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Esquea EM, Ciraku L, Young RG, Merzy J, Talarico AN, Ahmed NN, Karuppiah M, Ramesh A, Chatoff A, Crispim CV, Rashad AA, Cocklin S, Snyder NW, Beld J, Simone NL, Reginato MJ, Dick A. Selective and brain-penetrant ACSS2 inhibitors target breast cancer brain metastatic cells. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1394685. [PMID: 38818373 PMCID: PMC11137182 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1394685] [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: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer brain metastasis (BCBM) typically results in an end-stage diagnosis and is hindered by a lack of brain-penetrant drugs. Tumors in the brain rely on the conversion of acetate to acetyl-CoA by the enzyme acetyl-CoA synthetase 2 (ACSS2), a key regulator of fatty acid synthesis and protein acetylation. Here, we used a computational pipeline to identify novel brain-penetrant ACSS2 inhibitors combining pharmacophore-based shape screen methodology with absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) property predictions. We identified compounds AD-5584 and AD-8007 that were validated for specific binding affinity to ACSS2. Treatment of BCBM cells with AD-5584 and AD-8007 leads to a significant reduction in colony formation, lipid storage, acetyl-CoA levels and cell survival in vitro. In an ex vivo brain-tumor slice model, treatment with AD-8007 and AD-5584 reduced pre-formed tumors and synergized with irradiation in blocking BCBM tumor growth. Treatment with AD-8007 reduced tumor burden and extended survival in vivo. This study identifies selective brain-penetrant ACSS2 inhibitors with efficacy towards breast cancer brain metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily M. Esquea
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Lorela Ciraku
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Riley G. Young
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Jessica Merzy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Alexandra N. Talarico
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Nusaiba N. Ahmed
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Mangalam Karuppiah
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Anna Ramesh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Adam Chatoff
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Claudia V. Crispim
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Adel A. Rashad
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Simon Cocklin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Nathaniel W. Snyder
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Joris Beld
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Nicole L. Simone
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Cancer Risk and Control Program, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Mauricio J. Reginato
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Translational Cellular Oncology Program, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Alexej Dick
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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Esquea E, Ciraku L, Young RG, Merzy J, Talarico AN, Rashad AA, Cocklin S, Simone NL, Beld J, Reginato MJ, Dick A. Discovery of novel brain permeable human ACSS2 inhibitors for blocking breast cancer brain metastatic growth. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.22.573073. [PMID: 38187734 PMCID: PMC10769402 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.22.573073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Breast-cancer brain metastasis (BCBM) poses a significant clinical challenge, resulting in an end-stage diagnosis and hindered by limited therapeutic options. The blood-brain barrier (BBB) acts as an anatomical and physiological hurdle for therapeutic compounds, restricting the effective delivery of therapies to the brain. In order to grow and survive in a nutrient-poor environment, tumors in the brain must adapt to their metabolic needs, becoming highly dependent on acetate. These tumors rely on the conversion of acetate to acetyl-CoA by the enzyme Acetyl-CoA synthetase 2 (ACSS2), a key metabolic enzyme involved in regulating fatty acid synthesis and protein acetylation in tumor cells. ACSS2 has emerged as a crucial enzyme required for the growth of tumors in the brain. Here, we utilized a computational pipeline, combining pharmacophore-based shape screen methodology with ADME property predictions to identify novel brain-permeable ACSS2 inhibitors. From a small molecule library, this approach identified 30 potential ACSS2 binders, from which two candidates, AD-5584 and AD-8007, were validated for their binding affinity, predicted metabolic stability, and, notably, their ability to traverse the BBB. We show that treatment of BCBM cells, MDA-MB-231BR, with AD-5584 and AD-8007 leads to a significant reduction in lipid storage, reduction in colony formation, and increase in cell death in vitro . Utilizing an ex vivo orthotopic brain-slice tumor model, we show that treatment with AD-8007 and AD-5584 significantly reduces tumor size and synergizes with radiation in blocking BCBM tumor growth ex vivo. Importantly, we show that following intraperitoneal injections with AD-5584 and AD-8007, we can detect these compounds in the brain, confirming their BBB permeability. Thus, we have identified and validated novel ACSS2 inhibitor candidates for further drug development and optimization as agents for treating patients with breast cancer brain metastasis.
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Xu S, Sun L, Barnett M, Zhang X, Ding D, Gattu A, Shi D, Taka JRH, Shen W, Jiang X, Cocklin S, De Clercq E, Pannecouque C, Goldstone DC, Liu X, Dick A, Zhan P. Discovery, Crystallographic Studies, and Mechanistic Investigations of Novel Phenylalanine Derivatives Bearing a Quinazolin-4-one Scaffold as Potent HIV Capsid Modulators. J Med Chem 2023; 66:16303-16329. [PMID: 38054267 PMCID: PMC10790229 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01647] [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] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Optimization of compound 11L led to the identification of novel HIV capsid modulators, quinazolin-4-one-bearing phenylalanine derivatives, displaying potent antiviral activities against both HIV-1 and HIV-2. Notably, derivatives 12a2 and 21a2 showed significant improvements, with 2.5-fold over 11L and 7.3-fold over PF74 for HIV-1, and approximately 40-fold over PF74 for HIV-2. The X-ray co-crystal structures confirmed the multiple pocket occupation of 12a2 and 21a2 in the binding site. Mechanistic studies revealed a dual-stage inhibition profile, where the compounds disrupted capsid-host factor interactions at the early stage and promoted capsid misassembly at the late stage. Remarkably, 12a2 and 21a2 significantly promoted capsid misassembly, outperforming 11L, PF74, and LEN. The substitution of easily metabolized amide bond with quinolin-4-one marginally enhanced the stability of 12a2 in human liver microsomes compared to controls. Overall, 12a2 and 21a2 highlight their potential as potent HIV capsid modulators, paving the way for future advancements in anti-HIV drug design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shujing Xu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, 250012 Jinan, Shandong, PR China
| | - Lin Sun
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, 250012 Jinan, Shandong, PR China
| | - Michael Barnett
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Auckland, 3A Symonds St, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
| | - Xujie Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, 250012 Jinan, Shandong, PR China
| | - Dang Ding
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, 250012 Jinan, Shandong, PR China
| | - Anushka Gattu
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102, United States
| | - Dazhou Shi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, 250012 Jinan, Shandong, PR China
| | - Jamie R H Taka
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Auckland, 3A Symonds St, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
| | - Wenli Shen
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, 250012 Jinan, Shandong, PR China
| | - Xiangyi Jiang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, 250012 Jinan, Shandong, PR China
| | - Simon Cocklin
- Specifica Inc., The Santa Fe Railyard, 1607 Alcaldesa Street, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501, United States
| | - Erik De Clercq
- Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, K.U. Leuven, Herestraat 49 Postbus 1043 (09.A097), B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Christophe Pannecouque
- Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, K.U. Leuven, Herestraat 49 Postbus 1043 (09.A097), B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - David C Goldstone
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Auckland, 3A Symonds St, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
| | - Xinyong Liu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, 250012 Jinan, Shandong, PR China
| | - Alexej Dick
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102, United States
| | - Peng Zhan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, 250012 Jinan, Shandong, PR China
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Zhang X, Sun L, Xu S, Huang T, Zhao F, Ding D, Liu C, Jiang X, Tao Y, Kang D, De Clercq E, Pannecouque C, Cocklin S, Dick A, Liu X, Zhan P. Design, synthesis, and mechanistic study of 2-piperazineone-bearing peptidomimetics as novel HIV capsid modulators. RSC Med Chem 2023; 14:1272-1295. [PMID: 37484571 PMCID: PMC10357934 DOI: 10.1039/d3md00134b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
HIV-1 capsid (CA) is an attractive target for its indispensable roles in the viral life cycle. We report the design, synthesis, and mechanistic study of a novel series of 2-piperazineone peptidomimetics as HIV capsid modulators by mimicking the structure of host factors binding to CA. F-Id-3o was the most potent compound from the synthesized series, with an anti-HIV-1 EC50 value of 6.0 μM. However, this series of compounds showed a preference for HIV-2 inhibitory activity, in which Id-3o revealed an EC50 value of 2.5 μM (anti-HIV-2 potency), an improvement over PF74. Interestingly, F-Id-3o did bind HIV-1 CA monomers and hexamers with comparable affinity, unlike PF74, consequently showing antiviral activity in the early and late stages of the HIV-1 lifecycle. Molecular dynamics simulations shed light on F-Id-3o and Id-3o binding modes within the HIV-1/2 CA protein and provide a possible explanation for the increased anti-HIV-2 potency. Metabolic stability assays in human plasma and human liver microsomes indicated that although F-Id-3o has enhanced metabolic stability over PF74, further optimization is necessary. Moreover, we utilized computational prediction of drug-like properties and metabolic stability of F-Id-3o and PF74, which correlated well with experimentally derived metabolic stability, providing an efficient computational pipeline for future preselection based on metabolic stability prediction. Overall, the 2-piperazineone-bearing peptidomimetics are a promising new chemotype in the CA modulators class with considerable optimization potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xujie Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University 44 West Culture Road 250012 Jinan Shandong PR China
| | - Lin Sun
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University 44 West Culture Road 250012 Jinan Shandong PR China
- Department of Pharmacy, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University 107 West Culture Road Jinan 250012 Shandong PR China
| | - Shujing Xu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University 44 West Culture Road 250012 Jinan Shandong PR China
| | - Tianguang Huang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University 44 West Culture Road 250012 Jinan Shandong PR China
| | - Fabao Zhao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University 44 West Culture Road 250012 Jinan Shandong PR China
| | - Dang Ding
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University 44 West Culture Road 250012 Jinan Shandong PR China
| | - Chuanfeng Liu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University 44 West Culture Road 250012 Jinan Shandong PR China
| | - Xiangyi Jiang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University 44 West Culture Road 250012 Jinan Shandong PR China
| | - Yucen Tao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University 44 West Culture Road 250012 Jinan Shandong PR China
| | - Dongwei Kang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University 44 West Culture Road 250012 Jinan Shandong PR China
| | - Erik De Clercq
- Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, K.U. Leuven Herestraat 49 Postbus 1043 (09.A097) 3000 Leuven Belgium
| | - Christophe Pannecouque
- Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, K.U. Leuven Herestraat 49 Postbus 1043 (09.A097) 3000 Leuven Belgium
| | - Simon Cocklin
- Specifica, Inc. 1607 Alcaldesa Street Santa Fe NM 87501 USA
| | - Alexej Dick
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine Philadelphia Pennsylvania, PA 19102 USA
| | - Xinyong Liu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University 44 West Culture Road 250012 Jinan Shandong PR China
| | - Peng Zhan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University 44 West Culture Road 250012 Jinan Shandong PR China
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5
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Xu S, Sun L, Zalloum WA, Huang T, Zhang X, Ding D, Shao X, Jiang X, Zhao F, Cocklin S, De Clercq E, Pannecouque C, Dick A, Liu X, Zhan P. Discovery and Mechanistic Investigation of Piperazinone Phenylalanine Derivatives with Terminal Indole or Benzene Ring as Novel HIV-1 Capsid Modulators. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27238415. [PMID: 36500508 PMCID: PMC9739877 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27238415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Revised: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
HIV-1 capsid (CA) performs multiple roles in the viral life cycle and is a promising target for antiviral development. In this work, we describe the design, synthesis, assessment of antiviral activity, and mechanistic investigation of 20 piperazinone phenylalanine derivatives with a terminal indole or benzene ring. Among them, F2-7f exhibited moderate anti-HIV-1 activity with an EC50 value of 5.89 μM, which was slightly weaker than the lead compound PF74 (EC50 = 0.75 μM). Interestingly, several compounds showed a preference for HIV-2 inhibitory activity, represented by 7f with an HIV-2 EC50 value of 4.52 μM and nearly 5-fold increased potency over anti-HIV-1 (EC50 = 21.81 μM), equivalent to PF74 (EC50 = 4.16 μM). Furthermore, F2-7f preferred to bind to the CA hexamer rather than to the monomer, similar to PF74, according to surface plasmon resonance results. Molecular dynamics simulation indicated that F2-7f and PF74 bound at the same site. Additionally, we computationally analyzed the ADMET properties for 7f and F2-7f. Based on this analysis, 7f and F2-7f were predicted to have improved drug-like properties and metabolic stability over PF74, and no toxicities were predicted based on the chemotype of 7f and F2-7f. Finally, the experimental metabolic stability results of F2-7f in human liver microsomes and human plasma moderately correlated with our computational prediction. Our findings show that F2-7f is a promising small molecule targeting the HIV-1 CA protein with considerable development potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shujing Xu
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Lin Sun
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, Jinan 250012, China
- Department of Pharmacy, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Waleed A. Zalloum
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Science, American University of Madaba, P.O. Box 2882, Amman 11821, Jordan
| | - Tianguang Huang
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Xujie Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Dang Ding
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Xiaoyu Shao
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Xiangyi Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Fabao Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Simon Cocklin
- Specifica Inc., The Santa Fe Railyard, 1607 Alcaldesa Street, Santa Fe, NM 87501, USA
| | - Erik De Clercq
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Rega Institute for Medical Research, K.U. Leuven, Herestraat 49 Postbus 1043 (09.A097), B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Christophe Pannecouque
- Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, Rega Institute for Medical Research, K.U. Leuven, Herestraat 49 Postbus 1043 (09.A097), B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Correspondence: (C.P.); (A.D.); (X.L.); (P.Z.)
| | - Alexej Dick
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA
- Correspondence: (C.P.); (A.D.); (X.L.); (P.Z.)
| | - Xinyong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, Jinan 250012, China
- Correspondence: (C.P.); (A.D.); (X.L.); (P.Z.)
| | - Peng Zhan
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, Jinan 250012, China
- Correspondence: (C.P.); (A.D.); (X.L.); (P.Z.)
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Zhang X, Sun L, Xu S, Shao X, Li Z, Ding D, Jiang X, Zhao S, Cocklin S, Clercq ED, Pannecouque C, Dick A, Liu X, Zhan P. Design, Synthesis, and Mechanistic Study of 2-Pyridone-Bearing Phenylalanine Derivatives as Novel HIV Capsid Modulators. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27217640. [PMID: 36364467 PMCID: PMC9658817 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27217640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The AIDS pandemic is still of importance. HIV-1 and HIV-2 are the causative agents of this pandemic, and in the absence of a viable vaccine, drugs are continually required to provide quality of life for infected patients. The HIV capsid (CA) protein performs critical functions in the life cycle of HIV-1 and HIV-2, is broadly conserved across major strains and subtypes, and is underexploited. Therefore, it has become a therapeutic target of interest. Here, we report a novel series of 2-pyridone-bearing phenylalanine derivatives as HIV capsid modulators. Compound FTC-2 is the most potent anti-HIV-1 compound in the new series of compounds, with acceptable cytotoxicity in MT-4 cells (selectivity index HIV-1 > 49.57; HIV-2 > 17.08). However, compound TD-1a has the lowest EC50 in the anti-HIV-2 assays (EC50 = 4.86 ± 1.71 μM; CC50= 86.54 ± 29.24 μM). A water solubility test found that TD-1a showed a moderately increased water solubility compared with PF74, while the water solubility of FTC-2 was improved hundreds of times. Furthermore, we use molecular simulation studies to provide insight into the molecular contacts between the new compounds and HIV CA. We also computationally predict drug-like properties and metabolic stability for FTC-2 and TD-1a. Based on this analysis, TD-1a is predicted to have improved drug-like properties and metabolic stability over PF74. This study increases the repertoire of CA modulators and has important implications for developing anti-HIV agents with novel mechanisms, especially those that inhibit the often overlooked HIV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xujie Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Lin Sun
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, Jinan 250012, China
- Department of Pharmacy, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 107 West Culture Road, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Shujing Xu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Xiaoyu Shao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Ziyi Li
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Dang Ding
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Xiangyi Jiang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Shujie Zhao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Simon Cocklin
- Specifica, Inc., 1607 Alcaldesa Street, Santa Fe, NM 87501, USA
| | - Erik De Clercq
- Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, K.U. Leuven, Herestraat 49 Postbus 1043 (09.A097), B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Christophe Pannecouque
- Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, K.U. Leuven, Herestraat 49 Postbus 1043 (09.A097), B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Correspondence: (C.P.); (A.D.); (X.L.); (P.Z.)
| | - Alexej Dick
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA
- Correspondence: (C.P.); (A.D.); (X.L.); (P.Z.)
| | - Xinyong Liu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, Jinan 250012, China
- Correspondence: (C.P.); (A.D.); (X.L.); (P.Z.)
| | - Peng Zhan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 West Culture Road, Jinan 250012, China
- Correspondence: (C.P.); (A.D.); (X.L.); (P.Z.)
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Meanwell NA, Loiseleur O. Applications of Isosteres of Piperazine in the Design of Biologically Active Compounds: Part 2. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2022; 70:10972-11004. [PMID: 35675052 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.2c00729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Applications of piperazine and homopiperazine in drug design are well-established, and these heterocycles have found use as both scaffolding and terminal elements and also as a means of introducing a water-solubilizing element into a molecule. In the accompanying review (10.1021/acs.jafc.2c00726), we summarized applications of piperazine and homopiperazine and their fused ring homologues in bioactive compound design along with illustrations of the use of 4-substituted piperidines and a sulfoximine-based mimetic. In this review, we discuss applications of pyrrolidine- and fused-pyrrolidine-based mimetics of piperazine and homopiperazine and illustrate derivatives of azetidine that include stretched and spirocyclic motifs, along with applications of a series of diaminocycloalkanes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas A Meanwell
- Small Molecule Drug Discovery, Bristol Myers Squibb Research and Early Development, Post Office Box 4000, Princeton, New Jersey 08543, United States
| | - Olivier Loiseleur
- Syngenta Crop Protection Research, Schaffhauserstrasse, CH-4332 Stein, Switzerland
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Verma H, Narendra G, Raju B, Kumar M, Jain SK, Tung GK, Singh PK, Silakari O. 3D-QSAR and scaffold hopping based designing of benzo[d]ox-azol-2(3H)-one and 2-oxazolo[4,5-b]pyridin-2(3H)-one derivatives as selective aldehyde dehydrogenase 1A1 inhibitors: Synthesis and biological evaluation. Arch Pharm (Weinheim) 2022; 355:e2200108. [PMID: 35618489 DOI: 10.1002/ardp.202200108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1A1), an oxidoreductase class of enzymes, is overexpressed in various types of cancer cell lines and is the major cause of resistance to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drug, cyclophosphamide (CP). In cancer conditions, CP undergoes a sequence of biotransformations to form an active metabolite, aldophosphamide, which further biotransforms to its putative cytotoxic metabolite, phosphoramide mustard. However, in resistant cancer conditions, aldophosphamide is converted into its inactive metabolite, carboxyphosphamide, via oxidation with ALDH1A1. Herein, to address the issue of ALDH1A1 mediated CP resistance, we report a series of benzo[d]oxazol-2(3H)-one and 2-oxazolo[4,5-b]pyridin-2(3H)-one derivatives as selective ALDH1A1 inhibitors. These inhibitors were designed using a validated 3D-quantitative structure activity relationship (3D-QSAR) model coupled with scaffold hopping. The 3D-QSAR model was developed using reported indole-2,3-diones based ALDH1A1 inhibitors, which provided field points in terms of electrostatic, van der Waals and hydrophobic potentials required for selectively inhibiting ALDH1A1. The most selective indole-2,3-diones-based compound, that is, cmp 3, was further considered for scaffold hopping. Two top-ranked bioisosteres, that is, benzo[d]oxazol-2(3H)-one and 2-oxazolo[4,5-b]pyridin-2(3H)-one, were selected for designing new inhibitors by considering the field pattern of 3D-QSAR. All designed molecules were mapped perfectly on the 3D-QSAR model and found to be predictive with good inhibitory potency (pIC50 range: 7.5-6.8). Molecular docking was carried out for each designed molecule to identify key interactions that are required for ALDH1A1 inhibition and to authenticate the 3D-QSAR result. The top five inhibitor-ALDH1A1 complexes were also submitted for molecular dynamics simulations to access their stability. In vitro enzyme assays of 21 compounds suggested that these compounds are selective toward ALDH1A1 over the other two isoforms, that is, ALDH2 and ALDH3A1. All the compounds were found to be at least three and two times more selective toward ALDH1A1 over ALDH2 and ALDH3A1, respectively. All the compounds showed an IC50 value in the range of 0.02-0.80 μM, which indicates the potential for these to be developed as adjuvant therapy for CP resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Himanshu Verma
- Molecular Modelling Lab (MML), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Research, Punjabi University, Patiala, India
| | - Gera Narendra
- Molecular Modelling Lab (MML), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Research, Punjabi University, Patiala, India
| | - Baddipadige Raju
- Molecular Modelling Lab (MML), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Research, Punjabi University, Patiala, India
| | - Manoj Kumar
- Molecular Modelling Lab (MML), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Research, Punjabi University, Patiala, India
| | - Subheet K Jain
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, India
| | - Gurleen K Tung
- Centre for Basic and Translational Research in Health Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, India
| | - Pankaj K Singh
- Faculty of Medicine, Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Om Silakari
- Molecular Modelling Lab (MML), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Research, Punjabi University, Patiala, India
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9
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Dick A, Meuser ME, Cocklin S. Clade-Specific Alterations within the HIV-1 Capsid Protein with Implications for Nuclear Translocation. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12050695. [PMID: 35625621 PMCID: PMC9138599 DOI: 10.3390/biom12050695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The HIV-1 capsid (CA) protein has emerged as an attractive therapeutic target. However, all inhibitor designs and structural analyses for this essential HIV-1 protein have focused on the clade B HIV-1 (NL4-3) variant. This study creates, overproduces, purifies, and characterizes the CA proteins from clade A1, A2, B, C, and D isolates. These new CA constructs represent novel reagents that can be used in future CA-targeted inhibitor design and to investigate CA proteins’ structural and biochemical properties from genetically diverse HIV-1 subtypes. Moreover, we used surface plasmon resonance (SPR) spectrometry and computational modeling to examine inter-clade differences in CA assembly and binding of PF-74, CPSF-6, and NUP-153. Interestingly, we found that HIV-1 CA from clade A1 does not bind to NUP-153, suggesting that the import of CA core structures through the nuclear pore complex may be altered for viruses from this clade. Overall, we have demonstrated that in silico generated models of the HIV-1 CA protein from clades other than the prototypically used clade B have utility in understanding and predicting biology and antiviral drug design and mechanism of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexej Dick
- Correspondence: (A.D.); (S.C.); Tel.: +1-215-762-7234 (A.D. & S.C.); Fax: +1-215-762-4452 (A.D. & S.C.)
| | | | - Simon Cocklin
- Correspondence: (A.D.); (S.C.); Tel.: +1-215-762-7234 (A.D. & S.C.); Fax: +1-215-762-4452 (A.D. & S.C.)
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10
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Urvashi, Senthil Kumar JB, Das P, Tandon V. Development of Azaindole-Based Frameworks as Potential Antiviral Agents and Their Future Perspectives. J Med Chem 2022; 65:6454-6495. [PMID: 35477274 PMCID: PMC9063994 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00444] [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: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The azaindole (AI) framework continues to play a significant role in the design of new antiviral agents. Modulating the position and isosteric replacement of the nitrogen atom of AI analogs notably influences the intrinsic physicochemical properties of lead compounds. The intra- and intermolecular interactions of AI derivatives with host receptors or viral proteins can also be fine tuned by carefully placing the nitrogen atom in the heterocyclic core. This wide-ranging perspective article focuses on AIs that have considerable utility in drug discovery programs against RNA viruses. The inhibition of influenza A, human immunodeficiency, respiratory syncytial, neurotropic alpha, dengue, ebola, and hepatitis C viruses by AI analogs is extensively reviewed to assess their plausible future potential in antiviral drug discovery. The binding interaction of AIs with the target protein is examined to derive a structural basis for designing new antiviral agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urvashi
- Drug Discovery Laboratory, Special Centre for
Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110
067, India
- Department of Chemistry, University of
Delhi, New Delhi 110007, India
| | - J. B. Senthil Kumar
- Drug Discovery Laboratory, Special Centre for
Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110
067, India
| | - Parthasarathi Das
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute
of Technology (ISM), Dhanbad 826004, India
| | - Vibha Tandon
- Drug Discovery Laboratory, Special Centre for
Molecular Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi 110
067, India
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11
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Meuser ME, Reddy PAN, Dick A, Maurancy JM, Salvino JM, Cocklin S. Rapid Optimization of the Metabolic Stability of a Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type-1 Capsid Inhibitor Using a Multistep Computational Workflow. J Med Chem 2021; 64:3747-3766. [PMID: 33750123 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Poor metabolic stability of the human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) capsid (CA) inhibitor PF-74 is a major concern in its development toward clinical use. To improve on the metabolic stability, we employed a novel multistep computationally driven workflow, which facilitated the rapid design of improved PF-74 analogs in an efficient manner. Using this workflow, we designed three compounds that interact specifically with the CA interprotomer pocket, inhibit HIV-1 infection, and demonstrate enantiomeric preference. Moreover, using this workflow, we were able to increase the metabolic stability 204-fold in comparison to PF-74 in only three analog steps. These results demonstrate our ability to rapidly design CA compounds using a novel computational workflow that has improved metabolic stability over the parental compound. This workflow can be further applied to the redesign of PF-74 and other promising inhibitors with a stability shortfall.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan E Meuser
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Rooms 10307, 10309, and 10315, 245 North 15th Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102, United States
| | - Poli Adi Narayana Reddy
- The Wistar Cancer Center Molecular Screening, The Wistar Institute, 3601 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Alexej Dick
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Rooms 10307, 10309, and 10315, 245 North 15th Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102, United States
| | - Jean Marc Maurancy
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Rooms 10307, 10309, and 10315, 245 North 15th Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102, United States
| | - Joseph M Salvino
- The Wistar Cancer Center Molecular Screening, The Wistar Institute, 3601 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Simon Cocklin
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Rooms 10307, 10309, and 10315, 245 North 15th Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102, United States
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12
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Karadsheh R, Meuser ME, Cocklin S. Composition and Orientation of the Core Region of Novel HIV-1 Entry Inhibitors Influences Metabolic Stability. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25061430. [PMID: 32245167 PMCID: PMC7144373 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25061430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Fostemsavir/temsavir is an investigational HIV-1 entry inhibitor currently in late-stage clinical trials. Although it holds promise to be a first-in-class Env-targeted entry inhibitor for the clinic, issues with bioavailability relegate its use to salvage therapies only. As such, the development of a small molecule HIV-1 entry inhibitor that can be used in standard combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) remains a longstanding goal for the field. We previously demonstrated the ability of extending the chemotypes available to this class of inhibitor as the first step towards this overarching goal. In addition to poor solubility, metabolic stability is a crucial determinant of bioavailability. Therefore, in this short communication, we assess the metabolic stabilities of five of our novel chemotype entry inhibitors. We found that changing the piperazine core region of temsavir alters the stability of the compound in human liver microsome assays. Moreover, we identified an entry inhibitor with more than twice the metabolic stability of temsavir and demonstrated that the orientation of the core replacement is critical for this increase. This work further demonstrates the feasibility of our long-term goal—to design an entry inhibitor with improved drug-like qualities—and warrants expanded studies to achieve this.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Simon Cocklin
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-215-762-7234 or +1-215-762-4979; Fax: 215-762-4452
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13
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Dick A, Cocklin S. Bioisosteric Replacement as a Tool in Anti-HIV Drug Design. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2020; 13:ph13030036. [PMID: 32121077 PMCID: PMC7151723 DOI: 10.3390/ph13030036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Revised: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Bioisosteric replacement is a powerful tool for modulating the drug-like properties, toxicity, and chemical space of experimental therapeutics. In this review, we focus on selected cases where bioisosteric replacement and scaffold hopping have been used in the development of new anti-HIV-1 therapeutics. Moreover, we cover field-based, computational methodologies for bioisosteric replacement, using studies from our group as an example. It is our hope that this review will serve to highlight the utility and potential of bioisosteric replacement in the continuing search for new and improved anti-HIV drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Simon Cocklin
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +215-762-7234 or +215-762-4979
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14
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Meuser ME, Rashad AA, Ozorowski G, Dick A, Ward AB, Cocklin S. Field-Based Affinity Optimization of a Novel Azabicyclohexane Scaffold HIV-1 Entry Inhibitor. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24081581. [PMID: 31013646 PMCID: PMC6514670 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24081581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2019] [Revised: 04/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Small-molecule HIV-1 entry inhibitors are an extremely attractive therapeutic modality. We have previously demonstrated that the entry inhibitor class can be optimized by using computational means to identify and extend the chemotypes available. Here we demonstrate unique and differential effects of previously published antiviral compounds on the gross structure of the HIV-1 Env complex, with an azabicyclohexane scaffolded inhibitor having a positive effect on glycoprotein thermostability. We demonstrate that modification of the methyltriazole-azaindole headgroup of these entry inhibitors directly effects the potency of the compounds, and substitution of the methyltriazole with an amine-oxadiazole increases the affinity of the compound 1000-fold over parental by improving the on-rate kinetic parameter. These findings support the continuing exploration of compounds that shift the conformational equilibrium of HIV-1 Env as a novel strategy to improve future inhibitor and vaccine design efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan E Meuser
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Rooms 10307, 10309, and 10315, 245 North 15th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA.
| | - Adel A Rashad
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Rooms 10307, 10309, and 10315, 245 North 15th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA.
| | - Gabriel Ozorowski
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, Collaboration for AIDS Vaccine Discovery, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
| | - Alexej Dick
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Rooms 10307, 10309, and 10315, 245 North 15th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA.
| | - Andrew B Ward
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, Collaboration for AIDS Vaccine Discovery, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
| | - Simon Cocklin
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Rooms 10307, 10309, and 10315, 245 North 15th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA.
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15
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Mostashari Rad T, Saghaie L, Fassihi A. HIV-1 Entry Inhibitors: A Review of Experimental and Computational Studies. Chem Biodivers 2018; 15:e1800159. [PMID: 30027572 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.201800159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2018] [Accepted: 07/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The HIV-1 life cycle consists of different events, such as cell entry and fusion, virus replication, assembly and release of the newly formed virions. The more logical way to inhibit HIV transmission among individuals is to inhibit its entry into the immune host cells rather than targeting the intracellular viral enzymes. Both viral and host cell surface receptors and co-receptors are regarded as potential targets in anti-HIV-1 drug design process. Because of the importance of this topic it was decided to summarize recent reports on small-molecule HIV-1 entry inhibitors that have not been considered in the latest released reviews. All the computational studies reported in the literature regarding HIV-1 entry inhibitors since 2014 was also considered in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahereh Mostashari Rad
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, 81746-73461, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Lotfollah Saghaie
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, 81746-73461, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Afshin Fassihi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, 81746-73461, Isfahan, Iran.,Bioinformatics and Systems Biology Department, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, 81746-73461, Isfahan, Iran
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16
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Xu JP, Francis AC, Meuser ME, Mankowski M, Ptak RG, Rashad AA, Melikyan GB, Cocklin S. Exploring Modifications of an HIV-1 Capsid Inhibitor: Design, Synthesis, and Mechanism of Action. JOURNAL OF DRUG DESIGN AND RESEARCH 2018; 5:1070. [PMID: 30393786 PMCID: PMC6214487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Recent efforts by both academic and pharmaceutical researchers have focused on the HIV-1 capsid (CA) protein as a new therapeutic target. An interprotomer pocket within the hexamer configuration of the CA, which is also a binding site for key host dependency factors, is the target of the most widely studied CA inhibitor compound PF-3450074 (PF-74). Despite its popularity, PF-74 suffers from properties that limit its usefulness as a lead, most notably it's extremely poor metabolic stability. To minimize unfavorable qualities, we investigated bioisosteric modification of the PF-74 scaffold as a first step in redeveloping this compound. Using a field-based bioisostere identification method, coupled with biochemical and biological assessment, we have created four new compounds that inhibit HIV-1 infection and that bind to the assembled CA hexamer. Detailed mechanism of action studies indicates that the modifications alter the manner in which these new compounds affect HIV-1 capsid core stability, as compared to the parental compound. Further investigations are underway to redevelop these compounds to optimize potency and drug-like characteristics and to deeply define the mechanism of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jimmy P. Xu
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, USA
| | | | - Megan E. Meuser
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, USA
| | - Marie Mankowski
- Department of Infectious Disease Research, Southern Research Institute, USA
| | - Roger G. Ptak
- Department of Infectious Disease Research, Southern Research Institute, USA
| | - Adel A. Rashad
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, USA
| | | | - Simon Cocklin
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, USA
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17
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Kinetic Characterization of Novel HIV-1 Entry Inhibitors: Discovery of a Relationship between Off-Rate and Potency. Molecules 2018; 23:molecules23081940. [PMID: 30081466 PMCID: PMC6222832 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23081940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Revised: 07/27/2018] [Accepted: 08/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The entry of HIV-1 into permissible cells remains an extremely attractive and underexploited therapeutic intervention point. We have previously demonstrated the ability to extend the chemotypes available for optimization in the entry inhibitor class using computational means. Here, we continue this effort, designing and testing three novel compounds with the ability to inhibit HIV-1 entry. We demonstrate that alteration of the core moiety of these entry inhibitors directly influences the potency of the compounds, despite common proximal and distal groups. Moreover, by establishing for the first time a surface plasmon resonance (SPR)-based interaction assay with soluble recombinant SOSIP Env trimers, we demonstrate that the off-rate (kd) parameter shows the strongest correlation with potency in an antiviral assay. Finally, we establish an underappreciated relationship between the potency of a ligand and its degree of electrostatic complementarity (EC) with its target, the Env complex. These findings not only broaden the chemical space in this inhibitor class, but also establish a rapid and simple assay to evaluate future HIV-1 entry inhibitors.
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18
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New Synthesis, Structure and Analgesic Properties of Methyl 1-R-4-Methyl-2,2-Dioxo-1H-2λ⁶,1-Benzothiazine-3-Carboxylates. Sci Pharm 2017; 85:scipharm85010002. [PMID: 28085092 PMCID: PMC5388141 DOI: 10.3390/scipharm85010002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2016] [Revised: 01/03/2017] [Accepted: 01/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
According to the principles of the methodology of bioisosteric replacements a series of methyl 1-R-4-methyl-2,2-dioxo-1H-2λ⁶,1-benzothiazine-3-carboxylates has been obtained as potential analgesics. In addition, a fundamentally new strategy for the synthesis of compounds of this chemical class involving the introduction of N-alkyl substituent at the final stage in 2,1-benzothiazine nucleus already formed has been proposed. Using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and X-ray diffraction analysis it has been proven that in the DMSO/K₂CO₃ system the reaction of methyl 4-methyl-2,2-dioxo-1H-2λ⁶,1-benzothiazine-3-carboxylate and alkyl halides leads to formation of N-substituted derivatives with good yields regardless of the structure of the alkylating agent. The peculiarities of NMR (¹Н and 13С) spectra of the compounds synthesized, their mass spectrometric behavior and the spatial structure are discussed. In N-benzyl derivative the ability to form a monosolvate with methanol has been found. According to the results of the pharmacological testing conducted on the model of the thermal tail-flick it has been determined that replacement of 4-ОН-group in methyl 1-R-4-hydroxy-2,2-dioxo-1H-2λ⁶,1-benzothiazine-3-carboxylates for the methyl group is actually bioisosteric since all methyl 1-R-4-methyl-2,2-dioxo-1H-2λ⁶,1-benzothiazine-3-carboxylates synthesized demonstrated a statistically significant analgesic effect. The majority of the substances can inhibit the thermal pain response much more effective than piroxicam in the same dose. Under the same conditions as an analgesic the N-methyl-substituted analog exceeds not only piroxicam, but more active meloxicam as well. Therefore, it deserves in-depth biological studies on other experimental models.
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19
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Woodham AW, Skeate JG, Sanna AM, Taylor JR, Da Silva DM, Cannon PM, Kast WM. Human Immunodeficiency Virus Immune Cell Receptors, Coreceptors, and Cofactors: Implications for Prevention and Treatment. AIDS Patient Care STDS 2016; 30:291-306. [PMID: 27410493 DOI: 10.1089/apc.2016.0100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last three decades, extensive research on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has highlighted its capability to exploit a variety of strategies to enter and infect immune cells. Although CD4(+) T cells are well known as the major HIV target, with infection occurring through the canonical combination of the cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4) receptor and either the C-C chemokine receptor type 5 (CCR5) or C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) coreceptors, HIV has also been found to enter other important immune cell types such as macrophages, dendritic cells, Langerhans cells, B cells, and granulocytes. Interestingly, the expression of distinct cellular cofactors partially regulates the rate in which HIV infects each distinct cell type. Furthermore, HIV can benefit from the acquisition of new proteins incorporated into its envelope during budding events. While several publications have investigated details of how HIV manipulates particular cell types or subtypes, an up-to-date comprehensive review on HIV tropism for different immune cells is lacking. Therefore, this review is meant to focus on the different receptors, coreceptors, and cofactors that HIV exploits to enter particular immune cells. Additionally, prophylactic approaches that have targeted particular molecules associated with HIV entry and infection of different immune cells will be discussed. Unveiling the underlying cellular receptors and cofactors that lead to HIV preference for specific immune cell populations is crucial in identifying novel preventative/therapeutic targets for comprehensive strategies to eliminate viral infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew W. Woodham
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Joseph G. Skeate
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Adriana M. Sanna
- Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Julia R. Taylor
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Diane M. Da Silva
- Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Paula M. Cannon
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - W. Martin Kast
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
- Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
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20
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Xu JP, Branson JD, Lawrence R, Cocklin S. Identification of a small molecule HIV-1 inhibitor that targets the capsid hexamer. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2015; 26:824-828. [PMID: 26747394 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2015.12.087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2015] [Revised: 12/22/2015] [Accepted: 12/24/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The HIV-1 CA protein is an attractive therapeutic target for the development of new antivirals. An inter-protomer pocket within the hexamer configuration of the CA, which is a binding site for key host dependency factors, is an especially appealing region for small molecule targeting. Using a field-based pharmacophore derived from an inhibitor known to interact with this region, coupled to biochemical and biological assessment, we have identified a new compound that inhibits HIV-1 infection and that targets the assembled CA hexamer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jimmy P Xu
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Rooms 10302-10306, 245 North 15th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA
| | - Jeffrey D Branson
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Rooms 10302-10306, 245 North 15th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA
| | - Rae Lawrence
- Cresset, New Cambridge House, Bassingbourn Road, Litlington, Cambridgeshire SG8 0SS, UK
| | - Simon Cocklin
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Rooms 10302-10306, 245 North 15th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA.
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21
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Inhibitors of HIV-1 attachment: The discovery and structure-activity relationships of tetrahydroisoquinolines as replacements for the piperazine benzamide in the 3-glyoxylyl 6-azaindole pharmacophore. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2015; 26:160-7. [PMID: 26584882 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2015.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2015] [Revised: 11/02/2015] [Accepted: 11/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
6,6-Fused ring systems including tetrahydroisoquinolines and tetrahydropyrido[3,4-d]pyrimidines have been explored as possible replacements for the piperazine benzamide portion of the HIV-1 attachment inhibitor BMS-663068. In initial studies, the tetrahydroisoquinoline compounds demonstrate sub-nanomolar activity in a HIV-1 pseudotype viral infection assay used as the initial screen for inhibitory activity. Analysis of SARs and approaches to optimization for an improved drug-like profile are examined herein.
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Core chemotype diversification in the HIV-1 entry inhibitor class using field-based bioisosteric replacement. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2015; 26:228-34. [PMID: 26531151 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2015.10.080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2015] [Revised: 10/23/2015] [Accepted: 10/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Demand remains for new inhibitors of HIV-1 replication and the inhibition of HIV-1 entry is an extremely attractive therapeutic approach. Using field-based bioisosteric replacements, we have further extended the chemotypes available for development in the HIV-1 entry inhibitor class. Moreover, using field-based disparity analysis of the compounds, 3D structure-activity relationships were derived that will be useful in the further development of these inhibitors towards clinical utility.
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