1
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Robarts DR, Paine-Cabrera D, Kotulkar M, Venneman KK, Gunewardena S, Foquet L, Bial G, Apte U. Identifying novel mechanisms of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance-induced hepatotoxicity using FRG humanized mice. Arch Toxicol 2024:10.1007/s00204-024-03789-0. [PMID: 38782768 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-024-03789-0] [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: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluoro-2-methyl-3-oxahexanoic acid (GenX), the new replacement PFAS, are major environmental contaminants. In rodents, these PFAS induce several adverse effects on the liver, including increased proliferation, hepatomegaly, steatosis, hypercholesterolemia, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and liver cancers. Activation of peroxisome proliferator receptor alpha by PFAS is considered the primary mechanism of action in rodent hepatocyte-induced proliferation. However, the human relevance of this mechanism is uncertain. We investigated human-relevant mechanisms of PFAS-induced adverse hepatic effects using FRG liver-chimeric humanized mice with livers repopulated with functional human hepatocytes. Male FRG humanized mice were treated with 0.067 mg/L of PFOA, 0.145 mg/L of PFOS, or 1 mg/L of GenX in drinking water for 28 days. PFOS caused a significant decrease in total serum cholesterol and LDL/VLDL, whereas GenX caused a significant elevation in LDL/VLDL with no change in total cholesterol and HDL. All three PFAS induced significant hepatocyte proliferation. RNA-sequencing with alignment to the human genome showed a total of 240, 162, and 619 differentially expressed genes after PFOA, PFOS, and GenX exposure, respectively. Upstream regulator analysis revealed that all three PFAS induced activation of p53 and inhibition of androgen receptor and NR1D1, a transcriptional repressor important in circadian rhythm. Further biochemical studies confirmed NR1D1 inhibition and in silico modeling indicated potential interaction of all three PFAS with the DNA-binding domain of NR1D1. In conclusion, our studies using FRG humanized mice have revealed new human-relevant molecular mechanisms of PFAS including their previously unknown effect on circadian rhythm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dakota R Robarts
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Blvd., MS1018, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| | - Diego Paine-Cabrera
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Blvd., MS1018, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| | - Manasi Kotulkar
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Blvd., MS1018, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| | - Kaitlyn K Venneman
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Blvd., MS1018, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| | - Sumedha Gunewardena
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | | | - Greg Bial
- Yecuris Corporation, Tualatin, OR, USA
| | - Udayan Apte
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Blvd., MS1018, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA.
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2
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Woodson ME, Mottaleb MA, Murelli RP, Tavis JE. In vitro evaluation of tropolone absorption, metabolism, and clearance. Antiviral Res 2023; 220:105762. [PMID: 37996012 PMCID: PMC10843707 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2023.105762] [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: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Tropolone compounds can inhibit hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication at sub-micromolar levels and are synergistic upon co-treatment with nucleos(t)ide analog drugs. However, only a few compounds within this chemotype have been screened for their pharmacological properties. Here, we chose 36 structurally diverse tropolones from six subclasses to characterize their in vitro pharmacological parameters. All compounds were more soluble in pHs that reflect the gastrointestinal tract (pH 5 and 6.5) than plasma (pH 7.4). Those compounds that had solubility limits >100 μM were tested in a passive permeability assay, and there was no general trend in the compounds' passive permeability at any pH. Twenty-nine compounds with the best absorption parameters were tested in HEK293 cells to assess potential cytotoxicity; measured toxicities were similar to those in the hepatic HepDES19 cells used for screening (R2 = 0.55). Sixteen representative compounds were tested against five major CYP450 isoforms and there was no substantial inhibition by any compound against any of the enzymes tested (<50%). The t1/2 values of 15 compounds were determined in the microsome stability assay and 12 compounds were evaluated in plasma protein binding assays to assess factors affecting their rate of clearance. All compounds with detectable analyte peaks had t1/2 > 30 min, and while 4 of 12 had statistically significant decreased potency in conditions with increased albumin concentrations, only one compound's potency was biologically significant. These data indicate that the tropolones have pharmacological characteristics that reflect approved drugs and inform future structure activity relationships during drug design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly E Woodson
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; Institute for Drug and Biotherapeutic Innovation, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - M Abdul Mottaleb
- Institute for Drug and Biotherapeutic Innovation, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Ryan P Murelli
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brooklyn College, City University of New York, Brooklyn, NY, USA; The Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - John E Tavis
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; Institute for Drug and Biotherapeutic Innovation, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO, USA.
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3
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Moianos D, Prifti GM, Makri M, Zoidis G. Targeting Metalloenzymes: The "Achilles' Heel" of Viruses and Parasites. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:901. [PMID: 37375848 DOI: 10.3390/ph16060901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Metalloenzymes are central to the regulation of a wide range of essential viral and parasitic functions, including protein degradation, nucleic acid modification, and many others. Given the impact of infectious diseases on human health, inhibiting metalloenzymes offers an attractive approach to disease therapy. Metal-chelating agents have been expansively studied as antivirals and antiparasitics, resulting in important classes of metal-dependent enzyme inhibitors. This review provides the recent advances in targeting the metalloenzymes of viruses and parasites that impose a significant burden on global public health, including influenza A and B, hepatitis B and C, and human immunodeficiency viruses as well as Trypanosoma brucei and Trypanosoma cruzi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Moianos
- Department of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou, 15771 Athens, Greece
| | - Georgia-Myrto Prifti
- Department of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou, 15771 Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Makri
- Department of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou, 15771 Athens, Greece
| | - Grigoris Zoidis
- Department of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou, 15771 Athens, Greece
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4
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Colón-Thillet R, Stone D, Loprieno MA, Klouser L, Roychoudhury P, Santo TK, Xie H, Stensland L, Upham SL, Pepper G, Huang ML, Aubert M, Jerome KR. Liver-Humanized NSG-PiZ Mice Support the Study of Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection and Antiviral Therapies. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0517622. [PMID: 37199630 PMCID: PMC10269919 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.05176-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a pathogen of major public health importance that is largely incurable once a chronic infection is established. Only humans and great apes are fully permissive to HBV infection, and this species restriction has impacted HBV research by limiting the utility of small animal models. To combat HBV species restrictions and enable more in vivo studies, liver-humanized mouse models have been developed that are permissive to HBV infection and replication. Unfortunately, these models can be difficult to establish and are expensive commercially, which has limited their academic use. As an alternative mouse model to study HBV, we evaluated liver-humanized NSG-PiZ mice and showed that they are fully permissive to HBV. HBV selectively replicates in human hepatocytes within chimeric livers, and HBV-positive (HBV+) mice secrete infectious virions and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) into blood while also harboring covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA). HBV+ mice develop chronic infections lasting at least 169 days, which should enable the study of new curative therapies targeting chronic HBV, and respond to entecavir therapy. Furthermore, HBV+ human hepatocytes in NSG-PiZ mice can be transduced by AAV3b and AAV.LK03 vectors, which should enable the study of gene therapies that target HBV. In summary, our data demonstrate that liver-humanized NSG-PiZ mice can be used as a robust and cost-effective alternative to existing chronic hepatitis B (CHB) models and may enable more academic research labs to study HBV disease pathogenesis and antiviral therapy. IMPORTANCE Liver-humanized mouse models have become the gold standard for the in vivo study of hepatitis B virus (HBV), yet their complexity and cost have prohibited widespread use of existing models in research. Here, we show that the NSG-PiZ liver-humanized mouse model, which is relatively inexpensive and simple to establish, can support chronic HBV infection. Infected mice are fully permissive to hepatitis B, supporting both active replication and spread, and can be used to study novel antiviral therapies. This model is a viable and cost-effective alternative to other liver-humanized mouse models that are used to study HBV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossana Colón-Thillet
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Daniel Stone
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Michelle A. Loprieno
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Lindsay Klouser
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Pavitra Roychoudhury
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Tracy K. Santo
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Hong Xie
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Laurence Stensland
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Sarah L. Upham
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Gregory Pepper
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Meei-Li Huang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Martine Aubert
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Keith R. Jerome
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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5
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Ranga A, Gupta A, Yadav L, Kumar S, Jain P. Advancing beyond reverse transcriptase inhibitors: The new era of hepatitis B polymerase inhibitors. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 257:115455. [PMID: 37216809 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115455] [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: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a genetically diverse blood-borne virus responsible for chronic hepatitis B. The HBV polymerase plays a key role in viral genome replication within the human body and has been identified as a potential drug target for chronic hepatitis B therapeutics. However, available nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors only target the reverse transcriptase domain of the HBV polymerase; they also pose resistance issues and require lifelong treatment that can burden patients financially. In this study, various chemical classes are reviewed that have been developed to target different domains of the HBV polymerase: Terminal protein, which plays a vital role in the formation of the viral DNA; Reverse transcriptase, which is responsible for the synthesis of the viral DNA from RNA, and; Ribonuclease H, which is responsible for degrading the RNA strand in the RNA-DNA duplex formed during the reverse transcription process. Host factors that interact with the HBV polymerase to achieve HBV replication are also reviewed; these host factors can be targeted by inhibitors to indirectly inhibit polymerase functionality. A detailed analysis of the scope and limitations of these inhibitors from a medicinal chemistry perspective is provided. The structure-activity relationship of these inhibitors and the factors that may affect their potency and selectivity are also examined. This analysis will be useful in supporting the further development of these inhibitors and in designing new inhibitors that can inhibit HBV replication more efficiently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Ranga
- Department of Pharmacology, Delhi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, Pushp Vihar, MB Road, New Delhi, 110017, India
| | - Aarti Gupta
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, Pushp Vihar, MB Road, New Delhi, 110017, India
| | - Laxmi Yadav
- Department of Pharmacology, Delhi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, Pushp Vihar, MB Road, New Delhi, 110017, India
| | - Sachin Kumar
- Department of Pharmacology, Delhi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, Pushp Vihar, MB Road, New Delhi, 110017, India.
| | - Priti Jain
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, Pushp Vihar, MB Road, New Delhi, 110017, India.
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6
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Robarts DR, Paine-Cabrera D, Kotulkar M, Venneman KK, Gunewardena S, Corton JC, Lau C, Foquet L, Bial G, Apte U. Identifying Human Specific Adverse Outcome Pathways of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances Using Liver-Chimeric Humanized Mice. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.01.526711. [PMID: 36778348 PMCID: PMC9915685 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.01.526711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Background Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent organic pollutants with myriad adverse effects. While perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) are the most common contaminants, levels of replacement PFAS, such as perfluoro-2-methyl-3-oxahexanoic acid (GenX), are increasing. In rodents, PFOA, PFOS, and GenX have several adverse effects on the liver, including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Objective We aimed to determine human-relevant mechanisms of PFAS induced adverse hepatic effects using FRG liver-chimeric humanized mice with livers repopulated with functional human hepatocytes. Methods Male humanized mice were treated with 0.067 mg/L of PFOA, 0.145 mg/L of PFOS, or 1 mg/L of GenX in drinking water for 28 days. Liver and serum were collected for pathology and clinical chemistry, respectively. RNA-sequencing coupled with pathway analysis was used to determine molecular mechanisms. Results PFOS caused a significant decrease in total serum cholesterol and LDL/VLDL, whereas GenX caused a significant elevation in LDL/VLDL with no change in total cholesterol and HDL. PFOA had no significant changes in serum LDL/VLDL and total cholesterol. All three PFAS induced significant hepatocyte proliferation. RNA-sequencing with alignment to the human genome showed a total of 240, 162, and 619 differentially expressed genes after PFOA, PFOS, and GenX exposure, respectively. Upstream regulator analysis revealed inhibition of NR1D1, a transcriptional repressor important in circadian rhythm, as the major common molecular change in all PFAS treatments. PFAS treated mice had significant nuclear localization of NR1D1. In silico modeling showed PFOA, PFOS, and GenX potentially interact with the DNA-binding domain of NR1D1. Discussion These data implicate PFAS in circadian rhythm disruption via inhibition of NR1D1. These studies show that FRG humanized mice are a useful tool for studying the adverse outcome pathways of environmental pollutants on human hepatocytes in situ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dakota R. Robarts
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
| | - Diego Paine-Cabrera
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
| | - Manasi Kotulkar
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
| | - Kaitlyn K. Venneman
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
| | - Sumedha Gunewardena
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
| | - J. Christopher Corton
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Office of Research and Development, U.S. EPA, Research Triangle Park, NC
| | - Christopher Lau
- Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Office of Research and Development, US EPA, Research Triangle Park, NC
| | | | | | - Udayan Apte
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
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7
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Murelli RP, Berkowitz AJ, Zuschlag DW. Carbocycloaddition Strategies for Troponoid Synthesis. Tetrahedron 2023; 130:133175. [PMID: 36777111 PMCID: PMC9910567 DOI: 10.1016/j.tet.2022.133175] [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] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Tropone is the prototypical aromatic 7-membered ring, and can be found in virtually any undergraduate textbook as a key example of non-benzenoid aromaticity. Aside from this important historical role, tropone is also of high interest as a uniquely reactive synthon in complex chemical synthesis as well as a valuable chemotype in drug design. More recently, there has been growing interest in the utility of tropones for catalysis and material science. Thus, synthetic strategies capable of synthesizing functional tropones are key to fully exploiting the potential of this aromatic ring system. Cycloaddition reactions are particularly powerful methods for constructing carbocycles, and these strategies in turn have proven to be powerful for generating troponoids. The following review article provides an overview of strategies for troponoids wherein the 7-membered carbocycle is generated through a cycloaddition reaction. Representative examples of each strategy are also provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan P Murelli
- Department of Chemistry, Brooklyn College, The City University of New York, Brooklyn, NY, 11210, United States
- Ph.D. Program in Chemistry, The Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York, NY, 10016, United States
- Ph.D. Program in Biochemistry, The Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York, NY, 10016, United States
| | - Alex J Berkowitz
- Department of Chemistry, Brooklyn College, The City University of New York, Brooklyn, NY, 11210, United States
- Ph.D. Program in Chemistry, The Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York, NY, 10016, United States
| | - Daniel W Zuschlag
- Ph.D. Program in Chemistry, The Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York, NY, 10016, United States
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8
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Schiavone DV, Kapkayeva DM, Li Q, Woodson ME, Casals AG, Morrison LA, Tavis JE, Murelli RP. Synthesis of Polyoxygenated Tropolones and their Antiviral Activity against Hepatitis B Virus and Herpes Simplex Virus-1. Chemistry 2022; 28:e202104112. [PMID: 34984767 PMCID: PMC8858858 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202104112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Polyoxygenated tropolones possess a broad range of biological activity, and as a result are promising lead structures or fragments for drug development. However, structure-function studies and subsequent optimization have been challenging, in part due to the limited number of readily available tropolones and the obstacles to their synthesis. Oxidopyrylium [5+2] cycloaddition can effectively generate a diverse array of seven-membered ring carbocycles, and as a result can provide a highly general strategy for tropolone synthesis. Here, we describe the use of 3-hydroxy-4-pyrone-based oxidopyrylium cycloaddition chemistry in the synthesis of functionalized 3,7-dimethoxytropolones, 3,7-dihydroxytropolones, and isomeric 3-hydroxy-7-methoxytropolones through complementary benzyl alcohol-incorporating procedures. The antiviral activity of these molecules against herpes simplex virus-1 and hepatitis B virus is also described, highlighting the value of this approach and providing new structure-function insights relevant to their antiviral activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel V. Schiavone
- Department of Chemistry, Brooklyn College of the City University of New York, Brooklyn, New York 11210, USA,PhD Program in Chemistry, The Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York, New York 10016, USA
| | - Diana M. Kapkayeva
- Department of Chemistry, Brooklyn College of the City University of New York, Brooklyn, New York 11210, USA
| | - Qilan Li
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63104, USA
| | - Molly E. Woodson
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63104, USA
| | - Andreu Gazquez Casals
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63104, USA
| | - Lynda A. Morrison
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63104, USA
| | - John E. Tavis
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63104, USA
| | - Ryan P. Murelli
- Department of Chemistry, Brooklyn College of the City University of New York, Brooklyn, New York 11210, USA,PhD Program in Chemistry, The Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York, New York 10016, USA
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9
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Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a hepatotropic, partially double-stranded DNA virus that replicates by reverse transcription and is a major cause of chronic liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma. Reverse transcription is catalyzed by the four-domain multifunctional HBV polymerase (P) protein that has protein-priming, RNA- and DNA-dependent DNA synthesis (i.e., reverse transcriptase), and ribonuclease H activities. P also likely promotes the three strand transfers that occur during reverse transcription, and it may participate in immune evasion by HBV. Reverse transcription is primed by a tyrosine residue in the amino-terminal domain of P, and P remains covalently attached to the product DNA throughout reverse transcription. The reverse transcriptase activity of P is the target for the nucleos(t)ide analog drugs that dominate HBV treatment, and P is the target of ongoing efforts to develop new drugs against both the reverse transcriptase and ribonuclease H activities. Despite the unusual reverse transcription pathway catalyzed by P and the importance of P to HBV therapy, understanding the enzymology and structure of HBV P severely lags that of the retroviral reverse transcriptases due to substantial technical challenges to studying the enzyme. Obtaining a better understanding of P will broaden our appreciation of the diversity among reverse transcribing elements in nature, and will help improve treatment for people chronically infected with HBV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel N Clark
- Department of Microbiology, Weber State University, Ogden, UT, United States
| | - Razia Tajwar
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, United States
| | - Jianming Hu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - John E Tavis
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, United States.
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10
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Efficient Inhibition of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Replication and cccDNA Formation by HBV Ribonuclease H Inhibitors during Infection. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2021; 65:e0146021. [PMID: 34516242 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01460-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The hepatitis B virus (HBV) ribonuclease H (RNase H) is an attractive but unexploited drug target. Here, we addressed three limitations to the current state of RNase H inhibitor development: (a) Efficacy has been assessed only in transfected cell lines. (b) Cytotoxicity data are from transformed cell lines rather than primary cells. (c) It is unknown how the compounds work against nucleos(t)ide analog resistant HBV strains. Three RNase H inhibitors from different chemotypes, 110 (α-hydroxytropolone), 1133 (N-hydroxypyridinedione), and 1073 (N-hydroxynapthyridinone), were tested in HBV-infected HepG2-NTCP cells for inhibition of cccDNA accumulation and HBV product formation. 50% effective concentrations (EC50s) were 0.049-0.078 μM in the infection studies compared to 0.29-1.6 μM in transfected cells. All compounds suppressed cccDNA formation by >98% at 5 μM when added shortly after infection. HBV RNA, intracellular and extracellular DNA, and HBsAg secretion were all robustly suppressed. The greater efficacy of the inhibitors when added shortly after infection is presumably due to blocking amplification of the HBV cccDNA, which suppresses events downstream of cccDNA formation. The compounds had 50% cytotoxic concentrations (CC50s) of 16-100 μM in HepG2-derived cell lines but were nontoxic in primary human hepatocytes, possibly due to the quiescent state of the hepatocytes. The compounds had similar EC50s against replication of wild-type, lamivudine-resistant, and adefovir/lamivudine-resistant HBV, as expected because the RNase H inhibitors do not target the viral reverse transcriptase active site. These studies expand confidence in inhibiting the HBV RNase H as a drug strategy and support inclusion of RNase H inhibitors in novel curative drug combinations for HBV.
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11
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Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is the leading cause of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, estimated to be globally responsible for ∼800,000 deaths annually. Although effective vaccines are available to prevent new HBV infection, treatment of existing chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is limited, as the current standard-of-care antiviral drugs can only suppress viral replication without achieving cure. In 2016, the World Health Organization called for the elimination of viral hepatitis as a global public health threat by 2030. The United States and other nations are working to meet this ambitious goal by developing strategies to cure CHB, as well as prevent HBV transmission. This review considers recent research progress in understanding HBV pathobiology and development of therapeutics for the cure of CHB, which is necessary for elimination of hepatitis B by 2030.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy M Block
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Doylestown, Pennsylvania 18902, USA;
| | - Kyong-Mi Chang
- The Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center and University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - Ju-Tao Guo
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Doylestown, Pennsylvania 18902, USA;
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12
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Tsuge M. Are Humanized Mouse Models Useful for Basic Research of Hepatocarcinogenesis through Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection? Viruses 2021; 13:v13101920. [PMID: 34696350 PMCID: PMC8541657 DOI: 10.3390/v13101920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a global health problem that can lead to liver dysfunction, including liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Current antiviral therapies can control viral replication in patients with chronic HBV infection; however, there is a risk of HCC development. HBV-related proteins may be produced in hepatocytes regardless of antiviral therapies and influence intracellular metabolism and signaling pathways, resulting in liver carcinogenesis. To understand the mechanisms of liver carcinogenesis, the effect of HBV infection in human hepatocytes should be analyzed. HBV infects human hepatocytes through transfer to the sodium taurocholate co-transporting polypeptide (NTCP). Although the NTCP is expressed on the hepatocyte surface in several animals, including mice, HBV infection is limited to human primates. Due to this species-specific liver tropism, suitable animal models for analyzing HBV replication and developing antivirals have been lacking since the discovery of the virus. Recently, a humanized mouse model carrying human hepatocytes in the liver was developed based on several immunodeficient mice; this is useful for analyzing the HBV life cycle, antiviral effects of existing/novel antivirals, and intracellular signaling pathways under HBV infection. Herein, the usefulness of human hepatocyte chimeric mouse models in the analysis of HBV-associated hepatocarcinogenesis is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masataka Tsuge
- Natural Science Center for Basic Research and Development, Department of Biomedical Science, Research and Development Division, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan; ; Tel.: +81-82-257-1510
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan
- Research Center for Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan
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13
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Prifti GM, Moianos D, Giannakopoulou E, Pardali V, Tavis JE, Zoidis G. Recent Advances in Hepatitis B Treatment. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:417. [PMID: 34062711 PMCID: PMC8147224 DOI: 10.3390/ph14050417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus infection affects over 250 million chronic carriers, causing more than 800,000 deaths annually, although a safe and effective vaccine is available. Currently used antiviral agents, pegylated interferon and nucleos(t)ide analogues, have major drawbacks and fail to completely eradicate the virus from infected cells. Thus, achieving a "functional cure" of the infection remains a real challenge. Recent findings concerning the viral replication cycle have led to development of novel therapeutic approaches including viral entry inhibitors, epigenetic control of cccDNA, immune modulators, RNA interference techniques, ribonuclease H inhibitors, and capsid assembly modulators. Promising preclinical results have been obtained, and the leading molecules under development have entered clinical evaluation. This review summarizes the key steps of the HBV life cycle, examines the currently approved anti-HBV drugs, and analyzes novel HBV treatment regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia-Myrto Prifti
- Department of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou, 15771 Athens, Greece; (G.-M.P.); (D.M.); (E.G.); (V.P.)
| | - Dimitrios Moianos
- Department of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou, 15771 Athens, Greece; (G.-M.P.); (D.M.); (E.G.); (V.P.)
| | - Erofili Giannakopoulou
- Department of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou, 15771 Athens, Greece; (G.-M.P.); (D.M.); (E.G.); (V.P.)
| | - Vasiliki Pardali
- Department of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou, 15771 Athens, Greece; (G.-M.P.); (D.M.); (E.G.); (V.P.)
| | - John E. Tavis
- Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO 63104, USA;
| | - Grigoris Zoidis
- Department of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou, 15771 Athens, Greece; (G.-M.P.); (D.M.); (E.G.); (V.P.)
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14
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Maepa MB, Bloom K, Ely A, Arbuthnot P. Hepatitis B virus: promising drug targets and therapeutic implications. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2021; 25:451-466. [PMID: 33843412 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2021.1915990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Current therapy for infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) rarely clears the virus, and viremia commonly resurges following treatment withdrawal. To prevent serious complications of the infection, research has been aimed at identifying new viral and host targets that can be exploited to inactivate HBV replication.Areas covered: This paper reviews the use of these new molecular targets to advance anti-HBV therapy. Emphasis is on appraising data from pre-clinical and early clinical studies described in journal articles published during the past 10 years and available from PubMed.Expert opinion: The wide range of viral and host factors that can be targeted to disable HBV is impressive and improved insight into HBV molecular biology continues to provide the basis for new drug design. In addition to candidate therapies that have direct or indirect actions on HBV covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA), compounds that inhibit HBsAg secretion, viral entry, destabilize viral RNA and effect enhanced immune responses to HBV show promise. Preclinical and clinical evaluation of drug candidates, as well as investigating use of treatment combinations, are encouraging. The field is poised at an interesting stage and indications are that reliably achieving functional cure from HBV infection is a tangible goal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohube Betty Maepa
- School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Kristie Bloom
- School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Abdullah Ely
- School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Patrick Arbuthnot
- School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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15
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Bassit L, Ono SK, Schinazi RF. Moving Fast Toward Hepatitis B Virus Elimination. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1322:115-138. [PMID: 34258739 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-16-0267-2_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Currently, there are two safe and effective therapeutic strategies for chronic hepatitis B treatment, namely, nucleoside analogs and interferon alpha (pegylated or non-pegylated). These treatments can control viral replication and improve survival; however, they do not eliminate the virus and therefore require long-term continued therapy. In addition, there are significant concerns about virus rebound on discontinuation of therapy and the development of fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma despite therapy. Therefore, the search for new, more effective, and safer antiviral agents that can cure hepatitis B virus (HBV) continues. Anti-HBV drug discovery and development is fundamentally impacted by our current understanding of HBV replication, disease physiopathology, and persistence of HBV covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA). Several HBV replication targets are the basis for novel anti-HBV drug development strategies. Many of them are already in clinical trial phase 1 or 2, while others with promising results are still in preclinical stages. As research intensifies, potential HBV curative therapies and modalities in the pipeline are now on the horizon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leda Bassit
- Center for AIDS Research, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Suzane Kioko Ono
- Department of Gastroenterology, University of Sao Paulo School of Medicine, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Raymond F Schinazi
- Center for AIDS Research, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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16
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CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing of hepatitis B virus in chronically infected humanized mice. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2020; 20:258-275. [PMID: 33473359 PMCID: PMC7803634 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2020.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major public health problem. New treatment approaches are needed because current treatments do not target covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA), the template for HBV replication, and rarely clear the virus. We harnessed adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors and CRISPR-Staphylococcus aureus (Sa)Cas9 to edit the HBV genome in liver-humanized FRG mice chronically infected with HBV and receiving entecavir. Gene editing was detected in livers of five of eight HBV-specific AAV-SaCas9-treated mice, but not control mice, and mice with detectable HBV gene editing showed higher levels of SaCas9 delivery to HBV+ human hepatocytes than those without gene editing. HBV-specific AAV-SaCas9 therapy significantly improved survival of human hepatocytes, showed a trend toward decreasing total liver HBV DNA and cccDNA, and was well tolerated. This work provides evidence for the feasibility and safety of in vivo gene editing for chronic HBV infections, and it suggests that with further optimization, this approach may offer a plausible way to treat or even cure chronic HBV infections.
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17
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The evolution and clinical impact of hepatitis B virus genome diversity. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2020; 17:618-634. [PMID: 32467580 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-020-0296-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The global burden of hepatitis B virus (HBV) is enormous, with 257 million persons chronically infected, resulting in more than 880,000 deaths per year worldwide. HBV exists as nine different genotypes, which differ in disease progression, natural history and response to therapy. HBV is an ancient virus, with the latest reports greatly expanding the host range of the Hepadnaviridae (to include fish and reptiles) and casting new light on the origins and evolution of this viral family. Although there is an effective preventive vaccine, there is no cure for chronic hepatitis B, largely owing to the persistence of a viral minichromosome that is not targeted by current therapies. HBV persistence is also facilitated through aberrant host immune responses, possibly due to the diverse intra-host viral populations that can respond to host-mounted and therapeutic selection pressures. This Review summarizes current knowledge on the influence of HBV diversity on disease progression and treatment response and the potential effect on new HBV therapies in the pipeline. The mechanisms by which HBV diversity can occur both within the individual host and at a population level are also discussed.
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18
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Bak E, Miller JT, Noronha A, Tavis J, Gallicchio E, Murelli RP, Le Grice SFJ. 3,7-Dihydroxytropolones Inhibit Initiation of Hepatitis B Virus Minus-Strand DNA Synthesis. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25194434. [PMID: 32992516 PMCID: PMC7583054 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25194434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Initiation of protein-primed (-) strand DNA synthesis in hepatitis B virus (HBV) requires interaction of the viral reverse transcriptase with epsilon (ε), a cis-acting regulatory signal located at the 5' terminus of pre-genomic RNA (pgRNA), and several host-encoded chaperone proteins. Binding of the viral polymerase (P protein) to ε is necessary for pgRNA encapsidation and synthesis of a short primer covalently attached to its terminal domain. Although we identified small molecules that recognize HBV ε RNA, these failed to inhibit protein-primed DNA synthesis. However, since initiation of HBV (-) strand DNA synthesis occurs within a complex of viral and host components (e.g., Hsp90, DDX3 and APOBEC3G), we considered an alternative therapeutic strategy of allosteric inhibition by disrupting the initiation complex or modifying its topology. To this end, we show here that 3,7-dihydroxytropolones (3,7-dHTs) can inhibit HBV protein-primed DNA synthesis. Since DNA polymerase activity of a ribonuclease (RNase H)-deficient HBV reverse transcriptase that otherwise retains DNA polymerase function is also abrogated, this eliminates direct involvement of RNase (ribonuclease) H activity of HBV reverse transcriptase and supports the notion that the HBV initiation complex might be therapeutically targeted. Modeling studies also provide a rationale for preferential activity of 3,7-dHTs over structurally related α-hydroxytropolones (α-HTs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Bak
- Basic Research Laboratory National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; (E.B.); (J.T.M.); (A.N.)
| | - Jennifer T. Miller
- Basic Research Laboratory National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; (E.B.); (J.T.M.); (A.N.)
| | - Andrea Noronha
- Basic Research Laboratory National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; (E.B.); (J.T.M.); (A.N.)
| | - John Tavis
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, St. Louis University, St. Louis, MO 63104, USA;
| | - Emilio Gallicchio
- Department of Chemistry, Brooklyn College, The City University of New York, Brooklyn, NY 11210, USA; (E.G.); (R.P.M.)
- PhD Program in Chemistry, The Graduate Center of The City University of New York, New York, NY 10016, USA
- PhD Program in Biochemistry, The Graduate Center of The City University of New York, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Ryan P. Murelli
- Department of Chemistry, Brooklyn College, The City University of New York, Brooklyn, NY 11210, USA; (E.G.); (R.P.M.)
- PhD Program in Chemistry, The Graduate Center of The City University of New York, New York, NY 10016, USA
- PhD Program in Biochemistry, The Graduate Center of The City University of New York, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Stuart F. J. Le Grice
- Basic Research Laboratory National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; (E.B.); (J.T.M.); (A.N.)
- Correspondence:
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19
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Rybicka M, Bielawski KP. Recent Advances in Understanding, Diagnosing, and Treating Hepatitis B Virus Infection. Microorganisms 2020; 8:E1416. [PMID: 32942584 PMCID: PMC7565763 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8091416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection affects 292 million people worldwide and is associated with a broad range of clinical manifestations including cirrhosis, liver failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Despite the availability of an effective vaccine HBV still causes nearly 900,000 deaths every year. Current treatment options keep HBV under control, but they do not offer a cure as they cannot completely clear HBV from infected hepatocytes. The recent development of reliable cell culture systems allowed for a better understanding of the host and viral mechanisms affecting HBV replication and persistence. Recent advances into the understanding of HBV biology, new potential diagnostic markers of hepatitis B infection, as well as novel antivirals targeting different steps in the HBV replication cycle are summarized in this review article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magda Rybicka
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Gdansk and Medical University of Gdansk, Abrahama 58, 80-307 Gdansk, Poland;
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20
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Wang W, Smith N, Makarov E, Sun Y, Gebhart CL, Ganesan M, Osna NA, Gendelman HE, Edagwa BJ, Poluektova LY. A long-acting 3TC ProTide nanoformulation suppresses HBV replication in humanized mice. NANOMEDICINE : NANOTECHNOLOGY, BIOLOGY, AND MEDICINE 2020; 28:102185. [PMID: 32217146 PMCID: PMC7438263 DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2020.102185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Revised: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Nowadays, there is a strong request for the treatment of chronic HBV-infection with direct acting antivirals. Furthermore, prevalent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) and hepatitis B (HBV) co-infections highlight an immediate need for dual long-acting and easily administered antivirals. To this end, we modified lamivudine (3TC), a nucleoside analog inhibitor of both viruses, into a lipophilic monophosphorylated prodrug (M23TC). Prior work demonstrated that nanoformulation of M23TC (NM23TC) enhanced drug stability, controlled dissolution and improved access to sites of viral replication. The present study evaluated the efficacy of a NM23TC in HBV-infected chimeric liver humanized mice. Levels of HBV DNA and HBsAg in plasma were monitored up to 8 weeks posttreatment. A single intramuscular dose of 75 mg/kg 3TC equivalents of nanoformulated NM23TC provided sustained drug levels and suppressed HBV replication in humanized mice for 4 weeks. The results support further development of this long-acting 3TC nanoformulation for HBV treatment and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weimin Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Nathan Smith
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Edward Makarov
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Yimin Sun
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Catherine L Gebhart
- Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory, Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Murali Ganesan
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska, Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States; Research Service, Veterans Affairs Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Natalia A Osna
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska, Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States; Research Service, Veterans Affairs Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Howard E Gendelman
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States; Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska, Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Benson J Edagwa
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States.
| | - Larisa Y Poluektova
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States.
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21
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Pierra Rouviere C, Dousson CB, Tavis JE. HBV replication inhibitors. Antiviral Res 2020; 179:104815. [PMID: 32380149 PMCID: PMC7293572 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2020.104815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Revised: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Chronic Hepatitis B Virus infections afflict >250 million people and kill nearly 1 million annually. Current non-curative therapies are dominated by nucleos(t)ide analogs (NAs) that profoundly but incompletely suppress DNA synthesis by the viral reverse transcriptase. Residual HBV replication during NA therapy contributes to maintenance of the critical nuclear reservoir of the HBV genome, the covalently-closed circular DNA, and to ongoing infection of naive cells. Identification of next-generation NAs with improved efficacy and safety profiles, often through novel prodrug approaches, is the primary thrust of ongoing efforts to improve HBV replication inhibitors. Inhibitors of the HBV ribonuclease H, the other viral enzymatic activity essential for viral genomic replication, are in preclinical development. The complexity of HBV's reverse transcription pathway offers many other potential targets. HBV's protein-priming of reverse transcription has been briefly explored as a potential target, as have the host chaperones necessary for function of the HBV reverse transcriptase. Improved inhibitors of HBV reverse transcription would reduce HBV's replication-dependent persistence mechanisms and are therefore expected to become a backbone of future curative combination anti-HBV therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cyril B Dousson
- Ai-biopharma, Medicinal Chemistry Department, Montpellier, France.
| | - John E Tavis
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA.
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22
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Li Q, Lomonosova E, Donlin MJ, Cao F, O'Dea A, Milleson B, Berkowitz AJ, Baucom JC, Stasiak JP, Schiavone DV, Abdelmessih RG, Lyubimova A, Fraboni AJ, Bejcek LP, Villa JA, Gallicchio E, Murelli RP, Tavis JE. Amide-containing α-hydroxytropolones as inhibitors of hepatitis B virus replication. Antiviral Res 2020; 177:104777. [PMID: 32217151 PMCID: PMC7199283 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2020.104777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Revised: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) ribonuclease H (RNaseH) is a promising but unexploited drug target. Here, we synthesized and analyzed a library of 57 amide-containing α-hydroxytropolones (αHTs) as potential leads for HBV drug development. Fifty percent effective concentrations ranged from 0.31 to 54 μM, with selectivity indexes in cell culture of up to 80. Activity against the HBV RNaseH was confirmed in semi-quantitative enzymatic assays with recombinant HBV RNaseH. The compounds were overall poorly active against human ribonuclease H1, with 50% inhibitory concentrations of 5.1 to >1,000 μM. The αHTs had modest activity against growth of the fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans, but had very limited activity against growth of the Gram - bacterium Escherichia coli and the Gram + bacterium Staphylococcus aureus, indicating substantial selectivity for HBV. A molecular model of the HBV RNaseH templated against the Ty3 RNaseH was generated. Docking the compounds to the RNaseH revealed the anticipated binding pose with the divalent cation coordinating motif on the compounds chelating the two Mn++ ions modeled into the active site. These studies reveal that that amide αHTs can be strong, specific HBV inhibitors that merit further assessment toward becoming anti-HBV drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qilan Li
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, 1100 S. Grand Blvd, Saint Louis, MO, 63104, USA
| | - Elena Lomonosova
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, 1100 S. Grand Blvd, Saint Louis, MO, 63104, USA.
| | - Maureen J Donlin
- Edward A. Doisy Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, 1100 S. Grand Blvd, Saint Louis, MO, 63104, USA.
| | - Feng Cao
- John Cochran Division, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Saint Louis, MO, USA.
| | - Austin O'Dea
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, 1100 S. Grand Blvd, Saint Louis, MO, 63104, USA.
| | - Brienna Milleson
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, 1100 S. Grand Blvd, Saint Louis, MO, 63104, USA
| | - Alex J Berkowitz
- Department of Chemistry, Brooklyn College, The City University of New York, Brooklyn, NY, 11210, USA; Program in Chemistry, The Graduate Center of The City University of New York, New York, NY, 11210, USA.
| | - John-Charles Baucom
- Department of Chemistry, Brooklyn College, The City University of New York, Brooklyn, NY, 11210, USA; Program in Chemistry, The Graduate Center of The City University of New York, New York, NY, 11210, USA.
| | - John P Stasiak
- Department of Chemistry, Brooklyn College, The City University of New York, Brooklyn, NY, 11210, USA.
| | - Daniel V Schiavone
- Department of Chemistry, Brooklyn College, The City University of New York, Brooklyn, NY, 11210, USA; Program in Chemistry, The Graduate Center of The City University of New York, New York, NY, 11210, USA.
| | - Rudolf G Abdelmessih
- Department of Chemistry, Brooklyn College, The City University of New York, Brooklyn, NY, 11210, USA.
| | - Anastasiya Lyubimova
- Department of Chemistry, Brooklyn College, The City University of New York, Brooklyn, NY, 11210, USA.
| | - Americo J Fraboni
- Department of Chemistry, Brooklyn College, The City University of New York, Brooklyn, NY, 11210, USA.
| | - Lauren P Bejcek
- Department of Chemistry, Brooklyn College, The City University of New York, Brooklyn, NY, 11210, USA; Program in Chemistry, The Graduate Center of The City University of New York, New York, NY, 11210, USA.
| | - Juan A Villa
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, 1100 S. Grand Blvd, Saint Louis, MO, 63104, USA.
| | - Emilio Gallicchio
- Department of Chemistry, Brooklyn College, The City University of New York, Brooklyn, NY, 11210, USA; Program in Chemistry, The Graduate Center of The City University of New York, New York, NY, 11210, USA; Program in Biochemistry, The Graduate Center of The City University of New York, New York, NY, 11210, USA.
| | - Ryan P Murelli
- Department of Chemistry, Brooklyn College, The City University of New York, Brooklyn, NY, 11210, USA; Program in Chemistry, The Graduate Center of The City University of New York, New York, NY, 11210, USA; Program in Biochemistry, The Graduate Center of The City University of New York, New York, NY, 11210, USA.
| | - John E Tavis
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, 1100 S. Grand Blvd, Saint Louis, MO, 63104, USA.
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23
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Agyemang NB, Kukla CR, Edwards TC, Li Q, Langen MK, Schaal A, Franson AD, Casals AG, Donald KA, Yu AJ, Donlin MJ, Morrison LA, Tavis JE, Murelli RP. Divergent synthesis of a thiolate-based α-hydroxytropolone library with a dynamic bioactivity profile. RSC Adv 2019; 9:34227-34234. [PMID: 33042521 PMCID: PMC7543996 DOI: 10.1039/c9ra06383h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Here we describe a rapid and divergent synthetic route toward structurally novel αHTs functionalized with either one or two thioether or sulfonyl appendages. Evaluation of this library against hepatitis B and herpes simplex virus, as well as the pathogenic fungus Cryptococcus neoformans, and a human hepatoblastoma (HepDES19) revealed complementary biological profiles and new lead compounds with sub-micromolar activity against each pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nana B Agyemang
- Department of Chemistry, Brooklyn College, The City University of New York, Brooklyn, New York 11210, United States.,PhD Program in Chemistry, The Graduate Center of The City University of New York, New York, New York 10016, United States
| | - Cassandra R Kukla
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri 63104, United States
| | - Tiffany C Edwards
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri 63104, United States
| | - Qilan Li
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri 63104, United States
| | - Madison K Langen
- Edward A. Doisy Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, 63104, United States
| | - Alexandra Schaal
- Edward A. Doisy Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, 63104, United States
| | - Abaigeal D Franson
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri 63104, United States
| | - Andreu Gazquez Casals
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri 63104, United States
| | - Katherine A Donald
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri 63104, United States
| | - Alice J Yu
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri 63104, United States
| | - Maureen J Donlin
- Edward A. Doisy Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, 63104, United States
| | - Lynda A Morrison
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri 63104, United States.,Department of Internal Medicine, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, 63110, United States
| | - John E Tavis
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri 63104, United States
| | - Ryan P Murelli
- Department of Chemistry, Brooklyn College, The City University of New York, Brooklyn, New York 11210, United States.,PhD Program in Chemistry, The Graduate Center of The City University of New York, New York, New York 10016, United States
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24
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Tramontano E, Corona A, Menéndez-Arias L. Ribonuclease H, an unexploited target for antiviral intervention against HIV and hepatitis B virus. Antiviral Res 2019; 171:104613. [PMID: 31550450 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2019.104613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Revised: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Ribonucleases H (RNases H) are endonucleolytic enzymes, evolutionarily related to retroviral integrases, DNA transposases, resolvases and numerous nucleases. RNases H cleave RNA in RNA/DNA hybrids and their activity plays an important role in the replication of prokaryotic and eukaryotic genomes, as well as in the replication of reverse-transcribing viruses. During reverse transcription, the RNase H activity of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) degrades the viral genomic RNA to facilitate the synthesis of viral double-stranded DNA. HIV and HBV reverse transcriptases contain DNA polymerase and RNase H domains that act in a coordinated manner to produce double-stranded viral DNA. Although RNase H inhibitors have not been developed into licensed drugs, recent progress has led to the identification of a number of small molecules with inhibitory activity at low micromolar or even nanomolar concentrations. These compounds can be classified into metal-chelating active site inhibitors and allosteric inhibitors. Among them, α-hydroxytropolones, N-hydroxyisoquinolinediones and N-hydroxypyridinediones represent chemotypes active against both HIV and HBV RNases H. In this review we summarize recent developments in the field including the identification of novel RNase H inhibitors, compounds with dual inhibitory activity, broad specificity and efforts to decrease their toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enzo Tramontano
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Angela Corona
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Luis Menéndez-Arias
- Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa" (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas & Universidad Autónoma de Madrid), Madrid, Spain.
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25
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Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Most hepatitis B virus (HBV)-infected individuals are neither diagnosed nor treated. In those treated, nucleos(t)ide polymerase inhibitors persistently suppress viremia to the limits of quantitation; however, few achieve a "functional cure," defined as sustained off-treatment loss of detectable serum HBV DNA with or without loss of hepatitis B surface antigen. The low cure rate has been attributed to an inability to eliminate the viral reservoir of covalently closed circular DNA from hepatocytes. This review focuses on the diverse therapeutic approaches currently under development that may contribute to the goal of HBV cure.
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26
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Edwards TC, Ponzar NL, Tavis JE. Shedding light on RNaseH: a promising target for hepatitis B virus (HBV). Expert Opin Ther Targets 2019; 23:559-563. [PMID: 31084514 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2019.1619697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany C Edwards
- a Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology , Saint Louis University Liver Center, Saint Louis University School of Medicine , Saint Louis , MO , USA
| | - Nathan L Ponzar
- a Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology , Saint Louis University Liver Center, Saint Louis University School of Medicine , Saint Louis , MO , USA
| | - John E Tavis
- a Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology , Saint Louis University Liver Center, Saint Louis University School of Medicine , Saint Louis , MO , USA
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27
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Tavis JE, Zoidis G, Meyers MJ, Murelli RP. Chemical Approaches to Inhibiting the Hepatitis B Virus Ribonuclease H. ACS Infect Dis 2019; 5:655-658. [PMID: 29565562 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.8b00045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) chronically infects >250 million people and kills nearly a million annually, and current antivirals cannot clear the infection or adequately suppress disease. The virus replicates by reverse transcription, and the dominant antiviral drugs are nucleos(t)ide analogs that target the viral reverse transcriptase. We are developing antivirals targeting the other essential viral enzymatic activity, the ribonuclease H (RNaseH). HBV RNaseH inhibitors with efficacies in the low micromolar to nanomolar range against viral replication in culture have been identified in the α-hydroxytropolone and hydroxyimide chemotypes. Here, we review the promise of RNaseH inhibitors, their current structure-activity relationships, and challenges to optimizing the inhibitors into leads for clinical assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- John E. Tavis
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology and Saint Louis University Liver Center, School of Medicine, Saint Louis University, 1100 S. Grand Blvd., Saint Louis, Missouri 63104, United States
| | - Grigoris Zoidis
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis-Zografou, Athens, GR-15771, Greece
| | - Marvin J. Meyers
- Department of Chemistry, Saint Louis University, Monsanto Hall 125, 3501 Laclede Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri 63103, United States
| | - Ryan P. Murelli
- Department of Chemistry, Brooklyn College, The City University of New York, Brooklyn, New York 11210, United States
- PhD Program in Chemistry, The Graduate Center, The City University of New York, New York, New York 10016, United States
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28
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Hirsch DR, Metrano AJ, Stone EA, Storch G, Miller SJ, Murelli RP. Troponoid Atropisomerism: Studies on the Configurational Stability of Tropone-Amide Chiral Axes. Org Lett 2019; 21:2412-2415. [PMID: 30869521 PMCID: PMC6504963 DOI: 10.1021/acs.orglett.9b00707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Configurationally stable, atropisomeric motifs are an important structural element in a number of molecules, including chiral ligands, catalysts, and molecular devices. Thus, understanding features that stabilize chiral axes is of fundamental interest throughout the chemical sciences. The following details the high rotational barriers about the Ar-C(O) bond of tropone amides, which significantly exceed those of analogous benzamides. These studies are supported by both experimental and computational rotational barrier measurements. We also report the resolution of an axially chiral α-hydroxytropolone amide into its individual atropisomers, and demonstrate its configurational stability at physiological pH and temperatures over 24 h.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle R. Hirsch
- Department of Chemistry, Brooklyn College, The City University of New York, Brooklyn, New York 11210, United States
- PhD Program in Chemistry, The Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York, New York 10016 United States
| | - Anthony J. Metrano
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8107, United States
| | - Elizabeth A. Stone
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8107, United States
| | - Golo Storch
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8107, United States
| | - Scott J. Miller
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8107, United States
| | - Ryan P. Murelli
- Department of Chemistry, Brooklyn College, The City University of New York, Brooklyn, New York 11210, United States
- PhD Program in Chemistry, The Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York, New York 10016 United States
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29
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Edwards TC, Mani N, Dorsey B, Kakarla R, Rijnbrand R, Sofia MJ, Tavis JE. Inhibition of HBV replication by N-hydroxyisoquinolinedione and N-hydroxypyridinedione ribonuclease H inhibitors. Antiviral Res 2019; 164:70-80. [PMID: 30768944 PMCID: PMC10587990 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2019.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2018] [Revised: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 02/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
We recently developed a screening system capable of identifying and evaluating inhibitors of the Hepatitis B virus (HBV) ribonuclease H (RNaseH), which is the only HBV enzyme not targeted by current anti-HBV therapies. Inhibiting the HBV RNaseH blocks synthesis of the positive-polarity DNA strand, causing early termination of negative-polarity DNA synthesis and accumulation of RNA:DNA heteroduplexes. We previously reported inhibition of HBV replication by N-hydroxyisoquinolinediones (HID) and N-hydroxypyridinediones (HPD) in human hepatoma cells. Here, we report results from our ongoing efforts to develop more potent anti-HBV RNaseH inhibitors in the HID/HPD compound classes. We synthesized and screened additional HIDs and HPDs for preferential suppression of positive-polarity DNA in cells replicating HBV. Three of seven new HIDs inhibited HBV replication, however, the therapeutic indexes (TI = CC50/EC50) did not improve over what we previously reported. All nine of the HPDs inhibited HBV replication with EC50s ranging from 110 nM to 4 μM. Cellular cytotoxicity was evaluated by four assays and CC50s ranged from 15 to >100 μM. The best compounds have a calculated TI of >300, which is a 16-fold improvement over the primary HPD hit. These studies indicate that the HPD compound class holds potential for antiviral discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany C Edwards
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; Saint Louis University Liver Center, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
| | - Nagraj Mani
- Arbutus Biopharma Incorporated, Warminster, PA, USA.
| | - Bruce Dorsey
- Arbutus Biopharma Incorporated, Warminster, PA, USA.
| | | | | | | | - John E Tavis
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; Saint Louis University Liver Center, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
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30
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Revill PA, Penicaud C, Brechot C, Zoulim F. Meeting the Challenge of Eliminating Chronic Hepatitis B Infection. Genes (Basel) 2019; 10:genes10040260. [PMID: 30939846 PMCID: PMC6523454 DOI: 10.3390/genes10040260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Revised: 01/29/2019] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Over 257 million people live with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and there is no known cure. The effective preventative vaccine has no impact on existing infection. Despite the existence of drugs which efficiently suppress viral replication, treatment is usually life-long and finite therapies that cure HBV infection are urgently required. However, even if such therapies were available today, it is unlikely they would reach all of those who need it most, due to chronic hepatitis B (CHB) being largely undiagnosed across the globe and to the dire need for health systems promoting access to therapy. Considerable challenges to developing and implementing an effective HBV cure remain. Nonetheless, important advances towards a cure are being made, both in the development of a multitude of new therapeutic agents currently undergoing clinical trials, and through the establishment of a new global initiative dedicated to an HBV cure, ICE-HBV, that is working together with existing organisations to fast-track an HBV cure available to all.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter A Revill
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Royal Melbourne Hospital at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne 3000, Australia.
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne 3000, Australia.
| | - Capucine Penicaud
- Directorate, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne 3000, Australia.
| | - Christian Brechot
- University of South Florida, Tampa, 33612, USA.
- Romark Laboratory, Tampa, 33607, USA.
- Global Virus Network, Baltimore; MD 21201-1009, USA.
| | - Fabien Zoulim
- INSERM Unit 1052-Cancer Research Center of Lyon, 69000 Lyon, France.
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31
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Berkowitz AJ, Abdelmessih RG, Murelli RP. Amidation Strategy for Final-Step α-Hydroxytropolone Diversification. Tetrahedron Lett 2018; 59:3026-3028. [PMID: 30872871 PMCID: PMC6411066 DOI: 10.1016/j.tetlet.2018.06.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
α-Hydroxytropolones (αHTs) are excellent metalloenzyme-inhibiting fragments that have been the basis for the development of potent inhibitors of various therapeutically important enzymes. The following manuscript describes a final-step amidation approach for αHT diversification. The method takes advantage of a scalable, chromatography-free synthesis of a carboxylic acid-appended αHT, and in the present manuscript we describe the synthesis of eight amide-containing αHTs, three of which we envision using as chemical probes. We expect that the general strategy will find widespread usage in both chemical biology and medicinal chemistry studies on αHTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex J. Berkowitz
- Department of Chemistry, Brooklyn College, The City University of New York, 2900 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn, NY, 11210, United States
- Ph.D. Program in Chemistry, The Graduate Center, The City University of New York, 365 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY, 10016, United States
| | - Rudolf G. Abdelmessih
- Department of Chemistry, Brooklyn College, The City University of New York, 2900 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn, NY, 11210, United States
| | - Ryan P. Murelli
- Department of Chemistry, Brooklyn College, The City University of New York, 2900 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn, NY, 11210, United States
- Ph.D. Program in Chemistry, The Graduate Center, The City University of New York, 365 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY, 10016, United States
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32
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Levrero M, Subic M, Villeret F, Zoulim F. Perspectives and limitations for nucleo(t)side analogs in future HBV therapies. Curr Opin Virol 2018; 30:80-89. [DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2018.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2018] [Accepted: 04/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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33
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Abstract
Even with an effective vaccine, an estimated 240 million people are chronically infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) worldwide. Current antiviral therapies, including interferon and nucleot(s)ide analogues, rarely cure chronic hepatitis B. Animal models are very crucial for understanding the pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis B and developing new therapeutic drugs or strategies. HBV can only infect humans and chimpanzees, with the use of chimpanzees in HBV research strongly restricted. Thus, most advances in HBV research have been gained using mouse models with HBV replication or infection or models with HBV-related hepadnaviral infection. This review summarizes the animal models currently available for the study of HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Na Guo
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan Hubei 430022, China
| | - Bin Zhu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan Hubei 430022, China
| | - Ling Ai
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan Hubei 430022, China
| | - Dong-Liang Yang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan Hubei 430022, China
| | - Bao-Ju Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan Hubei 430022, China.
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