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Das B, Tk Baidya A, Chakrabarti S, Chouhan D, Thakur B, Darreh-Shori T, Chen G, Tiwari V, Kumar R. Synthesis and biological evaluation of Halogen-Substituted novel α-Ketoamides as potential protein aggregation modulators in Alzheimer's disease. Bioorg Chem 2024; 147:107373. [PMID: 38653149 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2024.107373] [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: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
The escalating prevalence of Alzheimer's disease (AD) has prompted extensive research into potential therapeutic interventions, with a specific focus on molecular targets such as amyloid beta (Aβ) and tau protein aggregation. In this study, a series of α-ketoamide derivatives was synthesized from β,γ-unsaturated α-keto thioesters, achieving high purity and good yield. Thioflavin T based Aβ aggregation assay identified four promising compounds (BD19, BD23, BD24, and BD27) that demonstrated significant inhibitory effects on Aβ aggregation. BD23, selected for its better solubility (0.045 ± 0.0012 mg/ml), was further subjected to in vitro Parallel Artificial Membrane Permeability Assay to determine the Blood-Brain-Barrier permeability and emerged as BBB permeable with permeability rate (Pe) of 10.66 ± 8.11 × 10-6 cm/s. In addition to its Aβ inhibitory properties, BD23 exhibited significant inhibition of heparin-induced tau aggregation and demonstrated non-toxicity in SHSY5Y cell lines. Subsequent in vivo assays were conducted, administering compound BD23 to an Aβ induced mouse model of AD at various doses (1, 2, & 5 mg/kg). The results revealed a noteworthy enhancement in cognitive functions, particularly when BD23 was administered at a dosage of 5 mg/kg, comparable to the effects observed with the standard dose of Donepezil (DNP). In silico investigations, including molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, and Density Functional Theory calculations provided insights into BD23's interactions with the targets and electronic properties. These analyses contribute to the understanding of the therapeutic potential of the lead compounds BD23 which further pave the way for further exploration of its therapeutic potential in the context of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhanuranjan Das
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering & Technology, Indian Institute of Technology (B.H.U.), Varanasi 221005 U.P., India
| | - Anurag Tk Baidya
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering & Technology, Indian Institute of Technology (B.H.U.), Varanasi 221005 U.P., India
| | - Sourabh Chakrabarti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering & Technology, Indian Institute of Technology (B.H.U.), Varanasi 221005 U.P., India
| | - Deepak Chouhan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering & Technology, Indian Institute of Technology (B.H.U.), Varanasi 221005 U.P., India
| | - Banita Thakur
- Division of Clinical Geriatric, Center for Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, NEO, 7th Floor, 141 52 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Taher Darreh-Shori
- Division of Clinical Geriatric, Center for Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, NEO, 7th Floor, 141 52 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Gefei Chen
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, 14 183, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Vinod Tiwari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering & Technology, Indian Institute of Technology (B.H.U.), Varanasi 221005 U.P., India
| | - Rajnish Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering & Technology, Indian Institute of Technology (B.H.U.), Varanasi 221005 U.P., India.
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Baudry M, Wang Y, Bi X, Luo YL, Wang Z, Kamal Z, Shirokov A, Sullivan E, Lagasca D, Khalil H, Lee G, Fosnaugh K, Bey P, Medi S, Coulter G. Identification and neuroprotective properties of NA-184, a calpain-2 inhibitor. Pharmacol Res Perspect 2024; 12:e1181. [PMID: 38429943 PMCID: PMC10907882 DOI: 10.1002/prp2.1181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Our laboratory has shown that calpain-2 activation in the brain following acute injury is directly related to neuronal damage and the long-term functional consequences of the injury, while calpain-1 activation is generally neuroprotective and calpain-1 deletion exacerbates neuronal injury. We have also shown that a relatively selective calpain-2 inhibitor, referred to as C2I, enhanced long-term potentiation and learning and memory, and provided neuroprotection in the controlled cortical impact (CCI) model of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in mice. Using molecular dynamic simulation and Site Identification by Ligand Competitive Saturation (SILCS) software, we generated about 130 analogs of C2I and tested them in a number of in vitro and in vivo assays. These led to the identification of two interesting compounds, NA-112 and NA-184. Further analyses indicated that NA-184, (S)-2-(3-benzylureido)-N-((R,S)-1-((3-chloro-2-methoxybenzyl)amino)-1,2-dioxopentan-3-yl)-4-methylpentanamide, selectively and dose-dependent inhibited calpain-2 activity without evident inhibition of calpain-1 at the tested concentrations in mouse brain tissues and human cell lines. Like NA-112, NA-184 inhibited TBI-induced calpain-2 activation and cell death in mice and rats, both male and females. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic analyses indicated that NA-184 exhibited properties, including stability in plasma and liver and blood-brain barrier permeability, that make it a good clinical candidate for the treatment of TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michel Baudry
- Western University of Health SciencesPomonaCaliforniaUSA
- NeurAegis, IncIrvineCaliforniaUSA
| | - Yubin Wang
- Western University of Health SciencesPomonaCaliforniaUSA
| | - Xiaoning Bi
- Western University of Health SciencesPomonaCaliforniaUSA
| | - Yun Lyna Luo
- Western University of Health SciencesPomonaCaliforniaUSA
| | - Zhijun Wang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of CaliforniaIrvineCaliforniaUSA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Gary Lee
- Nanosyn, IncSanta ClaraCaliforniaUSA
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Aluja D, Delgado-Tomás S, Ruiz-Meana M, Barrabés JA, Inserte J. Calpains as Potential Therapeutic Targets for Myocardial Hypertrophy. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23084103. [PMID: 35456920 PMCID: PMC9032729 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23084103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite advances in its treatment, heart failure remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality, evidencing an urgent need for novel mechanism-based targets and strategies. Myocardial hypertrophy, caused by a wide variety of chronic stress stimuli, represents an independent risk factor for the development of heart failure, and its prevention constitutes a clinical objective. Recent studies performed in preclinical animal models support the contribution of the Ca2+-dependent cysteine proteases calpains in regulating the hypertrophic process and highlight the feasibility of their long-term inhibition as a pharmacological strategy. In this review, we discuss the existing evidence implicating calpains in the development of cardiac hypertrophy, as well as the latest advances in unraveling the underlying mechanisms. Finally, we provide an updated overview of calpain inhibitors that have been explored in preclinical models of cardiac hypertrophy and the progress made in developing new compounds that may serve for testing the efficacy of calpain inhibition in the treatment of pathological cardiac hypertrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Aluja
- Cardiovascular Diseases Research Group, Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d’Hebron Hospital Universitari, Passeig Vall d’Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (D.A.); (S.D.-T.); (M.R.-M.); (J.A.B.)
| | - Sara Delgado-Tomás
- Cardiovascular Diseases Research Group, Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d’Hebron Hospital Universitari, Passeig Vall d’Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (D.A.); (S.D.-T.); (M.R.-M.); (J.A.B.)
| | - Marisol Ruiz-Meana
- Cardiovascular Diseases Research Group, Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d’Hebron Hospital Universitari, Passeig Vall d’Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (D.A.); (S.D.-T.); (M.R.-M.); (J.A.B.)
- Centro de Investigación en Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - José A. Barrabés
- Cardiovascular Diseases Research Group, Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d’Hebron Hospital Universitari, Passeig Vall d’Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (D.A.); (S.D.-T.); (M.R.-M.); (J.A.B.)
- Centro de Investigación en Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Inserte
- Cardiovascular Diseases Research Group, Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d’Hebron Hospital Universitari, Passeig Vall d’Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (D.A.); (S.D.-T.); (M.R.-M.); (J.A.B.)
- Centro de Investigación en Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-934894038
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4
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Heinig K, Sladojevich F, Petrig Schaffland J, Jaeschke G, Ross A, Koldewey P, Miladinović SM, Wang J, Rynn C. Chemical, Analytical and Pharmacokinetic Characterisation of RO7304898, an API Consisting of Two Rapidly Interconverting Diastereoisomers. Pharm Res 2022; 39:653-667. [PMID: 35338426 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-022-03234-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Exploration of the chemical, analytical and pharmacokinetic properties of the API, RO7304898, an allosteric EGFR inhibitor, intended to be developed as a mixture of two rapidly interconverting diastereoisomers with composition ratio of approximately 1:1. METHODS Assessment of diastereoisomer stereochemistry, interconversion rates, binding to EGFR protein, metabolic stability and in vivo PK in Wistar-Han rats was conducted. RESULTS The two diastereoisomers of the API undergo fast interconversion at physiologically relevant pH and direct EGFR binding studies revealed diastereoisomer B to be the active moiety. Pharmacokinetic studies in rat revealed a low-moderate total plasma clearance of the API along with similar plasma concentration-time profiles for diastereoisomers A and B, and the diastereoisomeric ratio reached stable equilibrium favoring formation of the potent diastereoisomer B. In in vitro incubations, the API was metabolically stable in plasma and hepatocyte suspension incubations in all species tested except that of rat hepatocytes. Additionally, only small species differences in the A:B composition were observed in vitro with the potent diastereoisomer B being the predominant form. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrated that the API, a mixture of two diastereoisomers; A (impotent) and B (potent), undergoes rapid interconversion which is faster than the apparent distribution and elimination rates of the individual diastereoisomers in vivo in rat, serving to diminish concerns that separate diastereoisomer effects may occur in subsequent pharmacologic and pivotal toxicological studies. Whilst vigilant monitoring of the diastereoisomeric ratio will need to be continued, this data adds confidence on the development pathway for this API to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Heinig
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development pRED, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Grenzacherstrasse 124, CH-4070, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Filippo Sladojevich
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development pRED, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Grenzacherstrasse 124, CH-4070, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jeannine Petrig Schaffland
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development pRED, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Grenzacherstrasse 124, CH-4070, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Georg Jaeschke
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development pRED, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Grenzacherstrasse 124, CH-4070, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alfred Ross
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development pRED, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Grenzacherstrasse 124, CH-4070, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Philipp Koldewey
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development pRED, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Grenzacherstrasse 124, CH-4070, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Saša M Miladinović
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development pRED, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Grenzacherstrasse 124, CH-4070, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jin Wang
- Roche Pharma Technical Regulatory, South San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Caroline Rynn
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development pRED, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Grenzacherstrasse 124, CH-4070, Basel, Switzerland.
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Redhead MA, Owen CD, Brewitz L, Collette AH, Lukacik P, Strain-Damerell C, Robinson SW, Collins PM, Schäfer P, Swindells M, Radoux CJ, Hopkins IN, Fearon D, Douangamath A, von Delft F, Malla TR, Vangeel L, Vercruysse T, Thibaut J, Leyssen P, Nguyen TT, Hull M, Tumber A, Hallett DJ, Schofield CJ, Stuart DI, Hopkins AL, Walsh MA. Bispecific repurposed medicines targeting the viral and immunological arms of COVID-19. Sci Rep 2021; 11:13208. [PMID: 34168183 PMCID: PMC8225628 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-92416-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Effective agents to treat coronavirus infection are urgently required, not only to treat COVID-19, but to prepare for future outbreaks. Repurposed anti-virals such as remdesivir and human anti-inflammatories such as barcitinib have received emergency approval but their overall benefits remain unclear. Vaccines are the most promising prospect for COVID-19, but will need to be redeveloped for any future coronavirus outbreak. Protecting against future outbreaks requires the identification of targets that are conserved between coronavirus strains and amenable to drug discovery. Two such targets are the main protease (Mpro) and the papain-like protease (PLpro) which are essential for the coronavirus replication cycle. We describe the discovery of two non-antiviral therapeutic agents, the caspase-1 inhibitor SDZ 224015 and Tarloxotinib that target Mpro and PLpro, respectively. These were identified through extensive experimental screens of the drug repurposing ReFRAME library of 12,000 therapeutic agents. The caspase-1 inhibitor SDZ 224015, was found to be a potent irreversible inhibitor of Mpro (IC50 30 nM) while Tarloxotinib, a clinical stage epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor, is a sub micromolar inhibitor of PLpro (IC50 300 nM, Ki 200 nM) and is the first reported PLpro inhibitor with drug-like properties. SDZ 224015 and Tarloxotinib have both undergone safety evaluation in humans and hence are candidates for COVID-19 clinical evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin A Redhead
- Exscientia, The Schrödinger Building, Oxford Science Park, Oxford, OX4 4GE, UK.
| | - C David Owen
- Diamond Light Source Ltd., Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, OX11 0DE, UK
- Research Complex at Harwell, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, OX11 0FA, UK
| | - Lennart Brewitz
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory,, The Ineos Oxford Institute for Antimicrobial Research, 12 Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Amelia H Collette
- Exscientia, The Schrödinger Building, Oxford Science Park, Oxford, OX4 4GE, UK
| | - Petra Lukacik
- Diamond Light Source Ltd., Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, OX11 0DE, UK
- Research Complex at Harwell, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, OX11 0FA, UK
| | - Claire Strain-Damerell
- Diamond Light Source Ltd., Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, OX11 0DE, UK
- Research Complex at Harwell, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, OX11 0FA, UK
| | - Sean W Robinson
- Exscientia, The Schrödinger Building, Oxford Science Park, Oxford, OX4 4GE, UK
| | - Patrick M Collins
- Exscientia, The Schrödinger Building, Oxford Science Park, Oxford, OX4 4GE, UK
| | - Philipp Schäfer
- Exscientia, The Schrödinger Building, Oxford Science Park, Oxford, OX4 4GE, UK
| | - Mark Swindells
- Exscientia, The Schrödinger Building, Oxford Science Park, Oxford, OX4 4GE, UK
| | - Chris J Radoux
- Exscientia, The Schrödinger Building, Oxford Science Park, Oxford, OX4 4GE, UK
| | | | - Daren Fearon
- Diamond Light Source Ltd., Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, OX11 0DE, UK
- Research Complex at Harwell, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, OX11 0FA, UK
| | - Alice Douangamath
- Diamond Light Source Ltd., Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, OX11 0DE, UK
- Research Complex at Harwell, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, OX11 0FA, UK
| | - Frank von Delft
- Diamond Light Source Ltd., Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, OX11 0DE, UK
- Research Complex at Harwell, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, OX11 0FA, UK
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Drive, Headington, OX3 7DQ, UK
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, 2006, South Africa
| | - Tika R Malla
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory,, The Ineos Oxford Institute for Antimicrobial Research, 12 Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Laura Vangeel
- KU Leuven Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Thomas Vercruysse
- KU Leuven Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jan Thibaut
- KU Leuven Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Pieter Leyssen
- KU Leuven Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tu-Trinh Nguyen
- Calibr, Scripps Research, 11119 N Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Mitchell Hull
- Calibr, Scripps Research, 11119 N Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Anthony Tumber
- Exscientia, The Schrödinger Building, Oxford Science Park, Oxford, OX4 4GE, UK
| | - David J Hallett
- Exscientia, The Schrödinger Building, Oxford Science Park, Oxford, OX4 4GE, UK
| | - Christopher J Schofield
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory,, The Ineos Oxford Institute for Antimicrobial Research, 12 Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, UK
| | - David I Stuart
- Diamond Light Source Ltd., Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, OX11 0DE, UK
- Research Complex at Harwell, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, OX11 0FA, UK
- Division of Structural Biology, Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7BN, UK
- Instruct-ERIC, Oxford House, Parkway Court, John Smith Drive, Oxford, OX4 2JY, UK
| | - Andrew L Hopkins
- Exscientia, The Schrödinger Building, Oxford Science Park, Oxford, OX4 4GE, UK
| | - Martin A Walsh
- Diamond Light Source Ltd., Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, OX11 0DE, UK.
- Research Complex at Harwell, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, OX11 0FA, UK.
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Kim HR, Tagirasa R, Yoo E. Covalent Small Molecule Immunomodulators Targeting the Protease Active Site. J Med Chem 2021; 64:5291-5322. [PMID: 33904753 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Cells of the immune system utilize multiple proteases to regulate cell functions and orchestrate innate and adaptive immune responses. Dysregulated protease activities are implicated in many immune-related disorders; thus, protease inhibitors have been actively investigated for pharmaceutical development. Although historically considered challenging with concerns about toxicity, compounds that covalently modify the protease active site represent an important class of agents, emerging not only as chemical probes but also as approved drugs. Here, we provide an overview of technologies useful for the study of proteases with the focus on recent advances in chemoproteomic methods and screening platforms. By highlighting covalent inhibitors that have been designed to target immunomodulatory proteases, we identify opportunities for the development of small molecule immunomodulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Rae Kim
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - Ravichandra Tagirasa
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
| | - Euna Yoo
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States
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7
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Robello M, Barresi E, Baglini E, Salerno S, Taliani S, Settimo FD. The Alpha Keto Amide Moiety as a Privileged Motif in Medicinal Chemistry: Current Insights and Emerging Opportunities. J Med Chem 2021; 64:3508-3545. [PMID: 33764065 PMCID: PMC8154582 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Over the years, researchers in drug discovery have taken advantage of the use of privileged structures to design innovative hit/lead molecules. The α-ketoamide motif is found in many natural products, and it has been widely exploited by medicinal chemists to develop compounds tailored to a vast range of biological targets, thus presenting clinical potential for a plethora of pathological conditions. The purpose of this perspective is to provide insights into the versatility of this chemical moiety as a privileged structure in drug discovery. After a brief analysis of its physical-chemical features and synthetic procedures to obtain it, α-ketoamide-based classes of compounds are reported according to the application of this motif as either a nonreactive or reactive moiety. The goal is to highlight those aspects that may be useful to understanding the perspectives of employing the α-ketoamide moiety in the rational design of compounds able to interact with a specific target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Robello
- Synthetic Bioactive Molecules Section, LBC, NIDDK, NIH, 8 Center Drive, Room 404, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
| | - Elisabetta Barresi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Emma Baglini
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Silvia Salerno
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Sabrina Taliani
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Federico Da Settimo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
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8
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Knopp RC, Jastaniah A, Dubrovskyi O, Gaisina I, Tai L, Thatcher GRJ. Extending the Calpain-Cathepsin Hypothesis to the Neurovasculature: Protection of Brain Endothelial Cells and Mice from Neurotrauma. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2021; 4:372-385. [PMID: 33615187 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.0c00217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The calpain-cathepsin hypothesis posits a key role for elevated calpain-1 and cathepsin-B activity in the neurodegeneration underlying neurotrauma and multiple disorders including Alzheimer's disease (AD). AD clinical trials were recently halted on alicapistat, a selective calpain-1 inhibitor, because of insufficient exposure of neurons to the drug. In contrast to neuroprotection, the ability of calpain-1 and cathepsin-B inhibitors to protect the blood-brain barrier (BBB), is understudied. Since cerebrovascular dysfunction underlies vascular dementia, is caused by ischemic stroke, and is emerging as an early feature in the progression of AD, we studied protection of brain endothelial cells (BECs) by selective and nonselective calpain-1 and cathepsin-B inhibitors. We show these inhibitors protect both neurons and murine BECs from ischemia-reperfusion injury. Cultures of primary BECs from ALDH2 -/- mice that manifest enhanced oxidative stress were sensitive to ischemia, leading to reduced cell viability and loss of tight junction proteins; this damage was rescued by calpain-1 and cathepsin-B inhibitors. In ALDH2 -/- mice 24 h after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), BBB damage was reflected by significantly increased fluorescein extravasation and perturbation of tight junction proteins, eNOS, MMP-9, and GFAP. Both calpain and cathepsin-B inhibitors alleviated BBB dysfunction caused by mTBI. No clear advantage was shown by selective versus nonselective calpain inhibitors in these studies. The lack of recognition of the ability of calpain inhibitors to protect the BBB may have led to the premature abandonment of this therapeutic approach in AD clinical trials and requires further mechanistic studies of cerebrovascular protection by calpain-1 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel C Knopp
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), Chicago, Illinois 60612, United States
| | - Ammar Jastaniah
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), Chicago, Illinois 60612, United States
| | - Oleksii Dubrovskyi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), Chicago, Illinois 60612, United States
| | - Irina Gaisina
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), Chicago, Illinois 60612, United States.,UICentre (Drug Discovery @ UIC), University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), Chicago, Illinois 60612, United States
| | - Leon Tai
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), Chicago, Illinois 60612, United States
| | - Gregory R J Thatcher
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
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9
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Spinozzi S, Albini S, Best H, Richard I. Calpains for dummies: What you need to know about the calpain family. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-PROTEINS AND PROTEOMICS 2021; 1869:140616. [PMID: 33545367 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbapap.2021.140616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
This review was written in memory of our late friend, Dr. Hiroyuki Sorimachi, who, following the steps of his mentor Koichi Suzuki, a pioneer in calpain research, has made tremendous contributions to the field. During his career, Hiro also wrote several reviews on calpain, the last of which, published in 2016, was comprehensive. In this manuscript, we decided to put together a review with the basic information a novice may need to know about calpains. We also tried to avoid similarities with previous reviews and reported the most significant new findings, at the same time highlighting Hiro's contributions to the field. The review will cover a short history of calpain discovery, the presentation of the family, the life of calpain from transcription to activity, human diseases caused by calpain mutations and therapeutic perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Spinozzi
- Genethon, 1 bis, Rue de l'Internationale - 91000 Evry, France; Université Paris-Saclay, Univ Evry, Inserm, Genethon, Integrare Research Unit UMR_S951, 91000, Evry, France
| | - Sonia Albini
- Genethon, 1 bis, Rue de l'Internationale - 91000 Evry, France; Université Paris-Saclay, Univ Evry, Inserm, Genethon, Integrare Research Unit UMR_S951, 91000, Evry, France
| | - Heather Best
- Genethon, 1 bis, Rue de l'Internationale - 91000 Evry, France; Université Paris-Saclay, Univ Evry, Inserm, Genethon, Integrare Research Unit UMR_S951, 91000, Evry, France
| | - Isabelle Richard
- Genethon, 1 bis, Rue de l'Internationale - 91000 Evry, France; Université Paris-Saclay, Univ Evry, Inserm, Genethon, Integrare Research Unit UMR_S951, 91000, Evry, France.
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Vigorov AY, Krasnov VP, Nizova IA, Sadretdinova LS, Levit GL, Matveeva TV, Slepukhin PA, Bakulin DA, Kovalyov NS, Tyurenkov IN, Charushin VN. Synthesis and Study of Psychotropic Activity of 1-Substituted 4-Amino-5-oxoprolines. DOKLADY CHEMISTRY 2020. [DOI: 10.1134/s0012500820090049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Jastaniah A, Gaisina IN, Knopp RC, Thatcher GRJ. Synthesis of α-Ketoamide-Based Stereoselective Calpain-1 Inhibitors as Neuroprotective Agents. ChemMedChem 2020; 15:2280-2285. [PMID: 32840034 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202000385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 08/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Calpain inhibitors have been proposed as drug candidates for neurodegenerative disorders, with ABT-957 entering clinical trials for Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment. The structure of ABT-957 was very recently disclosed, and trials were terminated owing to inadequate CNS concentrations to obtain a pharmacodynamic effect. The multistep synthesis of an α-ketoamide peptidomimetic inhibitor series potentially including ABT-957 was optimized to yield diastereomerically pure compounds that are potent and selective for calpain-1 over papain and cathepsins B and K. As the final oxidation step, with its optimized synthesis protocol, does not alter the configuration of the substrate, the synthesis of the diastereomeric pair (R)-1-benzyl-N-((S)-4-((4-fluorobenzyl)amino)-3,4-dioxo-1-phenylbutan-2-yl)-5-oxopyrrolidine-2-carboxamide (1 c) and (R)-1-benzyl-N-((R)-4-((4-fluorobenzyl)amino)-3,4-dioxo-1-phenylbutan-2-yl)-5-oxopyrrolidine-2-carboxamide (1 g) was feasible. This allowed the exploration of stereoselective inhibition of calpain-1, with 1 c (IC50 =78 nM) being significantly more potent than 1 g. Moreover, inhibitor 1 c restored cognitive function in amnestic mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ammar Jastaniah
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, 833 S. Wood Street, Chicago, IL., 60612, USA
| | - Irina N Gaisina
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, 833 S. Wood Street, Chicago, IL., 60612, USA
| | - Rachel C Knopp
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, 833 S. Wood Street, Chicago, IL., 60612, USA
| | - Gregory R J Thatcher
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, 833 S. Wood Street, Chicago, IL., 60612, USA
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Donkor IO. An update on the therapeutic potential of calpain inhibitors: a patent review. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2020; 30:659-675. [PMID: 32700591 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2020.1797678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Calpain is a cytosolic proteinase that regulates of a wide range of physiological functions. The enzyme has been implicated in various pathological conditions including neurodegenerative disorders, cardiovascular disorders, cancer, and several other diseases. Therefore, calpain inhibitors are of interest as therapeutic agents and have been studied in preclinical models of several diseases in which the enzyme has been implicated. AREAS COVERED Calpain inhibitors that were disclosed over the last 5 years (2015-2019) include calpastatin-based peptidomimetics; thalassospiramide lipopeptides; disulfide analogs of alpha-mercaptoacrylic acids; allosteric modulators; azoloimidazolidenones; and macrocyclic/non-macrocyclic carboxamides. The effectiveness of some of the inhibitors in preclinical animal models is discussed. EXPERT OPINION Significant milestones that were made over this time frame include: a) disclosure of novel blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeable calpastatin analogs as calpain inhibitors; b) disclosure that potent calpain inhibitors can be obtained by targeting the hydrophobic pockets on chain A of PEF(S) of the small subunit of calpain; c) use of PEF(S) (PDB ID: 4WQ2) in virtual screening to identify novel structurally diverse calpain inhibitors; and d) mitigation of the metabolic instability of the alpha-ketoamide warhead of calpain inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaac O Donkor
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, College of Pharmacy , Memphis, Tennessee, United States
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Dókus LE, Yousef M, Bánóczi Z. Modulators of calpain activity: inhibitors and activators as potential drugs. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2020; 15:471-486. [DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2020.1722638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Levente Endre Dókus
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Mo’ath Yousef
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Bánóczi
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
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