1
|
Mach L, Omran A, Bouma J, Radetzki S, Sykes DA, Guba W, Li X, Höffelmeyer C, Hentsch A, Gazzi T, Mostinski Y, Wasinska-Kalwa M, de Molnier F, van der Horst C, von Kries JP, Vendrell M, Hua T, Veprintsev DB, Heitman LH, Grether U, Nazare M. Highly Selective Drug-Derived Fluorescent Probes for the Cannabinoid Receptor Type 1 (CB 1R). J Med Chem 2024. [PMID: 38990855 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
The cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1R) is pivotal within the endocannabinoid system regulating various signaling cascades with effects in appetite regulation, pain perception, memory formation, and thermoregulation. Still, understanding of CB1R's cellular signaling, distribution, and expression dynamics is very fragmentary. Real-time visualization of CB1R is crucial for addressing these questions. Selective drug-like CB1R ligands with a defined pharmacological profile were investigated for the construction of CB1R fluorescent probes using a reverse design-approach. A modular design concept with a diethyl glycine-based building block as the centerpiece allowed for the straightforward synthesis of novel probe candidates. Validated by computational docking studies, radioligand binding, and cAMP assay, this systematic approach allowed for the identification of novel pyrrole-based CB1R fluorescent probes. Application in fluorescence-based target-engagement studies and live cell imaging exemplify the great versatility of the tailored CB1R probes for investigating CB1R localization, trafficking, pharmacology, and its pathological implications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leonard Mach
- Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP), 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Anahid Omran
- Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP), 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Jara Bouma
- Division of Drug Discovery and Safety, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University and Oncode Institute, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Silke Radetzki
- Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP), 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - David A Sykes
- Division of Physiology, Pharmacology & Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, NG7 2UH Nottingham, U.K
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Birmingham and University of Nottingham, Edgbaston, B15 2TT Birmingham, Midlands, U.K
| | - Wolfgang Guba
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Xiaoting Li
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, 201210 Shanghai, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 201210 Shanghai, China
| | - Calvin Höffelmeyer
- Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP), 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Axel Hentsch
- Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP), 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Thais Gazzi
- Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP), 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Yelena Mostinski
- Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP), 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Fabio de Molnier
- IRR Chemistry Hub and Centre for Inflammation Research, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, EH16 4UU Edinburgh, U.K
| | - Cas van der Horst
- Division of Drug Discovery and Safety, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University and Oncode Institute, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jens Peter von Kries
- Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP), 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Marc Vendrell
- IRR Chemistry Hub and Centre for Inflammation Research, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, EH16 4UU Edinburgh, U.K
| | - Tian Hua
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, 201210 Shanghai, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 201210 Shanghai, China
| | - Dmitry B Veprintsev
- Division of Physiology, Pharmacology & Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, NG7 2UH Nottingham, U.K
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Birmingham and University of Nottingham, Edgbaston, B15 2TT Birmingham, Midlands, U.K
| | - Laura H Heitman
- Division of Drug Discovery and Safety, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University and Oncode Institute, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Uwe Grether
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marc Nazare
- Leibniz-Forschungsinstitut für Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP), 13125 Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wang YT, Price E, Feng M, Hulen J, Doktor S, Stresser DM, Maes EM, Ji QC, Jenkins GJ. High-Throughput SFC-MS/MS Method to Measure EPSA and Predict Human Permeability. J Med Chem 2024. [PMID: 38976596 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Permeability is a key factor driving the absorption of orally administered drugs. In early discovery, the efficient evaluation of permeability, particularly for compounds violating Lipinski's Rule of 5, remains challenging. Addressing this, we established a high-throughput method to measure the experimental polar surface area (HT-EPSA) as an in vitro surrogate to measure permeability. Compared to earlier methods, HT-EPSA significantly reduces data acquisition time with enhanced sensitivity, selectivity, and data quality. In the effort of translating EPSA to human in vitro and in vivo passive permeability, we demonstrated the application of EPSA for predicting Caco-2 cell and human intestinal permeability, showing improvements over topological polar surface area and the parallel artificial membrane permeability assay for rank-ordering permeability in a proteolysis targeting chimera case study. The HT-EPSA method is expected to be highly beneficial in guiding early stage compound rank-ordering, faster decision-making, and in predicting in vitro and/or in vivo human intestinal permeability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yue-Ting Wang
- Quantitative, Translational, and ADME Sciences (QTAS), AbbVie Inc., North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Edward Price
- Quantitative, Translational, and ADME Sciences (QTAS), AbbVie Inc., North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Mei Feng
- Quantitative, Translational, and ADME Sciences (QTAS), AbbVie Inc., North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Jason Hulen
- Quantitative, Translational, and ADME Sciences (QTAS), AbbVie Inc., North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Stella Doktor
- Quantitative, Translational, and ADME Sciences (QTAS), AbbVie Inc., North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - David M Stresser
- Quantitative, Translational, and ADME Sciences (QTAS), AbbVie Inc., North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Estelle M Maes
- Quantitative, Translational, and ADME Sciences (QTAS), AbbVie Inc., North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Qin C Ji
- Quantitative, Translational, and ADME Sciences (QTAS), AbbVie Inc., North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Gary J Jenkins
- Quantitative, Translational, and ADME Sciences (QTAS), AbbVie Inc., North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Montà-González G, Bastante-Rodríguez D, García-Fernández A, Lusby PJ, Martínez-Máñez R, Martí-Centelles V. Comparing organic and metallo-organic hydrazone molecular cages as potential carriers for doxorubicin delivery. Chem Sci 2024; 15:10010-10017. [PMID: 38966373 PMCID: PMC11220577 DOI: 10.1039/d4sc02294g] [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: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Molecular cages are three-dimensional supramolecular structures that completely wrap guest molecules by encapsulation. We describe a rare comparative study between a metallo-organic cage and a fully organic analogous system, obtained by hydrazone bond formation self-assembly. Both cages are able to encapsulate the anticancer drug doxorubicin, with the organic cage forming a 1 : 1 inclusion complex with μM affinity, whereas the metallo-organic host experiences disassembly by interaction with the drug. Stability experiments reveal that the ligands of the metallo-organic cage are displaced in buffer at neutral, acidic, and basic pH, while the organic cage only disassembles under acidic conditions. Notably, the organic cage also shows minimal cell toxicity, even at high doses, whilst the doxorubicin-cage complex shows in vitro anti-cancer activity. Collectively, these results show that the attributes of the pure organic molecular cage are suitable for the future challenges of in vivo drug delivery using molecular cages.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Montà-González
- Instituto Interuniversitario de Investigación de Reconocimiento Molecular y Desarrollo Tecnológico (IDM), Universitat Politècnica de València, Universitat de València Camino de Vera, s/n 46022 Valencia Spain
- Departamento de Química, Universitat Politècnica de València Camí de Vera s/n 46022 Valencia Spain
- EaStCHEM, School of Chemistry Joseph Black Building, David Brewster Road EH93FJ Edinburgh UK
| | - David Bastante-Rodríguez
- Instituto Interuniversitario de Investigación de Reconocimiento Molecular y Desarrollo Tecnológico (IDM), Universitat Politècnica de València, Universitat de València Camino de Vera, s/n 46022 Valencia Spain
- Unidad Mixta UPV-CIPF de Investigación en Mecanismos de Enfermedades y Nanomedicina, Valencia, Universitat Politècnica de València, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe Avenida Eduardo Primo Yúfera, 3 46012 Valencia Spain
| | - Alba García-Fernández
- Instituto Interuniversitario de Investigación de Reconocimiento Molecular y Desarrollo Tecnológico (IDM), Universitat Politècnica de València, Universitat de València Camino de Vera, s/n 46022 Valencia Spain
- CIBER de Bioingeniería Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III 28029 Madrid Spain
- Unidad Mixta UPV-CIPF de Investigación en Mecanismos de Enfermedades y Nanomedicina, Valencia, Universitat Politècnica de València, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe Avenida Eduardo Primo Yúfera, 3 46012 Valencia Spain
| | - Paul J Lusby
- EaStCHEM, School of Chemistry Joseph Black Building, David Brewster Road EH93FJ Edinburgh UK
| | - Ramón Martínez-Máñez
- Instituto Interuniversitario de Investigación de Reconocimiento Molecular y Desarrollo Tecnológico (IDM), Universitat Politècnica de València, Universitat de València Camino de Vera, s/n 46022 Valencia Spain
- CIBER de Bioingeniería Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III 28029 Madrid Spain
- Unidad Mixta UPV-CIPF de Investigación en Mecanismos de Enfermedades y Nanomedicina, Valencia, Universitat Politècnica de València, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe Avenida Eduardo Primo Yúfera, 3 46012 Valencia Spain
- Unidad Mixta de Investigación en Nanomedicina y Sensores, Universitat Politècnica de València, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IISLAFE) Avenida Fernando Abril Martorell, 106 46026 Valencia Spain
- Departamento de Química, Universitat Politècnica de València Camí de Vera s/n 46022 Valencia Spain
| | - Vicente Martí-Centelles
- Instituto Interuniversitario de Investigación de Reconocimiento Molecular y Desarrollo Tecnológico (IDM), Universitat Politècnica de València, Universitat de València Camino de Vera, s/n 46022 Valencia Spain
- CIBER de Bioingeniería Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III 28029 Madrid Spain
- Departamento de Química, Universitat Politècnica de València Camí de Vera s/n 46022 Valencia Spain
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Kadsanit N, Worsawat P, Sakonsinsiri C, McElroy CR, Macquarrie D, Noppawan P, Hunt AJ. Sustainable methods for the carboxymethylation and methylation of ursolic acid with dimethyl carbonate under mild and acidic conditions. RSC Adv 2024; 14:16921-16934. [PMID: 38799212 PMCID: PMC11124730 DOI: 10.1039/d4ra02122c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Ursolic acid is a triterpene plant extract that exhibits significant potential as an anti-cancer, anti-tumour, and anti-inflammatory agent. Its direct use in the pharmaceutical industry is hampered by poor uptake of ursolic acid in the human body coupled with rapid metabolism causing a decrease in bioactivity. Modification of ursolic acid can overcome such issues, however, use of toxic reagents, unsustainable synthetic routes and poor reaction metrics have limited its potential. Herein, we demonstrate the first reported carboxymethylation and/or methylation of ursolic acid with dimethyl carbonate (DMC) as a green solvent and sustainable reagent under acidic conditions. The reaction of DMC with ursolic acid, in the presence of PTSA, ZnCl2, or H2SO4-SiO2 yielded the carboxymethylation product 3β-[[methoxy]carbonyl]oxyurs-12-en-28-oic acid, the methylation product 3β-methoxyurs-12-en-28-oic acid and the dehydration product urs-2,12-dien-28-oic acid. PTSA demonstrated high conversion and selectivity towards the previously unreported carboxymethylation of ursolic acid, while the application of formic acid in the system led to formylation of ursolic acid (3β-formylurs-12-en-28-oic acid) in quantitative yields via esterification, with DMC acting solely as a solvent. Meanwhile, the methylation product of ursolic acid, 3β-methoxyurs-12-en-28-oic acid, was successfully synthesised with FeCl3, demonstrating exceptional conversion and selectivity, >99% and 99%, respectively. Confirmed with the use of qualitative and quantitative green metrics, this result represents a significant improvement in conversion, selectivity, safety, and sustainability over previously reported methods of ursolic acid modification. It was demonstrated that these methods could be applied to other triterpenoids, including corosolic acid. The study also explored the potential pharmaceutical applications of ursolic acid, corosolic acid, and their derivatives, particularly in anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-tumour treatments, using molecular ADMET and docking methods. The methods developed in this work have led to the synthesis of novel molecules, thus creating opportunities for the future investigation of biological activity and the modification of a wide range of triterpenoids applying acidic DMC systems to deliver novel active pharmaceutical intermediates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nuttapong Kadsanit
- Materials Chemistry Research Center (MCRC), Department of Chemistry and Centre of Excellence for Innovation in Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University Khon Kaen 40002 Thailand
| | - Pattamabhorn Worsawat
- Materials Chemistry Research Center (MCRC), Department of Chemistry and Centre of Excellence for Innovation in Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University Khon Kaen 40002 Thailand
| | - Chadamas Sakonsinsiri
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University Khon Kaen 40002 Thailand
| | - Con R McElroy
- School of Chemistry, University of Lincoln Brayford Pool Campus Lincoln LN6 7TS UK
- Green Chemistry Centre of Excellence, Department of Chemistry, University of York Heslington York YO10 5DD UK
| | - Duncan Macquarrie
- Green Chemistry Centre of Excellence, Department of Chemistry, University of York Heslington York YO10 5DD UK
| | - Pakin Noppawan
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahasarakham University Maha Sarakham 44150 Thailand
| | - Andrew J Hunt
- Materials Chemistry Research Center (MCRC), Department of Chemistry and Centre of Excellence for Innovation in Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University Khon Kaen 40002 Thailand
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Hayhow TG, Williamson B, Lawson M, Cureton N, Braybrooke EL, Campbell A, Carbajo RJ, Cheraghchi-Bashi A, Chiarparin E, Diène CR, Fallan C, Fisher DI, Goldberg FW, Hopcroft L, Hopcroft P, Jackson A, Kettle JG, Klinowska T, Künzel U, Lamont G, Lewis HJ, Maglennon G, Martin S, Gutierrez PM, Morrow CJ, Nikolaou M, Nissink JWM, O'Shea P, Polanski R, Schade M, Scott JS, Smith A, Weber J, Wilson J, Yang B, Crafter C. Metabolism-driven in vitro/in vivo disconnect of an oral ERɑ VHL-PROTAC. Commun Biol 2024; 7:563. [PMID: 38740899 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06238-x] [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: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Targeting the estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) pathway is validated in the clinic as an effective means to treat ER+ breast cancers. Here we present the development of a VHL-targeting and orally bioavailable proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC) degrader of ERα. In vitro studies with this PROTAC demonstrate excellent ERα degradation and ER antagonism in ER+ breast cancer cell lines. However, upon dosing the compound in vivo we observe an in vitro-in vivo disconnect. ERα degradation is lower in vivo than expected based on the in vitro data. Investigation into potential causes for the reduced maximal degradation reveals that metabolic instability of the PROTAC linker generates metabolites that compete for binding to ERα with the full PROTAC, limiting degradation. This observation highlights the requirement for metabolically stable PROTACs to ensure maximal efficacy and thus optimisation of the linker should be a key consideration when designing PROTACs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Anne Jackson
- Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Bin Yang
- Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Waltham, MA, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Sun Y, Morton ER, Bhabha H, Clark ER, Bučar DK, Barros-Metlova V, Gould JA, Aliev AE, Haynes CJE. Competitive Intramolecular Hydrogen Bonding: Offering Molecules a Choice. Chempluschem 2024:e202400055. [PMID: 38713896 DOI: 10.1002/cplu.202400055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024]
Abstract
The conformational preferences of N-((6-methylpyridin-2-yl)carbamothioyl)benzamide were studied in solution, the gas phase and the solid state via a combination of NMR, density functional theory (DFT) and single crystal X-ray techniques. This acyl thiourea derivative can adopt two classes of low energy conformation, each stabilized by a different 6-membered intramolecular hydrogen bond (IHB) pseudoring. Analysis in different solvents revealed that the conformational preference of this molecule is polarity dependent, with increasingly polar environments yielding a higher proportion of the minor conformer containing an NH⋅⋅⋅N IHB. The calculated barrier to interconversion is consistent with dynamic behaviour at room temperature, despite the propensity of 6-membered IHB pseudorings to be static. This work demonstrates that introducing competitive IHB pathways can render static IHBs more dynamic and that such systems could have potential as chameleons in drug design.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Sun
- Chemistry Department, University College London, 20 Gordon Street, London, WC1H 0AJ, UK
| | - Evelyn R Morton
- Chemistry Department, University College London, 20 Gordon Street, London, WC1H 0AJ, UK
| | - Hunaida Bhabha
- Chemistry Department, University College London, 20 Gordon Street, London, WC1H 0AJ, UK
| | - Ewan R Clark
- School of Chemistry and Forensics, University of Kent, Canterbury, CT2 7NH, UK
| | - Dejan-Krešimir Bučar
- Chemistry Department, University College London, 20 Gordon Street, London, WC1H 0AJ, UK
| | | | - Jamie A Gould
- Chemistry Department, University College London, 20 Gordon Street, London, WC1H 0AJ, UK
| | - Abil E Aliev
- Chemistry Department, University College London, 20 Gordon Street, London, WC1H 0AJ, UK
| | - Cally J E Haynes
- Chemistry Department, University College London, 20 Gordon Street, London, WC1H 0AJ, UK
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Fukazawa N, Nishimura T, Orii K, Noguchi S, Tomi M. Conversion of Olmesartan to Olmesartan Medoxomil, A Prodrug that Improves Intestinal Absorption, Confers Substrate Recognition by OATP2B1. Pharm Res 2024; 41:849-861. [PMID: 38485855 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-024-03687-1] [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: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Olmesartan medoxomil (olmesartan-MX), an ester-type prodrug of the angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) olmesartan, is predominantly anionic at intestinal pH. Human organic anion transporting polypeptide 2B1 (OATP2B1) is expressed in the small intestine and is involved in the absorption of various acidic drugs. This study was designed to test the hypothesis that OATP2B1-mediated uptake contributes to the enhanced intestinal absorption of olmesartan-MX, even though olmesartan itself is not a substrate of OATP2B1. METHODS Tetracycline-inducible human OATP2B1- and rat Oatp2b1-overexpressing HEK 293 cell lines (hOATP2B1/T-REx-293 and rOatp2b1/T-REx-293, respectively) were established to characterize OATP2B1-mediated uptake. Rat jejunal permeability was measured using Ussing chambers. ARBs were quantified by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. RESULTS Significant olmesartan-MX uptake was observed in hOATP2B1/T-REx-293 and rOatp2b1/T-REx-293 cells, whereas olmesartan uptake was undetectable or much lower than olmesartan-MX uptake, respectively. Furthermore, olmesartan-MX exhibited several-fold higher uptake in Caco-2 cells and greater permeability in rat jejunum compared to olmesartan. Olmesartan-MX uptake in hOATP2B1/T-REx-293 cells and in Caco-2 cells was significantly decreased by OATP2B1 substrates/inhibitors such as 1 mM estrone-3-sulfate, 100 µM rifamycin SV, and 100 µM fluvastatin. Rat Oatp2b1-mediated uptake and rat jejunal permeability of olmesartan-MX were significantly decreased by 50 µM naringin, an OATP2B1 inhibitor. Oral administration of olmesartan-MX with 50 µM naringin to rats significantly reduced the area under the plasma concentration-time curve of olmesartan to 76.9%. CONCLUSION Olmesartan-MX is a substrate for OATP2B1, and the naringin-sensitive transport system contributes to the improved intestinal absorption of olmesartan-MX compared with its parent drug, olmesartan.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Naomi Fukazawa
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Keio University, 1-5-30 Shibakoen, Minato-ku 105-8512, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Nishimura
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Keio University, 1-5-30 Shibakoen, Minato-ku 105-8512, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Keisuke Orii
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Keio University, 1-5-30 Shibakoen, Minato-ku 105-8512, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Saki Noguchi
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Keio University, 1-5-30 Shibakoen, Minato-ku 105-8512, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Tomi
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Keio University, 1-5-30 Shibakoen, Minato-ku 105-8512, Tokyo, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Zhang H, Xie F, Yuan XY, Dai XT, Tian YF, Sun MM, Yu SQ, Cai JY, Sun B, Zhang WC, Shan CL. Discovery of a nitroaromatic nannocystin with potent in vivo anticancer activity against colorectal cancer by targeting AKT1. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2024; 45:1044-1059. [PMID: 38326625 PMCID: PMC11053100 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-024-01231-w] [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: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The development of targeted chemotherapeutic agents against colorectal cancer (CRC), one of the most common cancers with a high mortality rate, is in a constant need. Nannocystins are a family of myxobacterial secondary metabolites featuring a 21-membered depsipeptide ring. The in vitro anti-CRC activity of natural and synthetic nannocystins was well documented, but little is known about their in vivo efficacy and if positive, the underlying mechanism of action. In this study we synthesized a nitroaromatic nannocystin through improved preparation of a key fragment, and characterized its in vitro activity and in vivo efficacy against CRC. We first described the total synthesis of compounds 2-4 featuring Heck macrocyclization to forge their 21-membered macrocycle. In a panel of 7 cancer cell lines from different tissues, compound 4 inhibited the cell viability with IC values of 1-6 nM. In particular, compound 4 (1, 2, 4 nM) inhibited the proliferation of CRC cell lines (HCT8, HCT116 and LoVo) in both concentration and time dependent manners. Furthermore, compound 4 concentration-dependently inhibited the colony formation and migration of CRC cell lines. Moreover, compound 4 induced cell cycle arrest at sub-G1 phase, apoptosis and cellular senescence in CRC cell lines. In three patient-derived CRC organoids, compound 4 inhibited the PDO with IC values of 3.68, 28.93 and 11.81 nM, respectively. In a patient-derived xenograft mouse model, injection of compound 4 (4, 8 mg/kg, i.p.) every other day for 12 times dose-dependently inhibited the tumor growth without significant change in body weight. We conducted RNA-sequencing, molecular docking and cellular thermal shift assay to elucidate the anti-CRC mechanisms of compound 4, and revealed that it exerted its anti-CRC effect at least in part by targeting AKT1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Han Zhang
- The State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy, and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300353, China
| | - Fei Xie
- The State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy, and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300353, China
| | - Xiao-Ya Yuan
- The State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy, and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300353, China
| | - Xin-Tong Dai
- The State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy, and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300353, China
| | - Yun-Feng Tian
- The State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy, and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300353, China
| | - Ming-Ming Sun
- The State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy, and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300353, China
| | - Si-Qi Yu
- The State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy, and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300353, China
| | - Jia-You Cai
- The State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy, and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300353, China
| | - Bin Sun
- The State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy, and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300353, China
| | - Wei-Cheng Zhang
- The State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy, and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300353, China.
| | - Chang-Liang Shan
- The State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy, and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300353, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Starvaggi J, Previti S, Zappalà M, Ettari R. The Inhibition of NS2B/NS3 Protease: A New Therapeutic Opportunity to Treat Dengue and Zika Virus Infection. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4376. [PMID: 38673962 PMCID: PMC11050111 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084376] [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: 03/17/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
In the global pandemic scenario, dengue and zika viruses (DENV and ZIKV, respectively), both mosquito-borne members of the flaviviridae family, represent a serious health problem, and considering the absence of specific antiviral drugs and available vaccines, there is a dire need to identify new targets to treat these types of viral infections. Within this drug discovery process, the protease NS2B/NS3 is considered the primary target for the development of novel anti-flavivirus drugs. The NS2B/NS3 is a serine protease that has a dual function both in the viral replication process and in the elusion of the innate immunity. To date, two main classes of NS2B/NS3 of DENV and ZIKV protease inhibitors have been discovered: those that bind to the orthosteric site and those that act at the allosteric site. Therefore, this perspective article aims to discuss the main features of the use of the most potent NS2B/NS3 inhibitors and their impact at the social level.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Roberta Ettari
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical, and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno d’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy; (J.S.); (S.P.); (M.Z.)
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Hsu TW, Fang JM. Advances and prospects of analytic methods for bacterial transglycosylation and inhibitor discovery. Analyst 2024; 149:2204-2222. [PMID: 38517346 DOI: 10.1039/d3an01968c] [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: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
The cell wall is essential for bacteria to maintain structural rigidity and withstand external osmotic pressure. In bacteria, the cell wall is composed of peptidoglycan. Lipid II is the basic unit for constructing highly cross-linked peptidoglycan scaffolds. Transglycosylase (TGase) is the initiating enzyme in peptidoglycan synthesis that catalyzes the ligation of lipid II moieties into repeating GlcNAc-MurNAc polysaccharides, followed by transpeptidation to generate cross-linked structures. In addition to the transglycosylases in the class-A penicillin-binding proteins (aPBPs), SEDS (shape, elongation, division and sporulation) proteins are also present in most bacteria and play vital roles in cell wall renewal, elongation, and division. In this review, we focus on the latest analytical methods including the use of radioactive labeling, gel electrophoresis, mass spectrometry, fluorescence labeling, probing undecaprenyl pyrophosphate, fluorescence anisotropy, ligand-binding-induced tryptophan fluorescence quenching, and surface plasmon resonance to evaluate TGase activity in cell wall formation. This review also covers the discovery of TGase inhibitors as potential antibacterial agents. We hope that this review will give readers a better understanding of the chemistry and basic research for the development of novel antibiotics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tse-Wei Hsu
- Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106, Taiwan.
| | - Jim-Min Fang
- Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Kuemper S, Cairns AG, Birchall K, Yao Z, Large JM. Targeted protein degradation in CNS disorders: a promising route to novel therapeutics? Front Mol Neurosci 2024; 17:1370509. [PMID: 38685916 PMCID: PMC11057381 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2024.1370509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Targeted protein degradation (TPD) is a rapidly expanding field, with various PROTACs (proteolysis-targeting chimeras) in clinical trials and molecular glues such as immunomodulatory imide drugs (IMiDs) already well established in the treatment of certain blood cancers. Many current approaches are focused on oncology targets, leaving numerous potential applications underexplored. Targeting proteins for degradation offers a novel therapeutic route for targets whose inhibition remains challenging, such as protein aggregates in neurodegenerative diseases. This mini review focuses on the prospect of utilizing TPD for neurodegenerative disease targets, particularly PROTAC and molecular glue formats and opportunities for novel CNS E3 ligases. Some key challenges of utilizing such modalities including molecular design of degrader molecules, drug delivery and blood brain barrier penetrance will be discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Kuemper
- LifeArc, Accelerator Building, Open Innovation Campus, Stevenage, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew G. Cairns
- LifeArc, Accelerator Building, Open Innovation Campus, Stevenage, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Price E, Weinheimer M, Rivkin A, Jenkins G, Nijsen M, Cox PB, DeGoey D. Beyond Rule of Five and PROTACs in Modern Drug Discovery: Polarity Reducers, Chameleonicity, and the Evolving Physicochemical Landscape. J Med Chem 2024; 67:5683-5698. [PMID: 38498697 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c02332] [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: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Developing orally bioavailable drugs demands an understanding of absorption in early drug development. Traditional methods and physicochemical properties optimize absorption for rule of five (Ro5) compounds; beyond rule of five (bRo5) drugs necessitate advanced tools like the experimental measure of exposed polarity (EPSA) and the AbbVie multiparametric score (AB-MPS). Analyzing AB-MPS and EPSA against ∼1000 compounds with human absorption data and ∼10,000 AbbVie tool compounds (∼1000 proteolysis targeting chimeras or PROTACs, ∼7000 Ro5s, and ∼2000 bRo5s) revealed new patterns of physicochemical trends. We introduced a high-throughput "polarity reduction" descriptor: ETR, the EPSA-to-topological polar surface area (TPSA) ratio, highlights unique bRo5 and PROTAC subsets for specialized drug design strategies for effective absorption. Our methods and guidelines refine drug design by providing innovative in vitro approaches, enhancing physicochemical property optimization, and enabling accurate predictions of intestinal absorption in the complex bRo5 domain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Edward Price
- Research and Development, AbbVie Inc., 1 North Waukegan Road, North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Manuel Weinheimer
- Research and Development, AbbVie Inc., 1 North Waukegan Road, North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Alexey Rivkin
- Research and Development, AbbVie Inc., 1 North Waukegan Road, North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Gary Jenkins
- Research and Development, AbbVie Inc., 1 North Waukegan Road, North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Marjoleen Nijsen
- Research and Development, AbbVie Inc., 1 North Waukegan Road, North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Philip B Cox
- Research and Development, AbbVie Inc., 1 North Waukegan Road, North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - David DeGoey
- Research and Development, AbbVie Inc., 1 North Waukegan Road, North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
de Oliveira ECL, Hirmz H, Wynendaele E, Seixas Feio JA, Moreira IMS, da Costa KS, Lima AH, De Spiegeleer B, de Sales Júnior CDS. BrainPepPass: A Framework Based on Supervised Dimensionality Reduction for Predicting Blood-Brain Barrier-Penetrating Peptides. J Chem Inf Model 2024; 64:2368-2382. [PMID: 38054399 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.3c00951] [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: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Peptides that pass through the blood-brain barrier (BBB) not only are implicated in brain-related pathologies but also are promising therapeutic tools for treating brain diseases, e.g., as shuttles carrying active medicines across the BBB. Computational prediction of BBB-penetrating peptides (B3PPs) has emerged as an interesting approach because of its ability to screen large peptide libraries in a cost-effective manner. In this study, we present BrainPepPass, a machine learning (ML) framework that utilizes supervised manifold dimensionality reduction and extreme gradient boosting (XGB) algorithms to predict natural and chemically modified B3PPs. The results indicate that the proposed tool outperforms other classifiers, with average accuracies exceeding 94% and 98% in 10-fold cross-validation and leave-one-out cross-validation (LOOCV), respectively. In addition, accuracy values ranging from 45% to 97.05% were achieved in the independent tests. The BrainPepPass tool is available in a public repository for academic use (https://github.com/ewerton-cristhian/BrainPepPass).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ewerton Cristhian Lima de Oliveira
- Laboratório de Inteligência Computacional e Pesquisa Operacional, Campos Belém, Instituto de Tecnologia, Universidade Federal do Pará, 66075-110 Belém, Pará, Brasil
- Instituto Tecnológico Vale, 66055-090 Belém, Pará, Brasil
| | - Hannah Hirmz
- Drug Quality and Registration (DruQuaR) Group, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Evelien Wynendaele
- Drug Quality and Registration (DruQuaR) Group, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Juliana Auzier Seixas Feio
- Laboratório de Inteligência Computacional e Pesquisa Operacional, Campos Belém, Instituto de Tecnologia, Universidade Federal do Pará, 66075-110 Belém, Pará, Brasil
| | - Igor Matheus Souza Moreira
- Laboratório de Inteligência Computacional e Pesquisa Operacional, Campos Belém, Instituto de Tecnologia, Universidade Federal do Pará, 66075-110 Belém, Pará, Brasil
| | - Kauê Santana da Costa
- Laboratório de Simulação Computacional, Campos Marechal Rondon, Instituto de Biodiversidade, Universidade Federal do Oeste do Pará, 68040-255 Santarém, Pará, Brasil
| | - Anderson H Lima
- Laboratório de Planejamento e Desenvolvimento de Fármacos, Instituto de Ciências Exatas e Naturais, Universidade Federal do Pará, 66075-110 Belém, Pará, Brasil
| | - Bart De Spiegeleer
- Drug Quality and Registration (DruQuaR) Group, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Claudomiro de Souza de Sales Júnior
- Laboratório de Inteligência Computacional e Pesquisa Operacional, Campos Belém, Instituto de Tecnologia, Universidade Federal do Pará, 66075-110 Belém, Pará, Brasil
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Zhang C, Liu F, Zhang Y, Song C. Macrocycles and macrocyclization in anticancer drug discovery: Important pieces of the puzzle. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 268:116234. [PMID: 38401189 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116234] [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: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
Increasing disease-related proteins have been identified as novel therapeutic targets. Macrocycles are emerging as potential solutions, bridging the gap between conventional small molecules and biomacromolecules in drug discovery. Inspired by successful macrocyclic drugs of natural origins, macrocycles are attracting more attention for enhanced binding affinity and target selectivity. Due to the conformation constraint and structure preorganization, macrocycles can reach bioactive conformations more easily than parent acyclic compounds. Also, rational macrocyclization combined with sequent structural modification will help improve oral bioavailability and combat drug resistance. This review introduces various strategies to enhance membrane permeability in macrocyclization and subsequent modification, such as N-methylation, intramolecular hydrogen bonding modulation, isomerization, and reversible bicyclization. Several case studies highlight macrocyclic inhibitors targeting kinases, HDAC, and protein-protein interactions. Finally, some macrocyclic agents targeting tumor microenvironments are illustrated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chao Zhang
- Laboratory for Food and Medicine Homologous Natural Resources Development and Utilization, Belgorod College of Food Sciences, Dezhou University, Dezhou, 253023, China
| | - Fenfen Liu
- Laboratory for Food and Medicine Homologous Natural Resources Development and Utilization, Belgorod College of Food Sciences, Dezhou University, Dezhou, 253023, China
| | - Youming Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, China.
| | - Chun Song
- Laboratory for Food and Medicine Homologous Natural Resources Development and Utilization, Belgorod College of Food Sciences, Dezhou University, Dezhou, 253023, China; State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, China.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Farouk F, Ibrahim IM, Sherif S, Abdelhamed HG, Sharaky M, Al-Karmalawy AA. Investigating the effect of polymerase inhibitors on cellular proliferation: Computational studies, cytotoxicity, CDK1 inhibitory potential, and LC-MS/MS cancer cell entrapment assays. Chem Biol Drug Des 2024; 103:e14500. [PMID: 38467555 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.14500] [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: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Directly acting antivirals (DAAs) are a breakthrough in the treatment of HCV. There are controversial reports on their tendency to induce hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in HCV patients. Numerous reports have concluded that the HCC is attributed to patient-related factors while others are inclined to attribute this as a DAA side-effect. This study aims to investigate the effect of polymerase inhibitor DAAs, especially daclatasivir (DLT) on cellular proliferation as compared to ribavirin (RBV). The interaction of DAAs with variable cell-cycle proteins was studied in silico. The binding affinities to multiple cellular targets were investigated and the molecular dynamics were assessed. The in vitro effect of the selected candidate DLT on cancer cell proliferation was determined and the CDK1 inhibitory potential in was evaluated. Finally, the cellular entrapment of the selected candidates was assessed by an in-house developed and validated LC-MS/MS method. The results indicated that polymerase inhibitor antiviral agents, especially DLT, may exert an anti-proliferative potential against variable cancer cell lines. The results showed that the effect may be achieved via potential interaction with the multiple cellular targets, including the CDK1, resulting in halting of the cellular proliferation. DLT exhibited a remarkable cell permeability in the liver cancer cell line which permits adequate interaction with the cellular targets. In conclusion, the results reveal that the polymerase inhibitor (DLT) may have an anti-proliferative potential against liver cancer cells. These results may pose DLT as a therapeutic choice for patients suffering from HCV and are liable to HCC development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Faten Farouk
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ahram Canadian University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Ibrahim M Ibrahim
- Biophysics Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Salma Sherif
- Faculty of Women for Arts, Science and Education, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | - Marwa Sharaky
- Pharmacology Unit, Cancer Biology Department, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ahram Canadian University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Ahmed A Al-Karmalawy
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ahram Canadian University, Giza, Egypt
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Horus University-Egypt, New Damietta, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Sakamoto K, Hirokawa T. Lipid bilayer membrane permeability mechanism of the K-Ras(G12D)-inhibitory bicyclic peptide KS-58 elucidated by molecular dynamics simulations. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2024; 100:129649. [PMID: 38341162 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2024.129649] [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: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Peptides are mid-size molecules (700-2000 g/mol) and have attracted particular interest as therapeutic modalities as they are superior in controlling protein-protein interactions, a process that is a typical drug target category, compared with small molecules (<500 g/mol). In 2020, we identified KS-58 (1333 g/mol) as a K-Ras(G12D)-inhibitory bicyclic peptide and suggested its cell membrane permeability. However, the membrane permeability mechanism had not been elucidated. In this study, we aim to clarify the mechanism by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Initially, we simulated the molecular conformations of KS-58 in water (a polar solvent) and in chloroform (a non-polar solvent). The identified stable conformations were significantly different in each solvent. KS-58 behaves as a chameleon-like molecule as it alters its polar surface area (PSA) depending on the solvent environment. It was also discovered that orientation of Asp's side chain is a critical energy barrier for KS-58 altering its conformation from hydrophilic to lipophilic. Taking these properties into consideration, we simulated its lipid bilayer membrane permeability. KS-58 shifted toward the inside of the lipid bilayer membrane with altering its conformations to lipophilic. When the simulation condition was set in deionized form of that carboxy group of Asp, KS-58 traveled deeper inside the cell membrane. PSA and the depth of the membrane penetration correlated. In vitro data suggested that cell membrane permeability of KS-58 is improved in weakly acidic conditions leading to partial deionization of the carboxy group. Our data provide an example of the molecular properties of mid-size peptides with membrane accessibility and propose an effective metadynamics approach to elucidate such molecular mechanisms by MD simulations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kotaro Sakamoto
- Research & Development Depertment, Ichimaru Pharcos Company Limited, 318-1 Asagi, Motosu, 501-0475 Gifu, Japan.
| | - Takatsugu Hirokawa
- Research & Development Depertment, Ichimaru Pharcos Company Limited, 318-1 Asagi, Motosu, 501-0475 Gifu, Japan; Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, 305-8575 Tsukuba, Japan; Transborder Medical Research Center, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, 305-8575 Tsukuba, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Altemimi AB, Farag HAM, Salih TH, Awlqadr FH, Al-Manhel AJA, Vieira IRS, Conte-Junior CA. Application of Nanoparticles in Human Nutrition: A Review. Nutrients 2024; 16:636. [PMID: 38474764 DOI: 10.3390/nu16050636] [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: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Nanotechnology in human nutrition represents an innovative advance in increasing the bioavailability and efficiency of bioactive compounds. This work delves into the multifaceted dietary contributions of nanoparticles (NPs) and their utilization for improving nutrient absorption and ensuring food safety. NPs exhibit exceptional solubility, a significant surface-to-volume ratio, and diameters ranging from 1 to 100 nm, rendering them invaluable for applications such as tissue engineering and drug delivery, as well as elevating food quality. The encapsulation of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants within NPs introduces an innovative approach to counteract nutritional instabilities and low solubility, promoting human health. Nanoencapsulation methods have included the production of nanocomposites, nanofibers, and nanoemulsions to benefit the delivery of bioactive food compounds. Nutrition-based nanotechnology and nanoceuticals are examined for their economic viability and potential to increase nutrient absorption. Although the advancement of nanotechnology in food demonstrates promising results, some limitations and concerns related to safety and regulation need to be widely discussed in future research. Thus, the potential of nanotechnology could open new paths for applications and significant advances in food, benefiting human nutrition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ammar B Altemimi
- Department of Food Science, College of Agriculture, University of Basrah, Basrah 61004, Iraq
- College of Medicine, University of Warith Al-Anbiyaa, Karbala 56001, Iraq
| | - Halgord Ali M Farag
- Halabja Research Center, Halabja Technical College Applied Science, Sulaimani Polytechnic University, Sulaimani 46002, Iraq
- Harem Research Center, Department of Nutrition and Diet Therapy, Harem Hospital, Sulaimani 46001, Iraq
| | - Tablo H Salih
- Halabja Research Center, Halabja Technical College Applied Science, Sulaimani Polytechnic University, Sulaimani 46002, Iraq
- Harem Research Center, Department of Nutrition and Diet Therapy, Harem Hospital, Sulaimani 46001, Iraq
| | - Farhang H Awlqadr
- Halabja Research Center, Halabja Technical College Applied Science, Sulaimani Polytechnic University, Sulaimani 46002, Iraq
| | | | - Italo Rennan Sousa Vieira
- Center for Food Analysis (NAL), Technological Development Support Laboratory (LADETEC), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro 21941-598, RJ, Brazil
| | - Carlos Adam Conte-Junior
- Center for Food Analysis (NAL), Technological Development Support Laboratory (LADETEC), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro 21941-598, RJ, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Malhis M, Funke SA. Mirror-Image Phage Display for the Selection of D-Amino Acid Peptide Ligands as Potential Therapeutics. Curr Protoc 2024; 4:e957. [PMID: 38372457 DOI: 10.1002/cpz1.957] [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] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
In neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease (AD), endogenous proteins or peptides aggregate with themselves. These proteins may lose their function or aggregates and/or oligomers can obtain toxicity, causing injury or death to cells. Aggregation of two major proteins characterizes AD. Amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) is deposited in amyloid plaques within the extracellular space of the brain and Tau in so-called neurofibrillary tangles in neurons. Finding peptide ligands to halt protein aggregation is a promising therapeutical approach. Using mirror-image phage display with a commercially available, randomized 12-mer peptide library, we have selected D-amino acid peptides, which bind to the Tau protein and modulate its aggregation in vitro. Peptides can bind specifically and selectively to a target molecule, but natural L-amino acid peptides may have crucial disadvantages for in vivo applications, as they are sensitive to protease degradation and may elicit immune responses. One strategy to circumvent these disadvantages is the use of non-naturally occurring D-amino acid peptides as they exhibit increased protease resistance and generally do not activate the immune system. To perform mirror-image phage display, the target protein needs to be synthesized as D-amino acid version. If the target protein sequence is too long to be synthesized properly, smaller peptides derived from the full length protein can be used for the selection process. This also offers the possibility to influence the binding region of the selected D-peptides in the full-length target protein. Here we provide the protocols for mirror-image phage display selection on the PHF6* peptide of Tau, based on the commercially available Ph.D.™-12 Phage Display Peptide Library Kit, leading to D-peptides that also bind the full length Tau protein (Tau441), next to PHF6*. In addition, we provide protocols and data for the first characterization of those D-peptides that inhibit Tau aggregation in vitro. © 2024 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Mirror image phage display selection against D-PHF6* fibrils Support Protocol 1: Single phage ELISA Basic Protocol 2: Sequencing and D-peptide generation Basic Protocol 3: Thioflavin-T (ThT) test to control inhibition of Tau aggregation Support Protocol 2: Purification of full-length Tau protein Basic Protocol 4: ELISA to demonstrate the binding of the generated D-peptides to PHF6* and full-length Tau fibrils.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marwa Malhis
- Institut für Bioanalytik, Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften, Coburg, Germany
| | - Susanne Aileen Funke
- Institut für Bioanalytik, Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften, Coburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Vincenzi M, Mercurio FA, Leone M. Virtual Screening of Peptide Libraries: The Search for Peptide-Based Therapeutics Using Computational Tools. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1798. [PMID: 38339078 PMCID: PMC10855943 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031798] [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: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Over the last few decades, we have witnessed growing interest from both academic and industrial laboratories in peptides as possible therapeutics. Bioactive peptides have a high potential to treat various diseases with specificity and biological safety. Compared to small molecules, peptides represent better candidates as inhibitors (or general modulators) of key protein-protein interactions. In fact, undruggable proteins containing large and smooth surfaces can be more easily targeted with the conformational plasticity of peptides. The discovery of bioactive peptides, working against disease-relevant protein targets, generally requires the high-throughput screening of large libraries, and in silico approaches are highly exploited for their low-cost incidence and efficiency. The present review reports on the potential challenges linked to the employment of peptides as therapeutics and describes computational approaches, mainly structure-based virtual screening (SBVS), to support the identification of novel peptides for therapeutic implementations. Cutting-edge SBVS strategies are reviewed along with examples of applications focused on diverse classes of bioactive peptides (i.e., anticancer, antimicrobial/antiviral peptides, peptides blocking amyloid fiber formation).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Marilisa Leone
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, Via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.V.); (F.A.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Mavileti SK, Bila G, Utka V, Bila E, Kato T, Bilyy R, Pandey SS. Photophysical Characterization and Biointeractions of NIR Squaraine Dyes for in Vitro and in Vivo Bioimaging. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2024; 7:416-428. [PMID: 38112180 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.3c00997] [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] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
The increasing demand for reliable near-infrared (NIR) probes exhibiting enduring fluorescence in living systems and facile compatibility with biomolecules such as peptides, antibodies or proteins is driven by the increasing use of NIR imaging in clinical diagnostics. To address this demand, a series of carboxy-functionalized unsymmetrical squaraine dyes (SQ-27, SQ-212, and SQ-215) along with non-carboxy-functionalized SQ-218 absorbing and emitting in the NIR wavelength range were designed and synthesized followed by photophysical characterization. This study focused on the impact of structural variations in the alkyl chain length, carboxy functionality positioning, and spacer chain length on dye aggregation and interaction with bovine serum albumin (BSA) as a model protein. In phosphate buffer (PB), the absorption intensity of the dyes markedly decreased accompanied by pronounced shoulders indicative of dye aggregation, and complete fluorescence quenching was seen in contrast to organic solvents. However, in the presence of BSA in PB, there was a enhancement in absorption intensity while regaining the fluorescence coupled with a remarkable increase in the intensity with increasing BSA concentrations, signifying the impact of dye-BSA interactions on preventing aggregation. Further analysis of Job's plot unveiled a 2:1 interaction ratio between BSA and all dyes, while the binding studies revealed a robust binding affinity (Ka) in the order of 107/mol. SQ-212 and SQ-215 were further tested for their in vitro and in vivo imaging capabilities. Notably, SQ-212 demonstrated nonpermeability to cells, while SQ-215 exhibited easy penetration and prominent cytoplasmic localization in in vitro studies. Injection of the dyes into laboratory mice showcased their efficacy in visualization, displaying stable and intense fluorescence in tissues without toxicity, organ damage, or behavioral changes. Thus, SQ-212 and SQ-215 are promising candidates for imaging applications, holding potential for noninvasive cellular and diagnostic imaging as well as biomarker detection when coupled with specific vectors in living systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sai Kiran Mavileti
- Graduate School of Life Science and System Engineering, Kyushu Institute of Technology, 2-4, Hibikino, Wakamatsu, 808-0196Kitakyushu ,Japan
| | - Galyna Bila
- Lectinotest R&D, Mechanichna Str 2, 79000 Lviv, Ukraine
- Department of Histology, Cytology & Embryology, Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University, Pekarska Str. 69, 79010 Lviv, Ukraine
| | - Valentyn Utka
- Lectinotest R&D, Mechanichna Str 2, 79000 Lviv, Ukraine
| | - Evgenia Bila
- Lectinotest R&D, Mechanichna Str 2, 79000 Lviv, Ukraine
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, Kyrylo and Mefodiy Street 6, 79005 Lviv, Ukraine
| | - Tamaki Kato
- Graduate School of Life Science and System Engineering, Kyushu Institute of Technology, 2-4, Hibikino, Wakamatsu, 808-0196Kitakyushu ,Japan
| | - Rostyslav Bilyy
- Lectinotest R&D, Mechanichna Str 2, 79000 Lviv, Ukraine
- Department of Histology, Cytology & Embryology, Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University, Pekarska Str. 69, 79010 Lviv, Ukraine
| | - Shyam S Pandey
- Graduate School of Life Science and System Engineering, Kyushu Institute of Technology, 2-4, Hibikino, Wakamatsu, 808-0196Kitakyushu ,Japan
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Emeh P, Breitholtz K, Berg S, Vedin C, Englund M, Uggla T, Antonsson M, Nunes F, Hilgendorf C, Bergström CAS, Davies N. Experiences and Translatability of In Vitro and In Vivo Models to Evaluate Caprate as a Permeation Enhancer. Mol Pharm 2024; 21:313-324. [PMID: 38054599 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.3c00872] [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] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Transient permeation enhancers (PEs) have been widely used to improve the oral absorption of macromolecules. During pharmaceutical development, the correct selection of the macromolecule, PE, and the combination needs to be made to maximize oral bioavailability and ensure successful clinical development. Various in vitro and in vivo methods have been investigated to optimize this selection. In vitro methods are generally preferred by the pharmaceutical industry to reduce the use of animals according to the "replacement, reduction, and refinement" principle commonly termed "3Rs," and in vitro methods typically have a higher throughput. This paper compares two in vitro methods that are commonly used within the pharmaceutical industry, being Caco-2 and an Ussing chamber, to two in vivo models, being in situ intestinal instillation to rats and in vivo administration via an endoscope to pigs. All studies use solution formulation of sodium caprate, which has been widely used as a PE, and two macromolecules, being FITC-dextran 4000 Da and MEDI7219, a GLP-1 receptor agonist peptide. The paper shares our experiences of using these models and the challenges with the in vitro models in mimicking the processes occurring in vivo. The paper highlights the need to consider these differences when translating data generated using these in vitro models for evaluating macromolecules, PE, and combinations thereof for enabling oral delivery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Prosper Emeh
- The Swedish Drug Delivery Center, Department of Pharmacy, Uppsala University, BMC P.O. Box 580, Uppsala 751 23, Sweden
| | - Katarina Breitholtz
- Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg 431 83, Sweden
| | - Staffan Berg
- Advanced Drug Delivery, Pharmaceutical Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg 431 83, Sweden
| | - Charlotta Vedin
- Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg 431 83, Sweden
| | - Maria Englund
- Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg 431 83, Sweden
| | - Teresia Uggla
- Laboratory Animal Sciences, Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg 431 83, Sweden
| | - Malin Antonsson
- Laboratory Animal Sciences, Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg 431 83, Sweden
| | - Filipe Nunes
- Laboratory Animal Sciences, Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg 431 83, Sweden
| | - Constanze Hilgendorf
- Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg 431 83, Sweden
| | - Christel A S Bergström
- The Swedish Drug Delivery Center, Department of Pharmacy, Uppsala University, Uppsala 751 23, Sweden
| | - Nigel Davies
- Advanced Drug Delivery, Pharmaceutical Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg 431 83, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Asano D, Takakusa H, Nakai D. Oral Absorption of Middle-to-Large Molecules and Its Improvement, with a Focus on New Modality Drugs. Pharmaceutics 2023; 16:47. [PMID: 38258058 PMCID: PMC10820198 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16010047] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
To meet unmet medical needs, middle-to-large molecules, including peptides and oligonucleotides, have emerged as new therapeutic modalities. Owing to their middle-to-large molecular sizes, middle-to-large molecules are not suitable for oral absorption, but there are high expectations around orally bioavailable macromolecular drugs, since oral administration is the most convenient dosing route. Therefore, extensive efforts have been made to create bioavailable middle-to-large molecules or develop absorption enhancement technology, from which some successes have recently been reported. For example, Rybelsus® tablets and Mycapssa® capsules, both of which contain absorption enhancers, were approved as oral medications for type 2 diabetes and acromegaly, respectively. The oral administration of Rybelsus and Mycapssa exposes their pharmacologically active peptides with molecular weights greater than 1000, namely, semaglutide and octreotide, respectively, into systemic circulation. Although these two medications represent major achievements in the development of orally absorbable peptide formulations, the oral bioavailability of peptides after taking Rybelsus and Mycapssa is still only around 1%. In this article, we review the approaches and recent advances of orally bioavailable middle-to-large molecules and discuss challenges for improving their oral absorption.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daigo Asano
- Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics Research Laboratories, Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., 1-2-58, Hiromachi, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 140-8710, Japan; (H.T.); (D.N.)
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Xiao Z, Lin H, Drake HF, Diaz J, Zhou HC, Pellois JP. Investigating the Cell Entry Mechanism, Disassembly, and Toxicity of the Nanocage PCC-1: Insights into Its Potential as a Drug Delivery Vehicle. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:27690-27701. [PMID: 38069810 PMCID: PMC10863074 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c09918] [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: 09/09/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
The porous coordination cage PCC-1 represents a new platform potentially useful for the cellular delivery of drugs with poor cell permeability and solubility. PCC-1 is a metal-organic polyhedron constructed from zinc metal ions and organic ligands through coordination bonds. PCC-1 possesses an internal cavity that is suitable for drug encapsulation. To better understand the biocompatibility of PCC-1 with human cells, the cell entry mechanism, disassembly, and toxicity of the nanocage were investigated. PCC-1 localizes in the nuclei and cytoplasm within minutes upon incubation with cells, independent of endocytosis and cargo, suggesting direct plasma membrane translocation of the nanocage carrying its guest in its internal cavity. Furthermore, the rates of cell entry correlate to extracellular concentrations, indicating that PCC-1 is likely diffusing passively through the membrane despite its relatively large size. Once inside cells, PCC-1 disintegrates into zinc metal ions and ligands over a period of several hours, each component being cleared from cells within 1 day. PCC-1 is relatively safe for cells at low micromolar concentrations but becomes inhibitory to cell proliferation and toxic above a concentration or incubation time threshold. However, cells surviving these conditions can return to homeostasis 3-5 days after exposure. Overall, these findings demonstrate that PCC-1 enters live cells by crossing biological membranes spontaneously. This should prove useful to deliver drugs that lack this capacity on their own, provided that the dosage and exposure time are controlled to avoid toxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhifeng Xiao
- Department
of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Hengyu Lin
- Department
of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Hannah F. Drake
- Department
of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Joshua Diaz
- Department
of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M
University, College
Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Hong-Cai Zhou
- Department
of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Jean-Philippe Pellois
- Department
of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M
University, College
Station, Texas 77843, United States
- Department
of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Ko B, Jang Y, Kim MH, Lam TT, Seo HK, Jeong P, Choi M, Kang KW, Lee SD, Park JH, Kim M, Han SY, Kim YC. Discovery of benzimidazole-indazole derivatives as potent FLT3-tyrosine kinase domain mutant kinase inhibitors for acute myeloid leukemia. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 262:115860. [PMID: 37866334 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115860] [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: 08/06/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
The FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) gene encodes a class III receptor tyrosine kinase that is expressed in hematopoietic stem cells. The mutations of FLT3 gene found in 30% of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), leads to an abnormal constitutive activation of FLT3 kinase of the receptor and results in immature myeloblast cell proliferation. Although small molecule drugs targeting the FLT3 kinase have been approved, new FLT3 inhibitors are needed owing to the side effects and drug resistances arising from kinase domain mutations, such as D835Y and F691L. In this study, we have developed benzimidazole-indazole based novel inhibitors targeting mutant FLT3 kinases through the optimization of diverse chemical moieties substituted around the core skeleton. The most optimized compound 22f exhibited potent inhibitory activities against FLT3 and FLT3/D835Y, with IC50 values of 0.941 and 0.199 nM, respectively. Furthermore, 22f exhibited strong antiproliferative activity against an AML cell line, MV4-11 cells with a GI50 of 0.26 nM. More importantly, 22f showed single-digit nanomolar GI50 values in the mutant FLT kinase expressed Ba/F3 cell lines including FLT-D835Y (GI50 = 0.29 nM) and FLT3-F691L (GI50 = 2.87 nM). Molecular docking studies indicated that the compound exhibits a well-fitted binding mode as a type 1 inhibitor in the homology model of active conformation of FLT3 kinase.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bongki Ko
- School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju, 61005, South Korea
| | - Yongsoo Jang
- School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju, 61005, South Korea
| | - Min Ha Kim
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Gyeongsangnam-do, 52828, South Korea
| | - Thai Thi Lam
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Gyeongsangnam-do, 52828, South Korea
| | - Hye Kyung Seo
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Gyeongsangnam-do, 52828, South Korea
| | - Pyeonghwa Jeong
- School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju, 61005, South Korea
| | - Munkyung Choi
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, South Korea
| | - Keon Wook Kang
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, South Korea
| | - So-Deok Lee
- R&D Center, PeLeMed, Co. Ltd, Seoul, 06100, South Korea
| | - Jin-Hee Park
- R&D Center, PeLeMed, Co. Ltd, Seoul, 06100, South Korea
| | - Myungjin Kim
- R&D Center, PeLeMed, Co. Ltd, Seoul, 06100, South Korea
| | - Sun-Young Han
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Gyeongsangnam-do, 52828, South Korea.
| | - Yong-Chul Kim
- School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju, 61005, South Korea; Center for AI-Applied High Efficiency Drug Discovery (AHEDD), Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju, 61005, South Korea; R&D Center, PeLeMed, Co. Ltd, Seoul, 06100, South Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Tang X, Kokot J, Waibl F, Fernández-Quintero ML, Kamenik AS, Liedl KR. Addressing Challenges of Macrocyclic Conformational Sampling in Polar and Apolar Solvents: Lessons for Chameleonicity. J Chem Inf Model 2023; 63:7107-7123. [PMID: 37943023 PMCID: PMC10685455 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.3c01123] [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: 07/23/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
We evaluated a workflow to reliably sample the conformational space of a set of 47 peptidic macrocycles. Starting from SMILES strings, we use accelerated molecular dynamics simulations to overcome high energy barriers, in particular, the cis-trans isomerization of peptide bonds. We find that our approach performs very well in polar solvents like water and dimethyl sulfoxide. Interestingly, the protonation state of a secondary amine in the ring only slightly influences the conformational ensembles of our test systems. For several of the macrocycles, determining the conformational distribution in chloroform turns out to be considerably more challenging. Especially, the choice of partial charges crucially influences the ensembles in chloroform. We address these challenges by modifying initial structures and the choice of partial charges. Our results suggest that special care has to be taken to understand the configurational distribution in apolar solvents, which is a key step toward a reliable prediction of membrane permeation of macrocycles and their chameleonic properties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xuechen Tang
- Department
of General, Inorganic and Theoretical Chemistry, University of Innsbruck, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Janik Kokot
- Department
of General, Inorganic and Theoretical Chemistry, University of Innsbruck, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Franz Waibl
- Department
of General, Inorganic and Theoretical Chemistry, University of Innsbruck, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
- Department
of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH
Zürich, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | | | - Anna S. Kamenik
- Department
of General, Inorganic and Theoretical Chemistry, University of Innsbruck, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Klaus R. Liedl
- Department
of General, Inorganic and Theoretical Chemistry, University of Innsbruck, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Fan L, Yu Y, Jayne C, Frost JR, Scott JD. Synthesis of DNA-Encoded Macrocyclic Peptides via Nitrile-Aminothiol Click Reaction. Org Lett 2023; 25:8038-8042. [PMID: 37889907 DOI: 10.1021/acs.orglett.3c03284] [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: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
DNA-encoded library (DEL) technology holds exciting potential for discovering novel therapeutic macrocyclic peptides (MPs). Herein, we describe the development of a DEL-compatible peptide macrocyclization method that proceeds via intramolecular click-condensation between 3-(2-cyano-4-pyridyl)-l-alanine (Cpa) and an N-terminal cysteine. Cyclization takes place spontaneously in a buffered aqueous solution and affords the cyclized products in excellent yields. The reaction exhibits a broad substrate scope and can be employed to generate MPs of variable ring size and amino acid composition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lijun Fan
- Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Yang Yu
- Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Charles Jayne
- Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - John R Frost
- Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Jack D Scott
- Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Hong R, Nie H, Henry RF, Garner SM, Catron ND, Hertzler RL, Souers AJ, Sheikh AY, Chen S. Pharmaceutical Development Challenges in a Beyond Rule of Five Prodrug: Case Study of ABBV-167, Phosphate Prodrug of Venetoclax. Mol Pharm 2023; 20:5811-5826. [PMID: 37750872 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.3c00675] [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] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
ABBV-167, a phosphate prodrug of BCL-2 inhibitor venetoclax, was recently progressed into the clinic as an alternative means of reducing pill burden for patients in high-dose indications. The dramatically enhanced aqueous solubility of ABBV-167 allowed for high drug loading within a crystalline tablet and, when administered in phase I clinical study, conferred venetoclax exposure commensurate with the equivalent dose administered as an amorphous solid dispersion. In enabling the progression into the clinic, we performed a comprehensive evaluation of the CMC development aspects of this beyond the rule of five (bRo5) prodrug. Adding a phosphate moiety resulted in excessively complex chemical speciation and solid form landscapes with significant physical-chemical stability liabilities. A combination of experimental and computational methods including microelectron diffraction (MicroED), total scattering, tablet colorimetry, finite element, and molecular dynamics modeling were used to understand CMC developability across drug substance and product manufacture and storage. The prodrug's chemical structural characteristics and loose crystal packing were found to be responsible for the loss of crystallinity during its manufacturing, which in turn led to high solid-state chemical reactivity and poor shelf life stability. The ABBV-167 case exemplifies key CMC development challenges for complex chemical matter such as bRo5 phosphate prodrugs with significant ramifications during drug substance and drug product manufacturing and storage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard Hong
- Research & Development, AbbVie Inc., North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Haichen Nie
- Research & Development, AbbVie Inc., North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Rodger F Henry
- Research & Development, AbbVie Inc., North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Sean M Garner
- Research & Development, AbbVie Inc., North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Nathaniel D Catron
- Research & Development, AbbVie Inc., North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Russell L Hertzler
- Research & Development, AbbVie Inc., North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Andrew J Souers
- Research & Development, AbbVie Inc., North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Ahmad Y Sheikh
- Research & Development, AbbVie Inc., North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Shuang Chen
- Research & Development, AbbVie Inc., North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Lee D, Choi J, Yang MJ, Park CJ, Seo J. Controlling the Chameleonic Behavior and Membrane Permeability of Cyclosporine Derivatives via Backbone and Side Chain Modifications. J Med Chem 2023; 66:13189-13204. [PMID: 37718494 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01140] [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: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Some macrocycles exhibit enhanced membrane permeability through conformational switching in different environmental polarities, a trait known as chameleonic behavior. In this study, we demonstrate specific backbone and side chain modifications that can control chameleonic behavior and passive membrane permeability using a cyclosporin O (CsO) scaffold. To quantify chameleonic behavior, we used a ratio of the population of the closed conformation obtained in polar solvent and nonpolar solvent for each CsO derivative. We found that β-hydroxylation at position 1 (1 and 3) can encode chameleonicity and improve permeability. However, the conformational stabilization induced by adding an additional transannular H-bond (2 and 5) leads to a much slower rate of membrane permeation. Our CsO scaffold provides a platform for the systematic study of the relationship among conformation, membrane permeability, solubility, and protein binding. This knowledge contributes to the discovery of potent beyond the rule of five (bRo5) macrocycles capable of targeting undruggable targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dongjae Lee
- Department of Chemistry, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Jieun Choi
- Department of Chemistry, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Min June Yang
- Department of Chemistry, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Chin-Ju Park
- Department of Chemistry, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiwon Seo
- Department of Chemistry, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Koziolek M, Augustijns P, Berger C, Cristofoletti R, Dahlgren D, Keemink J, Matsson P, McCartney F, Metzger M, Mezler M, Niessen J, Polli JE, Vertzoni M, Weitschies W, Dressman J. Challenges in Permeability Assessment for Oral Drug Product Development. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2397. [PMID: 37896157 PMCID: PMC10609725 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15102397] [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: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug permeation across the intestinal epithelium is a prerequisite for successful oral drug delivery. The increased interest in oral administration of peptides, as well as poorly soluble and poorly permeable compounds such as drugs for targeted protein degradation, have made permeability a key parameter in oral drug product development. This review describes the various in vitro, in silico and in vivo methodologies that are applied to determine drug permeability in the human gastrointestinal tract and identifies how they are applied in the different stages of drug development. The various methods used to predict, estimate or measure permeability values, ranging from in silico and in vitro methods all the way to studies in animals and humans, are discussed with regard to their advantages, limitations and applications. A special focus is put on novel techniques such as computational approaches, gut-on-chip models and human tissue-based models, where significant progress has been made in the last few years. In addition, the impact of permeability estimations on PK predictions in PBPK modeling, the degree to which excipients can affect drug permeability in clinical studies and the requirements for colonic drug absorption are addressed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mirko Koziolek
- NCE Drug Product Development, Development Sciences, AbbVie Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG, 67061 Ludwigshafen, Germany
| | - Patrick Augustijns
- Drug Delivery and Disposition, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Constantin Berger
- Chair of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, University Hospital Würzburg, 97070 Würzburg, Germany;
| | - Rodrigo Cristofoletti
- Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Florida, 6550 Sanger Road, Orlando, FL 32827, USA
| | - David Dahlgren
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, 75124 Uppsala, Sweden (J.N.)
| | - Janneke Keemink
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, 4070 Basel, Switzerland;
| | - Pär Matsson
- Department of Pharmacology and SciLifeLab Gothenburg, University of Gothenburg, 40530 Gothenburg, Sweden;
| | - Fiona McCartney
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland;
| | - Marco Metzger
- Translational Center for Regenerative Therapies (TLZ-RT) Würzburg, Branch of the Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research (ISC), 97082 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Mario Mezler
- Quantitative, Translational & ADME Sciences, AbbVie Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG, 67061 Ludwigshafen, Germany;
| | - Janis Niessen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, 75124 Uppsala, Sweden (J.N.)
| | - James E. Polli
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21021, USA;
| | - Maria Vertzoni
- Department of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 157 84 Zografou, Greece;
| | - Werner Weitschies
- Institute of Pharmacy, University of Greifswald, 17489 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Jennifer Dressman
- Fraunhofer Institute of Translational Medicine and Pharmacology, 60596 Frankfurt, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Mostofian B, Martin HJ, Razavi A, Patel S, Allen B, Sherman W, Izaguirre JA. Targeted Protein Degradation: Advances, Challenges, and Prospects for Computational Methods. J Chem Inf Model 2023; 63:5408-5432. [PMID: 37602861 PMCID: PMC10498452 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.3c00603] [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: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
The therapeutic approach of targeted protein degradation (TPD) is gaining momentum due to its potentially superior effects compared with protein inhibition. Recent advancements in the biotech and pharmaceutical sectors have led to the development of compounds that are currently in human trials, with some showing promising clinical results. However, the use of computational tools in TPD is still limited, as it has distinct characteristics compared with traditional computational drug design methods. TPD involves creating a ternary structure (protein-degrader-ligase) responsible for the biological function, such as ubiquitination and subsequent proteasomal degradation, which depends on the spatial orientation of the protein of interest (POI) relative to E2-loaded ubiquitin. Modeling this structure necessitates a unique blend of tools initially developed for small molecules (e.g., docking) and biologics (e.g., protein-protein interaction modeling). Additionally, degrader molecules, particularly heterobifunctional degraders, are generally larger than conventional small molecule drugs, leading to challenges in determining drug-like properties like solubility and permeability. Furthermore, the catalytic nature of TPD makes occupancy-based modeling insufficient. TPD consists of multiple interconnected yet distinct steps, such as POI binding, E3 ligase binding, ternary structure interactions, ubiquitination, and degradation, along with traditional small molecule properties. A comprehensive set of tools is needed to address the dynamic nature of the induced proximity ternary complex and its implications for ubiquitination. In this Perspective, we discuss the current state of computational tools for TPD. We start by describing the series of steps involved in the degradation process and the experimental methods used to characterize them. Then, we delve into a detailed analysis of the computational tools employed in TPD. We also present an integrative approach that has proven successful for degrader design and its impact on project decisions. Finally, we examine the future prospects of computational methods in TPD and the areas with the greatest potential for impact.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barmak Mostofian
- OpenEye, Cadence Molecular Sciences, Boston, Massachusetts 02114 United States
| | - Holli-Joi Martin
- Laboratory
for Molecular Modeling, Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal
Chemistry, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599 United States
| | - Asghar Razavi
- ENKO
Chem, Inc, Mystic, Connecticut 06355 United States
| | - Shivam Patel
- Psivant
Therapeutics, Boston, Massachusetts 02210 United States
| | - Bryce Allen
- Differentiated
Therapeutics, San Diego, California 92056 United States
| | - Woody Sherman
- Psivant
Therapeutics, Boston, Massachusetts 02210 United States
| | - Jesus A Izaguirre
- Differentiated
Therapeutics, San Diego, California 92056 United States
- Atommap
Corporation, New York, New York 10013 United States
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Garcia Jimenez D, Vallaro M, Rossi Sebastiano M, Apprato G, D’Agostini G, Rossetti P, Ermondi G, Caron G. Chamelogk: A Chromatographic Chameleonicity Quantifier to Design Orally Bioavailable Beyond-Rule-of-5 Drugs. J Med Chem 2023; 66:10681-10693. [PMID: 37490408 PMCID: PMC10424176 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
New chemical modalities in drug discovery include molecules belonging to the bRo5 chemical space. Because of their complex and flexible structure, bRo5 compounds often suffer from a poor solubility/permeability profile. Chameleonicity describes the capacity of a molecule to adapt to the environment through conformational changes; the design of molecular chameleons is a medicinal chemistry strategy simultaneously optimizing solubility and permeability. A default method to quantify chameleonicity in early drug discovery is still missing. Here we introduce Chamelogk, an automated, fast, and cheap chromatographic descriptor of chameleonicity. Moreover, we report measurements for 55 Ro5 and bRo5 compounds and validate our method with literature data. Then, selected case studies (macrocycles, nonmacrocyclic compounds, and PROTACs) are used to illustrate the application of Chamelogk in combination with lipophilicity (BRlogD) and polarity (Δ log kwIAM) descriptors. Overall, we show how Chamelogk deserves being included in property-based drug discovery strategies to design oral bioavailable bRo5 compounds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diego Garcia Jimenez
- Molecular Biotechnology and
Health Sciences Dept., CASSMedChem, University
of Torino, via Quarello 15, 10135 Torino, Italy
| | - Maura Vallaro
- Molecular Biotechnology and
Health Sciences Dept., CASSMedChem, University
of Torino, via Quarello 15, 10135 Torino, Italy
| | - Matteo Rossi Sebastiano
- Molecular Biotechnology and
Health Sciences Dept., CASSMedChem, University
of Torino, via Quarello 15, 10135 Torino, Italy
| | - Giulia Apprato
- Molecular Biotechnology and
Health Sciences Dept., CASSMedChem, University
of Torino, via Quarello 15, 10135 Torino, Italy
| | - Giulia D’Agostini
- Molecular Biotechnology and
Health Sciences Dept., CASSMedChem, University
of Torino, via Quarello 15, 10135 Torino, Italy
| | - Paolo Rossetti
- Molecular Biotechnology and
Health Sciences Dept., CASSMedChem, University
of Torino, via Quarello 15, 10135 Torino, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Ermondi
- Molecular Biotechnology and
Health Sciences Dept., CASSMedChem, University
of Torino, via Quarello 15, 10135 Torino, Italy
| | - Giulia Caron
- Molecular Biotechnology and
Health Sciences Dept., CASSMedChem, University
of Torino, via Quarello 15, 10135 Torino, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Whitehurst BC, Bauer MR, Edfeldt F, Gunnarsson A, Margreitter C, Rawlins PB, Storer RI. Design and Evaluation of a Low Hydrogen Bond Donor Count Fragment Screening Set to Aid Hit Generation of PROTACs Intended for Oral Delivery. J Med Chem 2023. [PMID: 37224440 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The development of orally bioavailable PROTACs presents a significant challenge due to the inflated physicochemical properties of such heterobifunctional molecules. Molecules occupying this "beyond rule of five" space often demonstrate limited oral bioavailability due to the compounding effects of elevated molecular weight and hydrogen bond donor count (among other properties), but it is possible to achieve sufficient oral bioavailability through physicochemical optimization. Herein, we disclose the design and evaluation of a low hydrogen bond donor count (≤1 HBD) fragment screening set to aid hit generation of PROTACs intended for an oral route of delivery. We demonstrate that application of this library can enhance fragment screens against PROTAC proteins of interest and ubiquitin ligases, yielding fragment hits containing ≤1 HBD suitable for optimizing toward orally bioavailable PROTACs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin C Whitehurst
- Hit Discovery, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB4 0WG, United Kingdom
| | - Matthias R Bauer
- Hit Discovery, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB4 0WG, United Kingdom
| | - Fredrik Edfeldt
- Mechanistic and Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Mölndal, Gothenburg 431 50, Sweden
| | - Anders Gunnarsson
- Mechanistic and Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Mölndal, Gothenburg 431 50, Sweden
| | - Christian Margreitter
- Molecular AI, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Mölndal, Gothenburg 431 50, Sweden
| | - Philip B Rawlins
- Mechanistic and Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB4 0WG, United Kingdom
| | - R Ian Storer
- Hit Discovery, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB4 0WG, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Chai J, Arico-Muendel CC, Ding Y, Pollastri MP, Scott S, Mantell MA, Yao G. Synthesis of a DNA-Encoded Macrocyclic Library Utilizing Intramolecular Benzimidazole Formation. Bioconjug Chem 2023. [PMID: 37216465 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.3c00159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Macrocycles occupy chemical space "beyond the rule of five". They bridge traditional bioactive small molecule drugs and macromolecules and have the potential to modulate challenging targets such as PPI or proteases. Here we report an on-DNA macrocyclization reaction utilizing intramolecular benzimidazole formation. A 129-million-member macrocyclic library composed of a privileged benzimidazole core, a dipeptide sequence (natural or non-natural), and linkers of varying length and flexibility was designed and synthesized.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Chai
- Encoded Library Technologies/NCE Molecular Discovery, GSK, 200 Cambridge Park Drive, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02140, United States
| | - Christopher C Arico-Muendel
- Encoded Library Technologies/NCE Molecular Discovery, GSK, 200 Cambridge Park Drive, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02140, United States
| | - Yun Ding
- Encoded Library Technologies/NCE Molecular Discovery, GSK, 200 Cambridge Park Drive, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02140, United States
| | - Michael P Pollastri
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Sarah Scott
- Encoded Library Technologies/NCE Molecular Discovery, GSK, 200 Cambridge Park Drive, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02140, United States
| | - Mark A Mantell
- Encoded Library Technologies/NCE Molecular Discovery, GSK, 200 Cambridge Park Drive, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02140, United States
| | - Gang Yao
- Encoded Library Technologies/NCE Molecular Discovery, GSK, 200 Cambridge Park Drive, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02140, United States
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Michalak O, Cybulski M, Szymanowski W, Gornowicz A, Kubiszewski M, Ostrowska K, Krzeczyński P, Bielawski K, Trzaskowski B, Bielawska A. Synthesis, Biological Activity, ADME and Molecular Docking Studies of Novel Ursolic Acid Derivatives as Potent Anticancer Agents. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24108875. [PMID: 37240221 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24108875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
A series of new ursolic acid (UA) derivatives substituted with various amino acids (AAs) or dipeptides (DP) at the C-3 position of the steroid skeleton was designed and synthesized. The compounds were obtained by the esterification of UA with the corresponding AAs. The cytotoxic activity of the synthesized conjugates was determined using the hormone-dependent breast cancer cell line MCF-7 and the triple-negative breast cancer cell line MDA. Three derivatives (l-seryloxy-, l-prolyloxy- and l-alanyl-l-isoleucyloxy-) showed micromolar IC50 values and reduced the concentrations of matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9. Further studies revealed that for two compounds (l-seryloxy- and l-alanyl-l-isoleucyloxy-), a possible mechanism of their antiproliferative action is the activation of caspase-7 and the proapoptotic Bax protein in the apoptotic pathway. The third compound (l-prolyloxy- derivative) showed a different mechanism of action as it induced autophagy as measured by an increase in the concentrations of three autophagy markers: LC3A, LC3B, and beclin-1. This derivative also showed statistically significant inhibition of the proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6. Finally, for all synthesized compounds, we computationally predicted their ADME properties as well as performed molecular docking to the estrogen receptor to assess their potential for further development as anticancer agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olga Michalak
- Chemistry Section, Pharmacy, Cosmetic Chemistry and Biotechnology Research Group, Łukasiewicz Research Network-Industrial Chemistry Institute, 8 Rydygiera Str., 01-793 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marcin Cybulski
- Chemistry Section, Pharmacy, Cosmetic Chemistry and Biotechnology Research Group, Łukasiewicz Research Network-Industrial Chemistry Institute, 8 Rydygiera Str., 01-793 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Wojciech Szymanowski
- Department of Biotechnology, Medical University of Bialystok, 1 Kilińskiego Str., 15-089 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Gornowicz
- Department of Biotechnology, Medical University of Bialystok, 1 Kilińskiego Str., 15-089 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Marek Kubiszewski
- Analytical Research Section, Pharmaceutical Analysis Laboratory, Łukasiewicz Research Network-Industrial Chemistry Institute, 8 Rydygiera Str., 01-793 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Kinga Ostrowska
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, 1 Banacha Str., 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Piotr Krzeczyński
- Chemistry Section, Pharmacy, Cosmetic Chemistry and Biotechnology Research Group, Łukasiewicz Research Network-Industrial Chemistry Institute, 8 Rydygiera Str., 01-793 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Bielawski
- Department of Synthesis and Technology of Drugs, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Bialystok, 1 Kilińskiego Str., 15-089 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Bartosz Trzaskowski
- Chemical and Biological Systems Simulation Lab, Center of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, 2C Banacha Str., 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Bielawska
- Department of Biotechnology, Medical University of Bialystok, 1 Kilińskiego Str., 15-089 Bialystok, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Aillaud I, Funke SA. Tau Aggregation Inhibiting Peptides as Potential Therapeutics for Alzheimer Disease. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2023; 43:951-961. [PMID: 35596819 PMCID: PMC10006036 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-022-01230-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer disease (AD) is the most common progressive neurodegenerative disorder. AD causes enormous personal and economic burden to society as currently only limited palliative therapeutic options are available. The pathological hallmarks of the disease are extracellular plaques, composed of fibrillar amyloid-β (Aβ), and neurofibrillary tangles inside neurons, composed of Tau protein. Until recently, the search for AD therapeutics was focussed more on the Aβ peptide and its pathology, but the results were unsatisfying. As an alternative, Tau might be a promising therapeutic target as its pathology is closely correlated to clinical symptoms. In addition, pathological Tau aggregation occurs in a large group of diseases, called Tauopathies, and in most of them Aβ aggregation does not play a role in disease pathogenesis. The formation of Tau aggregates is triggered by two hexapeptide motifs within Tau; PHF6* and PHF6. Both fragments are interesting targets for the development of Tau aggregation inhibitors (TAI). Peptides represent a unique class of pharmaceutical compounds and are reasonable alternatives to chemical substances or antibodies. They are attributed with high biological activity, valuable specificity and low toxicity, and often are developed as drug candidates to interrupt protein-protein interactions. The preparation of peptides is simple, controllable and the peptides can be easily modified. However, their application may also have disadvantages. Currently, a few peptide compounds acting as TAI are described in the literature, most of them developed by structure-based design or phage display. Here, we review the current state of research in this promising field of AD therapy development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Aillaud
- Institute of Bioanalysis, Coburg University of Applied Sciences, Coburg, Germany
| | - Susanne Aileen Funke
- Institute of Bioanalysis, Coburg University of Applied Sciences, Coburg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Maity P, Chatterjee J, Patil KT, Arora S, Katiyar MK, Kumar M, Samarbakhsh A, Joshi G, Bhutani P, Chugh M, Gavande NS, Kumar R. Targeting the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor with Molecular Degraders: State-of-the-Art and Future Opportunities. J Med Chem 2023; 66:3135-3172. [PMID: 36812395 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is an oncogenic drug target and plays a critical role in several cellular functions including cancer cell growth, survival, proliferation, differentiation, and motility. Several small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have been approved for targeting intracellular and extracellular domains of EGFR, respectively. However, cancer heterogeneity, mutations in the catalytic domain of EGFR, and persistent drug resistance limited their use. Different novel modalities are gaining a position in the limelight of anti-EGFR therapeutics to overcome such limitations. The current perspective reflects upon newer modalities, importantly the molecular degraders such as PROTACs, LYTACs, AUTECs, and ATTECs, etc., beginning with a snapshot of traditional and existing anti-EGFR therapies including small molecule inhibitors, mAbs, and antibody drug conjugates (ADCs). Further, a special emphasis has been made on the design, synthesis, successful applications, state-of-the-art, and emerging future opportunities of each discussed modality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pritam Maity
- Laboratory for Drug Design and Synthesis, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Natural Products, Central University of Punjab, 151401 Bathinda, India
| | - Joydeep Chatterjee
- Laboratory for Drug Design and Synthesis, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Natural Products, Central University of Punjab, 151401 Bathinda, India
| | - Kiran T Patil
- Laboratory for Drug Design and Synthesis, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Natural Products, Central University of Punjab, 151401 Bathinda, India
| | - Sahil Arora
- Laboratory for Drug Design and Synthesis, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Natural Products, Central University of Punjab, 151401 Bathinda, India
| | - Madhurendra K Katiyar
- Laboratory for Drug Design and Synthesis, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Natural Products, Central University of Punjab, 151401 Bathinda, India
| | - Manvendra Kumar
- Laboratory for Drug Design and Synthesis, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Natural Products, Central University of Punjab, 151401 Bathinda, India
| | - Amirreza Samarbakhsh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States
| | - Gaurav Joshi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal (A Central) University, Srinagar 246174, Dist. Garhwal (Uttarakhand), India
| | | | - Manoj Chugh
- In Vitro Diagnostics, Transasia BioMedical Pvt. Ltd. 400072 Mumbai, India
| | - Navnath S Gavande
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States.,Molecular Therapeutics Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan 48201, United States
| | - Raj Kumar
- Laboratory for Drug Design and Synthesis, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Natural Products, Central University of Punjab, 151401 Bathinda, India
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Moxam J, Naylon S, Richaud AD, Zhao G, Padilla A, Roche SP. Passive Membrane Permeability of Sizable Acyclic β-Hairpin Peptides. ACS Med Chem Lett 2023; 14:278-284. [PMID: 36923919 PMCID: PMC10009788 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.2c00486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The recent shift toward increasingly larger drug modalities has created a significant demand for novel classes of compounds with high membrane permeability that can inhibit intracellular protein-protein interactions (PPIs). While major advances have been made in the design of cell-permeable helices, stapled β-sheets, and cyclic peptides, the development of large acyclic β-hairpins lags far behind. Therefore, we investigated a series of 26 β-hairpins (MW > 1.6 kDa) belonging to a chemical space far beyond the Lipinski "rule of five" (fbRo5) and showed that, in addition to their innate plasticity, the lipophilicity of these peptides (log D 7.4 ≈ 0 ± 0.7) can be tuned to drastically improve the balance between aqueous solubility and passive membrane permeability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jillene Moxam
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida Atlantic
University, Boca Raton, Florida 33431, United States
| | - Sarah Naylon
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida Atlantic
University, Boca Raton, Florida 33431, United States
| | - Alexis D. Richaud
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida Atlantic
University, Boca Raton, Florida 33431, United States
| | - Guangkuan Zhao
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida Atlantic
University, Boca Raton, Florida 33431, United States
| | - Alberto Padilla
- Department
of Natural Science, Keiser University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33309, United States
| | - Stéphane P. Roche
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida Atlantic
University, Boca Raton, Florida 33431, United States
- Center
for Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, Florida 33458, United States
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Abstract
Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) have shown great therapeutic potential by degrading various disease-causing proteins, particularly those related to tumors. Therefore, the introduction of PROTACs has ushered in a new chapter of antitumor drug development, marked by significant advances over recent years. Herein, we describe recent developments in PROTAC technology, focusing on design strategy, development workflow, and future outlooks. We also discuss potential opportunities and challenges for PROTAC research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Minglei Li
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250117 Shandong, P. R. China
| | - Ying Zhi
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250117 Shandong, P. R. China
| | - Bo Liu
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250117 Shandong, P. R. China
| | - Qingqiang Yao
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250117 Shandong, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Wieske LHE, Atilaw Y, Poongavanam V, Erdélyi M, Kihlberg J. Going Viral: An Investigation into the Chameleonic Behaviour of Antiviral Compounds. Chemistry 2023; 29:e202202798. [PMID: 36286339 PMCID: PMC10107787 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202202798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The ability to adjust conformations in response to the polarity of the environment, i.e. molecular chameleonicity, is considered to be important for conferring both high aqueous solubility and high cell permeability to drugs in chemical space beyond Lipinski's rule of 5. We determined the conformational ensembles populated by the antiviral drugs asunaprevir, simeprevir, atazanavir and daclatasvir in polar (DMSO-d6 ) and non-polar (chloroform) environments with NMR spectroscopy. Daclatasvir was fairly rigid, whereas the first three showed large flexibility in both environments, that translated into major differences in solvent accessible 3D polar surface area within each conformational ensemble. No significant differences in size and polar surface area were observed between the DMSO-d6 and chloroform ensembles of these three drugs. We propose that such flexible compounds are characterized as "partial molecular chameleons" and hypothesize that their ability to adopt conformations with low polar surface area contributes to their membrane permeability and oral absorption.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lianne H E Wieske
- Department of Chemistry - BMC, Uppsala University, Box 576, SE-751 23, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Yoseph Atilaw
- Department of Chemistry - BMC, Uppsala University, Box 576, SE-751 23, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Máté Erdélyi
- Department of Chemistry - BMC, Uppsala University, Box 576, SE-751 23, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jan Kihlberg
- Department of Chemistry - BMC, Uppsala University, Box 576, SE-751 23, Uppsala, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Cox B, Nicolaï J, Williamson B. The role of the efflux transporter, P-glycoprotein, at the blood-brain barrier in drug discovery. Biopharm Drug Dispos 2023; 44:113-126. [PMID: 36198662 DOI: 10.1002/bdd.2331] [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: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) expresses a high abundance of transporters, particularly P-glycoprotein (P-gp), that regulate endogenous and exogenous molecule uptake and removal of waste. This review discusses key drug metabolism and pharmacokinetic considerations for the efflux transporter P-gp at the BBB in drug discovery and development. We highlight the differences in P-gp expression and protein levels across species but the limited observations of species-specific substrates. Given the impact of age and disease on BBB biology, we summarise the modulation of P-gp for several neurological disorders and ageing and exemplify several disease-specific hurdles or opportunities for drug exposure in the brain. Furthermore, the review includes observations of CNS-related drug-drug interactions due to the inhibition or induction of P-gp at the BBB in animal studies and humans and the need for continued evaluation especially for compounds with a narrow therapeutic window. This review focusses primarily on small molecules but also considers the impact of new chemical entities, particularly beyond Ro5 molecules and their potential to be recognised as P-gp substrates as well as advanced drug delivery systems which offer an alternative approach to achieve and sustain central nervous system exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benoit Cox
- DMPK, Development Sciences, UCB Biopharma, Braine-l'Alleud, Belgium
| | - Johan Nicolaï
- DMPK, Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, Janssen Research & Development, Beerse, Belgium
| | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Ostrowska K, Leśniak A, Gryczka W, Dobrzycki Ł, Bujalska-Zadrożny M, Trzaskowski B. New Piperazine Derivatives of 6-Acetyl-7-hydroxy-4-methylcoumarin as 5-HT 1A Receptor Agents. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032779. [PMID: 36769117 PMCID: PMC9917830 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
A series of 15 new derivatives of 6-acetyl-7-hydroxy-4-methylcoumarin containing a piperazine group were designed with the help of computational methods and were synthesized to study their affinity for the serotonin 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptors. Among them, 6-acetyl-7-{4-[4-(3-bromophenyl)piperazin-1-yl]butoxy}-4-methylchromen-2-one (4) and 6-acetyl-7-{4-[4-(2-chlorophenyl)piperazin-1-yl]butoxy}-4-methylchromen-2-one (7) exhibited excellent activity for 5-HT1A receptors with Ki values 0.78 (0.4-1.4) nM and 0.57 (0.2-1.3) nM, respectively, comparable to the Ki values of 8-OH-DPAT (0.25 (0.097-0.66) nM). The equilibrium dissociation constant values of the tested compounds showed differential intrinsic activities of the agonist and antagonist modes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kinga Ostrowska
- Department of Organic and Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, 1 Banacha Str., 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Leśniak
- Centre for Preclinical Research and Technology, Department of Pharmacodynamics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, 1 Banacha Str., 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Weronika Gryczka
- Department of Organic and Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, 1 Banacha Str., 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Łukasz Dobrzycki
- Crystallochemistry Laboratory, Chemistry Department, Warsaw University, 1 Pasteura Str., 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Magdalena Bujalska-Zadrożny
- Centre for Preclinical Research and Technology, Department of Pharmacodynamics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, 1 Banacha Str., 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Bartosz Trzaskowski
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, 2C Banacha Str., 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Raza S, Miller M, Hamberger B, Vermaas JV. Plant Terpenoid Permeability through Biological Membranes Explored via Molecular Simulations. J Phys Chem B 2023; 127:1144-1157. [PMID: 36717085 PMCID: PMC9923751 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.2c07209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Plants synthesize small molecule diterpenes composed of 20 carbons from precursor isopentenyl diphosphate and dimethylallyl disphosphate, manufacturing diverse compounds used for defense, signaling, and other functions. Industrially, diterpenes are used as natural aromas and flavoring, as pharmaceuticals, and as natural insecticides or repellents. Despite diterpene ubiquity in plant systems, it remains unknown how plants control diterpene localization and transport. For many other small molecules, plant cells maintain transport proteins that control compound compartmentalization. However, for most diterpene compounds, specific transport proteins have not been identified, and so it has been hypothesized that diterpenes may cross biological membranes passively. Through molecular simulation, we study membrane transport for three complex diterpenes from among the many made by members of the Lamiaceae family to determine their permeability coefficient across plasma membrane models. To facilitate accurate simulation, the intermolecular interactions for leubethanol, abietic acid, and sclareol were parametrized through the standard CHARMM methodology for incorporation into molecular simulations. To evaluate the effect of membrane composition on permeability, we simulate the three diterpenes in two membrane models derived from sorghum and yeast lipidomics data. We track permeation events within our unbiased simulations, and compare implied permeation coefficients with those calculated from Replica Exchange Umbrella Sampling calculations using the inhomogeneous solubility diffusion model. The diterpenes are observed to permeate freely through these membranes, indicating that a transport protein may not be needed to export these small molecules from plant cells. Moreover, the permeability is observed to be greater for plant-like membrane compositions when compared against animal-like membrane models. Increased permeability for diterpene molecules in plant membranes suggest that plants have tailored their membranes to facilitate low-energy transport processes for signaling molecules.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saad Raza
- Plant
Research Laboratory, College of Natural Science, Michigan State University, East LansingMichigan48824, United States
| | - Mykayla Miller
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, California
State University, Fullerton, Fullerton, California92831, United States
| | - Björn Hamberger
- Department
Of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Natural Science, Michigan State University, East LansingMichigan48824, United States
| | - Josh V. Vermaas
- Plant
Research Laboratory, College of Natural Science, Michigan State University, East LansingMichigan48824, United States,Department
Of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Natural Science, Michigan State University, East LansingMichigan48824, United States,E-mail: . Phone: +1 (517) 884-6937
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Dimitrova YN, Gutierrez JA, Huard K. It's ok to be outnumbered - sub-stoichiometric modulation of homomeric protein complexes. RSC Med Chem 2023; 14:22-46. [PMID: 36760737 PMCID: PMC9890894 DOI: 10.1039/d2md00212d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
An arsenal of molecular tools with increasingly diversified mechanisms of action is being developed by the scientific community to enable biological interrogation and pharmaceutical modulation of targets and pathways of ever increasing complexity. While most small molecules interact with the target of interest in a 1 : 1 relationship, a noteworthy number of recent examples were reported to bind in a sub-stoichiometric manner to a homomeric protein complex. This approach requires molecular understanding of the physiologically relevant protein assemblies and in-depth characterization of the compound's mechanism of action. The recent literature examples summarized here were selected to illustrate methods used to identify and characterize molecules with such mechanisms. The concept of one small molecule targeting a homomeric protein assembly is not new but the subject deserves renewed inspection in light of emerging technologies and increasingly diverse target biology, to ensure relevant in vitro systems are used and valuable compounds with potentially novel sub-stoichiometric mechanisms of action aren't overlooked.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kim Huard
- Genentech 1 DNA Way South San Francisco CA 94080 USA
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Conformational Sampling Deciphers the Chameleonic Properties of a VHL-Based Degrader. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15010272. [PMID: 36678900 PMCID: PMC9861353 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15010272] [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: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Chameleonicity (the capacity of a molecule to adapt its conformations to the environment) may help to identify orally bioavailable drugs in the beyond-Rule-of-5 chemical space. Computational methods to predict the chameleonic behaviour of degraders have not yet been reported and the identification of molecular chameleons still relies on experimental evidence. Therefore, there is a need to tune predictions with experimental data. Here, we employ PROTAC-1 (a passively cell-permeable degrader), for which NMR and physicochemical data prove the chameleonic behaviour, to benchmark the capacity of two conformational sampling algorithms and selection schemes. To characterize the conformational ensembles in both polar and nonpolar environments, we compute three molecular properties proven to be essential for cell permeability: conformer shape (radius of gyration), polarity (3D PSA), and the number of intramolecular hydrogen bonds. Energetic criteria were also considered. Infographics monitored the simultaneous variation of those properties in computed and NMR conformers. Overall, we provide key points for tuning conformational sampling tools to reproduce PROTAC-1 chameleonicity according to NMR evidence. This study is expected to improve the design of PROTAC drugs and the development of computational sustainable strategies to exploit the potential of new modalities in drug discovery.
Collapse
|
46
|
A Review: The Antiviral Activity of Cyclic Peptides. Int J Pept Res Ther 2023; 29:7. [PMID: 36471676 PMCID: PMC9713128 DOI: 10.1007/s10989-022-10478-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
In the design and development of therapeutic agents, macromolecules with restricted structures have stronger competitive edges than linear biological entities since cyclization can overcome the limitations of linear structures. The common issues of linear peptides include susceptibility to degradation of the peptidase enzyme, off-target effects, and necessity of routine dosing, leading to instability and ineffectiveness. The unique conformational constraint of cyclic peptides provides a larger surface area to interact with the target at the same time, improving the membrane permeability and in vivo stability compared to their linear counterparts. Currently, cyclic peptides have been reported to possess various activities, such as antifungal, antiviral and antimicrobial activities. To date, there is emerging interest in cyclic peptide therapeutics, and increasing numbers of clinically approved cyclic peptide drugs are available on the market. In this review, the medical significance of cyclic peptides in the defence against viral infections will be highlighted. Except for chikungunya virus, which lacks specific antiviral treatment, all the viral diseases targeted in this review are those with effective treatments yet with certain limitations to date. Thus, strategies and approaches to optimise the antiviral effect of cyclic peptides will be discussed along with their respective outcomes. Apart from isolated naturally occurring cyclic peptides, chemically synthesized or modified cyclic peptides with antiviral activities targeting coronavirus, herpes simplex viruses, human immunodeficiency virus, Ebola virus, influenza virus, dengue virus, five main hepatitis viruses, termed as type A, B, C, D and E and chikungunya virus will be reviewed herein. Graphical Abstract
Collapse
|
47
|
Valorisation of Micro/Nanoencapsulated Bioactive Compounds from Plant Sources for Food Applications Towards Sustainability. Foods 2022; 12:foods12010032. [PMID: 36613248 PMCID: PMC9818261 DOI: 10.3390/foods12010032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The micro- and nanoencapsulation of bioactive compounds has resulted in a large improvement in the food, nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and agriculture industries. These technologies serve, on one side, to protect, among others, vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, polyphenols, flavours, antimicrobials, colorants, and antioxidants, and, on the other hand, to control the release and assure the delivery of the bioactive compounds, targeting them to specific cells, tissues, or organs in the human body by improving their absorption/penetration through the gastrointestinal tract. The food industry has been applying nanotechnology in several ways to improve food texture, flavour, taste, nutrient bioavailability, and shelf life using nanostructures. The use of micro- and nanocapsules in food is an actual trend used mainly in the cereal, bakery, dairy, and beverage industries, as well as packaging and coating. The elaboration of bio capsules with high-value compounds from agro-industrial by-products is sustainable for the natural ecosystem and economically interesting from a circular economy perspective. This critical review presents the principal methodologies for performing micro- and nanoencapsulation, classifies them (top-down and/or bottom-up), and discusses the differences and advantages among them; the principal types of encapsulation systems; the natural plant sources, including agro-industrial by-products, of bioactive compounds with interest for the food industry to be encapsulated; the bioavailability of encapsulates; and the main techniques used to analyse micro- and nanocapsules. Research work on the use of encapsulated bioactive compounds, such as lycopene, hydroxytyrosol, and resveratrol, from agro-industrial by-products must be further reinforced, and it plays an important role, as it presents a high potential for the use of their antioxidant and/or antimicrobial activities in food applications and, therefore, in the food industry. The incorporation of these bioactive compounds in food is a challenge and must be evaluated, not only for their nutritional aspect, but also for the chemical safety of the ingredients. The potential use of these products is an available economical alternative towards a circular economy and, as a consequence, sustainability.
Collapse
|
48
|
Gary S, Bloom S. Peptide Carbocycles: From -SS- to -CC- via a Late-Stage "Snip-and-Stitch". ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE 2022; 8:1537-1547. [PMID: 36439308 PMCID: PMC9686213 DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.2c00456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
One way to improve the therapeutic potential of peptides is through cyclization. This is commonly done using a disulfide bond between two cysteine residues in the peptide. However, disulfide bonds are susceptible to reductive cleavage, and this can deactivate the peptide and endanger endogenous proteins through covalent modification. Substituting disulfide bonds with more chemically robust carbon-based linkers has proven to be an effective strategy to better develop cyclic peptides as drugs, but finding the optimal carbon replacement is synthetically laborious. We report a new late-stage platform wherein a single disulfide bond in a cyclic peptide can serve as the progenitor for any number of new carbon-rich groups, derived from organodiiodides, using a Zn:Cu couple and a hydrosilane. We show that this platform can furnish entirely new carbocyclic scaffolds with enhanced permeability and structural integrity and that the stereochemistry of the new cycles can be biased by a judicious choice in silane.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Gary
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas66045, United States
| | - Steven Bloom
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas66045, United States
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Amado PM, Woodley C, Cristiano MLS, O’Neill PM. Recent Advances of DprE1 Inhibitors against Mycobacterium tuberculosis: Computational Analysis of Physicochemical and ADMET Properties. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:40659-40681. [PMID: 36406587 PMCID: PMC9670723 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c05307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Decaprenylphosphoryl-β-d-ribose 2'-epimerase (DprE1) is a critical flavoenzyme in Mycobacterium tuberculosis, catalyzing a vital step in the production of lipoarabinomannan and arabinogalactan, both of which are essential for cell wall biosynthesis. Due to its periplasmic localization, DprE1 is a susceptible target, and several compounds with diverse scaffolds have been discovered that inhibit this enzyme, covalently or noncovalently. We evaluated a total of ∼1519 DprE1 inhibitors disclosed in the literature from 2009 to April 2022 by performing an in-depth analysis of physicochemical descriptors and absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET), to gain new insights into these properties in DprE1 inhibitors. Several molecular properties that should facilitate the design and optimization of future DprE1 inhibitors are described, allowing for the development of improved analogues targeting M. tuberculosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia
S. M. Amado
- Center
of Marine Sciences - CCMAR, University of
Algarve, P-8005-039 Faro, Portugal
- Department
of Chemistry and Pharmacy, FCT, University
of Algarve, P-8005-039 Faro, Portugal
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZD, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher Woodley
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZD, United Kingdom
| | - Maria L. S. Cristiano
- Center
of Marine Sciences - CCMAR, University of
Algarve, P-8005-039 Faro, Portugal
- Department
of Chemistry and Pharmacy, FCT, University
of Algarve, P-8005-039 Faro, Portugal
- Email
for M.L.S.C.:
| | - Paul M. O’Neill
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZD, United Kingdom
- Email for P.M.O.:
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Yu W, Xie X, Ma Y, Fang S, Dong Y, Liu G. Identification of 1,4-Benzodiazepine-2,5-dione Derivatives as Potential Protein Synthesis Inhibitors with Highly Potent Anticancer Activity. J Med Chem 2022; 65:14891-14915. [PMID: 36260776 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
In this study, a random multiple human tumor cell line screening of an in-stock small-molecule chemical library was performed, and a hit compound, 1,4-benzodiazepine-2,5-dione (BZD, 11a; average 50% growth inhibitory concentration (GI50 = 0.24 μM)) to 60 tumor cell lines of nine types of human cancers, was identified. Subsequent structure-activity relationship (SAR) investigation disclosed a highly potent antitumor compound, 52b, that was shown to exert promising effects against lung cancer cells by inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Further polysome profile analysis revealed that 52b inhibited protein synthesis in cancer cells. Moreover, 52b significantly prevented tumor growth in a human non-small-cell lung cancer (NCI-H522) xenograft mouse model with no observable toxic effects. These findings are the first report of the synthetic compound 52b with a 1,4-benzodiazepine-2,5-dione skeleton that acts as a potential protein synthesis inhibitor to effectively inhibit tumor growth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenjun Yu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Haidian Dist, Beijing 100084, P. R. China
| | - Xilei Xie
- Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, 2A Nanwei Rd, Xicheng Dist, Beijing 100050, P. R. China.,College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, P. R. China
| | - Yao Ma
- Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, 2A Nanwei Rd, Xicheng Dist, Beijing 100050, P. R. China
| | - Shiping Fang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Haidian Dist, Beijing 100084, P. R. China
| | - Yi Dong
- Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, 2A Nanwei Rd, Xicheng Dist, Beijing 100050, P. R. China
| | - Gang Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Haidian Dist, Beijing 100084, P. R. China.,Key laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education; Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|