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Wu Z, Zhou R, Li B, Cao M, Wang W, Li X. Methylation modifications in tRNA and associated disorders: Current research and potential therapeutic targets. Cell Prolif 2024:e13692. [PMID: 38943267 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/01/2024] Open
Abstract
High-throughput sequencing has sparked increased research interest in RNA modifications, particularly tRNA methylation, and its connection to various diseases. However, the precise mechanisms underpinning the development of these diseases remain largely elusive. This review sheds light on the roles of several tRNA methylations (m1A, m3C, m5C, m1G, m2G, m7G, m5U, and Nm) in diverse biological functions, including metabolic processing, stability, protein interactions, and mitochondrial activities. It further outlines diseases linked to aberrant tRNA modifications, related enzymes, and potential underlying mechanisms. Moreover, disruptions in tRNA regulation and abnormalities in tRNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs) contribute to disease pathogenesis, highlighting their potential as biomarkers for disease diagnosis. The review also delves into the exploration of drugs development targeting tRNA methylation enzymes, emphasizing the therapeutic prospects of modulating these processes. Continued research is imperative for a comprehensive comprehension and integration of these molecular mechanisms in disease diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhijing Wu
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ruixin Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Baizao Li
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Mingyu Cao
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Wenlong Wang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Clinical Research Center for Breast Cancer in Hunan Province, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xinying Li
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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2
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Feng G, Wu Y, Hu Y, Shuai W, Yang X, Li Y, Ouyang L, Wang G. Small molecule inhibitors targeting m 6A regulators. J Hematol Oncol 2024; 17:30. [PMID: 38711100 PMCID: PMC11075261 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-024-01546-5] [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: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
As the most common form of epigenetic regulation by RNA, N6 methyladenosine (m6A) modification is closely involved in physiological processes, such as growth and development, stem cell renewal and differentiation, and DNA damage response. Meanwhile, its aberrant expression in cancer tissues promotes the development of malignant tumors, as well as plays important roles in proliferation, metastasis, drug resistance, immunity and prognosis. This close association between m6A and cancers has garnered substantial attention in recent years. An increasing number of small molecules have emerged as potential agents to target m6A regulators for cancer treatment. These molecules target the epigenetic level, enabling precise intervention in RNA modifications and efficiently disrupting the survival mechanisms of tumor cells, thus paving the way for novel approaches in cancer treatment. However, there is currently a lack of a comprehensive review on small molecules targeting m6A regulators for anti-tumor. Here, we have comprehensively summarized the classification and functions of m6A regulators, elucidating their interactions with the proliferation, metastasis, drug resistance, and immune responses in common cancers. Furthermore, we have provided a comprehensive overview on the development, mode of action, pharmacology and structure-activity relationships of small molecules targeting m6A regulators. Our aim is to offer insights for subsequent drug design and optimization, while also providing an outlook on future prospects for small molecule development targeting m6A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guotai Feng
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, and West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University /West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yongya Wu
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, and West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University /West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yuan Hu
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, and West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University /West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Wen Shuai
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, and West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University /West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xiao Yang
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, and West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University /West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yong Li
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, and West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University /West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Liang Ouyang
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, and West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University /West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Guan Wang
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, and West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University /West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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3
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Breger K, Kunkler CN, O'Leary NJ, Hulewicz JP, Brown JA. Ghost authors revealed: The structure and function of human N 6 -methyladenosine RNA methyltransferases. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. RNA 2023; 15:e1810. [PMID: 37674370 PMCID: PMC10915109 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Despite the discovery of modified nucleic acids nearly 75 years ago, their biological functions are still being elucidated. N6 -methyladenosine (m6 A) is the most abundant modification in eukaryotic messenger RNA (mRNA) and has also been detected in non-coding RNAs, including long non-coding RNA, ribosomal RNA, and small nuclear RNA. In general, m6 A marks can alter RNA secondary structure and initiate unique RNA-protein interactions that can alter splicing, mRNA turnover, and translation, just to name a few. Although m6 A marks in human RNAs have been known to exist since 1974, the structures and functions of methyltransferases responsible for writing m6 A marks have been established only recently. Thus far, there are four confirmed human methyltransferases that catalyze the transfer of a methyl group from S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) to the N6 position of adenosine, producing m6 A: methyltransferase-like protein (METTL) 3/METTL14 complex, METTL16, METTL5, and zinc-finger CCHC-domain-containing protein 4. Though the methyltransferases have unique RNA targets, all human m6 A RNA methyltransferases contain a Rossmann fold with a conserved SAM-binding pocket, suggesting that they utilize a similar catalytic mechanism for methyl transfer. For each of the human m6 A RNA methyltransferases, we present the biological functions and links to human disease, RNA targets, catalytic and kinetic mechanisms, and macromolecular structures. We also discuss m6 A marks in human viruses and parasites, assigning m6 A marks in the transcriptome to specific methyltransferases, small molecules targeting m6 A methyltransferases, and the enzymes responsible for hypermodified m6 A marks and their biological functions in humans. Understanding m6 A methyltransferases is a critical steppingstone toward establishing the m6 A epitranscriptome and more broadly the RNome. This article is categorized under: RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein-RNA Recognition RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > RNA-Protein Complexes RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein-RNA Interactions: Functional Implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kurtis Breger
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| | - Charlotte N Kunkler
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| | - Nathan J O'Leary
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| | - Jacob P Hulewicz
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| | - Jessica A Brown
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
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4
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Qiu L, Jing Q, Li Y, Han J. RNA modification: mechanisms and therapeutic targets. MOLECULAR BIOMEDICINE 2023; 4:25. [PMID: 37612540 PMCID: PMC10447785 DOI: 10.1186/s43556-023-00139-x] [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: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA modifications are dynamic and reversible chemical modifications on substrate RNA that are regulated by specific modifying enzymes. They play important roles in the regulation of many biological processes in various diseases, such as the development of cancer and other diseases. With the help of advanced sequencing technologies, the role of RNA modifications has caught increasing attention in human diseases in scientific research. In this review, we briefly summarized the basic mechanisms of several common RNA modifications, including m6A, m5C, m1A, m7G, Ψ, A-to-I editing and ac4C. Importantly, we discussed their potential functions in human diseases, including cancer, neurological disorders, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic diseases, genetic and developmental diseases, as well as immune disorders. Through the "writing-erasing-reading" mechanisms, RNA modifications regulate the stability, translation, and localization of pivotal disease-related mRNAs to manipulate disease development. Moreover, we also highlighted in this review all currently available RNA-modifier-targeting small molecular inhibitors or activators, most of which are designed against m6A-related enzymes, such as METTL3, FTO and ALKBH5. This review provides clues for potential clinical therapy as well as future study directions in the RNA modification field. More in-depth studies on RNA modifications, their roles in human diseases and further development of their inhibitors or activators are needed for a thorough understanding of epitranscriptomics as well as diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Research Laboratory of Tumor Epigenetics and Genomics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, P.R. China
| | - Qian Jing
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Research Laboratory of Tumor Epigenetics and Genomics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, P.R. China
| | - Yanbo Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Research Laboratory of Tumor Epigenetics and Genomics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, P.R. China
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Junhong Han
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Research Laboratory of Tumor Epigenetics and Genomics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, P.R. China.
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5
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He J, Liu F, Zhang Z. Functions of N6-methyladenosine in cancer metabolism: from mechanism to targeted therapy. Biomark Res 2023; 11:40. [PMID: 37055798 PMCID: PMC10100159 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-023-00483-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant modification of eukaryotic mRNA and is involved in almost every stage of RNA metabolism. The m6A modification on RNA has been demonstrated to be a regulator of the occurrence and development of a substantial number of diseases, especially cancers. Increasing evidence has shown that metabolic reprogramming is a hallmark of cancer and is crucial for maintaining the homeostasis of malignant tumors. Cancer cells rely on altered metabolic pathways to support their growth, proliferation, invasion and metastasis in an extreme microenvironment. m6A regulates metabolic pathways mainly by either directly acting on metabolic enzymes and transporters or indirectly influencing metabolism-related molecules. This review discusses the functions of the m6A modification on RNAs, its role in cancer cell metabolic pathways, the possible underlying mechanisms of its effects and the implication of this modification in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayi He
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
| | - Furong Liu
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China.
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China.
| | - Zhanguo Zhang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China.
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China.
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Fiorentino F, Menna M, Rotili D, Valente S, Mai A. METTL3 from Target Validation to the First Small-Molecule Inhibitors: A Medicinal Chemistry Journey. J Med Chem 2023; 66:1654-1677. [PMID: 36692498 PMCID: PMC9923689 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01601] [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: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
RNA methylation is a critical mechanism for regulating the transcription and translation of specific sequences or for eliminating unnecessary sequences during RNA maturation. METTL3, an RNA methyltransferase that catalyzes the transfer of a methyl group to the N6-adenosine of RNA, is one of the key mediators of this process. METTL3 dysregulation may result in the emergence of a variety of diseases ranging from cancer to cardiovascular and neurological disorders beyond contributing to viral infections. Hence, the discovery of METTL3 inhibitors may assist in furthering the understanding of the biological roles of this enzyme, in addition to contributing to the development of novel therapeutics. Through this work, we will examine the existing correlations between METTL3 and diseases. We will also analyze the development, mode of action, pharmacology, and structure-activity relationships of the currently known METTL3 inhibitors. They include both nucleoside and non-nucleoside compounds, with the latter comprising both competitive and allosteric inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Fiorentino
- Department
of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza
University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Martina Menna
- Department
of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza
University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Dante Rotili
- Department
of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza
University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy,
| | - Sergio Valente
- Department
of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza
University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy,
| | - Antonello Mai
- Department
of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza
University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy,Pasteur
Institute, Cenci-Bolognetti Foundation, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
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7
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Li G, Sun Z, Deng W, Cheng S, Liu X, Liu J, Tang X, Zhang Z. METTL3 plays a crucial function in multiple biological processes. Acta Histochem 2022; 124:151916. [PMID: 35752056 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2022.151916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The N6-methyladenosine (m6A) refers to the methylation of the N6 position of adenosine of RNA adenine. The modification of m6A is one of the most abundant epigenetic modifications in eukaryotic mRNA and non-coding RNA and is controlled by methyltransferases and demethylases. The biological mechanism and significance of m6A have been discovered with the development of m6A sequencing. Various m6A complex components regulate the function of m6A on mRNA. Methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) is one of the earliest identified m6A methyltransferases which regulate the functions of m6A. A large number of studies have shown that METTL3 establishes a cross-talk with tumor cells and development of various human diseases. In this review, we will briefly elaborate on the role of METTL3 in biological function, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), inflammatory response and sensitivity to the resistance of chemo radiotherapies. The underlying molecular mechanism demonstrated by METTL3 may provide a possible target for treating and diagnosing human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilan Li
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China; Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Typical Environmental Pollution and Health Hazardsa, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Zhanbing Sun
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China; Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Typical Environmental Pollution and Health Hazardsa, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Weihua Deng
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China; Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Typical Environmental Pollution and Health Hazardsa, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Shaoxiong Cheng
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China; Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Typical Environmental Pollution and Health Hazardsa, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Xiuli Liu
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China; Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Typical Environmental Pollution and Health Hazardsa, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Jincheng Liu
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China; Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Typical Environmental Pollution and Health Hazardsa, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Xiaomin Tang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China; Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Typical Environmental Pollution and Health Hazardsa, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Zhaohui Zhang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China; Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Typical Environmental Pollution and Health Hazardsa, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China.
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Du Y, Yuan Y, Xu L, Zhao F, Wang W, Xu Y, Tian X. Discovery of METTL3 Small Molecule Inhibitors by Virtual Screening of Natural Products. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:878135. [PMID: 35571106 PMCID: PMC9093036 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.878135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
N6-Methyladenosine (m6A) is the most prevalent mRNA modification in mammalian cells that is mainly catalyzed by the methyltransferase complex of methyltransferase-like 3 and methyltransferase-like 14 (METTL3-METTL14). Many lines of evidence suggest that METTL3 plays important roles in several diseases such as cancers and viral infection. In the present study, 1,042 natural products from commercially available sources were chosen to establish a screening library, and docking-based high-throughput screening was performed to discover potential METTL3 inhibitors. The selected compounds were then further validated by an in vitro methyltransferase inhibition assay in which m6A content was determined by LC-MS/MS. A cellular assay of the inhibition of m6A methylation was performed to determine the METTL3 inhibitory activity of the selected compound. CCK-8 assay was applied to evaluate the effects of the selected compound on tumor cell viability. Additionally, binding mode analysis, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, and binding free energy analysis were performed to study the process and characteristics of inhibitor binding. Finally, quercetin was identified as a METTL3 inhibitor with an IC50 value of 2.73 μM. The cellular assay of m6A methylation inhibition showed that quercetin decreased m6A level in a dose-dependent manner in MIA PaCa-2 pancreatic cancer cells. CCK-8 assay showed quercetin efficiently inhibited the proliferation of MIA PaCa-2 and Huh7 tumor cells, with IC50 values 73.51 ± 11.22 μM and 99.97 ± 7.03 μM, respectively. Molecular docking studies revealed that quercetin filled the pocket of the adenosine moiety of SAM but not the pocket of the SAM methionine in the METTL3 protein, and hydrogen bonds, hydrophobic interactions, and pi-stacking were formed. The values of the root mean square deviation (RMSD), the root mean square fluctuations (RMSF), and binding free energy suggested that quercetin can efficiently bind to the pocket of the METTL3 protein and form a stable protein-ligand complex. The present study is the first to identify METTL3 inhibitors from natural products, thus providing a basis for subsequent research and facilitating the development of METTL3-targeting drugs for diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Du
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Henan Key Laboratory of Precision Clinical Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yongliang Yuan
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Henan Key Laboratory of Precision Clinical Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Le Xu
- Departments of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Fang Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Henan Key Laboratory of Precision Clinical Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wenbin Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yiping Xu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Henan Key Laboratory of Precision Clinical Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xin Tian
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Henan Key Laboratory of Precision Clinical Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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9
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Fischer TR, Meidner L, Schwickert M, Weber M, Zimmermann RA, Kersten C, Schirmeister T, Helm M. Chemical biology and medicinal chemistry of RNA methyltransferases. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:4216-4245. [PMID: 35412633 PMCID: PMC9071492 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA methyltransferases (MTases) are ubiquitous enzymes whose hitherto low profile in medicinal chemistry, contrasts with the surging interest in RNA methylation, the arguably most important aspect of the new field of epitranscriptomics. As MTases become validated as drug targets in all major fields of biomedicine, the development of small molecule compounds as tools and inhibitors is picking up considerable momentum, in academia as well as in biotech. Here we discuss the development of small molecules for two related aspects of chemical biology. Firstly, derivates of the ubiquitous cofactor S-adenosyl-l-methionine (SAM) are being developed as bioconjugation tools for targeted transfer of functional groups and labels to increasingly visible targets. Secondly, SAM-derived compounds are being investigated for their ability to act as inhibitors of RNA MTases. Drug development is moving from derivatives of cosubstrates towards higher generation compounds that may address allosteric sites in addition to the catalytic centre. Progress in assay development and screening techniques from medicinal chemistry have led to recent breakthroughs, e.g. in addressing human enzymes targeted for their role in cancer. Spurred by the current pandemic, new inhibitors against coronaviral MTases have emerged at a spectacular rate, including a repurposed drug which is now in clinical trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim R Fischer
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Staudingerweg 5, 55128Mainz, Germany
| | - Laurenz Meidner
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Staudingerweg 5, 55128Mainz, Germany
| | - Marvin Schwickert
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Staudingerweg 5, 55128Mainz, Germany
| | - Marlies Weber
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Staudingerweg 5, 55128Mainz, Germany
| | - Robert A Zimmermann
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Staudingerweg 5, 55128Mainz, Germany
| | - Christian Kersten
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Staudingerweg 5, 55128Mainz, Germany
| | - Tanja Schirmeister
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Staudingerweg 5, 55128Mainz, Germany
| | - Mark Helm
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Staudingerweg 5, 55128Mainz, Germany
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10
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Eltrombopag as an Allosteric Inhibitor of the METTL3-14 Complex Affecting the m6A Methylation of RNA in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cells. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15040440. [PMID: 35455436 PMCID: PMC9032718 DOI: 10.3390/ph15040440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
N6A-methyladenosine (m6A) post-transcriptional modification, the most abundant internal RNA modification, is catalyzed by the METTL3-14 methyltransferase complex. Recently, attention has been drawn to the METTL3-14 complex regarding its significant roles in the pathogenesis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), attracting the potential of novel therapeutic targets for the disease. Herein, we report the identification and characterization of eltrombopag as a selective allosteric inhibitor of the METTL3-14 complex. Eltrombopag exhibited selective inhibitory activity in the most active catalytic form of the METTL3-14 complex by direct binding, and the mechanism of inhibition was confirmed as a noncompetitive inhibition by interacting at a putative allosteric binding site in METTL3, which was predicted by cavity search and molecular docking studies. At a cellular level, eltrombopag displayed anti-proliferative effects in the relevant AML cell line, MOLM-13, in correlation with a reduction in m6A levels. Molecular mechanism studies of eltrombopag using m6A-seq analysis provided further evidence of its cellular function by determining the hypomethylation of leukemogenic genes in eltrombopag-treated MOLM-13 cells and the overlapping of the pattern with those of METTL3-knockdown MOLM-13 cells. In conclusion, eltrombopag was first disclosed as a functional METTL3-14 allosteric inhibitor in AML cells, which could be utilized for the further development of novel anti-AML therapy.
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