1
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Zhu W, Liu C, Xi K, Li A, Shen LA, Li Y, Jia M, He Y, Chen G, Liu C, Chen Y, Chen K, Sun F, Zhang D, Duan C, Wang H, Wang D, Zhao Y, Meng X, Zhu D. Discovery of Novel 1-Phenylpiperidine Urea-Containing Derivatives Inhibiting β-Catenin/BCL9 Interaction and Exerting Antitumor Efficacy through the Activation of Antigen Presentation of cDC1 Cells. J Med Chem 2024; 67:12485-12520. [PMID: 38912577 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c02079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
Aberrant activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling is associated with tumor development, and blocking β-catenin/BCL9 is a novel strategy for oncogenic Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Herein, we presented two novel β-catenin variations and exposed conformational dynamics in several β-catenin crystal structures at the BCL9 binding site. Furthermore, we identified a class of novel urea-containing compounds targeting β-catenin/BCL9 interaction. Notably, the binding modalities of inhibitors were greatly affected by the conformational dynamics of β-catenin. Among them, 28 had a strong affinity for β-catenin (Kd = 82 nM), the most potent inhibitor reported. In addition, 13 and 35 not only activate T cells but also promote the antigen presentation of cDC1, showing robust antitumor efficacy in the CT26 model. Collectively, our study demonstrated a series of potent small-molecule inhibitors targeting β-catenin/BCL9, which can enhance antigen presentation and activate cDC1 cells, delivering a potential strategy for boosting innate and adaptive immunity to overcome immunotherapy resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhua Zhu
- Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
- Yangtze Delta Drug Advanced Research Institute and Yangtze Delta Pharmaceutical College, Nantong 226133, China
| | - Cuiting Liu
- Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
- Yangtze Delta Drug Advanced Research Institute and Yangtze Delta Pharmaceutical College, Nantong 226133, China
| | - Kang Xi
- Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
- Yangtze Delta Drug Advanced Research Institute and Yangtze Delta Pharmaceutical College, Nantong 226133, China
| | - Anqi Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Li-An Shen
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Yana Li
- Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
- Yangtze Delta Drug Advanced Research Institute and Yangtze Delta Pharmaceutical College, Nantong 226133, China
| | - Miaomiao Jia
- Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
- Yangtze Delta Drug Advanced Research Institute and Yangtze Delta Pharmaceutical College, Nantong 226133, China
| | - Yangbo He
- Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
- Yangtze Delta Drug Advanced Research Institute and Yangtze Delta Pharmaceutical College, Nantong 226133, China
| | - Gang Chen
- Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
- Yangtze Delta Drug Advanced Research Institute and Yangtze Delta Pharmaceutical College, Nantong 226133, China
| | - Chenglong Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Yangqiang Chen
- Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
- Yangtze Delta Drug Advanced Research Institute and Yangtze Delta Pharmaceutical College, Nantong 226133, China
| | - Kai Chen
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Fan Sun
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Daizhou Zhang
- Shandong Academy of Pharmaceutical Science, Jinan 250101, China
| | - Chonggang Duan
- Shandong Academy of Pharmaceutical Science, Jinan 250101, China
| | - Heng Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | | | - Yujun Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research and Small-Molecule Drug Research Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Rd., Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xiangjing Meng
- Shandong Academy of Pharmaceutical Science, Jinan 250101, China
| | - Di Zhu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 201210, China
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2
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Steffen CL, Manoharan GB, Pavic K, Yeste-Vázquez A, Knuuttila M, Arora N, Zhou Y, Härmä H, Gaigneaux A, Grossmann TN, Abankwa DK. Identification of an H-Ras nanocluster disrupting peptide. Commun Biol 2024; 7:837. [PMID: 38982284 PMCID: PMC11233548 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06523-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Hyperactive Ras signalling is found in most cancers. Ras proteins are only active in membrane nanoclusters, which are therefore potential drug targets. We previously showed that the nanocluster scaffold galectin-1 (Gal1) enhances H-Ras nanoclustering via direct interaction with the Ras binding domain (RBD) of Raf. Here, we establish that the B-Raf preference of Gal1 emerges from the divergence of the Raf RBDs at their proposed Gal1-binding interface. We then identify the L5UR peptide, which disrupts this interaction by binding with low micromolar affinity to the B- and C-Raf-RBDs. Its 23-mer core fragment is sufficient to interfere with H-Ras nanoclustering, modulate Ras-signalling and moderately reduce cell viability. These latter two phenotypic effects may also emerge from the ability of L5UR to broadly engage with several RBD- and RA-domain containing Ras interactors. The L5UR-peptide core fragment is a starting point for the development of more specific reagents against Ras-nanoclustering and -interactors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Candy Laura Steffen
- Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery group, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, 4362, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Ganesh Babu Manoharan
- Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery group, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, 4362, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Karolina Pavic
- Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery group, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, 4362, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Alejandro Yeste-Vázquez
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Matias Knuuttila
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, 20520, Turku, Finland
| | - Neha Arora
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School, UT Health, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Yong Zhou
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, McGovern Medical School, UT Health, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Harri Härmä
- Chemistry of Drug Development, Department of Chemistry, University of Turku, 20500, Turku, Finland
| | - Anthoula Gaigneaux
- Bioinformatics Core, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, 4367, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Tom N Grossmann
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Daniel Kwaku Abankwa
- Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery group, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, 4362, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg.
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, 20520, Turku, Finland.
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3
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Durukan C, Arbore F, Klintrot R, Bigiotti C, Ilie IM, Vreede J, Grossmann TN, Hennig S. Binding Dynamics of a Stapled Peptide Targeting the Transcription Factor NF-Y. Chembiochem 2024; 25:e202400020. [PMID: 38470946 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202400020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Transcription factors (TFs) play a central role in gene regulation, and their malfunction can result in a plethora of severe diseases. TFs are therefore interesting therapeutic targets, but their involvement in protein-protein interaction networks and the frequent lack of well-defined binding pockets render them challenging targets for classical small molecules. As an alternative, peptide-based scaffolds have proven useful, in particular with an α-helical active conformation. Peptide-based strategies often require extensive structural optimization efforts, which could benefit from a more detailed understanding of the dynamics in inhibitor/protein interactions. In this study, we investigate how truncated stapled α-helical peptides interact with the transcription factor Nuclear Factor-Y (NF-Y). We identified a 13-mer minimal binding core region, for which two crystal structures with an altered C-terminal peptide conformation when bound to NF-Y were obtained. Subsequent molecular dynamics simulations confirmed that the C-terminal part of the stapled peptide is indeed relatively flexible while still showing defined interactions with NF-Y. Our findings highlight the importance of flexibility in the bound state of peptides, which can contribute to overall binding affinity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Canan Durukan
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1108, 1081 HZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), VU University Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1108, 1081 HZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Federica Arbore
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1108, 1081 HZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), VU University Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1108, 1081 HZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rasmus Klintrot
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1108, 1081 HZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), VU University Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1108, 1081 HZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Carlo Bigiotti
- Van't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Center for Multiscale Modeling (ACMM), University of Amsterdam, P.O. Box, 94157, 1090 GD, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ioana M Ilie
- Van't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Center for Multiscale Modeling (ACMM), University of Amsterdam, P.O. Box, 94157, 1090 GD, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jocelyne Vreede
- Van't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Center for Multiscale Modeling (ACMM), University of Amsterdam, P.O. Box, 94157, 1090 GD, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tom N Grossmann
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1108, 1081 HZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), VU University Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1108, 1081 HZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sven Hennig
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1108, 1081 HZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), VU University Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1108, 1081 HZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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4
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Pham TL, Thomas F. Design of Functional Globular β-Sheet Miniproteins. Chembiochem 2024; 25:e202300745. [PMID: 38275210 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202300745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
The design of discrete β-sheet peptides is far less advanced than e. g. the design of α-helical peptides. The reputation of β-sheet peptides as being poorly soluble and aggregation-prone often hinders active design efforts. Here, we show that this reputation is unfounded. We demonstrate this by looking at the β-hairpin and WW domain. Their structure and folding have been extensively studied and they have long served as model systems to investigate protein folding and folding kinetics. The resulting fundamental understanding has led to the development of hyperstable β-sheet scaffolds that fold at temperatures of 100 °C or high concentrations of denaturants. These have been used to design functional miniproteins with protein or nucleic acid binding properties, in some cases with such success that medical applications are conceivable. The β-sheet scaffolds are not always completely rigid, but can be specifically designed to respond to changes in pH, redox potential or presence of metal ions. Some engineered β-sheet peptides also exhibit catalytic properties, although not comparable to those of natural proteins. Previous reviews have focused on the design of stably folded and non-aggregating β-sheet sequences. In our review, we now also address design strategies to obtain functional miniproteins from β-sheet folding motifs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Truc Lam Pham
- Truc Lam Pham, Prof. Dr. Franziska Thomas, Institute of Organic Chemistry, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 270, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Franziska Thomas
- Truc Lam Pham, Prof. Dr. Franziska Thomas, Institute of Organic Chemistry, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 270, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
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5
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Chen S, Lin T, Basu R, Ritchey J, Wang S, Luo Y, Li X, Pei D, Kara LB, Cheng X. Design of target specific peptide inhibitors using generative deep learning and molecular dynamics simulations. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1611. [PMID: 38383543 PMCID: PMC10882002 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45766-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
We introduce a computational approach for the design of target-specific peptides. Our method integrates a Gated Recurrent Unit-based Variational Autoencoder with Rosetta FlexPepDock for peptide sequence generation and binding affinity assessment. Subsequently, molecular dynamics simulations are employed to narrow down the selection of peptides for experimental assays. We apply this computational strategy to design peptide inhibitors that specifically target β-catenin and NF-κB essential modulator. Among the twelve β-catenin inhibitors, six exhibit improved binding affinity compared to the parent peptide. Notably, the best C-terminal peptide binds β-catenin with an IC50 of 0.010 ± 0.06 μM, which is 15-fold better than the parent peptide. For NF-κB essential modulator, two of the four tested peptides display substantially enhanced binding compared to the parent peptide. Collectively, this study underscores the successful integration of deep learning and structure-based modeling and simulation for target specific peptide design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sijie Chen
- College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, 281 W Lane Ave, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Tong Lin
- Mechanical Engineering Department, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Machine Learning Department, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Ruchira Basu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, 281 W Lane Ave, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Jeremy Ritchey
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, 281 W Lane Ave, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Shen Wang
- College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, 281 W Lane Ave, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Yichuan Luo
- Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Xingcan Li
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital and Medical School of Nantong University, 20 West Temple Road, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Dehua Pei
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, 281 W Lane Ave, Columbus, OH, USA.
| | - Levent Burak Kara
- Mechanical Engineering Department, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - Xiaolin Cheng
- College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, 281 W Lane Ave, Columbus, OH, USA.
- Translational Data Analytics Institute, The Ohio State University, 1760 Neil Ave, Columbus, OH, USA.
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6
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de Raffele D, Ilie IM. Unlocking novel therapies: cyclic peptide design for amyloidogenic targets through synergies of experiments, simulations, and machine learning. Chem Commun (Camb) 2024; 60:632-645. [PMID: 38131333 DOI: 10.1039/d3cc04630c] [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: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Existing therapies for neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's address only their symptoms and do not prevent disease onset. Common therapeutic agents, such as small molecules and antibodies struggle with insufficient selectivity, stability and bioavailability, leading to poor performance in clinical trials. Peptide-based therapeutics are emerging as promising candidates, with successful applications for cardiovascular diseases and cancers due to their high bioavailability, good efficacy and specificity. In particular, cyclic peptides have a long in vivo stability, while maintaining a robust antibody-like binding affinity. However, the de novo design of cyclic peptides is challenging due to the lack of long-lived druggable pockets of the target polypeptide, absence of exhaustive conformational distributions of the target and/or the binder, unknown binding site, methodological limitations, associated constraints (failed trials, time, money) and the vast combinatorial sequence space. Hence, efficient alignment and cooperation between disciplines, and synergies between experiments and simulations complemented by popular techniques like machine-learning can significantly speed up the therapeutic cyclic-peptide development for neurodegenerative diseases. We review the latest advancements in cyclic peptide design against amyloidogenic targets from a computational perspective in light of recent advancements and potential of machine learning to optimize the design process. We discuss the difficulties encountered when designing novel peptide-based inhibitors and we propose new strategies incorporating experiments, simulations and machine learning to design cyclic peptides to inhibit the toxic propagation of amyloidogenic polypeptides. Importantly, these strategies extend beyond the mere design of cyclic peptides and serve as template for the de novo generation of (bio)materials with programmable properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria de Raffele
- University of Amsterdam, van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences, Science Park 904, P.O. Box 94157, 1090 GD Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Amsterdam Center for Multiscale Modeling (ACMM), University of Amsterdam, P.O. Box 94157, 1090 GD Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ioana M Ilie
- University of Amsterdam, van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences, Science Park 904, P.O. Box 94157, 1090 GD Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Amsterdam Center for Multiscale Modeling (ACMM), University of Amsterdam, P.O. Box 94157, 1090 GD Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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7
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Liu M, Morewood R, Yoshisada R, Pascha MN, Hopstaken AJP, Tarcoveanu E, Poole DA, de Haan CAM, Nitsche C, Jongkees SAK. Selective thiazoline peptide cyclisation compatible with mRNA display and efficient synthesis. Chem Sci 2023; 14:10561-10569. [PMID: 37799990 PMCID: PMC10548512 DOI: 10.1039/d3sc03117a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Peptide display technologies are a powerful method for discovery of new bioactive sequences, but linear sequences are often very unstable in a biological setting. Macrocyclisation of such peptides is beneficial for target affinity, selectivity, stability, and cell permeability. However, macrocyclisation of a linear hit is unreliable and requires extensive structural knowledge. Genetically encoding macrocyclisation during the discovery process is a better approach, and so there is a need for diverse cyclisation options that can be deployed in the context of peptide display techniques such as mRNA display. In this work we show that meta-cyanopyridylalanine (mCNP) can be ribosomally incorporated into peptides, forming a macrocycle in a spontaneous and selective reaction with an N-terminal cysteine generated from bypassing the initiation codon in translation. This reactive amino acid can also be easily incorporated into peptides during standard Fmoc solid phase peptide synthesis, which can otherwise be a bottleneck in transferring from peptide discovery to peptide testing and application. We demonstrate the potential of this new method by discovery of macrocyclic peptides targeting influenza haemagglutinin, and molecular dynamics simulation indicates the mCNP cross-link stabilises a beta sheet structure in a representative of the most abundant cluster of active hits. Cyclisation by mCNP is also shown to be compatible with thioether macrocyclisation at a second cysteine to form bicycles of different architectures, provided that cysteine placement reinforces selectivity, with this bicyclisation happening spontaneously and in a controlled manner during peptide translation. Our new approach generates macrocycles with a more rigid cross-link and with better control of regiochemistry when additional cysteines are present, opening these up for further exploitation in chemical modification of in vitro translated peptides, and so is a valuable addition to the peptide discovery toolbox.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minglong Liu
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Amsterdam The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Amsterdam The Netherlands
| | - Richard Morewood
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University Canberra ACT 2601 Australia
| | - Ryoji Yoshisada
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Amsterdam The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Amsterdam The Netherlands
| | - Mirte N Pascha
- Section Virology, Division Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University Yalelaan 1 3584 CL Utrecht The Netherlands
| | - Antonius J P Hopstaken
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Amsterdam The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Amsterdam The Netherlands
| | - Eliza Tarcoveanu
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University Canberra ACT 2601 Australia
| | - David A Poole
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Amsterdam The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Amsterdam The Netherlands
| | - Cornelis A M de Haan
- Section Virology, Division Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University Yalelaan 1 3584 CL Utrecht The Netherlands
| | - Christoph Nitsche
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University Canberra ACT 2601 Australia
| | - Seino A K Jongkees
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Amsterdam The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Amsterdam The Netherlands
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8
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Lamouroux A, Tournier M, Iaculli D, Caufriez A, Rusiecka OM, Martin C, Bes V, Carpio LE, Girardin Y, Loris R, Tabernilla A, Molica F, Gozalbes R, Mayán MD, Vinken M, Kwak BR, Ballet S. Structure-Based Design and Synthesis of Stapled 10Panx1 Analogues for Use in Cardiovascular Inflammatory Diseases. J Med Chem 2023; 66:13086-13102. [PMID: 37703077 PMCID: PMC10544015 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
Following a rational design, a series of macrocyclic ("stapled") peptidomimetics of 10Panx1, the most established peptide inhibitor of Pannexin1 (Panx1) channels, were developed and synthesized. Two macrocyclic analogues SBL-PX1-42 and SBL-PX1-44 outperformed the linear native peptide. During in vitro adenosine triphosphate (ATP) release and Yo-Pro-1 uptake assays in a Panx1-expressing tumor cell line, both compounds were revealed to be promising bidirectional inhibitors of Panx1 channel function, able to induce a two-fold inhibition, as compared to the native 10Panx1 sequence. The introduction of triazole-based cross-links within the peptide backbones increased helical content and enhanced in vitro proteolytic stability in human plasma (>30-fold longer half-lives, compared to 10Panx1). In adhesion assays, a "double-stapled" peptide, SBL-PX1-206 inhibited ATP release from endothelial cells, thereby efficiently reducing THP-1 monocyte adhesion to a TNF-α-activated endothelial monolayer and making it a promising candidate for future in vivo investigations in animal models of cardiovascular inflammatory disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur Lamouroux
- Research
Group of Organic Chemistry, Departments of Chemistry and Bioengineering
Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Malaury Tournier
- Department
of Pathology and Immunology and Geneva Center for Inflammation Research,
Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Rue Michel-Servet 1, CH-1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Debora Iaculli
- Research
Group of Organic Chemistry, Departments of Chemistry and Bioengineering
Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Anne Caufriez
- Research
Group of Organic Chemistry, Departments of Chemistry and Bioengineering
Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium
- Research
Unit of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Department of
Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit
Brussel, Laarbeeklaan
103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Olga M. Rusiecka
- Department
of Pathology and Immunology and Geneva Center for Inflammation Research,
Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Rue Michel-Servet 1, CH-1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Charlotte Martin
- Research
Group of Organic Chemistry, Departments of Chemistry and Bioengineering
Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Viviane Bes
- Department
of Pathology and Immunology and Geneva Center for Inflammation Research,
Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Rue Michel-Servet 1, CH-1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Laureano E. Carpio
- ProtoQSAR
SL, Centro Europeo de Empresas Innovadoras, Parque Tecnológico de Valencia, Avda. Benjamin Franklin 12, 46980 Paterna, Spain
| | - Yana Girardin
- Structural
Biology Brussels, Department of Biotechnology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium
- Centre for
Structural Biology, VIB, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Remy Loris
- Structural
Biology Brussels, Department of Biotechnology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium
- Centre for
Structural Biology, VIB, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Andrés Tabernilla
- Research
Unit of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Department of
Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit
Brussel, Laarbeeklaan
103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Filippo Molica
- Department
of Pathology and Immunology and Geneva Center for Inflammation Research,
Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Rue Michel-Servet 1, CH-1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Rafael Gozalbes
- ProtoQSAR
SL, Centro Europeo de Empresas Innovadoras, Parque Tecnológico de Valencia, Avda. Benjamin Franklin 12, 46980 Paterna, Spain
- MolDrug
AI Systems SL, c/Olimpia
Arozena 45, 46018 Valencia, Spain
| | - María D. Mayán
- CellCOM
Research Group, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica
de A Coruña, Servizo Galego de Saúde, Universidade da Coruña, 15071 A Coruña, Spain
| | - Mathieu Vinken
- Research
Unit of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Department of
Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit
Brussel, Laarbeeklaan
103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Brenda R. Kwak
- Department
of Pathology and Immunology and Geneva Center for Inflammation Research,
Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Rue Michel-Servet 1, CH-1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Steven Ballet
- Research
Group of Organic Chemistry, Departments of Chemistry and Bioengineering
Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium
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9
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Lu Y, Yang Y, Zhu G, Zeng H, Fan Y, Guo F, Xu D, Wang B, Chen D, Ge G. Emerging Pharmacotherapeutic Strategies to Overcome Undruggable Proteins in Cancer. Int J Biol Sci 2023; 19:3360-3382. [PMID: 37496997 PMCID: PMC10367563 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.83026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Targeted therapies in cancer treatment can improve in vivo efficacy and reduce adverse effects by altering the tissue exposure of specific biomolecules. However, there are still large number of target proteins in cancer are still undruggable, owing to the following factors including (1) lack of ligand-binding pockets, (2) function based on protein-protein interactions (PPIs), (3) the highly specific conserved active sites among protein family members, and (4) the variability of tertiary docking structures. The current status of undruggable targets proteins such as KRAS, TP53, C-MYC, PTP, are carefully introduced in this review. Some novel techniques and drug designing strategies have been applicated for overcoming these undruggable proteins, and the most classic and well-known technology is proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs). In this review, the novel drug development strategies including targeting protein degradation, targeting PPI, targeting intrinsically disordered regions, as well as targeting protein-DNA binding are described, and we also discuss the potential of these strategies for overcoming the undruggable targets. Besides, intelligence-assisted technologies like Alpha-Fold help us a lot to predict the protein structure, which is beneficial for drug development. The discovery of new targets and the development of drugs targeting them, especially those undruggable targets, remain a huge challenge. New drug development strategies, better extraction processes that do not disrupt protein-protein interactions, and more precise artificial intelligence technologies may provide significant assistance in overcoming these undruggable targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqing Lu
- Dalian Medical University, 116044 Dalian City, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Yuewen Yang
- Dalian Medical University, 116044 Dalian City, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Guanghao Zhu
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 201203 Shanghai City, China
| | - Hairong Zeng
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 201203 Shanghai City, China
| | - Yiming Fan
- Dalian Harmony Medical Testing Laboratory Co., Ltd, 116620 Dalian City, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Fujia Guo
- Dalian Medical University, 116044 Dalian City, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Dongshu Xu
- Dalian Medical University, 116044 Dalian City, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Boya Wang
- Dalian Medical University, 116044 Dalian City, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Dapeng Chen
- Dalian Medical University, 116044 Dalian City, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Guangbo Ge
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 201203 Shanghai City, China
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10
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Walther R, Westermann LM, Carmali S, Jackson SE, Brötz-Oesterhelt H, Spring DR. Identification of macrocyclic peptides which activate bacterial cylindrical proteases. RSC Med Chem 2023; 14:1186-1191. [PMID: 37360394 PMCID: PMC10285738 DOI: 10.1039/d3md00136a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The caseinolytic protease complex ClpXP is an important house-keeping enzyme in prokaryotes charged with the removal and degradation of misfolded and aggregated proteins and performing regulatory proteolysis. Dysregulation of its function, particularly by inhibition or allosteric activation of the proteolytic core ClpP, has proven to be a promising strategy to reduce virulence and eradicate persistent bacterial infections. Here, we report a rational drug-design approach to identify macrocyclic peptides which increase proteolysis by ClpP. This work expands the understanding of ClpP dynamics and sheds light on the conformational control exerted by its binding partner, the chaperone ClpX, by means of a chemical approach. The identified macrocyclic peptide ligands may, in the future, serve as a starting point for the development of ClpP activators for antibacterial applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raoul Walther
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge Lensfield Road CB2 1EW Cambridge UK
| | - Linda M Westermann
- Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine, Dept. of Bioactive Compounds, University of Tübingen Auf der Morgenstelle 28 72076 Tübingen Germany
| | - Sheiliza Carmali
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast BT9 7BL Belfast UK
| | - Sophie E Jackson
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge Lensfield Road CB2 1EW Cambridge UK
| | - Heike Brötz-Oesterhelt
- Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine, Dept. of Bioactive Compounds, University of Tübingen Auf der Morgenstelle 28 72076 Tübingen Germany
- Cluster of Excellence Controlling Microbes to Fight Infections Germany
| | - David R Spring
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge Lensfield Road CB2 1EW Cambridge UK
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11
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Harel O, Jbara M. Chemical Synthesis of Bioactive Proteins. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202217716. [PMID: 36661212 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202217716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Nature has developed a plethora of protein machinery to operate and maintain nearly every task of cellular life. These processes are tightly regulated via post-expression modifications-transformations that modulate intracellular protein synthesis, folding, and activation. Methods to prepare homogeneously and precisely modified proteins are essential to probe their function and design new bioactive modalities. Synthetic chemistry has contributed remarkably to protein science by allowing the preparation of novel biomacromolecules that are often challenging or impractical to prepare via common biological means. The ability to chemically build and precisely modify proteins has enabled the production of new molecules with novel physicochemical properties and programmed activity for biomedical research, diagnostic, and therapeutic applications. This minireview summarizes recent developments in chemical protein synthesis to produce bioactive proteins, with emphasis on novel analogs with promising in vitro and in vivo activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omer Harel
- School of Chemistry, Raymond and Beverly Sackler Faculty of Exact Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | - Muhammad Jbara
- School of Chemistry, Raymond and Beverly Sackler Faculty of Exact Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel
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12
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Glycosylation and Lipidation Strategies: Approaches for Improving Antimicrobial Peptide Efficacy. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:ph16030439. [PMID: 36986538 PMCID: PMC10059750 DOI: 10.3390/ph16030439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have recently gained attention as a viable solution for combatting antibiotic resistance due to their numerous advantages, including their broad-spectrum activity, low propensity for inducing resistance, and low cytotoxicity. Unfortunately, their clinical application is limited due to their short half-life and susceptibility to proteolytic cleavage by serum proteases. Indeed, several chemical strategies, such as peptide cyclization, N-methylation, PEGylation, glycosylation, and lipidation, are widely used for overcoming these issues. This review describes how lipidation and glycosylation are commonly used to increase AMPs’ efficacy and engineer novel AMP-based delivery systems. The glycosylation of AMPs, which involves the conjugation of sugar moieties such as glucose and N-acetyl galactosamine, modulates their pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties, improves their antimicrobial activity, and reduces their interaction with mammalian cells, thereby increasing selectivity toward bacterial membranes. In the same way, lipidation of AMPs, which involves the covalent addition of fatty acids, has a significant impact on their therapeutic index by influencing their physicochemical properties and interaction with bacterial and mammalian membranes. This review highlights the possibility of using glycosylation and lipidation strategies to increase the efficacy and activity of conventional AMPs.
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13
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Zhang H, Liu C, Zhu D, Zhang Q, Li J. Medicinal Chemistry Strategies for the Development of Inhibitors Disrupting β-Catenin's Interactions with Its Nuclear Partners. J Med Chem 2023; 66:1-31. [PMID: 36583662 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Dysregulation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is strongly associated with various aspects of cancer, including tumor initiation, proliferation, and metastasis as well as antitumor immunity, and presents a promising opportunity for cancer therapy. Wnt/β-catenin signaling activation increases nuclear dephosphorylated β-catenin levels, resulting in β-catenin binding to TCF and additional cotranscription factors, such as BCL9, CBP, and p300. Therefore, directly disrupting β-catenin's interactions with these nuclear partners holds promise for the effective and selective suppression of the aberrant activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Herein, we summarize recent advances in biochemical techniques and medicinal chemistry strategies used to identify potent peptide-based and small-molecule inhibitors that directly disrupt β-catenin's interactions with its nuclear binding partners. We discuss the challenges involved in developing drug-like inhibitors that target the interactions of β-catenin and its nuclear binding partner into therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China.,Novel Technology Center of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry Co., Ltd., China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Chenglong Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Di Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China.,Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 201100, China
| | - Qingwei Zhang
- Novel Technology Center of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry Co., Ltd., China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jianqi Li
- Novel Technology Center of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry Co., Ltd., China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai 201203, China
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14
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Frolov AI, Chankeshwara SV, Abdulkarim Z, Ghiandoni GM. pIChemiSt ─ Free Tool for the Calculation of Isoelectric Points of Modified Peptides. J Chem Inf Model 2023; 63:187-196. [PMID: 36573842 PMCID: PMC9832473 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.2c01261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The isoelectric point (pI) is a fundamental physicochemical property of peptides and proteins. It is widely used to steer design away from low solubility and aggregation and guide peptide separation and purification. Experimental measurements of pI can be replaced by calculations knowing the ionizable groups of peptides and their corresponding pKa values. Different pKa sets are published in the literature for natural amino acids, however, they are insufficient to describe synthetically modified peptides, complex peptides of natural origin, and peptides conjugated with structures of other modalities. Noncanonical modifications (nCAAs) are ignored in the conventional sequence-based pI calculations, therefore producing large errors in their pI predictions. In this work, we describe a pI calculation method that uses the chemical structure as an input, automatically identifies ionizable groups of nCAAs and other fragments, and performs pKa predictions for them. The method is validated on a curated set of experimental measures on 29 modified and 119093 natural peptides, providing an improvement of R2 from 0.74 to 0.95 and 0.96 against the conventional sequence-based approach for modified peptides for the two studied pKa prediction tools, ACDlabs and pKaMatcher, correspondingly. The method is available in the form of an open source Python library at https://github.com/AstraZeneca/peptide-tools, which can be integrated into other proprietary and free software packages. We anticipate that the pI calculation tool may facilitate optimization and purification activities across various application domains of peptides, including the development of biopharmaceuticals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrey I. Frolov
- Medicinal
Chemistry, Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and
Metabolism (CVRM), BioPharmaceuticals R&D,
AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden,
| | - Sunay V. Chankeshwara
- Medicinal
Chemistry, Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and
Metabolism (CVRM), BioPharmaceuticals R&D,
AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Zeyed Abdulkarim
- Early
Chemical Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
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15
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Paulussen FM, Grossmann TN. Peptide-based covalent inhibitors of protein-protein interactions. J Pept Sci 2023; 29:e3457. [PMID: 36239115 PMCID: PMC10077911 DOI: 10.1002/psc.3457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Protein-protein interactions (PPI) are involved in all cellular processes and many represent attractive therapeutic targets. However, the frequently rather flat and large interaction areas render the identification of small molecular PPI inhibitors very challenging. As an alternative, peptide interaction motifs derived from a PPI interface can serve as starting points for the development of inhibitors. However, certain proteins remain challenging targets when applying inhibitors with a competitive mode of action. For that reason, peptide-based ligands with an irreversible binding mode have gained attention in recent years. This review summarizes examples of covalent inhibitors that employ peptidic binders and have been tested in a biological context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix M Paulussen
- Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Molecular Microbiology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tom N Grossmann
- Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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16
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Feng D, Liu L, Shi Y, Du P, Xu S, Zhu Z, Xu J, Yao H. Current development of bicyclic peptides. CHINESE CHEM LETT 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cclet.2022.108026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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17
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Li X, Craven TW, Levine PM. Cyclic Peptide Screening Methods for Preclinical Drug Discovery. J Med Chem 2022; 65:11913-11926. [PMID: 36074956 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Cyclic peptides are among the most diverse architectures for current drug discovery efforts. Their size, stability, and ease of synthesis provide attractive scaffolds to engage and modulate some of the most challenging targets, including protein-protein interactions and those considered to be "undruggable". With a variety of sophisticated screening technologies to produce libraries of cyclic peptides, including phage display, mRNA display, split intein circular ligation of peptides, and in silico screening, a new era of cyclic peptide drug discovery is at the forefront of modern medicine. In this perspective, we begin by discussing cyclic peptides approved for clinical use in the past two decades. Particular focus is placed around synthetic chemistries to generate de novo libraries of cyclic peptides and novel methods to screen them. The perspective culminates with future prospects for generating cyclic peptides as viable therapeutic options and discusses the advantages and disadvantages currently being faced with bringing them to market.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinting Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Timothy W Craven
- Department of Biochemistry and Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Paul M Levine
- Department of Biochemistry and Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
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18
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Paulussen FM, Schouten GK, Moertl C, Verheul J, Hoekstra I, Koningstein GM, Hutchins GH, Alkir A, Luirink RA, Geerke DP, van Ulsen P, den Blaauwen T, Luirink J, Grossmann TN. Covalent Proteomimetic Inhibitor of the Bacterial FtsQB Divisome Complex. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:15303-15313. [PMID: 35945166 PMCID: PMC9413201 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c06304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
![]()
The use of antibiotics is threatened by the emergence
and spread
of multidrug-resistant strains of bacteria. Thus, there is a need
to develop antibiotics that address new targets. In this respect,
the bacterial divisome, a multi-protein complex central to cell division,
represents a potentially attractive target. Of particular interest
is the FtsQB subcomplex that plays a decisive role in divisome assembly
and peptidoglycan biogenesis in E. coli. Here, we report the structure-based design of
a macrocyclic covalent inhibitor derived from a periplasmic region
of FtsB that mediates its binding to FtsQ. The bioactive conformation
of this motif was stabilized by a customized cross-link resulting
in a tertiary structure mimetic with increased affinity for FtsQ.
To increase activity, a covalent handle was incorporated, providing
an inhibitor that impedes the interaction between FtsQ and FtsB irreversibly. The covalent inhibitor reduced the growth of an outer
membrane-permeable E. coli strain,
concurrent with the expected loss of FtsB localization, and also affected
the infection of zebrafish larvae by a clinical E.
coli strain. This first-in-class inhibitor of a divisome
protein–protein interaction highlights the potential of proteomimetic
molecules as inhibitors of challenging targets. In particular, the
covalent mode-of-action can serve as an inspiration for future antibiotics
that target protein–protein interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix M Paulussen
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam 1081 HV, Netherlands.,Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam 1081 HV, Netherlands.,Department of Molecular Microbiology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam 1081 HV, Netherlands
| | - Gina K Schouten
- Medical Microbiology and Infection Control (MMI), Amsterdam UMC Location VUmc, De Boelelaan 1108, Amsterdam 1081 HZ, Netherlands
| | - Carolin Moertl
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam 1081 HV, Netherlands.,Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam 1081 HV, Netherlands
| | - Jolanda Verheul
- Department of Bacterial Cell Biology and Physiology, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Sciencepark 904, Amsterdam 1098 XH, Netherlands
| | - Irma Hoekstra
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam 1081 HV, Netherlands
| | - Gregory M Koningstein
- Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam 1081 HV, Netherlands.,Department of Molecular Microbiology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam 1081 HV, Netherlands
| | - George H Hutchins
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam 1081 HV, Netherlands.,Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam 1081 HV, Netherlands
| | - Aslihan Alkir
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam 1081 HV, Netherlands
| | - Rosa A Luirink
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam 1081 HV, Netherlands.,Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam 1081 HV, Netherlands
| | - Daan P Geerke
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam 1081 HV, Netherlands.,Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam 1081 HV, Netherlands
| | - Peter van Ulsen
- Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam 1081 HV, Netherlands.,Department of Molecular Microbiology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam 1081 HV, Netherlands
| | - Tanneke den Blaauwen
- Department of Bacterial Cell Biology and Physiology, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Sciencepark 904, Amsterdam 1098 XH, Netherlands
| | - Joen Luirink
- Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam 1081 HV, Netherlands.,Department of Molecular Microbiology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam 1081 HV, Netherlands
| | - Tom N Grossmann
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam 1081 HV, Netherlands.,Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, Amsterdam 1081 HV, Netherlands
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19
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Koelman EMR, Yeste-Vázquez A, Grossmann TN. Targeting the interaction of β-catenin and TCF/LEF transcription factors to inhibit oncogenic Wnt signaling. Bioorg Med Chem 2022; 70:116920. [PMID: 35841828 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2022.116920] [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: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is crucially involved in embryonic development, stem cell maintenance and tissue renewal. Hyperactivation of this pathway is associated with the development and progression of various types of cancers. The transcriptional coactivator β-catenin represents a pivotal component of the pathway and its interaction with transcription factors of the TCF/LEF family is central to pathway activation. Inhibition of this crucial protein-protein interaction via direct targeting of β-catenin is considered a promising strategy for the inactivation of oncogenic Wnt signaling. This review summarizes advances in the development of Wnt antagonists that have been shown to directly bind β-catenin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma M R Koelman
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, NL, The Netherlands
| | - Alejandro Yeste-Vázquez
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, NL, The Netherlands; Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, NL, The Netherlands
| | - Tom N Grossmann
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, NL, The Netherlands; Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, NL, The Netherlands.
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20
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Niu J, Cederstrand AJ, Eddinger GA, Yin B, Checco JW, Bingman CA, Outlaw VK, Gellman SH. Trimer-to-Monomer Disruption Mechanism for a Potent, Protease-Resistant Antagonist of Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Signaling. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:9610-9617. [PMID: 35613436 PMCID: PMC9749406 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.1c13717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Aberrant tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) signaling is associated with many inflammatory diseases. The homotrimeric quaternary structure of TNFα is essential for receptor recognition and signal transduction. Previously, we described an engineered α/β-peptide inhibitor that potently suppresses TNFα activity and resists proteolysis. Here, we present structural evidence that both the α/β-peptide inhibitor and an all-α analogue bind to a monomeric form of TNFα. Calorimetry data support a 1:1 inhibitor/TNFα stoichiometry in solution. In contrast, previous cocrystal structures involving peptide or small-molecule inhibitors have shown the antagonists engaging a TNFα dimer. The structural data reveal why our inhibitors favor monomeric TNFα. Previous efforts to block TNFα-induced cell death with peptide inhibitors revealed that surfactant additives to the assay conditions cause a more rapid manifestation of inhibitory activity than is observed in the absence of additives. We attributed this effect to a loose surfactant TNFα association that lowers the barrier to trimer dissociation. Here, we used the new structural data to design peptide inhibitors bearing a surfactant-inspired appendage intended to facilitate TNFα trimer dissociation. The appendage modified the time course of protection from cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiani Niu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, USA
| | - Annika J. Cederstrand
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, USA
| | - Geoffrey A. Eddinger
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, USA
| | - Boyu Yin
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, USA
| | - James W. Checco
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, USA
| | - Craig A. Bingman
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, USA
| | - Victor K. Outlaw
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, USA
| | - Samuel H. Gellman
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, USA
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21
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Li Petri G, Di Martino S, De Rosa M. Peptidomimetics: An Overview of Recent Medicinal Chemistry Efforts toward the Discovery of Novel Small Molecule Inhibitors. J Med Chem 2022; 65:7438-7475. [PMID: 35604326 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The use of peptides as therapeutics has often been associated with several drawbacks such as poor absorption, low stability to proteolytic digestion, and fast clearance. Peptidomimetics are developed by modifications of native peptides with the aim of obtaining molecules that are more suitable for clinical development and, for this reason, are widely used as tools in medicinal chemistry programs. The effort to disclose innovative peptidomimetic therapies is recurrent and constantly evolving as demonstrated by the new lead compounds in clinical trials. Synthetic strategies for the development of peptidomimetics have also been implemented with time. This perspective highlights some of the most recent efforts for the design and synthesis of peptidomimetic agents together with their biological evaluation toward a panel of targets.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Maria De Rosa
- Drug Discovery Unit, Ri.MED Foundation, Palermo 90133, Italy
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22
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Bertarello A, Berruyer P, Artelsmair M, Elmore CS, Heydarkhan-Hagvall S, Schade M, Chiarparin E, Schantz S, Emsley L. In-Cell Quantification of Drugs by Magic-Angle Spinning Dynamic Nuclear Polarization NMR. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:6734-6741. [PMID: 35385274 PMCID: PMC9026252 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.1c12442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The determination of intracellular drug concentrations can provide a better understanding of the drug function and efficacy. Ideally, this should be performed nondestructively, with no modification of either the drug or the target, and with the capability to detect low amounts of the molecule of interest, in many cases in the μM to nM range (pmol to fmol per million cells). Unfortunately, it is currently challenging to have an experimental technique that provides direct quantitative measurements of intracellular drug concentrations that simultaneously satisfies these requirements. Here, we show that magic-angle spinning dynamic nuclear polarization (MAS DNP) can be used to fulfill these requirements. We apply a quantitative 15N MAS DNP approach in combination with 15N labeling to quantify the intracellular amount of the drug [15N]CHIR-98014, an activator of the Wingless and Int-1 signaling pathway, determining intracellular drug amounts in the range of tens to hundreds of picomoles per million cells. This is, to our knowledge, the first time that MAS DNP has been used to successfully estimate intracellular drug amounts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Bertarello
- Institut des Sciences et Ingénierie Chimiques, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Pierrick Berruyer
- Institut des Sciences et Ingénierie Chimiques, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Markus Artelsmair
- Early Chemical Development, Pharmaceutical Science, R&D, AstraZeneca, SE-431 83 Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Charles S Elmore
- Early Chemical Development, Pharmaceutical Science, R&D, AstraZeneca, SE-431 83 Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Sepideh Heydarkhan-Hagvall
- Bioscience, Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism (CVRM), BioPharmaceutical R&D AstraZeneca, SE-431 83 Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Markus Schade
- Chemistry, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB4 0WG, U.K
| | | | - Staffan Schantz
- Oral Product Development, Pharmaceutical Technology & Development, Operations, AstraZeneca, SE-431 83 Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Lyndon Emsley
- Institut des Sciences et Ingénierie Chimiques, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
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23
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Buyanova M, Pei D. Targeting intracellular protein-protein interactions with macrocyclic peptides. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2022; 43:234-248. [PMID: 34911657 PMCID: PMC8840965 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2021.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Intracellular protein-protein interactions (PPIs) are challenging targets for traditional drug modalities. Macrocyclic peptides (MPs) prove highly effective PPI inhibitors in vitro and can be rapidly discovered against PPI targets by rational design or screening combinatorial libraries but are generally impermeable to the cell membrane. Recent advances in MP science and technology are allowing for the development of 'drug-like' MPs that potently and specifically modulate intracellular PPI targets in cell culture and animal models. In this review, we highlight recent progress in generating cell-permeable MPs that enter the mammalian cell by passive diffusion, endocytosis followed by endosomal escape, or as-yet unknown mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Buyanova
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, 484 West 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Dehua Pei
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, 484 West 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
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24
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WMR Peptide as Antifungal and Antibiofilm against Albicans and Non-Albicans Candida Species: Shreds of Evidence on the Mechanism of Action. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23042151. [PMID: 35216270 PMCID: PMC8879636 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23042151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Candida species are the most common fungal pathogens infecting humans and can cause severe illnesses in immunocompromised individuals. The increased resistance of Candida to traditional antifungal drugs represents a great challenge in clinical settings. Therefore, novel approaches to overcome antifungal resistance are desired. Here, we investigated the use of an antimicrobial peptide WMR against Candida albicans and non-albicans Candida species in vitro and in vivo. Results showed a WMR antifungal activity on all Candida planktonic cells at concentrations between 25 μM to >50 μM and exhibited activity at sub-MIC concentrations to inhibit biofilm formation and eradicate mature biofilm. Furthermore, in vitro antifungal effects of WMR were confirmed in vivo as demonstrated by a prolonged survival rate of larvae infected by Candida species when the peptide was administered before or after infection. Additional experiments to unravel the antifungal mechanism were performed on C. albicans and C. parapsilosis. The time-killing curves showed their antifungal activity, which was further confirmed by the induced intracellular and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species accumulation; WMR significantly suppressed drug efflux, down-regulating the drug transporter encoding genes CDR1. Moreover, the ability of WMR to penetrate within the cells was demonstrated by confocal laser scanning microscopy. These findings provide novel insights for the antifungal mechanism of WMR against Candida albicans and non-albicans, providing fascinating scenarios for the identification of new potential antifungal targets.
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25
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Zhang MY, Yang H, Ortiz G, Trnka MJ, Petronikolou N, Burlingame AL, DeGrado WF, Fujimori DG. Covalent labeling of a chromatin reader domain using proximity-reactive cyclic peptides. Chem Sci 2022; 13:6599-6609. [PMID: 35756531 PMCID: PMC9172573 DOI: 10.1039/d2sc00555g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemical probes for chromatin reader proteins are valuable tools for investigating epigenetic regulatory mechanisms and evaluating whether the target of interest holds therapeutic potential. Developing potent inhibitors for the plant homeodomain (PHD) family of methylation readers remains a difficult task due to the charged, shallow and extended nature of the histone binding site that precludes effective engagement of conventional small molecules. Herein, we describe the development of novel proximity-reactive cyclopeptide inhibitors for PHD3—a trimethyllysine reader domain of histone demethylase KDM5A. Guided by the PHD3–histone co-crystal structure, we designed a sidechain-to-sidechain linking strategy to improve peptide proteolytic stability whilst maintaining binding affinity. We have developed an operationally simple solid-phase macrocyclization pathway, capitalizing on the inherent reactivity of the dimethyllysine ε-amino group to generate scaffolds bearing charged tetraalkylammonium functionalities that effectively engage the shallow aromatic ‘groove’ of PHD3. Leveraging a surface-exposed lysine residue on PHD3 adjacent to the ligand binding site, cyclic peptides were rendered covalent through installation of an arylsulfonyl fluoride warhead. The resulting lysine-reactive cyclic peptides demonstrated rapid and efficient labeling of the PHD3 domain in HEK293T lysates, showcasing the feasibility of employing proximity-induced reactivity for covalent labeling of this challenging family of reader domains. We describe the development of covalent cyclic peptide ligands which target a chromatin methylation reader domain using a proximity-reactive sulfonyl fluoride moiety.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Yao Zhang
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California San Francisco San Francisco CA 94158 USA
| | - Hyunjun Yang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California San Francisco San Francisco CA 94158 USA
| | - Gloria Ortiz
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California San Francisco San Francisco CA 94158 USA
| | - Michael J Trnka
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California San Francisco San Francisco CA 94158 USA
| | - Nektaria Petronikolou
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California San Francisco San Francisco CA 94158 USA
| | - Alma L Burlingame
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California San Francisco San Francisco CA 94158 USA
| | - William F DeGrado
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California San Francisco San Francisco CA 94158 USA
| | - Danica Galonić Fujimori
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California San Francisco San Francisco CA 94158 USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California San Francisco San Francisco CA 94158 USA
- Quantitative Biosciences Institute, University of California San Francisco San Francisco CA 94158 USA
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26
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Helton LG, Rideout HJ, Herberg FW, Kennedy EJ. Leucine rich repeat kinase 2 (
LRRK2
) peptide modulators: Recent advances and future directions. Pept Sci (Hoboken) 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/pep2.24251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Leah G. Helton
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy University of Georgia Athens Georgia USA
| | - Hardy J. Rideout
- Center for Clinical, Experimental Surgery, and Translational Research Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens Athens Greece
| | - Friedrich W. Herberg
- Department of Biochemistry Institute for Biology, University of Kassel Kassel Germany
| | - Eileen J. Kennedy
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy University of Georgia Athens Georgia USA
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27
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Yin H, Zhou X, Huang YH, King GJ, Collins BM, Gao Y, Craik DJ, Wang CK. Rational Design of Potent Peptide Inhibitors of the PD-1:PD-L1 Interaction for Cancer Immunotherapy. J Am Chem Soc 2021; 143:18536-18547. [PMID: 34661406 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.1c08132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Peptides have potential to be developed into immune checkpoint inhibitors, but the target interfaces are difficult to inhibit. Here, we explored an approach to mimic the binding surface of PD-1 to design inhibitors. Mimicking native PD-1 resulted in a mimetic with no activity. However, mimicking an affinity-optimized PD-1 resulted in the peptide mimetic MOPD-1 that displayed nanomolar affinity to PD-L1 and could inhibit PD-1:PD-L1 interactions in both protein- and cell-based assays. Mutagenesis and structural characterization using NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography revealed that binding residues from the high affinity PD-1 are crucial for the bioactivity of MOPD-1. Furthermore, MOPD-1 was extremely stable in human serum and inhibited tumor growth in vivo, suggesting it has potential for use in cancer immunotherapy. The successful design of an inhibitor of PD-1:PD-L1 using the mimicry approach described herein illustrates the value of placing greater emphasis on optimizing the target interface before inhibitor design and is an approach that could have broader utility for the design of peptide inhibitors for other complex protein-protein interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huawu Yin
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia.,Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Xiuman Zhou
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - Yen-Hua Huang
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia.,Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Gordon J King
- Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Brett M Collins
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Yanfeng Gao
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China.,School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - David J Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia.,Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Conan K Wang
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia.,Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
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28
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Haim A, Neubacher S, Grossmann TN. Protein Macrocyclization for Tertiary Structure Stabilization. Chembiochem 2021; 22:2672-2679. [PMID: 34060202 PMCID: PMC8453710 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202100111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Proteins possess unique molecular recognition capabilities and enzymatic activities, features that are usually tied to a particular tertiary structure. To make use of proteins for biotechnological and biomedical purposes, it is often required to enforce their tertiary structure in order to ensure sufficient stability under the conditions inherent to the application of interest. The introduction of intramolecular crosslinks has proven efficient in stabilizing native protein folds. Herein, we give an overview of methods that allow the macrocyclization of expressed proteins, discussing involved reaction mechanisms and structural implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anissa Haim
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesVU University AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Saskia Neubacher
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesVU University AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
- Incircular B.V.De Boelelaan 11081081 HZAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Tom N. Grossmann
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesVU University AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life SciencesVU University AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
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29
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Blosser SL, Sawyer N, Maksimovic I, Ghosh B, Arora PS. Covalent and Noncovalent Targeting of the Tcf4/β-Catenin Strand Interface with β-Hairpin Mimics. ACS Chem Biol 2021; 16:1518-1525. [PMID: 34286954 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.1c00389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
β-Strands are a fundamental component of protein structure, and these extended peptide regions serve as binding epitopes for numerous protein-protein complexes. However, synthetic mimics that capture the conformation of these epitopes and inhibit selected protein-protein interactions are rare. Here we describe covalent and noncovalent β-hairpin mimics of an extended strand region mediating the Tcf4/β-catenin interaction. Our efforts afford a rationally designed lead for an underexplored region of β-catenin, which has been the subject of numerous ligand discovery campaigns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah L. Blosser
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, 100 Washington Square East, New York, New York 10003, United States
| | - Nicholas Sawyer
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, 100 Washington Square East, New York, New York 10003, United States
| | - Igor Maksimovic
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, 100 Washington Square East, New York, New York 10003, United States
| | - Brahma Ghosh
- Discovery Chemistry, Janssen Research and Development, LLC, Spring House, Pennsylvania 19477, United States
| | - Paramjit S. Arora
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, 100 Washington Square East, New York, New York 10003, United States
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30
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Wendt M, Bellavita R, Gerber A, Efrém NL, van Ramshorst T, Pearce NM, Davey PRJ, Everard I, Vazquez-Chantada M, Chiarparin E, Grieco P, Hennig S, Grossmann TN. Bicyclic β-Sheet Mimetics that Target the Transcriptional Coactivator β-Catenin and Inhibit Wnt Signaling. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021; 60:13937-13944. [PMID: 33783110 PMCID: PMC8252567 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202102082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Protein complexes are defined by the three-dimensional structure of participating binding partners. Knowledge about these structures can facilitate the design of peptidomimetics which have been applied for example, as inhibitors of protein-protein interactions (PPIs). Even though β-sheets participate widely in PPIs, they have only rarely served as the basis for peptidomimetic PPI inhibitors, in particular when addressing intracellular targets. Here, we present the structure-based design of β-sheet mimetics targeting the intracellular protein β-catenin, a central component of the Wnt signaling pathway. Based on a protein binding partner of β-catenin, a macrocyclic peptide was designed and its crystal structure in complex with β-catenin obtained. Using this structure, we designed a library of bicyclic β-sheet mimetics employing a late-stage diversification strategy. Several mimetics were identified that compete with transcription factor binding to β-catenin and inhibit Wnt signaling in cells. The presented design strategy can support the development of inhibitors for other β-sheet-mediated PPIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathias Wendt
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rosa Bellavita
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Alan Gerber
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nina-Louisa Efrém
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Thirza van Ramshorst
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nicholas M Pearce
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Paul R J Davey
- Medicinal Chemistry, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Isabel Everard
- Mechanistic Biology and Profiling, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | | | | | - Paolo Grieco
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Sven Hennig
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tom N Grossmann
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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31
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Wang X, Ni D, Liu Y, Lu S. Rational Design of Peptide-Based Inhibitors Disrupting Protein-Protein Interactions. Front Chem 2021; 9:682675. [PMID: 34017824 PMCID: PMC8128998 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2021.682675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) are well-established as a class of promising drug targets for their implications in a wide range of biological processes. However, drug development toward PPIs is inevitably hampered by their flat and wide interfaces, which generally lack suitable pockets for ligand binding, rendering most PPI systems "undruggable." Here, we summarized drug design strategies for developing peptide-based PPI inhibitors. Importantly, several quintessential examples toward well-established PPI targets such as Bcl-2 family members, p53-MDM2, as well as APC-Asef are presented to illustrate the detailed schemes for peptide-based PPI inhibitor development and optimizations. This review supplies a comprehensive overview of recent progresses in drug discovery targeting PPIs through peptides or peptidomimetics, and will shed light on future therapeutic agent development toward the historically "intractable" PPI systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuefei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Jiao-Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Duan Ni
- The Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Yaqin Liu
- Medicinal Bioinformatics Center, Shanghai Jiao-Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shaoyong Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Jiao-Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Medicinal Bioinformatics Center, Shanghai Jiao-Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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