1
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Lucas SCC, Blackwell JH, Hewitt SH, Semple H, Whitehurst BC, Xu H. Covalent hits and where to find them. SLAS DISCOVERY : ADVANCING LIFE SCIENCES R & D 2024; 29:100142. [PMID: 38278484 DOI: 10.1016/j.slasd.2024.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
Covalent hits for drug discovery campaigns are neither fantastic beasts nor mythical creatures, they can be routinely identified through electrophile-first screening campaigns using a suite of different techniques. These include biophysical and biochemical methods, cellular approaches, and DNA-encoded libraries. Employing best practice, however, is critical to success. The purpose of this review is to look at state of the art covalent hit identification, how to identify hits from a covalent library and how to select compounds for medicinal chemistry programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon C C Lucas
- Hit Discovery, Discovery Sciences, AstraZeneca R&D, Cambridge, UK.
| | | | - Sarah H Hewitt
- Mechanistic and Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, AstraZeneca R&D, Cambridge, UK
| | - Hannah Semple
- Hit Discovery, Discovery Sciences, AstraZeneca R&D, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Hua Xu
- Mechanistic and structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, AstraZeneca R&D, Waltham, USA
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2
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Csorba N, Ábrányi-Balogh P, Keserű GM. Covalent fragment approaches targeting non-cysteine residues. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2023; 44:802-816. [PMID: 37770315 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2023.08.014] [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: 06/10/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
Covalent fragment approaches combine advantages of covalent binders and fragment-based drug discovery (FBDD) for target identification and validation. Although early applications focused mostly on cysteine labeling, the chemistries of available warheads that target other orthosteric and allosteric protein nucleophiles has recently been extended. The range of different warheads and labeling chemistries provide unique opportunities for screening and optimizing warheads necessary for targeting non-cysteine residues. In this review, we discuss these recently developed amino-acid-specific and promiscuous warheads, as well as emerging labeling chemistries, which includes novel transition metal catalyzed, photoactive, electroactive, and noncatalytic methodologies. We also highlight recent applications of covalent fragments for the development of molecular glues and proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs), and their utility in chemical proteomics-based target identification and validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noémi Csorba
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Group, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar tudósok krt. 2, 1117, Budapest, Hungary; National Laboratory for Drug Research and Development, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar tudósok krt. 2, 1117, Budapest, Hungary; Department of Organic Chemistry and Technology, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Szent Gellért tér 4, 1111 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Péter Ábrányi-Balogh
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Group, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar tudósok krt. 2, 1117, Budapest, Hungary; National Laboratory for Drug Research and Development, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar tudósok krt. 2, 1117, Budapest, Hungary; Department of Organic Chemistry and Technology, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Szent Gellért tér 4, 1111 Budapest, Hungary
| | - György M Keserű
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Group, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar tudósok krt. 2, 1117, Budapest, Hungary; National Laboratory for Drug Research and Development, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar tudósok krt. 2, 1117, Budapest, Hungary; Department of Organic Chemistry and Technology, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Szent Gellért tér 4, 1111 Budapest, Hungary.
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3
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Aatkar A, Vuorinen A, Longfield OE, Gilbert K, Peltier-Heap R, Wagner CD, Zappacosta F, Rittinger K, Chung CW, House D, Tomkinson NCO, Bush JT. Efficient Ligand Discovery Using Sulfur(VI) Fluoride Reactive Fragments. ACS Chem Biol 2023; 18:1926-1937. [PMID: 37084287 PMCID: PMC10510102 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.3c00034] [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: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023]
Abstract
Sulfur(VI) fluorides (SFs) have emerged as valuable electrophiles for the design of "beyond-cysteine" covalent inhibitors and offer potential for expansion of the liganded proteome. Since SFs target a broad range of nucleophilic amino acids, they deliver an approach for the covalent modification of proteins without requirement for a proximal cysteine residue. Further to this, libraries of reactive fragments present an innovative approach for the discovery of ligands and tools for proteins of interest by leveraging a breadth of mass spectrometry analytical approaches. Herein, we report a screening approach that exploits the unique properties of SFs for this purpose. Libraries of SF-containing reactive fragments were synthesized, and a direct-to-biology workflow was taken to efficiently identify hit compounds for CAII and BCL6. The most promising hits were further characterized to establish the site(s) of covalent modification, modification kinetics, and target engagement in cells. Crystallography was used to gain a detailed molecular understanding of how these reactive fragments bind to their target. It is anticipated that this screening protocol can be used for the accelerated discovery of "beyond-cysteine" covalent inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arron Aatkar
- GSK, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K.
- Department
of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University
of Strathclyde, 295 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G1 1XL, U.K.
| | - Aini Vuorinen
- GSK, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K.
- The
Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, U.K.
| | - Oliver E. Longfield
- GSK, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K.
- Department
of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University
of Strathclyde, 295 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G1 1XL, U.K.
| | - Katharine Gilbert
- GSK, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K.
- Department
of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University
of Strathclyde, 295 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G1 1XL, U.K.
| | - Rachel Peltier-Heap
- GSK, South Collegeville Road, Collegeville, Pennsylvania 19426, United States
| | - Craig D. Wagner
- GSK, South Collegeville Road, Collegeville, Pennsylvania 19426, United States
| | | | | | - Chun-wa Chung
- GSK, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K.
| | - David House
- GSK, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K.
- The
Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, U.K.
| | - Nicholas C. O. Tomkinson
- Department
of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University
of Strathclyde, 295 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G1 1XL, U.K.
| | - Jacob T. Bush
- GSK, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K.
- The
Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, U.K.
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4
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Petri L, Ábrányi-Balogh P, Csorba N, Keeley A, Simon J, Ranđelović I, Tóvári J, Schlosser G, Szabó D, Drahos L, Keserű GM. Activation-Free Sulfonyl Fluoride Probes for Fragment Screening. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28073042. [PMID: 37049805 PMCID: PMC10096327 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28073042] [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: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
SuFEx chemistry is based on the unique reactivity of the sulfonyl fluoride group with a range of nucleophiles. Accordingly, sulfonyl fluorides label multiple nucleophilic amino acid residues, making these reagents popular in both chemical biology and medicinal chemistry applications. The reactivity of sulfonyl fluorides nominates this warhead chemotype as a candidate for an external, activation-free general labelling tag. Here, we report the synthesis and characterization of a small sulfonyl fluoride library that yielded the 3-carboxybenzenesulfonyl fluoride warhead for tagging tractable targets at nucleophilic residues. Based on these results, we propose that coupling diverse fragments to this warhead would result in a library of sulfonyl fluoride bits (SuFBits), available for screening against protein targets. SuFBits will label the target if it binds to the core fragment, which facilitates the identification of weak fragments by mass spectrometry.
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Affiliation(s)
- László Petri
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Group, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar Tudósok Krt. 2, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
- National Laboratory for Drug Research and Development, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar Tudósok Krt. 2, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Péter Ábrányi-Balogh
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Group, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar Tudósok Krt. 2, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
- National Laboratory for Drug Research and Development, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar Tudósok Krt. 2, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Organic Chemistry and Technology, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Szent Gellért tér 4, 1111 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Noémi Csorba
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Group, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar Tudósok Krt. 2, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
- National Laboratory for Drug Research and Development, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar Tudósok Krt. 2, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Organic Chemistry and Technology, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Szent Gellért tér 4, 1111 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Aaron Keeley
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Group, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar Tudósok Krt. 2, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - József Simon
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Group, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar Tudósok Krt. 2, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
- Research Centre for Natural Sciences, MS Metabolomics Research Group, Magyar Tudósok Krt. 2, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | | | - József Tóvári
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology and National Tumor Biology Laboratory POB 21, National Institute of Oncology, 1525 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gitta Schlosser
- MTA-ELTE Lendület Ion Mobility Mass Spectrometry Research Group, Institute of Chemistry, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter Sétány 1/A, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Dániel Szabó
- MS Proteomics Research Group, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar Tudósok Krt. 2, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - László Drahos
- MS Proteomics Research Group, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar Tudósok Krt. 2, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - György M Keserű
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Group, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar Tudósok Krt. 2, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
- National Laboratory for Drug Research and Development, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar Tudósok Krt. 2, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Organic Chemistry and Technology, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Szent Gellért tér 4, 1111 Budapest, Hungary
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5
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Forrest I, Parker CG. Proteome-Wide Fragment-Based Ligand and Target Discovery. Isr J Chem 2023; 63:e202200098. [PMID: 38213795 PMCID: PMC10783656 DOI: 10.1002/ijch.202200098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
Chemical probes are invaluable tools to investigate biological processes and can serve as lead molecules for the development of new therapies. However, despite their utility, only a fraction of human proteins have selective chemical probes, and more generally, our knowledge of the "chemically-tractable" proteome is limited, leaving many potential therapeutic targets unexploited. To help address these challenges, powerful chemical proteomic approaches have recently been developed to globally survey the ability of proteins to bind small molecules (i. e., ligandability) directly in native systems. In this review, we discuss the utility of such approaches, with a focus on the integration of chemoproteomic methods with fragment-based ligand discovery (FBLD), to facilitate the broad mapping of the ligandable proteome while also providing starting points for progression into lead chemical probes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ines Forrest
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Christopher G Parker
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
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6
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Gilbert K, Vuorinen A, Aatkar A, Pogány P, Pettinger J, Grant EK, Kirkpatrick JM, Rittinger K, House D, Burley GA, Bush JT. Profiling Sulfur(VI) Fluorides as Reactive Functionalities for Chemical Biology Tools and Expansion of the Ligandable Proteome. ACS Chem Biol 2023; 18:285-295. [PMID: 36649130 PMCID: PMC9942091 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.2c00633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Here, we report a comprehensive profiling of sulfur(VI) fluorides (SVI-Fs) as reactive groups for chemical biology applications. SVI-Fs are reactive functionalities that modify lysine, tyrosine, histidine, and serine sidechains. A panel of SVI-Fs were studied with respect to hydrolytic stability and reactivity with nucleophilic amino acid sidechains. The use of SVI-Fs to covalently modify carbonic anhydrase II (CAII) and a range of kinases was then investigated. Finally, the SVI-F panel was used in live cell chemoproteomic workflows, identifying novel protein targets based on the type of SVI-F used. This work highlights how SVI-F reactivity can be used as a tool to expand the liganded proteome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharine
E. Gilbert
- GlaxoSmithKline, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, HertfordshireSG1 2NY, United Kingdom,University
of Strathclyde, 295 Cathedral Street, GlasgowG11XL, United Kingdom
| | - Aini Vuorinen
- Crick-GSK
Biomedical LinkLabs, GlaxoSmithKline, Gunnels Wood Road, StevenageSG1 2NY, United Kingdom
| | - Arron Aatkar
- GlaxoSmithKline, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, HertfordshireSG1 2NY, United Kingdom,University
of Strathclyde, 295 Cathedral Street, GlasgowG11XL, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Pogány
- GlaxoSmithKline, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, HertfordshireSG1 2NY, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan Pettinger
- Crick-GSK
Biomedical LinkLabs, GlaxoSmithKline, Gunnels Wood Road, StevenageSG1 2NY, United Kingdom
| | - Emma K. Grant
- GlaxoSmithKline, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, HertfordshireSG1 2NY, United Kingdom
| | | | - Katrin Rittinger
- The
Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, LondonNW1 1AT, United Kingdom
| | - David House
- GlaxoSmithKline, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, HertfordshireSG1 2NY, United Kingdom,Crick-GSK
Biomedical LinkLabs, GlaxoSmithKline, Gunnels Wood Road, StevenageSG1 2NY, United Kingdom
| | - Glenn A. Burley
- University
of Strathclyde, 295 Cathedral Street, GlasgowG11XL, United Kingdom,
| | - Jacob T. Bush
- GlaxoSmithKline, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, HertfordshireSG1 2NY, United Kingdom,Crick-GSK
Biomedical LinkLabs, GlaxoSmithKline, Gunnels Wood Road, StevenageSG1 2NY, United Kingdom,
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7
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Thomas RP, Grant EK, Dickinson ER, Zappacosta F, Edwards LJ, Hann MM, House D, Tomkinson NCO, Bush JT. Reactive fragments targeting carboxylate residues employing direct to biology, high-throughput chemistry. RSC Med Chem 2023; 14:671-679. [PMID: 37122547 PMCID: PMC10131605 DOI: 10.1039/d2md00453d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
We present a carboxylate-targeting reactive fragment screening platform using 2-aryl-5-carboxytetrazole (ACT) as the photoreactive functionality. This work will provide a simple accessible method to rapidly discover tool molecules to interrogate important biological targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross P. Thomas
- GlaxoSmithKline, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 2NY, UK
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, 295 Cathedral Street, Glasgow, G1 1XL, UK
| | - Emma K. Grant
- GlaxoSmithKline, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 2NY, UK
| | | | | | - Lee J. Edwards
- GlaxoSmithKline, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 2NY, UK
| | - Michael M. Hann
- GlaxoSmithKline, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 2NY, UK
| | - David House
- GlaxoSmithKline, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 2NY, UK
| | - Nicholas C. O. Tomkinson
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, 295 Cathedral Street, Glasgow, G1 1XL, UK
| | - Jacob T. Bush
- GlaxoSmithKline, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 2NY, UK
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8
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Dueñas ME, Peltier‐Heap RE, Leveridge M, Annan RS, Büttner FH, Trost M. Advances in high-throughput mass spectrometry in drug discovery. EMBO Mol Med 2022; 15:e14850. [PMID: 36515561 PMCID: PMC9832828 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.202114850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
High-throughput (HT) screening drug discovery, during which thousands or millions of compounds are screened, remains the key methodology for identifying active chemical matter in early drug discovery pipelines. Recent technological developments in mass spectrometry (MS) and automation have revolutionized the application of MS for use in HT screens. These methods allow the targeting of unlabelled biomolecules in HT assays, thereby expanding the breadth of targets for which HT assays can be developed compared to traditional approaches. Moreover, these label-free MS assays are often cheaper, faster, and more physiologically relevant than competing assay technologies. In this review, we will describe current MS techniques used in drug discovery and explain their advantages and disadvantages. We will highlight the power of mass spectrometry in label-free in vitro assays, and its application for setting up multiplexed cellular phenotypic assays, providing an exciting new tool for screening compounds in cell lines, and even primary cells. Finally, we will give an outlook on how technological advances will increase the future use and the capabilities of mass spectrometry in drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Emilia Dueñas
- Laboratory for Biomedical Mass Spectrometry, Biosciences InstituteNewcastle UniversityNewcastle‐upon‐TyneUK
| | - Rachel E Peltier‐Heap
- Discovery Analytical, Screening Profiling and Mechanistic Biology, GSK R&DStevenageUK
| | - Melanie Leveridge
- Discovery Analytical, Screening Profiling and Mechanistic Biology, GSK R&DStevenageUK
| | - Roland S Annan
- Discovery Analytical, Screening Profiling and Mechanistic Biology, GSK R&DStevenageUK
| | - Frank H Büttner
- Drug Discovery Sciences, High Throughput BiologyBoehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH&CoKGBiberachGermany
| | - Matthias Trost
- Laboratory for Biomedical Mass Spectrometry, Biosciences InstituteNewcastle UniversityNewcastle‐upon‐TyneUK
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9
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West AV, Woo CM. Photoaffinity Labeling Chemistries Used to Map Biomolecular Interactions. Isr J Chem 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ijch.202200081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander V. West
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology Harvard University 12 Oxford St Cambridge MA USA
| | - Christina M. Woo
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology Harvard University 12 Oxford St Cambridge MA USA
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10
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Ma H, Murray JB, Luo H, Cheng X, Chen Q, Song C, Duan C, Tan P, Zhang L, Liu J, Morgan BA, Li J, Wan J, Baker LM, Finnie W, Guetzoyan L, Harris R, Hendrickson N, Matassova N, Simmonite H, Smith J, Hubbard RE, Liu G. PAC-FragmentDEL - photoactivated covalent capture of DNA-encoded fragments for hit discovery. RSC Med Chem 2022; 13:1341-1349. [PMID: 36426238 PMCID: PMC9667776 DOI: 10.1039/d2md00197g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
We describe a novel approach for screening fragments against a protein that combines the sensitivity of DNA-encoded library technology with the ability of fragments to explore what will bind. Each of the members of the library consists of a fragment which is linked to a photoactivatable diazirine moiety. Split and pool synthesis combines each fragment with a set of linkers with the version of the library reported here containing some 70k different compounds, each with an individual DNA code. Incubation of the library with a protein sample is followed by photoactivation, washing and subsequent PCR and sequencing which allows the individual fragment hits to be identified. We illustrate how the approach allows successful hit fragment identification using only microgram quantities of material for two targets. PAK4 is a kinase for which conventional fragment screening has generated many advance leads. The as yet undrugged target, 2-epimerase, presents a more challenging active site for identification of hit compounds. In both cases, PAC-FragmentDEL identified fragments validated as hits by ligand-observed NMR measurements and crystal structure determination of off-DNA sample binding to the proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiyong Ma
- HitGen Inc. Building 6, No. 8 Huigu First East Road, Tianfu International Bio-Town, Shuangliu District Chengdu 610000 Sichuan P. R. China
| | - James B Murray
- Vernalis (R&D) Ltd Granta Park, Abington Cambridge CB21 6GB UK
| | - Huadong Luo
- HitGen Inc. Building 6, No. 8 Huigu First East Road, Tianfu International Bio-Town, Shuangliu District Chengdu 610000 Sichuan P. R. China
| | - Xuemin Cheng
- HitGen Inc. Building 6, No. 8 Huigu First East Road, Tianfu International Bio-Town, Shuangliu District Chengdu 610000 Sichuan P. R. China
| | - Qiuxia Chen
- HitGen Inc. Building 6, No. 8 Huigu First East Road, Tianfu International Bio-Town, Shuangliu District Chengdu 610000 Sichuan P. R. China
| | - Chao Song
- HitGen Inc. Building 6, No. 8 Huigu First East Road, Tianfu International Bio-Town, Shuangliu District Chengdu 610000 Sichuan P. R. China
| | - Cong Duan
- HitGen Inc. Building 6, No. 8 Huigu First East Road, Tianfu International Bio-Town, Shuangliu District Chengdu 610000 Sichuan P. R. China
| | - Ping Tan
- HitGen Inc. Building 6, No. 8 Huigu First East Road, Tianfu International Bio-Town, Shuangliu District Chengdu 610000 Sichuan P. R. China
| | - Lifang Zhang
- HitGen Inc. Building 6, No. 8 Huigu First East Road, Tianfu International Bio-Town, Shuangliu District Chengdu 610000 Sichuan P. R. China
| | - Jian Liu
- HitGen Inc. Building 6, No. 8 Huigu First East Road, Tianfu International Bio-Town, Shuangliu District Chengdu 610000 Sichuan P. R. China
| | - Barry A Morgan
- HitGen Inc. Building 6, No. 8 Huigu First East Road, Tianfu International Bio-Town, Shuangliu District Chengdu 610000 Sichuan P. R. China
| | - Jin Li
- HitGen Inc. Building 6, No. 8 Huigu First East Road, Tianfu International Bio-Town, Shuangliu District Chengdu 610000 Sichuan P. R. China
| | - Jinqiao Wan
- HitGen Inc. Building 6, No. 8 Huigu First East Road, Tianfu International Bio-Town, Shuangliu District Chengdu 610000 Sichuan P. R. China
| | - Lisa M Baker
- Vernalis (R&D) Ltd Granta Park, Abington Cambridge CB21 6GB UK
| | - William Finnie
- Vernalis (R&D) Ltd Granta Park, Abington Cambridge CB21 6GB UK
| | - Lucie Guetzoyan
- Vernalis (R&D) Ltd Granta Park, Abington Cambridge CB21 6GB UK
| | - Richard Harris
- Vernalis (R&D) Ltd Granta Park, Abington Cambridge CB21 6GB UK
| | | | | | | | - Julia Smith
- Vernalis (R&D) Ltd Granta Park, Abington Cambridge CB21 6GB UK
| | | | - Guansai Liu
- HitGen Inc. Building 6, No. 8 Huigu First East Road, Tianfu International Bio-Town, Shuangliu District Chengdu 610000 Sichuan P. R. China
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11
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West AV, Amako Y, Woo CM. Design and Evaluation of a Cyclobutane Diazirine Alkyne Tag for Photoaffinity Labeling in Cells. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:21174-21183. [DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c08257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander V. West
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
| | - Yuka Amako
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
| | - Christina M. Woo
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
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12
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Zhang Z, Lin J, Liu Z, Tian G, Li XM, Jing Y, Li X, Li XD. Photo-Cross-Linking To Delineate Epigenetic Interactome. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:20979-20997. [DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c06135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zhuoyuan Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jianwei Lin
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, China
- Greater Bay Biomedical InnoCenter, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Zheng Liu
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, China
| | - Gaofei Tian
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xiao-Meng Li
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yihang Jing
- Greater Bay Biomedical InnoCenter, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, China
- Greater Bay Biomedical InnoCenter, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Xiang David Li
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, China
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13
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Bon M, Bilsland A, Bower J, McAulay K. Fragment-based drug discovery-the importance of high-quality molecule libraries. Mol Oncol 2022; 16:3761-3777. [PMID: 35749608 PMCID: PMC9627785 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Fragment-based drug discovery (FBDD) is now established as a complementary approach to high-throughput screening (HTS). Contrary to HTS, where large libraries of drug-like molecules are screened, FBDD screens involve smaller and less complex molecules which, despite a low affinity to protein targets, display more 'atom-efficient' binding interactions than larger molecules. Fragment hits can, therefore, serve as a more efficient start point for subsequent optimisation, particularly for hard-to-drug targets. Since the number of possible molecules increases exponentially with molecular size, small fragment libraries allow for a proportionately greater coverage of their respective 'chemical space' compared with larger HTS libraries comprising larger molecules. However, good library design is essential to ensure optimal chemical and pharmacophore diversity, molecular complexity, and physicochemical characteristics. In this review, we describe our views on fragment library design, and on what constitutes a good fragment from a medicinal and computational chemistry perspective. We highlight emerging chemical and computational technologies in FBDD and discuss strategies for optimising fragment hits. The impact of novel FBDD approaches is already being felt, with the recent approval of the covalent KRASG12C inhibitor sotorasib highlighting the utility of FBDD against targets that were long considered undruggable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Bon
- Cancer Research HorizonsCancer Research UK Beatson InstituteGlasgowUK
| | - Alan Bilsland
- Cancer Research HorizonsCancer Research UK Beatson InstituteGlasgowUK
| | - Justin Bower
- Cancer Research HorizonsCancer Research UK Beatson InstituteGlasgowUK
| | - Kirsten McAulay
- Cancer Research HorizonsCancer Research UK Beatson InstituteGlasgowUK
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14
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Kennedy C, McPhie K, Rittinger K. Targeting the ubiquitin system by fragment-based drug discovery. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:1019636. [PMID: 36275626 PMCID: PMC9580268 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.1019636] [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: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The ubiquitin system contains a wealth of potential drug targets for many diseases and conditions, including neurodegenerative, immune, metabolic and developmental diseases, as well as multiple cancers. Despite years of research, relatively few clinical inhibitors or specific chemical probes for proteins within the ubiquitin system exist, with many interesting target proteins yet to be explored. Fragment-based drug discovery (FBDD) offers efficient and broad coverage of chemical space with small libraries, using covalent and non-covalent approaches. Coupled with advances in structural biology and proteomics, FBDD now provides a thorough screening platform for inhibitor discovery within the ubiquitin system. In this mini review, we summarise the current scope of FBDD and how it has been applied to ubiquitin-activating (E1), ubiquitin-conjugating (E2), ubiquitin ligase (E3) and deubiquitinating (DUB) enzymes. We also discuss the newest frontiers of FBDD and how they could be applied to enable inhibitor and novel chemical probe discovery and provide functional insight into the ubiquitin system.
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15
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Lougee MG, Pagar VV, Kim HJ, Pancoe SX, Chia WK, Mach RH, Garcia BA, Petersson EJ. Harnessing the intrinsic photochemistry of isoxazoles for the development of chemoproteomic crosslinking methods. Chem Commun (Camb) 2022; 58:9116-9119. [PMID: 35880535 PMCID: PMC9922157 DOI: 10.1039/d2cc02263j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The intrinsic photochemistry of the isoxazole, a common heterocycle in medicinal chemistry, can be applied to offer an alternative to existing strategies using more perturbing, extrinsic photo-crosslinkers. The utility of isoxazole photo-crosslinking is demonstrated in a wide range of biologically relevant experiments, including common proteomics workflows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marshall G. Lougee
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - Vinayak Vishnu Pagar
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, USA. .,Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, USA
| | - Hee Jong Kim
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
| | - Samantha X. Pancoe
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - W. Kit Chia
- Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - Robert H. Mach
- Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - Benjamin A. Garcia
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
| | - E. James Petersson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
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16
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Cai B, Krusemark CJ. Multiplexed Small‐Molecule‐Ligand Binding Assays by Affinity Labeling and DNA Sequence Analysis**. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202113515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bo Cai
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology Purdue Center for Cancer Research Purdue University West Lafayette IN 47907 USA
| | - Casey J. Krusemark
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology Purdue Center for Cancer Research Purdue University West Lafayette IN 47907 USA
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17
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Cai B, Krusemark CJ. Multiplexed Small-Molecule-Ligand Binding Assays by Affinity Labeling and DNA Sequence Analysis. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022; 61:e202113515. [PMID: 34758183 PMCID: PMC8748404 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202113515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Small-molecule binding assays to target proteins are a core component of drug discovery and development. While a number of assay formats are available, significant drawbacks still remain in cost, sensitivity, and throughput. To improve assays by capitalizing on the power of DNA sequence analysis, we have developed an assay method that combines DNA encoding with split-and-pool sample handling. The approach involves affinity labeling of DNA-linked ligands to a protein target. Critically, the labeling event assesses ligand binding and enables subsequent pooling of several samples. Application of a purifying selection on the pool for protein-labeled DNAs allows detection of ligand binding by quantification of DNA barcodes. We demonstrate the approach in both ligand displacement and direct binding formats and demonstrate its utility in determination of relative ligand affinity, profiling ligand specificity, and high-throughput small-molecule screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Cai
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Casey J Krusemark
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
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18
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de Esch IJP, Erlanson DA, Jahnke W, Johnson CN, Walsh L. Fragment-to-Lead Medicinal Chemistry Publications in 2020. J Med Chem 2022; 65:84-99. [PMID: 34928151 PMCID: PMC8762670 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Fragment-based drug discovery (FBDD) continues to evolve and make an impact in the pharmaceutical sciences. We summarize successful fragment-to-lead studies that were published in 2020. Having systematically analyzed annual scientific outputs since 2015, we discuss trends and best practices in terms of fragment libraries, target proteins, screening technologies, hit-optimization strategies, and the properties of hit fragments and the leads resulting from them. As well as the tabulated Fragment-to-Lead (F2L) programs, our 2020 literature review identifies several trends and innovations that promise to further increase the success of FBDD. These include developing structurally novel screening fragments, improving fragment-screening technologies, using new computer-aided design and virtual screening approaches, and combining FBDD with other innovative drug-discovery technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iwan J. P. de Esch
- Division
of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life
Sciences (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1108, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Daniel A. Erlanson
- Frontier
Medicines, 151 Oyster
Point Blvd., South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Wolfgang Jahnke
- Novartis
Institutes for Biomedical Research, Chemical
Biology and Therapeutics, 4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Christopher N. Johnson
- Astex
Pharmaceuticals, 436 Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge CB4 0QA, United Kingdom
| | - Louise Walsh
- Astex
Pharmaceuticals, 436 Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge CB4 0QA, United Kingdom
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19
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Srdanović S, Hegedüs Z, Warriner SL, Wilson AJ. Towards Identification of Protein-Protein Interaction Stabilizers via Inhibitory Peptide-Fragment Hybrids Using Templated Fragment Ligation. RSC Chem Biol 2022; 3:546-550. [PMID: 35656480 PMCID: PMC9092428 DOI: 10.1039/d2cb00025c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Using the hDMX/14-3-3 interaction, acylhydrazone-based ligand-directed fragment ligation was used to identify protein-protein interaction (PPI) inhibitory peptide-fragment hybrids. Separation of the peptide-fragment hybrids into the components yielded fragments that stabilized...
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Srdanović
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane Leeds LS2 9JT UK
- School of Chemistry, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane Leeds LS2 9JT UK
| | - Zsofia Hegedüs
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane Leeds LS2 9JT UK
- School of Chemistry, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane Leeds LS2 9JT UK
- Department of Medical Chemistry, University of Szeged Dóm tér 8 H-6720 Szeged Hungary
| | - Stuart L Warriner
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane Leeds LS2 9JT UK
- School of Chemistry, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane Leeds LS2 9JT UK
| | - Andrew J Wilson
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane Leeds LS2 9JT UK
- School of Chemistry, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane Leeds LS2 9JT UK
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20
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Adding a diazo-transfer reagent to culture to generate secondary metabolite probes for click chemistry. Methods Enzymol 2022; 665:49-71. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2021.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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21
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Fallon DJ, Lehmann S, Chung CW, Phillipou A, Eberl C, Fantom KGM, Zappacosta F, Patel VK, Bantscheff M, Schofield CJ, Tomkinson NCO, Bush JT. One-Step Synthesis of Photoaffinity Probes for Live-Cell MS-Based Proteomics. Chemistry 2021; 27:17880-17888. [PMID: 34328642 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202102036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
We present a one-step Ugi reaction protocol for the expedient synthesis of photoaffinity probes for live-cell MS-based proteomics. The reaction couples an amine affinity function with commonly used photoreactive groups, and a variety of handle functionalities. Using this technology, a series of pan-BET (BET: bromodomain and extra-terminal domain) selective bromodomain photoaffinity probes were obtained by parallel synthesis. Studies on the effects of photoreactive group, linker length and irradiation wavelength on photocrosslinking efficiency provide valuable insights into photoaffinity probe design. Optimal probes were progressed to MS-based proteomics to capture the BET family of proteins from live cells and reveal their potential on- and off-target profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Fallon
- GlaxoSmithKline R&D, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, SG1 2NY, UK
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Thomas Graham Building, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, G1 1XL, UK
| | - Stephanie Lehmann
- Cellzome GmbH, a GSK company, Meyerhofstraße 1, Heidelberg, 69117, Germany
| | - Chun-Wa Chung
- GlaxoSmithKline R&D, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, SG1 2NY, UK
| | - Alex Phillipou
- GlaxoSmithKline R&D, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, SG1 2NY, UK
| | - Christian Eberl
- Cellzome GmbH, a GSK company, Meyerhofstraße 1, Heidelberg, 69117, Germany
| | - Ken G M Fantom
- GlaxoSmithKline R&D, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, SG1 2NY, UK
| | | | | | - Marcus Bantscheff
- Cellzome GmbH, a GSK company, Meyerhofstraße 1, Heidelberg, 69117, Germany
| | | | - Nicholas C O Tomkinson
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Thomas Graham Building, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, G1 1XL, UK
| | - Jacob T Bush
- GlaxoSmithKline R&D, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, SG1 2NY, UK
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22
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McKenna SM, Fay EM, McGouran JF. Flipping the Switch: Innovations in Inducible Probes for Protein Profiling. ACS Chem Biol 2021; 16:2719-2730. [PMID: 34779621 PMCID: PMC8689647 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.1c00572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
![]()
Over the past two
decades, activity-based probes have enabled a
range of discoveries, including the characterization of new enzymes
and drug targets. However, their suitability in some labeling experiments
can be limited by nonspecific reactivity, poor membrane permeability,
or high toxicity. One method for overcoming these issues is through
the development of “inducible” activity-based probes.
These probes are added to samples in an unreactive state and require in situ transformation to their active form before labeling
can occur. In this Review, we discuss a variety of approaches to inducible
activity-based probe design, different means of probe activation,
and the advancements that have resulted from these applications. Additionally,
we highlight recent developments which may provide opportunities for
future inducible activity-based probe innovations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean M. McKenna
- School of Chemistry and Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, 152-160 Pearse St, Dublin 2, Ireland
- Synthesis and Solid State Pharmaceutical Centre (SSPC), Bernal Institute, Limerick V94 T9PX, Ireland
| | - Ellen M. Fay
- School of Chemistry and Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, 152-160 Pearse St, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Joanna F. McGouran
- School of Chemistry and Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, 152-160 Pearse St, Dublin 2, Ireland
- Synthesis and Solid State Pharmaceutical Centre (SSPC), Bernal Institute, Limerick V94 T9PX, Ireland
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23
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Thomas RP, Heap RE, Zappacosta F, Grant EK, Pogány P, Besley S, Fallon DJ, Hann MM, House D, Tomkinson NCO, Bush JT. A direct-to-biology high-throughput chemistry approach to reactive fragment screening. Chem Sci 2021; 12:12098-12106. [PMID: 34667575 PMCID: PMC8457371 DOI: 10.1039/d1sc03551g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Methods for rapid identification of chemical tools are essential for the validation of emerging targets and to provide medicinal chemistry starting points for the development of new medicines. Here, we report a screening platform that combines 'direct-to-biology' high-throughput chemistry (D2B-HTC) with photoreactive fragments. The platform enabled the rapid synthesis of >1000 PhotoAffinity Bits (HTC-PhABits) in 384-well plates in 24 h and their subsequent screening as crude reaction products with a protein target without purification. Screening the HTC-PhABit library with carbonic anhydrase I (CAI) afforded 7 hits (0.7% hit rate), which were found to covalently crosslink in the Zn2+ binding pocket. A powerful advantage of the D2B-HTC screening platform is the ability to rapidly perform iterative design-make-test cycles, accelerating the development and optimisation of chemical tools and medicinal chemistry starting points with little investment of resource.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross P Thomas
- GlaxoSmithKline Gunnels Wood Road Stevenage Hertfordshire SG1 2NY UK
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde 295 Cathedral Street Glasgow G1 1XL UK
| | - Rachel E Heap
- GlaxoSmithKline South Collegeville Road Collegeville PA 19426 USA
| | | | - Emma K Grant
- GlaxoSmithKline Gunnels Wood Road Stevenage Hertfordshire SG1 2NY UK
| | - Peter Pogány
- GlaxoSmithKline Gunnels Wood Road Stevenage Hertfordshire SG1 2NY UK
| | - Stephen Besley
- GlaxoSmithKline Gunnels Wood Road Stevenage Hertfordshire SG1 2NY UK
| | - David J Fallon
- GlaxoSmithKline Gunnels Wood Road Stevenage Hertfordshire SG1 2NY UK
| | - Michael M Hann
- GlaxoSmithKline Gunnels Wood Road Stevenage Hertfordshire SG1 2NY UK
| | - David House
- GlaxoSmithKline Gunnels Wood Road Stevenage Hertfordshire SG1 2NY UK
| | - Nicholas C O Tomkinson
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde 295 Cathedral Street Glasgow G1 1XL UK
| | - Jacob T Bush
- GlaxoSmithKline Gunnels Wood Road Stevenage Hertfordshire SG1 2NY UK
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24
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Serafim RAM, Elkins JM, Zuercher WJ, Laufer SA, Gehringer M. Chemical Probes for Understudied Kinases: Challenges and Opportunities. J Med Chem 2021; 65:1132-1170. [PMID: 34477374 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Over 20 years after the approval of the first-in-class protein kinase inhibitor imatinib, the biological function of a significant fraction of the human kinome remains poorly understood while most research continues to be focused on few well-validated targets. Given the strong genetic evidence for involvement of many kinases in health and disease, the understudied fraction of the kinome holds a large and unexplored potential for future therapies. Specific chemical probes are indispensable tools to interrogate biology enabling proper preclinical validation of novel kinase targets. In this Perspective, we highlight recent case studies illustrating the development of high-quality chemical probes for less-studied kinases and their application in target validation. We spotlight emerging techniques and approaches employed in the generation of chemical probes for protein kinases and beyond and discuss the associated challenges and opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo A M Serafim
- Department of Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jonathan M Elkins
- Centre for Medicines Discovery, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus Research Building, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7DQ, United Kingdom
| | - William J Zuercher
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Stefan A Laufer
- Department of Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.,Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image-Guided & Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies", University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.,Tübingen Center for Academic Drug Discovery, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Matthias Gehringer
- Department of Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.,Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image-Guided & Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies", University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
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25
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Silvestri IP, Colbon PJJ. The Growing Importance of Chirality in 3D Chemical Space Exploration and Modern Drug Discovery Approaches for Hit-ID: Topical Innovations. ACS Med Chem Lett 2021; 12:1220-1229. [PMID: 34413951 PMCID: PMC8366003 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.1c00251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Modern-day drug discovery is now blessed with a wide range of high-throughput hit identification (hit-ID) strategies that have been successfully validated in recent years, with particular success coming from high-throughput screening, fragment-based lead discovery, and DNA-encoded library screening. As screening efficiency and throughput increases, this enables the viable exploration of increasingly complex three-dimensional (3D) chemical structure space, with a realistic chance of identifying highly specific hit ligands with increased target specificity and reduced attrition rates in preclinical and clinical development. This minireview will explore the impact of an improved design of multifunctionalized, sp3-rich, stereodefined scaffolds on the (virtual) exploration of 3D chemical space and the specific requirements for different hit-ID technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Proietti Silvestri
- Department of Chemistry University
of Liverpool, Liverpool ChiroChem, Ltd., Crown Street, Liverpool L69 7ZD, United
Kingdom
| | - Paul J. J. Colbon
- Department of Chemistry University
of Liverpool, Liverpool ChiroChem, Ltd., Crown Street, Liverpool L69 7ZD, United
Kingdom
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26
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Knaup FH, Meyners C, Charalampidou A, Krajczy P, Purder PL, Ross T, Hausch F. Med Chem Remote: The Frontiers in Medicinal Chemistry 2021. ChemMedChem 2021; 16:2411-2416. [PMID: 34101362 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202100355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Digital, but delicious! The Frontiers in Medicinal Chemistry 2021 meeting, originally intended to take place in Darmstadt, carried on as an online event from March 8-10 this year. Even with pandemic restrictions, the event co-presented by the Medicinal Chemistry Division of the German Chemical Society (GDCh), the German Pharmaceutical Society (DPhG), and the Swiss Chemical Society (SCS) proved to be a success, showcasing excellent speakers and facilitating participant interaction in an ingenious virtual setting. Over 350 participants from more than 10 countries gathered to discuss the latest trends and directions in medicinal chemistry, with sessions on molecular glues, covalent fragments, transient binding pockets and more. This report presents a summary of the key lectures and activities at the event.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian H Knaup
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Clemens-Schöpf-Institute, Technical University Darmstadt, Alarich-Weiss Straße 4, 64287, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Christian Meyners
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Clemens-Schöpf-Institute, Technical University Darmstadt, Alarich-Weiss Straße 4, 64287, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Anna Charalampidou
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Clemens-Schöpf-Institute, Technical University Darmstadt, Alarich-Weiss Straße 4, 64287, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Patryk Krajczy
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Clemens-Schöpf-Institute, Technical University Darmstadt, Alarich-Weiss Straße 4, 64287, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Patrick L Purder
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Clemens-Schöpf-Institute, Technical University Darmstadt, Alarich-Weiss Straße 4, 64287, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Tatjana Ross
- Merck Healthcare KGaA, Frankfurter Str. 250, 64293, Darmstadt
| | - Felix Hausch
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Clemens-Schöpf-Institute, Technical University Darmstadt, Alarich-Weiss Straße 4, 64287, Darmstadt, Germany
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27
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Spradlin JN, Zhang E, Nomura DK. Reimagining Druggability Using Chemoproteomic Platforms. Acc Chem Res 2021; 54:1801-1813. [PMID: 33733731 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.1c00065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
One of the biggest bottlenecks in modern drug discovery efforts is in tackling the undruggable proteome. Currently, over 85% of the proteome is still considered undruggable because most proteins lack well-defined binding pockets that can be functionally targeted with small molecules. Tackling the undruggable proteome necessitates innovative approaches for ligand discovery against undruggable proteins as well as the development of new therapeutic modalities to functionally manipulate proteins of interest. Chemoproteomic platforms, in particular activity-based protein profiling (ABPP), have arisen to tackle the undruggable proteome by using reactivity-based chemical probes and advanced quantitative mass spectrometry-based proteomic approaches to enable the discovery of "ligandable hotspots" or proteome-wide sites that can be targeted with small-molecule ligands. These sites can subsequently be pharmacologically targeted with covalent ligands to rapidly discover functional or nonfunctional binders against therapeutic proteins of interest. Chemoproteomic approaches have also revealed unique insights into ligandability such as the discovery of unique allosteric sites or intrinsically disordered regions of proteins that can be pharmacologically and selectively targeted for biological modulation and therapeutic benefit. Chemoproteomic platforms have also expanded the scope of emerging therapeutic modalities for targeted protein degradation and proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) through the discovery of several new covalent E3 ligase recruiters. Looking into the future, chemoproteomic approaches will unquestionably have a major impact in further expansion of existing efforts toward proteome-wide ligandability mapping, targeted ligand discovery efforts against high-value undruggable therapeutic targets, further expansion of the scope of targeted protein degradation platforms, the discovery of new molecular glue scaffolds that enable unique modulation of protein function, and perhaps most excitingly the development of next-generation small-molecule induced-proximity-based therapeutic modalities that go beyond degradation. Exciting days lie ahead in this field as chemical biology becomes an increasingly major driver in drug discovery, and chemoproteomic approaches are sure to be a mainstay in developing next-generation therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica N. Spradlin
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
- Novartis-Berkeley Center for Proteomics and Chemistry Technologies, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Erika Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
- Novartis-Berkeley Center for Proteomics and Chemistry Technologies, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Daniel K. Nomura
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
- Novartis-Berkeley Center for Proteomics and Chemistry Technologies, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
- Departments of Molecular and Cell Biology and Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
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28
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Conway LP, Li W, Parker CG. Chemoproteomic-enabled phenotypic screening. Cell Chem Biol 2021; 28:371-393. [PMID: 33577749 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2021.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The ID of disease-modifying, chemically accessible targets remains a central priority of modern therapeutic discovery. The phenotypic screening of small-molecule libraries not only represents an attractive approach to identify compounds that may serve as drug leads but also serves as an opportunity to uncover compounds with novel mechanisms of action (MoAs). However, a major bottleneck of phenotypic screens continues to be the ID of pharmacologically relevant target(s) for compounds of interest. The field of chemoproteomics aims to map proteome-wide small-molecule interactions in complex, native systems, and has proved a key technology to unravel the protein targets of pharmacological modulators. In this review, we discuss the application of modern chemoproteomic methods to identify protein targets of phenotypic screening hits and investigate MoAs, with a specific focus on the development of chemoproteomic-enabled compound libraries to streamline target discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis P Conway
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Weichao Li
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Christopher G Parker
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA; Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
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29
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Lu W, Kostic M, Zhang T, Che J, Patricelli MP, Jones LH, Chouchani ET, Gray NS. Fragment-based covalent ligand discovery. RSC Chem Biol 2021; 2:354-367. [PMID: 34458789 PMCID: PMC8341086 DOI: 10.1039/d0cb00222d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Targeted covalent inhibitors have regained widespread attention in drug discovery and have emerged as powerful tools for basic biomedical research. Fueled by considerable improvements in mass spectrometry sensitivity and sample processing, chemoproteomic strategies have revealed thousands of proteins that can be covalently modified by reactive small molecules. Fragment-based drug discovery, which has traditionally been used in a target-centric fashion, is now being deployed on a proteome-wide scale thereby expanding its utility to both the discovery of novel covalent ligands and their cognate protein targets. This powerful approach is allowing ‘high-throughput’ serendipitous discovery of cryptic pockets leading to the identification of pharmacological modulators of proteins previously viewed as “undruggable”. The reactive fragment toolkit has been enabled by recent advances in the development of new chemistries that target residues other than cysteine including lysine and tyrosine. Here, we review the emerging area of covalent fragment-based ligand discovery, which integrates the benefits of covalent targeting and fragment-based medicinal chemistry. We discuss how the two strategies synergize to facilitate the efficient discovery of new pharmacological modulators of established and new therapeutic target proteins. Covalent fragment-based ligand discovery greatly facilitates the discovery of useful fragments for drug discovery and helps unveil chemical-tractable biological targets in native biological systems.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenchao Lu
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Boston MA 02215 USA .,Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School Boston MA 02215 USA
| | - Milka Kostic
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Boston MA 02215 USA
| | - Tinghu Zhang
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Boston MA 02215 USA .,Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School Boston MA 02215 USA
| | - Jianwei Che
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Boston MA 02215 USA .,Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School Boston MA 02215 USA.,Center for Protein Degradation, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Boston MA 02215 USA
| | | | - Lyn H Jones
- Center for Protein Degradation, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Boston MA 02215 USA
| | - Edward T Chouchani
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Boston MA 02215 USA .,Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School Boston MA 02215 USA
| | - Nathanael S Gray
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Boston MA 02215 USA .,Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School Boston MA 02215 USA
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30
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Tsukidate T, Li Q, Hang HC. Nuclear Receptor Chemical Reporter Enables Domain-Specific Analysis of Ligands in Mammalian Cells. ACS Chem Biol 2020; 15:2324-2330. [PMID: 32909738 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.0c00432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The characterization of specific metabolite-protein interactions is important in chemical biology and drug discovery. For example, nuclear receptors (NRs) are a family of ligand-activated transcription factors that regulate diverse physiological processes in animals and are key targets for therapeutic development. However, the identification and characterization of physiological ligands for many NRs remains challenging, because of limitations in domain-specific analysis of ligand binding in cells. To address these limitations, we developed a domain-specific covalent chemical reporter for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) and demonstrated its utility to screen and characterize the potency of candidate NR ligands in live cells. These studies demonstrate targeted and domain-specific chemical reporters provide excellent tools to evaluate endogenous and exogenous (diet, microbiota, therapeutics) ligands of PPARs in mammalian cells, as well as additional protein targets for further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taku Tsukidate
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Microbial Pathogenesis, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York 10065, United States
| | - Qiang Li
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Microbial Pathogenesis, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York 10065, United States
| | - Howard C. Hang
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Microbial Pathogenesis, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York 10065, United States
- Departments of Immunology and Microbiology, Chemistry, Scripps Research, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
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