1
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Péczka N, Ranđelović I, Orgován Z, Csorba N, Egyed A, Petri L, Ábrányi-Balogh P, Gadanecz M, Perczel A, Tóvári J, Schlosser G, Takács T, Mihalovits LM, Ferenczy G, Buday L, Keserű GM. Contribution of Noncovalent Recognition and Reactivity to the Optimization of Covalent Inhibitors: A Case Study on KRas G12C. ACS Chem Biol 2024; 19:1743-1756. [PMID: 38991015 PMCID: PMC11334105 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.4c00217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2024] [Revised: 06/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
Covalent drugs might bear electrophiles to chemically modify their targets and have the potential to target previously undruggable proteins with high potency. Covalent binding of drug-size molecules includes a noncovalent recognition provided by secondary interactions and a chemical reaction leading to covalent complex formation. Optimization of their covalent mechanism of action should involve both types of interactions. Noncovalent and covalent binding steps can be characterized by an equilibrium dissociation constant (KI) and a reaction rate constant (kinact), respectively, and they are affected by both the warhead and the scaffold of the ligand. The relative contribution of these two steps was investigated on a prototypic drug target KRASG12C, an oncogenic mutant of KRAS. We used a synthetically more accessible nonchiral core derived from ARS-1620 that was equipped with four different warheads and a previously described KRAS-specific basic side chain. Combining these structural changes, we have synthesized novel covalent KRASG12C inhibitors and tested their binding and biological effect on KRASG12C by various biophysical and biochemical assays. These data allowed us to dissect the effect of scaffold and warhead on the noncovalent and covalent binding event. Our results revealed that the atropisomeric core of ARS-1620 is not indispensable for KRASG12C inhibition, the basic side chain has little effect on either binding step, and warheads affect the covalent reactivity but not the noncovalent binding. This type of analysis helps identify structural determinants of efficient covalent inhibition and may find use in the design of covalent agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolett Péczka
- Medicinal
Chemistry Research Group and National Drug Discovery and Development
Laboratory, HUN-REN Research Centre for
Natural Sciences, Budapest 1117, Hungary
- Department
of Organic Chemistry and Technology, Budapest
University of Technology and Economics, Budapest 1111, Hungary
| | - Ivan Ranđelović
- Department
of Experimental Pharmacology and the National Tumor Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Oncology, Budapest 1122, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Orgován
- Medicinal
Chemistry Research Group and National Drug Discovery and Development
Laboratory, HUN-REN Research Centre for
Natural Sciences, Budapest 1117, Hungary
| | - Noémi Csorba
- Medicinal
Chemistry Research Group and National Drug Discovery and Development
Laboratory, HUN-REN Research Centre for
Natural Sciences, Budapest 1117, Hungary
- Department
of Organic Chemistry and Technology, Budapest
University of Technology and Economics, Budapest 1111, Hungary
| | - Attila Egyed
- Medicinal
Chemistry Research Group and National Drug Discovery and Development
Laboratory, HUN-REN Research Centre for
Natural Sciences, Budapest 1117, Hungary
| | - László Petri
- Medicinal
Chemistry Research Group and National Drug Discovery and Development
Laboratory, HUN-REN Research Centre for
Natural Sciences, Budapest 1117, Hungary
| | - Péter Ábrányi-Balogh
- Medicinal
Chemistry Research Group and National Drug Discovery and Development
Laboratory, HUN-REN Research Centre for
Natural Sciences, Budapest 1117, Hungary
| | - Márton Gadanecz
- Protein
Modeling Research Group, Laboratory of Structural Chemistry and Biology, ELTE Institute of Chemistry, Budapest 1117, Hungary
- Hevesy
György PhD School of Chemistry, Eötvös
Loránd University, Pázmány Péter sétány. 1/A, Budapest 1117, Hungary
| | - András Perczel
- Protein
Modeling Research Group, Laboratory of Structural Chemistry and Biology, ELTE Institute of Chemistry, Budapest 1117, Hungary
| | - József Tóvári
- Department
of Experimental Pharmacology and the National Tumor Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Oncology, Budapest 1122, Hungary
| | - Gitta Schlosser
- MTA-ELTE
“Lendület”, Ion Mobility
Mass Spectrometry Research Group, Budapest 1117, Hungary
| | - Tamás Takács
- HUN-REN
Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Signal
Transduction and Functional Genomics Research Group, Budapest 1117, Hungary
- Doctoral
School of Biology, Institute of Biology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest 1117, Hungary
| | - Levente M. Mihalovits
- Medicinal
Chemistry Research Group and National Drug Discovery and Development
Laboratory, HUN-REN Research Centre for
Natural Sciences, Budapest 1117, Hungary
| | - György
G. Ferenczy
- Medicinal
Chemistry Research Group and National Drug Discovery and Development
Laboratory, HUN-REN Research Centre for
Natural Sciences, Budapest 1117, Hungary
| | - László Buday
- HUN-REN
Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Signal
Transduction and Functional Genomics Research Group, Budapest 1117, Hungary
| | - György M. Keserű
- Medicinal
Chemistry Research Group and National Drug Discovery and Development
Laboratory, HUN-REN Research Centre for
Natural Sciences, Budapest 1117, Hungary
- Department
of Organic Chemistry and Technology, Budapest
University of Technology and Economics, Budapest 1111, Hungary
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2
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Lucas SCC, Milbradt AG, Blackwell JH, Bonomo S, Brierley A, Cassar DJ, Freeman J, Hadfield TE, Morrill LA, Riemens R, Sarda S, Schiesser S, Wiktelius D, Ahmed S, Bostock MJ, Börjesson U, De Fusco C, Guerot C, Hargreaves D, Hewitt S, Lamb ML, Su N, Whatling R, Wheeler M, Kettle JG. Design of a Lead-Like Cysteine-Targeting Covalent Library and the Identification of Hits to Cys55 of Bfl-1. J Med Chem 2024; 67:11209-11225. [PMID: 38916990 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00781] [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: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Covalent hit identification is a viable approach to identify chemical starting points against difficult-to-drug targets. While most researchers screen libraries of <2k electrophilic fragments, focusing on lead-like compounds can be advantageous in terms of finding hits with improved affinity and with a better chance of identifying cryptic pockets. However, due to the increased molecular complexity, larger numbers of compounds (>10k) are desirable to ensure adequate coverage of chemical space. Herein, the approach taken to build a library of 12k covalent lead-like compounds is reported, utilizing legacy compounds, robust library chemistry, and acquisitions. The lead-like covalent library was screened against the antiapoptotic protein Bfl-1, and six promising hits that displaced the BIM peptide from the PPI interface were identified. Intriguingly, X-ray crystallography of lead-like compound 8 showed that it binds to a previously unobserved conformation of the Bfl-1 protein and is an ideal starting point for the optimization of Bfl-1 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon C C Lucas
- Hit Discovery, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 0AA, U.K
| | - Alexander G Milbradt
- Mechanistic and Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 0AA, U.K
| | - J Henry Blackwell
- Hit Discovery, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 0AA, U.K
| | - Silvia Bonomo
- Hit Discovery, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 0AA, U.K
| | - Andrew Brierley
- Compound Synthesis and Management, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 0AA, U.K
| | - Doyle J Cassar
- Medicinal Chemistry, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 0AA, U.K
| | - Jared Freeman
- Medicinal Chemistry, Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolic Disorders (CVRM), Biopharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, SE-43183, Sweden
| | - Thomas E Hadfield
- Hit Discovery, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 0AA, U.K
| | - Lucas A Morrill
- Medicinal Chemistry, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, United States
| | - Rick Riemens
- Medicinal Chemistry, Oncology R&D, Acerta B. V., a Part of the AstraZeneca Group, Oss 5349, The Netherlands
| | - Sunil Sarda
- Compound Synthesis and Management, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 0AA, U.K
| | - Stefan Schiesser
- Medicinal Chemistry, Research and Early Development, Respiratory and Immunology (R&I), Biopharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, SE-43183, Sweden
| | - Daniel Wiktelius
- Compound Synthesis and Management, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, SE-43183, Sweden
| | - Samiyah Ahmed
- Discovery Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 0AA, U.K
| | - Mark J Bostock
- Mechanistic and Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 0AA, U.K
| | - Ulf Börjesson
- Hit Discovery, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, SE-43183, Sweden
| | - Claudia De Fusco
- Hit Discovery, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 0AA, U.K
| | - Carine Guerot
- Medicinal Chemistry, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 0AA, U.K
| | - David Hargreaves
- Mechanistic and Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 0AA, U.K
| | - Sarah Hewitt
- Mechanistic and Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 0AA, U.K
| | - Michelle L Lamb
- Medicinal Chemistry, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, United States
| | - Nancy Su
- Mechanistic and Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, United States
| | - Ryan Whatling
- Mechanistic and Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 0AA, U.K
| | - Matthew Wheeler
- Mechanistic and Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 0AA, U.K
| | - Jason G Kettle
- Medicinal Chemistry, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 0AA, U.K
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3
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Mihalovits LM, Kollár L, Bajusz D, Knez D, Bozovičar K, Imre T, Ferenczy GG, Gobec S, Keserű GM. Molecular Mechanism of Labelling Functional Cysteines by Heterocyclic Thiones. Chemphyschem 2024; 25:e202300596. [PMID: 37888491 DOI: 10.1002/cphc.202300596] [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: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Heterocyclic thiones have recently been identified as reversible covalent warheads, consistent with their mild electrophilic nature. Little is known so far about their mechanism of action in labelling nucleophilic sidechains, especially cysteines. The vast number of tractable cysteines promotes a wide range of target proteins to examine; however, our focus was put on functional cysteines. We chose the main protease of SARS-CoV-2 harboring Cys145 at the active site that is a structurally characterized and clinically validated target of covalent inhibitors. We screened an in-house, cysteine-targeting covalent inhibitor library which resulted in several covalent fragment hits with benzoxazole, benzothiazole and benzimidazole cores. Thione derivatives and Michael acceptors were selected for further investigations with the objective of exploring the mechanism of inhibition of the thiones and using the thoroughly characterized Michael acceptors for benchmarking our studies. Classical and hybrid quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical (QM/MM) molecular dynamics simulations were carried out that revealed a new mechanism of covalent cysteine labelling by thione derivatives, which was supported by QM and free energy calculations and by a wide range of experimental results. Our study shows that the molecular recognition step plays a crucial role in the overall binding of both sets of molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Levente M Mihalovits
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Group, HUN-REN Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar tudósok krt. 2, 1117, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Levente Kollár
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Group, HUN-REN Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar tudósok krt. 2, 1117, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Organic Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Műegyetem rkp. 3., 1111, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Dávid Bajusz
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Group, HUN-REN Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar tudósok krt. 2, 1117, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Damijan Knez
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva cesta 7, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Krištof Bozovičar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva cesta 7, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tímea Imre
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Group, HUN-REN Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar tudósok krt. 2, 1117, Budapest, Hungary
- MS Metabolomics Research Group, HUN-REN Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar tudósok krt. 2, 1117, Budapest, Hungary
| | - György G Ferenczy
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Group, HUN-REN Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar tudósok krt. 2, 1117, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Stanislav Gobec
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva cesta 7, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - György M Keserű
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Group, HUN-REN Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar tudósok krt. 2, 1117, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Organic Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Műegyetem rkp. 3., 1111, Budapest, Hungary
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4
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Qu Z, Krabill AD, Zhang ZY. High-Throughput Discovery and Characterization of Covalent Inhibitors for Protein Tyrosine Phosphatases. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2743:301-316. [PMID: 38147223 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3569-8_19] [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] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
Covalent inhibition has gained increasing interest in targeting the undruggable protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs). However, a systematic method for discovering and characterizing covalent PTP inhibitors has yet to be established. Here, we describe a workflow involving high-throughput screening of covalent fragment libraries and a novel biochemical assay that enables the acquisition of kinetics parameters of PTP inhibition by covalent inhibitors with higher throughput.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zihan Qu
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Aaron D Krabill
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Zhong-Yin Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA.
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA.
- Institute for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA.
- Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA.
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5
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de Munnik M, Lithgow J, Brewitz L, Christensen KE, Bates RH, Rodriguez-Miquel B, Schofield CJ. αβ,α'β'-Diepoxyketones are mechanism-based inhibitors of nucleophilic cysteine enzymes. Chem Commun (Camb) 2023; 59:12859-12862. [PMID: 37815791 PMCID: PMC10601815 DOI: 10.1039/d3cc02932h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
Epoxides are an established class of electrophilic alkylating agents that react with nucleophilic protein residues. We report αβ,α'β'-diepoxyketones (DEKs) as a new type of mechanism-based inhibitors of nucleophilic cysteine enzymes. Studies with the L,D-transpeptidase LdtMt2 from Mycobacterium tuberculosis and the main protease from SARS-CoV-2 (Mpro) reveal that following epoxide ring opening by a nucleophilic cysteine, further reactions can occur, leading to irreversible alkylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariska de Munnik
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry and the Ineos Oxford Institute of Antimicrobial Research, University of Oxford, 12 Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, UK.
| | - Jasper Lithgow
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry and the Ineos Oxford Institute of Antimicrobial Research, University of Oxford, 12 Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, UK.
| | - Lennart Brewitz
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry and the Ineos Oxford Institute of Antimicrobial Research, University of Oxford, 12 Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, UK.
| | - Kirsten E Christensen
- Chemical Crystallography, Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, 12 Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Robert H Bates
- Tres Cantos Medicines Development Campus, GlaxoSmithKline, Calle Severo Ochoa 2, Tres Cantos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Beatriz Rodriguez-Miquel
- Tres Cantos Medicines Development Campus, GlaxoSmithKline, Calle Severo Ochoa 2, Tres Cantos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Christopher J Schofield
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry and the Ineos Oxford Institute of Antimicrobial Research, University of Oxford, 12 Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, UK.
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6
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Hong SH, Xi SY, Johns AC, Tang LC, Li A, Hum MN, Chartier CA, Jovanovic M, Shah NH. Mapping the Chemical Space of Active-Site Targeted Covalent Ligands for Protein Tyrosine Phosphatases. Chembiochem 2023; 24:e202200706. [PMID: 36893077 PMCID: PMC10192133 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202200706] [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: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023]
Abstract
Protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) are an important class of enzymes that modulate essential cellular processes through protein dephosphorylation and are dysregulated in various disease states. There is demand for new compounds that target the active sites of these enzymes, for use as chemical tools to dissect their biological roles or as leads for the development of new therapeutics. In this study, we explore an array of electrophiles and fragment scaffolds to investigate the required chemical parameters for covalent inhibition of tyrosine phosphatases. Our analysis juxtaposes the intrinsic electrophilicity of these compounds with their potency against several classical PTPs, revealing chemotypes that inhibit tyrosine phosphatases while minimizing excessive, potentially non-specific reactivity. We also assess sequence divergence at key residues in PTPs to explain their differential susceptibility to covalent inhibition. We anticipate that our study will inspire new strategies to develop covalent probes and inhibitors for tyrosine phosphatases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suk ho Hong
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027
| | - Sarah Y. Xi
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027
| | - Andrew C. Johns
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027
| | - Lauren C. Tang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027
| | - Allyson Li
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027
| | - Madeleine N. Hum
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027
| | | | - Marko Jovanovic
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027
| | - Neel H. Shah
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027
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7
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Mons E, Kim RQ, Mulder MPC. Technologies for Direct Detection of Covalent Protein—Drug Adducts. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:ph16040547. [PMID: 37111304 PMCID: PMC10146396 DOI: 10.3390/ph16040547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
In the past two decades, drug candidates with a covalent binding mode have gained the interest of medicinal chemists, as several covalent anticancer drugs have successfully reached the clinic. As a covalent binding mode changes the relevant parameters to rank inhibitor potency and investigate structure-activity relationship (SAR), it is important to gather experimental evidence on the existence of a covalent protein–drug adduct. In this work, we review established methods and technologies for the direct detection of a covalent protein–drug adduct, illustrated with examples from (recent) drug development endeavors. These technologies include subjecting covalent drug candidates to mass spectrometric (MS) analysis, protein crystallography, or monitoring intrinsic spectroscopic properties of the ligand upon covalent adduct formation. Alternatively, chemical modification of the covalent ligand is required to detect covalent adducts by NMR analysis or activity-based protein profiling (ABPP). Some techniques are more informative than others and can also elucidate the modified amino acid residue or bond layout. We will discuss the compatibility of these techniques with reversible covalent binding modes and the possibilities to evaluate reversibility or obtain kinetic parameters. Finally, we expand upon current challenges and future applications. Overall, these analytical techniques present an integral part of covalent drug development in this exciting new era of drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elma Mons
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands
- Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University, 2333 BE Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Robbert Q. Kim
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Monique P. C. Mulder
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands
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8
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Vanhoutte R, Barniol-Xicota M, Chiu W, Vangeel L, Jochmans D, De Jonghe S, Zidane H, Barr HM, London N, Neyts J, Verhelst SHL. Azapeptide activity-based probes for the SARS-CoV-2 main protease enable visualization of inhibition in infected cells. Chem Sci 2023; 14:1666-1672. [PMID: 36819852 PMCID: PMC9931053 DOI: 10.1039/d2sc04147b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the vulnerability of the modern, global society. With expected waves of future infections by SARS-CoV-2, treatment options for infected individuals will be crucial in order to decrease mortality and hospitalizations. The SARS-CoV-2 main protease is a validated drug target, for which the first inhibitor has been approved for use in patients. To facilitate future work on this drug target, we designed a solid-phase synthesis route towards azapeptide activity-based probes that are capped with a cysteine-reactive electrophile for covalent modification of the active site of Mpro. This design led to the most potent ABP for Mpro and one of the most potent inhibitors reported thus far. We demonstrate that this ABP can be used to visualize Mpro activity and target engagement by drugs in infected cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roeland Vanhoutte
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Chemical Biology, KU Leuven Herestraat 49 box 802 3000 Leuven Belgium
| | - Marta Barniol-Xicota
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Chemical Biology, KU Leuven Herestraat 49 box 802 3000 Leuven Belgium
| | - Winston Chiu
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU LeuvenHerestraat 49, Box 10433000LeuvenBelgium
| | - Laura Vangeel
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU LeuvenHerestraat 49, Box 10433000LeuvenBelgium
| | - Dirk Jochmans
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU LeuvenHerestraat 49, Box 10433000LeuvenBelgium
| | - Steven De Jonghe
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU LeuvenHerestraat 49, Box 10433000LeuvenBelgium
| | - Hadeer Zidane
- Maurice and Vivienne Wohl Institute for Drug Discovery, The Nancy and Stephen Grand Israel National Center for Personalized Medicine, The Weizmann Institute of ScienceRehovot 7610001Israel
| | - Haim M. Barr
- Maurice and Vivienne Wohl Institute for Drug Discovery, The Nancy and Stephen Grand Israel National Center for Personalized Medicine, The Weizmann Institute of ScienceRehovot 7610001Israel
| | - Nir London
- Department of Chemical and Structural Biology, Weizmann Institute of ScienceRehovot 7610001Israel
| | - Johan Neyts
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU LeuvenHerestraat 49, Box 10433000LeuvenBelgium
| | - Steven H. L. Verhelst
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Chemical Biology, KU LeuvenHerestraat 49 box 8023000 LeuvenBelgium,AG Chemical Proteomics, Leibniz Institute for Analytical Sciences ISASOtto-Hahn-Str. 6b44227 DortmundGermany
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9
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Hermann MR, Tautermann CS, Sieger P, Grundl MA, Weber A. BIreactive: Expanding the Scope of Reactivity Predictions to Propynamides. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:ph16010116. [PMID: 36678612 PMCID: PMC9866037 DOI: 10.3390/ph16010116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
We present the first comprehensive study on the prediction of reactivity for propynamides. Covalent inhibitors like propynamides often show improved potency, selectivity, and unique pharmacologic properties compared to their non-covalent counterparts. In order to achieve this, it is essential to tune the reactivity of the warhead. This study shows how three different in silico methods can predict the in vitro properties of propynamides, a covalent warhead class integrated into approved drugs on the market. Whereas the electrophilicity index is only applicable to individual subclasses of substitutions, adduct formation and transition state energies have a good predictability for the in vitro reactivity with glutathione (GSH). In summary, the reported methods are well suited to estimate the reactivity of propynamides. With this knowledge, the fine tuning of the reactivity is possible which leads to a speed up of the design process of covalent drugs.
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10
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Derivatization Strategies in Flavor Analysis: An Overview over the Wine and Beer Scenario. CHEMISTRY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/chemistry4040109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Wine and beer are the most appreciated and consumed beverages in the world. This success is mainly due to their characteristic taste, smell, and aroma, which can delight consumer’s palates. These olfactory characteristics are produced from specific classes of volatile compounds called “volatile odor-active compounds” linked to different factors such as age and production. Given the vast market of drinking beverages, the characterization of these odor compounds is increasingly important. However, the chemical complexity of these beverages has led the scientific community to develop several analytical techniques for extracting and quantifying these molecules. Even though the recent “green-oriented” trend is directed towards direct preparation-free procedures, for some class of analytes a conventional step like derivatization is unavoidable. This review is a snapshot of the most used derivatization strategies developed in the last 15 years for VOAs’ determination in wine and beer, the most consumed fermented beverages worldwide and among the most complex ones. A comprehensive overview is provided for every method, whereas pros and cons are critically analyzed and discussed. Emphasis was given to miniaturized methods which are more consistent with the principles of “green analytical chemistry”.
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11
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Tripathi R, Anifowose A, Lu W, Yang X, Wang B. Upregulation of p53 through induction of MDM2 degradation: improved potency through the introduction of an alkylketone sidechain on the anthraquinone core. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2022; 37:2370-2381. [PMID: 36043494 PMCID: PMC9448394 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2022.2116699] [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: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Overexpression of ubiquitin ligase MDM2 causes depletion of the p53 tumour-suppressor and thus leads to cancer progression. In recent years, anthraquinone analogs have received significant attention due to their ability to downregulate MDM2, thereby promoting p53-induced apoptosis. Previously, we have developed potent anthraquinone compounds having the ability to upregulate p53 via inhibition of MDM2 in both cell culture and animal models of acute lymphocytic leukaemia. Earlier work was focussed on mechanistic work, pharmacological validation of this class of compounds in animal models, and mapping out structural space that allows for further modification and optimisation. Herein, we describe our work in optimising the substituents on the two phenol hydroxyl groups. It was found that the introduction of an alkylketone moiety led to a potent series of analogs with BW-AQ-350 being the most potent compound yet (IC50 = 0.19 ± 0.01 µM) which exerts cytotoxicity by inducing MDM2 degradation and p53 upregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravi Tripathi
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Abiodun Anifowose
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Wen Lu
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Xiaoxiao Yang
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Binghe Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
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12
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Carlin S, Piergiovanni M, Pittari E, Tiziana Lisanti M, Moio L, Piombino P, Marangon M, Curioni A, Rolle L, Rio Segade S, Versari A, Ricci A, Paola Parpinello G, Luzzini G, Ugliano M, Perenzoni D, Vrhovsek U, Mattivi F. The contribution of varietal thiols in the diverse aroma of Italian monovarietal white wines. Food Res Int 2022; 157:111404. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2022.111404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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13
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Małolepsza J, Marchwicka A, Serwa RA, Niinivehmas SP, Pentikäinen OT, Gendaszewska-Darmach E, Błażewska KM. Rational design, optimization, and biological evaluation of novel α-Phosphonopropionic acids as covalent inhibitors of Rab geranylgeranyl transferase. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2022; 37:940-951. [PMID: 35354390 PMCID: PMC8973367 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2022.2053525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Rab geranylgeranyltransferase (GGTase-II, RGGT) catalyses the post-translational modification of eukaryotic Rab GTPases, proteins implicated in several pathologies, including cancer, diabetes, neurodegenerative, and infectious diseases. Thus, RGGT inhibitors are believed to be a potential platform for the development of drugs and tools for studying processes related to the abnormal activity of Rab GTPases. Here, a series of new α-phosphonocarboxylates have been prepared in the first attempt of rational design of covalent inhibitors of RGGT derived from non-covalent inhibitors. These compounds were equipped with electrophilic groups capable of binding cysteines, which are present in the catalytic cavity of RGGT. A few of these analogues have shown micromolar activity against RGGT, which correlated with their ability to inhibit the proliferation of the HeLa cancer cell line. The proposed mechanism of this inhibitory activity was rationalised by molecular docking and mass spectrometric measurements, supported by stability and reactivity studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Małolepsza
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Lodz University of Technology, Łódź, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Marchwicka
- Institute of Molecular and Industrial Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Lodz University of Technology, Łódź, Poland
| | - Remigiusz A Serwa
- ReMedy International Research Agenda Unit, IMol Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Sanna P Niinivehmas
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.,InFLAMES Research Flagship Center, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Olli T Pentikäinen
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.,InFLAMES Research Flagship Center, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Edyta Gendaszewska-Darmach
- Institute of Molecular and Industrial Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Lodz University of Technology, Łódź, Poland
| | - Katarzyna M Błażewska
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Lodz University of Technology, Łódź, Poland
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14
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Schmidt TJ, Klempnauer KH. Natural Products with Antitumor Potential Targeting the MYB-C/EBPβ-p300 Transcription Module. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27072077. [PMID: 35408476 PMCID: PMC9000602 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27072077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor MYB is expressed predominantly in hematopoietic progenitor cells, where it plays an essential role in the development of most lineages of the hematopoietic system. In the myeloid lineage, MYB is known to cooperate with members of the CCAAT box/enhancer binding protein (C/EBP) family of transcription factors. MYB and C/EBPs interact with the co-activator p300 or its paralog CREB-binding protein (CBP), to form a transcriptional module involved in myeloid-specific gene expression. Recent work has demonstrated that MYB is involved in the development of human leukemia, especially in acute T-cell leukemia (T-ALL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Chemical entities that inhibit the transcriptional activity of the MYB-C/EBPβ-p300 transcription module may therefore be of use as potential anti-tumour drugs. In searching for small molecule inhibitors, studies from our group over the last 10 years have identified natural products belonging to different structural classes, including various sesquiterpene lactones, a steroid lactone, quinone methide triterpenes and naphthoquinones that interfere with the activity of this transcriptional module in different ways. This review gives a comprehensive overview on the various classes of inhibitors and the inhibitory mechanisms by which they affect the MYB-C/EBPβ-p300 transcriptional module as a potential anti-tumor target. We also focus on the current knowledge on structure-activity relationships underlying these biological effects and on the potential of these compounds for further development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J. Schmidt
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biology and Phytochemistry (IPBP), University of Münster, PharmaCampus-Corrensstraße 48, D-48149 Munster, Germany
- Correspondence: (T.J.S.); (K.-H.K.)
| | - Karl-Heinz Klempnauer
- Institute of Biochemistry, University of Münster, Corrensstraße 36, D-48149 Munster, Germany
- Correspondence: (T.J.S.); (K.-H.K.)
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15
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Choo MZY, Chai CLL. Promoting GAINs (Give Attention to Limitations in Assays) over PAINs Alerts: no PAINS, more GAINs. ChemMedChem 2022; 17:e202100710. [PMID: 35146933 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202100710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Many concepts and guidelines in medicinal chemistry have been introduced to aid in successful drug discovery and development. An example is the concept of Pan-Assay Interference Compounds (PAINS) and the elimination of such nuisance compounds from high-throughput screening (HTS) libraries. PAINs, along with other guidelines in medicinal chemistry, are like double-edged swords. If used appropriately, they may be beneficial for drug discovery and development. However, rigid and blind use of such concepts can hinder productivity. In this perspective, we introduce GAINS (give attention to limitations in assays) and highlight its relevance for successful drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malcolm Z Y Choo
- Department of Pharmacy, National University of Singapore, 18 Science Drive 4, Singapore, Singapore, 117543, Singapore
| | - Christina L L Chai
- Department of Pharmacy, National University of Singapore, 18 Science Drive 4, Singapore, Singapore, 117543, Singapore
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16
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Xiong M, Nie T, Shao Q, Li M, Su H, Xu Y. In silico screening-based discovery of novel covalent inhibitors of the SARS-CoV-2 3CL protease. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 231:114130. [PMID: 35114541 PMCID: PMC8783839 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) 3CL protease (3CLpro) has been regarded as an extremely promising antiviral target for the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Here, we carried out a virtual screening based on commercial compounds database to find novel covalent non-peptidomimetic inhibitors of this protease. It allowed us to identify 3 hit compounds with potential covalent binding modes, which were evaluated through an enzymatic activity assay of the SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro. Moreover, an X-ray crystal structure of the SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro in complex with compound 8, the most potent hit with an IC50 value of 8.50 μM, confirmed the covalent binding of the predicted warhead to the catalytic residue C145, as well as portrayed interactions of the compound with S1’ and S2 subsites at the ligand binding pocket. Overall, the present work not merely provided an experiment-validated covalent hit targeting the SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro, but also displayed a prime example to seeking new covalent small molecules by a feasible and effective computational approach.
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17
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Kollár L, Gobec M, Proj M, Smrdel L, Knez D, Imre T, Gömöry Á, Petri L, Ábrányi-Balogh P, Csányi D, Ferenczy GG, Gobec S, Sosič I, Keserű GM. Fragment-Sized and Bidentate (Immuno)Proteasome Inhibitors Derived from Cysteine and Threonine Targeting Warheads. Cells 2021; 10:3431. [PMID: 34943940 PMCID: PMC8700061 DOI: 10.3390/cells10123431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Constitutive- and immunoproteasomes are part of the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS), which is responsible for the protein homeostasis. Selective inhibition of the immunoproteasome offers opportunities for the treatment of numerous diseases, including inflammation, autoimmune diseases, and hematologic malignancies. Although several inhibitors have been reported, selective nonpeptidic inhibitors are sparse. Here, we describe two series of compounds that target both proteasomes. First, benzoxazole-2-carbonitriles as fragment-sized covalent immunoproteasome inhibitors are reported. Systematic substituent scans around the fragment core of benzoxazole-2-carbonitrile led to compounds with single digit micromolar inhibition of the β5i subunit. Experimental and computational reactivity studies revealed that the substituents do not affect the covalent reactivity of the carbonitrile warhead, but mainly influence the non-covalent recognition. Considering the small size of the inhibitors, this finding emphasizes the importance of the non-covalent recognition step in the covalent mechanism of action. As a follow-up series, bidentate inhibitors are disclosed, in which electrophilic heterocyclic fragments, i.e., 2-vinylthiazole, benzoxazole-2-carbonitrile, and benzimidazole-2-carbonitrile were linked to threonine-targeting (R)-boroleucine moieties. These compounds were designed to bind both the Thr1 and β5i-subunit-specific residue Cys48. However, inhibitory activities against (immuno)proteasome subunits showed that bidentate compounds inhibit the β5, β5i, β1, and β1i subunits with submicromolar to low-micromolar IC50 values. Inhibitory assays against unrelated enzymes showed that compounds from both series are selective for proteasomes. The presented nonpeptidic and covalent derivatives are suitable hit compounds for the development of either β5i-selective immunoproteasome inhibitors or compounds targeting multiple subunits of both proteasomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Levente Kollár
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Group, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar Tudósok Krt. 2, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary; (L.K.); (L.P.); (P.Á.-B.); (D.C.); (G.G.F.)
| | - Martina Gobec
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva cesta 7, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (M.G.); (M.P.); (L.S.); (D.K.); (S.G.)
| | - Matic Proj
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva cesta 7, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (M.G.); (M.P.); (L.S.); (D.K.); (S.G.)
| | - Lara Smrdel
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva cesta 7, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (M.G.); (M.P.); (L.S.); (D.K.); (S.G.)
| | - Damijan Knez
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva cesta 7, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (M.G.); (M.P.); (L.S.); (D.K.); (S.G.)
| | - Tímea Imre
- MS Metabolomics Research Group, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar Tudósok Krt. 2, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - Ágnes Gömöry
- MS Proteomics Research Group, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar Tudósok Krt. 2, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - László Petri
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Group, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar Tudósok Krt. 2, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary; (L.K.); (L.P.); (P.Á.-B.); (D.C.); (G.G.F.)
| | - Péter Ábrányi-Balogh
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Group, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar Tudósok Krt. 2, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary; (L.K.); (L.P.); (P.Á.-B.); (D.C.); (G.G.F.)
| | - Dorottya Csányi
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Group, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar Tudósok Krt. 2, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary; (L.K.); (L.P.); (P.Á.-B.); (D.C.); (G.G.F.)
| | - György G. Ferenczy
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Group, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar Tudósok Krt. 2, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary; (L.K.); (L.P.); (P.Á.-B.); (D.C.); (G.G.F.)
| | - Stanislav Gobec
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva cesta 7, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (M.G.); (M.P.); (L.S.); (D.K.); (S.G.)
| | - Izidor Sosič
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva cesta 7, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (M.G.); (M.P.); (L.S.); (D.K.); (S.G.)
| | - György M. Keserű
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Group, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar Tudósok Krt. 2, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary; (L.K.); (L.P.); (P.Á.-B.); (D.C.); (G.G.F.)
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18
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Erbay TG, Dempe DP, Godugu B, Liu P, Brummond KM. Thiol Reactivity of N-Aryl α-Methylene-γ-lactams: A Reactive Group for Targeted Covalent Inhibitor Design. J Org Chem 2021; 86:11926-11936. [PMID: 34379423 DOI: 10.1021/acs.joc.1c01335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Kinase activity can be modulated reversibly or irreversibly by the reaction of targeted covalent inhibitors with nucleophilic residues in protein active sites. Herein, we present thiol reactivity studies that support α-methylene-γ-lactams as tunable surrogates for the highly reactive α-methylene-γ-lactones. The reactivity of the α-methylene is modulated via the N substituent, and the reaction rates toward glutathione were determined via mass spectrometry. Density functional theory calculations of transition states of thiol additions to α-methylene-γ-lactams revealed that the use of the M06-2X functional with the SMD solvation model and methyl thiolate as a model nucleophile reliably predicts the relative reactivities of the α-methylene-γ-lactams, and quasiharmonic approximations improve the agreement between experiment and computation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuğçe G Erbay
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
| | - Daniel P Dempe
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
| | - Bhaskar Godugu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
| | - Peng Liu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States.,Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, United States
| | - Kay M Brummond
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
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19
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Electrophilic Natural Products as Drug Discovery Tools. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2021; 42:434-447. [PMID: 33902949 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2021.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Electrophilic natural products (ENPs) are a rich source of bioactive molecules with tremendous therapeutic potential. While their synthetic complexity may hinder their direct use as therapeutics, they represent tools for elucidation of suitable molecular targets and serve as inspiration for the design of simplified synthetic counterparts. Here, we review the recent use of various activity-based protein profiling methods to uncover molecular targets of ENPs. Beyond target identification, these examples also showcase further development of synthetic ligands from natural product starting points. Two examples demonstrate how ENPs can progress the emerging fields of targeted protein degradation and molecular glues. Though challenges still remain in the synthesis of ENP-based probes, and in their synthetic simplification, their potential for discovery of novel mechanisms of action makes it well worth the effort.
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20
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Abstract
The mechanism of action of covalent drugs involves the formation of a bond between their electrophilic warhead group and a nucleophilic residue of the protein target. The recent advances in covalent drug discovery have accelerated the development of computational tools for the design and characterization of covalent binders. Covalent docking algorithms can predict the binding mode of covalent ligands by modeling the bonds and interactions formed at the reaction site. Their scoring functions can estimate the relative binding affinity of ligands towards the target of interest, thus allowing virtual screening of compound libraries. However, most of the scoring schemes have no specific terms for the bond formation, and therefore it prevents the direct comparison of warheads with different intrinsic reactivity. Herein, we describe a protocol for the binding mode prediction of covalent ligands, a typical virtual screening of compound sets with a single warhead chemistry, and an alternative approach to screen libraries that include various warhead types, as applied in recently validated studies.
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21
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Jackson PA, Schares HAM, Jones KFM, Widen JC, Dempe DP, Grillet F, Cuellar ME, Walters MA, Harki DA, Brummond KM. Synthesis of Guaianolide Analogues with a Tunable α-Methylene-γ-lactam Electrophile and Correlating Bioactivity with Thiol Reactivity. J Med Chem 2020; 63:14951-14978. [PMID: 33201697 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
α-Methylene-γ-lactones are present in ∼3% of known natural products, and compounds comprising this motif display a range of biological activities. However, this reactive lactone limits informed structure-activity relationships for these bioactive molecules. Herein, we describe chemically tuning the electrophilicity of the α-methylene-γ-lactone by replacement with an α-methylene-γ-lactam. Guaianolide analogues having α-methylene-γ-lactams are synthesized using the allenic Pauson-Khand reaction. Substitution of the lactam nitrogen with electronically different groups affords diverse thiol reactivity. Cellular NF-κB inhibition assays for these lactams were benchmarked against parthenolide and a synthetic α-methylene-γ-lactone showing a positive correlation between thiol reactivity and bioactivity. Cytotoxicity assays show good correlation at the outer limits of thiol reactivity but less so for compounds with intermediate reactivity. A La assay to detect reactive molecules by nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry peptide sequencing assays with the La antigen protein demonstrate that lactam analogues with muted nonspecific thiol reactivities constitute a better electrophile for rational chemical probe and therapeutic molecule design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul A Jackson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
| | - Henry A M Schares
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Katherine F M Jones
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - John C Widen
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Daniel P Dempe
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
| | - Francois Grillet
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
| | - Matthew E Cuellar
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States.,Institute for Therapeutics Discovery and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Michael A Walters
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States.,Institute for Therapeutics Discovery and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Daniel A Harki
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States.,Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Kay M Brummond
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
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22
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Lossouarn A, Renard PY, Sabot C. Tailored Bioorthogonal and Bioconjugate Chemistry: A Source of Inspiration for Developing Kinetic Target-Guided Synthesis Strategies. Bioconjug Chem 2020; 32:63-72. [PMID: 33232599 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.0c00568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Kinetic target-guided synthesis (KTGS) is a promising tool for the discovery of biologically active compounds. It relies on the identification of potent ligands that are covalently assembled by the biological targets themselves from a pool of reagents. Significant effort is devoted to developing new KTGS strategies; however, only a handful of biocompatible reactions are available, which may be insufficient to meet the specificities (stability, dynamics, active site topology, etc.) of a wide range of biological targets with therapeutic potential. This Topical Review proposes a retrospective analysis of existing KTGS ligation tools, in terms of their kinetics and analogy with other biocompatible reactions, and provides new clues to expand the KTGS toolkit. By way of examples, a nonexhaustive selection of such chemical ligation tools belonging to different classes of reactions as promising candidate reactions for KTGS are suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis Lossouarn
- Normandie Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UNIROUEN, INSA Rouen, COBRA, UMR 6014 & FR 3038, 76000, Rouen, France
| | - Pierre-Yves Renard
- Normandie Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UNIROUEN, INSA Rouen, COBRA, UMR 6014 & FR 3038, 76000, Rouen, France
| | - Cyrille Sabot
- Normandie Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UNIROUEN, INSA Rouen, COBRA, UMR 6014 & FR 3038, 76000, Rouen, France
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23
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Hermann MR, Pautsch A, Grundl MA, Weber A, Tautermann CS. Covalent inhibitor reactivity prediction by the electrophilicity index-in and out of scope. J Comput Aided Mol Des 2020; 35:531-539. [PMID: 33015740 DOI: 10.1007/s10822-020-00342-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Drug discovery is an expensive and time-consuming process. To make this process more efficient quantum chemistry methods can be employed. The electrophilicity index is one property that can be calculated by quantum chemistry methods, and if calculated correctly gives insight into the reactivity of covalent inhibitors. Herein we present the usage of the electrophilicity index on three common warheads, i.e., acrylamides, 2-chloroacetamides, and propargylamides. We thoroughly examine the properties of the electrophilicity index, show which pitfalls should be avoided, and what the requirements to successfully apply the electrophilicity index are.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus R Hermann
- Medicinal Chemistry, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Birkendorferstr. 65, 88397, Biberach an der Riß, Germany.
| | - Alexander Pautsch
- Medicinal Chemistry, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Birkendorferstr. 65, 88397, Biberach an der Riß, Germany
| | - Marc A Grundl
- Medicinal Chemistry, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Birkendorferstr. 65, 88397, Biberach an der Riß, Germany
| | - Alexander Weber
- Medicinal Chemistry, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Birkendorferstr. 65, 88397, Biberach an der Riß, Germany
| | - Christofer S Tautermann
- Medicinal Chemistry, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Birkendorferstr. 65, 88397, Biberach an der Riß, Germany.
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24
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Petri L, Egyed A, Bajusz D, Imre T, Hetényi A, Martinek T, Ábrányi-Balogh P, Keserű GM. An electrophilic warhead library for mapping the reactivity and accessibility of tractable cysteines in protein kinases. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 207:112836. [PMID: 32971426 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Targeted covalent inhibitors represent a viable strategy to block protein kinases involved in different disease pathologies. Although a number of computational protocols have been published for identifying druggable cysteines, experimental approaches are limited for mapping the reactivity and accessibility of these residues. Here, we present a ligand based approach using a toolbox of fragment-sized molecules with identical scaffold but equipped with diverse covalent warheads. Our library represents a unique opportunity for the efficient integration of warhead-optimization and target-validation into the covalent drug development process. Screening this probe kit against multiple kinases could experimentally characterize the accessibility and reactivity of the targeted cysteines and helped to identify suitable warheads for designed covalent inhibitors. The usefulness of this approach has been confirmed retrospectively on Janus kinase 3 (JAK3). Furthermore, representing a prospective validation, we identified Maternal embryonic leucine zipper kinase (MELK), as a tractable covalent target. Covalently labelling and biochemical inhibition of MELK would suggest an alternative covalent strategy for MELK inhibitor programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- László Petri
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Group, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar Tudósok Krt 2, H-1117, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Attila Egyed
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Group, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar Tudósok Krt 2, H-1117, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Dávid Bajusz
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Group, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar Tudósok Krt 2, H-1117, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Tímea Imre
- MS Metabolomics Research Group, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar Tudósok Krt 2, H-1117, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Anasztázia Hetényi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Szeged, Dóm Tér 8, H-6720, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Tamás Martinek
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Szeged, Dóm Tér 8, H-6720, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Péter Ábrányi-Balogh
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Group, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar Tudósok Krt 2, H-1117, Budapest, Hungary
| | - György M Keserű
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Group, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar Tudósok Krt 2, H-1117, Budapest, Hungary.
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Keeley A, Petri L, Ábrányi-Balogh P, Keserű GM. Covalent fragment libraries in drug discovery. Drug Discov Today 2020; 25:983-996. [PMID: 32298798 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2020.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 03/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Targeted covalent inhibitors and chemical probes have become integral parts of drug discovery approaches. Given the advantages of fragment-based drug discovery, screening electrophilic fragments emerged as a promising alternative to discover and validate novel targets and to generate viable chemical starting points even for targets that are barely tractable. In this review, we present recent principles and considerations in the design of electrophilic fragment libraries from the selection of the appropriate covalent warhead through the design of the covalent fragment to the compilation of the library. We then summarize recent screening methodologies of covalent fragments against surrogate models, proteins, and the whole proteome, or living cells. Finally, we highlight recent drug discovery applications of covalent fragment libraries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Keeley
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Group, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar tudósok krt. 2, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - László Petri
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Group, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar tudósok krt. 2, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Péter Ábrányi-Balogh
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Group, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar tudósok krt. 2, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - György M Keserű
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Group, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar tudósok krt. 2, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary.
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