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Cardoso Prado Martins F, Dos Reis Rocho F, Bonatto V, Jatai Batista PH, Lameira J, Leitão A, Montanari CA. Novel selective proline-based peptidomimetics for human cathepsin K inhibition. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2024; 110:129887. [PMID: 39002936 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2024.129887] [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: 05/14/2024] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
Human cathepsin K (CatK) stands out as a promising target for the treatment of osteoporosis, considering its role in degrading the bone matrix. Given the small and shallow S2 subsite of CatK and considering its preference for proline or hydroxyproline, we now propose the rigidification of the leucine fragment found at the P2 position in a dipeptidyl-based inhibitor, generating rigid proline-based analogs. Accordingly, with these new proline-based peptidomimetics inhibitors, we selectively inhibited CatK against other human cathepsins (B, L and S). Among these new ligands, the most active one exhibited a high affinity (pKi = 7.3 - 50.1 nM) for CatK and no inhibition over the other cathepsins. This specific inhibitor harbors two novel substituents never employed in other CatK inhibitors: the trifluoromethylpyrazole and the 4-methylproline at P3 and P2 positions. These results broaden and advance the path toward new potent and selective inhibitors for CatK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Cardoso Prado Martins
- Medicinal and Biological Chemistry Group, Institute of Chemistry of São Carlos, University of São Paulo, Avenue Trabalhador Sancarlense, 400, 23566-590 São Carlos/SP, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Dos Reis Rocho
- Medicinal and Biological Chemistry Group, Institute of Chemistry of São Carlos, University of São Paulo, Avenue Trabalhador Sancarlense, 400, 23566-590 São Carlos/SP, Brazil
| | - Vinícius Bonatto
- Medicinal and Biological Chemistry Group, Institute of Chemistry of São Carlos, University of São Paulo, Avenue Trabalhador Sancarlense, 400, 23566-590 São Carlos/SP, Brazil
| | - Pedro Henrique Jatai Batista
- Medicinal and Biological Chemistry Group, Institute of Chemistry of São Carlos, University of São Paulo, Avenue Trabalhador Sancarlense, 400, 23566-590 São Carlos/SP, Brazil
| | - Jerônimo Lameira
- Medicinal and Biological Chemistry Group, Institute of Chemistry of São Carlos, University of São Paulo, Avenue Trabalhador Sancarlense, 400, 23566-590 São Carlos/SP, Brazil; Institute of Biological Science, Federal University of Pará, Rua Augusto Correa S/N, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Andrei Leitão
- Medicinal and Biological Chemistry Group, Institute of Chemistry of São Carlos, University of São Paulo, Avenue Trabalhador Sancarlense, 400, 23566-590 São Carlos/SP, Brazil
| | - Carlos A Montanari
- Medicinal and Biological Chemistry Group, Institute of Chemistry of São Carlos, University of São Paulo, Avenue Trabalhador Sancarlense, 400, 23566-590 São Carlos/SP, Brazil.
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2
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dos Santos Nascimento IJ, Santana Gomes JN, de Oliveira Viana J, de Medeiros e Silva YMS, Barbosa EG, de Moura RO. The Power of Molecular Dynamics Simulations and Their Applications to Discover Cysteine Protease Inhibitors. Mini Rev Med Chem 2024; 24:1125-1146. [PMID: 37680157 PMCID: PMC11337241 DOI: 10.2174/1389557523666230901152257] [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: 03/25/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
A large family of enzymes with the function of hydrolyzing peptide bonds, called peptidases or cysteine proteases (CPs), are divided into three categories according to the peptide chain involved. CPs catalyze the hydrolysis of amide, ester, thiol ester, and thioester peptide bonds. They can be divided into several groups, such as papain-like (CA), viral chymotrypsin-like CPs (CB), papainlike endopeptidases of RNA viruses (CC), legumain-type caspases (CD), and showing active residues of His, Glu/Asp, Gln, Cys (CE). The catalytic mechanism of CPs is the essential cysteine residue present in the active site. These mechanisms are often studied through computational methods that provide new information about the catalytic mechanism and identify inhibitors. The role of computational methods during drug design and development stages is increasing. Methods in Computer-Aided Drug Design (CADD) accelerate the discovery process, increase the chances of selecting more promising molecules for experimental studies, and can identify critical mechanisms involved in the pathophysiology and molecular pathways of action. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are essential in any drug discovery program due to their high capacity for simulating a physiological environment capable of unveiling significant inhibition mechanisms of new compounds against target proteins, especially CPs. Here, a brief approach will be shown on MD simulations and how the studies were applied to identify inhibitors or critical information against cysteine protease from several microorganisms, such as Trypanosoma cruzi (cruzain), Trypanosoma brucei (rhodesain), Plasmodium spp. (falcipain), and SARS-CoV-2 (Mpro). We hope the readers will gain new insights and use our study as a guide for potential compound identifications using MD simulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor José dos Santos Nascimento
- Department of Pharmacy, Cesmac University Center, Maceió, 57051-160, Brazil
- Department of Pharmacy, Drug Development and Synthesis Laboratory, State University of Paraíba, Campina Grande, 58429-500, Brazil
- Post-graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, State University of Paraíba, Campina Grande, 58429-500, Brazil
| | - Joilly Nilce Santana Gomes
- Department of Pharmacy, Drug Development and Synthesis Laboratory, State University of Paraíba, Campina Grande, 58429-500, Brazil
| | - Jéssika de Oliveira Viana
- Post-graduate Program in Bioinformatics, Bioinformatics Multidisciplinary Environment, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Yvnni Maria Sales de Medeiros e Silva
- Department of Pharmacy, Drug Development and Synthesis Laboratory, State University of Paraíba, Campina Grande, 58429-500, Brazil
- Post-graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, State University of Paraíba, Campina Grande, 58429-500, Brazil
| | - Euzébio Guimarães Barbosa
- Post-graduate Program in Bioinformatics, Bioinformatics Multidisciplinary Environment, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
- Post-graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Olimpio de Moura
- Department of Pharmacy, Drug Development and Synthesis Laboratory, State University of Paraíba, Campina Grande, 58429-500, Brazil
- Post-graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, State University of Paraíba, Campina Grande, 58429-500, Brazil
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3
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Ng R, Zhang G, Li JJ. An update on the discovery and development of reversible covalent inhibitors. Med Chem Res 2023; 32:1039-1062. [PMID: 37305209 PMCID: PMC10148018 DOI: 10.1007/s00044-023-03065-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Small molecule drugs that covalently bind irreversibly to their target proteins have several advantages over conventional reversible inhibitors. They include increased duration of action, less-frequent drug dosing, reduced pharmacokinetic sensitivity, and the potential to target intractable shallow binding sites. Despite these advantages, the key challenges of irreversible covalent drugs are their potential for off-target toxicities and immunogenicity risks. Incorporating reversibility into covalent drugs would lead to less off-target toxicity by forming reversible adducts with off-target proteins and thus reducing the risk of idiosyncratic toxicities caused by the permanent modification of proteins, which leads to higher levels of potential haptens. Herein, we systematically review electrophilic warheads employed during the development of reversible covalent drugs. We hope the structural insights of electrophilic warheads would provide helpful information to medicinal chemists and aid in designing covalent drugs with better on-target selectivity and improved safety. Graphical Abstract
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Affiliation(s)
- Raymond Ng
- Olema Oncology, 512 2nd St., 4th Floor, San Francisco, 94107 CA USA
| | - Guiping Zhang
- Genhouse Bio, No.1 Xinze Road, Suzhou Industrial Park, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province 215123 PR China
| | - Jie Jack Li
- Genhouse Bio, No.1 Xinze Road, Suzhou Industrial Park, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province 215123 PR China
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4
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Bonatto V, Lameiro RF, Rocho FR, Lameira J, Leitão A, Montanari CA. Nitriles: an attractive approach to the development of covalent inhibitors. RSC Med Chem 2023; 14:201-217. [PMID: 36846367 PMCID: PMC9945868 DOI: 10.1039/d2md00204c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Nitriles have broad applications in medicinal chemistry, with more than 60 small molecule drugs on the market containing the cyano functional group. In addition to the well-known noncovalent interactions that nitriles can perform with macromolecular targets, they are also known to improve drug candidates' pharmacokinetic profiles. Moreover, the cyano group can be used as an electrophilic warhead to covalently bind an inhibitor to a target of interest, forming a covalent adduct, a strategy that can present benefits over noncovalent inhibitors. This approach has gained much notoriety in recent years, mainly with diabetes and COVID-19-approved drugs. Nevertheless, the application of nitriles in covalent ligands is not restricted to it being the reactive center, as it can also be employed to convert irreversible inhibitors into reversible ones, a promising strategy for kinase inhibition and protein degradation. In this review, we introduce and discuss the roles of the cyano group in covalent inhibitors, how to tune its reactivity and the possibility of achieving selectivity only by replacing the warhead. Finally, we provide an overview of nitrile-based covalent compounds in approved drugs and inhibitors recently described in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinícius Bonatto
- Medicinal and Biological Chemistry Group, São Carlos Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo Avenue Trabalhador Sancarlense, 400 13566-590 São Carlos/SP Brazil
| | - Rafael F Lameiro
- Medicinal and Biological Chemistry Group, São Carlos Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo Avenue Trabalhador Sancarlense, 400 13566-590 São Carlos/SP Brazil
| | - Fernanda R Rocho
- Medicinal and Biological Chemistry Group, São Carlos Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo Avenue Trabalhador Sancarlense, 400 13566-590 São Carlos/SP Brazil
| | - Jerônimo Lameira
- Medicinal and Biological Chemistry Group, São Carlos Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo Avenue Trabalhador Sancarlense, 400 13566-590 São Carlos/SP Brazil
- Institute of Biological Science, Federal University of Pará Rua Augusto Correa S/N Belém PA Brazil
| | - Andrei Leitão
- Medicinal and Biological Chemistry Group, São Carlos Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo Avenue Trabalhador Sancarlense, 400 13566-590 São Carlos/SP Brazil
| | - Carlos A Montanari
- Medicinal and Biological Chemistry Group, São Carlos Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo Avenue Trabalhador Sancarlense, 400 13566-590 São Carlos/SP Brazil
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5
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Brogi S, Ibba R, Rossi S, Butini S, Calderone V, Gemma S, Campiani G. Covalent Reversible Inhibitors of Cysteine Proteases Containing the Nitrile Warhead: Recent Advancement in the Field of Viral and Parasitic Diseases. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27082561. [PMID: 35458759 PMCID: PMC9029279 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27082561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
In the field of drug discovery, the nitrile group is well represented among drugs and biologically active compounds. It can form both non-covalent and covalent interactions with diverse biological targets, and it is amenable as an electrophilic warhead for covalent inhibition. The main advantage of the nitrile group as a warhead is mainly due to its milder electrophilic character relative to other more reactive groups (e.g., -CHO), reducing the possibility of unwanted reactions that would hinder the development of safe drugs, coupled to the ease of installation through different synthetic approaches. The covalent inhibition is a well-assessed design approach for serine, threonine, and cysteine protease inhibitors. The mechanism of hydrolysis of these enzymes involves the formation of a covalent acyl intermediate, and this mechanism can be exploited by introducing electrophilic warheads in order to mimic this covalent intermediate. Due to the relevant role played by the cysteine protease in the survival and replication of infective agents, spanning from viruses to protozoan parasites, we will review the most relevant and recent examples of protease inhibitors presenting a nitrile group that have been introduced to form or to facilitate the formation of a covalent bond with the catalytic cysteine active site residue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Brogi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (S.B.); (V.C.)
| | - Roberta Ibba
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, DoE Department of Excellence 2018-2022, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy; (R.I.); (S.R.); (S.B.); (G.C.)
| | - Sara Rossi
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, DoE Department of Excellence 2018-2022, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy; (R.I.); (S.R.); (S.B.); (G.C.)
| | - Stefania Butini
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, DoE Department of Excellence 2018-2022, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy; (R.I.); (S.R.); (S.B.); (G.C.)
| | - Vincenzo Calderone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (S.B.); (V.C.)
| | - Sandra Gemma
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, DoE Department of Excellence 2018-2022, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy; (R.I.); (S.R.); (S.B.); (G.C.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Giuseppe Campiani
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, DoE Department of Excellence 2018-2022, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy; (R.I.); (S.R.); (S.B.); (G.C.)
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Barthels F, Hammerschmidt SJ, Fischer TR, Zimmer C, Kallert E, Helm M, Kersten C, Schirmeister T. A low-cost 3D-printable differential scanning fluorometer for protein and RNA melting experiments. HARDWAREX 2022; 11:e00256. [PMID: 35509940 PMCID: PMC9058602 DOI: 10.1016/j.ohx.2022.e00256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Differential scanning fluorimetry (DSF) is a widely used biophysical technique with applications to drug discovery and protein biochemistry. DSF experiments are commonly performed in commercial real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) thermal cyclers or nanoDSF instruments. Here, we report the construction, validation, and example applications of an open-source DSF system for 176 €, which, in addition to protein-DSF experiments, also proved to be a versatile biophysical instrument for less conventional RNA-DSF experiments. Using 3D-printed parts made of polyoxymethylene, we were able to fabricate a thermostable machine chassis for protein-melting experiments. The combination of blue high-power LEDs as the light source and stage light foil as filter components was proven to be a reliable and affordable alternative to conventional optics equipment for the detection of SYPRO Orange or Sybr Gold fluorescence. The ESP32 microcontroller is the core piece of this openDSF instrument, while the in-built I2S interface was found to be a powerful analog-to-digital converter for fast acquisition of fluorescence and temperature data. Airflow heating and inline temperature control by thermistors enabled high-accuracy temperature management in PCR tubes (±0.1 °C) allowing us to perform high-resolution thermal shift assays (TSA) from exemplary biological applications.
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Bonatto V, Shamim A, Rocho FDR, Leitão A, Luque FJ, Lameira J, Montanari CA. Predicting the Relative Binding Affinity for Reversible Covalent Inhibitors by Free Energy Perturbation Calculations. J Chem Inf Model 2021; 61:4733-4744. [PMID: 34460252 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.1c00515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Covalent inhibitors are assuming central importance in drug discovery projects, especially in this pandemic scenario. Many research groups have focused their attention on inhibiting viral proteases or human proteases such as cathepsin L (hCatL). The inhibition of these critical enzymes may impair viral replication. However, molecular modeling of covalent ligands is challenging since covalent and noncovalent ligand-bound states must be considered in the binding process. In this work, we evaluated the suitability of free energy perturbation (FEP) calculations as a tool for predicting the binding affinity of reversible covalent inhibitors of hCatL. Our strategy relies on the relative free energy calculated for both covalent and noncovalent complexes and the free energy changes have been compared with experimental data for eight nitrile-based inhibitors, including three new inhibitors of hCatL. Our results demonstrate that the covalent complex can be employed to properly rank the inhibitors. Nevertheless, a comparison of the free energy changes in both noncovalent and covalent states is valuable to interpret the effect triggered by the formation of the covalent bond on the interactions played by functional groups distant from the warhead. Overall, FEP can be employed as a powerful predictor tool in developing and understanding the activity of reversible covalent inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinícius Bonatto
- Medicinal & Biological Chemistry Group, Institute of Chemistry of São Carlos, University of São Paulo, Avenue Trabalhador Sancarlense, 400, 23566-590 São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Anwar Shamim
- Medicinal & Biological Chemistry Group, Institute of Chemistry of São Carlos, University of São Paulo, Avenue Trabalhador Sancarlense, 400, 23566-590 São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Dos R Rocho
- Medicinal & Biological Chemistry Group, Institute of Chemistry of São Carlos, University of São Paulo, Avenue Trabalhador Sancarlense, 400, 23566-590 São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Andrei Leitão
- Medicinal & Biological Chemistry Group, Institute of Chemistry of São Carlos, University of São Paulo, Avenue Trabalhador Sancarlense, 400, 23566-590 São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - F Javier Luque
- Department of Nutrition, Food Science and Gastronomy, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science, Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB) and Institute of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry (IQTCUB), University of Barcelona, Santa Coloma de Gramenet 08921, Spain
| | - Jerônimo Lameira
- Medicinal & Biological Chemistry Group, Institute of Chemistry of São Carlos, University of São Paulo, Avenue Trabalhador Sancarlense, 400, 23566-590 São Carlos, SP, Brazil.,Institute of Biological Science, Federal University of Pará, Rua Augusto Correa S/N, 66075-110 Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Carlos A Montanari
- Medicinal & Biological Chemistry Group, Institute of Chemistry of São Carlos, University of São Paulo, Avenue Trabalhador Sancarlense, 400, 23566-590 São Carlos, SP, Brazil
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Alves L, Santos DA, Cendron R, Rocho FR, Matos TKB, Leitão A, Montanari CA. Nitrile-based peptoids as cysteine protease inhibitors. Bioorg Med Chem 2021; 41:116211. [PMID: 33991733 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2021.116211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Peptidomimetics of the class of dipeptidyl nitrile analog peptoids were synthesized as inhibitors of mammalian cysteine proteases of the papain superfamily. The dipeptidyl nitrile side chains were attached to the peptide backbone's nitrogen atom, not to the α-carbons. Synthesized nitrile-based peptoid analogs that lack the hydrogen amide at P2-P3 are responsible for many of the secondary structure elements in peptides and proteins, making them resistant to proteolysis. The designed peptoids would lose a hydrogen bond with cruzain Asp161 decreasing the affinity toward the enzyme. A structure-activity relationship and matched molecular pair-based analysis between the dipeptidyl nitrile Neq0409 and its peptoid 4a yielded the following cruzain affinities: pKiNeq0409 = 6.5 and pKi4a = 5.2. respectively. A retrosynthetic matched molecular pair cliff (RMMP-cliff) analysis with a ΔpKiNeq0409-4a of 1.3 log is found for this transformation. These novel peptoids were then optimized, leading to compound 4i, with high cruzain inhibition (pKi = 6.8). Cross-class cathepsin activity was observed for some of these novel compounds against cathepsins K, L and S, while other compounds presented a selective inhibition of cathepsin K (4b, 4c, 4k) over ten times higher than the other enzymes. The putative mode of binding was determined by using covalent docking, which also aided to describe the structure-activity relationship (SAR). Interestingly, none of the peptoids inhibited CatB to any appreciable extent. These results provide guidance to identify novel bioactive nitrile-based peptoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luana Alves
- Medicinal and Biological Chemistry Group (NEQUIMED), Institute of Chemistry of São Carlos, University of São Paulo, São Carlos/SP, Brazil
| | - Deborah A Santos
- Medicinal and Biological Chemistry Group (NEQUIMED), Institute of Chemistry of São Carlos, University of São Paulo, São Carlos/SP, Brazil.
| | - Rodrigo Cendron
- Medicinal and Biological Chemistry Group (NEQUIMED), Institute of Chemistry of São Carlos, University of São Paulo, São Carlos/SP, Brazil
| | - Fernanda R Rocho
- Medicinal and Biological Chemistry Group (NEQUIMED), Institute of Chemistry of São Carlos, University of São Paulo, São Carlos/SP, Brazil
| | - Thiago K B Matos
- Medicinal and Biological Chemistry Group (NEQUIMED), Institute of Chemistry of São Carlos, University of São Paulo, São Carlos/SP, Brazil
| | - Andrei Leitão
- Medicinal and Biological Chemistry Group (NEQUIMED), Institute of Chemistry of São Carlos, University of São Paulo, São Carlos/SP, Brazil.
| | - Carlos A Montanari
- Medicinal and Biological Chemistry Group (NEQUIMED), Institute of Chemistry of São Carlos, University of São Paulo, São Carlos/SP, Brazil
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