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Bian S, Zhang R, Nie J, Zhu M, Xie Z, Liao C, Wang Q. Progress with polo-like kinase (PLK) inhibitors: a patent review (2018-present). Expert Opin Ther Pat 2024:1-18. [PMID: 38994687 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2024.2379924] [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: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Polo-like kinases (PLKs) have five isoforms, all of which play crucial roles in cell cycle and cell proliferation, offering opportunities for drug design and treatment of cancers and other related diseases. Notably, PLK1 and PLK4 have been extensively investigated as cancer drug targets. One distinctive feature of PLKs is the presence of a unique polo-box domain (PBD), which regulates kinase activity and subcellular localization. This provides possibilities for specifically targeting PLKs. AREA COVERED This article provides an overview of the roles of PLKs in various cancers and related diseases, as well as the drug development involving PLKs, with a particular focus on PLK1 and PLK4. It summarizes the PLK1 and PLK4 inhibitors that have been disclosed in patents or literature (from 2018 - present), which were sourced from SciFinder and WIPO database. EXPERT OPINION After two decades of drug development on PLKs, several drugs progressed into clinical trials for the treatment of many cancers; however, none of them has been approved yet. Further elucidating the mechanisms of PLKs and identifying and developing highly selective ATP-competitive inhibitors, highly potent drug-like PBD inhibitors, degraders, etc. may provide new opportunities for cancer therapy and the treatment for several nononcologic diseases. PLKs inhibition-based combination therapies can be another helpful strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirong Bian
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Engineering, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Ru Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Engineering, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Jianyu Nie
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Engineering, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Mingxing Zhu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Engineering, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Zhouling Xie
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Engineering, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Chenzhong Liao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Engineering, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Qin Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
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Zhou Y, Zhou F, Xu S, Shi D, Ding D, Wang S, Poongavanam V, Tang K, Liu X, Zhan P. Hydrophobic tagging of small molecules: an overview of the literature and future outlook. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2024; 19:799-813. [PMID: 38825802 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2024.2360416] [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: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hydrophobic tagging (HyT) technology presents a distinct therapeutic strategy diverging from conventional small molecule drugs, providing an innovative approach to drug design. This review aims to provide an overview of the HyT literature and future outlook to offer guidance for drug design. AREAS COVERED In this review, the authors introduce the composition, mechanisms and advantages of HyT technology, as well as summarize the detailed applications of HyT technology in anti-cancer, neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), autoimmune disorders, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), and other fields. Furthermore, this review discusses key aspects of the future development of HyT molecules. EXPERT OPINION HyT emerges as a highly promising targeted protein degradation (TPD) strategy, following the successful development of proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTAC) and molecular glue. Based on exploring new avenues, modification of the HyT molecule itself potentially enhances the technology. Improved synthetic pathways and emphasis on pharmacokinetic (PK) properties will facilitate the development of HyT. Furthermore, elucidating the biochemical basis by which the compound's hydrophobic moiety recruits the protein homeostasis network will enable the development of more precise assays that can guide the optimization of the linker and hydrophobic moiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zhou
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, PR China
| | - Fan Zhou
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, PR China
| | - Shujing Xu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, PR China
| | - Dazhou Shi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, PR China
| | - Dang Ding
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, PR China
| | - Shuo Wang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, PR China
| | | | - Kai Tang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, PR China
| | - Xinyong Liu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, PR China
| | - Peng Zhan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, PR China
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Chouhan NK, Eedara A, Talati MN, Ambadipudi SSSSS, Andugulapati SB, Pabbaraja S. Glucosyltriazole amphiphile treatment attenuates breast cancer by modulating the AMPK signaling. Drug Dev Res 2024; 85:e22215. [PMID: 38837718 DOI: 10.1002/ddr.22215] [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: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Breast cancer is the second most frequent cancer among women. Out of various subtypes, triple-negative breast cancers (TNBCs) account for 15% of breast cancers and exhibit more aggressive characteristics as well as a worse prognosis due to their proclivity for metastatic progression and limited therapeutic strategies. It has been demonstrated that AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) has context-specific protumorigenic implications in breast cancer cells. A set of glucosyltriazole amphiphiles, consisting of acetylated (9a-h) and unmodified sugar hydroxyl groups (10a-h), were synthesized and subjected to in vitro biological evaluation. Among them, 9h exhibited significant anticancer activity against MDA-MB-231, MCF-7, and 4T1 cell lines with IC50 values of 12.5, 15, and 12.55 μM, respectively. Further, compound 9h was evaluated for apoptosis and cell cycle analysis in in vitro models (using breast cancer cells) and antitumour activity in an in vivo model (orthotopic mouse model using 4T1 cells). Annexin-V assay results revealed that treatment with 9h caused 34% and 28% cell death at a concentration of 15 or 7.5 μM, respectively, while cell cycle analysis demonstrated that 9h arrested the cells at the G2/M or G1 phase in MCF-7, MDA-MB-231 and 4T1 cells, respectively. Further, in vivo, investigation showed that compound 9h exhibited equipotent as doxorubicin at 7.5 mg/kg, and superior efficacy than doxorubicin at 15 mg/kg. The mechanistic approach revealed that 9h showed potent anticancer activity in an in vivo orthotopic model (4T1 cells) partly by suppressing the AMPK activation. Therefore, modulating the AMPK activation could be a probable approach for targeting breast cancer and mitigating cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neeraj Kumar Chouhan
- Department of Organic Synthesis & Process Chemistry, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), Hyderabad, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - Abhisheik Eedara
- Department of Applied Biology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT), Hyderabad, India
| | - Mamta N Talati
- Department of Organic Synthesis & Process Chemistry, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), Hyderabad, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - Sudha S S S S Ambadipudi
- Department of Applied Biology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT), Hyderabad, India
| | - Sai Balaji Andugulapati
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
- Department of Applied Biology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT), Hyderabad, India
| | - Srihari Pabbaraja
- Department of Organic Synthesis & Process Chemistry, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), Hyderabad, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
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Gunasekaran P, Hwang YS, Lee GH, Park J, Kim JG, La YK, Park NY, Kothandaraman R, Yim MS, Choi J, Kim HN, Park IY, Lee SJ, Kim MH, Cha-Molstad H, Shin SY, Ryu EK, Bang JK. Degradation of Polo-like Kinase 1 by the Novel Poly-Arginine N-Degron Pathway PROTAC Regulates Tumor Growth in Nonsmall Cell Lung Cancer. J Med Chem 2024; 67:3307-3320. [PMID: 38105611 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01493] [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: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1), which is crucial in cell cycle regulation, is considered a promising anticancer drug target. Herein, we present the N-degron pathway-based proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) for PLK1 degradation, targeting the Polo-box domain (PBD). We identified DD-2 as the most potent PROTAC that selectively induces PLK1 degradation in cancer cells, including HeLa and nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC), through the N-degron pathway. DD-2 exhibited significant in vitro anticancer effects, inducing G2/M arrest and apoptosis in HeLa and NSCLC cell lines. DD-2 showed significant tumor growth inhibition in a xenograft mouse model using HeLa and NSCLC cell lines, highlighting its potential in cancer treatment. Furthermore, the combination of DD-2 with tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), osimertinib, effectively suppressed tumor growth in double-mutated H1975 cell lines, emphasizing DD-2's potential in combination cancer therapies. Collectively, this study demonstrates the potential of the N-degron pathway, especially using DD-2, for targeted cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pethaiah Gunasekaran
- Division of Magnetic Resonance, Korea Basic Science Institute (KBSI), Ochang, Chungbuk 28119, Republic of Korea
- Dandicure Inc, Ochang, Chungbuk 28119, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeon Sil Hwang
- Division of Magnetic Resonance, Korea Basic Science Institute (KBSI), Ochang, Chungbuk 28119, Republic of Korea
- Dandicure Inc, Ochang, Chungbuk 28119, Republic of Korea
| | - Gong-Hyeon Lee
- Dandicure Inc, Ochang, Chungbuk 28119, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaehui Park
- College of Pharmacy, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk 28160, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Gi Kim
- Nucleic Acid Therapeutics Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, 30 Yeongudanji-ro, Ochang, Cheongwon, Chungbuk 28116, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeo Kyung La
- Division of Magnetic Resonance, Korea Basic Science Institute (KBSI), Ochang, Chungbuk 28119, Republic of Korea
| | - Nam Yeong Park
- Division of Magnetic Resonance, Korea Basic Science Institute (KBSI), Ochang, Chungbuk 28119, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Min Su Yim
- Division of Vaccine Development Coordination, Center for Vaccine Research, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Health, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, Cheongju 28159, Republic of Korea
| | - Joonhyeok Choi
- Division of Magnetic Resonance, Korea Basic Science Institute (KBSI), Ochang, Chungbuk 28119, Republic of Korea
| | - Hak Nam Kim
- Division of Magnetic Resonance, Korea Basic Science Institute (KBSI), Ochang, Chungbuk 28119, Republic of Korea
| | - Il Yeong Park
- College of Pharmacy, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk 28160, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo Jae Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk 28160, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi-Hyun Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Pusan National University School of Medicine and Biomedical Research Institute, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan 49241, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunjoo Cha-Molstad
- Nucleic Acid Therapeutics Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, 30 Yeongudanji-ro, Ochang, Cheongwon, Chungbuk 28116, Republic of Korea
| | - Song Yub Shin
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Chosun University, Gwangju 61452, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Kyoung Ryu
- Division of Magnetic Resonance, Korea Basic Science Institute (KBSI), Ochang, Chungbuk 28119, Republic of Korea
- Department of Bio-Analytical Science, University of Science & Technology, Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Kyu Bang
- Division of Magnetic Resonance, Korea Basic Science Institute (KBSI), Ochang, Chungbuk 28119, Republic of Korea
- Dandicure Inc, Ochang, Chungbuk 28119, Republic of Korea
- Department of Bio-Analytical Science, University of Science & Technology, Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea
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5
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He Q, Zhao X, Wu D, Jia S, Liu C, Cheng Z, Huang F, Chen Y, Lu T, Lu S. Hydrophobic tag-based protein degradation: Development, opportunity and challenge. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 260:115741. [PMID: 37607438 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Targeted protein degradation (TPD) has emerged as a promising approach for drug development, particularly for undruggable targets. TPD technology has also been instrumental in overcoming drug resistance. While some TPD molecules utilizing proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTACs) or molecular glue strategies have been approved or evaluated in clinical trials, hydrophobic tag-based protein degradation (HyT-PD) has also gained significant attention as a tool for medicinal chemists. The increasing number of reported HyT-PD molecules possessing high efficiency in degrading protein and good pharmacokinetic (PK) properties, has further fueled interest in this approach. This review aims to present the design rationale, hydrophobic tags in use, and diverse mechanisms of action of HyT-PD. Additionally, the advantages and disadvantages of HyT-PD in protein degradation are discussed. This review may help inspire the development of more HyT-PDs with superior drug-like properties for clinical evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qindi He
- School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, PR China
| | - Xiaofei Zhao
- School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, PR China
| | - Donglin Wu
- School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, PR China
| | - Siming Jia
- School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, PR China
| | - Canlin Liu
- School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, PR China
| | - Zitian Cheng
- School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, PR China
| | - Fei Huang
- School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, PR China
| | - Yadong Chen
- Laboratory of Molecular Design and Drug Discovery, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, PR China.
| | - Tao Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China.
| | - Shuai Lu
- School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, PR China.
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6
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Chapagai D, Merhej G, McInnes C, Wyatt MD. Structural Basis for Variations in Polo-like Kinase 1 Conformation and Intracellular Stability Induced by ATP-Competitive and Novel Noncompetitive Abbapolin Inhibitors. ACS Chem Biol 2023. [PMID: 37433100 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.3c00269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) is an essential protein kinase with multiple roles in mitotic progression. PLK1 consists of a kinase domain (KD) and a phosphopeptide-binding polobox domain (PBD), which is responsible for substrate recognition and subcellular localization. The regulation of PLK1 involves an autoinhibitory conformation in which KD and PBD interact. Our previous work identified PBD-binding molecules termed abbapolins that inhibit the cellular phosphorylation of a PLK1 substrate and induce the loss of intracellular PLK1. Here, we describe a comparison of the abbapolin activity with that of KD inhibitors to gain insight into conformational features of PLK1. As measured by a cellular thermal shift assay, abbapolins produce ligand-induced thermal stabilization of PLK1. In contrast, KD inhibitors decreased the soluble PLK1, suggesting that catalytic-site binding causes a less thermally stable PLK1 conformation. Binding measurements with full-length PLK1 and a KD inhibitor also demonstrated a conformational change. Interestingly, the cellular consequences of KD versus PBD engagement contrast as KD binding causes the accumulation of intracellular PLK1, whereas PBD binding produces a striking loss of nuclear PLK1. These data are consistent with the relief of autoinhibited PLK1 by KD binders; an explanation for these observations is presented using structures for the catalytic domain and full-length PLK1 predicted by AlphaFold. Collectively, the results highlight an underappreciated aspect of targeting PLK1, namely, conformational perturbations induced by KD versus PBD binding. In addition to their significance for PBD-binding ligands, these observations have implications for the development of ATP-competitive PLK1 inhibitors because catalytic inhibitors may conversely promote PLK1 noncatalytic functions, which may explain their lack of clinical efficacy to date.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danda Chapagai
- Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, 715 Sumter Street, Columbia, South Carolina 29208, United States
| | - George Merhej
- Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, 715 Sumter Street, Columbia, South Carolina 29208, United States
| | - Campbell McInnes
- Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, 715 Sumter Street, Columbia, South Carolina 29208, United States
| | - Michael D Wyatt
- Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, 715 Sumter Street, Columbia, South Carolina 29208, United States
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Moore XTR, Gheghiani L, Fu Z. The Role of Polo-Like Kinase 1 in Regulating the Forkhead Box Family Transcription Factors. Cells 2023; 12:cells12091344. [PMID: 37174744 PMCID: PMC10177174 DOI: 10.3390/cells12091344] [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: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) is a serine/threonine kinase with more than 600 phosphorylation substrates through which it regulates many biological processes, including mitosis, apoptosis, metabolism, RNA processing, vesicle transport, and G2 DNA-damage checkpoint recovery, among others. Among the many PLK1 targets are members of the FOX family of transcription factors (FOX TFs), including FOXM1, FOXO1, FOXO3, and FOXK1. FOXM1 and FOXK1 have critical oncogenic roles in cancer through their antagonism of apoptotic signals and their promotion of cell proliferation, metastasis, angiogenesis, and therapeutic resistance. In contrast, FOXO1 and FOXO3 have been identified to have broad functions in maintaining cellular homeostasis. In this review, we discuss PLK1-mediated regulation of FOX TFs, highlighting the effects of PLK1 on the activity and stability of these proteins. In addition, we review the prognostic and clinical significance of these proteins in human cancers and, more importantly, the different approaches that have been used to disrupt PLK1 and FOX TF-mediated signaling networks. Furthermore, we discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting PLK1-regulated FOX TFs in human cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xavier T R Moore
- Department of Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA
| | - Lilia Gheghiani
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Zheng Fu
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
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Xie S, Zhan F, Zhu J, Sun Y, Zhu H, Liu J, Chen J, Zhu Z, Yang DH, Chen ZS, Yao H, Xu J, Xu S. Discovery of Norbornene as a Novel Hydrophobic Tag Applied in Protein Degradation. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202217246. [PMID: 36670545 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202217246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Hydrophobic tagging (HyT) is a potential therapeutic strategy for targeted protein degradation (TPD). Norbornene was discovered as an unprecedented hydrophobic tag in this study and was used to degrade the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) fusion protein by linking it to ALK inhibitors. The most promising degrader, Hyt-9, potently reduced ALK levels through Hsp70 and the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) in vitro without compensatory upregulation of ALK. Furthermore, Hyt-9 exhibited a significant tumor-inhibiting effect in vivo with moderate oral bioavailability. More importantly, norbornene can also be used to degrade the intractable enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) when tagged with the EZH2 inhibitor tazemetostat. Thus, the discovery of novel hydrophobic norbornene tags shows promise for the future development of TPD technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaowen Xie
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, China
| | - Feiyan Zhan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, China
| | - Jingjie Zhu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, China
| | - Yuan Sun
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, China
| | - Huajian Zhu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, China
| | - Jie Liu
- Department of Organic Chemistry, School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, China
| | - Jian Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Kunshan, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215300, China
| | - Zheying Zhu
- Division of Molecular Therapeutics and Formulation, School of Pharmacy, The University of Nottingham, University Park, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Dong-Hua Yang
- College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY 11439, USA
| | - Zhe-Sheng Chen
- College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY 11439, USA
| | - Hong Yao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, China
| | - Jinyi Xu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, China
| | - Shengtao Xu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, China.,Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Kunshan, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215300, China
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9
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Emerging TACnology: Heterobifunctional Small Molecule Inducers of Targeted Posttranslational Protein Modifications. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 28:molecules28020690. [PMID: 36677746 PMCID: PMC9867477 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28020690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Posttranslational modifications (PTMs) play an important role in cell signaling and they are often deregulated in disease. This review addresses recent advances in the development of heterobifunctional small molecules that enable targeting or hijacking PTMs. This emerging field is spearheaded by proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs), that induce ubiquitination of their targets and, thus, tag them for degradation by the proteasome. Within the last decade, several improvements have been made to enhance spatiotemporal control of PROTAC-induced degradation as well as cell permeability. Inspired by the success story of PROTACs, additional concepts based on chimeric small molecules have emerged such as phosphatase-recruiting chimeras (PhoRCs). Herein, an overview of strategies causing (de-)phosphorylation, deubiquitination as well as acetylation is provided, and the opportunities and challenges of heterobifunctional molecules for drug discovery are highlighted. Although significant progress has been achieved, a plethora of PTMs have not yet been covered and PTM-inducing chimeras will be helpful tools for chemical biology and could even find application in pharmacotherapy.
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Zhao HY, Xin M, Zhang SQ. Progress of small molecules for targeted protein degradation: PROTACs and other technologies. Drug Dev Res 2023; 84:337-394. [PMID: 36606428 DOI: 10.1002/ddr.22026] [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: 09/11/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Recent years have witnessed the rapid development of targeted protein degradation (TPD), especially proteolysis targeting chimeras. These degraders have manifested many advantages over small molecule inhibitors. To date, a huge number of degraders have been excavated against over 70 disease-related targets. In particular, degraders against estrogen receptor and androgen receptor have crowded into phase II clinical trial. TPD technologies largely expand the scope of druggable targets, and provide powerful tools for addressing intractable problems that can not be tackled by traditional small molecule inhibitors. In this review, we mainly focus on the structures and biological activities of small molecule degraders as well as the elucidation of mechanisms of emerging TPD technologies. We also propose the challenges that exist in the TPD field at present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Yi Zhao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Minhang Xin
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - San-Qi Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
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11
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Stafford JM, Wyatt MD, McInnes C. Inhibitors of the PLK1 polo-box domain: drug design strategies and therapeutic opportunities in cancer. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2023; 18:65-81. [PMID: 36524399 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2023.2159942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Polo Like Kinase 1 (PLK1) is a key regulator of mitosis and its overexpression is frequently observed in a wide variety of human cancers, while often being associated with poor survival rates. Therefore, it is considered a potential and attractive target for cancer therapeutic development. The Polo like kinase family is characterized by the presence of a unique C terminal polobox domain (PBD) involved in regulating kinase activity and subcellular localization. Among the two functionally essential, druggable sites with distinct properties that PLK1 offers, targeting the PBD presents an alternative approach for therapeutic development. AREAS COVERED Significant progress has been made in progressing from the peptidic PBD inhibitors first identified, to peptidomimetic and recently drug-like small molecules. In this review, the rationale for targeting the PBD over the ATP binding site is discussed, along with recent progress, challenges, and outlook. EXPERT OPINION The PBD has emerged as a viable alternative target for the inhibition of PLK1, and progress has been made in using compounds to elucidate mechanistic aspects of activity regulation and in determining roles of the PBD. Studies have resulted in proof of concept of in vivo efficacy suggesting promise for PBD binders in clinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessy M Stafford
- Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Michael D Wyatt
- Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Campbell McInnes
- Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
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12
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Li J, Liu T, Song Y, Wang M, Liu L, Zhu H, Li Q, Lin J, Jiang H, Chen K, Zhao K, Wang M, Zhou H, Lin H, Luo C. Discovery of Small-Molecule Degraders of the CDK9-Cyclin T1 Complex for Targeting Transcriptional Addiction in Prostate Cancer. J Med Chem 2022; 65:11034-11057. [PMID: 35925880 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Aberrant hyperactivation of cyclins results in carcinogenesis and therapy resistance in cancers. Direct degradation of the specific cyclin or cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK)-cyclin complex by small-molecule degraders remains a great challenge. Here, we applied the first application of hydrophobic tagging to induce degradation of CDK9-cyclin T1 heterodimer, which is required to keep productive transcription of oncogenes in cancers. LL-K9-3 was identified as a potent small-molecule degrader of CDK9-cyclin T1. Quantitative and time-resolved proteome profiling exhibited LL-K9-3 induced selective and synchronous degradation of CDK9 and cyclin T1. The expressions of androgen receptor (AR) and cMyc were reduced by LL-K9-3 in 22RV1 cells. LL-K9-3 exhibited enhanced anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects compared with its parental CDK9 inhibitor SNS032 and suppressed downstream signaling of CDK9 and AR more effectively than SNS032. Moreover, LL-K9-3 inhibited AR and Myc-driven oncogenic transcriptional programs and exerted stronger inhibitory effects on several intrinsic target genes of AR than the monomeric CDK9 PROTAC (Thal-SNS032).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiacheng Li
- The Center for Chemical Biology, Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ting Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, China
| | - Yuanli Song
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China.,Department of Analytical Chemistry and CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Mingyu Wang
- The Center for Chemical Biology, Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Liping Liu
- The Center for Chemical Biology, Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Hongwen Zhu
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China.,Department of Analytical Chemistry and CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Qi Li
- The Center for Chemical Biology, Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jin Lin
- School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, China
| | - Hualiang Jiang
- The Center for Chemical Biology, Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Kaixian Chen
- The Center for Chemical Biology, Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Kehao Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Mingliang Wang
- The Center for Chemical Biology, Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Hu Zhou
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China.,Department of Analytical Chemistry and CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Hua Lin
- The Center for Chemical Biology, Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China.,Biomedical Research Center of South China, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350117, China
| | - Cheng Luo
- School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, China.,The Center for Chemical Biology, Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China.,School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 100 Haike Road, Shanghai 201210, China
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13
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Zhang J, Zhang L, Wang J, Ouyang L, Wang Y. Polo-like Kinase 1 Inhibitors in Human Cancer Therapy: Development and Therapeutic Potential. J Med Chem 2022; 65:10133-10160. [PMID: 35878418 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) plays an important role in a variety of cellular functions, including the regulation of mitosis, DNA replication, autophagy, and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). PLK1 overexpression is often associated with cell proliferation and poor prognosis in cancer patients, making it a promising antitumor target. To date, at least 10 PLK1 inhibitors (PLK1i) have been entered into clinical trials, among which the typical kinase domain (KD) inhibitor BI 6727 (volasertib) was granted "breakthrough therapy designation" by the FDA in 2013. Unfortunately, many other KD inhibitors showed poor specificity, resulting in dose-limiting toxicity, which has greatly impeded their development. Researchers recently discovered many PLK1i with higher selectivity, stronger potency, and better absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination (ADME) characteristics. In this review, we emphasize the structure-activity relationships (SARs) of PLK1i, providing insights into new drugs targeting PLK1 for antitumor clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jifa Zhang
- Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China.,State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Lele Zhang
- Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China.,State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 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, Tennessee, United States
| | - Liang Ouyang
- Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China.,State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuxi Wang
- Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China.,State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
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14
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Spirocyclic dimer SpiD7 activates the unfolded protein response to selectively inhibit growth and induce apoptosis of cancer cells. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:101890. [PMID: 35378132 PMCID: PMC9062249 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.101890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The unfolded protein response (UPR) is an adaptation mechanism activated to resolve transient accumulation of unfolded/misfolded proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum. Failure to resolve the transient accumulation of such proteins results in UPR-mediated programmed cell death. Loss of tumor suppressor gene or oncogene addiction in cancer cells can result in sustained higher basal UPR levels; however, it is not clear if these higher basal UPR levels in cancer cells can be exploited as a therapeutic strategy. We hypothesized that covalent modification of surface-exposed cysteine (SEC) residues could simulate unfolded/misfolded proteins to activate the UPR, and that higher basal UPR levels in cancer cells would provide the necessary therapeutic window. To test this hypothesis, here we synthesized analogs that can covalently modify multiple SEC residues and evaluated them as UPR activators. We identified a spirocyclic dimer, SpiD7, and evaluated its effects on UPR activation signals, that is, XBP1 splicing, phosphorylation of eIF2α, and a decrease in ATF 6 levels, in normal and cancer cells, which were further confirmed by RNA-Seq analyses. We found that SpiD7 selectively induced caspase-mediated apoptosis in cancer cells, whereas normal cells exhibited robust XBP1 splicing, indicating adaptation to stress. Furthermore, SpiD7 inhibited the growth of high-grade serous carcinoma cell lines ~3-15-fold more potently than immortalized fallopian tube epithelial (paired normal control) cells and reduced clonogenic growth of high-grade serous carcinoma cell lines. Our results suggest that induction of the UPR by covalent modification of SEC residues represents a cancer cell vulnerability and can be exploited to discover novel therapeutics.
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15
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Tsirkas I, Dovrat D, Thangaraj M, Brouwer I, Cohen A, Paleiov Z, Meijler MM, Lenstra T, Aharoni A. Transcription-replication coordination revealed in single live cells. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:2143-2156. [PMID: 35137218 PMCID: PMC8887460 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The coexistence of DNA replication and transcription during S-phase requires their tight coordination to prevent harmful conflicts. While extensive research revealed important mechanisms for minimizing these conflicts and their consequences, little is known regarding how the replication and transcription machinery are coordinated in real-time. Here, we developed a live-cell imaging approach for the real-time monitoring of replisome progression and transcription dynamics during a transcription-replication encounter. We found a wave of partial transcriptional repression ahead of the moving replication fork, which may contribute to efficient fork progression through the transcribed gene. Real-time detection of conflicts revealed their negative impact on both processes, leading to fork stalling or slowdown as well as lower transcription levels during gene replication, with different trade-offs observed in defined subpopulations of cells. Our real-time measurements of transcription-replication encounters demonstrate how these processes can proceed simultaneously while maintaining genomic stability, and how conflicts can arise when coordination is impaired.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Tsirkas
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Daniel Dovrat
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Manikandan Thangaraj
- The Department of Chemistry and the National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Ineke Brouwer
- Division of Gene Regulation, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Oncode Institute,1066CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Amit Cohen
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Zohar Paleiov
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Michael M Meijler
- The Department of Chemistry and the National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Tineke Lenstra
- Division of Gene Regulation, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Oncode Institute,1066CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Amir Aharoni
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva 84105, Israel
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16
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Yang H, Wang Y, Li X, Teng Y, Tian Y. A Dansyl Amide N-Oxide Fluorogenic Probe Based on a Bioorthogonal Decaging Reaction. ChemistryOpen 2021; 10:1013-1019. [PMID: 34637183 PMCID: PMC8507439 DOI: 10.1002/open.202100104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
A smart fluorescence "turn-on" probe which contained a dansyl amide fluorophore and an N-oxide group was designed based on the bioorthogonal decaging reaction between N-oxide and the boron reagent. The reaction proceeds in a rapid kinetics (k2 =57.1±2.5 m-1 s-1 ), and the resulting reduction product showcases prominent fluorescence enhancement (up to 72-fold). Time dependent density functional theoretical (TD-DFT) calculation revealed that the process of photoinduced electron transfer (PET) from the N-oxide moiety to the dansyl amide fluorophore accounts for the quenching mechanism of N-oxide. This probe also showed high selectivity over various nucleophilic amino acids and good biocompatibility in physiological conditions. The successful application of the probe in HaloTag protein labeling and HepG2 live-cell imaging proves it a valuable tool for visualization of biomolecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Yang
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Function of Natural MedicineBeijing Key Laboratory of Active Substances Discovery and Drugability EvaluationInstitute of Materia MedicaPeking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences1 Xian Nong Tan Street100050BeijingChina
| | - Yongcheng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Function of Natural MedicineBeijing Key Laboratory of Active Substances Discovery and Drugability EvaluationInstitute of Materia MedicaPeking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences1 Xian Nong Tan Street100050BeijingChina
| | - Xiang Li
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Function of Natural MedicineBeijing Key Laboratory of Active Substances Discovery and Drugability EvaluationInstitute of Materia MedicaPeking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences1 Xian Nong Tan Street100050BeijingChina
| | - Yu Teng
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Function of Natural MedicineBeijing Key Laboratory of Active Substances Discovery and Drugability EvaluationInstitute of Materia MedicaPeking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences1 Xian Nong Tan Street100050BeijingChina
| | - Yulin Tian
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Function of Natural MedicineBeijing Key Laboratory of Active Substances Discovery and Drugability EvaluationInstitute of Materia MedicaPeking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences1 Xian Nong Tan Street100050BeijingChina
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17
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Chapagai D, Ramamoorthy G, Varghese J, Nurmemmedov E, McInnes C, Wyatt MD. Nonpeptidic, Polo-Box Domain-Targeted Inhibitors of PLK1 Block Kinase Activity, Induce Its Degradation and Target-Resistant Cells. J Med Chem 2021; 64:9916-9925. [PMID: 34210138 PMCID: PMC10451095 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
PLK1, polo-like kinase 1, is a central player regulating mitosis. Inhibition of the subcellular localization and kinase activity of PLK1 through the PBD, polo-box domain, is a viable alternative to ATP-competitive inhibitors, for which the development of resistance and inhibition of related PLK family members are concerns. We describe novel nonpeptidic PBD-binding inhibitors, termed abbapolins, identified through successful application of the REPLACE strategy and demonstrate their potent antiproliferative activity in prostate tumors and other cell lines. Furthermore, abbapolins show PLK1-specific binding and inhibitory activity, as measured by a cellular thermal shift assay and an ability to block phosphorylation of TCTP, a validated target of PLK1-mediated kinase activity. Additional evidence for engagement of PLK1 was obtained through the unique observation that abbapolins induce PLK1 degradation in a manner that closely matches antiproliferative activity. Moreover, abbapolins demonstrate antiproliferative activity in cells that are dramatically resistant to ATP-competitive PLK1 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danda Chapagai
- Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina 29208, United States
| | - Gurusankar Ramamoorthy
- Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina 29208, United States
| | - Jessy Varghese
- Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina 29208, United States
| | - Elmar Nurmemmedov
- John Wayne Cancer Institute and Pacific Neuroscience Institute at Providence Saint John's Health Center, Santa Monica, California 90404-2312, United States
| | - Campbell McInnes
- Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina 29208, United States
| | - Michael D Wyatt
- Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina 29208, United States
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18
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Izert MA, Klimecka MM, Górna MW. Applications of Bacterial Degrons and Degraders - Toward Targeted Protein Degradation in Bacteria. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:669762. [PMID: 34026843 PMCID: PMC8138137 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.669762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
A repertoire of proteolysis-targeting signals known as degrons is a necessary component of protein homeostasis in every living cell. In bacteria, degrons can be used in place of chemical genetics approaches to interrogate and control protein function. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of synthetic applications of degrons in targeted proteolysis in bacteria. We describe recent advances ranging from large screens employing tunable degradation systems and orthogonal degrons, to sophisticated tools and sensors for imaging. Based on the success of proteolysis-targeting chimeras as an emerging paradigm in cancer drug discovery, we discuss perspectives on using bacterial degraders for studying protein function and as novel antimicrobials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Maria Wiktoria Górna
- Structural Biology Group, Biological and Chemical Research Centre, Department of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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19
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Alverez CN, Park JE, Toti KS, Xia Y, Krausz KW, Rai G, Bang JK, Gonzalez FJ, Jacobson KA, Lee KS. Identification of a New Heterocyclic Scaffold for Inhibitors of the Polo-Box Domain of Polo-like Kinase 1. J Med Chem 2020; 63:14087-14117. [PMID: 33175530 PMCID: PMC7769008 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
As a mitotic-specific target widely deregulated in various human cancers, polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1) has been extensively explored for anticancer activity and drug discovery. Although multiple catalytic domain inhibitors were tested in preclinical and clinical studies, their efficacies are limited by dose-limiting cytotoxicity, mainly from off-target cross reactivity. The C-terminal noncatalytic polo-box domain (PBD) of Plk1 has emerged as an attractive target for generating new protein-protein interaction inhibitors. Here, we identified a 1-thioxo-2,4-dihydro-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]quinazolin-5(1H)-one scaffold that efficiently inhibits Plk1 PBD but not its related Plk2 and Plk3 PBDs. Structure-activity relationship studies led to multiple inhibitors having ≥10-fold higher inhibitory activity than the previously characterized Plk1 PBD-specific phosphopeptide, PLHSpT (Kd ∼ 450 nM). In addition, S-methyl prodrugs effectively inhibited mitotic progression and cell proliferation and their metabolic stability was determined. These data describe a novel class of small-molecule inhibitors that offer a promising avenue for future drug discovery against Plk1-addicted cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celeste N Alverez
- Chemistry Section, Laboratory of Metabolism, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland 20850, United States
| | - Jung-Eun Park
- Chemistry Section, Laboratory of Metabolism, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
| | - Kiran S Toti
- Molecular Recognition Section, Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
| | - Yangliu Xia
- Chemistry Section, Laboratory of Metabolism, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
| | - Kristopher W Krausz
- Chemistry Section, Laboratory of Metabolism, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
| | - Ganesha Rai
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland 20850, United States
| | - Jeong K Bang
- Division of Magnetic Resonance, Korea Basic Science Institute, Cheongju 28119, Republic of Korea
| | - Frank J Gonzalez
- Chemistry Section, Laboratory of Metabolism, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
| | - Kenneth A Jacobson
- Molecular Recognition Section, Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
| | - Kyung S Lee
- Chemistry Section, Laboratory of Metabolism, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
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20
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Baxter M, Chapagai D, Craig S, Hurtado C, Varghese J, Nurmemmedov E, Wyatt MD, McInnes C. Peptidomimetic Polo-Box-Targeted Inhibitors that Engage PLK1 in Tumor Cells and Are Selective against the PLK3 Tumor Suppressor. ChemMedChem 2020; 15:1058-1066. [PMID: 32232973 PMCID: PMC7703809 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202000137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The polo-box domain (PBD) of PLK1 determines mitotic substrate recognition and subcellular localization. Compounds that target PLK1 selectively are required due to the tumor-suppressor roles of PLK3. A structure-activity analysis of the PBD phosphopeptide binding motif has identified potent peptides that delineate the determinants required for mimicry by nonpeptidic inhibitors and provide insights into the structural basis for the selectivity of inhibitors for the PLK1 PBD. Fragment-ligated inhibitory peptides (FLIPs) obtained through REPLACE have been optimized to enhance in vitro binding and a systematic analysis of selectivity for PLK1 vs PLK3 has been carried out for peptides and peptidomimetics. Furthermore, these more drug-like non-ATP-competitive inhibitors had on-target engagement in a cellular context, as evidenced by stabilization of PLK1 in a thermal-shift assay and by inhibition of the phosphorylation of TCTP, a target of PLK1. Investigation in cells expressing a mutant PLK1 showed that these cells are sensitive to PBD inhibitors but dramatically resistant to clinically investigated ATP-competitive compounds. These results further validate targeting the PBD binding site in the move towards PLK1 inhibitors that are active against tumors resistant to ATP inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merissa Baxter
- Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
- Present Address: NCI Shady Grove, Rockville, MD 20850-9702, USA
| | - Danda Chapagai
- Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Sandra Craig
- Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
- Present Address: Department of Chemistry, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC 27109, USA
| | - Cecilia Hurtado
- Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
- Present Address: University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA
| | - Jessy Varghese
- Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Elmar Nurmemmedov
- John Wayne Cancer Institute and Pacific Neuroscience Institute Providence Saint John's Health Center, Santa Monica, CA, USA
| | - Michael D Wyatt
- Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Campbell McInnes
- Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
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21
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Yang J, Wang Q, Feng G, Zeng M. Significance of Selective Protein Degradation in the Development of Novel Targeted Drugs and Its Implications in Cancer Therapy. ADVANCED THERAPEUTICS 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/adtp.201900210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineSun Yat‐sen University Cancer Center Guangzhou 510060 China
| | - Qiaoli Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineSun Yat‐sen University Cancer Center Guangzhou 510060 China
| | - Guo‐Kai Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineSun Yat‐sen University Cancer Center Guangzhou 510060 China
| | - Mu‐Sheng Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center for Cancer MedicineSun Yat‐sen University Cancer Center Guangzhou 510060 China
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22
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Nietzold F, Rubner S, Berg T. The hydrophobically-tagged MDM2-p53 interaction inhibitor Nutlin-3a-HT is more potent against tumor cells than Nutlin-3a. Chem Commun (Camb) 2020; 55:14351-14354. [PMID: 31720601 DOI: 10.1039/c9cc07795b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
We present the first application of hydrophobic tagging to a non-covalent inhibitor of protein-protein interactions. Nutlin-3a-HT, created by fusing the hydrophobic tag HyT13 to the MDM2-p53 interaction inhibitor Nutlin-3a, prevented cellular accumulation of MDM2 upon p53 reactivation, and had a stronger effect on cell viability and the induction of apoptosis than Nutlin-3a.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Nietzold
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Leipzig University, Johannisallee 29, 04103 Leipzig, Germany.
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23
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Steinebach C, Sosič I, Lindner S, Bricelj A, Kohl F, Ng YLD, Monschke M, Wagner KG, Krönke J, Gütschow M. A MedChem toolbox for cereblon-directed PROTACs. MEDCHEMCOMM 2019; 10:1037-1041. [PMID: 31304001 PMCID: PMC6596386 DOI: 10.1039/c9md00185a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 05/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
A modular chemistry toolbox was developed for cereblon-directed PROTACs. A variety of linkers was attached to a CRBN ligand via the 4-amino position of pomalidomide. We used linkers of different constitution to modulate physicochemical properties. We equipped one terminus of the linker with a set of functional groups, e.g. protected amines, protected carboxylic acids, alkynes, chloroalkanes, and protected alcohols, all of which are considered to be attractive for PROTAC design. We also highlight different opportunities for the expansion of the medicinal chemists' PROTAC toolbox towards heterobifunctional molecules, e.g. with biotin, fluorescent, hydrophobic and peptide tags.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Steinebach
- Pharmaceutical Institute , Pharmaceutical Chemistry I , University of Bonn , An der Immenburg 4 , 53121 Bonn , Germany .
| | - Izidor Sosič
- Faculty of Pharmacy , University of Ljubljana , 1000 Ljubljana , Slovenia
| | - Stefanie Lindner
- Department of Internal Medicine III , University Hospital Ulm , Albert-Einstein-Allee 23 , 89081 Ulm , Germany
| | - Aleša Bricelj
- Faculty of Pharmacy , University of Ljubljana , 1000 Ljubljana , Slovenia
| | - Franziska Kohl
- Pharmaceutical Institute , Pharmaceutical Chemistry I , University of Bonn , An der Immenburg 4 , 53121 Bonn , Germany .
| | - Yuen Lam Dora Ng
- Department of Internal Medicine III , University Hospital Ulm , Albert-Einstein-Allee 23 , 89081 Ulm , Germany
| | - Marius Monschke
- Pharmaceutical Institute , Pharmaceutical Technology , University of Bonn , Gerhard-Domagk-Straße 3 , 53121 Bonn , Germany
| | - Karl G Wagner
- Pharmaceutical Institute , Pharmaceutical Technology , University of Bonn , Gerhard-Domagk-Straße 3 , 53121 Bonn , Germany
| | - Jan Krönke
- Department of Internal Medicine III , University Hospital Ulm , Albert-Einstein-Allee 23 , 89081 Ulm , Germany
| | - Michael Gütschow
- Pharmaceutical Institute , Pharmaceutical Chemistry I , University of Bonn , An der Immenburg 4 , 53121 Bonn , Germany .
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24
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Rubner S, Schubert S, Berg T. Poloxin-2HT+: changing the hydrophobic tag of Poloxin-2HT increases Plk1 degradation and apoptosis induction in tumor cells. Org Biomol Chem 2019; 17:3113-3117. [PMID: 30848278 DOI: 10.1039/c9ob00080a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
We report the hydrophobically-tagged Plk1 PBD inhibitor Poloxin-2HT+, which selectively degrades the tumor target Plk1 and induces apoptosis in human tumor cells with higher potency than the hydrophobically-tagged inhibitor Poloxin-2HT. Our data provide further evidence that hydrophobically tagged inhibitors of protein-protein interactions can target and destroy disease-relevant proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Rubner
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Leipzig University, Johannisallee 29, 04103 Leipzig, Germany.
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