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Bai H, Yang Z, Lei H, Wu Y, Liu J, Yuan B, Ma M, Gao L, Zhang SQ, Xin M. Discovery of novel pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidines as potent menin-mixed lineage leukemia interaction inhibitors. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 268:116226. [PMID: 38367493 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
To interfere the Menin-MLL interaction using small molecular inhibitors has been shown as new treatment of several special hematological malignancies. Herein, a series of Menin-MLL interaction inhibitors with pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine scaffold were designed, synthesized and evaluated. Among them, compound A6 exhibited potent binding affinity with an IC50 value of 0.38 μM, and strong anti-proliferative activity against MV4-11 cells with an IC50 value of 1.07 μM. Further study showed A6 reduced the transcriptional levels of HOXA9 and MEIS1 genes. Moreover, A6 induced cellular apoptosis, arrested the cell cycle in G0/G1 phase, and reversed the differentiation arrest in a concentration-dependent manner. This study suggested compound A6 was as a novel potent Menin-MLL interaction inhibitor, and it proved that introduction of 4-amino pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine to occupy the P10 hydrophobic pocket was new idea for design of novel Menin-MLL interaction inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanrong Bai
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, PR China
| | - Zhe Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, PR China
| | - Hao Lei
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, PR China
| | - Yujie Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, PR China
| | - Jiaxin Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, PR China
| | - Bo Yuan
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, PR China
| | - Mengyan Ma
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, PR China
| | - Li Gao
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, PR China
| | - San-Qi Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, PR China
| | - Minhang Xin
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, PR China.
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Bai H, Zhang SQ, Lei H, Wang F, Ma M, Xin M. Menin-MLL protein-protein interaction inhibitors: a patent review (2014-2021). Expert Opin Ther Pat 2022; 32:507-522. [PMID: 35202550 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2022.2045947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chromosomal translocations involving the mixed-lineage leukemia (MLL, KMT2A, MLL1) genes result in the production of MLL fusion proteins, which cause abnormal transcriptional regulation leading to acute leukemia (AL). Menin (MEN1) protein is essential for MLL to regulate the expression of related target genes. High affinity interactions between the amino terminus of MLL proteins and Menin proteins are required to mediate the oncogenic transformation of MLL fusion proteins. Therefore, inhibition of Menin and MLL interaction is a potential therapeutic strategy for MLL rearrangement (MLL-r) leukemia and can provide a new choice for treatment of other diseases. Therefore, researchers have made great efforts to explore small molecule Menin-MLL interaction inhibitors. AREAS COVERED This review is to provide an overview of the patented Menin-MLL protein protein interaction inhibitors from 2014 to 2021. EXPERT OPINION Menin-MLL interaction inhibitors have therapeutic potential in the treatment of acute leukemia, such as acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Nowadays, SNDX-5613 and KO-539 have been granted orphan drug designation by the FDA for treatment of refractory/relapsed leukemia and AML, respectively. In addition, they are undergoing clinical evaluation for other indications. It is clear that Menin-MLL interaction inhibitors have promising benefits in the clinical treatment of acute leukemia and other diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanrong Bai
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - San-Qi Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Hao Lei
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Fang Wang
- Hebei Chemical & Pharmaceutical College, Shijiazhuang 050000, P.R. China
| | - Mengyan Ma
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Minhang Xin
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
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Lei H, Zhang SQ, Fan S, Bai HR, Zhao HY, Mao S, Xin M. Recent Progress of Small Molecule Menin-MLL Interaction Inhibitors as Therapeutic Agents for Acute Leukemia. J Med Chem 2021; 64:15519-15533. [PMID: 34726905 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Mixed lineage leukemia (MLL) gene rearrangements are associated with acute leukemia. The protein menin is regarded as a critical oncogenic cofactor of the resulting MLL fusion proteins in acute leukemia. A direct interaction between menin and the MLL amino terminal sequences is necessary for MLL fusion protein-mediated leukemogenesis. Thus, inhibition of the interaction between menin and MLL has emerged as a novel therapeutic strategy. Recent improvements in structural biology and chemical reactivity have promoted the design and development of selective and potent menin-MLL interaction inhibitors. In this Perspective, different classes of menin-MLL interaction inhibitors are comprehensively summarized. Further research potential, challenges, and opportunities in the field are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Lei
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, PR China
| | - San-Qi Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, PR China
| | - Shu Fan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, PR China
| | - Huan-Rong Bai
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, PR China
| | - Hong-Yi Zhao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, PR China
| | - Shuai Mao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, PR China
| | - Minhang Xin
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, PR China
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Castelli G, Pelosi E, Testa U. Targeting histone methyltransferase and demethylase in acute myeloid leukemia therapy. Onco Targets Ther 2017; 11:131-155. [PMID: 29343972 PMCID: PMC5749389 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s145971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a clonal disorder of myeloid progenitors characterized by the acquisition of chromosomal abnormalities, somatic mutations, and epigenetic changes that determine a consistent degree of biological and clinical heterogeneity. Advances in genomic technologies have increasingly shown the complexity and heterogeneity of genetic and epigenetic alterations in AML. Among the genetic alterations occurring in AML, frequent are the genetic alterations at the level of various genes involved in the epigenetic control of the DNA methylome and histone methylome. In fact, genes involved in DNA demethylation (such as DNMT3A, TET2, IDH1, and IDH2) or histone methylation and demethylation (EZH2, MLL, DOT1L) are frequently mutated in primary and secondary AML. Furthermore, some histone demethylases, such as LSD1, are frequently overexpressed in AML. These observations have strongly supported a major role of dysregulated epigenetic regulatory processes in leukemia onset and development. This conclusion was further supported by the observation that mutations in genes encoding epigenetic modifiers, such as DMT3A, ASXL1, TET2, IDH1, and IDH2, are usually acquired early and are present in the founding leukemic clone. These observations have contributed to development of the idea that targeting epigenetic abnormalities could represent a potentially promising strategy for the development of innovative treatments of AML. In this review, we analyze those proteins and their inhibitors that have already reached the first stages of clinical trials in AML, namely the histone methyltransferase DOT1L, the demethylase LSD1, and the MLL-interacting protein menin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Germana Castelli
- Department of Oncology, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Elvira Pelosi
- Department of Oncology, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Ugo Testa
- Department of Oncology, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
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Chavez-Gonzalez A, Bakhshinejad B, Pakravan K, Guzman ML, Babashah S. Novel strategies for targeting leukemia stem cells: sounding the death knell for blood cancer. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2016; 40:1-20. [PMID: 27678246 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-016-0297-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/31/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer stem cells (CSCs), also known as tumor-initiating cells (TICs), are characterized by high self-renewal and multi-lineage differentiation capacities. CSCs are thought to play indispensable roles in the initiation, progression and metastasis of many types of cancer. Leukemias are thought to be initiated and maintained by a specific sub-type of CSC, the leukemia stem cell (LSC). An important feature of LSCs is their resistance to standard therapy, which may lead to relapse. Increasing efforts are aimed at developing novel therapeutic strategies that selectively target LSCs, while sparing their normal counterparts and, thus, minimizing adverse treatment-associated side-effects. These LSC targeting therapies aim to eradicate LSCs through affecting mechanisms that control their survival, self-renewal, differentiation, proliferation and cell cycle progression. Some LSC targeting therapies have already been proven successful in pre-clinical studies and they are now being tested in clinical studies, mainly in combination with conventional treatment regimens. CONCLUSIONS A growing body of evidence indicates that the selective targeting of LSCs represents a promising approach to improve disease outcome. Beyond doubt, the CSC hypothesis has added a new dimension to the area of anticancer research, thereby paving the way for shaping a new trend in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Babak Bakhshinejad
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, P.O. Box: 14115-154, Tehran, Iran
| | - Katayoon Pakravan
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, P.O. Box: 14115-154, Tehran, Iran
| | - Monica L Guzman
- Department of Medicine, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, 1300 York Ave, Box 113, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
| | - Sadegh Babashah
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, P.O. Box: 14115-154, Tehran, Iran.
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Borkin D, He S, Miao H, Kempinska K, Pollock J, Chase J, Purohit T, Malik B, Zhao T, Wang J, Wen B, Zong H, Jones M, Danet-Desnoyers G, Guzman ML, Talpaz M, Bixby DL, Sun D, Hess JL, Muntean AG, Maillard I, Cierpicki T, Grembecka J. Pharmacologic inhibition of the Menin-MLL interaction blocks progression of MLL leukemia in vivo. Cancer Cell 2015; 27:589-602. [PMID: 25817203 PMCID: PMC4415852 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2015.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 277] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2014] [Revised: 12/11/2014] [Accepted: 02/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Chromosomal translocations affecting mixed lineage leukemia gene (MLL) result in acute leukemias resistant to therapy. The leukemogenic activity of MLL fusion proteins is dependent on their interaction with menin, providing basis for therapeutic intervention. Here we report the development of highly potent and orally bioavailable small-molecule inhibitors of the menin-MLL interaction, MI-463 and MI-503, and show their profound effects in MLL leukemia cells and substantial survival benefit in mouse models of MLL leukemia. Finally, we demonstrate the efficacy of these compounds in primary samples derived from MLL leukemia patients. Overall, we demonstrate that pharmacologic inhibition of the menin-MLL interaction represents an effective treatment for MLL leukemias in vivo and provide advanced molecular scaffold for clinical lead identification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dmitry Borkin
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Shihan He
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Hongzhi Miao
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | | | - Jonathan Pollock
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Graduate Program in Molecular and Cellular Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Jennifer Chase
- Center for Stem Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Trupta Purohit
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Bhavna Malik
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Ting Zhao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Jingya Wang
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Bo Wen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Hongliang Zong
- Department of Medicine, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Morgan Jones
- Center for Stem Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Gwenn Danet-Desnoyers
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Monica L Guzman
- Department of Medicine, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Moshe Talpaz
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Dale L Bixby
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Duxin Sun
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Jay L Hess
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; School of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Andrew G Muntean
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Ivan Maillard
- Center for Stem Cell Biology, Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Tomasz Cierpicki
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Jolanta Grembecka
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
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MLL1 and menin: not partners in crime? Blood 2013; 122:1995. [PMID: 24052538 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2013-08-519827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In this issue of Blood, Li et al report an unexpected but clinically relevant finding. They demonstrate that the mixed lineage leukemia (MLL1) gene acts independently from menin (Men1) in the hematopoietic system.
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Transcriptional regulation of haematopoietic stem cells. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2013; 786:187-212. [PMID: 23696358 DOI: 10.1007/978-94-007-6621-1_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are a rare cell population found in the bone marrow of adult mammals and are responsible for maintaining the entire haematopoietic system. Definitive HSCs are produced from mesoderm during embryonic development, from embryonic day 10 in the mouse. HSCs seed the foetal liver before migrating to the bone marrow around the time of birth. In the adult, HSCs are largely quiescent but have the ability to divide to self-renew and expand, or to proliferate and differentiate into any mature haematopoietic cell type. Both the specification of HSCs during development and their cellular choices once formed are tightly controlled at the level of transcription. Numerous transcriptional regulators of HSC specification, expansion, homeostasis and differentiation have been identified, primarily from analysis of mouse gene knockout experiments and transplantation assays. These include transcription factors, epigenetic modifiers and signalling pathway effectors. This chapter reviews the current knowledge of these HSC transcriptional regulators, predominantly focusing on the transcriptional regulation of mouse HSCs, although transcriptional regulation of human HSCs is also mentioned where relevant. Due to the breadth and maturity of this field, we have prioritised recently identified examples of HSC transcriptional regulators. We go on to highlight additional layers of control that regulate expression and activity of HSC transcriptional regulators and discuss how chromosomal translocations that result in fusion proteins of these HSC transcriptional regulators commonly drive leukaemias through transcriptional dysregulation.
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Kanungo J, Chandrasekharappa SC. Menin induces endodermal differentiation in aggregated P19 stem cells by modulating the retinoic acid receptors. Mol Cell Biochem 2012; 359:95-104. [PMID: 21833538 PMCID: PMC3412628 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-011-1003-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2011] [Accepted: 07/19/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Menin, a ubiquitously expressed protein, is the product of the multiple endocrine neoplasia type I (Men1) gene, mutations of which cause tumors primarily of the parathyroid, endocrine pancreas, and anterior pituitary. Menin-null mice display early embryonic lethality, and thus imply a critical role for menin in early development. In this study, using the P19 embryonic carcinoma stem cells, we studied menin's role in cell differentiation. Menin expression is induced in P19 cell aggregates by retinoic acid (RA). Menin over-expressing stable clones proliferated in a significantly reduced rate compared to the empty vector harboring cells. RA induced cell death in aggregated menin over-expressing cells. However, in the absence of RA, specific populations of the aggregated menin over-expressing cells displayed the characteristic of an endodermal phenotype by the acquisition of cytokeratin Endo A expression (TROMA-1), a marker for the primitive endoderm, with a concomitant loss of the stem cell marker SSEA-1. Menin's ability to induce endodermal differentiation in specific populations of the aggregated cells in the absence of RA implied that menin could substitute RA by inducing a set of target genes that are RA responsive. Menin over-expressing cells upon aggregation showed a robust expression of RA receptors (RAR), RARα, β, and γ relative to the empty vector-harboring cells. Moreover, endodermal differentiation was inhibited by the pan-RAR antagonist Ro41-5253, suggesting that menin could induce endodermal differentiation of uncommitted cells by functionally modulating the RARs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jyotshnabala Kanungo
- Cancer Genetics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, 50 South Dr, Bldg 50, Room 5232, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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