresson T, Johnson SM, Yoo E. Discovery of a Tunable Heterocyclic Electrophile 4-Chloro-pyrazolopyridine That Defines a Unique Subset of Ligandable Cysteines. ACS Chem Biol 2024; 19:1082-1092. [PMID: 38629450 PMCID: PMC11107811 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.4c00025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Electrophilic small molecules with novel reactivity are powerful tools that enable activity-based protein profiling and covalent inhibitor discovery. Here, we report a reactive heterocyclic scaffold, 4-chloro-pyrazolopyridine (CPzP) for selective modification of proteins via a nucleophilic aromatic substitution (SNAr) mechanism. Chemoproteomic profiling reveals that CPzPs engage cysteines within functionally diverse protein sites including ribosomal protein S5 (RPS5), inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase 2 (IMPDH2), and heat shock protein 60 (HSP60). Through the optimization of appended recognition elements, we demonstrate the utility of CPzP for covalent inhibition of prolyl endopeptidase (PREP) by targeting a noncatalytic active-site cysteine. This study suggests that the proteome reactivity of CPzPs can be modulated by both electronic and steric features of the ring system, providing a new tunable electrophile for applications in chemoproteomics and covalent inhibitor design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Rae Kim
- Chemical
Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - David P. Byun
- Chemical
Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - Kalyani Thakur
- Chemical
Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - Jennifer Ritchie
- Chemical
Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - Yixin Xie
- Chemical
Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - Ronald Holewinski
- Protein
Characterization Laboratory, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer
Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - Kiall F. Suazo
- Protein
Characterization Laboratory, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer
Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - Mckayla Stevens
- Department
of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana
University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202, United States
| | - Hope Liechty
- Department
of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana
University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202, United States
| | - Ravichandra Tagirasa
- Chemical
Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - Yihang Jing
- Chemical
Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - Thorkell Andresson
- Protein
Characterization Laboratory, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer
Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - Steven M. Johnson
- Department
of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana
University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202, United States
| | - Euna Yoo
- Chemical
Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
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17
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Guo QR, Cao YJ. Applications of genetic code expansion technology in eukaryotes. Protein Cell 2024; 15:331-363. [PMID: 37847216 PMCID: PMC11074999 DOI: 10.1093/procel/pwad051] [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: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Unnatural amino acids (UAAs) have gained significant attention in protein engineering and drug development owing to their ability to introduce new chemical functionalities to proteins. In eukaryotes, genetic code expansion (GCE) enables the incorporation of UAAs and facilitates posttranscriptional modification (PTM), which is not feasible in prokaryotic systems. GCE is also a powerful tool for cell or animal imaging, the monitoring of protein interactions in target cells, drug development, and switch regulation. Therefore, there is keen interest in utilizing GCE in eukaryotic systems. This review provides an overview of the application of GCE in eukaryotic systems and discusses current challenges that need to be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiao-ru Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomic, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yu J Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomic, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Institute of Chemical Biology, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518132, China
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18
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Gu Z, Yan Y, Liu H, Wu D, Yao H, Lin K, Li X. Discovery of Covalent Lead Compounds Targeting 3CL Protease with a Lateral Interactions Spiking Neural Network. J Chem Inf Model 2024; 64:3047-3058. [PMID: 38520328 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.3c01900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
Covalent drugs exhibit advantages in that noncovalent drugs cannot match, and covalent docking is an important method for screening covalent lead compounds. However, it is difficult for covalent docking to screen covalent compounds on a large scale because covalent docking requires determination of the covalent reaction type of the compound. Here, we propose to use deep learning of a lateral interactions spiking neural network to construct a covalent lead compound screening model to quickly screen covalent lead compounds. We used the 3CL protease (3CL Pro) of SARS-CoV-2 as the screen target and constructed two classification models based on LISNN to predict the covalent binding and inhibitory activity of compounds. The two classification models were trained on the covalent complex data set targeting cysteine (Cys) and the compound inhibitory activity data set targeting 3CL Pro, respected, with good prediction accuracy (ACC > 0.9). We then screened the screening compound library with 6 covalent binding screening models and 12 inhibitory activity screening models. We tested the inhibitory activity of the 32 compounds, and the best compound inhibited SARS-CoV-2 3CL Pro with an IC50 value of 369.5 nM. Further assay implied that dithiothreitol can affect the inhibitory activity of the compound to 3CL Pro, indicating that the compound may covalently bind 3CL Pro. The selectivity test showed that the compound had good target selectivity to 3CL Pro over cathepsin L. These correlation assays can prove the rationality of the covalent lead compound screening model. Finally, covalent docking was performed to demonstrate the binding conformation of the compound with 3CL Pro. The source code can be obtained from the GitHub repository (https://github.com/guzh970630/Screen_Covalent_Compound_by_LISNN).
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihao Gu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies and School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Yong Yan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Hanwen Liu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Di Wu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Hequan Yao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Kejiang Lin
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Xuanyi Li
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
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19
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Zhao Y, Zhao X, Duan L, Hou R, Gu Y, Liu Z, Chen J, Wu F, Yang L, Le XC, Wang Q, Yan X. Reinvent Aliphatic Arsenicals as Reversible Covalent Warheads toward Targeted Kinase Inhibition and Non-acute Promyelocytic Leukemia Cancer Treatment. J Med Chem 2024; 67:5458-5472. [PMID: 38556750 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c02076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
The success of arsenic in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) treatment is hardly transferred to non-APL cancers, mainly due to the low selectivity and weak binding affinity of traditional arsenicals to oncoproteins critical for cancer survival. We present herein the reinvention of aliphatic trivalent arsenicals (As) as reversible covalent warheads of As-based targeting inhibitors toward Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK). The effects of As warheads' valency, thiol protection, methylation, spacer length, and size on inhibitors' activity were studied. We found that, in contrast to the bulky and rigid aromatic As warhead, the flexible aliphatic As warheads were well compatible with the well-optimized guiding group to achieve nanomolar inhibition against BTK. The optimized As inhibitors effectively blocked the BTK-mediated oncogenic signaling pathway, leading to elevated antiproliferative activities toward lymphoma cells and xenograft tumor. Our study provides a promising strategy enabling rational design of new aliphatic arsenic-based reversible covalent inhibitors toward non-APL cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zhao
- Department of Chemistry and the MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis & Instrumentation, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Xinyue Zhao
- Department of Chemistry and the MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis & Instrumentation, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Lewei Duan
- Laboratory of Epigenetics at Institutes of Biomedical Sciences and Intelligent Medicine Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Ruxue Hou
- Department of Chemistry and the MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis & Instrumentation, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Yuxin Gu
- Department of Chemistry and the MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis & Instrumentation, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Zhen Liu
- Department of Chemistry and the MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis & Instrumentation, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Jianbin Chen
- Department of Chemistry and the MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis & Instrumentation, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Feizhen Wu
- Laboratory of Epigenetics at Institutes of Biomedical Sciences and Intelligent Medicine Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 201102, China
| | - Limin Yang
- Department of Chemistry and the MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis & Instrumentation, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - X Chris Le
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G3, Canada
| | - Qiuquan Wang
- Department of Chemistry and the MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis & Instrumentation, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Xiaowen Yan
- Department of Chemistry and the MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis & Instrumentation, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
- Innovation Laboratory for Sciences and Technologies of Energy Materials of Fujian Province (IKKEM), Xiamen 361005, China
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20
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Lai GQ, Li Y, Zhu H, Zhang T, Gao J, Zhou H, Yang CG. A covalent compound selectively inhibits RNA demethylase ALKBH5 rather than FTO. RSC Chem Biol 2024; 5:335-343. [PMID: 38576724 PMCID: PMC10989504 DOI: 10.1039/d3cb00230f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
N 6-Methyladenosine (m6A) is the most prevalent mRNA modification and is required for gene regulation in eukaryotes. ALKBH5, an m6A demethylase, is a promising target, particularly for anticancer drug discovery. However, the development of selective and potent inhibitors of ALKBH5 rather than FTO remains challenging. Herein, we used a targeted covalent inhibition strategy and identified a covalent inhibitor, TD19, which selectively inhibits ALKBH5 compared with FTO demethylase in protein-based and tumor cell-based assays. TD19 irreversibly modifies the residues C100 and C267, preventing ALKBH5 from binding to m6A-containing RNA. Moreover, TD19 displays good anticancer efficacy in acute myeloid leukemia and glioblastoma multiforme cell lines. Thus, the ALKBH5 inhibitor developed in this study, which selectively targets ALKBH5 compared with FTO, can potentially be used as a probe for investigating the biological functions of RNA demethylase and as a lead compound in anticancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gan-Qiang Lai
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences Shanghai 201203 China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing 100049 China
| | - Yali Li
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences Shanghai 201203 China
| | - Heping Zhu
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Hangzhou 310024 China
| | - Tao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences Shanghai 201203 China
| | - Jing Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences Shanghai 201203 China
| | - Hu Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences Shanghai 201203 China
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Hangzhou 310024 China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing 100049 China
| | - Cai-Guang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences Shanghai 201203 China
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Hangzhou 310024 China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing 100049 China
- Shandong Laboratory of Yantai Drug Discovery, Bohai Rim Advanced Research Institute for Drug Discovery Yantai 264117 China
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21
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Ma Y, Song Y, Wang J, Shi X, Yuan Z, Li S, Li H, Chen Z, Li S. Discovery of novel covalent inhibitors of DJ-1 through hybrid virtual screening. Future Med Chem 2024; 16:665-677. [PMID: 38390730 DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2023-0301] [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: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: DJ-1 is a ubiquitously expressed protein with multiple functions. Its overexpression has been associated with the occurrence of several cancers, positioning DJ-1 as a promising therapeutic target for cancer treatment. Methods: To find novel inhibitors of DJ-1, we employed a hybrid virtual screening strategy that combines structure-based and ligand-based virtual screening on a comprehensive compound library. Results: In silico study identified six hit compounds as potential DJ-1 inhibitors that were assessed in vitro at the cellular level. Compound 797780-71-3 exhibited antiproliferation activity in ACHN cells with an IC50 value of 12.18 μM and was able to inhibit the Wnt signaling pathway. This study discovers a novel covalent inhibitor for DJ-1 and paves the way for further optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyu Ma
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science & Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Yidan Song
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science & Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Junyi Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science & Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiayu Shi
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science & Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhen Yuan
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science & Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuang Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science & Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Honglin Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science & Technology, Shanghai, China
- Innovation Center for AI & Drug Discovery, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062, China
- Lingang Laboratory, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Zhuo Chen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science & Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Shiliang Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science & Technology, Shanghai, China
- Innovation Center for AI & Drug Discovery, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062, China
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22
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Awoonor-Williams E, Abu-Saleh AAAA. Molecular Insights into the Impact of Mutations on the Binding Affinity of Targeted Covalent Inhibitors of BTK. J Phys Chem B 2024; 128:2874-2884. [PMID: 38502552 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.4c00310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Targeted covalent inhibitors (TCIs) have witnessed a significant resurgence in recent years, particularly in the kinase drug discovery field for treating diverse clinical indications. The inhibition of Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) for treating B-cell cancers is a classic example where TCIs such as ibrutinib have had breakthroughs in targeted therapy. However, selectivity remains challenging, and the emergence of resistance mutations is a critical concern for clinical efficacy. Computational methods that can accurately predict the impact of mutations on inhibitor binding affinity could prove helpful in informing targeted approaches─providing insights into drug resistance mechanisms. In addition, such systems could help guide the systematic evaluation and impact of mutations in disease models for optimal experimental design. Here, we have employed in silico physics-based methods to understand the effects of mutations on the binding affinity and conformational dynamics of select TCIs of BTK. The TCIs studied include ibrutinib, acalabrutinib, and zanubrutinib─all of which are FDA-approved drugs for treating multiple forms of leukemia and lymphoma. Our results offer useful molecular insights into the structural determinants, thermodynamics, and conformational energies that impact ligand binding for this biological target of clinical relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernest Awoonor-Williams
- Department of Chemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL A1B 3X7, Canada
| | - Abd Al-Aziz A Abu-Saleh
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON N9B 3P4, Canada
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23
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Tillmanns J, Kicuntod J, Lösing J, Marschall M. 'Getting Better'-Is It a Feasible Strategy of Broad Pan-Antiherpesviral Drug Targeting by Using the Nuclear Egress-Directed Mechanism? Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2823. [PMID: 38474070 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052823] [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: 01/28/2024] [Revised: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The herpesviral nuclear egress represents an essential step of viral replication efficiency in host cells, as it defines the nucleocytoplasmic release of viral capsids. Due to the size limitation of the nuclear pores, viral nuclear capsids are unable to traverse the nuclear envelope without a destabilization of this natural host-specific barrier. To this end, herpesviruses evolved the regulatory nuclear egress complex (NEC), composed of a heterodimer unit of two conserved viral NEC proteins (core NEC) and a large-size extension of this complex including various viral and cellular NEC-associated proteins (multicomponent NEC). Notably, the NEC harbors the pronounced ability to oligomerize (core NEC hexamers and lattices), to multimerize into higher-order complexes, and, ultimately, to closely interact with the migrating nuclear capsids. Moreover, most, if not all, of these NEC proteins comprise regulatory modifications by phosphorylation, so that the responsible kinases, and additional enzymatic activities, are part of the multicomponent NEC. This sophisticated basis of NEC-specific structural and functional interactions offers a variety of different modes of antiviral interference by pharmacological or nonconventional inhibitors. Since the multifaceted combination of NEC activities represents a highly conserved key regulatory stage of herpesviral replication, it may provide a unique opportunity towards a broad, pan-antiherpesviral mechanism of drug targeting. This review presents an update on chances, challenges, and current achievements in the development of NEC-directed antiherpesviral strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Tillmanns
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jintawee Kicuntod
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Josephine Lösing
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Manfred Marschall
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
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24
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Serafim RAM, Gehringer M, Borsari C. Targeted Covalent Inhibitors in Drug Discovery, Chemical Biology and Beyond. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:206. [PMID: 38399421 PMCID: PMC10891537 DOI: 10.3390/ph17020206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Covalent inhibitors have experienced a revival in medicinal chemistry and chemical biology in recent decades [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo A. M. Serafim
- Department of Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Matthias Gehringer
- Department of Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) ‘Image-Guided & Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies’, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Chiara Borsari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
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25
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Xiao YC, Chen FE. The vinyl sulfone motif as a structural unit for novel drug design and discovery. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2024; 19:239-251. [PMID: 37978948 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2023.2284201] [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: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Vinyl sulfones are a special sulfur-containing structural unit that have attracted considerable attention, owing to their important role in serving as key structural motifs of various biologically active compounds as well as serving as versatile building blocks for organic transformations. The synthetic strategy of vinyl sulfone derivatives has been substantially upgraded over the past 30 years, and the wide application of this functional group in drug design and discovery has been promoted. AREA COVERED In this review, the authors review the application of vinyl sulfones in drug discovery and select optimized compounds which might have significant impact or potential inspiration for drug design. EXPERT OPINION Vinyl sulfones have been reported to target various macromolecular targets via non-covalent or covalent interactions, including multiple kinases, tubulin, cysteine protease, transcription factor, and so on. Thus, it has been significantly applied as a privileged scaffold in the design of anticancer, anti-infective, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective agents. However, much work remains to be done to improve the drug-like properties, such as chemical and metabolic stability, ADME, and toxicity. Besides, the chemical space of vinyl sulfones needs to be expanded, including but not limited to the design of constrained endocyclic and exocyclic vinyl sulfones.
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Affiliation(s)
- You-Cai Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Ministry of Education and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Fen-Er Chen
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Ministry of Education and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Engineering Center of Catalysis and Synthesis for Chiral Molecules, Department of Chemistry, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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26
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Müller P, Zimmer C, Frey A, Holzmann G, Weldert AC, Schirmeister T. Ligand-Based Design of Selective Peptidomimetic uPA and TMPRSS2 Inhibitors with Arg Bioisosteres. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1375. [PMID: 38338655 PMCID: PMC10855164 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031375] [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: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Trypsin-like serine proteases are involved in many important physiological processes like blood coagulation and remodeling of the extracellular matrix. On the other hand, they are also associated with pathological conditions. The urokinase-pwlasminogen activator (uPA), which is involved in tissue remodeling, can increase the metastatic behavior of various cancer types when overexpressed and dysregulated. Another member of this protease class that received attention during the SARS-CoV 2 pandemic is TMPRSS2. It is a transmembrane serine protease, which enables cell entry of the coronavirus by processing its spike protein. A variety of different inhibitors have been published against both proteases. However, the selectivity over other trypsin-like serine proteases remains a major challenge. In the current study, we replaced the arginine moiety at the P1 site of peptidomimetic inhibitors with different bioisosteres. Enzyme inhibition studies revealed that the phenylguanidine moiety in the P1 site led to strong affinity for TMPRSS2, whereas the cyclohexylguanidine derivate potently inhibited uPA. Both inhibitors exhibited high selectivity over other structurally similar and physiologically important proteases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Tanja Schirmeister
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Staudinger Weg 5, D-55128 Mainz, Germany; (P.M.); (C.Z.); (A.F.); (G.H.); (A.C.W.)
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27
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Grob NM, Remarcik C, Rössler SL, Wong JYK, Wang JCK, Tao J, Smith CL, Loas A, Buchwald SL, Eaton DL, López MP, Pentelute BL. Electrophile Scanning Reveals Reactivity Hotspots for the Design of Covalent Peptide Binders. ACS Chem Biol 2024; 19:101-109. [PMID: 38069818 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.3c00538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) are intriguing targets in drug discovery and development. Peptides are well suited to target PPIs, which typically present with large surface areas lacking distinct features and deep binding pockets. To improve binding interactions with these topologies and advance the development of PPI-focused therapeutics, potential ligands can be equipped with electrophilic groups to enable binding through covalent mechanisms of action. We report a strategy termed electrophile scanning to identify reactivity hotspots in a known peptide ligand and demonstrate its application in a model PPI. Cysteine mutants of a known ligand are used to install protein-reactive modifiers via a palladium oxidative addition complex (Pd-OAC). Reactivity hotspots are revealed by cross-linking reactions with the target protein under physiological conditions. In a model PPI with the 9-mer peptide antigen VL9 and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I protein HLA-E, we identify two reactivity hotspots that afford up to 87% conversion to the protein-peptide conjugate within 4 h. The reactions are specific to the target protein in vitro and dependent on the peptide sequence. Moreover, the cross-linked peptide successfully inhibits molecular recognition of HLA-E by CD94-NKG2A possibly due to structural changes enacted at the PPI interface. The results illustrate the potential application of electrophile scanning as a tool for rapid discovery and development of covalent peptide binders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie M Grob
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States of America
| | - Clint Remarcik
- Calico Life Sciences LLC, San Francisco, California 94080, United States of America
| | - Simon L Rössler
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey Y K Wong
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States of America
| | - John C K Wang
- Calico Life Sciences LLC, San Francisco, California 94080, United States of America
| | - Jason Tao
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States of America
| | - Corey L Smith
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States of America
| | - Andrei Loas
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States of America
| | - Stephen L Buchwald
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States of America
| | - Dan L Eaton
- Calico Life Sciences LLC, San Francisco, California 94080, United States of America
| | | | - Bradley L Pentelute
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States of America
- The Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States of America
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States of America
- Center for Environmental Health Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States of America
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28
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Fuchs N, Zhang L, Calvo-Barreiro L, Kuncewicz K, Gabr M. Inhibitors of Immune Checkpoints: Small Molecule- and Peptide-Based Approaches. J Pers Med 2024; 14:68. [PMID: 38248769 PMCID: PMC10817355 DOI: 10.3390/jpm14010068] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The revolutionary progress in cancer immunotherapy, particularly the advent of immune checkpoint inhibitors, marks a significant milestone in the fight against malignancies. However, the majority of clinically employed immune checkpoint inhibitors are monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) with several limitations, such as poor oral bioavailability and immune-related adverse effects (irAEs). Another major limitation is the restriction of the efficacy of mAbs to a subset of cancer patients, which triggered extensive research efforts to identify alternative approaches in targeting immune checkpoints aiming to overcome the restricted efficacy of mAbs. This comprehensive review aims to explore the cutting-edge developments in targeting immune checkpoints, focusing on both small molecule- and peptide-based approaches. By delving into drug discovery platforms, we provide insights into the diverse strategies employed to identify and optimize small molecules and peptides as inhibitors of immune checkpoints. In addition, we discuss recent advances in nanomaterials as drug carriers, providing a basis for the development of small molecule- and peptide-based platforms for cancer immunotherapy. Ongoing research focused on the discovery of small molecules and peptide-inspired agents targeting immune checkpoints paves the way for developing orally bioavailable agents as the next-generation cancer immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Fuchs
- Molecular Imaging Innovations Institute (MI3), Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA; (N.F.); (L.Z.); (L.C.-B.); (K.K.)
| | - Longfei Zhang
- Molecular Imaging Innovations Institute (MI3), Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA; (N.F.); (L.Z.); (L.C.-B.); (K.K.)
| | - Laura Calvo-Barreiro
- Molecular Imaging Innovations Institute (MI3), Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA; (N.F.); (L.Z.); (L.C.-B.); (K.K.)
| | - Katarzyna Kuncewicz
- Molecular Imaging Innovations Institute (MI3), Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA; (N.F.); (L.Z.); (L.C.-B.); (K.K.)
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Moustafa Gabr
- Molecular Imaging Innovations Institute (MI3), Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA; (N.F.); (L.Z.); (L.C.-B.); (K.K.)
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29
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Punzalan C, Wang L, Bajrami B, Yao X. Measurement and utilization of the proteomic reactivity by mass spectrometry. MASS SPECTROMETRY REVIEWS 2024; 43:166-192. [PMID: 36924435 DOI: 10.1002/mas.21837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Chemical proteomics, which involves studying the covalent modifications of proteins by small molecules, has significantly contributed to our understanding of protein function and has become an essential tool in drug discovery. Mass spectrometry (MS) is the primary method for identifying and quantifying protein-small molecule adducts. In this review, we discuss various methods for measuring proteomic reactivity using MS and covalent proteomics probes that engage through reactivity-driven and proximity-driven mechanisms. We highlight the applications of these methods and probes in live-cell measurements, drug target identification and validation, and characterizing protein-small molecule interactions. We conclude the review with current developments and future opportunities in the field, providing our perspectives on analytical considerations for MS-based analysis of the proteomic reactivity landscape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clodette Punzalan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
- AD Bio US, Takeda, Lexington, Massachusetts, 02421, USA
| | - Bekim Bajrami
- Chemical Biology & Proteomics, Biogen, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Xudong Yao
- Department of Chemistry, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
- Institute for Systems Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
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30
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Raouf YS, Sedighi A, Geletu M, Frere GA, Allan RG, Nawar N, de Araujo ED, Gunning PT. Discovery of YSR734: A Covalent HDAC Inhibitor with Cellular Activity in Acute Myeloid Leukemia and Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. J Med Chem 2023; 66:16658-16679. [PMID: 38060537 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
Histone deacetylases (HDACs) have emerged as powerful epigenetic modifiers of histone/non-histone proteins via catalyzing the deacetylation of ε-N-acetyl lysines. The dysregulated activity of these Zn2+-dependent hydrolases has been broadly implicated in disease, notably cancer. Clinically, the recurring dose-limiting toxicities of first-generation HDACi sparked a paradigm shift toward safer isoform-specific molecules. With pervasive roles in aggressive diseases, there remains a need for novel approaches to target these enzymes. Herein, we report the discovery of YSR734, a first-in-class covalent HDACi, with a 2-aminobenzanilide Zn2+ chelate and a pentafluorobenzenesulfonamide electrophile. This class I selective proof of concept modified HDAC2Cys274 (catalytic domain), with nM potency against HDAC1-3, sub-μM activity in MV4-11 cells, and limited cytotoxicity in MRC-9 fibroblasts. In C2C12 myoblasts, YSR734 activated muscle-specific biomarkers myogenin/Cav3, causing potent differentiation into myotubes (applications in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy). Current efforts are focused on improving in vivo ADME toward a preclinical covalent HDACi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasir S Raouf
- Department of Chemical and Physical Sciences, University of Toronto Mississauga, 3359 Mississauga Road, Mississauga, Ontario L5L 1C6, Canada
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, 80 St. George Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada
| | - Abootaleb Sedighi
- Department of Chemical and Physical Sciences, University of Toronto Mississauga, 3359 Mississauga Road, Mississauga, Ontario L5L 1C6, Canada
| | - Mulu Geletu
- Department of Chemical and Physical Sciences, University of Toronto Mississauga, 3359 Mississauga Road, Mississauga, Ontario L5L 1C6, Canada
| | - Geordon A Frere
- Department of Chemical and Physical Sciences, University of Toronto Mississauga, 3359 Mississauga Road, Mississauga, Ontario L5L 1C6, Canada
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, 80 St. George Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada
| | - Rebecca G Allan
- Department of Chemical and Physical Sciences, University of Toronto Mississauga, 3359 Mississauga Road, Mississauga, Ontario L5L 1C6, Canada
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, 80 St. George Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada
| | - Nabanita Nawar
- Department of Chemical and Physical Sciences, University of Toronto Mississauga, 3359 Mississauga Road, Mississauga, Ontario L5L 1C6, Canada
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, 80 St. George Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada
| | - Elvin D de Araujo
- Department of Chemical and Physical Sciences, University of Toronto Mississauga, 3359 Mississauga Road, Mississauga, Ontario L5L 1C6, Canada
| | - Patrick T Gunning
- Department of Chemical and Physical Sciences, University of Toronto Mississauga, 3359 Mississauga Road, Mississauga, Ontario L5L 1C6, Canada
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, 80 St. George Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada
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31
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Yamamoto Y, Saita T, Kataoka H, Sogawa R, Kimura S, Kimura S, Shimanoe C, Shin M. Localization of Sites of Osimertinib Action in Rat Intestine, Skin, and Lung by Immunohistochemistry. Acta Histochem Cytochem 2023; 56:145-151. [PMID: 38318107 PMCID: PMC10838634 DOI: 10.1267/ahc.23-00055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Osimertinib is a third-generation, irreversible tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) that selectively inhibits both EGFR-TKI-sensitizing and EGFR T790M resistance mutations and has shown efficacy in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer. In this study, we created osimertinib-specific antibodies and developed an immunohistochemistry (IHC) for locating the sites of osimertinib action. Moreover, we located osimertinib-protein conjugates in intestinal, dermal, and lung tissues of rats, thereby using our IHC to visualize the sites of the adverse effects of osimertinib, including diarrhea, skin disorder, and interstitial pneumonia. This report is the first to elucidate the localization of the sites of action of osimertinib in the rat intestine, skin, and lung and is expected to help clarify the mechanism of osimertinib-induced adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuta Yamamoto
- Division of Hematology, Respiratory Medicine and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga 849‑8501, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Saita
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, Faculty of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, Sojo University, Ikeda 4–22–1, Kumamoto 860–0082, Japan
| | - Hiroto Kataoka
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, Faculty of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, Sojo University, Ikeda 4–22–1, Kumamoto 860–0082, Japan
| | - Rintaro Sogawa
- Department of Pharmacy, Saga University Hospital, 5–1–1 Nabeshima, Saga 849–8501, Japan
| | - Sakiko Kimura
- Department of Pharmacy, Saga University Hospital, 5–1–1 Nabeshima, Saga 849–8501, Japan
| | - Shinya Kimura
- Division of Hematology, Respiratory Medicine and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga 849‑8501, Japan
| | - Chisato Shimanoe
- Department of Pharmacy, Saga University Hospital, 5–1–1 Nabeshima, Saga 849–8501, Japan
| | - Masashi Shin
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, Faculty of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, Sojo University, Ikeda 4–22–1, Kumamoto 860–0082, Japan
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32
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Prucha GR, Henry S, Hollander K, Carter ZJ, Spasov KA, Jorgensen WL, Anderson KS. Covalent and noncovalent strategies for targeting Lys102 in HIV-1 reverse transcriptase. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 262:115894. [PMID: 37883896 PMCID: PMC10872499 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115894] [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: 09/24/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Reverse transcriptase (RT) is one of three key proteins responsible for the replication cycle of HIV-1 in the host. Several classes of inhibitors have been developed to target the enzyme, with non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors forming first-line treatment. Previously, covalent RT inhibitors have been identified and found to bind irreversibly to commonly mutated residues such as Y181C. In this work we aim to circumvent the issue of NNRTI resistance through targeting K102, which has not yet been identified to confer drug resistance. As reported here, 34 compounds were synthesized and characterized biochemically and structurally with wild-type (WT) HIV-1 RT. Two of these inhibitors demonstrate covalent inhibition as evidenced by protein crystallography, enzyme kinetics, mass spectrometry, and antiviral potency in HIV-1 infected human T-cell assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giavana R Prucha
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520-8066, USA
| | - Sean Henry
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520-8107, USA
| | - Klarissa Hollander
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520-8066, USA
| | - Zachary J Carter
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520-8107, USA
| | - Krasimir A Spasov
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520-8066, USA
| | | | - Karen S Anderson
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520-8066, USA; Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520-8066, USA.
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33
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Mehta NV, Degani MS. The expanding repertoire of covalent warheads for drug discovery. Drug Discov Today 2023; 28:103799. [PMID: 37839776 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
The reactive functionalities of drugs that engage in covalent interactions with the enzyme/receptor residue in either a reversible or an irreversible manner are called 'warheads'. Covalent warheads that were previously neglected because of safety concerns have recently gained center stage as a result of their various advantages over noncovalent drugs, including increased selectivity, increased residence time, and higher potency. With the approval of several covalent inhibitors over the past decade, research in this area has accelerated. Various strategies are being continuously developed to tune the characteristics of warheads to improve their potency and mitigate toxicity. Here, we review research progress in warhead discovery over the past 5 years to provide valuable insights for future drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Namrashee V Mehta
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology, Nathalal Parekh Marg, Matunga, Mumbai 400019, Maharashtra, India.
| | - Mariam S Degani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology, Nathalal Parekh Marg, Matunga, Mumbai 400019, Maharashtra, India.
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34
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Liu X, Wang B, Liu Y, Yu Y, Wan Y, Wu J, Wang Y. JAK2 inhibitors for the treatment of Philadelphia-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms: current status and future directions. Mol Divers 2023:10.1007/s11030-023-10742-3. [PMID: 38006563 DOI: 10.1007/s11030-023-10742-3] [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: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
The overactivation of Janus kinases 2 (JAK2) by gain-of-function mutations in the JAK2, Myeloproliferative leukemia virus oncogene, or Calreticulin genes are the most important factor in the development of Philadelphia-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). The discovery of the JAK2V617F mutation is a significant breakthrough in understanding the pathogenesis of MPNs, and inhibition of JAK2 abnormal activation has become one of the most effective strategies against MPNs. Currently, three JAK2 inhibitors for treating MPNs have been approved, and several are being evaluated in clinical trials. However, persistent challenges in terms of drug resistance and off-target effects remain unresolved. In this review, we introduce and classify the available JAK2 inhibitors in terms of their mechanisms and clinical considerations. Additionally, through an analysis of target points, binding modes, and structure-activity inhibitor relationships, we propose strategies such as combination therapy and allosteric inhibitors to overcome specific challenges. This review offers valuable insights into current trends and future directions for optimal management of MPNs using JAK2 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofeng Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Binyou Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
- Zigong Mental Health Center, Zigong Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Zigong, 643000, China
| | - Yuan Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Yang Yu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
- Zigong Mental Health Center, Zigong Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Zigong, 643000, China
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education & Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Ying Wan
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Jianming Wu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China.
- Zigong Mental Health Center, Zigong Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Zigong, 643000, China.
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education & Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China.
- Sichuan Key Medical Laboratory of New Drug Discovery and Druggability Evaluation, Luzhou Key Laboratory of Activity Screening and Druggability Evaluation for Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China.
| | - Yiwei Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China.
- Zigong Mental Health Center, Zigong Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Zigong, 643000, China.
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education & Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China.
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35
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York DM. Modern Alchemical Free Energy Methods for Drug Discovery Explained. ACS PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY AU 2023; 3:478-491. [PMID: 38034038 PMCID: PMC10683484 DOI: 10.1021/acsphyschemau.3c00033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
This Perspective provides a contextual explanation of the current state-of-the-art alchemical free energy methods and their role in drug discovery as well as highlights select emerging technologies. The narrative attempts to answer basic questions about what goes on "under the hood" in free energy simulations and provide general guidelines for how to run simulations and analyze the results. It is the hope that this work will provide a valuable introduction to students and scientists in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darrin M. York
- Laboratory for Biomolecular
Simulation Research, Institute for Quantitative Biomedicine, and Department
of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rutgers
University, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, United States
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36
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Gallo M, Ferrari E, Terrazzan A, Brugnoli F, Spisni A, Taccioli C, Aguiari G, Trentini A, Volinia S, Keillor JW, Bergamini CM, Bianchi N, Pertinhez TA. Metabolic characterisation of transglutaminase 2 inhibitor effects in breast cancer cell lines. FEBS J 2023; 290:5411-5433. [PMID: 37597264 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16931] [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: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
Transglutaminase 2 (TG2), which mediates post-translational modifications of multiple intracellular enzymes, is involved in the pathogenesis and progression of cancer. We used 1 H-NMR metabolomics to study the effects of AA9, a novel TG2 inhibitor, on two breast cancer cell lines with distinct phenotypes, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231. AA9 can promote apoptosis in both cell lines, but it is particularly effective in MD-MB-231, inhibiting transamidation reactions and decreasing cell migration and invasiveness. This metabolomics study provides evidence of a major effect of AA9 on MDA-MB-231 cells, impacting glutamate and aspartate metabolism, rather than on MCF-7 cells, characterised by choline and O-phosphocholine decrease. Interestingly, AA9 treatment induces myo-inositol alteration in both cell lines, indicating action on phosphatidylinositol metabolism, likely modulated by the G protein activity of TG2 on phospholipase C. Considering the metabolic deregulations that characterise various breast cancer subtypes, the existence of a metabolic pathway affected by AA9 further points to TG2 as a promising hot spot. The metabolomics approach provides a powerful tool to monitor the effectiveness of inhibitors and better understand the role of TG2 in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Gallo
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Italy
| | - Elena Ferrari
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Italy
| | - Anna Terrazzan
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - Alberto Spisni
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Italy
| | - Cristian Taccioli
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health (MAPS), University of Padua, Italy
| | - Gianluca Aguiari
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alessandro Trentini
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Prevention, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Stefano Volinia
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Jeffrey W Keillor
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa, Canada
| | - Carlo M Bergamini
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Italy
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37
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Pichon M, Drelinkiewicz D, Lozano D, Moraru R, Hayward LJ, Jones M, McCoy MA, Allstrum-Graves S, Balourdas DI, Joerger AC, Whitby RJ, Goldup SM, Wells N, Langley GJ, Herniman JM, Baud MGJ. Structure-Reactivity Studies of 2-Sulfonylpyrimidines Allow Selective Protein Arylation. Bioconjug Chem 2023; 34:1679-1687. [PMID: 37657082 PMCID: PMC10515483 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.3c00322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
Protein arylation has attracted much attention for developing new classes of bioconjugates with improved properties. Here, we have evaluated 2-sulfonylpyrimidines as covalent warheads for the mild, chemoselective, and metal free cysteine S-arylation. 2-Sulfonylpyrimidines react rapidly with cysteine, resulting in stable S-heteroarylated adducts at neutral pH. Fine tuning the heterocyclic core and exocyclic leaving group allowed predictable SNAr reactivity in vitro, covering >9 orders of magnitude. Finally, we achieved fast chemo- and regiospecific arylation of a mutant p53 protein and confirmed arylation sites by protein X-ray crystallography. Hence, we report the first example of a protein site specifically S-arylated with iodo-aromatic motifs. Overall, this study provides the most comprehensive structure-reactivity relationship to date on heteroaryl sulfones and highlights 2-sulfonylpyrimidine as a synthetically tractable and protein compatible covalent motif for targeting reactive cysteines, expanding the arsenal of tunable warheads for modern covalent ligand discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maëva
M. Pichon
- School
of Chemistry, University of Southampton, Highfield, SO17 1BJ Southampton, United
Kingdom
| | - Dawid Drelinkiewicz
- School
of Chemistry, University of Southampton, Highfield, SO17 1BJ Southampton, United
Kingdom
| | - David Lozano
- School
of Chemistry, University of Southampton, Highfield, SO17 1BJ Southampton, United
Kingdom
| | - Ruxandra Moraru
- School
of Chemistry, University of Southampton, Highfield, SO17 1BJ Southampton, United
Kingdom
| | - Laura J. Hayward
- School
of Chemistry, University of Southampton, Highfield, SO17 1BJ Southampton, United
Kingdom
| | - Megan Jones
- School
of Chemistry, University of Southampton, Highfield, SO17 1BJ Southampton, United
Kingdom
| | - Michael A. McCoy
- School
of Chemistry, University of Southampton, Highfield, SO17 1BJ Southampton, United
Kingdom
| | - Samuel Allstrum-Graves
- School
of Chemistry, University of Southampton, Highfield, SO17 1BJ Southampton, United
Kingdom
| | - Dimitrios-Ilias Balourdas
- Institute
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Johann Wolfgang
Goethe University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, Frankfurt am Main 60438, Germany
- Structural
Genomics Consortium (SGC), Buchmann Institute
for Molecular Life Sciences (BMLS), Max-von-Laue-Str. 15, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Andreas C. Joerger
- Institute
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Johann Wolfgang
Goethe University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, Frankfurt am Main 60438, Germany
- Structural
Genomics Consortium (SGC), Buchmann Institute
for Molecular Life Sciences (BMLS), Max-von-Laue-Str. 15, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Richard J. Whitby
- School
of Chemistry, University of Southampton, Highfield, SO17 1BJ Southampton, United
Kingdom
| | - Stephen M. Goldup
- School
of Chemistry, University of Southampton, Highfield, SO17 1BJ Southampton, United
Kingdom
| | - Neil Wells
- School
of Chemistry, University of Southampton, Highfield, SO17 1BJ Southampton, United
Kingdom
| | - Graham J. Langley
- School
of Chemistry, University of Southampton, Highfield, SO17 1BJ Southampton, United
Kingdom
| | - Julie M. Herniman
- School
of Chemistry, University of Southampton, Highfield, SO17 1BJ Southampton, United
Kingdom
| | - Matthias G. J. Baud
- School
of Chemistry, University of Southampton, Highfield, SO17 1BJ Southampton, United
Kingdom
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38
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Ngo C, Fried W, Aliyari S, Feng J, Qin C, Zhang S, Yang H, Shanaa J, Feng P, Cheng G, Chen XS, Zhang C. Alkyne as a Latent Warhead to Covalently Target SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease. J Med Chem 2023; 66:12237-12248. [PMID: 37595260 PMCID: PMC10510381 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
There is an urgent need for improved therapy to better control the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The main protease Mpro plays a pivotal role in SARS-CoV-2 replications, thereby representing an attractive target for antiviral development. We seek to identify novel electrophilic warheads for efficient, covalent inhibition of Mpro. By comparing the efficacy of a panel of warheads installed on a common scaffold against Mpro, we discovered that the terminal alkyne could covalently modify Mpro as a latent warhead. Our biochemical and X-ray structural analyses revealed the irreversible formation of the vinyl-sulfide linkage between the alkyne and the catalytic cysteine of Mpro. Clickable probes based on the alkyne inhibitors were developed to measure target engagement, drug residence time, and off-target effects. The best alkyne-containing inhibitors potently inhibited SARS-CoV-2 infection in cell infection models. Our findings highlight great potentials of alkyne as a latent warhead to target cystine proteases in viruses and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chau Ngo
- Department
of Chemistry and Loker Hydrocarbon Research Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, United States
| | - William Fried
- Molecular
and Computational Biology, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, United States
| | - Saba Aliyari
- Department
of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Joshua Feng
- Department
of Chemistry and Loker Hydrocarbon Research Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, United States
| | - Chao Qin
- Section
of Infection and Immunity, Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, United States
| | - Shilei Zhang
- Department
of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Hanjing Yang
- Molecular
and Computational Biology, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, United States
| | - Jean Shanaa
- Department
of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Pinghui Feng
- Section
of Infection and Immunity, Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, United States
| | - Genhong Cheng
- Department
of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Xiaojiang S. Chen
- Molecular
and Computational Biology, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, United States
| | - Chao Zhang
- Department
of Chemistry and Loker Hydrocarbon Research Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, United States
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39
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Srinivasan B. Non-equilibrium modalities of inhibition: Characterizing irreversible inhibition for the ErbB receptor family members. Methods Enzymol 2023; 690:85-108. [PMID: 37858541 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2023.08.004] [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] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Most drug target interactions for clinically approved small-molecules are non-equilibrium slow-onset, tight-binding or irreversible in nature, with pronounced element of time-dependence of inhibition. Analysis of such modality of inhibition requires a continuous enzyme kinetic measurement that can yield complete progress curves and an automated high-throughput analysis pipeline. Given the increasing emphasis on designing non-equilibrium modes of inhibiting an enzyme target (especially irreversible), the above specified pipeline for data generation and analysis is essential for extracting parameters to guide decisions in early drug discovery. In this manuscript, the methodology and data analysis protocol from our irreversible inhibitor characterization campaigns for the ErbB receptor family members is presented. Guidance is provided on the appropriate design of assay to generate quality data, setting up the analysis and estimation of inactivation rate (kinact) and the pseudo-equilibrium binding affinity (KI) constant (or their ratio kinact/KI) in a high-throughput manner for the inhibitor interacting with the protein target of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bharath Srinivasan
- Mechanistic and Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, United Kingdom.
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40
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Henry SP, Jorgensen WL. Progress on the Pharmacological Targeting of Janus Pseudokinases. J Med Chem 2023; 66:10959-10990. [PMID: 37578217 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
The Janus kinases (JAKs) are key components of the JAK-STAT signaling pathway and are involved in myriad physiological processes. Though they are the molecular targets of many FDA-approved drugs, these drugs manifest adverse effects due in part to their inhibition of the requisite JAK kinase activity. However, the JAKs uniquely possess an integrated pseudokinase domain (JH2) that regulates the adjacent kinase domain (JH1). The therapeutic targeting of JH2 domains has been less thoroughly explored and may present an avenue to modulate the JAKs without the adverse effects associated with targeting the adjacent JH1 domain. The potential of this strategy was recently demonstrated with the FDA approval of the TYK2 JH2 ligand deucravacitinib for treating plaque psoriasis. In this light, the structure and targetability of the JAK pseudokinases are discussed, in conjunction with the state of development of ligands that bind to these domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean P Henry
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8107, United States
| | - William L Jorgensen
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8107, United States
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41
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Xue L, Liu W, Li S, Duchemin N, Lou M, Yuan J, Zhang H, Chen J, Yu W, Yang K, Hu YJ. On-DNA Morita-Baylis-Hillman Reaction: Accessing Targeted Covalent Inhibitor Motifs in DNA-Encoded Libraries. Bioconjug Chem 2023; 34:1366-1373. [PMID: 37418679 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.3c00138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
We herein present the first application of the on-DNA Morita-Baylis-Hillman (MBH) reaction for the creation of pharmaceutically relevant targeted covalent inhibitors (TCIs) with an α-hydroxyl Michael acceptor motif. Adapting a DNA-compatible organocatalytic process, this MBH reaction for covalent selection-capable DNA encoded library (DEL) synthesis grants access to densely functionalized and versatile precursors to explore novel chemical space for molecule recognition in drug discovery. Most importantly, this methodology sheds light on potentially unexpected reaction outcomes of the MBH reaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijun Xue
- Pharmaron (Ningbo) Technology Development Co., Ltd. No. 800 Bin-Hai 4th Road, Hangzhou Bay New Zone, Ningbo, 315336, P.R. China
| | - Weijie Liu
- Pharmaron (Ningbo) Technology Development Co., Ltd. No. 800 Bin-Hai 4th Road, Hangzhou Bay New Zone, Ningbo, 315336, P.R. China
| | - Shu Li
- Pharmaron (Ningbo) Technology Development Co., Ltd. No. 800 Bin-Hai 4th Road, Hangzhou Bay New Zone, Ningbo, 315336, P.R. China
| | - Nicolas Duchemin
- Pharmaron U.K., Ltd., Innovation Park, West Cl, Hertford Rd, Hoddesdon EN11 9FH, United Kingdom
| | - Mengjia Lou
- Pharmaron (Ningbo) Technology Development Co., Ltd. No. 800 Bin-Hai 4th Road, Hangzhou Bay New Zone, Ningbo, 315336, P.R. China
| | - Jingyu Yuan
- Pharmaron (Ningbo) Technology Development Co., Ltd. No. 800 Bin-Hai 4th Road, Hangzhou Bay New Zone, Ningbo, 315336, P.R. China
| | - Huanqing Zhang
- Pharmaron (Ningbo) Technology Development Co., Ltd. No. 800 Bin-Hai 4th Road, Hangzhou Bay New Zone, Ningbo, 315336, P.R. China
| | - Junyun Chen
- Pharmaron (Ningbo) Technology Development Co., Ltd. No. 800 Bin-Hai 4th Road, Hangzhou Bay New Zone, Ningbo, 315336, P.R. China
| | - Weina Yu
- Pharmaron (Ningbo) Technology Development Co., Ltd. No. 800 Bin-Hai 4th Road, Hangzhou Bay New Zone, Ningbo, 315336, P.R. China
| | - Kexin Yang
- Pharmaron Beijing Co., Ltd., 6 Taihe Road, BDA, Beijing 100176, P.R. China
| | - Yun Jin Hu
- Pharmaron (Ningbo) Technology Development Co., Ltd. No. 800 Bin-Hai 4th Road, Hangzhou Bay New Zone, Ningbo, 315336, P.R. China
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42
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Oyedele AQK, Ogunlana AT, Boyenle ID, Adeyemi AO, Rita TO, Adelusi TI, Abdul-Hammed M, Elegbeleye OE, Odunitan TT. Docking covalent targets for drug discovery: stimulating the computer-aided drug design community of possible pitfalls and erroneous practices. Mol Divers 2023; 27:1879-1903. [PMID: 36057867 PMCID: PMC9441019 DOI: 10.1007/s11030-022-10523-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The continuous approval of covalent drugs in recent years for the treatment of diseases has led to an increased search for covalent agents by medicinal chemists and computational scientists worldwide. In the computational parlance, molecular docking which is a popular tool to investigate the interaction of a ligand and a protein target, does not account for the formation of covalent bond, and the increasing application of these conventional programs to covalent targets in early drug discovery practice is a matter of utmost concern. Thus, in this comprehensive review, we sought to educate the docking community about the realization of covalent docking and the existence of suitable programs to make their future virtual-screening events on covalent targets worthwhile and scientifically rational. More interestingly, we went beyond the classical description of the functionality of covalent-docking programs down to selecting the 'best' program to consult with during a virtual-screening campaign based on receptor class and covalent warhead chemistry. In addition, we made a highlight on how covalent docking could be achieved using random conventional docking software. And lastly, we raised an alert on the growing erroneous molecular docking practices with covalent targets. Our aim is to guide scientists in the rational docking pursuit when dealing with covalent targets, as this will reduce false-positive results and also increase the reliability of their work for translational research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdul-Quddus Kehinde Oyedele
- Computational Biology/Drug Discovery Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria
- Department of Chemistry, University of New Haven, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Abdeen Tunde Ogunlana
- Computational Biology/Drug Discovery Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria
| | - Ibrahim Damilare Boyenle
- Computational Biology/Drug Discovery Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria.
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemsitry, University of Maryland, Maryland, USA.
- College of Health Sciences, Crescent University, Abeokuta, Nigeria.
| | | | - Temionu Oluwakemi Rita
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Lagos State College of Health, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Temitope Isaac Adelusi
- Computational Biology/Drug Discovery Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria
| | - Misbaudeen Abdul-Hammed
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria
| | - Oluwabamise Emmanuel Elegbeleye
- Computational Biology/Drug Discovery Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria
| | - Tope Tunji Odunitan
- Department of Biochemistry, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria
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43
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Bajaj T, Wehri E, Suryawanshi RK, King E, Pardeshi KS, Behrouzi K, Khodabakhshi Z, Schulze-Gahmen U, Kumar GR, Mofrad MRK, Nomura DK, Ott M, Schaletzky J, Murthy N. Mercapto-pyrimidines are reversible covalent inhibitors of the papain-like protease (PLpro) and inhibit SARS-CoV-2 (SCoV-2) replication. RSC Adv 2023; 13:17667-17677. [PMID: 37312993 PMCID: PMC10259201 DOI: 10.1039/d3ra01915b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The papain-like protease (PLpro) plays a critical role in SARS-CoV-2 (SCoV-2) pathogenesis and is essential for viral replication and for allowing the virus to evade the host immune response. Inhibitors of PLpro have great therapeutic potential, however, developing them has been challenging due to PLpro's restricted substrate binding pocket. In this report, we screened a 115 000-compound library for PLpro inhibitors and identified a new pharmacophore, based on a mercapto-pyrimidine fragment that is a reversible covalent inhibitor (RCI) of PLpro and inhibits viral replication in cells. Compound 5 had an IC50 of 5.1 μM for PLpro inhibition and hit optimization yielded a derivative with increased potency (IC50 0.85 μM, 6-fold higher). Activity based profiling of compound 5 demonstrated that it reacts with PLpro cysteines. We show here that compound 5 represents a new class of RCIs, which undergo an addition elimination reaction with cysteines in their target proteins. We further show that their reversibility is catalyzed by exogenous thiols and is dependent on the size of the incoming thiol. In contrast, traditional RCIs are all based upon the Michael addition reaction mechanism and their reversibility is base-catalyzed. We identify a new class of RCIs that introduces a more reactive warhead with a pronounced selectivity profile based on thiol ligand size. This could allow the expansion of RCI modality use towards a larger group of proteins important for human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teena Bajaj
- Graduate Program of Comparative Biochemistry, University of California Berkeley CA USA
| | - Eddie Wehri
- The Henry Wheeler Center of Emerging and Neglected Diseases 344 Li Ka Shing Berkeley CA USA
| | | | - Elizabeth King
- Chemical Biology Graduate Program, University of California Berkeley CA USA
| | | | - Kamyar Behrouzi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California Berkeley CA USA
| | | | | | - G Renuka Kumar
- Gladstone Institute of Virology Gladstone Institutes San Francisco CA USA
| | | | - Daniel K Nomura
- Department of Chemistry, University of California Berkeley CA USA
| | - Melanie Ott
- Gladstone Institute of Virology Gladstone Institutes San Francisco CA USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco CA USA
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub San Francisco CA USA
| | - Julia Schaletzky
- The Henry Wheeler Center of Emerging and Neglected Diseases 344 Li Ka Shing Berkeley CA USA
| | - Niren Murthy
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Berkeley CA USA
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44
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Udompholkul P, Garza-Granados A, Alboreggia G, Baggio C, McGuire J, Pegan SD, Pellecchia M. Characterization of a Potent and Orally Bioavailable Lys-Covalent Inhibitor of Apoptosis Protein (IAP) Antagonist. J Med Chem 2023. [PMID: 37262387 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
We have recently reported on the use of aryl-fluorosulfates in designing water- and plasma-stable agents that covalently target Lys, Tyr, or His residues in the BIR3 domain of the inhibitor of the apoptosis protein (IAP) family. Here, we report further structural, cellular, and pharmacological characterizations of this agent, including the high-resolution structure of the complex between the Lys-covalent agent and its target, the BIR3 domain of X-linked IAP (XIAP). We also compared the cellular efficacy of the agent in two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) cell cultures, side by side with the clinical candidate reversible IAP inhibitor LCL161. Finally, in vivo pharmacokinetic studies indicated that the agent was long-lived and orally bioavailable. Collectively our data further corroborate that aryl-fluorosulfates, when incorporated correctly in a ligand, can result in Lys-covalent agents with pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties that warrant their use in the design of pharmacological probes or even therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parima Udompholkul
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Ana Garza-Granados
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Giulia Alboreggia
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Carlo Baggio
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Jack McGuire
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Scott D Pegan
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Maurizio Pellecchia
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, California 92521, United States
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45
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Zhang YN, Zhu GH, Liu W, Xiong Y, Hu Q, Zhuang XY, Jia GH, Zhang WD, Ge GB. Discovery and characterization of the covalent SARS-CoV-2 3CL pro inhibitors from Ginkgo biloba extract via integrating chemoproteomic and biochemical approaches. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 114:154796. [PMID: 37037086 PMCID: PMC10052880 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.154796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The 3C-like proteases (3CLpros) are cysteine-rich homodimeric proteins and can be covalently modified by numerous natural and synthetic compounds, which in turn, block the proteolytic activity or the formation of enzymatically active dimeric forms. Although herbal medicines have been widely used to treat COVID-19, identification of the key herbal constituents that can covalently modify the 3CLpros in β-coronaviruses (CoVs) remains a big challenge. AIMS To construct a comprehensive approach for efficient discovering the covalent SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro inhibitors from herbal medicines. To decipher the key anti-SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro constituents in Ginkgo biloba extract 50 (GBE50) and to study their anti-SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro mechanisms. METHODS SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro inhibition assay including time-dependent inhibition assays and inactivation kinetic analyses were conducted using a fluorescence-based biochemical assay. The constituents in GBE50 were analyzed by UHPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap HRMS. The peptides modified by herbal constituents were characterized by using nanoLC-MS/MS. RESULTS Following testing the anti-SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro effects of 104 herbal medicines, it was found that Ginkgo biloba extract 50 (GBE50) potently inhibited SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro in dose- and time-dependent manners. A total of 38 constituents were identified from GBE50 by UHPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap HRMS, while 26 peptides modified by 18 constituents were identified by chemoproteomic profiling. The anti-SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro effects of 18 identified covalent inhibitors were then validated by performing time-dependent inhibition assays. The results clearly demonstrated that most tested constituents showed time-dependent inhibition on SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro, while gallocatechin and sciadopitysin displayed the most potent anti-SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro effects. CONCLUSION Collectively, GBE50 and some constituents in this herbal product could strongly inhibit SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro in dose- and time-dependent manner. Gallocatechin and sciadopitysin were identified as potent SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro inhibitors, which offers promising lead compounds for the development of novel anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Ni Zhang
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Guang-Hao Zhu
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuan Xiong
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Qing Hu
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China; Clinical Pharmacy Center, Cancer Center, Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, China
| | - Xiao-Yu Zhuang
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Gui-Hua Jia
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Wei-Dong Zhang
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Guang-Bo Ge
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China.
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46
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Yu W, Weber DJ, MacKerell AD. Integrated Covalent Drug Design Workflow Using Site Identification by Ligand Competitive Saturation. J Chem Theory Comput 2023; 19:3007-3021. [PMID: 37115781 PMCID: PMC10205696 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jctc.3c00232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
Covalent drug design is an important component in drug discovery. Traditional drugs interact with their target in a reversible equilibrium, while irreversible covalent drugs increase the drug-target interaction duration by forming a covalent bond with targeted residues and thus may offer a more effective therapeutic approach. To facilitate the design of this class of ligands, computational methods can be used to help identify reactive nucleophilic residues, frequently cysteines, on a target protein for covalent binding, to test various warhead groups for their potential reactivities, and to predict noncovalent contributions to binding that can facilitate drug-target interactions that are important for binding specificity. To further aid covalent drug design, we extended a functional group mapping approach based on explicit solvent all-atom molecular simulations (SILCS: site identification by ligand competitive saturation) that intrinsically considers protein flexibility, functional group, and protein desolvation along with functional group-protein interactions. Through docking of a library of representative warhead fragments using SILCS-Monte Carlo (SILCS-MC), reactive cysteines can be correctly identified for proteins being tested. Furthermore, a machine learning model was trained to quantify the effectiveness of various warhead groups for proteins using metrics from SILCS-MC as well as experimental model compound warhead reactivity data. The ability to rank covalent molecular binders with similar warheads using SILCS ligand grid free energy (LGFE) ranking was also tested for several proteins. Based on these tools, an integrated SILCS-based workflow was developed, named SILCS-Covalent, which can both qualitatively and quantitatively inform covalent drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenbo Yu
- Computer-Aided Drug Design Center, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, United States
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research (IBBR), Rockville, Maryland 20850, United States
- Center for Biomolecular Therapeutics (CBT), School of Medicine, University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, United States
| | - David J. Weber
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research (IBBR), Rockville, Maryland 20850, United States
- Center for Biomolecular Therapeutics (CBT), School of Medicine, University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, United States
| | - Alexander D. MacKerell
- Computer-Aided Drug Design Center, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, United States
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research (IBBR), Rockville, Maryland 20850, United States
- Center for Biomolecular Therapeutics (CBT), School of Medicine, University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, United States
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47
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Zhang B, Zhu C, Chan ASC, Lu G. Discovery of a first-in-class Aurora A covalent inhibitor for the treatment of triple negative breast cancer. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 256:115457. [PMID: 37207533 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Aurora kinases, which belong to the serine/threonine protein family, play critical roles in the regulation of the cell cycle and mitotic spindle assembly. They are frequently highly expressed in various types of tumors, and the use of selective Aurora kinase inhibitors has become a potential treatment option for cancer therapy. Despite the development of some reversible Aurora kinase inhibitors, none has been approved for clinical use yet. In this study, we report the discovery of the first-in-class irreversible Aurora A covalent inhibitors that target a cysteine residue at the substrate binding site. These inhibitors were characterized in enzymatic and cellular assays, and 11c exhibited selective inhibition to normal and cancer cells, as well as to Aurora A and B kinases. The covalent binding of 11c to Aurora A was confirmed by SPR, MS, and enzyme kinetic analysis, and Cys290-mediated covalent inhibition was supported through a bottom-up analysis of inhibitor-modified targets. Moreover, Western blotting assays were conducted on cells and tissues, and cellular thermal shift assays (CETSA) were further performed on cells to demonstrate the selectivity to Aurora A kinase. 11c displayed comparable therapeutic efficacy in an MDA-MB-231 xenograft mouse model relative to the positive control ENMD-2076, while requiring only half the dose of ENMD-2076. These results confirmed that 11c may be a promising drug candidate for the treatment of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). Our work may provide a new perspective on the design of covalent inhibitors of Aurora kinase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Zhang
- Institute of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China
| | - Chengchen Zhu
- Institute of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China
| | - Albert S C Chan
- Institute of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China
| | - Gui Lu
- Institute of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China.
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48
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Krämer J, Bar-Or A, Turner TJ, Wiendl H. Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitors for multiple sclerosis. Nat Rev Neurol 2023; 19:289-304. [PMID: 37055617 PMCID: PMC10100639 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-023-00800-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
Current therapies for multiple sclerosis (MS) reduce both relapses and relapse-associated worsening of disability, which is assumed to be mainly associated with transient infiltration of peripheral immune cells into the central nervous system (CNS). However, approved therapies are less effective at slowing disability accumulation in patients with MS, in part owing to their lack of relevant effects on CNS-compartmentalized inflammation, which has been proposed to drive disability. Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) is an intracellular signalling molecule involved in the regulation of maturation, survival, migration and activation of B cells and microglia. As CNS-compartmentalized B cells and microglia are considered central to the immunopathogenesis of progressive MS, treatment with CNS-penetrant BTK inhibitors might curtail disease progression by targeting immune cells on both sides of the blood-brain barrier. Five BTK inhibitors that differ in selectivity, strength of inhibition, binding mechanisms and ability to modulate immune cells within the CNS are currently under investigation in clinical trials as a treatment for MS. This Review describes the role of BTK in various immune cells implicated in MS, provides an overview of preclinical data on BTK inhibitors and discusses the (largely preliminary) data from clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Krämer
- Department of Neurology with Institute of Translational Neurology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Amit Bar-Or
- Center for Neuroinflammation and Neurotherapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Heinz Wiendl
- Department of Neurology with Institute of Translational Neurology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany.
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49
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Schaefer D, Cheng X. Recent Advances in Covalent Drug Discovery. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:ph16050663. [PMID: 37242447 DOI: 10.3390/ph16050663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
In spite of the increasing number of biologics license applications, the development of covalent inhibitors is still a growing field within drug discovery. The successful approval of some covalent protein kinase inhibitors, such as ibrutinib (BTK covalent inhibitor) and dacomitinib (EGFR covalent inhibitor), and the very recent discovery of covalent inhibitors for viral proteases, such as boceprevir, narlaprevir, and nirmatrelvir, represent a new milestone in covalent drug development. Generally, the formation of covalent bonds that target proteins can offer drugs diverse advantages in terms of target selectivity, drug resistance, and administration concentration. The most important factor for covalent inhibitors is the electrophile (warhead), which dictates selectivity, reactivity, and the type of protein binding (i.e., reversible or irreversible) and can be modified/optimized through rational designs. Furthermore, covalent inhibitors are becoming more and more common in proteolysis, targeting chimeras (PROTACs) for degrading proteins, including those that are currently considered to be 'undruggable'. The aim of this review is to highlight the current state of covalent inhibitor development, including a short historical overview and some examples of applications of PROTAC technologies and treatment of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Schaefer
- Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Chemical Biology, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 15. R. 3.652, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Xinlai Cheng
- Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Chemical Biology, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 15. R. 3.652, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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50
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Tillmanns J, Häge S, Borst EM, Wardin J, Eickhoff J, Klebl B, Wagner S, Wangen C, Hahn F, Socher E, Marschall M. Assessment of Covalently Binding Warhead Compounds in the Validation of the Cytomegalovirus Nuclear Egress Complex as an Antiviral Target. Cells 2023; 12:cells12081162. [PMID: 37190072 DOI: 10.3390/cells12081162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Herpesviral nuclear egress is a regulated process of viral capsid nucleocytoplasmic release. Due to the large capsid size, a regular transport via the nuclear pores is unfeasible, so that a multistage-regulated export pathway through the nuclear lamina and both leaflets of the nuclear membrane has evolved. This process involves regulatory proteins, which support the local distortion of the nuclear envelope. For human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), the nuclear egress complex (NEC) is determined by the pUL50-pUL53 core that initiates multicomponent assembly with NEC-associated proteins and capsids. The transmembrane NEC protein pUL50 serves as a multi-interacting determinant that recruits regulatory proteins by direct and indirect contacts. The nucleoplasmic core NEC component pUL53 is strictly associated with pUL50 in a structurally defined hook-into-groove complex and is considered as the potential capsid-binding factor. Recently, we validated the concept of blocking the pUL50-pUL53 interaction by small molecules as well as cell-penetrating peptides or an overexpression of hook-like constructs, which can lead to a pronounced degree of antiviral activity. In this study, we extended this strategy by utilizing covalently binding warhead compounds, originally designed as binders of distinct cysteine residues in target proteins, such as regulatory kinases. Here, we addressed the possibility that warheads may likewise target viral NEC proteins, building on our previous crystallization-based structural analyses that revealed distinct cysteine residues in positions exposed from the hook-into-groove binding surface. To this end, the antiviral and NEC-binding properties of a selection of 21 warhead compounds were investigated. The combined findings are as follows: (i) warhead compounds exhibited a pronounced anti-HCMV potential in cell-culture-based infection models; (ii) computational analysis of NEC primary sequences and 3D structures revealed cysteine residues exposed to the hook-into-groove interaction surface; (iii) several of the active hit compounds exhibited NEC-blocking activity, as shown at the single-cell level by confocal imaging; (iv) the clinically approved warhead drug ibrutinib exerted a strong inhibitory impact on the pUL50-pUL53 core NEC interaction, as demonstrated by the NanoBiT assay system; and (v) the generation of recombinant HCMV ∆UL50-ΣUL53, allowing the assessment of viral replication under conditional expression of the viral core NEC proteins, was used for characterizing viral replication and a mechanistic evaluation of ibrutinib antiviral efficacy. Combined, the results point to a rate-limiting importance of the HCMV core NEC for viral replication and to the option of exploiting this determinant by the targeting of covalently NEC-binding warhead compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Tillmanns
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Sigrun Häge
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Eva Maria Borst
- Institute of Virology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Julia Wardin
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jan Eickhoff
- Lead Discovery Center GmbH (LDC), 44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Bert Klebl
- Lead Discovery Center GmbH (LDC), 44227 Dortmund, Germany
- The Norwegian College of Fishery Science UiT, The Arctic University of Norway, 9037 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Sabrina Wagner
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Christina Wangen
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Friedrich Hahn
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Eileen Socher
- Institute of Anatomy, Functional and Clinical Anatomy, FAU, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Manfred Marschall
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
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