1
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Ashraf SN, Blackwell JH, Holdgate GA, Lucas SCC, Solovyeva A, Storer RI, Whitehurst BC. Hit me with your best shot: Integrated hit discovery for the next generation of drug targets. Drug Discov Today 2024; 29:104143. [PMID: 39173704 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2024.104143] [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: 05/31/2024] [Revised: 08/07/2024] [Accepted: 08/16/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
Identification of high-quality hit chemical matter is of vital importance to the success of drug discovery campaigns. However, this goal is becoming ever harder to achieve as the targets entering the portfolios of pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies are increasingly trending towards novel and traditionally challenging to drug. This demand has fuelled the development and adoption of numerous new screening approaches, whereby the contemporary hit identification toolbox comprises a growing number of orthogonal and complementary technologies including high-throughput screening, fragment-based ligand design, affinity screening (affinity-selection mass spectrometry, differential scanning fluorimetry, DNA-encoded library screening), as well as increasingly sophisticated computational predictive approaches. Herein we describe how an integrated strategy for hit discovery, whereby multiple hit identification techniques are tactically applied, selected in the context of target suitability and resource priority, represents an optimal and often essential approach to maximise the likelihood of identifying quality starting points from which to develop the next generation of medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Neha Ashraf
- Hit Discovery, Discovery Science, AstraZeneca R&D, Cambridge CB2 0AA, UK
| | - J Henry Blackwell
- Hit Discovery, Discovery Science, AstraZeneca R&D, Cambridge CB2 0AA, UK
| | | | - Simon C C Lucas
- Hit Discovery, Discovery Science, AstraZeneca R&D, Cambridge CB2 0AA, UK
| | - Alisa Solovyeva
- Hit Discovery, Discovery Science, AstraZeneca R&D, Gothenburg SE-431 83, Sweden
| | - R Ian Storer
- Hit Discovery, Discovery Science, AstraZeneca R&D, Cambridge CB2 0AA, UK.
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2
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Fitzgerald P, Dixit A, Zhang C, Mobley DL, Paegel BM. Building Block-Centric Approach to DNA-Encoded Library Design. J Chem Inf Model 2024; 64:4661-4672. [PMID: 38860710 PMCID: PMC11200258 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.4c00232] [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: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 06/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
DNA-encoded library technology grants access to nearly infinite opportunities to explore the chemical structure space for drug discovery. Successful navigation depends on the design and synthesis of libraries with appropriate physicochemical properties (PCPs) and structural diversity while aligning with practical considerations. To this end, we analyze combinatorial library design constraints including the number of chemistry cycles, bond construction strategies, and building block (BB) class selection in pursuit of ideal library designs. We compare two-cycle library designs (amino acid + carboxylic acid, primary amine + carboxylic acid) in the context of PCPs and chemical space coverage, given different BB selection strategies and constraints. We find that broad availability of amines and acids is essential for enabling the widest exploration of chemical space. Surprisingly, cost is not a driving factor, and virtually, the same chemical space can be explored with "budget" BBs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick
R. Fitzgerald
- Skaggs
Doctoral Program in the Chemical and Biological Sciences, Scripps Research, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Anjali Dixit
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of
California, Irvine, California 92697, United States
| | - Chris Zhang
- Department
of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California 92697, United States
| | - David L. Mobley
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of
California, Irvine, California 92697, United States
- Department
of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California 92697, United States
| | - Brian M. Paegel
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of
California, Irvine, California 92697, United States
- Department
of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, California 92697, United States
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3
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Keller M, Petrov D, Gloger A, Dietschi B, Jobin K, Gradinger T, Martinelli A, Plais L, Onda Y, Neri D, Scheuermann J. Highly pure DNA-encoded chemical libraries by dual-linker solid-phase synthesis. Science 2024; 384:1259-1265. [PMID: 38870307 DOI: 10.1126/science.adn3412] [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: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
The first drugs discovered using DNA-encoded chemical library (DEL) screens have entered late-stage clinical development. However, DEL technology as a whole still suffers from poor chemical purity resulting in suboptimal performance. In this work, we report a technique to overcome this issue through self-purifying release of the DEL after magnetic bead-based synthesis. Both the first and last building blocks of each assembled library member were linked to the beads by tethers that could be cleaved by mutually orthogonal chemistry. Sequential cleavage of the first and last tether, with washing in between, ensured that the final library comprises only the fully complete compounds. The outstanding purity attained by this approach enables a direct correlation of chemical display and encoding, allows for an increased chemical reaction scope, and facilitates the use of more diversity elements while achieving greatly improved signal-to-noise ratios in selections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Keller
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dimitar Petrov
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Gloger
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Bastien Dietschi
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Kilian Jobin
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Timon Gradinger
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Louise Plais
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Yuichi Onda
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dario Neri
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jörg Scheuermann
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
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4
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Zhao G, Zhu M, Li Y, Zhang G, Li Y. Using DNA-encoded libraries of fragments for hit discovery of challenging therapeutic targets. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2024; 19:725-740. [PMID: 38753553 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2024.2354287] [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: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The effectiveness of Fragment-based drug design (FBDD) for targeting challenging therapeutic targets has been hindered by two factors: the small library size and the complexity of the fragment-to-hit optimization process. The DNA-encoded library (DEL) technology offers a compelling and robust high-throughput selection approach to potentially address these limitations. AREA COVERED In this review, the authors propose the viewpoint that the DEL technology matches perfectly with the concept of FBDD to facilitate hit discovery. They begin by analyzing the technical limitations of FBDD from a medicinal chemistry perspective and explain why DEL may offer potential solutions to these limitations. Subsequently, they elaborate in detail on how the integration of DEL with FBDD works. In addition, they present case studies involving both de novo hit discovery and full ligand discovery, especially for challenging therapeutic targets harboring broad drug-target interfaces. EXPERT OPINION The future of DEL-based fragment discovery may be promoted by both technical advances and application scopes. From the technical aspect, expanding the chemical diversity of DEL will be essential to achieve success in fragment-based drug discovery. From the application scope side, DEL-based fragment discovery holds promise for tackling a series of challenging targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guixian Zhao
- Chongqing University FuLing Hospital, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, Innovative Drug Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Mengping Zhu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, Innovative Drug Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yangfeng Li
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, Innovative Drug Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Gong Zhang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, Innovative Drug Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yizhou Li
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, Innovative Drug Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
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5
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Plais L, Trachsel L, Scheuermann J. Asymmetry of Dual-Display DNA-Encoded Chemical Libraries. Bioconjug Chem 2024; 35:147-153. [PMID: 38266192 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.3c00559] [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: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
While dual-display DNA-encoded chemical libraries (DELs) are increasingly employed for ligand discovery, some of their fundamental properties have not yet been studied in-depth. Aided with fluorescence polarization experiments, we demonstrate that dual-display DELs are intrinsically asymmetrical entities, and we deduce practical guidelines to perform better-informed on-DNA hit validation from these libraries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Plais
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4, CH-8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Louis Trachsel
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4, CH-8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Jörg Scheuermann
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4, CH-8093 Zürich, Switzerland
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6
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Rama-Garda R, Martin-Ortega MD, Sánchez ADJ, Priego J, de Blas J, Torrado A, Domínguez E, Haro R, Rivera-Sagredo A, Román JP, Lorite MJ, Johansson HE, Loza MI, Amigo J, Sobrino B, Lallena MJ, Toledo MÁ. Design, synthesis and validation of a new Crimped Head-Piece for DNA-Encoded libraries generation. Bioorg Med Chem 2024; 99:117596. [PMID: 38232459 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2024.117596] [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: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Codification of DNA Encoded Libraries (DELs) is critical for successful ligand identification of molecules that bind a protein of interest (POI). There are different encoding strategies that permit, for instance, the customization of a DEL for testing single or dual pharmacophores (single strand DNA) or for producing and screening large diversity libraries of small molecules (double strand DNA). Both approaches challenges, either from the synthetic and encoding point of view, or from the selection methodology to be utilized for the screening. The Head-Piece contains the DNA sequence that is attached to a chemical compound, allowing the encoding of each molecule with a unique DNA tag. Designing the Head-Piece for a DNA-encoded library involves careful consideration of several key aspects including DNA barcode identity, sequence length and attachment chemistry. Here we describe a double stranded DNA versatile Head-Piece that can be used for the generation of single or dual pharmacophore libraries, but also shows other advanced DEL functionalities, stability and enlarged encoding capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramón Rama-Garda
- Discovery Chemistry Research & Technologies, Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Alcobendas, Madrid 28108, Spain; BioFarma, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela (USC), Centro Singular de Investigación en Medicina Molecular y Enfermedades Crónicas (CIMUS), A Coruña 15782, Spain.
| | - María Dolores Martin-Ortega
- Discovery Chemistry Research & Technologies, Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Alcobendas, Madrid 28108, Spain
| | | | - Julián Priego
- Discovery Chemistry Research & Technologies, Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Alcobendas, Madrid 28108, Spain
| | - Jesús de Blas
- Discovery Chemistry Research & Technologies, Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Alcobendas, Madrid 28108, Spain
| | - Alicia Torrado
- Discovery Chemistry Research & Technologies, Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Alcobendas, Madrid 28108, Spain
| | - Eduardo Domínguez
- Genomic Medicine, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela (USC), Centro Singular de Investigación en Medicina Molecular y Enfermedades Crónicas (CIMUS), A Coruña, Spain
| | - Rubén Haro
- Discovery Chemistry Research & Technologies, Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Alcobendas, Madrid 28108, Spain
| | - Alfonso Rivera-Sagredo
- Discovery Chemistry Research & Technologies, Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Alcobendas, Madrid 28108, Spain
| | - José Pablo Román
- Discovery Chemistry Research & Technologies, Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Alcobendas, Madrid 28108, Spain
| | - María José Lorite
- Discovery Chemistry Research & Technologies, Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Alcobendas, Madrid 28108, Spain
| | | | - María Isabel Loza
- BioFarma, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela (USC), Centro Singular de Investigación en Medicina Molecular y Enfermedades Crónicas (CIMUS), A Coruña 15782, Spain
| | - Jorge Amigo
- Fundación Pública Galega de Medicina Xenómica (FPGMX), Servizo Galego de Saúde (SERGAS), Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias (IDIS), A Coruña 15706, Spain
| | - Beatriz Sobrino
- Fundación Pública Galega de Medicina Xenómica (FPGMX), Servizo Galego de Saúde (SERGAS), Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias (IDIS), A Coruña 15706, Spain
| | - María José Lallena
- Discovery Chemistry Research & Technologies, Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Alcobendas, Madrid 28108, Spain
| | - Miguel Ángel Toledo
- Discovery Chemistry Research & Technologies, Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Alcobendas, Madrid 28108, Spain
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7
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Fitzgerald P, Cochrane WG, Paegel BM. Dose-Response Activity-Based DNA-Encoded Library Screening. ACS Med Chem Lett 2023; 14:1295-1303. [PMID: 37736190 PMCID: PMC10510511 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.3c00159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Dose-response, or "conforming" behavior, increases confidence in a screening hit's authenticity. Here, we demonstrate dose-response solid-phase DNA-encoded library (DEL) screening. Compound dose in microfluidic droplets is modulated via the UV intensity of photocleavage from DEL beads. A 55,296-member DEL was screened at different UV intensities against model enzyme drug targets factor Xa (FXa) and autotaxin (ATX). Both screens yielded photochemical dose-dependent hit rates (FXa hit rates of 0.08/0.05% at 100/30% UV exposure; ATX hit rates of 0.24/0.08% at 100/20% UV exposure). FXa hits contained structures reflective of FXa inhibitors and four hits inhibited FXa (IC50 = 4.2 ± 0.1, 7.4 ± 0.3, 9.0 ± 0.3, and 19 ± 2 μM.) The top ATX hits (two dihydrobenzamidazolones and a tetrahydroisoquinoline) were validated as inhibitors (IC50 = 7 ± 2, 13 ± 2, and 1 ± 0.3 μM). Photochemical dose-response DEL screening data prioritized hits for synthesis, the rate-limiting step in DEL lead identification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick
R. Fitzgerald
- Skaggs
Doctoral Program in the Chemical and Biological Sciences, Scripps Research, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Wesley G. Cochrane
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of
California, Irvine, California 92697, United States
| | - Brian M. Paegel
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of
California, Irvine, California 92697, United States
- Departments
of Chemistry & Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, California 92697, United States
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8
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Wen X, Wu X, Jin R, Lu X. Privileged heterocycles for DNA-encoded library design and hit-to-lead optimization. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 248:115079. [PMID: 36669370 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.115079] [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: 10/09/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
It is well known that heterocyclic compounds play a key role in improving drug activity, target selectivity, physicochemical properties as well as reducing toxicity. In this review, we summarized the representative heterocyclic structures involved in hit compounds which were obtained from DNA-encoded library from 2013 to 2021. In some examples, the state of the art in heterocycle-based DEL synthesis and hit-to-lead optimization are highlighted. We hope that more and more novel heterocycle-based DEL toolboxes and in-depth pharmaceutical research on these lead compounds can be developed to accelerate the discovery of new drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 501 Haike Road, Zhang Jiang Hi-Tech Park, Pudong, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Xinyuan Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 501 Haike Road, Zhang Jiang Hi-Tech Park, Pudong, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China.
| | - Rui Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 501 Haike Road, Zhang Jiang Hi-Tech Park, Pudong, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Xiaojie Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 501 Haike Road, Zhang Jiang Hi-Tech Park, Pudong, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China.
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9
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Plais L, Lessing A, Keller M, Martinelli A, Oehler S, Bassi G, Neri D, Scheuermann J. Universal encoding of next generation DNA-encoded chemical libraries. Chem Sci 2022; 13:967-974. [PMID: 35211261 PMCID: PMC8790773 DOI: 10.1039/d1sc05721a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA-encoded chemical libraries (DELs) are useful tools for the discovery of small molecule ligands to protein targets of pharmaceutical interest. Compared with single-pharmacophore DELs, dual-pharmacophore DELs simultaneously display two chemical moieties on both DNA strands, and allow for the construction of highly diverse and pure libraries, with a potential for targeting larger protein surfaces. Although methods for the encoding of simple, fragment-like dual-display libraries have been established, more complex libraries require a different encoding strategy. Here, we present a robust and convenient "large encoding design" (LED), which facilitates the PCR-amplification of multiple codes distributed among two partially complementary DNA strands. We experimentally implemented multiple coding regions and we compared the new DNA encoding scheme with previously reported dual-display DEL modalities in terms of amplifiability and performance in test selections against two target proteins. With the LED methodology in place, we foresee the construction and screening of DELs of unprecedented sizes and designs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Plais
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich) Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4 CH-8093 Zürich Switzerland
| | - Alice Lessing
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich) Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4 CH-8093 Zürich Switzerland
| | - Michelle Keller
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich) Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4 CH-8093 Zürich Switzerland
| | - Adriano Martinelli
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich) Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4 CH-8093 Zürich Switzerland
| | - Sebastian Oehler
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich) Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4 CH-8093 Zürich Switzerland
| | - Gabriele Bassi
- Philochem AG Libernstrasse 3 CH-8112 Otelfingen Switzerland
| | - Dario Neri
- Philochem AG Libernstrasse 3 CH-8112 Otelfingen Switzerland
| | - Jörg Scheuermann
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich) Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4 CH-8093 Zürich Switzerland
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10
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Gironda-Martínez A, Gorre ÉMD, Prati L, Gosalbes JF, Dakhel S, Cazzamalli S, Samain F, Donckele EJ, Neri D. Identification and Validation of New Interleukin-2 Ligands Using DNA-Encoded Libraries. J Med Chem 2021; 64:17496-17510. [PMID: 34821503 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Interleukin-2 (IL2) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that plays a crucial role in immunity, which is increasingly being used for therapeutic applications. There is growing interest in developing IL2-based therapeutics which do not interact with the alpha subunit of the IL2 receptor (CD25) as this protein is primarily found on immunosuppressive regulatory T cells (Tregs). Screenings of a new DNA-encoded library, comprising 669,240 members, provided a novel series of IL2 ligands, subsequently optimized by medicinal chemistry. One of these molecules (compound 18) bound to IL2 with a dissociation constant of 0.34 μM was able to form a kinetically stable complex with IL2 in size-exclusion chromatography and recognized the CD25-binding site as evidenced by competition experiments with the NARA1 antibody. Compound 18 and other members of the series may represent the starting point for the discovery of potent small-molecule modulators of IL2 activity, abrogating the binding to CD25.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Émile M D Gorre
- Philochem AG, Libernstrasse 3, CH-8112 Otelfingen, Switzerland
| | - Luca Prati
- Philochem AG, Libernstrasse 3, CH-8112 Otelfingen, Switzerland
| | | | - Sheila Dakhel
- Philochem AG, Libernstrasse 3, CH-8112 Otelfingen, Switzerland
| | | | - Florent Samain
- Philochem AG, Libernstrasse 3, CH-8112 Otelfingen, Switzerland
| | | | - Dario Neri
- Philochem AG, Libernstrasse 3, CH-8112 Otelfingen, Switzerland.,Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 3, CH-8093 Zürich, Switzerland.,Philogen S.p.A, 53100 Siena, Italy
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11
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Gironda-Martínez A, Donckele EJ, Samain F, Neri D. DNA-Encoded Chemical Libraries: A Comprehensive Review with Succesful Stories and Future Challenges. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2021; 4:1265-1279. [PMID: 34423264 PMCID: PMC8369695 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.1c00118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
DNA-encoded chemical libraries (DELs) represent a versatile and powerful technology platform for the discovery of small-molecule ligands to protein targets of biological and pharmaceutical interest. DELs are collections of molecules, individually coupled to distinctive DNA tags serving as amplifiable identification barcodes. Thanks to advances in DNA-compatible reactions, selection methodologies, next-generation sequencing, and data analysis, DEL technology allows the construction and screening of libraries of unprecedented size, which has led to the discovery of highly potent ligands, some of which have progressed to clinical trials. In this Review, we present an overview of diverse approaches for the generation and screening of DEL molecular repertoires. Recent success stories are described, detailing how novel ligands were isolated from DEL screening campaigns and were further optimized by medicinal chemistry. The goal of the Review is to capture some of the most recent developments in the field, while also elaborating on future challenges to further improve DEL technology as a therapeutic discovery platform.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Florent Samain
- Philochem
AG, Libernstrasse 3, CH-8112 Otelfingen, Switzerland
| | - Dario Neri
- Department
of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss
Federal Institute of Technology, CH-8093 Zürich, Switzerland
- Philogen
S.p.A, 53100 Siena, Italy
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12
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Favalli N, Bassi G, Pellegrino C, Millul J, De Luca R, Cazzamalli S, Yang S, Trenner A, Mozaffari NL, Myburgh R, Moroglu M, Conway SJ, Sartori AA, Manz MG, Lerner RA, Vogt PK, Scheuermann J, Neri D. Stereo- and regiodefined DNA-encoded chemical libraries enable efficient tumour-targeting applications. Nat Chem 2021; 13:540-548. [PMID: 33833446 PMCID: PMC8405038 DOI: 10.1038/s41557-021-00660-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The encoding of chemical compounds with amplifiable DNA tags facilitates the discovery of small-molecule ligands for proteins. To investigate the impact of stereo- and regiochemistry on ligand discovery, we synthesized a DNA-encoded library of 670,752 derivatives based on 2-azido-3-iodophenylpropionic acids. The library was selected against multiple proteins and yielded specific ligands. The selection fingerprints obtained for a set of protein targets of pharmaceutical relevance clearly showed the preferential enrichment of ortho-, meta- or para-regioisomers, which was experimentally verified by affinity measurements in the absence of DNA. The discovered ligands included novel selective enzyme inhibitors and binders to tumour-associated antigens, which enabled conditional chimeric antigen receptor T-cell activation and tumour targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Favalli
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Gabriele Bassi
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christian Pellegrino
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich), Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | - Su Yang
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Anika Trenner
- Institute of Molecular Cancer Research, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nour L Mozaffari
- Institute of Molecular Cancer Research, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Renier Myburgh
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, Comprehensive Cancer Center Zurich (CCCZ), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mustafa Moroglu
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Stuart J Conway
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Alessandro A Sartori
- Institute of Molecular Cancer Research, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Markus G Manz
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, Comprehensive Cancer Center Zurich (CCCZ), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Richard A Lerner
- Department of Chemistry, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Peter K Vogt
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jörg Scheuermann
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich), Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Dario Neri
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich), Zurich, Switzerland.
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13
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Su W, Ge R, Ding D, Chen W, Wang W, Yan H, Wang W, Yuan Y, Liu H, Zhang M, Zhang J, Shu Q, Satz AL, Kuai L. Triaging of DNA-Encoded Library Selection Results by High-Throughput Resynthesis of DNA-Conjugate and Affinity Selection Mass Spectrometry. Bioconjug Chem 2021; 32:1001-1007. [PMID: 33914520 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.1c00170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
DNA encoded library (DEL) technology allows for rapid identification of novel small-molecule ligands and thus enables early-stage drug discovery. DEL technology is well-established, numerous cases of discovered hit molecules have been published, and the technology is widely employed throughout the pharmaceutical industry. Nonetheless, DEL selection results can be difficult to interpret, as library member enrichment may derive from not only desired products, but also DNA-conjugated byproducts and starting materials. Note that DELs are generally produced using split-and-pool combinatorial chemistry, and DNA-conjugated byproducts and starting materials cannot be removed from the library mixture. Herein, we describe a method for high-throughput parallel resynthesis of DNA-conjugated molecules such that byproducts, starting materials, and desired products are produced in a single pot, using the same chemical reactions and reagents as during library production. The low-complexity mixtures of DNA-conjugate are then assessed for protein binding by affinity selection mass spectrometry and the molecular weights of the binding ligands ascertained. This workflow is demonstrated to be a practical tool to triage and validate potential hits from DEL selection data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenji Su
- WuXi AppTec (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., 240 Hedan Road, Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Rui Ge
- WuXi AppTec (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., 240 Hedan Road, Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Duanchen Ding
- WuXi AppTec (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., 240 Hedan Road, Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Wenhua Chen
- WuXi AppTec (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., 240 Hedan Road, Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Wenqing Wang
- WuXi AppTec (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., 240 Hedan Road, Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Hao Yan
- WuXi AppTec (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., 240 Hedan Road, Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Weikun Wang
- WuXi AppTec (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., 240 Hedan Road, Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Youlang Yuan
- WuXi AppTec (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., 240 Hedan Road, Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Huan Liu
- WuXi AppTec (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., 240 Hedan Road, Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Meng Zhang
- WuXi AppTec (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., 240 Hedan Road, Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Jiyuan Zhang
- WuXi AppTec (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., 240 Hedan Road, Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Qisheng Shu
- WuXi AppTec (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., 240 Hedan Road, Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Alexander L Satz
- WuXi AppTec (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., 240 Hedan Road, Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Letian Kuai
- WuXi AppTec (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., 240 Hedan Road, Shanghai 200131, China
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14
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Conole D, H Hunter J, J Waring M. The maturation of DNA encoded libraries: opportunities for new users. Future Med Chem 2021; 13:173-191. [PMID: 33275046 DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2020-0285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA-encoded combinatorial libraries (DECLs) represent an exciting new technology for high-throughput screening, significantly increasing its capacity and cost-effectiveness. Historically, DECLs have been the domain of specialized academic groups and industry; however, there has recently been a shift toward more drug discovery academic centers and institutes adopting this technology. Key to this development has been the simplification, characterization and standardization of various DECL subprotocols, such as library design, affinity screening and data analysis of hits. This review examines the feasibility of implementing DECL screening technology as a first-time user, particularly in academia, exploring the some important considerations for this, and outlines some applications of the technology that academia could contribute to the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Conole
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, White City Campus, 80 Wood Lane, London, W12 0BZ, UK
| | - James H Hunter
- Cancer Research UK Drug Discovery Unit, Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Chemistry, School of Natural & Environmental Sciences, Bedson Building, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK
| | - Michael J Waring
- Cancer Research UK Drug Discovery Unit, Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Chemistry, School of Natural & Environmental Sciences, Bedson Building, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK
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