1
|
Shenvi RA. Natural Product Synthesis in the 21st Century: Beyond the Mountain Top. ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE 2024; 10:519-528. [PMID: 38559299 PMCID: PMC10979479 DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.3c01518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Research into natural products emerged from humanity's curiosity about the nature of matter and its role in the materia medica of diverse civilizations. Plants and fungi, in particular, supplied materials that altered behavior, perception, and well-being profoundly. Many active principles remain well-known today: strychnine, morphine, psilocybin, ephedrine. The potential to circumvent the constraints of natural supply and explore the properties of these materials led to the field of natural product synthesis. This research delivered new molecules with new properties, but also led to fundamental insights into the chemistry of the nonmetal elements H, C, N, O, P, S, Se, and their combinations, i.e., organic chemistry. It also led to a potent culture focused on bigger molecules and races to the finish line, perhaps at the expense of actionable next steps. About 20 years ago, the field began to contract in the United States. Research that focused solely on chemical reaction development, especially catalysis, filled the void. After all, new reactions and mechanistic insight could be immediately implemented by the chemistry community, so it became hard to justify the lengthy procurement of a complex molecule that sat in the freezer unused. This shift coincided with a divestment of natural product portfolios by pharmaceutical companies and an emphasis in academic organic chemistry on applications-driven research, perhaps at the expense of more fundamental science. However, as bioassays and the tools of chemical biology become widespread, synthesis finds a new and powerful ally that allows us to better deliver on the premise of the field. And the hard-won insights of complex synthesis can be better encoded digitally, mined by data science, and applied to new challenges, as chemists perturb and even surpass the properties of complex natural products. The 21st century promises powerful developments, both in fundamental organic chemistry and at the interface of synthesis and biology, if the community of scientists fosters its growth. This essay tries to contextualize natural product synthesis for a broad audience, looks ahead to its transformation in the coming years, and expects the future to be bright.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ryan A. Shenvi
- Department
of Chemistry, Scripps Research, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
- Graduate
School of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Scripps Research, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Sang Z, Zhang T, Wang Z, De Clercq E, Pannecouque C, Kang D, Zhan P, Liu X. Design and synthesis of Fsp 3-enriched spirocyclic-substituted diarylpyrimidine derivatives as novel HIV-1 NNRTIs. Chem Biol Drug Des 2024; 103:e14510. [PMID: 38519265 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.14510] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
In this study, a novel series of diarylpyrimidine derivatives with Fsp3-enriched spirocycles were designed and synthesized to further explore the chemical space of the hydrophobic channel of the NNRTI-binding pocket. The biological evaluation results showed that most of the compounds displayed effective inhibitory potency against the HIV-1 wild-type strain, with EC50 values ranging from micromolar to submicromolar levels. Among them, TT6 turned out to be the most effective inhibitor with an EC50 value of 0.17 μM, demonstrating up to 47 times more active than that of reference drug 3TC (EC50 = 8.01 μM). More encouragingly, TT6 was found to potently inhibit the HIV-1 mutant strain K103N with an EC50 value of 0.69 μM, being about 6-fold more potent than 3TC (EC50 = 3.68 μM) and NVP (EC50 = 4.62 μM). Furthermore, TT6 exhibited the most potent inhibitory activity toward HIV-1 reverse transcriptase with an IC50 value of 0.33 μM. Additionally, molecular simulation studies were conducted to investigate the binding modes between TT6 and NNRTI-binding pocket, which may provide valuable clues for the follow-up structural optimizations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zihao Sang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Zhao Wang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- China-Belgium Collaborative Research Center for Innovative Antiviral Drugs of Shandong Province, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Erik De Clercq
- Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, K.U. Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Christophe Pannecouque
- Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, K.U. Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dongwei Kang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- China-Belgium Collaborative Research Center for Innovative Antiviral Drugs of Shandong Province, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Peng Zhan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- China-Belgium Collaborative Research Center for Innovative Antiviral Drugs of Shandong Province, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xinyong Liu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- China-Belgium Collaborative Research Center for Innovative Antiviral Drugs of Shandong Province, Jinan, Shandong, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Gentili PL. The Conformational Contribution to Molecular Complexity and Its Implications for Information Processing in Living Beings and Chemical Artificial Intelligence. Biomimetics (Basel) 2024; 9:121. [PMID: 38392167 PMCID: PMC10886813 DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics9020121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
This work highlights the relevant contribution of conformational stereoisomers to the complexity and functions of any molecular compound. Conformers have the same molecular and structural formulas but different orientations of the atoms in the three-dimensional space. Moving from one conformer to another is possible without breaking covalent bonds. The interconversion is usually feasible through the thermal energy available in ordinary conditions. The behavior of most biopolymers, such as enzymes, antibodies, RNA, and DNA, is understandable if we consider that each exists as an ensemble of conformers. Each conformational collection confers multi-functionality and adaptability to the single biopolymers. The conformational distribution of any biopolymer has the features of a fuzzy set. Hence, every compound that exists as an ensemble of conformers allows the molecular implementation of a fuzzy set. Since proteins, DNA, and RNA work as fuzzy sets, it is fair to say that life's logic is fuzzy. The power of processing fuzzy logic makes living beings capable of swift decisions in environments dominated by uncertainty and vagueness. These performances can be implemented in chemical robots, which are confined molecular assemblies mimicking unicellular organisms: they are supposed to help humans "colonise" the molecular world to defeat diseases in living beings and fight pollution in the environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pier Luigi Gentili
- Department of Chemistry, Biology, and Biotechnology, Università degli Studi di Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Tandi M, Tripathi N, Gaur A, Gopal B, Sundriyal S. Curation and cheminformatics analysis of a Ugi-reaction derived library (URDL) of synthetically tractable small molecules for virtual screening application. Mol Divers 2024; 28:37-50. [PMID: 36574164 DOI: 10.1007/s11030-022-10588-1] [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: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Virtual screening (VS) is an important approach in drug discovery and relies on the availability of a virtual library of synthetically tractable molecules. Ugi reaction (UR) represents an important multi-component reaction (MCR) that reliably produces a peptidomimetic scaffold. Recent literature shows that a tactically assembled Ugi adduct can be subjected to further chemical modifications to yield a variety of rings and scaffolds, thus, renewing the interest in this old reaction. Given the reliability and efficiency of UR, we collated an UR derived library (URDL) of small molecules (total = 5773) for VS. The synthesis of the majority of URDL molecules may be carried out in 1-2 pots in a time and cost-effective manner. The detailed analysis of the average property and chemical space of URDL was also carried out using the open-source Datawarrior program. The comparison with FDA-approved oral drugs and inhibitors of protein-protein interactions (iPPIs) suggests URDL molecules are 'clean', drug-like, and conform to a structurally distinct space from the other two categories. The average physicochemical properties of compounds in the URDL library lie closer to iPPI molecules than oral drugs thus suggesting that the URDL resource can be applied to discover novel iPPI molecules. The URDL molecules consist of diverse ring systems, many of which have not been exploited yet for drug design. Thus, URDL represents a small virtual library of drug-like molecules with unexplored chemical space designed for VS. The structures of all molecules of URDL, oral drugs, and iPPI compounds are being made freely accessible as supplementary information for broader application.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mukesh Tandi
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science Pilani, Pilani Campus, Rajasthan, 333031, India
| | - Nancy Tripathi
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science Pilani, Pilani Campus, Rajasthan, 333031, India
| | - Animesh Gaur
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science Pilani, Pilani Campus, Rajasthan, 333031, India
| | | | - Sandeep Sundriyal
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science Pilani, Pilani Campus, Rajasthan, 333031, India.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Hocking B, Armstrong A, Mann DJ. Covalent fragment libraries in drug discovery-Design, synthesis, and screening methods. PROGRESS IN MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY 2023; 62:105-146. [PMID: 37981350 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmch.2023.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
As the development of drugs with a covalent mode of action is becoming increasingly popular, well-validated covalent fragment-based drug discovery (FBDD) methods have been comparatively slow to keep up with the demand. In this chapter the principles of covalent fragment reactivity, library design, synthesis, and screening methods are explored in depth, focussing on literature examples with direct applications to practical covalent fragment library design and screening. Further, questions about the future of the field are explored and potential useful advances are proposed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brad Hocking
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alan Armstrong
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, London, United Kingdom
| | - David J Mann
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Salvini CLA, Darlot B, Davison J, Martin MP, Tudhope SJ, Turberville S, Kawamura A, Noble MEM, Wedge SR, Crawford JJ, Waring MJ. Fragment expansion with NUDELs - poised DNA-encoded libraries. Chem Sci 2023; 14:8288-8294. [PMID: 37564419 PMCID: PMC10411621 DOI: 10.1039/d3sc01171b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Optimisation of the affinity of lead compounds is a critical challenge in the identification of drug candidates and chemical probes and is a process that takes many years. Fragment-based drug discovery has become established as one of the methods of choice for drug discovery starting with small, low affinity compounds. Due to their low affinity, the evolution of fragments to desirable levels of affinity is often a key challenge. The accepted best method for increasing the potency of fragments is by iterative fragment growing, which can be very time consuming and complex. Here, we introduce a paradigm for fragment hit optimisation using poised DNA-encoded chemical libraries (DELs). The synthesis of a poised DEL, a partially constructed library that retains a reactive handle, allows the coupling of any active fragment for a specific target protein, allowing rapid discovery of potent ligands. This is illustrated for bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4), in which a weakly binding fragment was coupled to a 42-member poised DEL via Suzuki-Miyaura cross coupling resulting in the identification of an inhibitor with 51 nM affinity in a single step, representing an increase in potency of several orders of magnitude from an original fragment. The potency of the compound was shown to arise from the synergistic combination of substructures, which would have been very difficult to discover by any other method and was rationalised by X-ray crystallography. The compound showed attractive lead-like properties suitable for further optimisation and demonstrated BRD4-dependent cellular pharmacology. This work demonstrates the power of poised DELs to rapidly optimise fragments, representing an attractive generic approach to drug discovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Catherine L A Salvini
- Cancer Research Horizons Therapeutic Innovation Newcastle Drug Discovery Group, Chemistry, School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University Bedson Building NE1 7RU UK
| | - Benoit Darlot
- Chemistry, School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University Bedson Building NE1 7RU UK
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford 12 Mansfield Road Oxford OX1 3TA UK
| | - Jack Davison
- Cancer Research Horizons Therapeutic Innovation Newcastle Drug Discovery Group, Chemistry, School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University Bedson Building NE1 7RU UK
| | - Mathew P Martin
- Cancer Research Horizons Therapeutic Innovation Newcastle Drug Discovery Group, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University Paul O'Gorman Building NE2 4HH UK
| | - Susan J Tudhope
- Cancer Research Horizons Therapeutic Innovation Newcastle Drug Discovery Group, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University Paul O'Gorman Building NE2 4HH UK
| | - Shannon Turberville
- Cancer Research Horizons Therapeutic Innovation Newcastle Drug Discovery Group, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University Paul O'Gorman Building NE2 4HH UK
| | - Akane Kawamura
- Chemistry, School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University Bedson Building NE1 7RU UK
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford 12 Mansfield Road Oxford OX1 3TA UK
| | - Martin E M Noble
- Cancer Research Horizons Therapeutic Innovation Newcastle Drug Discovery Group, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University Paul O'Gorman Building NE2 4HH UK
| | - Stephen R Wedge
- Cancer Research Horizons Therapeutic Innovation Newcastle Drug Discovery Group, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University Paul O'Gorman Building NE2 4HH UK
| | - James J Crawford
- Genentech Inc. 1 DNA Way South San Francisco California 94080 USA
| | - Michael J Waring
- Cancer Research Horizons Therapeutic Innovation Newcastle Drug Discovery Group, Chemistry, School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University Bedson Building NE1 7RU UK
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Wills S, Sanchez-Garcia R, Dudgeon T, Roughley SD, Merritt A, Hubbard RE, Davidson J, von Delft F, Deane CM. Fragment Merging Using a Graph Database Samples Different Catalogue Space than Similarity Search. J Chem Inf Model 2023. [PMID: 37229647 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.3c00276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Fragment merging is a promising approach to progressing fragments directly to on-scale potency: each designed compound incorporates the structural motifs of overlapping fragments in a way that ensures compounds recapitulate multiple high-quality interactions. Searching commercial catalogues provides one useful way to quickly and cheaply identify such merges and circumvents the challenge of synthetic accessibility, provided they can be readily identified. Here, we demonstrate that the Fragment Network, a graph database that provides a novel way to explore the chemical space surrounding fragment hits, is well-suited to this challenge. We use an iteration of the database containing >120 million catalogue compounds to find fragment merges for four crystallographic screening campaigns and contrast the results with a traditional fingerprint-based similarity search. The two approaches identify complementary sets of merges that recapitulate the observed fragment-protein interactions but lie in different regions of chemical space. We further show our methodology is an effective route to achieving on-scale potency by retrospective analyses for two different targets; in analyses of public COVID Moonshot and Mycobacterium tuberculosis EthR inhibitors, potential inhibitors with micromolar IC50 values were identified. This work demonstrates the use of the Fragment Network to increase the yield of fragment merges beyond that of a classical catalogue search.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Wills
- Department of Statistics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3LB, United Kingdom
- Centre for Medicines Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, United Kingdom
| | - Ruben Sanchez-Garcia
- Department of Statistics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3LB, United Kingdom
- Centre for Medicines Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, United Kingdom
| | - Tim Dudgeon
- Informatics Matters, Ltd., Perch Coworking, Franklins House, Bicester OX26 6JU, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen D Roughley
- Vernalis (R&D) Limited, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge CB21 6GB, United Kingdom
| | - Andy Merritt
- LifeArc, Lynton House, 7-12 Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9LT, United Kingdom
| | - Roderick E Hubbard
- Vernalis (R&D) Limited, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge CB21 6GB, United Kingdom
| | - James Davidson
- Vernalis (R&D) Limited, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge CB21 6GB, United Kingdom
| | - Frank von Delft
- Centre for Medicines Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, United Kingdom
- Diamond Light Source, Didcot OX11 0DE, United Kingdom
- Research Complex at Harwell, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot OX11 0FA, United Kingdom
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, Johannesburg 2006, South Africa
| | - Charlotte M Deane
- Department of Statistics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3LB, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Dekker T, Harteveld JW, Wágner G, de Vries MCM, Custers H, van de Stolpe AC, de Esch IJP, Wijtmans M. Green Drug Discovery: Novel Fragment Space from the Biomass-Derived Molecule Dihydrolevoglucosenone (Cyrene TM). Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28041777. [PMID: 36838763 PMCID: PMC9967789 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28041777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Biomass-derived molecules can provide a basis for sustainable drug discovery. However, their full exploration is hampered by the dominance of millions of old-fashioned screening compounds in classical high-throughput screening (HTS) libraries frequently utilized. We propose a fragment-based drug discovery (FBDD) approach as an efficient method to navigate biomass-derived drug space. Here, we perform a proof-of-concept study with dihydrolevoglucosenone (CyreneTM), a pyrolysis product of cellulose. Diverse synthetic routes afforded a 100-membered fragment library with a diversity in functional groups appended. The library overall performs well in terms of novelty, physicochemical properties, aqueous solubility, stability, and three-dimensionality. Our study suggests that Cyrene-based fragments are a valuable green addition to the drug discovery toolbox. Our findings can help in paving the way for new hit drug candidates that are based on renewable resources.
Collapse
|
9
|
Ma H, Murray JB, Luo H, Cheng X, Chen Q, Song C, Duan C, Tan P, Zhang L, Liu J, Morgan BA, Li J, Wan J, Baker LM, Finnie W, Guetzoyan L, Harris R, Hendrickson N, Matassova N, Simmonite H, Smith J, Hubbard RE, Liu G. PAC-FragmentDEL - photoactivated covalent capture of DNA-encoded fragments for hit discovery. RSC Med Chem 2022; 13:1341-1349. [PMID: 36426238 PMCID: PMC9667776 DOI: 10.1039/d2md00197g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
We describe a novel approach for screening fragments against a protein that combines the sensitivity of DNA-encoded library technology with the ability of fragments to explore what will bind. Each of the members of the library consists of a fragment which is linked to a photoactivatable diazirine moiety. Split and pool synthesis combines each fragment with a set of linkers with the version of the library reported here containing some 70k different compounds, each with an individual DNA code. Incubation of the library with a protein sample is followed by photoactivation, washing and subsequent PCR and sequencing which allows the individual fragment hits to be identified. We illustrate how the approach allows successful hit fragment identification using only microgram quantities of material for two targets. PAK4 is a kinase for which conventional fragment screening has generated many advance leads. The as yet undrugged target, 2-epimerase, presents a more challenging active site for identification of hit compounds. In both cases, PAC-FragmentDEL identified fragments validated as hits by ligand-observed NMR measurements and crystal structure determination of off-DNA sample binding to the proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huiyong Ma
- HitGen Inc. Building 6, No. 8 Huigu First East Road, Tianfu International Bio-Town, Shuangliu District Chengdu 610000 Sichuan P. R. China
| | - James B Murray
- Vernalis (R&D) Ltd Granta Park, Abington Cambridge CB21 6GB UK
| | - Huadong Luo
- HitGen Inc. Building 6, No. 8 Huigu First East Road, Tianfu International Bio-Town, Shuangliu District Chengdu 610000 Sichuan P. R. China
| | - Xuemin Cheng
- HitGen Inc. Building 6, No. 8 Huigu First East Road, Tianfu International Bio-Town, Shuangliu District Chengdu 610000 Sichuan P. R. China
| | - Qiuxia Chen
- HitGen Inc. Building 6, No. 8 Huigu First East Road, Tianfu International Bio-Town, Shuangliu District Chengdu 610000 Sichuan P. R. China
| | - Chao Song
- HitGen Inc. Building 6, No. 8 Huigu First East Road, Tianfu International Bio-Town, Shuangliu District Chengdu 610000 Sichuan P. R. China
| | - Cong Duan
- HitGen Inc. Building 6, No. 8 Huigu First East Road, Tianfu International Bio-Town, Shuangliu District Chengdu 610000 Sichuan P. R. China
| | - Ping Tan
- HitGen Inc. Building 6, No. 8 Huigu First East Road, Tianfu International Bio-Town, Shuangliu District Chengdu 610000 Sichuan P. R. China
| | - Lifang Zhang
- HitGen Inc. Building 6, No. 8 Huigu First East Road, Tianfu International Bio-Town, Shuangliu District Chengdu 610000 Sichuan P. R. China
| | - Jian Liu
- HitGen Inc. Building 6, No. 8 Huigu First East Road, Tianfu International Bio-Town, Shuangliu District Chengdu 610000 Sichuan P. R. China
| | - Barry A Morgan
- HitGen Inc. Building 6, No. 8 Huigu First East Road, Tianfu International Bio-Town, Shuangliu District Chengdu 610000 Sichuan P. R. China
| | - Jin Li
- HitGen Inc. Building 6, No. 8 Huigu First East Road, Tianfu International Bio-Town, Shuangliu District Chengdu 610000 Sichuan P. R. China
| | - Jinqiao Wan
- HitGen Inc. Building 6, No. 8 Huigu First East Road, Tianfu International Bio-Town, Shuangliu District Chengdu 610000 Sichuan P. R. China
| | - Lisa M Baker
- Vernalis (R&D) Ltd Granta Park, Abington Cambridge CB21 6GB UK
| | - William Finnie
- Vernalis (R&D) Ltd Granta Park, Abington Cambridge CB21 6GB UK
| | - Lucie Guetzoyan
- Vernalis (R&D) Ltd Granta Park, Abington Cambridge CB21 6GB UK
| | - Richard Harris
- Vernalis (R&D) Ltd Granta Park, Abington Cambridge CB21 6GB UK
| | | | | | | | - Julia Smith
- Vernalis (R&D) Ltd Granta Park, Abington Cambridge CB21 6GB UK
| | | | - Guansai Liu
- HitGen Inc. Building 6, No. 8 Huigu First East Road, Tianfu International Bio-Town, Shuangliu District Chengdu 610000 Sichuan P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Chen D, Hao G, Song B. Finding the Missing Property Concepts in Pesticide-Likeness. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2022; 70:10090-10099. [PMID: 35971945 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.2c02757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Poor bioavailability of pesticides is one of the major bottlenecks in the development of pesticides. Applications of the concept of pesticide-likeness have been widely accepted as one of the ways to break the bottleneck. At present, the evaluation of pesticide-likeness is mainly based on absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADME-T) property concepts of pesticides. However, a few significant property concepts of pesticides are ignored in the research of pesticide-likeness. Herein, we summarize the current study of ADME-T and other property concepts and analyze physicochemical properties for pesticides in the last 30 years, such as Fsp3, log P, and chiral centers. On the basis of these analyses, we propose that molecular complexity and residual property concepts of pesticides should be considered in the pesticide-likeness study. We hope that this work can help pesticide researchers and students, who are less knowledgeable in the field, to assess pesticide-likeness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dongyu Chen
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for Research and Development of Fine Chemicals, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, People's Republic of China
| | - Gefei Hao
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for Research and Development of Fine Chemicals, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, People's Republic of China
| | - Baoan Song
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for Research and Development of Fine Chemicals, Guizhou University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Lipinski CA, Reaume AG. Phenotypic screening of low molecular weight compounds is rich ground for repurposed, on-target drugs. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:917968. [PMID: 36003497 PMCID: PMC9393533 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.917968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A target-based drug discovery strategy has led to a bias away from low molecular weight (MWT) drug discovery. Analysis of the ACS chemistry registration system shows that most low MWT drugs were first made in the time era before target-based drug discovery. Therapeutic activity among most low MWT drugs was identified in the era of phenotypic drug discovery when drugs were selected based on their phenotypic effects and before in vitro screening, mechanism of action considerations and experiences with fragment screening became known. The common perception that drugs cannot be found among low MWT compounds is incorrect based on both drug discovery history and our own experience with MLR-1023. The greater proportion of low MWT compounds that are commercially available compared to higher MWT compounds is a factor that should facilitate biology study. We posit that low MWT compounds are more suited to identification of new therapeutic activity using phenotypic screens provided that the phenotypic screening method has enough screening capacity. On-target and off-target therapeutic activities are discussed from both a chemistry and biology perspective because of a concern that either phenotypic or low MWT drug discovery might bias towards promiscuous compounds that combine on-target and off-target effects. Among ideal drug repositioning candidates (late-stage pre-clinical or clinically-experience compounds), pleiotropic activity (multiple therapeutic actions) is far more likely due to on-target effects arising where a single target mediates multiple therapeutic benefits, a desirable outcome for drug development purposes compared to the off-target alternative. Our exemplar of a low MWT compound, MLR-1023, discovered by phenotypic screening and subsequently found to have a single mechanism of action would have been overlooked based on current era medicinal chemistry precedent. The diverse therapeutic activities described for this compound by us, and others arise from the same pleiotropic lyn kinase activation molecular target. MLR-1023 serves as a proof-of-principle that potent, on target, low MWT drugs can be discovered by phenotypic screening.
Collapse
|
12
|
Fragment-based exploration of the 14-3-3/Amot-p130 interface. Curr Res Struct Biol 2022; 4:21-28. [PMID: 35036934 PMCID: PMC8743172 DOI: 10.1016/j.crstbi.2021.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The modulation of protein-protein interactions (PPIs) has developed into a well-established field of drug discovery. Despite the advances achieved in the field, many PPIs are still deemed as ‘undruggable’ targets and the design of PPIs stabilizers remains a significant challenge. The application of fragment-based methods for the identification of drug leads and to evaluate the ‘tractability’ of the desired protein target has seen a remarkable development in recent years. In this study, we explore the molecular characteristics of the 14-3-3/Amot-p130 PPI and the conceptual possibility of targeting this interface using X-ray crystallography fragment-based screening. We report the first structural elucidation of the 14-3-3 binding motif of Amot-p130 and the characterization of the binding mode and affinities involved. We made use of fragments to probe the ‘ligandability’ of the 14-3-3/Amot-p130 composite binding pocket. Here we disclose initial hits with promising stabilizing activity and an early-stage selectivity toward the Amot-p130 motifs over other representatives 14-3-3 partners. Our findings highlight the potential of using fragments to characterize and explore proteins' surfaces and might provide a starting point toward the development of small molecules capable of acting as molecular glues. Phosphorylation of Ser 175 mediates binding of Amot-p130 to 14-3-3. The crystal structure of the 14-3-3σΔC/Amot-p130 peptide complex describes the interface. A fragment-based exploration of the interface assesses ‘ligandability’. Fragments binding at the 14-3-3/Amot-p130 interface display an initial stabilizing activity.
Collapse
Key Words
- 14-3-3 /protein-protein interactions stabilizers
- AIP4, Atrophin-1 interacting protein 4
- Amot, Angiomotin
- Amot-p130
- AmotL1/2, Angiomotin-like 1/2
- FBDD, Fragment-based drug discovery
- FP, Fluorescence polarization
- Fragment-based drug discovery
- Lats 1/2, Large tumor suppressor 1/2
- Ligandability
- MST, Microscale thermophoresis
- PPI, Protein-protein interaction
- PTMs, post-translational modifications
- X-ray crystallography
- YAP1, Yes-associated protein 1
Collapse
|
13
|
Piticchio SG, Martínez-Cartró M, Scaffidi S, Rachman M, Rodriguez-Arevalo S, Sanchez-Arfelis A, Escolano C, Picaud S, Krojer T, Filippakopoulos P, von Delft F, Galdeano C, Barril X. Discovery of Novel BRD4 Ligand Scaffolds by Automated Navigation of the Fragment Chemical Space. J Med Chem 2021; 64:17887-17900. [PMID: 34898210 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Fragment-based drug discovery (FBDD) is a very effective hit identification method. However, the evolution of fragment hits into suitable leads remains challenging and largely artisanal. Fragment evolution is often scaffold-centric, meaning that its outcome depends crucially on the chemical structure of the starting fragment. Considering that fragment screening libraries cover only a small proportion of the corresponding chemical space, hits should be seen as probes highlighting privileged areas of the chemical space rather than actual starting points. We have developed an automated computational pipeline to mine the chemical space around any specific fragment hit, rapidly finding analogues that share a common interaction motif but are structurally novel and diverse. On a prospective application on the bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4), starting from a known fragment, the platform yields active molecules with nonobvious scaffold changes. The procedure is fast and inexpensive and has the potential to uncover many hidden opportunities in FBDD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Serena G Piticchio
- Departament de Farmacia i Tecnología Farmacèutica, i Fisicoquímica, Institut de Biomedicina (IBUB), Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII, 27-31, E-08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Míriam Martínez-Cartró
- Departament de Farmacia i Tecnología Farmacèutica, i Fisicoquímica, Institut de Biomedicina (IBUB), Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII, 27-31, E-08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Salvatore Scaffidi
- Departament de Farmacia i Tecnología Farmacèutica, i Fisicoquímica, Institut de Biomedicina (IBUB), Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII, 27-31, E-08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Moira Rachman
- Departament de Farmacia i Tecnología Farmacèutica, i Fisicoquímica, Institut de Biomedicina (IBUB), Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII, 27-31, E-08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sergio Rodriguez-Arevalo
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry (Associated Unit to CSIC), Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, and Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), University of Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII, 27-31, E-08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ainoa Sanchez-Arfelis
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry (Associated Unit to CSIC), Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, and Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), University of Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII, 27-31, E-08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carmen Escolano
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry (Associated Unit to CSIC), Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, and Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), University of Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII, 27-31, E-08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sarah Picaud
- Structural Genomics Consortium, Nuffield Department of Medicine, Oxford University, Old Road Campus Research Building, Roosevelt Drive, OX3 7DQ Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Tobias Krojer
- Structural Genomics Consortium, Nuffield Department of Medicine, Oxford University, Old Road Campus Research Building, Roosevelt Drive, OX3 7DQ Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Panagis Filippakopoulos
- Structural Genomics Consortium, Nuffield Department of Medicine, Oxford University, Old Road Campus Research Building, Roosevelt Drive, OX3 7DQ Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Frank von Delft
- Structural Genomics Consortium, Nuffield Department of Medicine, Oxford University, Old Road Campus Research Building, Roosevelt Drive, OX3 7DQ Oxford, United Kingdom.,Diamond Light Source Ltd., Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot OX11 0QX, United Kingdom.,Research Complex at Harwell, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot OX11 0FA, United Kingdom.,Centre for Medicines Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QU, United Kingdom.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park 2006, South Africa
| | - Carles Galdeano
- Departament de Farmacia i Tecnología Farmacèutica, i Fisicoquímica, Institut de Biomedicina (IBUB), Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII, 27-31, E-08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Xavier Barril
- Departament de Farmacia i Tecnología Farmacèutica, i Fisicoquímica, Institut de Biomedicina (IBUB), Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII, 27-31, E-08028 Barcelona, Spain.,Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), Barcelona 08010, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Matricon P, Vo DD, Gao ZG, Kihlberg J, Jacobson KA, Carlsson J. Fragment-based design of selective GPCR ligands guided by free energy simulations. Chem Commun (Camb) 2021; 57:12305-12308. [PMID: 34734588 PMCID: PMC8603191 DOI: 10.1039/d1cc03202j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Fragment-based drug discovery relies on successful optimization of weakly binding ligands for affinity and selectivity. Herein, we explored strategies for structure-based evolution of fragments binding to a G protein-coupled receptor. Molecular dynamics simulations combined with rigorous free energy calculations guided synthesis of nanomolar ligands with up to >1000-fold improvements of binding affinity and close to 40-fold subtype selectivity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Matricon
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala SE-751 24, Sweden.
| | - Duc Duy Vo
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala SE-751 24, Sweden.
| | - Zhan-Guo Gao
- Molecular Recognition Section, Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA.
| | - Jan Kihlberg
- Department of Chemistry - BMC, Uppsala University, Uppsala SE-751 23, Sweden
| | - Kenneth A Jacobson
- Molecular Recognition Section, Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA.
| | - Jens Carlsson
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala SE-751 24, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Silvestri IP, Colbon PJJ. The Growing Importance of Chirality in 3D Chemical Space Exploration and Modern Drug Discovery Approaches for Hit-ID: Topical Innovations. ACS Med Chem Lett 2021; 12:1220-1229. [PMID: 34413951 PMCID: PMC8366003 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.1c00251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Modern-day drug discovery is now blessed with a wide range of high-throughput hit identification (hit-ID) strategies that have been successfully validated in recent years, with particular success coming from high-throughput screening, fragment-based lead discovery, and DNA-encoded library screening. As screening efficiency and throughput increases, this enables the viable exploration of increasingly complex three-dimensional (3D) chemical structure space, with a realistic chance of identifying highly specific hit ligands with increased target specificity and reduced attrition rates in preclinical and clinical development. This minireview will explore the impact of an improved design of multifunctionalized, sp3-rich, stereodefined scaffolds on the (virtual) exploration of 3D chemical space and the specific requirements for different hit-ID technologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Proietti Silvestri
- Department of Chemistry University
of Liverpool, Liverpool ChiroChem, Ltd., Crown Street, Liverpool L69 7ZD, United
Kingdom
| | - Paul J. J. Colbon
- Department of Chemistry University
of Liverpool, Liverpool ChiroChem, Ltd., Crown Street, Liverpool L69 7ZD, United
Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Castan IFSF, Graham JS, Salvini CLA, Stanway-Gordon HA, Waring MJ. On the design of lead-like DNA-encoded chemical libraries. Bioorg Med Chem 2021; 43:116273. [PMID: 34147943 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2021.116273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
DNA-encoded libraries (DELs) are becoming an established technology for finding ligands for protein targets. We have abstracted and analysed libraries from the literature to assess the synthesis strategy, selections of reactions and monomers and their propensity to reveal hits. DELs have led to hit compounds across a range of diverse protein classes. The range of reactions and monomers utilised has been relatively limited and the hits are often higher in molecular weight than might be considered ideal. Considerations for future library designs with reference to chemical diversity and lead-like properties are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isaline F S F Castan
- Cancer Research UK Newcastle Drug Discovery Unit, Chemistry, Bedson Building, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK
| | - Jessica S Graham
- Cancer Research UK Newcastle Drug Discovery Unit, Chemistry, Bedson Building, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK
| | - Catherine L A Salvini
- Cancer Research UK Newcastle Drug Discovery Unit, Chemistry, Bedson Building, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK
| | - Harriet A Stanway-Gordon
- Cancer Research UK Newcastle Drug Discovery Unit, Chemistry, Bedson Building, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK
| | - Michael J Waring
- Cancer Research UK Newcastle Drug Discovery Unit, Chemistry, Bedson Building, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Sommerhalder C, Cummins CB, Wang X, Ramdas D, Lopez ON, Gu Y, Zhou J, Radhakrishnan RS. HJC0416 Attenuates Fibrogenesis in Activated Hepatic Stellate Cells via STAT3 and NF-κB Pathways. J Surg Res 2021; 261:334-342. [PMID: 33486415 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2020.12.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatic fibrosis is wound-healing response that is the result of hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation and subsequent excess extracellular matrix deposition. HSCs can be activated by a variety of inflammatory stimuli as well as through the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathway. HJC0416 is a novel, orally bioavailable small-molecule inhibitor of STAT3 that was developed by our team using a fragment-based drug design approach. Previously, our team has shown that HJC0416 has antifibrogenic effects in activated HSCs. Recently, increasing evidence suggests that nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) plays an important role in the activation of HSCs. In the present study, we examined the role of NF-κB inhibition of HSC activation by HJC0416. METHODS LX-2 (human) and HSC-T6 (rat) cell lines were used. Expression levels of extracellular proteins, NF-κB and STAT3 expression and DNA binding, and inflammatory cytokine levels were determined using western blot, ELISA, and immunofluorescence assay. RESULTS HJC0416 decreased cell viability in a dose-dependent manner in both cell lines and arrested the cell cycle at the S phase. Increased apoptosis was seen in LX-2 cells through Yo-Pro-1 and propidium iodide immunofluorescent stating. HJC0416 significantly decreased expression of fibronectin and collagen I as well as markedly decreased α-SMA and laminin. HJC0416 inhibited the STAT3 pathway by decreasing phosphorylation of STAT3, as well as signal transduction pathway activation. Notably, HJC0416 also inhibited the classic and alternative pathways of NF-κB activation. HJC0416 inhibited LPS-induced p65 nuclear translocation and DNA binding, as well as prevented phosphorylation and degradation of inhibitory protein IκBα. HJC0416 also prevented phosphorylation of serine residue 536 on p65. CONCLUSIONS HJC0416, an inhibitor of STAT3, was found to have antifibrogenic properties in activated hepatic stellate cell lines. In addition, HJC0416 was found to inhibit the NF-κB pathway. Owing to this double effect, HJC0416 demonstrates promise for in vivo experimentation as an antifibrosis treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Claire B Cummins
- Department of Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
| | - Xiaofu Wang
- Department of Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
| | - Divya Ramdas
- School of Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Omar Nunez Lopez
- Department of Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
| | - Yanping Gu
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
| | - Jia Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
| | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
|
19
|
Conole D, H Hunter J, J Waring M. The maturation of DNA encoded libraries: opportunities for new users. Future Med Chem 2021; 13:173-191. [PMID: 33275046 DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2020-0285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA-encoded combinatorial libraries (DECLs) represent an exciting new technology for high-throughput screening, significantly increasing its capacity and cost-effectiveness. Historically, DECLs have been the domain of specialized academic groups and industry; however, there has recently been a shift toward more drug discovery academic centers and institutes adopting this technology. Key to this development has been the simplification, characterization and standardization of various DECL subprotocols, such as library design, affinity screening and data analysis of hits. This review examines the feasibility of implementing DECL screening technology as a first-time user, particularly in academia, exploring the some important considerations for this, and outlines some applications of the technology that academia could contribute to the field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Conole
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, White City Campus, 80 Wood Lane, London, W12 0BZ, UK
| | - James H Hunter
- Cancer Research UK Drug Discovery Unit, Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Chemistry, School of Natural & Environmental Sciences, Bedson Building, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK
| | - Michael J Waring
- Cancer Research UK Drug Discovery Unit, Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Chemistry, School of Natural & Environmental Sciences, Bedson Building, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
St Denis JD, Hall RJ, Murray CW, Heightman TD, Rees DC. Fragment-based drug discovery: opportunities for organic synthesis. RSC Med Chem 2020; 12:321-329. [PMID: 34041484 PMCID: PMC8130625 DOI: 10.1039/d0md00375a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
This Review describes the increasing demand for organic synthesis to facilitate fragment-based drug discovery (FBDD), focusing on polar, unprotected fragments. In FBDD, X-ray crystal structures are used to design target molecules for synthesis with new groups added onto a fragment via specific growth vectors. This requires challenging synthesis which slows down drug discovery, and some fragments are not progressed into optimisation due to synthetic intractability. We have evaluated the output from Astex's fragment screenings for a number of programs, including urokinase-type plasminogen activator, hematopoietic prostaglandin D2 synthase, and hepatitis C virus NS3 protease-helicase, and identified fragments that were not elaborated due, in part, to a lack of commercially available analogues and/or suitable synthetic methodology. This represents an opportunity for the development of new synthetic research to enable rapid access to novel chemical space and fragment optimisation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Richard J Hall
- Astex Pharmaceuticals 436 Cambridge Science Park Cambridge CB4 0QA UK
| | | | - Tom D Heightman
- Astex Pharmaceuticals 436 Cambridge Science Park Cambridge CB4 0QA UK
| | - David C Rees
- Astex Pharmaceuticals 436 Cambridge Science Park Cambridge CB4 0QA UK
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Diethelm-Varela B. Using NMR Spectroscopy in the Fragment-Based Drug Discovery of Small-Molecule Anticancer Targeted Therapies. ChemMedChem 2020; 16:725-742. [PMID: 33236493 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202000756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 11/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Against the challenge of providing personalized cancer care, the development of targeted therapies stands as a promising approach. The discovery of these agents can benefit from fragment-based drug discovery (FBDD) methods that help guide ligand design and provide key structural information on the targets of interest. In particular, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy is a promising biophysical tool in fragment discovery due to its detection capabilities and versatility. This review provides an overview of FBDD, describes the basis of NMR-based fragment screening, summarizes some exciting technical advances reported over the past decades, and closes with a discussion of selected case studies where this technique has been used as part of drug discovery campaigns to produce lead compounds towards the design of anti-cancer targeted therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Diethelm-Varela
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, 20 Penn St., Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Elaziz MA, Moemen YS, Hassanien AE, Xiong S. Toxicity risks evaluation of unknown FDA biotransformed drugs based on a multi-objective feature selection approach. Appl Soft Comput 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.asoc.2019.105509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
23
|
Horst R, Farley KA, Kormos BL, Withka JM. NMR spectroscopy: the swiss army knife of drug discovery. JOURNAL OF BIOMOLECULAR NMR 2020; 74:509-519. [PMID: 32617727 DOI: 10.1007/s10858-020-00330-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy has evolved into a powerful tool within drug discovery over the last two decades. While traditionally being used by medicinal chemists for small molecule structure elucidation, it can also be a valuable tool for the identification of small molecules that bind to drug targets, for the characterization of target-ligand interactions and for hit-to-lead optimization. Here, we describe how NMR spectroscopy is integrated into the Pfizer drug discovery pipeline and how we utilize this approach to identify and validate initial hits and generate leads.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Reto Horst
- Medicinal Sciences, Pfizer, Eastern Point Road, Groton, CT, 06340, USA.
| | - Kathleen A Farley
- Medicinal Sciences, Pfizer, Eastern Point Road, Groton, CT, 06340, USA
| | - Bethany L Kormos
- Medicinal Sciences, Pfizer, 610 Main St., Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Jane M Withka
- Medicinal Sciences, Pfizer, 610 Main St., Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Rapid optimisation of fragments and hits to lead compounds from screening of crude reaction mixtures. Commun Chem 2020; 3:122. [PMID: 36703375 PMCID: PMC9814918 DOI: 10.1038/s42004-020-00367-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Fragment based methods are now widely used to identify starting points in drug discovery and generation of tools for chemical biology. A significant challenge is optimization of these weak binding fragments to hit and lead compounds. We have developed an approach where individual reaction mixtures of analogues of hits can be evaluated without purification of the product. Here, we describe experiments to optimise the processes and then assess such mixtures in the high throughput crystal structure determination facility, XChem. Diffraction data for crystals of the proteins Hsp90 and PDHK2 soaked individually with 83 crude reaction mixtures are analysed manually or with the automated XChem procedures. The results of structural analysis are compared with binding measurements from other biophysical techniques. This approach can transform early hit to lead optimisation and the lessons learnt from this study provide a protocol that can be used by the community.
Collapse
|
25
|
Talele TT. Opportunities for Tapping into Three-Dimensional Chemical Space through a Quaternary Carbon. J Med Chem 2020; 63:13291-13315. [PMID: 32805118 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c00829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
A quaternary carbon bears four other carbon substituents or combination of four non-hydrogen substituents at four vertices of a tetrahedron. The spirocyclic quaternary carbon positioned at the center of a bioactive molecule offers conformational rigidity, which in turn reduces the penalty for conformational entropy. The quaternary carbon is a predominant feature of natural product structures and has been associated with more effective and selective binding to target proteins compared to planar compounds with a high sp2 count. The presence of a quaternary carbon stereocenter allows the exploration of novel chemical space to obtain new molecules with enhanced three-dimensionality. These characteristics, coupled to an increasing awareness to develop sp3-rich molecules, boosted utility of quaternary carbon stereocenters in bioactive compounds. It is hoped that this Perspective will inspire the chemist to utilize quaternary carbon stereocenters to enhance potency, selectivity, and other drug-like properties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tanaji T Talele
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, New York 11439, United States
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Vásquez AF, Reyes Muñoz A, Duitama J, González Barrios A. Discovery of new potential CDK2/VEGFR2 type II inhibitors by fragmentation and virtual screening of natural products. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2020; 39:3285-3299. [DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2020.1763839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrés Felipe Vásquez
- Grupo de Diseño de Productos y Procesos (GDPP), Department of Chemical Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Alejandro Reyes Muñoz
- Grupo de Biología Computacional Ecología Microbiana (BCEM), Department of Biological Sciences, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
- Max Planck Tandem Group in Computational Biology, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Jorge Duitama
- Systems and Computing Engineering Department, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Andrés González Barrios
- Grupo de Diseño de Productos y Procesos (GDPP), Department of Chemical Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Loh GC, Lee HC, Tee XY, Chow PS, Zheng JW. Viscosity Prediction of Lubricants by a General Feed-Forward Neural Network. J Chem Inf Model 2020; 60:1224-1234. [PMID: 32058720 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.9b01068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Modern industrial lubricants are often blended with an assortment of chemical additives to improve the performance of the base stock. Machine learning-based predictive models allow fast and veracious derivation of material properties and facilitate novel and innovative material designs. In this study, we outline the design and training process of a general feed-forward artificial neural network that accurately predicts the dynamic viscosity of oil-based lubricant formulations. The network hyperparameters are systematically optimized by Bayesian optimization, and strongly correlated/collinear features are trimmed from the model. By harnessing domain knowledge in the selection of features, the quantitative structure-property relationship model is built with a relatively simple feature set and is versatile in predicting the dynamic viscosity of lubricant oils with and without enhancement by viscosity modifiers (VMs). Moreover, partial dependency, local-interpretable model-agnostic explanations, and Shapley values consistently show that the eccentricity index, Crippen MR, and Petitjean number are important predictors of viscosity. All in all, the neural model is reasonably accurate in predicting the dynamic viscosity of lubricant solvents and VM-enhanced lubricants with an R2 of 0.980 and 0.963, respectively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G C Loh
- Institute of High Performance Computing, 1 Fusionopolis Way, #16-16 Connexis 138632, Singapore
| | - H-C Lee
- Institute of Chemical and Engineering Sciences, 1 Pesek Road, Jurong Island 627833, Singapore
| | - X Y Tee
- Institute of Chemical and Engineering Sciences, 1 Pesek Road, Jurong Island 627833, Singapore
| | - P S Chow
- Institute of Chemical and Engineering Sciences, 1 Pesek Road, Jurong Island 627833, Singapore
| | - J W Zheng
- Institute of High Performance Computing, 1 Fusionopolis Way, #16-16 Connexis 138632, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Gagic Z, Ruzic D, Djokovic N, Djikic T, Nikolic K. In silico Methods for Design of Kinase Inhibitors as Anticancer Drugs. Front Chem 2020; 7:873. [PMID: 31970149 PMCID: PMC6960140 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2019.00873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Rational drug design implies usage of molecular modeling techniques such as pharmacophore modeling, molecular dynamics, virtual screening, and molecular docking to explain the activity of biomolecules, define molecular determinants for interaction with the drug target, and design more efficient drug candidates. Kinases play an essential role in cell function and therefore are extensively studied targets in drug design and discovery. Kinase inhibitors are clinically very important and widely used antineoplastic drugs. In this review, computational methods used in rational drug design of kinase inhibitors are discussed and compared, considering some representative case studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zarko Gagic
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Banja Luka, Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Dusan Ruzic
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Nemanja Djokovic
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Teodora Djikic
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Katarina Nikolic
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Multi-target QSAR modelling of chemo-genomic data analysis based on Extreme Learning Machine. Knowl Based Syst 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.knosys.2019.104977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
|
30
|
Johnson JA, Nicolaou CA, Kirberger SE, Pandey AK, Hu H, Pomerantz WCK. Evaluating the Advantages of Using 3D-Enriched Fragments for Targeting BET Bromodomains. ACS Med Chem Lett 2019; 10:1648-1654. [PMID: 31857841 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.9b00414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Fragment-based ligand discovery has been successful in targeting diverse proteins. Despite drug-like molecules having more 3D character, traditional fragment libraries are largely composed of flat, aromatic fragments. The use of 3D-enriched fragments for enhancing library diversity is underexplored especially against protein-protein interactions. Here, we evaluate using 3D-enriched fragments against bromodomains. Bromodomains are highly ligandable, but selectivity remains challenging, particularly for bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) family bromodomains. We screened a 3D-enriched fragment library against BRD4(D1) via 1H CPMG NMR with a protein-observed 19F NMR secondary assay. The screen led to 29% of the hits that are selective over two related bromodomains, BRDT(D1) and BPTF, and the identification of underrepresented chemical bromodomain inhibitor scaffolds. Initial structure-activity relationship studies guided by X-ray crystallography led to a ligand-efficient thiazepane, with good selectivity and affinity for BET bromodomains. These results suggest that the incorporation of 3D-enriched fragments to increase library diversity can benefit bromodomain screening.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jorden A. Johnson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Christos A. Nicolaou
- Discovery Chemistry Research & Technologies, Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Lilly Corporate Center, Indianapolis, Indiana 46285, United States
| | - Steven E. Kirberger
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Anil K. Pandey
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Haitao Hu
- Discovery Chemistry Research & Technologies, Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Lilly Corporate Center, Indianapolis, Indiana 46285, United States
| | - William C. K. Pomerantz
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Lountos GT, Zhao XZ, Kiselev E, Tropea JE, Needle D, Pommier Y, Burke TR, Waugh DS. Identification of a ligand binding hot spot and structural motifs replicating aspects of tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase I (TDP1) phosphoryl recognition by crystallographic fragment cocktail screening. Nucleic Acids Res 2019; 47:10134-10150. [PMID: 31199869 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkz515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Revised: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Tyrosyl DNA-phosphodiesterase I (TDP1) repairs type IB topoisomerase (TOP1) cleavage complexes generated by TOP1 inhibitors commonly used as anticancer agents. TDP1 also removes DNA 3' end blocking lesions generated by chain-terminating nucleosides and alkylating agents, and base oxidation both in the nuclear and mitochondrial genomes. Combination therapy with TDP1 inhibitors is proposed to synergize with topoisomerase targeting drugs to enhance selectivity against cancer cells exhibiting deficiencies in parallel DNA repair pathways. A crystallographic fragment screening campaign against the catalytic domain of TDP1 was conducted to identify new lead compounds. Crystal structures revealed two fragments that bind to the TDP1 active site and exhibit inhibitory activity against TDP1. These fragments occupy a similar position in the TDP1 active site as seen in prior crystal structures of TDP1 with bound vanadate, a transition state mimic. Using structural insights into fragment binding, several fragment derivatives have been prepared and evaluated in biochemical assays. These results demonstrate that fragment-based methods can be a highly feasible approach toward the discovery of small-molecule chemical scaffolds to target TDP1, and for the first time, we provide co-crystal structures of small molecule inhibitors bound to TDP1, which could serve for the rational development of medicinal TDP1 inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- George T Lountos
- Basic Science Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Xue Zhi Zhao
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Evgeny Kiselev
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch & Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Joseph E Tropea
- Macromolecular Crystallography Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Danielle Needle
- Macromolecular Crystallography Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Yves Pommier
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch & Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Terrence R Burke
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - David S Waugh
- Macromolecular Crystallography Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Brown DG, Smith GF, Wobst HJ. Promiscuity of in Vitro Secondary Pharmacology Assays and Implications for Lead Optimization Strategies. J Med Chem 2019; 63:6251-6275. [PMID: 31714773 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b01625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
We conducted an analysis on screening data generated from 1445 compounds against a panel of 130 enzymes, ion channels, and receptors to assess secondary pharmacological risks. Hit rates of these targets as well as physicochemical properties for those hits were evaluated. A majority of targets yielded hits with higher clogP, molecular weight, and more basic character than inactive compounds. Although most targets favored lipophilic hits, the average clogP of hits at a given target did not correlate with its hit rate. Furthermore, a matched pair analysis was completed to determine structural changes that impacted off-target activities. A correlation of binding assays used in this analysis illustrated that some pharmacologically related binding assays are highly correlative and may be substituted for a smaller set of surrogate assays.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dean G Brown
- Hit Discovery, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, United States
| | - Graham F Smith
- Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, Clinical Pharmacology & Safety Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB4 0WG, United Kingdom
| | - Heike J Wobst
- Neuroscience, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, United States
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Ferenczy GG, Keserű GM. Thermodynamic profiling for fragment-based lead discovery and optimization. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2019; 15:117-129. [PMID: 31741402 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2020.1691166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: The enthalpic and entropic components of the ligand-protein binding free energy reflect the type and quality of the interactions and relate to the physicochemical properties of the ligands. These findings have significance in medicinal chemistry optimizations since they suggest that the thermodynamic profiling of the binding may help monitor and control the unfavorable size and hydrophobicity increase typically accompanying affinity improvements and leading to suboptimal pharmacokinetic properties.Areas covered: This review describes the ligand-protein binding event in terms of elementary steps, their associated interactions, and their enthalpic and entropic consequences. The relationships among the breaking and forming interactions, the binding thermodynamic profile, and the physicochemical properties of the ligands are also discussed.Expert opinion: Analysis of the size dependence of available affinity and favorable enthalpy highlights the limitation of the simultaneous optimization of these quantities. Indeed, moderate, rather than very high affinities can be conciliated with favorable physicochemical and pharmacokinetic profiles as it is supported by the affinity range of historical oral drugs. Although thermodynamic quantities are not suitable endpoints for medicinal chemistry optimizations owing to the complexity of the binding thermodynamics, thermodynamic profiling together with structural studies can be advantageously used to understand the details of the binding process and to optimize it.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- György G Ferenczy
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Group, Research Center for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - György M Keserű
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Group, Research Center for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Lim AT, Vincent IM, Barrett MP, Gilbert IH. Small Polar Hits against S. aureus: Screening, Initial Hit Optimization, and Metabolomic Studies. ACS OMEGA 2019; 4:19199-19215. [PMID: 31763544 PMCID: PMC6869403 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.9b02507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The global prevalence of antibacterial resistance requires new antibacterial drugs with novel chemical scaffolds and modes of action. It is also vital to design compounds with optimal physicochemical properties to permeate the bacterial cell envelope. We described an approach of combining and integrating whole cell screening and metabolomics into early antibacterial drug discovery using a library of small polar compounds. Whole cell screening of a diverse library of small polar compounds against Staphylococcus aureus gave compound 2. Hit expansion was carried out to determine structure-activity relationships. A selection of compounds from this series, together with other screened active compounds, was subjected to an initial metabolomics study to provide a metabolic fingerprint of the mode of action. It was found that compound 2 and its analogues have a different mode of action from some of the known antibacterial compounds tested. This early study highlighted the potential of whole cell screening and metabolomics in early antibacterial drug discovery. Future works will require improving potency and performing orthogonal studies to confirm the modes of action.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew
S. T. Lim
- Drug
Discovery Unit, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, Division
of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, U.K.
| | - Isabel M. Vincent
- Glasgow
Polyomics, University of Glasgow, Wolfson
Wohl Cancer Research Centre, Garscube Campus, Bearsden G61 1QH, U.K.
| | - Michael P. Barrett
- Glasgow
Polyomics, University of Glasgow, Wolfson
Wohl Cancer Research Centre, Garscube Campus, Bearsden G61 1QH, U.K.
- Wellcome
Centre for Molecular Parasitology, Institute of Infection, Immunity
and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TA, U.K.
| | - Ian H. Gilbert
- Drug
Discovery Unit, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, Division
of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, U.K.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Torres PHM, Sodero ACR, Jofily P, Silva-Jr FP. Key Topics in Molecular Docking for Drug Design. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E4574. [PMID: 31540192 PMCID: PMC6769580 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20184574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Revised: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular docking has been widely employed as a fast and inexpensive technique in the past decades, both in academic and industrial settings. Although this discipline has now had enough time to consolidate, many aspects remain challenging and there is still not a straightforward and accurate route to readily pinpoint true ligands among a set of molecules, nor to identify with precision the correct ligand conformation within the binding pocket of a given target molecule. Nevertheless, new approaches continue to be developed and the volume of published works grows at a rapid pace. In this review, we present an overview of the method and attempt to summarise recent developments regarding four main aspects of molecular docking approaches: (i) the available benchmarking sets, highlighting their advantages and caveats, (ii) the advances in consensus methods, (iii) recent algorithms and applications using fragment-based approaches, and (iv) the use of machine learning algorithms in molecular docking. These recent developments incrementally contribute to an increase in accuracy and are expected, given time, and together with advances in computing power and hardware capability, to eventually accomplish the full potential of this area.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pedro H M Torres
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1GA, UK.
| | - Ana C R Sodero
- Department of Drugs and Medicines; School of Pharmacy; Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21949-900, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Paula Jofily
- Laboratório de Modelagem e Dinâmica Molecular, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21949-900, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Floriano P Silva-Jr
- Laboratório de Bioquímica Experimental e Computacional de Fármacos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro 21949-900, RJ, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Bunally SB, Luscombe CN, Young RJ. Using Physicochemical Measurements to Influence Better Compound Design. SLAS DISCOVERY 2019; 24:791-801. [PMID: 31429385 DOI: 10.1177/2472555219859845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
During the past decade, the physicochemical quality of molecules under investigation at all stages of the drug discovery process has come under particular scrutiny. The issues associated with excessive lipophilicity and poor solubility in particular are many and varied, ranging from poor outcomes in screening campaigns to promiscuity, limited and/or poorly predictable pharmacokinetic exposure, and, ultimately, greater chances of clinical failure. In this review, contemporary methods to secure key measurements are described along with their relevance to understanding the behavior of molecules in environments pertinent to pharmacological activity. Together, the various measurements contribute to predictive models of both the physicochemical properties themselves and the outcomes they influence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Robert J Young
- 1 GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, UK
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Interrogating the Essential Bacterial Cell Division Protein FtsQ with Fragments Using Target Immobilized NMR Screening (TINS). Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20153684. [PMID: 31357624 PMCID: PMC6695665 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20153684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Revised: 07/20/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The divisome is a large protein complex that regulates bacterial cell division and therefore represents an attractive target for novel antibacterial drugs. In this study, we report on the ligandability of FtsQ, which is considered a key component of the divisome. For this, the soluble periplasmic domain of Escherichia coli FtsQ was immobilized and used to screen a library of 1501 low molecular weight (< 300 Da), synthetic compounds for those that interact with the protein. A primary screen was performed using target immobilized NMR screening (TINS) and yielded 72 hits. Subsequently, these hits were validated in an orthogonal assay. At first, we aimed to do this using surface plasmon resonance (SPR), but the lack of positive control hampered optimization of the experiment. Alternatively, a two-dimensional heteronuclear single quantum coherence (HSQC) NMR spectrum of FtsQ was obtained and used to validate these hits by chemical shift perturbation (CSP) experiments. This resulted in the identification of three fragments with weak affinity for the periplasmic domain of FtsQ, arguing that the ligandability of FtsQ is low. While this indicates that developing high affinity ligands for FtsQ is far from straightforward, the identified hit fragments can help to further interrogate FtsQ interactions.
Collapse
|
38
|
Zhang R, McIntyre PJ, Collins PM, Foley DJ, Arter C, von Delft F, Bayliss R, Warriner S, Nelson A. Construction of a Shape‐Diverse Fragment Set: Design, Synthesis and Screen against Aurora‐A Kinase. Chemistry 2019; 25:6831-6839. [DOI: 10.1002/chem.201900815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Revised: 03/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Rong Zhang
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular BiologyUniversity of Leeds Leeds LS2 9JT UK
- School of ChemistryUniversity of Leeds Leeds LS2 9JT UK
| | - Patrick J. McIntyre
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Henry Wellcome BuildingUniversity of Leicester Leicester LE1 9HN UK
| | - Patrick M. Collins
- Diamond Light Source Ltd. Harwell Science and Innovation Campus Didcot OX11 0DE UK
| | - Daniel J. Foley
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular BiologyUniversity of Leeds Leeds LS2 9JT UK
- School of ChemistryUniversity of Leeds Leeds LS2 9JT UK
| | - Christopher Arter
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular BiologyUniversity of Leeds Leeds LS2 9JT UK
- School of ChemistryUniversity of Leeds Leeds LS2 9JT UK
| | - Frank von Delft
- Diamond Light Source Ltd. Harwell Science and Innovation Campus Didcot OX11 0DE UK
- Structural Genomics Consortium, Nuffield Department of MedicineUniversity of Oxford Oxford OX3 7DQ UK
- Department of BiochemistryUniversity of Johannesburg Aukland Park 2006 South Africa
| | - Richard Bayliss
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular BiologyUniversity of Leeds Leeds LS2 9JT UK
- School of Molecular and Cellular BiologyUniversity of Leeds Leeds LS2 9JT UK
| | - Stuart Warriner
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular BiologyUniversity of Leeds Leeds LS2 9JT UK
- School of ChemistryUniversity of Leeds Leeds LS2 9JT UK
| | - Adam Nelson
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular BiologyUniversity of Leeds Leeds LS2 9JT UK
- School of ChemistryUniversity of Leeds Leeds LS2 9JT UK
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Wood DJ, Lopez-Fernandez JD, Knight LE, Al-Khawaldeh I, Gai C, Lin S, Martin MP, Miller DC, Cano C, Endicott JA, Hardcastle IR, Noble MEM, Waring MJ. FragLites-Minimal, Halogenated Fragments Displaying Pharmacophore Doublets. An Efficient Approach to Druggability Assessment and Hit Generation. J Med Chem 2019; 62:3741-3752. [PMID: 30860382 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b00304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Identifying ligand binding sites on proteins is a critical step in target-based drug discovery. Current approaches to this require resource-intensive screening of large libraries of lead-like or fragment molecules. Here, we describe an efficient and effective experimental approach to mapping interaction sites using a set of halogenated compounds expressing paired hydrogen-bonding motifs, termed FragLites. The FragLites identify productive drug-like interactions, which are identified sensitively and unambiguously by X-ray crystallography, exploiting the anomalous scattering of the halogen substituent. This mapping of protein interaction surfaces provides an assessment of druggability and can identify efficient start points for the de novo design of hit molecules incorporating the interacting motifs. The approach is illustrated by mapping cyclin-dependent kinase 2, which successfully identifies orthosteric and allosteric sites. The hits were rapidly elaborated to develop efficient lead-like molecules. Hence, the approach provides a new method of identifying ligand sites, assessing tractability and discovering new leads.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Wood
- Northern Institute for Cancer Research, Medical School , Newcastle University , Paul O'Gorman Building, Framlington Place , Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH , U.K
| | - J Daniel Lopez-Fernandez
- Northern Institute for Cancer Research, Chemistry, School of Natural and Environmental Sciences , Newcastle University , Bedson Building , Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU , U.K
| | - Leanne E Knight
- Northern Institute for Cancer Research, Chemistry, School of Natural and Environmental Sciences , Newcastle University , Bedson Building , Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU , U.K
| | - Islam Al-Khawaldeh
- Northern Institute for Cancer Research, Chemistry, School of Natural and Environmental Sciences , Newcastle University , Bedson Building , Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU , U.K
| | - Conghao Gai
- Northern Institute for Cancer Research, Chemistry, School of Natural and Environmental Sciences , Newcastle University , Bedson Building , Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU , U.K
| | - Shengying Lin
- Northern Institute for Cancer Research, Chemistry, School of Natural and Environmental Sciences , Newcastle University , Bedson Building , Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU , U.K
| | - Mathew P Martin
- Northern Institute for Cancer Research, Medical School , Newcastle University , Paul O'Gorman Building, Framlington Place , Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH , U.K
| | - Duncan C Miller
- Northern Institute for Cancer Research, Chemistry, School of Natural and Environmental Sciences , Newcastle University , Bedson Building , Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU , U.K
| | - Céline Cano
- Northern Institute for Cancer Research, Chemistry, School of Natural and Environmental Sciences , Newcastle University , Bedson Building , Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU , U.K
| | - Jane A Endicott
- Northern Institute for Cancer Research, Medical School , Newcastle University , Paul O'Gorman Building, Framlington Place , Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH , U.K
| | - Ian R Hardcastle
- Northern Institute for Cancer Research, Chemistry, School of Natural and Environmental Sciences , Newcastle University , Bedson Building , Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU , U.K
| | - Martin E M Noble
- Northern Institute for Cancer Research, Medical School , Newcastle University , Paul O'Gorman Building, Framlington Place , Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH , U.K
| | - Michael J Waring
- Northern Institute for Cancer Research, Chemistry, School of Natural and Environmental Sciences , Newcastle University , Bedson Building , Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU , U.K
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Alonso F, Quezada MJ, Gola GF, Richmond V, Cabrera GM, Barquero AA, Ramírez JA. A Minimalist Approach to the Design of Complexity-Enriched Bioactive Small Molecules: Discovery of Phenanthrenoid Mimics as Antiproliferative Agents. ChemMedChem 2018; 13:1732-1740. [DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201800295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Alonso
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales; Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Universitaria; Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1428EGA Argentina
- CONICET - Universidad de Buenos Aires; Unidad de Microanálisis y Métodos Físicos Aplicados a Química Orgánica (UMYMFOR), Ciudad Universitaria; Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1428EGA Argentina
| | - María Josefina Quezada
- CONICET - Universidad de Buenos Aires; Instituto de Quimica Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN), Ciudad Universitaria; Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1428EGA Argentina
- Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales; Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Universitaria; Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1428EGA Argentina
| | - Gabriel F. Gola
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales; Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Universitaria; Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1428EGA Argentina
- CONICET - Universidad de Buenos Aires; Unidad de Microanálisis y Métodos Físicos Aplicados a Química Orgánica (UMYMFOR), Ciudad Universitaria; Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1428EGA Argentina
| | - Victoria Richmond
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales; Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Universitaria; Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1428EGA Argentina
- CONICET - Universidad de Buenos Aires; Unidad de Microanálisis y Métodos Físicos Aplicados a Química Orgánica (UMYMFOR), Ciudad Universitaria; Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1428EGA Argentina
| | - Gabriela M. Cabrera
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales; Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Universitaria; Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1428EGA Argentina
- CONICET - Universidad de Buenos Aires; Unidad de Microanálisis y Métodos Físicos Aplicados a Química Orgánica (UMYMFOR), Ciudad Universitaria; Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1428EGA Argentina
| | - Andrea A. Barquero
- CONICET - Universidad de Buenos Aires; Instituto de Quimica Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN), Ciudad Universitaria; Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1428EGA Argentina
- Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales; Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Universitaria; Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1428EGA Argentina
| | - Javier A. Ramírez
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales; Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Universitaria; Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1428EGA Argentina
- CONICET - Universidad de Buenos Aires; Unidad de Microanálisis y Métodos Físicos Aplicados a Química Orgánica (UMYMFOR), Ciudad Universitaria; Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1428EGA Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Hassan H, Marsden SP, Nelson A. Design and synthesis of a fragment set based on twisted bicyclic lactams. Bioorg Med Chem 2018; 26:3030-3033. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2018.02.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2018] [Revised: 02/15/2018] [Accepted: 02/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
|
42
|
Prati F, Zuccotto F, Fletcher D, Convery MA, Fernandez‐Menendez R, Bates R, Encinas L, Zeng J, Chung C, De Dios Anton P, Mendoza‐Losana A, Mackenzie C, Green SR, Huggett M, Barros D, Wyatt PG, Ray PC. Screening of a Novel Fragment Library with Functional Complexity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis InhA. ChemMedChem 2018; 13:672-677. [PMID: 29399991 PMCID: PMC5915743 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201700774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Our findings reported herein provide support for the benefits of including functional group complexity (FGC) within fragments when screening against protein targets such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis InhA. We show that InhA fragment actives with FGC maintained their binding pose during elaboration. Furthermore, weak fragment hits with functional group handles also allowed for facile fragment elaboration to afford novel and potent InhA inhibitors with good ligand efficiency metrics for optimization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Federica Prati
- Drug Discovery Unit, College of Life SciencesUniversity of DundeeDow StreetDundeeDD1 5EHScotlandUK
- DPU TB Diseases of the Developing WorldTres Cantos Medicines Development CampusGlaxoSmithKline Severo Ochoa 2Tres Cantos28760MadridSpain
| | - Fabio Zuccotto
- Drug Discovery Unit, College of Life SciencesUniversity of DundeeDow StreetDundeeDD1 5EHScotlandUK
| | - Daniel Fletcher
- Drug Discovery Unit, College of Life SciencesUniversity of DundeeDow StreetDundeeDD1 5EHScotlandUK
| | - Maire A. Convery
- Platform Technology and SciencesMedicines Research Centre, GlaxoSmithKlineGunnels Wood RoadStevenage HertsSG1 2NYHertfordshireUK
| | - Raquel Fernandez‐Menendez
- DPU TB Diseases of the Developing WorldTres Cantos Medicines Development CampusGlaxoSmithKline Severo Ochoa 2Tres Cantos28760MadridSpain
| | - Robert Bates
- DPU TB Diseases of the Developing WorldTres Cantos Medicines Development CampusGlaxoSmithKline Severo Ochoa 2Tres Cantos28760MadridSpain
| | - Lourdes Encinas
- DPU TB Diseases of the Developing WorldTres Cantos Medicines Development CampusGlaxoSmithKline Severo Ochoa 2Tres Cantos28760MadridSpain
| | - Jingkun Zeng
- Platform Technology and SciencesMedicines Research Centre, GlaxoSmithKlineGunnels Wood RoadStevenage HertsSG1 2NYHertfordshireUK
| | - Chun‐wa Chung
- Platform Technology and SciencesMedicines Research Centre, GlaxoSmithKlineGunnels Wood RoadStevenage HertsSG1 2NYHertfordshireUK
| | - Paco De Dios Anton
- DPU TB Diseases of the Developing WorldTres Cantos Medicines Development CampusGlaxoSmithKline Severo Ochoa 2Tres Cantos28760MadridSpain
| | - Alfonso Mendoza‐Losana
- DPU TB Diseases of the Developing WorldTres Cantos Medicines Development CampusGlaxoSmithKline Severo Ochoa 2Tres Cantos28760MadridSpain
| | - Claire Mackenzie
- Drug Discovery Unit, College of Life SciencesUniversity of DundeeDow StreetDundeeDD1 5EHScotlandUK
| | - Simon R. Green
- Drug Discovery Unit, College of Life SciencesUniversity of DundeeDow StreetDundeeDD1 5EHScotlandUK
| | - Margaret Huggett
- Drug Discovery Unit, College of Life SciencesUniversity of DundeeDow StreetDundeeDD1 5EHScotlandUK
| | - David Barros
- DPU TB Diseases of the Developing WorldTres Cantos Medicines Development CampusGlaxoSmithKline Severo Ochoa 2Tres Cantos28760MadridSpain
| | - Paul G. Wyatt
- Drug Discovery Unit, College of Life SciencesUniversity of DundeeDow StreetDundeeDD1 5EHScotlandUK
| | - Peter C. Ray
- Drug Discovery Unit, College of Life SciencesUniversity of DundeeDow StreetDundeeDD1 5EHScotlandUK
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Young RJ, Leeson PD. Mapping the Efficiency and Physicochemical Trajectories of Successful Optimizations. J Med Chem 2018; 61:6421-6467. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b00180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Robert J. Young
- GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Paul D. Leeson
- Paul Leeson Consulting Ltd., The Malt House, Main Street, Congerstone, Nuneaton, Warwickshire CV13 6LZ, U.K
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Jayawickrama GS, Nematollahi A, Sun G, Church WB. Fragment Screening of Human Kynurenine Aminotransferase-II. SLAS DISCOVERY 2018. [PMID: 29537924 DOI: 10.1177/2472555218764620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Kynurenine aminotransferase-II (KAT-II) is a pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP)-dependent enzyme that acts in the tryptophan metabolic pathway by catalyzing the transamination of kynurenine into kynurenic acid (KYNA). It is one of four isoforms in the KAT family, of which it is the primary homologue responsible for KYNA production in the mammalian brain. KAT-II is targeted for inhibition as KYNA is implicated in diseases such as schizophrenia, where it is found in elevated concentrations. Previously, many different approaches have been taken to develop KAT-II inhibitors, and herein fragment-based drug design (FBDD) approaches have been exploited to provide further lead compounds that can be designed into novel inhibitors. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) was used to screen a fragment library containing 1000 compounds, of which 41 hits were identified. These hits were further evaluated with SPR, and 18 were selected for inhibition studies. From these hits, two fragments, F6037-0164 and F0037-7280, were pursued and determined to have an IC50 of 524.5 (± 25.6) μM and 115.2 (± 4.5) μM, respectively. This strategy shows the viability of using FBDD in gleaning knowledge about KAT-II inhibition and generating leads for the production of KAT-II inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gayan S Jayawickrama
- 1 Group in Biomolecular Structure and Informatics, Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Alireza Nematollahi
- 1 Group in Biomolecular Structure and Informatics, Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Guanchen Sun
- 1 Group in Biomolecular Structure and Informatics, Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - W Bret Church
- 1 Group in Biomolecular Structure and Informatics, Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Martinez-Rosell G, Harvey MJ, De Fabritiis G. Molecular-Simulation-Driven Fragment Screening for the Discovery of New CXCL12 Inhibitors. J Chem Inf Model 2018; 58:683-691. [PMID: 29481075 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.7b00625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Fragment-based drug discovery (FBDD) has become a mainstream approach in drug design because it allows the reduction of the chemical space and screening libraries while identifying fragments with high protein-ligand efficiency interactions that can later be grown into drug-like leads. In this work, we leverage high-throughput molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to screen a library of 129 fragments for a total of 5.85 ms against the CXCL12 monomer, a chemokine involved in inflammation and diseases such as cancer. Our in silico binding assay was able to recover binding poses, affinities, and kinetics for the selected library and was able to predict 8 mM-affinity fragments with ligand efficiencies higher than 0.3. All of the fragment hits present a similar chemical structure, with a hydrophobic core and a positively charged group, and bind to either sY7 or H1S68 pockets, where they share pharmacophoric properties with experimentally resolved natural binders. This work presents a large-scale screening assay using an exclusive combination of thousands of short MD adaptive simulations analyzed with a Markov state model (MSM) framework.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gerard Martinez-Rosell
- Computational Biophysics Laboratory (GRIB-IMIM) , Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona Biomedical Research Park (PRBB) , C/Doctor Aiguader 88 , 08003 Barcelona , Spain
| | - Matt J Harvey
- Acellera, Barcelona Biomedical Research Park (PRBB) , C/Doctor Aiguader 88 , 08003 , Barcelona , Spain
| | - Gianni De Fabritiis
- Computational Biophysics Laboratory (GRIB-IMIM) , Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona Biomedical Research Park (PRBB) , C/Doctor Aiguader 88 , 08003 Barcelona , Spain.,Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA) , Passeig Lluis Companys 23 , Barcelona 08010 , Spain
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Brown KK, Hann MM, Lakdawala AS, Santos R, Thomas PJ, Todd K. Approaches to target tractability assessment - a practical perspective. MEDCHEMCOMM 2018; 9:606-613. [PMID: 30108951 DOI: 10.1039/c7md00633k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2017] [Accepted: 02/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The assessment of the suitability of novel targets to intervention by different modalities, e.g. small molecules or antibodies, is increasingly seen as important in helping to select the most progressable targets at the outset of a drug discovery project. This perspective considers differing aspects of tractability and how it can be assessed using in silico and experimental approaches. We also share some of our experiences in using these approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristin K Brown
- Computational and Modelling Sciences , Platform Technology and Sciences , GlaxoSmithKline , 1250 S. Collegeville Road , Collegeville , Pennsylvania 19426 , USA
| | - Michael M Hann
- NCE Molecular Discovery , Platform Technology and Sciences , GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre , Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage , Hertfordshire , SG1 2NY , UK .
| | - Ami S Lakdawala
- In vitro/In vivo Translation Sciences , Platform Technology and Sciences , GlaxoSmithKline , 1250 S. Collegeville Road , Collegeville , Pennsylvania 19426 , USA
| | - Rita Santos
- Target Sciences Computational Biology , GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre , Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage , Hertfordshire , SG1 2NY , UK
| | - Pamela J Thomas
- Computational and Modelling Sciences , Platform Technology and Sciences , GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre , Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage , Hertfordshire , SG1 2NY , UK
| | - Kieran Todd
- Computational and Modelling Sciences , Platform Technology and Sciences , GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre , Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage , Hertfordshire , SG1 2NY , UK
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Taylor AP, Robinson RP, Fobian YM, Blakemore DC, Jones LH, Fadeyi O. Modern advances in heterocyclic chemistry in drug discovery. Org Biomol Chem 2018; 14:6611-37. [PMID: 27282396 DOI: 10.1039/c6ob00936k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 434] [Impact Index Per Article: 72.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
New advances in synthetic methodologies that allow rapid access to a wide variety of functionalized heterocyclic compounds are of critical importance to the medicinal chemist as it provides the ability to expand the available drug-like chemical space and drive more efficient delivery of drug discovery programs. Furthermore, the development of robust synthetic routes that can readily generate bulk quantities of a desired compound help to accelerate the drug development process. While established synthetic methodologies are commonly utilized during the course of a drug discovery program, the development of innovative heterocyclic syntheses that allow for different bond forming strategies are having a significant impact in the pharmaceutical industry. This review will focus on recent applications of new methodologies in C-H activation, photoredox chemistry, borrowing hydrogen catalysis, multicomponent reactions, regio- and stereoselective syntheses, as well as other new, innovative general syntheses for the formation and functionalization of heterocycles that have helped drive project delivery. Additionally, the importance and value of collaborations between industry and academia in shaping the development of innovative synthetic approaches to functionalized heterocycles that are of greatest interest to the pharmaceutical industry will be highlighted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandria P Taylor
- Worldwide Medicinal Chemistry, Pfizer, Eastern Point Road, Groton, CT 06340, USA.
| | - Ralph P Robinson
- Worldwide Medicinal Chemistry, Pfizer, Eastern Point Road, Groton, CT 06340, USA.
| | - Yvette M Fobian
- Worldwide Medicinal Chemistry, Pfizer, Eastern Point Road, Groton, CT 06340, USA.
| | - David C Blakemore
- Worldwide Medicinal Chemistry, Pfizer, Eastern Point Road, Groton, CT 06340, USA.
| | - Lyn H Jones
- Worldwide Medicinal Chemistry, Pfizer, 610 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Olugbeminiyi Fadeyi
- Worldwide Medicinal Chemistry, Pfizer, Eastern Point Road, Groton, CT 06340, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
NMR-Fragment Based Virtual Screening: A Brief Overview. Molecules 2018; 23:molecules23020233. [PMID: 29370102 PMCID: PMC6017141 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23020233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2017] [Revised: 12/12/2017] [Accepted: 12/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Fragment-based drug discovery (FBDD) using NMR has become a central approach over the last twenty years for development of small molecule inhibitors against biological macromolecules, to control a variety of cellular processes. Yet, several considerations should be taken into account for obtaining a therapeutically relevant agent. In this review, we aim to list the considerations that make NMR fragment screening a successful process for yielding potent inhibitors. Factors that may govern the competence of NMR in fragment based drug discovery are discussed, as well as later steps that involve optimization of hits obtained by NMR-FBDD.
Collapse
|
49
|
Gerken PA, Wolstenhulme JR, Tumber A, Hatch SB, Zhang Y, Müller S, Chandler SA, Mair B, Li F, Nijman SMB, Konietzny R, Szommer T, Yapp C, Fedorov O, Benesch JLP, Vedadi M, Kessler BM, Kawamura A, Brennan PE, Smith MD. Discovery of a Highly Selective Cell-Active Inhibitor of the Histone Lysine Demethylases KDM2/7. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2017; 56:15555-15559. [PMID: 28976073 PMCID: PMC5725665 DOI: 10.1002/anie.201706788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2017] [Revised: 09/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Histone lysine demethylases (KDMs) are of critical importance in the epigenetic regulation of gene expression, yet there are few selective, cell-permeable inhibitors or suitable tool compounds for these enzymes. We describe the discovery of a new class of inhibitor that is highly potent towards the histone lysine demethylases KDM2A/7A. A modular synthetic approach was used to explore the chemical space and accelerate the investigation of key structure-activity relationships, leading to the development of a small molecule with around 75-fold selectivity towards KDM2A/7A versus other KDMs, as well as cellular activity at low micromolar concentrations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philip A. Gerken
- Chemistry Research LaboratoryUniversity of Oxford12 Mansfield RoadOxfordOX1 3TAUK
| | | | - Anthony Tumber
- Structural Genomics Consortium and Target Discovery InstituteNuffield Department of MedicineUniversity of OxfordRoosevelt DriveOxfordOX3 7DQUK
| | - Stephanie B. Hatch
- Structural Genomics Consortium and Target Discovery InstituteNuffield Department of MedicineUniversity of OxfordRoosevelt DriveOxfordOX3 7DQUK
| | - Yijia Zhang
- Chemistry Research LaboratoryUniversity of Oxford12 Mansfield RoadOxfordOX1 3TAUK
| | - Susanne Müller
- Structural Genomics Consortium and Target Discovery InstituteNuffield Department of MedicineUniversity of OxfordRoosevelt DriveOxfordOX3 7DQUK
| | - Shane A. Chandler
- Chemistry Research LaboratoryUniversity of Oxford12 Mansfield RoadOxfordOX1 3TAUK
| | - Barbara Mair
- Structural Genomics Consortium and Target Discovery InstituteNuffield Department of MedicineUniversity of OxfordRoosevelt DriveOxfordOX3 7DQUK
| | - Fengling Li
- Structural Genomics ConsortiumUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioM5G 1L7Canada
| | - Sebastian M. B. Nijman
- Structural Genomics Consortium and Target Discovery InstituteNuffield Department of MedicineUniversity of OxfordRoosevelt DriveOxfordOX3 7DQUK
| | - Rebecca Konietzny
- Structural Genomics Consortium and Target Discovery InstituteNuffield Department of MedicineUniversity of OxfordRoosevelt DriveOxfordOX3 7DQUK
| | - Tamas Szommer
- Structural Genomics Consortium and Target Discovery InstituteNuffield Department of MedicineUniversity of OxfordRoosevelt DriveOxfordOX3 7DQUK
| | - Clarence Yapp
- Structural Genomics Consortium and Target Discovery InstituteNuffield Department of MedicineUniversity of OxfordRoosevelt DriveOxfordOX3 7DQUK
| | - Oleg Fedorov
- Structural Genomics Consortium and Target Discovery InstituteNuffield Department of MedicineUniversity of OxfordRoosevelt DriveOxfordOX3 7DQUK
| | - Justin L. P. Benesch
- Chemistry Research LaboratoryUniversity of Oxford12 Mansfield RoadOxfordOX1 3TAUK
| | - Masoud Vedadi
- Structural Genomics ConsortiumUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioM5G 1L7Canada
| | - Benedikt M. Kessler
- Structural Genomics Consortium and Target Discovery InstituteNuffield Department of MedicineUniversity of OxfordRoosevelt DriveOxfordOX3 7DQUK
| | - Akane Kawamura
- Chemistry Research LaboratoryUniversity of Oxford12 Mansfield RoadOxfordOX1 3TAUK
| | - Paul E. Brennan
- Structural Genomics Consortium and Target Discovery InstituteNuffield Department of MedicineUniversity of OxfordRoosevelt DriveOxfordOX3 7DQUK
| | - Martin D. Smith
- Chemistry Research LaboratoryUniversity of Oxford12 Mansfield RoadOxfordOX1 3TAUK
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Gerken PA, Wolstenhulme JR, Tumber A, Hatch SB, Zhang Y, Müller S, Chandler SA, Mair B, Li F, Nijman SMB, Konietzny R, Szommer T, Yapp C, Fedorov O, Benesch JLP, Vedadi M, Kessler BM, Kawamura A, Brennan PE, Smith MD. Discovery of a Highly Selective Cell-Active Inhibitor of the Histone Lysine Demethylases KDM2/7. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2017. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201706788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Philip A. Gerken
- Chemistry Research Laboratory; University of Oxford; 12 Mansfield Road Oxford OX1 3TA UK
| | - Jamie R. Wolstenhulme
- Chemistry Research Laboratory; University of Oxford; 12 Mansfield Road Oxford OX1 3TA UK
| | - Anthony Tumber
- Structural Genomics Consortium and Target Discovery Institute; Nuffield Department of Medicine; University of Oxford; Roosevelt Drive Oxford OX3 7DQ UK
| | - Stephanie B. Hatch
- Structural Genomics Consortium and Target Discovery Institute; Nuffield Department of Medicine; University of Oxford; Roosevelt Drive Oxford OX3 7DQ UK
| | - Yijia Zhang
- Chemistry Research Laboratory; University of Oxford; 12 Mansfield Road Oxford OX1 3TA UK
| | - Susanne Müller
- Structural Genomics Consortium and Target Discovery Institute; Nuffield Department of Medicine; University of Oxford; Roosevelt Drive Oxford OX3 7DQ UK
| | - Shane A. Chandler
- Chemistry Research Laboratory; University of Oxford; 12 Mansfield Road Oxford OX1 3TA UK
| | - Barbara Mair
- Structural Genomics Consortium and Target Discovery Institute; Nuffield Department of Medicine; University of Oxford; Roosevelt Drive Oxford OX3 7DQ UK
| | - Fengling Li
- Structural Genomics Consortium; University of Toronto; Toronto Ontario M5G 1L7 Canada
| | - Sebastian M. B. Nijman
- Structural Genomics Consortium and Target Discovery Institute; Nuffield Department of Medicine; University of Oxford; Roosevelt Drive Oxford OX3 7DQ UK
| | - Rebecca Konietzny
- Structural Genomics Consortium and Target Discovery Institute; Nuffield Department of Medicine; University of Oxford; Roosevelt Drive Oxford OX3 7DQ UK
| | - Tamas Szommer
- Structural Genomics Consortium and Target Discovery Institute; Nuffield Department of Medicine; University of Oxford; Roosevelt Drive Oxford OX3 7DQ UK
| | - Clarence Yapp
- Structural Genomics Consortium and Target Discovery Institute; Nuffield Department of Medicine; University of Oxford; Roosevelt Drive Oxford OX3 7DQ UK
| | - Oleg Fedorov
- Structural Genomics Consortium and Target Discovery Institute; Nuffield Department of Medicine; University of Oxford; Roosevelt Drive Oxford OX3 7DQ UK
| | - Justin L. P. Benesch
- Chemistry Research Laboratory; University of Oxford; 12 Mansfield Road Oxford OX1 3TA UK
| | - Masoud Vedadi
- Structural Genomics Consortium; University of Toronto; Toronto Ontario M5G 1L7 Canada
| | - Benedikt M. Kessler
- Structural Genomics Consortium and Target Discovery Institute; Nuffield Department of Medicine; University of Oxford; Roosevelt Drive Oxford OX3 7DQ UK
| | - Akane Kawamura
- Chemistry Research Laboratory; University of Oxford; 12 Mansfield Road Oxford OX1 3TA UK
| | - Paul E. Brennan
- Structural Genomics Consortium and Target Discovery Institute; Nuffield Department of Medicine; University of Oxford; Roosevelt Drive Oxford OX3 7DQ UK
| | - Martin D. Smith
- Chemistry Research Laboratory; University of Oxford; 12 Mansfield Road Oxford OX1 3TA UK
| |
Collapse
|