1
|
Pala D, Clark DE. Caught between a ROCK and a hard place: current challenges in structure-based drug design. Drug Discov Today 2024; 29:104106. [PMID: 39029868 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2024.104106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024]
Abstract
The discipline of structure-based drug design (SBDD) is several decades old and it is tempting to think that the proliferation of experimental structures for many drug targets might make computer-aided drug design (CADD) straightforward. However, this is far from true. In this review, we illustrate some of the challenges that CADD scientists face every day in their work, even now. We use Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK), and public domain structures and data, as an example to illustrate some of the challenges we have experienced during our project targeting this protein. We hope that this will help to prevent unrealistic expectations of what CADD can accomplish and to educate non-CADD scientists regarding the challenges still facing their CADD colleagues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Pala
- Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Design Technologies Department, Chiesi Farmaceutici S.p.A, Research Center, Largo Belloli 11/a, 43122 Parma, Italy
| | - David E Clark
- Charles River, 6-9 Spire Green Centre, Flex Meadow, Harlow CM19 5TR, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Li S, Liu Z, Deng S, Zhang Y, Jie Y. The ROCK inhibitor netarsudil in the treatment of corneal endothelial decompensation caused by corneal endotheliitis: A case report and literature review. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 136:112195. [PMID: 38820965 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
Proper hydration and the clarity of the cornea are maintained through the crucial function of the corneal endothelium. Inflammation of the corneal endothelium, known as endotheliitis, can disrupt endothelial function, resulting in alterations to vision. Corneal endotheliitis is characterised by corneal oedema, the presence of keratic precipitates, inflammation within the anterior chamber, and occasionally, limbal injection, neovascularisation, and the concurrent or overlapping presence of uveitis. The aetiology of this condition is diverse, predominantly viral, but it may also be drug-induced, result from bacterial or fungal infections, be associated with systemic diseases and procedures, or remain idiopathic with no identifiable cause. To date, no standardised protocol for the treatment of this ocular disease exists, and in severe cases, corneal transplantation may be required. A 31-year-old male was transferred to our hospital for the management of corneal endothelial decompensation resulting from corneal endotheliitis. Hormonal therapy and antiviral medications proved ineffective, rendering the patient a candidate for corneal transplantation. As a final measure, treatment with the ROCK inhibitor netarsudil was initiated. The patient demonstrated significant improvement in symptoms, and the inflammation was successfully managed after nine months. In this study, a novel approach employing ROCK inhibitor therapy was utilised for the treatment of corneal endotheliitis, leading to marked recovery during patient follow-up. This case report represents the inaugural application of the ROCK inhibitor netarsudil in managing corneal endothelial decompensation attributed to corneal endotheliitis. These findings suggest that this method warrants consideration as a potential novel treatment option for similar conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shang Li
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ziyu Liu
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Shijing Deng
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Jie
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ma N, Wibowo YC, Wirtz P, Baltus D, Wieland T, Jansen S. Tankyrase inhibition interferes with junction remodeling, induces leakiness, and disturbs YAP1/TAZ signaling in the endothelium. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2024; 397:1763-1789. [PMID: 37741944 PMCID: PMC10858845 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-023-02720-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
Tankyrase inhibitors are increasingly considered for therapeutic use in malignancies that are characterized by high intrinsic β-catenin activity. However, how tankyrase inhibition affects the endothelium after systemic application remains poorly understood. In this study, we aimed to investigate how the tankyrase inhibitor XAV939 affects endothelial cell function and the underlying mechanism involved. Endothelial cell function was analyzed using sprouting angiogenesis, endothelial cell migration, junctional dynamics, and permeability using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and explanted mouse retina. Underlying signaling was studied using western blot, immunofluorescence, and qPCR in HUVEC in addition to luciferase reporter gene assays in human embryonic kidney cells. XAV939 treatment leads to altered junctional dynamics and permeability as well as impaired endothelial migration. Mechanistically, XAV939 increased stability of the angiomotin-like proteins 1 and 2, which impedes the nuclear translocation of YAP1/TAZ and consequently suppresses TEAD-mediated transcription. Intriguingly, XAV939 disrupts adherens junctions by inducing RhoA-Rho dependent kinase (ROCK)-mediated F-actin bundling, whereas disruption of F-actin bundling through the ROCK inhibitor H1152 restores endothelial cell function. Unexpectedly, this was accompanied by an increase in nuclear TAZ and TEAD-mediated transcription, suggesting differential regulation of YAP1 and TAZ by the actin cytoskeleton in endothelial cells. In conclusion, our findings elucidate the complex relationship between the actin cytoskeleton, YAP1/TAZ signaling, and endothelial cell function and how tankyrase inhibition disturbs this well-balanced signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nan Ma
- Experimental Pharmacology Mannheim, European Center for Angioscience (ECAS), Mannheim Medical Faculty, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Yohanes Cakrapradipta Wibowo
- Experimental Pharmacology Mannheim, European Center for Angioscience (ECAS), Mannheim Medical Faculty, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Phillip Wirtz
- Experimental Pharmacology Mannheim, European Center for Angioscience (ECAS), Mannheim Medical Faculty, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Doris Baltus
- Experimental Pharmacology Mannheim, European Center for Angioscience (ECAS), Mannheim Medical Faculty, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Thomas Wieland
- Experimental Pharmacology Mannheim, European Center for Angioscience (ECAS), Mannheim Medical Faculty, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany.
- DZHK, German Center for Cardiovascular Research, partner site Heidelberg/Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany.
| | - Sepp Jansen
- Experimental Pharmacology Mannheim, European Center for Angioscience (ECAS), Mannheim Medical Faculty, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zaky YA, Rashad MW, Zaater MA, El Kerdawy AM. Discovery of dual rho-associated protein kinase 1 (ROCK1)/apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1) inhibitors as a novel approach for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) treatment. BMC Chem 2024; 18:2. [PMID: 38172941 PMCID: PMC10765837 DOI: 10.1186/s13065-023-01081-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
In the current study we suggest a novel approach to curb non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) progression, and we suggest privileged scaffolds for the design of novel compounds for this aim. NASH is an advanced form of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease that can further progress into fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. It is a widely emerging disease affecting 25% of the global population and has no current approved treatments. Protein kinases are key regulators of cellular pathways, of which, Rho-associated protein kinase 1 (ROCK1) and apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1) play an important role in the progression of NASH and they stand out as promising targets for NASH therapy. Interestingly, their kinase domains are found to be similar in sequence and topology; therefore, dual inhibition of ROCK1 and ASK1 is expected to be amenable and could achieve a more favourable outcome. To reach this goal, a training set of ROCK1 and ASK1 protein structures co-crystalized with type 1 (ATP-competitive) inhibitors was constructed to manually generate receptor-based pharmacophore models representing ROCK1 and ASK1 inhibitors' common pharmacophoric features. The models produced were assessed using a test set of both ROCK1 and ASK1 actives and decoys, and their performance was evaluated using different assessment metrics. The best pharmacophore model obtained, showing a Mathew's correlation coefficient (MCC) of 0.71, was then used to screen the ZINC purchasable database retrieving 6178 hits that were filtered accordingly using several medicinal chemistry and pharmacokinetics filters returning 407 promising compounds. To confirm that these compounds are capable of binding to the target kinases, they were subjected to molecular docking simulations at both protein structures. The results were then assessed individually and filtered, setting the spotlight on various privileged scaffolds that could be exploited as the nucleus for designing novel ROCK1/ASK1 dual inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yara A Zaky
- Department of Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Newgiza University (NGU), Newgiza, Km 22 Cairo-Alexandria Desert Road, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Mai W Rashad
- Department of Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Newgiza University (NGU), Newgiza, Km 22 Cairo-Alexandria Desert Road, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Marwa A Zaater
- Master Postgraduate Program, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ahmed M El Kerdawy
- Department of Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Newgiza University (NGU), Newgiza, Km 22 Cairo-Alexandria Desert Road, Cairo, Egypt
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
- School of Pharmacy, College of Science, University of Lincoln, Joseph Banks Laboratories, Green Lane, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, UK
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Huang Y, Mao CR, Lou Y, Zhan S, Chen Z, Ding W, Ma Z. Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of an Orally Bioavailable, Potent, and Selective ROCK2 Inhibitor for Psoriasis Treatment. J Med Chem 2023; 66:15205-15229. [PMID: 37943013 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01297] [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: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Psoriasis, a prevalent chronic skin disorder, remains a significant therapeutic obstacle. This study centers on rho-associated coiled-coil-containing kinase2 (ROCK2) as an advantageous target for treating psoriasis and identifies five potent and selective ROCK2 inhibitors (A31-35). Notably, A32-35 outperform KD025 in ROCK2/ROCK1 selectivity by up to 216-fold. Among these candidates, A31 emerged as an exceedingly promising molecule, showcasing remarkable inhibitory potency (IC50 = 3.7 ± 0.8 nM), 19-fold ROCK2/ROCK1 selectivity, and favorable pharmacokinetics. Insights from the binding mode study further underscored the pivotal role of interactions with Phe103 on the P-loop in determining the selectivity between ROCK1 and ROCK2. In an imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like mouse model, oral administration of A31 notably ameliorated symptoms by targeting the IL-23/Th17 axis. Based on these compelling findings, A31 was selected as a highly promising compound for further investigation as a potential treatment for psoriasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yun Huang
- Institute of Marine Biology and Pharmacology, Ocean College, Zhejiang University, Zhoushan 316021, China
| | - Chu-Ru Mao
- Institute of Marine Biology and Pharmacology, Ocean College, Zhejiang University, Zhoushan 316021, China
| | - Yijie Lou
- Key Laboratory of Digestive Pathophysiology of Zhejiang Province, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Shuai Zhan
- Institute of Marine Biology and Pharmacology, Ocean College, Zhejiang University, Zhoushan 316021, China
| | - Zhe Chen
- Key Laboratory of Digestive Pathophysiology of Zhejiang Province, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Wanjing Ding
- Institute of Marine Biology and Pharmacology, Ocean College, Zhejiang University, Zhoushan 316021, China
- Hainan Institute of Zhejiang University, Sanya 572025, China
| | - Zhongjun Ma
- Institute of Marine Biology and Pharmacology, Ocean College, Zhejiang University, Zhoushan 316021, China
- Hainan Institute of Zhejiang University, Sanya 572025, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Xie Y, Yue L, Shi Y, Su X, Gan C, Liu H, Xue T, Ye T. Application and Study of ROCK Inhibitors in Pulmonary Fibrosis: Recent Developments and Future Perspectives. J Med Chem 2023; 66:4342-4360. [PMID: 36940432 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/22/2023]
Abstract
Rho-associated coiled-coil-containing kinases (ROCKs), serine/threonine protein kinases, were initially identified as downstream targets of the small GTP-binding protein Rho. Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a lethal disease with limited therapeutic options and a particularly poor prognosis. Interestingly, ROCK activation has been demonstrated in PF patients and in animal PF models, making it a promising target for PF treatment. Many ROCK inhibitors have been discovered, and four of these have been approved for clinical use; however, no ROCK inhibitors are approved for the treatment of PF patients. In this article, we describe ROCK signaling pathways and the structure-activity relationship, potency, selectivity, binding modes, pharmacokinetics (PKs), biological functions, and recently reported inhibitors of ROCKs in the context of PF. We will also focus our attention on the challenges to be addressed when targeting ROCKs and discuss the strategy of ROCK inhibitor use in the treatment of PF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Xie
- Sichuan University-Oxford University Huaxi Gastrointestinal Cancer Centre, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Lin Yue
- Sichuan University-Oxford University Huaxi Gastrointestinal Cancer Centre, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Yaojie Shi
- Sichuan University-Oxford University Huaxi Gastrointestinal Cancer Centre, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Xingping Su
- Sichuan University-Oxford University Huaxi Gastrointestinal Cancer Centre, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Cailing Gan
- Sichuan University-Oxford University Huaxi Gastrointestinal Cancer Centre, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Hongyao Liu
- Sichuan University-Oxford University Huaxi Gastrointestinal Cancer Centre, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Taixiong Xue
- Sichuan University-Oxford University Huaxi Gastrointestinal Cancer Centre, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Tinghong Ye
- Sichuan University-Oxford University Huaxi Gastrointestinal Cancer Centre, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Al-Sha'er MA, Basheer HA, Taha MO. Discovery of new PKN2 inhibitory chemotypes via QSAR-guided selection of docking-based pharmacophores. Mol Divers 2023; 27:443-462. [PMID: 35507210 DOI: 10.1007/s11030-022-10434-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Serine/threonine-protein kinase N2 (PKN2) plays an important role in cell cycle progression, cell migration, cell adhesion and transcription activation signaling processes. In cancer, however, it plays important roles in tumor cell migration, invasion and apoptosis. PKN2 inhibitors have been shown to be promising in treating cancer. This prompted us to model this interesting target using our QSAR-guided selection of docking-based pharmacophores approach where numerous pharmacophores are extracted from docked ligand poses and allowed to compete within the context of QSAR. The optimal pharmacophore was sterically-refined, validated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and used as virtual search query to screen the National Cancer Institute (NCI) database for new promising anti-PKN2 leads of novel chemotypes. Three low micromolar hits were identified with IC50 values ranging between 9.9 and 18.6 µM. Pharmacological assays showed promising cytotoxic properties for active hits in MTT and wound healing assays against MCF-7 and PANC-1 cancer cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud A Al-Sha'er
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Zarqa University, P.O. Box 132222, Zarqa, 13132, Jordan.
| | - Haneen A Basheer
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Zarqa University, P.O. Box 132222, Zarqa, 13132, Jordan
| | - Mutasem O Taha
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Kopecny LR, Lee BWH, Coroneo MT. A systematic review on the effects of ROCK inhibitors on proliferation and/or differentiation in human somatic stem cells: A hypothesis that ROCK inhibitors support corneal endothelial healing via acting on the limbal stem cell niche. Ocul Surf 2023; 27:16-29. [PMID: 36586668 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2022.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Rho kinase inhibitors (ROCKi) have attracted growing multidisciplinary interest, particularly in Ophthalmology where the question as to how they promote corneal endothelial healing remains unresolved. Concurrently, stem cell biology has rapidly progressed in unravelling drivers of stem cell (SC) proliferation and differentiation, where mechanical niche factors and the actin cytoskeleton are increasingly recognized as key players. There is mounting evidence from the study of the peripheral corneal endothelium that supports the likelihood of an internal limbal stem cell niche. The possibility that ROCKi stimulate the endothelial SC niche has not been addressed. Furthermore, there is currently a paucity of data that directly evaluates whether ROCKi promotes corneal endothelial healing by acting on this limbal SC niche located near the transition zone. Therefore, we performed a systematic review examining the effects ROCKi on the proliferation and differentiation of human somatic SC, to provide insight into its effects on various human SC populations. An appraisal of electronic searches of four databases identified 1 in vivo and 58 in vitro studies (36 evaluated proliferation while 53 examined differentiation). Types of SC studied included mesenchymal (n = 32), epithelial (n = 11), epidermal (n = 8), hematopoietic and other (n = 8). The ROCK 1/2 selective inhibitor Y-27632 was used in almost all studies (n = 58), while several studies evaluated ≥2 ROCKi (n = 4) including fasudil, H-1152, and KD025. ROCKi significantly influenced human somatic SC proliferation in 81% of studies (29/36) and SC differentiation in 94% of studies (50/53). The present systemic review highlights that ROCKi are influential in regulating human SC proliferation and differentiation, and provides evidence to support the hypothesis that ROCKi promotes corneal endothelial division and maintenance via acting on the inner limbal SC niche.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lloyd R Kopecny
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Brendon W H Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Level 2 South Wing, Edmund Blacket Building, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, NSW, 2031, Australia
| | - Minas T Coroneo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Shi J, Wei L. Rho Kinases in Embryonic Development and Stem Cell Research. Arch Immunol Ther Exp (Warsz) 2022; 70:4. [PMID: 35043239 PMCID: PMC8766376 DOI: 10.1007/s00005-022-00642-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The Rho-associated coiled-coil containing kinases (ROCKs or Rho kinases) belong to the AGC (PKA/PKG/PKC) family of serine/threonine kinases and are major downstream effectors of small GTPase RhoA, a key regulator of actin-cytoskeleton reorganization. The ROCK family contains two members, ROCK1 and ROCK2, which share 65% overall identity and 92% identity in kinase domain. ROCK1 and ROCK2 were assumed to be functionally redundant, based largely on their major common activators, their high degree kinase domain homology, and study results from overexpression with kinase constructs or chemical inhibitors. ROCK signaling research has expanded to all areas of biology and medicine since its discovery in 1996. The rapid advance is befitting ROCK’s versatile functions in modulating various cell behavior, such as contraction, adhesion, migration, proliferation, polarity, cytokinesis, and differentiation. The rapid advance is noticeably driven by an extensive linking with clinical medicine, including cardiovascular abnormalities, aberrant immune responsive, and cancer development and metastasis. The rapid advance during the past decade is further powered by novel biotechnologies including CRISPR-Cas and single cell omics. Current consensus, derived mainly from gene targeting and RNA interference approaches, is that the two ROCK isoforms have overlapping and distinct cellular, physiological and pathophysiology roles. In this review, we present an overview of the milestone discoveries in ROCK research. We then focus on the current understanding of ROCK signaling in embryonic development, current research status using knockout and knockin mouse models, and stem cell research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianjian Shi
- Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Indiana University, 1044 West Walnut Street, R4-370, Indianapolis, IN, 46202-5225, USA.
| | - Lei Wei
- Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Indiana University, 1044 West Walnut Street, R4-370, Indianapolis, IN, 46202-5225, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Wei L, Shi J. Insight Into Rho Kinase Isoforms in Obesity and Energy Homeostasis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:886534. [PMID: 35769086 PMCID: PMC9234286 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.886534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Obesity and associated complications increasingly jeopardize global health and contribute to the rapidly rising prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity-related diseases. Developing novel methods for the prevention and treatment of excess body adipose tissue expansion can make a significant contribution to public health. Rho kinase is a Rho-associated coiled-coil-containing protein kinase (Rho kinase or ROCK). The ROCK family including ROCK1 and ROCK2 has recently emerged as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of metabolic disorders. Up-regulated ROCK activity has been involved in the pathogenesis of all aspects of metabolic syndrome including obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia and hypertension. The RhoA/ROCK-mediated actin cytoskeleton dynamics have been implicated in both white and beige adipogenesis. Studies using ROCK pan-inhibitors in animal models of obesity, diabetes, and associated complications have demonstrated beneficial outcomes. Studies via genetically modified animal models further established isoform-specific roles of ROCK in the pathogenesis of metabolic disorders including obesity. However, most reported studies have been focused on ROCK1 activity during the past decade. Due to the progress in developing ROCK2-selective inhibitors in recent years, a growing body of evidence indicates more attention should be devoted towards understanding ROCK2 isoform function in metabolism. Hence, studying individual ROCK isoforms to reveal their specific roles and principal mechanisms in white and beige adipogenesis, insulin sensitivity, energy balancing regulation, and obesity development will facilitate significant breakthroughs for systemic treatment with isoform-selective inhibitors. In this review, we give an overview of ROCK functions in the pathogenesis of obesity and insulin resistance with a particular focus on the current understanding of ROCK isoform signaling in white and beige adipogenesis, obesity and thermogenesis in adipose tissue and other major metabolic organs involved in energy homeostasis regulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lei Wei
- *Correspondence: Lei Wei, ; Jianjian Shi,
| | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Song R, Lei S, Yang S, Wu SJ. LncRNA PAXIP1-AS1 fosters the pathogenesis of pulmonary arterial hypertension via ETS1/WIPF1/RhoA axis. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 25:7321-7334. [PMID: 34245091 PMCID: PMC8335679 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.16761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2020] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a life‐threatening disease featured with elevated pulmonary vascular resistance and progressive pulmonary vascular remodelling. It has been demonstrated that lncRNA PAXIP1‐AS1 could influence the transcriptome in PAH. However, the exact molecular mechanism of PAXIP1‐AS1 in PAH pathogenesis remains largely unknown. In this study, in vivo rat PAH model was established by monocrotaline (MCT) induction and hypoxia was used to induce in vitro PAH model using human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (hPASMCs). Histological examinations including H&E, Masson's trichrome staining and immunohistochemistry were subjected to evaluate the pathological changes of lung tissues. Expression patterns of PAXIP1‐AS1 and RhoA were assessed using qRT‐PCR and Western blotting, respectively. CCK‐8, BrdU assay and immunofluorescence of Ki67 were performed to measure the cell proliferation. Wound healing and transwell assays were employed to evaluate the capacity of cell migration. Dual‐luciferase reporter assay, co‐immunoprecipitation, RIP and CHIP assays were employed to verify the PAXIP1‐AS1/ETS1/WIPF1/RhoA regulatory network. It was found that the expression of PAXIP1‐AS1 and RhoA was remarkably higher in both lung tissues and serum of MCT‐induced PAH rats, as well as in hypoxia‐induced hPASMCs. PAXIP1‐AS1 knockdown remarkably suppressed hypoxia‐induced cell viability and migration of hPASMCs. PAXIP1‐AS1 positively regulated WIPF1 via recruiting transcriptional factor ETS1, of which knockdown reversed PAXIP1‐AS1‐mediated biological functions. Co‐immunoprecipitation validated the WIPF1/RhoA interaction. In vivo experiments further revealed the role of PAXIP1‐AS1 in PAH pathogenesis. In summary, lncRNA PAXIP1‐AS1 promoted cell viability and migration of hPASMCs via ETS1/WIPF1/RhoA, which might provide a potential therapeutic target for PAH treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rong Song
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Si Lei
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Song Yang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Shang-Jie Wu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Ziegler R, Häusermann F, Kirchner S, Polonchuk L. Cardiac Safety of Kinase Inhibitors - Improving Understanding and Prediction of Liabilities in Drug Discovery Using Human Stem Cell-Derived Models. Front Cardiovasc Med 2021; 8:639824. [PMID: 34222360 PMCID: PMC8242589 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.639824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Many small molecule kinase inhibitors (SMKIs) used to fight cancer have been associated with cardiotoxicity in the clinic. Therefore, preventing their failure in clinical development is a priority for preclinical discovery. Our study focused on the integration and concurrent measurement of ATP, apoptosis dynamics and functional cardiac indexes in human stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hSC-CMs) to provide further insights into molecular determinants of compromised cardiac function. Ten out of the fourteen tested SMKIs resulted in a biologically relevant decrease in either beating rate or base impedance (cell number index), illustrating cardiotoxicity as one of the major safety liabilities of SMKIs, in particular of those involved in the PI3K–AKT pathway. Pearson's correlation analysis indicated a good correlation between the different read-outs of functional importance. Therefore, measurement of ATP concentrations and apoptosis in vitro could provide important insight into mechanisms of cardiotoxicity. Detailed investigation of the cellular signals facilitated multi-parameter evaluation allowing integrative assessment of cardiomyocyte behavior. The resulting correlation can be used as a tool to highlight changes in cardiac function and potentially to categorize drugs based on their mechanisms of action.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ricarda Ziegler
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Fabian Häusermann
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stephan Kirchner
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Liudmila Polonchuk
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Al-Hilal TA, Hossain MA, Alobaida A, Alam F, Keshavarz A, Nozik-Grayck E, Stenmark KR, German NA, Ahsan F. Design, synthesis and biological evaluations of a long-acting, hypoxia-activated prodrug of fasudil, a ROCK inhibitor, to reduce its systemic side-effects. J Control Release 2021; 334:237-247. [PMID: 33915222 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2021.04.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
ROCK, one of the downstream regulators of Rho, controls actomyosin cytoskeleton organization, stress fiber formation, smooth muscle contraction, and cell migration. ROCK plays an important role in the pathologies of cerebral and coronary vasospasm, hypertension, cancer, and arteriosclerosis. Pharmacological-induced systemic inhibition of ROCK affects both the pathological and physiological functions of Rho-kinase, resulting in hypotension, increased heart rate, decreased lymphocyte count, and eventually cardiovascular collapse. To overcome the adverse effects of systemic ROCK inhibition, we developed a bioreductive prodrug of a ROCK inhibitor, fasudil, that functions selectively under hypoxic conditions. By masking fasudil's active site with a bioreductive 4-nitrobenzyl group, we synthesized a prodrug of fasudil that is inactive in normoxia. Reduction of the protecting group initiated by hypoxia reveals an electron-donating substituent that leads to fragmentation of the parent molecule. Under normoxia the fasudil prodrug displayed significantly reduced activity against ROCK compared to its parent compound, but under severe hypoxia the prodrug was highly effective in suppressing ROCK activity. Under hypoxia the prodrug elicited an antiproliferative effect on disease-afflicted pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells and pulmonary arterial endothelial cells. The prodrug displayed a long plasma half-life, remained inactive in the blood, and produced no drop in systemic blood pressure when compared with fasudil-treated controls. Due to its selective nature, our hypoxia-activated fasudil prodrug could be used to treat diseases where tissue-hypoxia or hypoxic cells are the pathological basis of the disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Taslim A Al-Hilal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Pharmacy, Amarillo, TX, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, USA
| | - Mohammad Anwar Hossain
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Pharmacy, Amarillo, TX, USA
| | - Ahmed Alobaida
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Pharmacy, Amarillo, TX, USA; Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, University of Hail, Hail, Saudi Arabia
| | - Farzana Alam
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Pharmacy, Amarillo, TX, USA
| | - Ali Keshavarz
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Pharmacy, Amarillo, TX, USA
| | - Eva Nozik-Grayck
- Department of Pediatrics and Medicine, Cardiovascular Pulmonary Research Laboratories, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Kurt R Stenmark
- Department of Pediatrics and Medicine, Cardiovascular Pulmonary Research Laboratories, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Nadezhda A German
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Pharmacy, Amarillo, TX, USA; Center of Excellence for Translational Neuroscience and Therapeutics, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Pharmacy, Amarillo, TX, USA
| | - Fakhrul Ahsan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Pharmacy, Amarillo, TX, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, California Northstate University, 9700 West Taron Drive, Elk Grove, CA 95757, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Al-Humimat G, Marashdeh I, Daradkeh D, Kooner K. Investigational Rho Kinase Inhibitors for the Treatment of Glaucoma. J Exp Pharmacol 2021; 13:197-212. [PMID: 33664600 PMCID: PMC7921633 DOI: 10.2147/jep.s259297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
This review provides a comprehensive update on emerging ROCK inhibitors as an innovative treatment option for lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) in glaucoma and aims to describe the structure, mechanism of action, pharmaceutical characteristics, desirable ocular effects, including side effects for each agent. A literature review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, clinicaltrials.gov, ARVO journals, Cochrane library and Selleckchem. Databases were searched using "investigational Rho kinase inhibitors," and "glaucoma" as keywords. In addition to this building block strategy, successive fractions were employed to further refine the results. Of the several ROCK inhibitors discovered, only two drugs are currently approved for glaucoma treatment; Netarsudil in the USA and Ripasudil in Japan and China. We identified and reviewed 15 agents currently in laboratory or clinical trials. These agents lower IOP mainly by decreasing outflow resistance through pharmacologic relaxation of the trabecular meshwork (TM) cells and reducing episcleral venous pressure. They have an optimistic safety profile; however, conjunctival hyperemia, conjunctival hemorrhage, pain on instillation, and corneal verticillata are common. Other properties such as neuroprotection (enhancing optic nerve blood flow and promoting axonal regeneration), anti-fibrotic activity, and endothelial cell proliferation may improve the visual prognosis and surgical outcomes in glaucoma. In addition, these agents have the potential to work synergistically with other topical glaucoma medications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ghadeer Al-Humimat
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, King Hussein Medical Center, Amman, Jordan
| | - Ibtisam Marashdeh
- Department of Ophthalmology, King Hussein Medical Center, Amman, Jordan
| | - Duaa Daradkeh
- Department of Ophthalmology, King Hussein Medical Center, Amman, Jordan
| | - Karanjit Kooner
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Veteran Affairs North Texas Health Care System Medical Center Dallas, Dallas, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Arya H, Coumar MS. Design of novel ROCK inhibitors using fragment-based de novo drug design approach. J Mol Model 2020; 26:249. [PMID: 32829478 DOI: 10.1007/s00894-020-04493-3] [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: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Rho-associated coiled-coil protein kinase (ROCK) is playing a vital role in the regulation of key cellular events and also responsible for causing several pathological conditions such as cancer, hypertension, Alzheimer's, cerebral vasospasm, and cardiac stroke. Therefore, it has attracted us to target ROCK protein as a potential therapeutic target for combating various diseases. Consequently, we investigated the active site of ROCK I protein and designed novel leads against the target using the de novo evolution drug design approach. Caffeic acid (an aglycone of acteoside) as a scaffold and fragments from 336 reported ROCK inhibitors were used for the design of novel leads. Multiple copy simultaneous search docking was used to identify the suitable fragments to be linked with the scaffold. Basic medicinal chemistry rules, coupled with structural insights generated by docking, led to the design of 7a, 8a, 9a, and 10a as potential ROCK I inhibitors. The designed leads showed better binding than the approved drug fasudil and also interacted with the key hinge region residue Met156 of ROCK I. Further, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation revealed that the protein-ligand complexes were stable and maintained the hydrogen bond with Met156 throughout the MD run. The promising in silico outcomes suggest that the designed compounds could be suitable anti-cancer leads that need to be synthesized and tested in various cancer cell lines. Graphical abstract.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hemant Arya
- Centre for Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Pondicherry University, Kalapet, Puducherry, 605014, India
| | - Mohane Selvaraj Coumar
- Centre for Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Pondicherry University, Kalapet, Puducherry, 605014, India.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Descemet Stripping Only Supplemented With Topical Ripasudil for Fuchs Endothelial Dystrophy 12-Month Outcomes of the Sydney Eye Hospital Study. Cornea 2020; 40:320-326. [PMID: 32740006 DOI: 10.1097/ico.0000000000002437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To report early safety and efficacy of Descemet stripping only (DSO) supplemented with ripasudil. METHODS A pre-post clinical trial with a historical control group for time to heal and cell count parameters. The study received ethics approval and was conducted with oversight of a data safety monitoring board. All enrolled patients had a superior endothelial cell count of >1000 cells/mm2 and were symptomatic from the presence of central guttata degrading vision and/or producing glare. DSO was carried out with a peeling technique and not combined with any other intervention. Ripasudil 0.4% was applied topically from day 1 postoperatively at a dose of 6 times/d until corneal clearance. Cases with relapse of edema were permitted to restart on ripasudil at a reduced dose of 2 drops/d for a further 2 weeks. Stopping rules with progression to a corneal graft were established. Baseline ocular and systemic investigations were carried out and repeated at varying intervals to monitor for local and systemic adverse events. RESULTS Twenty-three eyes of 23 patients met the inclusion criteria and underwent DSO. Twenty-two of 23 eyes achieved corneal clearance at a mean time of 4.1 weeks. In all patients achieving clearance, improvement in vision was recorded. Improvement in mean uncorrected visual acuity was 0.20 Logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (LogMar), and improvement in mean best spectacle corrected visual acuity was 0.156 LogMar. One patient failed to clear and underwent Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty at week 12. Twenty-one of 22 patients achieving corneal clearance expressed satisfaction with the procedure. The commonest systemic side effect of topical ripasudil was gastrointestinal upset (24%), and the commonest local side effect was ocular irritation (43%). No patient experienced a serious adverse event in the course of the trial. Thirty-nine percent of patients experienced a relapse of edema on ceasing ripasudil, with clearance again on recommencing. CONCLUSIONS This trial of DSO supplemented with ripasudil included local and systemic safety analysis. We judge that this treatment option is emerging as a reliable intervention for select patients with Fuchs' Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy (FECD) with an acceptable safety profile. The observation of relapse edema is strong evidence of a drug effect. The longevity of these results remains unknown.
Collapse
|
17
|
Miao Z, Sun YM, Zhao LY, Li YS, Wang YF, Nan JS, Qiao ZE, Li LL, Yang SY. Discovery of thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidin-4(3H)-one derivatives as a new class of ROCK inhibitors. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2020; 30:126966. [PMID: 32001136 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2020.126966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Revised: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Herein, we report the discovery of a series of thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidin-4(3H)-one derivatives as a new class of ROCK inhibitors. Structure-activity relationship studies of these compounds led to the identification of the most potent compound, 3-(3-methoxybenzyl)-6-(1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridin-4-yl)thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidin-4(3H)-one (8k), which showed IC50 values of 0.004 μM and 0.001 μM against ROCK Ⅰ and ROCK Ⅱ, respectively. In vitro, 8k significantly reduced the phosphorylation level of ROCK downstream signaling protein and induce changes in cell morphology and migration. Overall, this study provides a promising lead compound for drug discovery targeting ROCKs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhuang Miao
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Yu-Meng Sun
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery System of Ministry of Education, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Lan-Ying Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Yue-Shan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Yi-Fei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery System of Ministry of Education, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Jin-Shan Nan
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Ze-En Qiao
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Lin-Li Li
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery System of Ministry of Education, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China.
| | - Sheng-Yong Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Scott F, Fala AM, Pennicott LE, Reuillon TD, Massirer KB, Elkins JM, Ward SE. Development of 2-(4-pyridyl)-benzimidazoles as PKN2 chemical tools to probe cancer. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2020; 30:127040. [PMID: 32085971 PMCID: PMC7078758 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2020.127040] [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: 11/15/2019] [Revised: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Kinases are signalling proteins which have proven to be successful targets for the treatment of a variety of diseases, predominantly in cancers. However, only a small proportion of kinases (<20%) have been investigated for their therapeutic viability, likely due to the lack of available chemical tools across the kinome. In this work we describe initial efforts in the development of a selective chemical tool for protein kinase N2 (PKN2), a relatively unexplored kinase of interest in several types of cancer. The most successful compound, 5, has a measured IC50 of 0.064 μM against PKN2, with ca. 17-fold selectivity over close homologue, PKN1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Scott
- Sussex Drug Discovery Centre, University of Sussex, Sussex House, Falmer, Brighton BN1 9RH, United Kingdom.
| | - Angela M Fala
- Centro de Química Medicinal (CQMED), Centro de Biologia Molecular e Engenharia Genética (CBMEG), Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP 13083-875, Brazil; Structural Genomics Consortium, Departamento de Genética e Evolução, Instituto de Biologia, UNICAMP, Campinas, SP 13083-886, Brazil.
| | - Lewis E Pennicott
- Sussex Drug Discovery Centre, University of Sussex, Sussex House, Falmer, Brighton BN1 9RH, United Kingdom.
| | - Tristan D Reuillon
- Sussex Drug Discovery Centre, University of Sussex, Sussex House, Falmer, Brighton BN1 9RH, United Kingdom.
| | - Katlin B Massirer
- Centro de Química Medicinal (CQMED), Centro de Biologia Molecular e Engenharia Genética (CBMEG), Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP 13083-875, Brazil; Structural Genomics Consortium, Departamento de Genética e Evolução, Instituto de Biologia, UNICAMP, Campinas, SP 13083-886, Brazil.
| | - Jonathan M Elkins
- Structural Genomics Consortium, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, United Kingdom.
| | - Simon E Ward
- Sussex Drug Discovery Centre, University of Sussex, Sussex House, Falmer, Brighton BN1 9RH, United Kingdom; Medicines Discovery Institute, Cardiff University, Main Building, Park Place, Cardiff CF10 3AT, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Cai C, Wu Q, Luo Y, Ma H, Shen J, Zhang Y, Yang L, Chen Y, Wen Z, Wang Q. In silico prediction of ROCK II inhibitors by different classification approaches. Mol Divers 2017; 21:791-807. [DOI: 10.1007/s11030-017-9772-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2016] [Accepted: 07/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
20
|
Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Defert
- Amakem Therapeutics NV, Agoralaan A Bis, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Sandro Boland
- Amakem Therapeutics NV, Agoralaan A Bis, Diepenbeek, Belgium
- Cistim, Gaston Geenslaan 2, Leuven, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Croze RH, Thi WJ, Clegg DO. ROCK Inhibition Promotes Attachment, Proliferation, and Wound Closure in Human Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Retinal Pigmented Epithelium. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2016; 5:7. [PMID: 27917311 PMCID: PMC5132148 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.5.6.7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2016] [Accepted: 10/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Nonexudative (dry) age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of blindness in the elderly, is associated with the loss of retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) cells and the development of geographic atrophy, which are areas devoid of RPE cells and photoreceptors. One possible treatment option would be to stimulate RPE attachment and proliferation to replace dying/dysfunctional RPE and bring about wound repair. Clinical trials are underway testing injections of RPE cells derived from pluripotent stem cells to determine their safety and efficacy in treating AMD. However, the factors regulating RPE responses to AMD-associated lesions are not well understood. Here, we use cell culture to investigate the role of RhoA coiled coil kinases (ROCKs) in human embryonic stem cell–derived RPE (hESC-RPE) attachment, proliferation, and wound closure. Methods H9 hESC were spontaneously differentiated into RPE cells. hESC-RPE cells were treated with a pan ROCK1/2 or a ROCK2 only inhibitor; attachment, and proliferation and cell size within an in vitro scratch assay were examined. Results Pharmacological inhibition of ROCKs promoted hESC-RPE attachment and proliferation, and increased the rate of closure of in vitro wounds. ROCK inhibition decreased phosphorylation of cofilin and myosin light chain, suggesting that regulation of the cytoskeleton underlies the mechanism of action of ROCK inhibition. Conclusions ROCK inhibition promotes attachment, proliferation, and wound closure in H9 hESC-RPE cells. ROCK isoforms may have different roles in wound healing. Translational Relevance Modulation of the ROCK-cytoskeletal axis has potential in stimulating wound repair in transplanted RPE cells and attachment in cellular therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roxanne H Croze
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Engineering, Neuroscience Research Institute, Department of Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - William J Thi
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Engineering, Neuroscience Research Institute, Department of Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Dennis O Clegg
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Engineering, Neuroscience Research Institute, Department of Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Glucocorticoid-induced fetal origins of adult hypertension: Association with epigenetic events. Vascul Pharmacol 2016; 82:41-50. [PMID: 26903240 DOI: 10.1016/j.vph.2016.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2015] [Revised: 02/15/2016] [Accepted: 02/18/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Hypertension is a predominant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and a major health care burden. Accumulating epidemiological and experimental evidence suggest that adult-onset hypertension may have its origins during early development. Upon exposure to glucocorticoids, the fetus develops hypertension, and the offspring may be programmed to continue the hypertensive trajectory into adulthood. Elevated oxidative stress and deranged nitric oxide system are not only hallmarks of adult hypertension but are also observed earlier in life. Endothelial dysfunction and remodeling of the vasculature, which are robustly associated with increased incidence of hypertension, are likely to have been pre-programmed during fetal life. Apparently, genomic, non-genomic, and epigenomic factors play a significant role in the development of hypertension, including glucocorticoid-driven effects on blood pressure. In this review, we discuss the involvement of the aforementioned participants in the pathophysiology of hypertension and suggest therapeutic opportunities for targeting epigenome modifiers, potentially for personalized medicine.
Collapse
|
23
|
Donegan RK, Lieberman RL. Discovery of Molecular Therapeutics for Glaucoma: Challenges, Successes, and Promising Directions. J Med Chem 2016; 59:788-809. [PMID: 26356532 PMCID: PMC5547565 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.5b00828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Glaucoma, a heterogeneous ocular disorder affecting ∼60 million people worldwide, is characterized by painless neurodegeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), resulting in irreversible vision loss. Available therapies, which decrease the common causal risk factor of elevated intraocular pressure, delay, but cannot prevent, RGC death and blindness. Notably, it is changes in the anterior segment of the eye, particularly in the drainage of aqueous humor fluid, which are believed to bring about changes in pressure. Thus, it is primarily this region whose properties are manipulated in current and emerging therapies for glaucoma. Here, we focus on the challenges associated with developing treatments, review the available experimental methods to evaluate the therapeutic potential of new drugs, describe the development and evaluation of emerging Rho-kinase inhibitors and adenosine receptor ligands that offer the potential to improve aqueous humor outflow and protect RGCs simultaneously, and present new targets and approaches on the horizon.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca K Donegan
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology , 901 Atlantic Drive NW, Atlanta, Georgia 30332-0400, United States
| | - Raquel L Lieberman
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology , 901 Atlantic Drive NW, Atlanta, Georgia 30332-0400, United States
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Pandey P, Mohammad G, Singh Y, Pasha MAQ. Polymorphisms and haplotype of ROCK2 associate with high altitude essential hypertension in native high altitude Ladakhi Indian population: a preliminary study. Clin Exp Hypertens 2016; 38:238-44. [PMID: 26818475 DOI: 10.3109/10641963.2015.1081231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES High-altitude essential hypertension (HAEH) is a disease occurring in permanent residents of high-altitude regions. The disease is characterized with SBP ≥140 mmHg and DBP ≥90 mmHg. HAEH is known to run in families, i.e. the disease has genetic component. Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase 2 (ROCK2) is a stress-activated serine-threonine kinase known to disturb vascular-homeostasis leading to an increase in systemic vascular resistance, hallmark of HAEH. ROCK2 is implicated in sea-level essential hypertension but its role in HAEH is yet to be elucidated. METHODS The present study deals with genotyping 13 polymorphisms of ROCK2 gene in demographicaly matched human cases (n = 65) and controls (n = 38) by Sequenom MS (TOF)-based MassARRAY platform using iPLEX Gold technology. RESULTS A significant association was observed for GG genotype (SNP, rs978906), AA genotype (SNP, rs6753921), GG genotype (SNP, rs10495582) and AA genotype (SNP, rs2230774) with HAEH (p < 0.05). The 4 SNPs were tagged to each other and formed a 35 kb LD block (r(2 )> 0.90). Haplotype AGCC, composed of wild-type alleles of the SNPs was over represented in controls. In contrast, haplotype GAGA, composed of variant-alleles was observed to be in higher proportion in cases. Moreover, SBP levels (mmHg) were higher in cases with risk genotype against the ones having protective genotype (p = 0.05). Bioinformatic analysis revealed binding of a critical transcription factor, SRF to variant-allele G of SNP rs10495582. SRF has been reported in previous studies to promote ROCK2 transcriptional expression. INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSIONS The data clearly suggests association of ROCK2 polymorphisms and haplotypes with HAEH.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Pandey
- a CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology , Delhi , India .,b Department of Biotechnology , University of Pune , Ganeshkhind , Pune , Maharashtra , India , and
| | - Ghulam Mohammad
- c Department of Medicine , SNM Hospital , Leh, Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir , India
| | - Yogendra Singh
- a CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology , Delhi , India .,b Department of Biotechnology , University of Pune , Ganeshkhind , Pune , Maharashtra , India , and
| | - M A Qadar Pasha
- a CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology , Delhi , India .,b Department of Biotechnology , University of Pune , Ganeshkhind , Pune , Maharashtra , India , and
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Gong H, Yuan Z, Zhan L. High-throughput screening against $$\sim $$ ∼ 6.1 million structurally diverse, lead-like compounds to discover novel ROCK inhibitors for cerebral injury recovery. Mol Divers 2015; 20:537-49. [DOI: 10.1007/s11030-015-9650-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2015] [Accepted: 12/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
26
|
Feng Y, LoGrasso PV, Defert O, Li R. Rho Kinase (ROCK) Inhibitors and Their Therapeutic Potential. J Med Chem 2015; 59:2269-300. [PMID: 26486225 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.5b00683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 252] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Rho kinases (ROCKs) belong to the serine-threonine family, the inhibition of which affects the function of many downstream substrates. As such, ROCK inhibitors have potential therapeutic applicability in a wide variety of pathological conditions including asthma, cancer, erectile dysfunction, glaucoma, insulin resistance, kidney failure, neuronal degeneration, and osteoporosis. To date, two ROCK inhibitors have been approved for clinical use in Japan (fasudil and ripasudil) and one in China (fasudil). In 1995 fasudil was approved for the treatment of cerebral vasospasm, and more recently, ripasudil was approved for the treatment of glaucoma in 2014. In this Perspective, we present a comprehensive review of the physiological and biological functions for ROCK, the properties and development of over 170 ROCK inhibitors as well as their therapeutic potential, the current status, and future considerations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Olivier Defert
- Amakem Therapeutics , Agoralaan A bis, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Rongshi Li
- Center for Drug Discovery and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Cancer Genes and Molecular Regulation Program, Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center , 986805 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198, United States
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Wang P, Yang Y, Shao Q, Zhou W. Selective inhibition of ROCK kinase isoforms to promote neuroregeneration after brain surgery. Med Chem Res 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s00044-015-1463-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
|
28
|
Assessing protein kinase target similarity: Comparing sequence, structure, and cheminformatics approaches. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-PROTEINS AND PROTEOMICS 2015; 1854:1605-16. [PMID: 26001898 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbapap.2015.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2015] [Revised: 05/08/2015] [Accepted: 05/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
In just over two decades, structure based protein kinase inhibitor discovery has grown from trial and error approaches, using individual target structures, to structure and data driven approaches that may aim to optimize inhibition properties across several targets. This is increasingly enabled by the growing availability of potent compounds and kinome-wide binding data. Assessing the prospects for adapting known compounds to new therapeutic uses is thus a key priority for current drug discovery efforts. Tools that can successfully link the diverse information regarding target sequence, structure, and ligand binding properties now accompany a transformation of protein kinase inhibitor research, away from single, block-buster drug models, and toward "personalized medicine" with niche applications and highly specialized research groups. Major hurdles for the transformation to data driven drug discovery include mismatches in data types, and disparities of methods and molecules used; at the core remains the problem that ligand binding energies cannot be predicted precisely from individual structures. However, there is a growing body of experimental data for increasingly successful focussing of efforts: focussed chemical libraries, drug repurposing, polypharmacological design, to name a few. Protein kinase target similarity is easily quantified by sequence, and its relevance to ligand design includes broad classification by key binding sites, evaluation of resistance mutations, and the use of surrogate proteins. Although structural evaluation offers more information, the flexibility of protein kinases, and differences between the crystal and physiological environments may make the use of crystal structures misleading when structures are considered individually. Cheminformatics may enable the "calibration" of sequence and crystal structure information, with statistical methods able to identify key correlates to activity but also here, "the devil is in the details." Examples from specific repurposing and polypharmacology applications illustrate these points. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Inhibitors of Protein Kinases.
Collapse
|
29
|
Boland S, Bourin A, Alen J, Geraets J, Schroeders P, Castermans K, Kindt N, Boumans N, Panitti L, Fransen S, Vanormelingen J, Stassen JM, Leysen D, Defert O. Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of Novel, Highly Active Soft ROCK Inhibitors. J Med Chem 2015; 58:4309-24. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.5b00308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sandro Boland
- Amakem Therapeutics, Agoralaan
Abis, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Arnaud Bourin
- Amakem Therapeutics, Agoralaan
Abis, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Jo Alen
- Amakem Therapeutics, Agoralaan
Abis, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Jacques Geraets
- Amakem Therapeutics, Agoralaan
Abis, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | | | | | - Nele Kindt
- Amakem Therapeutics, Agoralaan
Abis, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Nicki Boumans
- Amakem Therapeutics, Agoralaan
Abis, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Laura Panitti
- Amakem Therapeutics, Agoralaan
Abis, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Silke Fransen
- Amakem Therapeutics, Agoralaan
Abis, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | | | | | - Dirk Leysen
- CSD Farmakem, Elvire Boelensstraat
7, 9160 Lokeren, Belgium
| | - Olivier Defert
- Amakem Therapeutics, Agoralaan
Abis, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|