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Zhu Y, Shuai W, Zhao M, Pan X, Pei J, Wu Y, Bu F, Wang A, Ouyang L, Wang G. Unraveling the Design and Discovery of c-Jun N-Terminal Kinase Inhibitors and Their Therapeutic Potential in Human Diseases. J Med Chem 2022; 65:3758-3775. [PMID: 35200035 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs), members of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family, are encoded by three genes: jnk1, jnk2, and jnk3. JNKs are involved in the pathogenesis and development of many diseases, such as neurodegenerative diseases, inflammation, and cancers. Therefore, JNKs have become important therapeutic targets. Many JNK inhibitors have been discovered, and some have been introduced into clinical trials. However, the study of isoform-selective JNK inhibitors is still a challenging task. To further develop novel JNK inhibitors with clinical value, a comprehensive understanding of JNKs and their corresponding inhibitors is required. In this Perspective, we introduced the JNK signaling pathways and reviewed different chemical types of JNK inhibitors, focusing on their structure-activity relationships and biological activities. The challenges and strategies for the development of JNK inhibitors are also discussed. It is hoped that this Perspective will provide valuable references for the development of novel selective JNK inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumeng Zhu
- Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Wen Shuai
- Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Min Zhao
- Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xiaoli Pan
- Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Junping Pei
- Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yongya Wu
- Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Faqian Bu
- Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Aoxue Wang
- Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Liang Ouyang
- Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Guan Wang
- Innovation Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
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Abstract
Phosphorylation is a reversible, enzyme-controlled posttranslational process affecting approximately one-third of all proteins in eukaryotic cells at any given time. Any deviation in the degree and/or site of phosphorylation leads to an abnormal conformation of proteins, resulting in a decline or loss of their function. Knowledge of phosphorylation-related pathways is essential for understanding the understanding of the disease pathogenesis and for the design of new therapeutic strategies. Recent availability of various kinases at an affordable price differs in activity, specificity, and stability and provides the opportunity of studying and modulating this reaction in vitro. We can exploit this knowledge for other applications. There is an enormous potential to produce fully decorated and active recombinant proteins, either for biomedical or cosmetic applications. Closely related is the possibility to exploit current achievements and develop new safe and efficacious vaccines, drugs, and immunomodulators. In this review, we outlined the current enzyme-based possibilities for in vitro phosphorylation of peptides and recombinant proteins and the added value that immobilized kinases provide.
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Li G, Qi W, Li X, Zhao J, Luo M, Chen J. Recent Advances in c-Jun N-Terminal Kinase (JNK) Inhibitors. Curr Med Chem 2021; 28:607-627. [PMID: 32039671 DOI: 10.2174/0929867327666200210144114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Revised: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
c-Jun N-Terminal Kinases (JNKs), members of the Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, play a key role in the pathogenesis of many diseases including cancer, inflammation, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and diabetes. Therefore, JNKs represent new and excellent target by therapeutic agents. Many JNK inhibitors based on different molecular scaffolds have been discovered in the past decade. However, only a few of them have advanced to clinical trials. The major obstacle for the development of JNK inhibitors as therapeutic agents is the JNKisoform selectivity. In this review, we describe the recent development of JNK inhibitors, including ATP competitive and ATP non-competitive (allosteric) inhibitors, bidentatebinding inhibitors and dual inhibitors, the challenges, and the future direction of JNK inhibitors as potential therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Li
- Department of Oncology, Shunde Hospital, Southern Medical University (The First People's Hospital of Shunde), Foshan 528300, China
| | - Wenqing Qi
- Department of Pathology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis TN 38105, United States
| | - Xiaoxun Li
- Chengdu Easton Biopharmaceuticals Co., Ltd., Chengdu 611731, China
| | - Jinwu Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Songshan Lake Science and Technology Industry Park, Dongguan 523808, China
| | - Meihua Luo
- Department of Oncology, Shunde Hospital, Southern Medical University (The First People's Hospital of Shunde), Foshan 528300, China
| | - Jianjun Chen
- Department of Oncology, Shunde Hospital, Southern Medical University (The First People's Hospital of Shunde), Foshan 528300, China
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Rai J. Peptide and protein mimetics by retro and retroinverso analogs. Chem Biol Drug Des 2019; 93:724-736. [PMID: 30582286 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.13472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2018] [Revised: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 12/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Retroinverso analog of a natural polypeptide can sometimes mimic the structure and function of the natural peptide. The additional advantage of using retroinverso analog is that it is resistant to proteolysis. The retroinverso analogs have peptide sequence in reverse direction with respect to natural peptide and also have chirality of amino acid inverted from L to D. The D amino acids cannot be recognized by common proteases of the body; therefore, these peptides will not be degraded easily and have a longer-lasting effect as vaccine and inhibitor drugs. There have been many contested propositions about the geometric relationship between a peptide and its retro, inverso, or retroinverso analog. A retroinverso analog sometimes fails to adopt the structure that can mimic the function of the natural peptide. In such cases, partial retroinverso analog and other modifications can help in achieving the desired structure and function. Here, we review the theory, major experimental attempts, prediction methods, and alternative strategies related to retroinverso peptidomimetics.
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Wang Y, Jiang Y, Ding S, Li J, Song N, Ren Y, Hong D, Wu C, Li B, Wang F, He W, Wang J, Mei Z. Small molecule inhibitors reveal allosteric regulation of USP14 via steric blockade. Cell Res 2018; 28:1186-1194. [PMID: 30254335 PMCID: PMC6274642 DOI: 10.1038/s41422-018-0091-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2018] [Revised: 08/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The ubiquitin system is important for drug discovery, and the discovery of selective small-molecule inhibitors of deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) remains an active yet extremely challenging task. With a few exceptions, previously developed inhibitors have been found to bind the evolutionarily conserved catalytic centers of DUBs, resulting in poor selectivity. The small molecule IU1 was the first-ever specific inhibitor identified and exhibited surprisingly excellent selectivity for USP14 over other DUBs. However, the molecular mechanism for this selectivity was elusive. Herein, we report the high-resolution co-crystal structures of the catalytic domain of USP14 bound to IU1 and three IU1 derivatives. All the structures of these complexes indicate that IU1 and its analogs bind to a previously unknown steric binding site in USP14, thus blocking the access of the C-terminus of ubiquitin to the active site of USP14 and abrogating USP14 activity. Importantly, this steric site in USP14 is very unique, as suggested by structural alignments of USP14 with several known DUB X-ray structures. These results, in conjunction with biochemical characterization, indicate a coherent steric blockade mechanism for USP14 inhibition by compounds of the IU series. In light of the recent report of steric blockade of USP7 by FT671, this work suggests a potential generally applicable allosteric mechanism for the regulation of DUBs via steric blockade, as showcased by our discovery of IU1-248 which is 10-fold more potent than IU1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiwei Wang
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Yuxuan Jiang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Shan Ding
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Jiawang Li
- School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Ningjing Song
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China.,School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, China
| | - Yujing Ren
- School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Danning Hong
- School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Cai Wu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Bin Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Feng Wang
- School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China.
| | - Wei He
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
| | - Jiawei Wang
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
| | - Ziqing Mei
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China.
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A platform for discovery of functional cell-penetrating peptides for efficient multi-cargo intracellular delivery. Sci Rep 2018; 8:12538. [PMID: 30135446 PMCID: PMC6105642 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-30790-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell penetrating peptides (CPPs) offer great potential to deliver therapeutic molecules to previously inaccessible intracellular targets. However, many CPPs are inefficient and often leave their attached cargo stranded in the cell’s endosome. We report a versatile platform for the isolation of peptides delivering a wide range of cargos into the cytoplasm of cells. We used this screening platform to identify multiple “Phylomer” CPPs, derived from bacterial and viral genomes. These peptides are amenable to conventional sequence optimization and engineering approaches for cell targeting and half-life extension. We demonstrate potent, functional delivery of protein, peptide, and nucleic acid analog cargos into cells using Phylomer CPPs. We validate in vivo activity in the cytoplasm, through successful transport of an oligonucleotide therapeutic fused to a Phylomer CPP in a disease model for Duchenne’s muscular dystrophy. This report thus establishes a discovery platform for identifying novel, functional CPPs to expand the delivery landscape of druggable intracellular targets for biological therapeutics.
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Zamuner A, Brun P, Scorzeto M, Sica G, Castagliuolo I, Dettin M. Smart biomaterials: Surfaces functionalized with proteolytically stable osteoblast-adhesive peptides. Bioact Mater 2017; 2:121-130. [PMID: 29744421 PMCID: PMC5935176 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2017.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2017] [Revised: 05/09/2017] [Accepted: 05/09/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Engineered scaffolds for bone tissue regeneration are designed to promote cell adhesion, growth, proliferation and differentiation. Recently, covalent and selective functionalization of glass and titanium surfaces with an adhesive peptide (HVP) mapped on [351-359] sequence of human Vitronectin allowed to selectively increase osteoblast attachment and adhesion strength in in vitro assays, and to promote osseointegration in in vivo studies. For the first time to our knowledge, in this study we investigated the resistance of adhesion sequences to proteolytic digestion: HVP was completely cleaved after 5 h. In order to overcome the enzymatic degradation of the native peptide under physiological conditions we synthetized three analogues of HVP sequence. A retro-inverted peptide D-2HVP, composed of D amino acids, was completely stable in serum-containing medium. In addition, glass surfaces functionalized with D-2HVP increased human osteoblast adhesion as compared to the native peptide and maintained deposition of calcium. Interestingly, D-2HVP increased expression of IBSP, VTN and SPP1 genes as compared to HVP functionalized surfaces. Total internal reflection fluorescence microscope analysis showed cells with numerous filopodia spread on D-2HVP-functionalized surfaces. Therefore, the D-2HVP sequence is proposed as new osteoblast adhesive peptide with increased bioactivity and high proteolytic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annj Zamuner
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padova, Via F. Marzolo 9, 35131, Padova, Italy
| | - Paola Brun
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Via A. Gabelli 63, 35121, Padova, Italy
| | - Michele Scorzeto
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Via U. Bassi 58/B, 35131, Padova, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Sica
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padova, Via F. Marzolo 9, 35131, Padova, Italy
| | - Ignazio Castagliuolo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Via A. Gabelli 63, 35121, Padova, Italy
| | - Monica Dettin
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padova, Via F. Marzolo 9, 35131, Padova, Italy
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Abstract
The c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs) are serine/threonine kinases implicated in the pathogenesis of various diseases. Recent advances in the development of novel inhibitors of JNKs will be reviewed. Significant progress in the design of JNK inhibitors displaying selectivity versus other kinases has been achieved within the past 4 years. However, the development of isoform selective JNK inhibitors is still an open task.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Koch
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen , Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
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