1
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Otake K, Hara Y, Ubukata M, Inoue M, Nagahashi N, Motoda D, Ogawa N, Hantani Y, Hantani R, Adachi T, Nomura A, Yamaguchi K, Maekawa M, Mamada H, Motomura T, Sato M, Harada K. Optimization Efforts for Identification of Novel Highly Potent Keap1-Nrf2 Protein-Protein Interaction Inhibitors. J Med Chem 2024; 67:3741-3763. [PMID: 38408347 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c02171] [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: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
In research focused on protein-protein interaction (PPI) inhibitors, the optimization process to achieve both high inhibitory activity and favorable physicochemical properties remains challenging. Our previous study reported the discovery of novel and bioavailable Keap1-Nrf2 PPI inhibitor 8 which exhibited moderate in vivo activity in rats. In this work, we present our subsequent efforts to optimize this compound. Two distinct approaches were employed, targeting high energy water molecules and Ser602 as "hot spots" from the anchor with good aqueous solubility, metabolic stability, and membrane permeability. Through ligand efficiency (LE)-guided exploration, we identified two novel inhibitors 22 and 33 with good pharmacokinetics (PK) profiles and more potent in vivo activities, which appear to be promising chemical probes among the existing inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuki Otake
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1, Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-1125, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Hara
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1, Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-1125, Japan
| | - Minoru Ubukata
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1, Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-1125, Japan
| | - Masafumi Inoue
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1, Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-1125, Japan
| | - Noboru Nagahashi
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1, Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-1125, Japan
| | - Dai Motoda
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1, Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-1125, Japan
| | - Naoki Ogawa
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1, Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-1125, Japan
| | - Yoshiji Hantani
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1, Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-1125, Japan
| | - Rie Hantani
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1, Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-1125, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Adachi
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1, Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-1125, Japan
| | - Akihiro Nomura
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1, Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-1125, Japan
| | - Keishi Yamaguchi
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1, Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-1125, Japan
| | - Mariko Maekawa
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1, Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-1125, Japan
| | - Hideaki Mamada
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1, Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-1125, Japan
| | - Takahisa Motomura
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1, Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-1125, Japan
| | - Motohide Sato
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1, Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-1125, Japan
| | - Kazuhito Harada
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1, Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-1125, Japan
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2
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Lee S, Ali AR, Abed DA, Nguyen MU, Verzi MP, Hu L. Structural modification of C2-substituents on 1,4-bis(arylsulfonamido)benzene or naphthalene-N,N'-diacetic acid derivatives as potent inhibitors of the Keap1-Nrf2 protein-protein interaction. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 265:116104. [PMID: 38159482 PMCID: PMC10794003 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.116104] [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: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
The Keap1-Nrf2-ARE signaling pathway is an attractive therapeutic target for the prevention and treatment of oxidative stress-associated diseases by activating the cellular expression of cytoprotective enzymes and proteins. Small molecule inhibitors can directly disrupt the Keap1-Nrf2 protein-protein interaction (PPI), resulting in elevated levels of Nrf2 protein and subsequent stimulation of related antioxidant responses. Previously, we found that 1,4-bis(arylsulfonamido)benzene or naphthalene-N,N'-diacetic acid derivatives with an ether type C2-substituent on the benzene or naphthalene core exhibited potent inhibitory activities with IC50's in the submicromolar or nanomolar range. We here describe a more detailed structure-activity relationship study around the C2 substituents containing various polar linkers shedding new insight on their binding interactions with the Keap1 Kelch domain. The key observation from our findings is that the substituents at the C2-position of the benzene or naphthalene scaffold impact their inhibitory potencies in biochemical assays as well as activities in cell culture. The biochemical FP and TR-FRET assays revealed that the naphthalene derivatives 17b and 18 with an additional carboxylate at the C2 were the most active inhibitors against Keap1-Nrf2 PPI. In the cell-based assay, the two compounds were shown to be potent Nrf2 activators of the transcription of the Nrf2-dependent genes, such as HMOX2, GSTM3, and NQO1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumi Lee
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 160 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, United States
| | - Ahmed R Ali
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 160 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, United States
| | - Dhulfiqar Ali Abed
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 160 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, United States
| | - Mai-Uyen Nguyen
- Department of Genetics, Human Genetics Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Life Sciences Building Rutgers University, 145 Bevier Road, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, United States
| | - Michael P Verzi
- Department of Genetics, Human Genetics Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Life Sciences Building Rutgers University, 145 Bevier Road, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, United States; Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, United States
| | - Longqin Hu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 160 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, United States; Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, United States.
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3
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Barreca M, Qin Y, Cadot MEH, Barraja P, Bach A. Advances in developing noncovalent small molecules targeting Keap1. Drug Discov Today 2023; 28:103800. [PMID: 37852355 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) is a drug target for diseases involving oxidative stress and inflammation. There are three covalent Keap1-binding drugs on the market, but noncovalent compounds that inhibit the interaction between Keap1 and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) represent an attractive alternative. Both compound types prevent degradation of Nrf2, leading to the expression of antioxidant and antiinflammatory proteins. However, their off-target profiles differ as do their exact pharmacodynamic effects. Here, we discuss the opportunities and challenges of targeting Keap1 with covalent versus noncovalent inhibitors. We then provide a comprehensive overview of current noncovalent Keap1-Nrf2 inhibitors, with a focus on their pharmacological effects, to examine the therapeutic potential for this compound class.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilia Barreca
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, 90123 Palermo, Italy
| | - Yuting Qin
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Marie Elodie Hélène Cadot
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Paola Barraja
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, 90123 Palermo, Italy
| | - Anders Bach
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
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4
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Zhao Z, Dong R, You Q, Jiang Z. Medicinal Chemistry Insights into the Development of Small-Molecule Kelch-Like ECH-Associated Protein 1-Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2-Related Factor 2 (Keap1-Nrf2) Protein-Protein Interaction Inhibitors. J Med Chem 2023. [PMID: 37441735 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
Oxidative stress has been implicated in a wide range of pathological conditions. The transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) exerts a central role in regulating the cellular defense system against oxidative and electrophilic insults. Nonelectrophilic inhibition of the protein-protein interaction (PPI) between Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) and Nrf2 has become a promising approach to activate Nrf2. Recently, multiple drug discovery strategies have facilitated the development of small-molecule Keap1-Nrf2 PPI inhibitors with potent activity and favorable drug-like properties. In this Perspective, we summarize the latest progress of small-molecule Keap1-Nrf2 PPI inhibitors from medicinal chemistry insights and discuss future prospects and challenges in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziquan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Ruitian Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Qidong You
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Zhengyu Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
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5
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Otake K, Ubukata M, Nagahashi N, Ogawa N, Hantani Y, Hantani R, Adachi T, Nomura A, Yamaguchi K, Maekawa M, Mamada H, Motomura T, Sato M, Harada K. Methyl and Fluorine Effects in Novel Orally Bioavailable Keap1-Nrf2 PPI Inhibitor. ACS Med Chem Lett 2023; 14:658-665. [PMID: 37197451 PMCID: PMC10184158 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.3c00067] [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: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress is one of the causes of progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Activation of the antioxidant protein regulator Nrf2 by inhibition of the Keap1-Nrf2 protein-protein interaction (PPI) is of interest as a potential treatment for CKD. We report the identification of the novel and weak PPI inhibitor 7 with good physical properties by a high throughput screening (HTS) campaign, followed by structural and computational analysis. The installation of only methyl and fluorine groups successfully provided the lead compound 25, which showed more than 400-fold stronger activity. Furthermore, these dramatic substituent effects can be explained by the analysis of using isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). Thus, the resulting 25, which exhibited high oral absorption and durability, would be a CKD therapeutic agent because of the dose-dependent manner for up-regulation of the antioxidant protein heme oxigenase-1 (HO-1) in rat kidneys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuki Otake
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1, Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki 569-1125, Osaka, Japan
| | - Minoru Ubukata
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1, Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki 569-1125, Osaka, Japan
| | - Noboru Nagahashi
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1, Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki 569-1125, Osaka, Japan
| | - Naoki Ogawa
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1, Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki 569-1125, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yoshiji Hantani
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1, Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki 569-1125, Osaka, Japan
| | - Rie Hantani
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1, Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki 569-1125, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Adachi
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1, Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki 569-1125, Osaka, Japan
| | - Akihiro Nomura
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1, Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki 569-1125, Osaka, Japan
| | - Keishi Yamaguchi
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1, Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki 569-1125, Osaka, Japan
| | - Mariko Maekawa
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1, Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki 569-1125, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hideaki Mamada
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1, Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki 569-1125, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takahisa Motomura
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1, Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki 569-1125, Osaka, Japan
| | - Motohide Sato
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1, Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki 569-1125, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kazuhito Harada
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1, Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki 569-1125, Osaka, Japan
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6
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Abed DA, Ali AR, Lee S, Nguyen MU, Verzi MP, Hu L. Optimization of the C2 substituents on the 1,4-bis(arylsulfonamido)naphthalene-N,N'-diacetic acid scaffold for better inhibition of Keap1-Nrf2 protein-protein interaction. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 252:115302. [PMID: 36989811 PMCID: PMC10101933 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
Direct inhibition of the protein-protein interaction (PPI) between Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) reduces the ubiquitination and subsequent degradation of Nrf2, leading to Nrf2 accumulation in the cytosol and the nuclear translocation of Nrf2. Once inside the nucleus, Nrf2 binds to and activates the expression of antioxidant response element (ARE) genes involved in redox homeostasis and detoxification. Herein, we report a series of 1,4-bis(arylsulfonamido)naphthalene-N,N'-diacetic acid analogs with varying C2 substituents to explore the structure-activity relationships at this position of the central naphthalene core. The Keap1-binding activities were first screened with a fluorescence polarization (FP) assay followed by further evaluation of the more potent compounds using a more sensitive time-resolved fluorescence energy transfer (TR-FRET) assay. It was found that compound 24a with C2-phthalimidopropyl group was the most potent in this series showing an IC50 of 2.5 nM in the TR-FRET assay with a Ki value in the subnanomolar range. Our docking study indicated that the C2-phthalimidopropyl group in compound 24a provided an extra hydrogen bonding interaction with the key residue Arg415 that may be responsible for the observed boost in binding affinity. In addition, compounds 12b, 15, and 24a were shown to activate the Nrf2 signaling pathway in NCM460D cells resulting in elevated mRNA levels of GSTM3, HMOX1 and NQO1 by 2.4-11.7 fold at 100 μM as compared to the vehicle control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhulfiqar Ali Abed
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 160 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Ahmed R Ali
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 160 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Sumi Lee
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 160 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Mai-Uyen Nguyen
- Department of Genetics, Human Genetics Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Life Sciences Building Rutgers University, 145 Bevier Road Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Michael P Verzi
- Department of Genetics, Human Genetics Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Life Sciences Building Rutgers University, 145 Bevier Road Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA; Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
| | - Longqin Hu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 160 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA; Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA.
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7
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Zhao Z, Dong R, Cui K, You Q, Jiang Z. An updated patent review of Nrf2 activators (2020-present). Expert Opin Ther Pat 2023; 33:29-49. [PMID: 36800917 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2023.2178299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a pivotal transcription factor that controls the expression of numerous cytoprotective genes and regulates cellular defense system against oxidative insults. Thus, activating the Nrf2 pathway is a promising strategy for the treatment of various chronic diseases characterized by oxidative stress. AREAS COVERED This review first discusses the biological effects of Nrf2 and the regulatory mechanism of Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1-Nrf2-antioxidant response element (Keap1-Nrf2-ARE) pathway. Then, Nrf2 activators (2020-present) are summarized based on the mechanism of action. The case studies consist of chemical structures, biological activities, structural optimization, and clinical development. EXPERT OPINION Extensive efforts have been devoted to developing novel Nrf2 activators with improved potency and drug-like properties. These Nrf2 activators have exhibited beneficial effects in in vitro and in vivo models of oxidative stress-related chronic diseases. However, some specific problems, such as target selectivity and brain blood barrier (BBB) permeability, still need to be addressed in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziquan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ruitian Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Keni Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qidong You
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhengyu Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
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8
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Crisman E, Duarte P, Dauden E, Cuadrado A, Rodríguez-Franco MI, López MG, León R. KEAP1-NRF2 protein-protein interaction inhibitors: Design, pharmacological properties and therapeutic potential. Med Res Rev 2023; 43:237-287. [PMID: 36086898 PMCID: PMC10087726 DOI: 10.1002/med.21925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) is considered the master regulator of the phase II antioxidant response. It controls a plethora of cytoprotective genes related to oxidative stress, inflammation, and protein homeostasis, among other processes. Activation of these pathways has been described in numerous pathologies including cancer, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, digestive, metabolic, autoimmune, and neurodegenerative diseases. Considering the increasing interest of discovering novel NRF2 activators due to its clinical application, initial efforts were devoted to the development of electrophilic drugs able to induce NRF2 nuclear accumulation by targeting its natural repressor protein Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1) through covalent modifications on cysteine residues. However, off-target effects of these drugs prompted the development of an innovative strategy, the search of KEAP1-NRF2 protein-protein interaction (PPI) inhibitors. These innovative activators are proposed to target NRF2 in a more selective way, leading to potentially improved drugs with the application for a variety of diseases that are currently under investigation. In this review, we summarize known KEAP1-NRF2 PPI inhibitors to date and the bases of their design highlighting the most important features of their respective interactions. We also discuss the preclinical pharmacological properties described for the most promising compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrique Crisman
- Instituto de Química Médica, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IQM-CSIC), Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Princesa, Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto Teófilo Hernando y Departamento de Farmacología y Terapéutica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pablo Duarte
- Instituto de Química Médica, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IQM-CSIC), Madrid, Spain.,Instituto Teófilo Hernando y Departamento de Farmacología y Terapéutica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Esteban Dauden
- Instituto Teófilo Hernando y Departamento de Farmacología y Terapéutica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio Cuadrado
- Departmento de Bioquímica, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Paz (IdiPaz), Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas 'Alberto Sols' UAM-CSIC, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Manuela G López
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Princesa, Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto Teófilo Hernando y Departamento de Farmacología y Terapéutica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rafael León
- Instituto de Química Médica, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IQM-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
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9
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Sun Y, Zheng L, Yang B, Ge S, Li Q, Zhang M, Shen S, Ying Y. Design, synthesis and evaluation of novel small molecules acting as Keap1-Nrf2 protein-protein interaction inhibitors. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2022; 37:2575-2588. [PMID: 36128875 PMCID: PMC9518255 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2022.2124408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Direct interference with Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1)-Nrf2 protein-protein interaction (PPI) has recently been introduced as an attractive approach to control life-threatening diseases like myocarditis. The present study aimed to investigate the potential application in myocarditis of a series of novel non-naphthalene derivatives as potential Keap1-Nrf2 PPI inhibitors. Our results indicated that the optimal compound K22 displayed the highest metabolic stability and showed notable Keap1-Nrf2 PPI inhibitory activities in vitro. K22 effectively triggered Nrf2 activation and increased the protein and mRNA expression of Nrf2-regulated genes in H9c2 cells. Moreover, pre-treatment with K22 was shown to mitigate LPS-induced damage to H9c2 cells, causing a marked decrease in the levels of inflammatory factors as well as reactive oxygen species (ROS). Furthermore, K22 was also shown to be non-mutagenic in the Ames test. Overall, our findings suggest that K22 may be a promising drug lead as a Keap1-Nrf2 PPI inhibitor for myocarditis treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunfeng Sun
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Department of Pharmacy, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lulu Zheng
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Department of Pharmacy, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Bo Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Department of Pharmacy, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shuyu Ge
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Department of Pharmacy, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qiang Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Department of Pharmacy, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Mingwan Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Department of Pharmacy, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shenghui Shen
- Department of Cardiology, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yin Ying
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Department of Pharmacy, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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10
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Narayanan D, Tran KT, Pallesen JS, Solbak SMØ, Qin Y, Mukminova E, Luchini M, Vasilyeva KO, González Chichón D, Goutsiou G, Poulsen C, Haapanen N, Popowicz GM, Sattler M, Olagnier D, Gajhede M, Bach A. Development of Noncovalent Small-Molecule Keap1-Nrf2 Inhibitors by Fragment-Based Drug Discovery. J Med Chem 2022; 65:14481-14526. [PMID: 36263945 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Targeting the protein-protein interaction (PPI) between the transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and its repressor, Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), constitutes a promising strategy for treating diseases involving oxidative stress and inflammation. Here, a fragment-based drug discovery (FBDD) campaign resulted in novel, high-affinity (Ki = 280 nM), and cell-active noncovalent small-molecule Keap1-Nrf2 PPI inhibitors. We screened 2500 fragments using orthogonal assays─fluorescence polarization (FP), thermal shift assay (TSA), and surface plasmon resonance (SPR)─and validated the hits by saturation transfer difference (STD) NMR, leading to 28 high-priority hits. Thirteen co-structures showed fragments binding mainly in the P4 and P5 subpockets of Keap1's Kelch domain, and three fluorenone-based fragments featuring a novel binding mode were optimized by structure-based drug discovery. We thereby disclose several fragment hits, including their binding modes, and show how FBDD can be performed to find new small-molecule Keap1-Nrf2 PPI inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dilip Narayanan
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kim T Tran
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jakob S Pallesen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sara M Ø Solbak
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Yuting Qin
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Elina Mukminova
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Martina Luchini
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kristina O Vasilyeva
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Dorleta González Chichón
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Georgia Goutsiou
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Cecilie Poulsen
- Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Nanna Haapanen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Grzegorz M Popowicz
- Institute of Structural Biology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany.,Bavarian NMR Center, Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, 85747 Garching, Germany
| | - Michael Sattler
- Institute of Structural Biology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany.,Bavarian NMR Center, Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, 85747 Garching, Germany
| | - David Olagnier
- Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Michael Gajhede
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anders Bach
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
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11
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Structure-activity relationships of 1,4-bis(arylsulfonamido)-benzene or naphthalene-N,N'-diacetic acids with varying C2-substituents as inhibitors of Keap1-Nrf2 protein-protein interaction. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 237:114380. [PMID: 35462166 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The Keap1-Nrf2-ARE pathway plays an important role in responding to oxidative stress and maintaining the redox homeostasis. Small molecule inhibitors targeting directly the Keap1-Nrf2 protein-protein interaction (PPI) can potentially be developed into effective preventive and therapeutic agents for numerous chronic inflammatory diseases. To improve the drug-like properties and inhibitory potency of these inhibitors, a series of 1,4-bis(arylsulfonamido)benzene or naphthalene-N,N'-diacetic acids with varying substituents at C-2 position of the benzene or naphthalene core were designed and synthesized. Among them, compound 12d with 2-(4-fluorobenzyloxy) group was the most potent direct inhibitor of Keap1-Nrf2 PPI with an IC50 of 64.5 nM in the fluorescent polarization (FP) assay and 14.2 nM in a time-resolved fluorescence resonance energy transfer (TR-FRET) assay. Moreover, cell-based biological assay showed that 12d significantly increased the mRNA levels of Nrf2 downstream genes, GSTM3, HMOX2 and NQO1, through Nrf2 activation. The discovery of the new scaffolds possessing diverse O-linked fragments at the C2 position offers opportunities to further modify the chemical structures of Keap1-Nrf2 PPI inhibitors to improve their pharmacokinetic, efficacy and safety profiles.
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12
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Xu Y, Li X, Wang H. Protective Roles of Apigenin Against Cardiometabolic Diseases: A Systematic Review. Front Nutr 2022; 9:875826. [PMID: 35495935 PMCID: PMC9051485 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.875826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Apigenin is a flavonoid with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic activity. In this study, the potential effects of apigenin on cardiometabolic diseases were investigated in vivo and in vitro. Potential signaling networks in different cell types induced by apigenin were identified, suggesting that the molecular mechanisms of apigenin in cardiometabolic diseases vary with cell types. Additionally, the mechanisms of apigenin-induced biological response in different cardiometabolic diseases were analyzed, including obesity, diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. This review provides novel insights into the potential role of apigenin in cardiometabolic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yajie Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Center for Single-Cell Omics, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Xue Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Center for Single-Cell Omics, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Xue Li,
| | - Hui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Center for Single-Cell Omics, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Hui Wang,
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13
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Nudelman A. Dimeric Drugs. Curr Med Chem 2021; 29:2751-2845. [PMID: 34375175 DOI: 10.2174/0929867328666210810124159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
This review intends to summarize the structures of an extensive number of symmetrical-dimeric drugs, having two monomers linked via a bridging entity while emphasizing the large versatility of biologically active substances reported to possess dimeric structures. The largest number of classes of these compounds consist of anticancer agents, antibiotics/antimicrobials, and anti-AIDS drugs. Other symmetrical-dimeric drugs include antidiabetics, antidepressants, analgesics, anti-inflammatories, drugs for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, anticholesterolemics, estrogenics, antioxidants, enzyme inhibitors, anti-Parkisonians, laxatives, antiallergy compounds, cannabinoids, etc. Most of the articles reviewed do not compare the activity/potency of the dimers to that of their corresponding monomers. Only in limited cases, various suggestions have been made to justify unexpected higher activity of the dimers vs. the corresponding monomers. These suggestions include statistical effects, the presence of dimeric receptors, binding of a dimer to two receptors simultaneously, and others. It is virtually impossible to predict which dimers will be preferable to their respective monomers, or which linking bridges will lead to the most active compounds. It is expected that the extensive number of articles summarized, and the large variety of substances mentioned, which display various biological activities, should be of interest to many academic and industrial medicinal chemists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abraham Nudelman
- Chemistry Department, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan 52900, Israel
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14
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Sofias AM, De Lorenzi F, Peña Q, Azadkhah Shalmani A, Vucur M, Wang JW, Kiessling F, Shi Y, Consolino L, Storm G, Lammers T. Therapeutic and diagnostic targeting of fibrosis in metabolic, proliferative and viral disorders. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 175:113831. [PMID: 34139255 PMCID: PMC7611899 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.113831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 05/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Fibrosis is a common denominator in many pathologies and crucially affects disease progression, drug delivery efficiency and therapy outcome. We here summarize therapeutic and diagnostic strategies for fibrosis targeting in atherosclerosis and cardiac disease, cancer, diabetes, liver diseases and viral infections. We address various anti-fibrotic targets, ranging from cells and genes to metabolites and proteins, primarily focusing on fibrosis-promoting features that are conserved among the different diseases. We discuss how anti-fibrotic therapies have progressed over the years, and how nanomedicine formulations can potentiate anti-fibrotic treatment efficacy. From a diagnostic point of view, we discuss how medical imaging can be employed to facilitate the diagnosis, staging and treatment monitoring of fibrotic disorders. Altogether, this comprehensive overview serves as a basis for developing individualized and improved treatment strategies for patients suffering from fibrosis-associated pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandros Marios Sofias
- Department of Nanomedicine and Theranostics, Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany; Mildred Scheel School of Oncology (MSSO), Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf (CIO(ABCD)), University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany; Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway.
| | - Federica De Lorenzi
- Department of Nanomedicine and Theranostics, Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Quim Peña
- Department of Nanomedicine and Theranostics, Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Armin Azadkhah Shalmani
- Department of Nanomedicine and Theranostics, Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Mihael Vucur
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Duesseldorf, Medical Faculty at Heinrich-Heine-University, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Jiong-Wei Wang
- Department of Surgery, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore; Cardiovascular Research Institute, National University Heart Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore; Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore; Nanomedicine Translational Research Programme, Centre for NanoMedicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Fabian Kiessling
- Department of Nanomedicine and Theranostics, Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Yang Shi
- Department of Nanomedicine and Theranostics, Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Lorena Consolino
- Department of Nanomedicine and Theranostics, Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.
| | - Gert Storm
- Department of Surgery, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore; Nanomedicine Translational Research Programme, Centre for NanoMedicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore; Department of Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Department of Targeted Therapeutics, University of Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands.
| | - Twan Lammers
- Department of Nanomedicine and Theranostics, Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany; Department of Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Department of Targeted Therapeutics, University of Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands.
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15
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Abed DA, Lee S, Wen X, Ali AR, Mangipudy V, Aleksunes LM, Hu L. Optimization of 1,4-bis(arylsulfonamido)naphthalene-N,N'-diacetic acids as inhibitors of Keap1-Nrf2 protein-protein interaction to suppress neuroinflammation. Bioorg Med Chem 2021; 44:116300. [PMID: 34252790 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2021.116300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The protein-protein interaction (PPI) between kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is recognized as a promising target for the prevention and treatment of oxidative stress-related inflammatory diseases. Herein, a series of novel 1,4-bis(arylsulfonamido)naphthalene-N,N'-diacetic acid analogs (7p-t and 8c) were designed to further explore the structure-activity relationships of the series. Their activities were measured first with a fluorescence polarization (FP) assay and more potent compounds were further evaluated using a more sensitive time-resolved fluorescence energy transfer (TR-FRET) assay, demonstrating IC50 values between 7.2 and 31.3 nM. In cytotoxicity studies, the naphthalene derivatives did not show noticeable toxicity to human HepG2-C8 and mouse brain BV-2 microglia cells. Among them, compound 7q bearing oxygen-containing fused rings was shown to significantly stimulate the cellular Nrf2 signaling pathway, including activation of antioxidant response element (ARE)-controlled expression of Nrf2 target genes and proteins. More importantly, 7q suppressed up-regulation of several pro-inflammatory cytokines in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-challenged BV-2 microglial cells, representing a potential therapeutic application for controlling neuroinflammatory disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhulfiqar Ali Abed
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 160 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Sumi Lee
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 160 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Xia Wen
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 170 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Ahmed R Ali
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 160 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Vaibhav Mangipudy
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 170 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Lauren M Aleksunes
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 170 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA; Rutgers Center for Lipid Research, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Longqin Hu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 160 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA.
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16
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Pallesen JS, Narayanan D, Tran KT, Solbak SMØ, Marseglia G, Sørensen LME, Høj LJ, Munafò F, Carmona RMC, Garcia AD, Desu HL, Brambilla R, Johansen TN, Popowicz GM, Sattler M, Gajhede M, Bach A. Deconstructing Noncovalent Kelch-like ECH-Associated Protein 1 (Keap1) Inhibitors into Fragments to Reconstruct New Potent Compounds. J Med Chem 2021; 64:4623-4661. [PMID: 33818106 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c02094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Targeting the protein-protein interaction (PPI) between nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) is a potential therapeutic strategy to control diseases involving oxidative stress. Here, six classes of known small-molecule Keap1-Nrf2 PPI inhibitors were dissected into 77 fragments in a fragment-based deconstruction reconstruction (FBDR) study and tested in four orthogonal assays. This gave 17 fragment hits of which six were shown by X-ray crystallography to bind in the Keap1 Kelch binding pocket. Two hits were merged into compound 8 with a 220-380-fold stronger affinity (Ki = 16 μM) relative to the parent fragments. Systematic optimization resulted in several novel analogues with Ki values of 0.04-0.5 μM, binding modes determined by X-ray crystallography, and enhanced microsomal stability. This demonstrates how FBDR can be used to find new fragment hits, elucidate important ligand-protein interactions, and identify new potent inhibitors of the Keap1-Nrf2 PPI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakob S Pallesen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Dilip Narayanan
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kim T Tran
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sara M Ø Solbak
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Giuseppe Marseglia
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.,Food and Drug Department, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 27/a, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Louis M E Sørensen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lars J Høj
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Federico Munafò
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Rosa M C Carmona
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anthony D Garcia
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.,École Nationale Supérieure de Chimie de Rennes, 11 Allée de Beaulieu, CS 50837, Rennes Cedex 7 35708, France
| | - Haritha L Desu
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Dept. Neurological Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida 33136, United States
| | - Roberta Brambilla
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Dept. Neurological Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida 33136, United States.,Department of Neurobiology Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, and BRIDGE-Brain Research Inter Disciplinary Guided Excellence, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, DK-5000 Odense, Denmark
| | - Tommy N Johansen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Grzegorz M Popowicz
- Institute of Structural Biology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany.,Biomolecular NMR and Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich at Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, 85747 Garching, Germany
| | - Michael Sattler
- Institute of Structural Biology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany.,Biomolecular NMR and Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich at Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, 85747 Garching, Germany
| | - Michael Gajhede
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anders Bach
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
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17
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Discovery of 2-oxy-2-phenylacetic acid substituted naphthalene sulfonamide derivatives as potent KEAP1-NRF2 protein-protein interaction inhibitors for inflammatory conditions. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 207:112734. [PMID: 32866756 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 07/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) is a pleiotropic transcription factor which regulates the constitutive and inducible transcription of a wide array of genes and confers protection against a variety of pathologies. Directly disrupting Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1)-NRF2 protein-protein interaction (PPI) has been explored as a promising strategy to activate NRF2. We reported here the first identification of a series of 2-oxy-2-phenylacetic acid substituted naphthalene sulfonamide derivatives as potent KEAP1-NRF2 inhibitors. Our efforts led to the potent small molecule KEAP1-NRF2 inhibitor, 20c, which exhibited a Kd of 24 nM to KEAP1 and an IC50 of 75 nM in disrupting KEAP1-NRF2 interaction. Subsequent biological studies provided consistent evidence across mouse macrophage cell-based and in vivo models that 20c induced NRF2 target gene expression and enhanced downstream antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Our study not only demonstrated that small molecule KEAP1-NRF2 PPI inhibitors can be potential preventive and therapeutic agents for diseases and conditions involving oxidative stress and inflammation but also enriched the chemical diversity of the KEAP1-NRF2 inhibitors.
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18
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Mou Y, Wen S, Li YX, Gao XX, Zhang X, Jiang ZY. Recent progress in Keap1-Nrf2 protein-protein interaction inhibitors. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 202:112532. [PMID: 32668381 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Therapeutic targeting the protein-protein interaction (PPI) of Nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) and its main regulator, Kelch-like ECH-Associating protein 1 (Keap1) has been emerged as a feasible way to combat oxidative stress related diseases, due to the key role of Nrf2 in oxidative stress regulation. In recent years, many efforts have been made to develop potent Keap1-Nrf2 inhibitors with new chemical structures. Various molecules with diverse chemical structures have been reported and some compounds exhibit high potency. This review summarizes peptide and small molecule Keap1-Nrf2 inhibitors reported recently. We also highlight the pharmacological effects and discuss the possible therapeutic application of Keap1-Nrf2 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Mou
- College of Pharmacy and Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Taizhou University, Taizhou, 225300, China
| | - Shuai Wen
- College of Pharmacy and Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Taizhou University, Taizhou, 225300, China
| | - Yu-Xiu Li
- College of Pharmacy and Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Taizhou University, Taizhou, 225300, China
| | - Xin-Xing Gao
- College of Pharmacy and Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Taizhou University, Taizhou, 225300, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- College of Pharmacy and Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Taizhou University, Taizhou, 225300, China
| | - Zheng-Yu Jiang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
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19
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Lu M, Zhang X, Zhao J, You Q, Jiang Z. A hydrogen peroxide responsive prodrug of Keap1-Nrf2 inhibitor for improving oral absorption and selective activation in inflammatory conditions. Redox Biol 2020; 34:101565. [PMID: 32422540 PMCID: PMC7231841 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2020.101565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Revised: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcription factor Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and its negative regulator, the E3 ligase adaptor Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), control the redox and metabolic homeostasis and oxidative stress. Inhibitors of Keap1-Nrf2 interaction are promising in oxidative stress related inflammatory diseases but now hit hurdles. By utilizing thiazolidinone moiety to shield the key carboxyl pharmacophore in Keap1-Nrf2 inhibitor, a hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-responsive prodrug pro2 was developed. The prodrug modification improved the physicochemical properties and cell membrane permeability of the parent drug. Pro2 was stable and stayed inactive under various physiological conditions, while became active by stimulation of H2O2 or inflammation derived reactive oxygen species. Moreover, pro2 exhibited proper pharmacokinetic profile suitable for oral administration and enhanced anti-inflammatory efficiency in vivo. Thus, this novel prodrug approach may not only provide an important advance in the therapy of chronic inflammatory diseases with high level of H2O2, but also offer a fresh solution to improve the drug-like and selectivity issues of Keap1-Nrf2 inhibitors. Pro2 was developed by utilizing H2O2-responsive thiazolidinone moiety to shield carboxyl group in Keap1-Nrf2 inhibitor. Pro2 was stable and inactive under various physiological conditions, while became active under inflammatory conditions. Pro2 exhibited proper pharmacokinetic profile for oral administration and enhanced anti-inflammatory efficiency in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengchen Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Xian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Qidong You
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
| | - Zhengyu Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
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Abstract
Activation of the transcription factor Nrf2 via the Keap1-Nrf2-ARE signaling system regulates the transcription and subsequent expression of cellular cytoprotective proteins and plays a crucial role in preventing pathological conditions exacerbated by the overproduction of oxidative stress. In addition to electrophilic modulators, direct non-covalent inhibitors that interrupt the Keap1-Nrf2 protein-protein interaction (PPI) leading to Nrf2 activation have attracted a great deal of attention as potential preventive and therapeutic agents for oxidative stress-related diseases. Structural studies of Keap1-binding ligands, development of biochemical and cellular assays, and new structure-based design approaches have facilitated the discovery of small molecule PPI inhibitors. This perspective reviews the Keap1-Nrf2-ARE system, its physiological functions, and the recent progress in the discovery and the potential applications of direct inhibitors of Keap1-Nrf2 PPI.
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