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Sitruk-Ware R, Soule L, Jarow JP, Odlind V. Regulatory challenges of new male contraceptive methods. Andrology 2024; 12:1590-1599. [PMID: 39092874 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Progress in male contraception development faces the challenge of a lack of regulatory precedent and guidelines on the evidence (trial design and primary endpoint) required for marketing approval. Moreover, the development of a male contraceptive is complicated by the fact that the clinical treatment effect; prevention of pregnancy, is not measured in the patient receiving the intervention. DISCUSSION Regulatory precedent and guidelines exist for female hormonal contraceptives but their applicability to male contraceptive products likely varies based on the mode of action and the anticipated pharmacodynamic effects of the product. The unique attributes of male contraceptives, including the frequent delay between the intervention (e.g., vasectomy and hormonal methods) and ultimate contraceptive effect, sperm suppression near azoospermia, and pregnancy prevention need to be addressed. CONCLUSION This article describes the regulatory challenges faced by developers of male contraceptive products and offers proposals, paving the way for the development of both hormonal methods and non-hormonal approaches. Our article intends to suggest the directions but cannot substitute for the advice of regulatory agencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Regine Sitruk-Ware
- Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York, USA
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2
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Wang C, Meriggiola MC, Amory JK, Barratt CLR, Behre HM, Bremner WJ, Ferlin A, Honig S, Kopa Z, Lo K, Nieschlag E, Page ST, Sandlow J, Sitruk-Ware R, Swerdloff RS, Wu FCW, Goulis DG. Practice and development of male contraception: European Academy of Andrology and American Society of Andrology guidelines. Andrology 2024; 12:1470-1500. [PMID: 37727884 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUNDS Despite a wide spectrum of contraceptive methods for women, the unintended pregnancy rate remains high (45% in the US), with 50% resulting in abortion. Currently, 20% of global contraceptive use is male-directed, with a wide variation among countries due to limited availability and lack of efficacy. Worldwide studies indicate that >50% of men would opt to use a reversible method, and 90% of women would rely on their partner to use a contraceptive. Additional reasons for novel male contraceptive methods to be available include the increased life expectancy, sharing the reproductive risks among partners, social issues, the lack of pharma industry involvement and the lack of opinion makers advocating for male contraception. AIM The present guidelines aim to review the status regarding male contraception, the current state of the art to support the clinical practice, recommend minimal requirements for new male contraceptive development and provide and grade updated, evidence-based recommendations from the European Society of Andrology (EAA) and the American Society of Andrology (ASA). METHODS An expert panel of academicians appointed by the EAA and the ASA generated a consensus guideline according to the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation) system. RESULTS Sixty evidence-based and graded recommendations were produced on couple-centered communication, behaviors, barrier methods, semen analysis and contraceptive efficacy, physical agents, surgical methods, actions before initiating male contraception, hormonal methods, non-hormonal methods, vaccines, and social and ethical considerations. CONCLUSION As gender roles transform and gender equity is established in relationships, the male contribution to family planning must be facilitated. Efficient and safe male-directed methods must be evaluated and introduced into clinical practice, preferably reversible, either hormonal or non-hormonal. From a future perspective, identifying new hormonal combinations, suitable testicular targets, and emerging vas occlusion methods will produce novel molecules and products for male contraception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Wang
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine and Clinical and Translational Science Institute, The Lundquist Insitute and Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California, USA
| | - Maria Cristina Meriggiola
- Division of Gynecology and Human Reproduction Physiopathology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - John K Amory
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Christopher L R Barratt
- Division of Systems and Cellular Medicine, Medical School, Ninewells Hospital, University of Dundee, Dundee, Scotland
| | - Hermann M Behre
- Center for Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Medicine Halle, Halle, Germany
| | - William J Bremner
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Alberto Ferlin
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Stanton Honig
- Division of Reproductive and Sexual Medicine, Department of Urology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Zsolt Kopa
- Department of Urology, Andrology Centre, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Kirk Lo
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Eberhard Nieschlag
- Center of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University Hospital, Münster, Germany
| | - Stephanie T Page
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Nutrition, UW Medicine Diabetes Institute, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Jay Sandlow
- Department of Urology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Regine Sitruk-Ware
- Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York, USA
| | - Ronald S Swerdloff
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, The Lundquist Institute and Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California, USA
| | - Frederick C W Wu
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Gastroenterology, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, School of Medical Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Dimitrios G Goulis
- First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Unit of Reproductive Endocrinology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
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3
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Wang C, Barratt CLR, Blithe DL. Contraceptive efficacy: Determining the threshold for effective suppression based on sperm concentration, motility, and morphology. Andrology 2024; 12:1574-1584. [PMID: 39031534 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/22/2024]
Abstract
INTRODCTION Human spermatogenesis is a complex process that transforms spermatogonial stem cells through mitosis and meiosis to spermatozoa. Testosterone is the key regulator of the terminal stages of meiosis, adherence of spermatids to Sertoli cells, and spermiation. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) may be required for early spermatogenesis and is important for maintaining normal spermatogenesis in men. Hormonal contraception suppresses FSH, luteinizing hormone, and intratesticular testosterone concentration, resulting in marked suppression of sperm output. RESULTS Clinical trials using testosterone alone or testosterone plus progestin demonstrate that sustained suppression of sperm concentration to ≤1 million/mL is sufficient to prevent pregnancy in the female partner. New agents that target spermatogenesis could use this as a target for contraceptive efficacy while others that block sperm function or transport may require a lower threshold. When sperm concentrations are suppressed to such low levels, measurement of sperm motility and morphology is technically difficult and unnecessary. With current data from fertile and infertile men, it is not possible to establish a lower limit of sperm motility or percent normal morphology that equates to the prevention of conception. New compounds that decrease sperm motility or alter sperm morphology may need to demonstrate a complete absence of sperm motility or altered morphology in all spermatozoa in the ejaculate. Sperm function tests may be useful depending on the mechanism of action of each new compound. CONCLUSION Monitoring of sperm surrogate markers to ensure effective contraception relies on laboratories experienced in semen analyses. The development of at-home tests to assess sperm parameters has progressed rapidly. Some tests have been assessed in clinical trials and approved by regulatory agencies for at-home use for fertility assessment. However, caution must be exercised in using these tests as many have not been rigorously validated against semen parameters measured in laboratories by trained technologists using standardized tests defined in the World Health Organization Semen Manual.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Wang
- Clinical and Translational Science Institute, The Lundquist Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California, USA
| | - Christopher L R Barratt
- Division of Systems and Cellular Medicine, Medical School, Ninewells Hospital, University of Dundee, Dundee, Scotland
| | - Diana L Blithe
- Contraceptive Development Program, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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4
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Garcia TX, Matzuk MM. Novel Genes of the Male Reproductive System: Potential Roles in Male Reproduction and as Non-hormonal Male Contraceptive Targets. Mol Reprod Dev 2024; 91:e70000. [PMID: 39422082 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.70000] [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: 06/11/2024] [Revised: 09/29/2024] [Accepted: 10/01/2024] [Indexed: 10/19/2024]
Abstract
The development of novel non-hormonal male contraceptives represents a pivotal frontier in reproductive health, driven by the need for safe, effective, and reversible contraceptive methods. This comprehensive review explores the genetic underpinnings of male fertility, emphasizing the crucial roles of specific genes and structural variants (SVs) identified through advanced sequencing technologies such as long-read sequencing (LRS). LRS has revolutionized the detection of structural variants and complex genomic regions, offering unprecedented precision and resolution over traditional next-generation sequencing (NGS). Key genetic targets, including those implicated in spermatogenesis and sperm motility, are highlighted, showcasing their potential as non-hormonal contraceptive targets. The review delves into the systematic identification and validation of male reproductive tract-specific genes, utilizing advanced transcriptomics and genomics studies with validation using novel knockout mouse models. We discuss the innovative application of small molecule inhibitors, developed through platforms like DNA-encoded chemistry technology (DEC-Tec), which have shown significant promise in preclinical models. Notable examples include inhibitors targeting serine/threonine kinase 33 (STK33), soluble adenylyl cyclase (sAC), cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2), and bromodomain testis associated (BRDT), each demonstrating nanomolar affinity and potential for reversible and specific inhibition of male fertility. This review also honors the contributions of Dr. David L. Garbers whose foundational work has paved the way for these advancements. The integration of genomic, proteomic, and chemical biology approaches, supported by interdisciplinary collaboration, is poised to transform male contraceptive development. Future perspectives emphasize the need for continued innovation and rigorous testing to bring these novel contraceptives from the laboratory to clinical application, promising a new era of male reproductive health management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas X Garcia
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Scott Department of Urology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Martin M Matzuk
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
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5
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Gheidari D, Mehrdad M, Bayat M. Novel indenopyrrol-4-one derivatives as potent BRDT inhibitors: synthesis, molecular docking, drug-likeness, ADMET, and DFT studies. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024; 42:7860-7873. [PMID: 37528682 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2242502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
We synthesized new, structurally distinct series of indeno[1,2-b]pyrrol-4(1H)-ones. Effective derivatives were found by in silico screening, and our studies revealed that compound 5h exhibited good binding energies for inhibition of BRDT. In addition, DFT studies were carried out by means of the B3LYP/6-3lG basis set in the gas phase to investigate the conformation of protein-ligand interactions. The results of the investigation suggest that these compounds could be considered novel BRDT inhibitors. The pharmacokinetic and drug-like properties of the new indenopyrrol-4(1H)-one derivatives exhibited that these compounds could be represented as potential candidates for further development into anticancer-like agents. Additionally, based on the optimised structures, the optimum geometry for each of the selected molecules was developed. Then, the estimated and the experimentally determined IR vibrational frequencies for each compound were compared. The results of this comparison showed that the theoretical and experimental data were in excellent agreement, which could support the reliability of the experimental analytical data and the applicability of the mathematical model.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davood Gheidari
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran
| | - Morteza Mehrdad
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran
| | - Mohammad Bayat
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Imam Khomeini International University, Qazvin, Iran
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6
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Yang Q, Falahati A, Khosh A, Lastra RR, Boyer TG, Al-Hendy A. Unraveling the Role of Bromodomain and Extra-Terminal Proteins in Human Uterine Leiomyosarcoma. Cells 2024; 13:1443. [PMID: 39273015 PMCID: PMC11394028 DOI: 10.3390/cells13171443] [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: 07/07/2024] [Revised: 08/17/2024] [Accepted: 08/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Uterine leiomyosarcoma (uLMS) is the most common type of uterine sarcoma, associated with poor prognosis, high rates of recurrence, and metastasis. Currently, the molecular mechanism of the origin and development of uLMS is limited. Bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) proteins are involved in both physiological and pathological events. However, the role of BET proteins in the pathogenesis of uLMS is unknown. Here, we show for the first time that BET protein family members, BRD2, BRD3, and BRD4, are aberrantly overexpressed in uLMS tissues compared to the myometrium, with a significant change by histochemical scoring assessment. Furthermore, inhibiting BET proteins with their small, potent inhibitors (JQ1 and I-BET 762) significantly inhibited the uLMS proliferation dose-dependently via cell cycle arrest. Notably, RNA-sequencing analysis revealed that the inhibition of BET proteins with JQ1 and I-BET 762 altered several critical pathways, including the hedgehog pathway, EMT, and transcription factor-driven pathways in uLMS. In addition, the targeted inhibition of BET proteins altered several other epigenetic regulators, including DNA methylases, histone modification, and m6A regulators. The connections between BET proteins and crucial biological pathways provide a fundamental structure to better understand uterine diseases, particularly uLMS pathogenesis. Accordingly, targeting the vulnerable epigenome may provide an additional regulatory mechanism for uterine cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiwei Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA;
| | - Ali Falahati
- Poundbury Cancer Institute for Personalised Medicine, Dorchester DT1 3BJ, UK;
- DNA GTx LAB, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai 505262, United Arab Emirates
| | - Azad Khosh
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Biotechnology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; (A.K.); (T.G.B.)
| | - Ricardo R. Lastra
- Department of Pathology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA;
| | - Thomas G. Boyer
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Biotechnology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; (A.K.); (T.G.B.)
| | - Ayman Al-Hendy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA;
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7
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Liu L, Lu X, Fan Z, Deng J, Zhang S, Zhang L, Zha X. TPCA-1 compound, inhibiting testis-specific serine/threonine protein kinase 3 for potential male sterile in Bombyx mori. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2024. [PMID: 39073281 DOI: 10.1002/ps.8347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2024] [Revised: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Protein kinases are a type of transferase enzyme that catalyze the phosphorylation of protein substrates, including receptor proteins. Testis-specific serine/threonine kinases (TSSKs) are a highly conserved group of protein kinases found in various organisms. They play an essential role in male reproduction by influencing sperm development and function. RESULTS In this study, we report on the characterization of BmTSSK3, a TSSK from the silkworm, Bombyx mori. We found that BmTSSK3 is specifically expressed in the testis and localized to the sperm flagella, particularly in the sperm tail cyst. Furthermore, we developed BmTSSK3 inhibitors through molecular docking and binding assays. Small molecules 5-(4-Fluorophenyl)-2-ureidothiophene-3-carboxamide (TPCA-1) and Imidurea were identified to bind to BmTSSK3. Using site-specific mutation technology, we identified amino acid residues R134 and S184 as crucial binding sites for small molecules. RNA interference assay and Western blot analysis showed that knockdown of BmTSSK3 significantly decreased histone 3 phosphorylation. To confirm the inhibitory effect of these small molecules, we treated silkworm testes with TPCA-1 and observed a strong inhibitory effect. CONCLUSION TPCA-1 is an inhibitor of BmTSSK3, which raises its potential as a future candidate for male sterility of the silkworm. Thus, this study may offer a novel strategy for sterile silkworms as well as insects. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lianlian Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiuping Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zeling Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jing Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Surui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lulu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xingfu Zha
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
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8
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Khojasteh SC, Argikar UA, Chatzopoulou M, Cheruzel L, Cho S, Dhaware D, Johnson KM, Kalgutkar AS, Liu J, Ma B, Maw H, Rowley JA, Seneviratne HK, Wang S. Biotransformation research advances - 2023 year in review. Drug Metab Rev 2024:1-33. [PMID: 38989688 DOI: 10.1080/03602532.2024.2370330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
This annual review marks the eighth in the series starting with Baillie et al. (2016) Our objective is to explore and share articles which we deem influential and significant in the field of biotransformation. Its format is to highlight important aspects captured in synopsis followed by a commentary with relevant figure and references.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Cyrus Khojasteh
- Department of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Genentech, Inc, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Upendra A Argikar
- Non-clinical Development, Bill and Melinda Gates Medical Research Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Maria Chatzopoulou
- Early Clinical Development and Translational Science, UCB Biopharma UK, Slough, UK
| | - Lionel Cheruzel
- Department of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Genentech, Inc, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Sungjoon Cho
- Department of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Genentech, Inc, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Kevin M Johnson
- Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Inotiv, MD Heights, MO, USA
| | - Amit S Kalgutkar
- Medicine Design, Pfizer Worldwide Research, Development and Medical, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Joyce Liu
- Department of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Genentech, Inc, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Bin Ma
- Department of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Genentech, Inc, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Hlaing Maw
- Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc, Ridgefield, CT, USA
| | - Jessica A Rowley
- Early Clinical Development and Translational Science, UCB Biopharma UK, Slough, UK
| | - Herana Kamal Seneviratne
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Shuai Wang
- Department of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Genentech, Inc, South San Francisco, CA, USA
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9
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Sanchez NDRR, Ritagliati C, Kopf GS, Kretschmer S, Buck J, Levin LR. The uniqueness of on-demand male contraception. Mol Aspects Med 2024; 97:101281. [PMID: 38805792 PMCID: PMC11167369 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2024.101281] [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: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Because nearly half of pregnancies worldwide are unintended, available contraceptive methods are inadequate. Moreover, due to the striking imbalance between contraceptive options available for men compared to the myriad of options available to women, there is an urgent need for new methods of contraception for men. This review summarizes ongoing efforts to develop male contraceptives highlighting the unique aspects particular to on-demand male contraception, where a man takes a contraceptive only when and as often as needed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carla Ritagliati
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | | | | | - Jochen Buck
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Lonny R Levin
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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10
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Tortora F, Guerrera V, Lettieri G, Febbraio F, Piscopo M. Prediction of Pesticide Interactions with Proteins Involved in Human Reproduction by Using a Virtual Screening Approach: A Case Study of Famoxadone Binding CRBP-III and Izumo. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5790. [PMID: 38891976 PMCID: PMC11171824 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115790] [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: 05/07/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the awareness that pesticides can have other effects apart from generic toxicity is growing. In particular, several pieces of evidence highlight their influence on human fertility. In this study, we investigated, by a virtual screening approach, the binding between pesticides and proteins present in human gametes or associated with reproduction, in order to identify new interactions that could affect human fertility. To this aim, we prepared ligand (pesticides) and receptor (proteins) 3D structure datasets from online structural databases (such as PubChem and RCSB), and performed a virtual screening analysis using Autodock Vina. In the comparison of the predicted interactions, we found that famoxadone was predicted to bind Cellular Retinol Binding Protein-III in the retinol-binding site with a better minimum energy value of -10.4 Kcal/mol and an RMSD of 3.77 with respect to retinol (-7.1 Kcal/mol). In addition to a similar network of interactions, famoxadone binding is more stabilized by additional hydrophobic patches including L20, V29, A33, F57, L117, and L118 amino acid residues and hydrogen bonds with Y19 and K40. These results support a possible competitive effect of famoxadone on retinol binding with impacts on the ability of developing the cardiac tissue, in accordance with the literature data on zebrafish embryos. Moreover, famoxadone binds, with a minimum energy value between -8.3 and -8.0 Kcal/mol, to the IZUMO Sperm-Egg Fusion Protein, interacting with a network of polar and hydrophobic amino acid residues in the cavity between the 4HB and Ig-like domains. This binding is more stabilized by a predicted hydrogen bond with the N185 residue of the protein. A hindrance in this position can probably affect the conformational change for JUNO binding, avoiding the gamete membrane fusion to form the zygote. This work opens new interesting perspectives of study on the effects of pesticides on fertility, extending the knowledge to other typologies of interaction which can affect different steps of the reproductive process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiana Tortora
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics “Adriano Buzzati Traverso”, National Research Council (CNR), Via P. Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy;
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council (CNR), Via P. Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Valentina Guerrera
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council (CNR), Via P. Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Gennaro Lettieri
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126 Naples, Italy (M.P.)
| | - Ferdinando Febbraio
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council (CNR), Via P. Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Marina Piscopo
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia, 21, 80126 Naples, Italy (M.P.)
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11
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Ku AF, Sharma KL, Ta HM, Sutton CM, Bohren KM, Wang Y, Chamakuri S, Chen R, Hakenjos JM, Jimmidi R, Kent K, Li F, Li JY, Ma L, Madasu C, Palaniappan M, Palmer SS, Qin X, Robers MB, Sankaran B, Tan Z, Vasquez YM, Wang J, Wilkinson J, Yu Z, Ye Q, Young DW, Teng M, Kim C, Matzuk MM. Reversible male contraception by targeted inhibition of serine/threonine kinase 33. Science 2024; 384:885-890. [PMID: 38781365 DOI: 10.1126/science.adl2688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Men or mice with homozygous serine/threonine kinase 33 (STK33) mutations are sterile owing to defective sperm morphology and motility. To chemically evaluate STK33 for male contraception with STK33-specific inhibitors, we screened our multibillion-compound collection of DNA-encoded chemical libraries, uncovered potent STK33-specific inhibitors, determined the STK33 kinase domain structure bound with a truncated hit CDD-2211, and generated an optimized hit CDD-2807 that demonstrates nanomolar cellular potency (half-maximal inhibitory concentration = 9.2 nanomolar) and favorable metabolic stability. In mice, CDD-2807 exhibited no toxicity, efficiently crossed the blood-testis barrier, did not accumulate in brain, and induced a reversible contraceptive effect that phenocopied genetic STK33 perturbations without altering testis size. Thus, STK33 is a chemically validated, nonhormonal contraceptive target, and CDD-2807 is an effective tool compound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela F Ku
- Center for Drug Discovery, Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Kiran L Sharma
- Center for Drug Discovery, Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Hai Minh Ta
- Center for Drug Discovery, Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Courtney M Sutton
- Center for Drug Discovery, Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Kurt M Bohren
- Center for Drug Discovery, Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Yong Wang
- Center for Drug Discovery, Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Srinivas Chamakuri
- Center for Drug Discovery, Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ruihong Chen
- Center for Drug Discovery, Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - John M Hakenjos
- Center for Drug Discovery, Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ravikumar Jimmidi
- Center for Drug Discovery, Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Katarzyna Kent
- Center for Drug Discovery, Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Feng Li
- Center for Drug Discovery, Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jian-Yuan Li
- Center for Drug Discovery, Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Lang Ma
- Center for Drug Discovery, Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Chandrashekhar Madasu
- Center for Drug Discovery, Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Murugesan Palaniappan
- Center for Drug Discovery, Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Stephen S Palmer
- Center for Drug Discovery, Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Xuan Qin
- Center for Drug Discovery, Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | | | - Banumathi Sankaran
- Molecular Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging, Berkeley Center for Structural Biology, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Zhi Tan
- Center for Drug Discovery, Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Yasmin M Vasquez
- Center for Drug Discovery, Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jian Wang
- Center for Drug Discovery, Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | | | - Zhifeng Yu
- Center for Drug Discovery, Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Qiuji Ye
- Center for Drug Discovery, Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Damian W Young
- Center for Drug Discovery, Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Mingxing Teng
- Center for Drug Discovery, Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Choel Kim
- Center for Drug Discovery, Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Martin M Matzuk
- Center for Drug Discovery, Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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12
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Watanabe J, Clutter MR, Gullette MJ, Sasaki T, Uchida E, Kaur S, Mo Y, Abe K, Ishi Y, Takata N, Natsumeda M, Gadd S, Zhang Z, Becher OJ, Hashizume R. BET bromodomain inhibition potentiates radiosensitivity in models of H3K27-altered diffuse midline glioma. J Clin Invest 2024; 134:e174794. [PMID: 38771655 PMCID: PMC11213469 DOI: 10.1172/jci174794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Diffuse midline glioma (DMG) H3K27-altered is one of the most malignant childhood cancers. Radiation therapy remains the only effective treatment yet provides a 5-year survival rate of only 1%. Several clinical trials have attempted to enhance radiation antitumor activity using radiosensitizing agents, although none have been successful. Given this, there is a critical need for identifying effective therapeutics to enhance radiation sensitivity for the treatment of DMG. Using high-throughput radiosensitivity screening, we identified bromo- and extraterminal domain (BET) protein inhibitors as potent radiosensitizers in DMG cells. Genetic and pharmacologic inhibition of BET bromodomain activity reduced DMG cell proliferation and enhanced radiation-induced DNA damage by inhibiting DNA repair pathways. RNA-Seq and the CUT&RUN (cleavage under targets and release using nuclease) analysis showed that BET bromodomain inhibitors regulated the expression of DNA repair genes mediated by H3K27 acetylation at enhancers. BET bromodomain inhibitors enhanced DMG radiation response in patient-derived xenografts as well as genetically engineered mouse models. Together, our results highlight BET bromodomain inhibitors as potential radiosensitizer and provide a rationale for developing combination therapy with radiation for the treatment of DMG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Watanabe
- Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, Neuro-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | | | | | - Takahiro Sasaki
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Eita Uchida
- Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, Neuro-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Savneet Kaur
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Yan Mo
- Institute for Cancer Genetics
- Department of Pediatrics, and
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Kouki Abe
- Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, Neuro-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Yukitomo Ishi
- Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, Neuro-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Nozomu Takata
- Center for Vascular and Developmental Biology, Feinberg Cardiovascular and Renal Research Institute, and
- Simpson Querrey Institute for BioNanotechnology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Manabu Natsumeda
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Samantha Gadd
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, Neuro-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Zhiguo Zhang
- Institute for Cancer Genetics
- Department of Pediatrics, and
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Oren J. Becher
- Department of Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Rintaro Hashizume
- Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, Neuro-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Children’s of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
- O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
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13
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Saiz ML, Lozano-Chamizo L, Florez AB, Marciello M, Diaz-Bulnes P, Corte-Iglesias V, Bernet CR, Rodrigues-Diez RR, Martin-Martin C, Rodriguez-Santamaria M, Fernandez-Vega I, Rodriguez RM, Diaz-Corte C, Suarez-Alvarez B, Filice M, Lopez-Larrea C. BET inhibitor nanotherapy halts kidney damage and reduces chronic kidney disease progression after ischemia-reperfusion injury. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 174:116492. [PMID: 38537579 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2024] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Targeting epigenetic mechanisms has emerged as a potential therapeutic approach for the treatment of kidney diseases. Specifically, inhibiting the bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) domain proteins using the small molecule inhibitor JQ1 has shown promise in preclinical models of acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, its clinical translation faces challenges due to issues with poor pharmacokinetics and side effects. Here, we developed engineered liposomes loaded with JQ1 with the aim of enhancing kidney drug delivery and reducing the required minimum effective dose by leveraging cargo protection. These liposomes efficiently encapsulated JQ1 in both the membrane and core, demonstrating superior therapeutic efficacy compared to freely delivered JQ1 in a mouse model of kidney ischemia-reperfusion injury. JQ1-loaded liposomes (JQ1-NPs) effectively targeted the kidneys and only one administration, one-hour after injury, was enough to decrease the immune cell (neutrophils and monocytes) infiltration to the kidney-an early and pivotal step to prevent damage progression. By inhibiting BRD4, JQ1-NPs suppress the transcription of pro-inflammatory genes, such as cytokines (il-6) and chemokines (ccl2, ccl5). This success not only improved early the kidney function, as evidenced by decreased serum levels of BUN and creatinine in JQ1-NPs-treated mice, along with reduced tissue expression of the damage marker, NGAL, but also halted the production of extracellular matrix proteins (Fsp-1, Fn-1, α-SMA and Col1a1) and the fibrosis development. In summary, this work presents a promising nanotherapeutic strategy for AKI treatment and its progression and provides new insights into renal drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Laura Saiz
- Translational Immunology, Health Research Institute of the Principality of Asturias (ISPA), Avenida de Roma S/N, Oviedo, Asturias 33011, Spain; ISCIII RICORS2040 Kidney Disease Research Network, Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Lozano-Chamizo
- Nanobiotechnology for Life Sciences Laboratory, Department of Chemistry in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), Plaza Ramón y Cajal s/n, Madrid E-28040, Spain; Microscopy and Dynamic Imaging Unit, Fundación Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (CNIC), Calle Melchor Fernández Almagro 3, Madrid E-28029, Spain; Atrys Health, Madrid E-28001, Spain
| | - Aida Bernardo Florez
- Translational Immunology, Health Research Institute of the Principality of Asturias (ISPA), Avenida de Roma S/N, Oviedo, Asturias 33011, Spain; ISCIII RICORS2040 Kidney Disease Research Network, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marzia Marciello
- Nanobiotechnology for Life Sciences Laboratory, Department of Chemistry in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), Plaza Ramón y Cajal s/n, Madrid E-28040, Spain; Microscopy and Dynamic Imaging Unit, Fundación Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (CNIC), Calle Melchor Fernández Almagro 3, Madrid E-28029, Spain
| | - Paula Diaz-Bulnes
- Translational Immunology, Health Research Institute of the Principality of Asturias (ISPA), Avenida de Roma S/N, Oviedo, Asturias 33011, Spain; ISCIII RICORS2040 Kidney Disease Research Network, Madrid, Spain
| | - Viviana Corte-Iglesias
- Translational Immunology, Health Research Institute of the Principality of Asturias (ISPA), Avenida de Roma S/N, Oviedo, Asturias 33011, Spain; ISCIII RICORS2040 Kidney Disease Research Network, Madrid, Spain; Department of Immunology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo 33011, Spain
| | - Cristian Ruiz Bernet
- Translational Immunology, Health Research Institute of the Principality of Asturias (ISPA), Avenida de Roma S/N, Oviedo, Asturias 33011, Spain; ISCIII RICORS2040 Kidney Disease Research Network, Madrid, Spain
| | - Raul R Rodrigues-Diez
- Translational Immunology, Health Research Institute of the Principality of Asturias (ISPA), Avenida de Roma S/N, Oviedo, Asturias 33011, Spain; ISCIII RICORS2040 Kidney Disease Research Network, Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina Martin-Martin
- Translational Immunology, Health Research Institute of the Principality of Asturias (ISPA), Avenida de Roma S/N, Oviedo, Asturias 33011, Spain; ISCIII RICORS2040 Kidney Disease Research Network, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mar Rodriguez-Santamaria
- Health Research Institute of the Principality of Asturias (ISPA), Avenida de Roma S/N, Oviedo, Asturias 33011, Spain
| | - Ivan Fernandez-Vega
- Department of Pathology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo 33001, Spain; Biobank of Principality of Asturias, Oviedo 33011, Spain
| | - Ramon M Rodriguez
- Lipids in Human Pathology, Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Illes Balears (IdISBa), Ctra. Valldemossa 79, Palma, Balearic Islands E-07120, Spain; Research Unit, University Hospital Son Espases, Ctra. Valldemossa79, Palma, Balearic Islands E-07120, Spain
| | - Carmen Diaz-Corte
- Translational Immunology, Health Research Institute of the Principality of Asturias (ISPA), Avenida de Roma S/N, Oviedo, Asturias 33011, Spain; Department of Nephrology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo 33001, Spain
| | - Beatriz Suarez-Alvarez
- Translational Immunology, Health Research Institute of the Principality of Asturias (ISPA), Avenida de Roma S/N, Oviedo, Asturias 33011, Spain; ISCIII RICORS2040 Kidney Disease Research Network, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Marco Filice
- Nanobiotechnology for Life Sciences Laboratory, Department of Chemistry in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), Plaza Ramón y Cajal s/n, Madrid E-28040, Spain; Microscopy and Dynamic Imaging Unit, Fundación Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (CNIC), Calle Melchor Fernández Almagro 3, Madrid E-28029, Spain.
| | - Carlos Lopez-Larrea
- Translational Immunology, Health Research Institute of the Principality of Asturias (ISPA), Avenida de Roma S/N, Oviedo, Asturias 33011, Spain; ISCIII RICORS2040 Kidney Disease Research Network, Madrid, Spain; Department of Immunology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo 33011, Spain
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14
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Rosenthal ZC, Fass DM, Payne NC, She A, Patnaik D, Hennig KM, Tesla R, Werthmann GC, Guhl C, Reis SA, Wang X, Chen Y, Placzek M, Williams NS, Hooker J, Herz J, Mazitschek R, Haggarty SJ. Epigenetic modulation through BET bromodomain inhibitors as a novel therapeutic strategy for progranulin-deficient frontotemporal dementia. Sci Rep 2024; 14:9064. [PMID: 38643236 PMCID: PMC11032351 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-59110-7] [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: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a debilitating neurodegenerative disorder with currently no disease-modifying treatment options available. Mutations in GRN are one of the most common genetic causes of FTD, near ubiquitously resulting in progranulin (PGRN) haploinsufficiency. Small molecules that can restore PGRN protein to healthy levels in individuals bearing a heterozygous GRN mutation may thus have therapeutic value. Here, we show that epigenetic modulation through bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) inhibitors (BETi) potently enhance PGRN protein levels, both intracellularly and secreted forms, in human central nervous system (CNS)-relevant cell types, including in microglia-like cells. In terms of potential for disease modification, we show BETi treatment effectively restores PGRN levels in neural cells with a GRN mutation known to cause PGRN haploinsufficiency and FTD. We demonstrate that BETi can rapidly and durably enhance PGRN in neural progenitor cells (NPCs) in a manner dependent upon BET protein expression, suggesting a gain-of-function mechanism. We further describe a CNS-optimized BETi chemotype that potently engages endogenous BRD4 and enhances PGRN expression in neuronal cells. Our results reveal a new epigenetic target for treating PGRN-deficient forms of FTD and provide mechanistic insight to aid in translating this discovery into therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary C Rosenthal
- Chemical Neurobiology Laboratory, Precision Therapeutics Unit, Center for Genomic Medicine, Departments of Neurology and Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Daniel M Fass
- Chemical Neurobiology Laboratory, Precision Therapeutics Unit, Center for Genomic Medicine, Departments of Neurology and Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - N Connor Payne
- Department of Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Angela She
- Chemical Neurobiology Laboratory, Precision Therapeutics Unit, Center for Genomic Medicine, Departments of Neurology and Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Debasis Patnaik
- Chemical Neurobiology Laboratory, Precision Therapeutics Unit, Center for Genomic Medicine, Departments of Neurology and Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Krista M Hennig
- Chemical Neurobiology Laboratory, Precision Therapeutics Unit, Center for Genomic Medicine, Departments of Neurology and Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rachel Tesla
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Center for Translational Neurodegeneration Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Gordon C Werthmann
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Center for Translational Neurodegeneration Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Charlotte Guhl
- Faculty of Chemistry and Earth Sciences, Institute of Organic Chemistry and Macromolecular Chemistry, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Surya A Reis
- Chemical Neurobiology Laboratory, Precision Therapeutics Unit, Center for Genomic Medicine, Departments of Neurology and Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Xiaoyu Wang
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Yueting Chen
- Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michael Placzek
- Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Noelle S Williams
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Jacob Hooker
- Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joachim Herz
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Center for Translational Neurodegeneration Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Department of Neurology and Neurotherapeutics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Ralph Mazitschek
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Stephen J Haggarty
- Chemical Neurobiology Laboratory, Precision Therapeutics Unit, Center for Genomic Medicine, Departments of Neurology and Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
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15
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Gruber FS, Richardson A, Johnston ZC, Myles R, Norcross NR, Day DP, Georgiou I, Sesma-Sanz L, Wilson C, Read KD, Martins da Silva S, Barratt CLR, Gilbert IH, Swedlow JR. Sperm Toolbox-A selection of small molecules to study human spermatozoa. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0297666. [PMID: 38377053 PMCID: PMC10878532 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0297666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Male contraceptive options and infertility treatments are limited, and almost all innovation has been limited to updates to medically assisted reproduction protocols and methods. To accelerate the development of drugs that can either improve or inhibit fertility, we established a small molecule library as a toolbox for assay development and screening campaigns using human spermatozoa. We have profiled all compounds in the Sperm Toolbox in several automated high-throughput assays that measure stimulation or inhibition of sperm motility or the acrosome reaction. We have assayed motility under non-capacitating and capacitating conditions to distinguish between pathways operating under these different physiological states. We also assayed cell viability to ensure any effects on sperm function are specific. A key advantage of our studies is that all compounds are assayed together in the same experimental conditions, which allows quantitative comparisons of their effects in complementary functional assays. We have combined the resulting datasets to generate fingerprints of the Sperm Toolbox compounds on sperm function. The data are included in an on-line R-based app for convenient querying.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franz S. Gruber
- Divisions of Computational Biology and Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, and National Phenotypic Screening Centre, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony Richardson
- Drug Discovery Unit, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Zoe C. Johnston
- Division of Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel Myles
- Division of Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Neil R. Norcross
- Drug Discovery Unit, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - David P. Day
- Drug Discovery Unit, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Irene Georgiou
- Drug Discovery Unit, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Sesma-Sanz
- Divisions of Computational Biology and Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, and National Phenotypic Screening Centre, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Caroline Wilson
- Drug Discovery Unit, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin D. Read
- Drug Discovery Unit, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Martins da Silva
- Drug Discovery Unit, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher L. R. Barratt
- Division of Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Ian H. Gilbert
- Drug Discovery Unit, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Jason R. Swedlow
- Divisions of Computational Biology and Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, and National Phenotypic Screening Centre, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
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16
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Chen CY, Shao Z, Wang G, Zhao B, Hardtke HA, Leong J, Zhou T, Zhang YJ, Qiao H. Histone acetyltransferase HAF2 associates with PDC to control H3K14ac and H3K23ac in ethylene response. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.12.31.573642. [PMID: 38260516 PMCID: PMC10802238 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.31.573642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Ethylene plays its essential roles in plant development, growth, and defense responses by controlling the transcriptional reprogramming, in which EIN2-C-directed regulation of histone acetylation is the first key-step for chromatin to perceive ethylene signaling. However, the histone acetyltransferase in this process remains unknown. Here, we identified histone acetyltransferase HAF2, and mutations in HAF2 confer plants with ethylene insensitivity. Furthermore, we found that HAF2 interacts with EIN2-C in response to ethylene. Biochemical assays demonstrated that the bromodomain of HAF2 binds to H3K14ac and H3K23ac peptides with a distinct affinity for H3K14ac; the HAT domain possesses acetyltransferase catalytic activity for H3K14 and H3K23 acetylation, with a preference for H3K14. ChIP-seq results provide additional evidence supporting the role of HAF2 in regulating H3K14ac and H3K23ac levels in response to ethylene. Finally, our findings revealed that HAF2 co-functions with pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC) to regulate H3K14ac and H3K23ac in response to ethylene in an EIN2 dependent manner. Overall, this research reveals that HAF2 as a histone acetyltransferase that forms a complex with EIN2-C and PDC, collectively governing histone acetylation of H3H14ac and H3K23ac, preferentially for H3K14 in response to ethylene.
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17
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Holmes S, Jain P, Rodriguez KG, Williams J, Yu Z, Cerda-Smith C, Samuel ELG, Campbell J, Hakenjos JM, Monsivais D, Li F, Chamakuri S, Matzuk MM, Santini C, MacKenzie KR, Young DW. Chemical Catalysis Guides Structural Identification for the Major In Vivo Metabolite of the BET Inhibitor JQ1. ACS Med Chem Lett 2024; 15:107-115. [PMID: 38229743 PMCID: PMC10788937 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.3c00464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
The bromodomain inhibitor (+)-JQ1 is a highly validated chemical probe; however, it exhibits poor in vivo pharmacokinetics. To guide efforts toward improving its pharmacological properties, we identified the (+)-JQ1 primary metabolite using chemical catalysis methods. Treatment of (+)-JQ1 with tetrabutylammonium decatungstate under photochemical conditions resulted in selective formation of an aldehyde at the 2-position of the thiophene ring [(+)-JQ1-CHO], which was further reduced to the 2-hydroxymethyl analog [(+)-JQ1-OH]. Comparative LC/MS analysis of (+)-JQ1-OH to the product obtained from liver microsomes suggested (+)-JQ1-OH as the major metabolite of (+)-JQ1. The 2-thienyl position was then substituted to generate a trideuterated (-CD3, (+)-JQ1-D) analog having half-lives that were 1.8- and 2.8-fold longer in mouse and human liver microsomes, respectively. This result unambiguously confirmed (+)-JQ1-OH as the major metabolite of (+)-JQ1. These studies demonstrate an efficient process for studying drug metabolism and identifying the metabolic soft spots of bioactive compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Secondra Holmes
- Center
for Drug Discovery, Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
- Verna
and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Prashi Jain
- Center
for Drug Discovery, Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
- Verna
and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Kenneth Guzman Rodriguez
- Center
for Drug Discovery, Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
- Verna
and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Jade Williams
- Center
for Drug Discovery, Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
- Verna
and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Zhifeng Yu
- Center
for Drug Discovery, Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
- Verna
and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Christian Cerda-Smith
- Center
for Drug Discovery, Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Errol L. G. Samuel
- Center
for Drug Discovery, Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - James Campbell
- Center
for Drug Discovery, Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - John Michael Hakenjos
- Center
for Drug Discovery, Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Diana Monsivais
- Center
for Drug Discovery, Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Feng Li
- Center
for Drug Discovery, Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Srinivas Chamakuri
- Center
for Drug Discovery, Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Martin M. Matzuk
- Center
for Drug Discovery, Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Conrad Santini
- Center
for Drug Discovery, Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Kevin R. MacKenzie
- Center
for Drug Discovery, Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
- Verna
and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Damian W. Young
- Center
for Drug Discovery, Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
- Verna
and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
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18
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Dai W, Tian R, Yu L, Bian S, Chen Y, Yin B, Luan Y, Chen S, Fan Z, Yan R, Pan X, Hou Y, Li R, Chen J, Shu M. Overcoming therapeutic resistance in oncolytic herpes virotherapy by targeting IGF2BP3-induced NETosis in malignant glioma. Nat Commun 2024; 15:131. [PMID: 38167409 PMCID: PMC10762148 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44576-2] [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: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Oncolytic virotherapy holds promise for cancer treatment, but the factors determining its oncolytic activity remain unclear. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are associated with cancer progression, yet their formation mechanism and role in oncolytic virotherapy remain elusive. In this study, we demonstrate that, in glioma, upregulation of IGF2BP3 enhances the expression of E3 ubiquitin protein ligase MIB1, promoting FTO degradation via the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. This results in increased m6A-mediated CSF3 release and NET formation. Oncolytic herpes simplex virus (oHSV) stimulates IGF2BP3-induced NET formation in malignant glioma. In glioma models in female mice, a BET inhibitor enhances the oncolytic activity of oHSV by impeding IGF2BP3-induced NETosis, reinforcing virus replication through BRD4 recruitment with the CDK9/RPB-1 complex to HSV gene promoters. Our findings unveil the regulation of m6A-mediated NET formation, highlight oncolytic virus-induced NETosis as a critical checkpoint hindering oncolytic potential, and propose targeting NETosis as a strategy to overcome resistance in oncolytic virotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Dai
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Pathogenic Microorganisms and Infection, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruotong Tian
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liubing Yu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Pathogenic Microorganisms and Infection, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shasha Bian
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Pathogenic Microorganisms and Infection, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuling Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bowen Yin
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Pathogenic Microorganisms and Infection, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuxuan Luan
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Pathogenic Microorganisms and Infection, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Siqi Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Pathogenic Microorganisms and Infection, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhuoyang Fan
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Zhongshan hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Rucheng Yan
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Pan
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Nanhu Laboratory, National Center of Biomedical Analysis, Beijing, China
| | - Yingyong Hou
- Department of Pathology, Zhongshan hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Rong Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Juxiang Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Minfeng Shu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Pathogenic Microorganisms and Infection, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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19
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Schiedel M, McArdle DJB, Padalino G, Chan AKN, Forde-Thomas J, McDonough M, Whiteland H, Beckmann M, Cookson R, Hoffmann KF, Conway SJ. Small Molecule Ligands of the BET-like Bromodomain, SmBRD3, Affect Schistosoma mansoni Survival, Oviposition, and Development. J Med Chem 2023; 66:15801-15822. [PMID: 38048437 PMCID: PMC10726355 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a disease affecting >200 million people worldwide, but its treatment relies on a single agent, praziquantel. To investigate new avenues for schistosomiasis control, we have conducted the first systematic analysis of bromodomain-containing proteins (BCPs) in a causative species, Schistosoma mansoni. Having identified 29 putative bromodomains (BRDs) in 22 S. mansoni proteins, we selected SmBRD3, a tandem BRD-containing BCP that shows high similarity to the human bromodomain and extra terminal domain (BET) family, for further studies. Screening 697 small molecules identified the human BET BRD inhibitor I-BET726 as a ligand for SmBRD3. An X-ray crystal structure of I-BET726 bound to the second BRD of SmBRD3 [SmBRD3(2)] enabled rational design of a quinoline-based ligand (15) with an ITC Kd = 364 ± 26.3 nM for SmBRD3(2). The ethyl ester pro-drug of compound 15 (compound 22) shows substantial effects on sexually immature larval schistosomula, sexually mature adult worms, and snail-infective miracidia in ex vivo assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Schiedel
- Department
of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, U.K.
| | - Darius J. B. McArdle
- Department
of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, U.K.
| | - Gilda Padalino
- The
Department of Life Sciences (DLS), Aberystwyth
University, Wales SY23 3DA, U.K.
| | - Anthony K. N. Chan
- Department
of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, U.K.
| | | | - Michael McDonough
- Department
of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, U.K.
| | - Helen Whiteland
- The
Department of Life Sciences (DLS), Aberystwyth
University, Wales SY23 3DA, U.K.
| | - Manfred Beckmann
- The
Department of Life Sciences (DLS), Aberystwyth
University, Wales SY23 3DA, U.K.
| | - Rosa Cookson
- GlaxoSmithKline
R&D, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K.
| | - Karl F. Hoffmann
- The
Department of Life Sciences (DLS), Aberystwyth
University, Wales SY23 3DA, U.K.
| | - Stuart J. Conway
- Department
of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TA, U.K.
- Department
of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University
of California Los Angeles, 607 Charles E. Young Drive East, P.O. Box 951569, Los Angeles, California 90095-1569, United States
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20
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Louwagie EJ, Quinn GFL, Pond KL, Hansen KA. Male contraception: narrative review of ongoing research. Basic Clin Androl 2023; 33:30. [PMID: 37940863 PMCID: PMC10634021 DOI: 10.1186/s12610-023-00204-z] [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: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since the release of the combined oral contraceptive pill in 1960, women have shouldered the burden of contraception and family planning. Over 60 years later, this is still the case as the only practical, effective contraceptive options available to men are condoms and vasectomy. However, there are now a variety of promising hormonal and non-hormonal male contraceptive options being studied. The purpose of this narrative review is to provide clinicians and laypeople with focused, up-to-date descriptions of novel strategies and targets for male contraception. We include a cautiously optimistic discussion of benefits and potential drawbacks, highlighting several methods in preclinical and clinical stages of development. RESULTS As of June 2023, two hormonal male contraceptive methods are undergoing phase II clinical trials for safety and efficacy. A large-scale, international phase IIb trial investigating efficacy of transdermal segesterone acetate (Nestorone) plus testosterone gel has enrolled over 460 couples with completion estimated for late 2024. A second hormonal method, dimethandrolone undecanoate, is in two clinical trials focusing on safety, pharmacodynamics, suppression of spermatogenesis and hormones; the first of these two is estimated for completion in December 2024. There are also several non-hormonal methods with strong potential in preclinical stages of development. CONCLUSIONS There exist several hurdles to novel male contraception. Therapeutic development takes decades of time, meticulous work, and financial investment, but with so many strong candidates it is our hope that there will soon be several safe, effective, and reversible contraceptive options available to male patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eli J Louwagie
- University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine, 1400 W 22nd St, Sioux Falls, SD, 57105, USA.
| | - Garrett F L Quinn
- University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine, 1400 W 22nd St, Sioux Falls, SD, 57105, USA
| | - Kristi L Pond
- University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine, 1400 W 22nd St, Sioux Falls, SD, 57105, USA
| | - Keith A Hansen
- Chair and Professor, Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine; Reproductive Endocrinologist, Sanford Fertility and Reproductive Medicine, 1500 W 22nd St Suite 102, Sioux Falls, SD, 57105, USA
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21
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Wang ZQ, Zhang ZC, Wu YY, Pi YN, Lou SH, Liu TB, Lou G, Yang C. Bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) proteins: biological functions, diseases, and targeted therapy. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:420. [PMID: 37926722 PMCID: PMC10625992 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01647-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BET proteins, which influence gene expression and contribute to the development of cancer, are epigenetic interpreters. Thus, BET inhibitors represent a novel form of epigenetic anticancer treatment. Although preliminary clinical trials have shown the anticancer potential of BET inhibitors, it appears that these drugs have limited effectiveness when used alone. Therefore, given the limited monotherapeutic activity of BET inhibitors, their use in combination with other drugs warrants attention, including the meaningful variations in pharmacodynamic activity among chosen drug combinations. In this paper, we review the function of BET proteins, the preclinical justification for BET protein targeting in cancer, recent advances in small-molecule BET inhibitors, and preliminary clinical trial findings. We elucidate BET inhibitor resistance mechanisms, shed light on the associated adverse events, investigate the potential of combining these inhibitors with diverse therapeutic agents, present a comprehensive compilation of synergistic treatments involving BET inhibitors, and provide an outlook on their future prospects as potent antitumor agents. We conclude by suggesting that combining BET inhibitors with other anticancer drugs and innovative next-generation agents holds great potential for advancing the effective targeting of BET proteins as a promising anticancer strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Qiang Wang
- Department of Gynecology Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Zhao-Cong Zhang
- Department of Gynecology Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Yu-Yang Wu
- School of Optometry and Ophthalmology and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Ya-Nan Pi
- Department of Gynecology Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Sheng-Han Lou
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Tian-Bo Liu
- Department of Gynecology Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Ge Lou
- Department of Gynecology Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China.
| | - Chang Yang
- Department of Gynecology Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China.
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22
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Das ND, Chang JC, Hon CC, Kelly ST, Ito S, Lizio M, Kaczkowski B, Watanabe H, Katsushima K, Natsume A, Koseki H, Kondo Y, Minoda A, Umehara T. Defining super-enhancers by highly ranked histone H4 multi-acetylation levels identifies transcription factors associated with glioblastoma stem-like properties. BMC Genomics 2023; 24:574. [PMID: 37759202 PMCID: PMC10523799 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09659-w] [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: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Super-enhancers (SEs), which activate genes involved in cell-type specificity, have mainly been defined as genomic regions with top-ranked enrichment(s) of histone H3 with acetylated K27 (H3K27ac) and/or transcription coactivator(s) including a bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) family protein, BRD4. However, BRD4 preferentially binds to multi-acetylated histone H4, typically with acetylated K5 and K8 (H4K5acK8ac), leading us to hypothesize that SEs should be defined by high H4K5acK8ac enrichment at least as well as by that of H3K27ac. RESULTS Here, we conducted genome-wide profiling of H4K5acK8ac and H3K27ac, BRD4 binding, and the transcriptome by using a BET inhibitor, JQ1, in three human glial cell lines. When SEs were defined as having the top ranks for H4K5acK8ac or H3K27ac signal, 43% of H4K5acK8ac-ranked SEs were distinct from H3K27ac-ranked SEs in a glioblastoma stem-like cell (GSC) line. CRISPR-Cas9-mediated deletion of the H4K5acK8ac-preferred SEs associated with MYCN and NFIC decreased the stem-like properties in GSCs. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, our data highlights H4K5acK8ac's utility for identifying genes regulating cell-type specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nando D Das
- Laboratory for Epigenetics Drug Discovery, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Jen-Chien Chang
- Laboratory for Cellular Epigenomics, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences (IMS), Yokohama, Japan
| | - Chung-Chau Hon
- Laboratory for Genome Information Analysis, RIKEN IMS, Yokohama, Japan
| | - S Thomas Kelly
- Laboratory for Cellular Epigenomics, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences (IMS), Yokohama, Japan
| | - Shinsuke Ito
- Laboratory of Developmental Genetics, RIKEN IMS, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Marina Lizio
- Laboratory for Genome Information Analysis, RIKEN IMS, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Bogumil Kaczkowski
- Laboratory for Applied Regulatory Genomics Network Analysis, RIKEN IMS, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Hisami Watanabe
- Laboratory for Epigenetics Drug Discovery, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Keisuke Katsushima
- Division of Cancer Biology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Atsushi Natsume
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Haruhiko Koseki
- Laboratory of Developmental Genetics, RIKEN IMS, Yokohama, Japan
- Immune Regulation, Advanced Research Departments, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yutaka Kondo
- Division of Cancer Biology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Aki Minoda
- Laboratory for Cellular Epigenomics, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences (IMS), Yokohama, Japan
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Takashi Umehara
- Laboratory for Epigenetics Drug Discovery, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Yokohama, Japan.
- PRESTO, Japan Science and Technology Agency, Kawaguchi, Saitama, Japan.
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23
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Howard SA, Benhabbour SR. Non-Hormonal Contraception. J Clin Med 2023; 12:4791. [PMID: 37510905 PMCID: PMC10381146 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12144791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
While hormonal contraceptives are efficacious and available in several forms for women, perception of safety and concern over side effects are a deterrent for many. Existing non-hormonal contraceptives include permanent sterilization, copper intrauterine devices (IUDs), chemical/physical barriers such as spermicides and condoms, as well as traditional family planning methods including withdrawal and the rhythm method. Individuals who wish to retain their fertility in the future can achieve highest adherence and efficacy with long-acting, reversible contraceptives (LARCs), though there is only one, the copper IUD, that is non-hormonal. As rates of unintended pregnancies remain high with existing contraceptive options, it is becoming increasingly attractive to develop novel pregnancy prevention methods for both women and men. Non-hormonal contraceptives can target a variety of critical reproductive processes discussed here. This review focuses on identified non-hormonal contraceptive targets and subsequent drug candidates in development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Anne Howard
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Soumya Rahima Benhabbour
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University and The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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24
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Divakaran A, Harki DA, Pomerantz WC. Recent progress and structural analyses of domain-selective BET inhibitors. Med Res Rev 2023; 43:972-1018. [PMID: 36971240 PMCID: PMC10520981 DOI: 10.1002/med.21942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms for controlling gene expression through heritable modifications to DNA, RNA, and proteins, are essential processes in maintaining cellular homeostasis. As a result of their central role in human diseases, the proteins responsible for adding, removing, or recognizing epigenetic modifications have emerged as viable drug targets. In the case of lysine-ε-N-acetylation (Kac ), bromodomains serve as recognition modules ("readers") of this activating epigenetic mark and competition of the bromodomain-Kac interaction with small-molecule inhibitors is an attractive strategy to control aberrant bromodomain-mediated gene expression. The bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) family proteins contain eight similar bromodomains. These BET bromodomains are among the more commonly studied bromodomain classes with numerous pan-BET inhibitors showing promising anticancer and anti-inflammatory efficacy. However, these results have yet to translate into Food and Drug Administration-approved drugs, in part due to a high degree of on-target toxicities associated with pan-BET inhibition. Improved selectivity within the BET-family has been proposed to alleviate these concerns. In this review, we analyze the reported BET-domain selective inhibitors from a structural perspective. We highlight three essential characteristics of the reported molecules in generating domain selectivity, binding affinity, and mimicking Kac molecular recognition. In several cases, we provide insight into the design of molecules with improved specificity for individual BET-bromodomains. This review provides a perspective on the current state of the field as this exciting class of inhibitors continue to be evaluated in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anand Divakaran
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota, 2231 6th St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, United States
| | - Daniel A. Harki
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota, 2231 6th St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, United States
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, 207 Pleasant St. SE, Minneapolis, MN55455, United States
| | - William C.K. Pomerantz
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota, 2231 6th St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, United States
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, 207 Pleasant St. SE, Minneapolis, MN55455, United States
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25
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Moreno V, Manuel Sepúlveda J, Reardon DA, Pérez-Núñez Á, González León P, Hanna B, Filvaroff E, Aronchik I, Chang H, Amoroso B, Zuraek M, Sanchez-Perez T, Mendez C, Stephens D, Nikolova Z, Vogelbaum MA. Trotabresib, an oral potent bromodomain and extraterminal inhibitor, in patients with high-grade gliomas: A phase I, "window-of-opportunity" study. Neuro Oncol 2023; 25:1113-1122. [PMID: 36455228 PMCID: PMC10237409 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noac263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The bromodomain and extraterminal protein (BET) inhibitor trotabresib has demonstrated antitumor activity in patients with advanced solid tumors, including high-grade gliomas. CC-90010-GBM-001 (NCT04047303) is a phase I study investigating the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and CNS penetration of trotabresib in patients with recurrent high-grade gliomas scheduled for salvage resection. METHODS Patients received trotabresib 30 mg/day on days 1-4 before surgery, followed by maintenance trotabresib 45 mg/day 4 days on/24 days off after surgery. Primary endpoints were plasma pharmacokinetics and trotabresib concentrations in resected tissue. Secondary and exploratory endpoints included safety, pharmacodynamics, and antitumor activity. RESULTS Twenty patients received preoperative trotabresib and underwent resection with no delays or cancelations of surgery; 16 patients received maintenance trotabresib after recovery from surgery. Trotabresib plasma pharmacokinetics were consistent with previous data. Mean trotabresib brain tumor tissue:plasma ratio was 0.84 (estimated unbound partition coefficient [KPUU] 0.37), and modulation of pharmacodynamic markers was observed in blood and brain tumor tissue. Trotabresib was well tolerated; the most frequent grade 3/4 treatment-related adverse event during maintenance treatment was thrombocytopenia (5/16 patients). Six-month progression-free survival was 12%. Two patients remain on treatment with stable disease at cycles 25 and 30. CONCLUSIONS Trotabresib penetrates the blood-brain-tumor barrier in patients with recurrent high-grade glioma and demonstrates target engagement in resected tumor tissue. Plasma pharmacokinetics, blood pharmacodynamics, and safety were comparable with previous results for trotabresib in patients with advanced solid tumors. Investigation of adjuvant trotabresib + temozolomide and concomitant trotabresib + temozolomide + radiotherapy in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma is ongoing (NCT04324840).
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Moreno
- START Madrid-FJD, Hospital Universitario Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - David A Reardon
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ángel Pérez-Núñez
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pedro González León
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - Bishoy Hanna
- Bristol Myers Squibb, Princeton, New Jersey, USA
| | | | - Ida Aronchik
- Bristol Myers Squibb, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Henry Chang
- Bristol Myers Squibb, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Barbara Amoroso
- Centre for Innovation and Translational Research Europe, A Bristol Myers Squibb Company, Seville, Spain
| | | | - Tania Sanchez-Perez
- Centre for Innovation and Translational Research Europe, A Bristol Myers Squibb Company, Seville, Spain
| | - Cristina Mendez
- Centre for Innovation and Translational Research Europe, A Bristol Myers Squibb Company, Seville, Spain
| | | | - Zariana Nikolova
- Centre for Innovation and Translational Research Europe, A Bristol Myers Squibb Company, Seville, Spain
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26
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Duan W, Yu M, Chen J. BRD4: New Hope in the Battle Against Glioblastoma. Pharmacol Res 2023; 191:106767. [PMID: 37061146 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2023]
Abstract
The BET family proteins, comprising BRD2, BRD3 and BRD4, represent epigenetic readers of acetylated histone marks that play pleiotropic roles in the tumorigenesis and growth of multiple human malignancies, including glioblastoma (GBM). A growing body of investigation has proven BET proteins as valuable therapeutic targets for cancer treatment. Recently, several BRD4 inhibitors and degraders have been reported to successfully suppress GBM in preclinical and clinical studies. However, the precise role and mechanism of BRD4 in the pathogenesis of GBM have not been fully elucidated or summarized. This review focuses on summarizing the roles and mechanisms of BRD4 in the context of the initiation and development of GBM. In addition, several BRD4 inhibitors have been evaluated for therapeutic purposes as monotherapy or in combination with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immune therapies. Here, we provide a critical appraisal of studies evaluating various BRD4 inhibitors and degraders as novel treatment strategies against GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weichen Duan
- Department of Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Miao Yu
- Department of Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Jiajia Chen
- Department of Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China.
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Li F, Zhao Y, Cheng Z, Wang Y, Yue Y, Cheng X, Sun J, Atabakhshi-Kashi M, Yao J, Dou J, Yu J, Zhang X, Qi Y, Li X, Qi X, Nie G. Restoration of Sinusoid Fenestrae Followed by Targeted Nanoassembly Delivery of an Anti-Fibrotic Agent Improves Treatment Efficacy in Liver Fibrosis. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2212206. [PMID: 36862807 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202212206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
During the onset of liver fibrosis, capillarized liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) limit substance exchange between the blood and the Disse space, further accelerating hepatic stellate cell (HSCs) activation and fibrosis progression. Limited accessibility of therapeutics to the Disse space is often overlooked and remains a major bottleneck for HSCs-targeted therapy in liver fibrosis. Here, an integrated systemic strategy for liver fibrosis treatment is reported, utilizing pretreatment with the soluble guanylate cyclase stimulator, riociguat, followed by insulin growth factor 2 receptor-mediated targeted delivery of the anti-fibrosis agent, JQ1, via peptide-nanoparticles (IGNP-JQ1). The riociguat reversed the liver sinusoid capillarization to maintain a relatively normal LSECs porosity, thus facilitating the transport of IGNP-JQ1 through the liver sinusoid endothelium wall and enhancing the accumulation of IGNP-JQ1 in the Disse space. IGNP-JQ1 is then selectively taken up by activated HSCs, inhibiting their proliferation and decreasing collagen deposition in the liver. The combined strategy results in significant fibrosis resolution in carbon tetrachloride-induced fibrotic mice as well as methionine-choline-deficient-diet-induced nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) mice. The work highlights the key role of LSECs in therapeutics transport through the liver sinusoid. The strategy of restoring LSECs fenestrae by riociguat represents a promising approach for liver fibrosis treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fenfen Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, P. R. China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
- Henan Institute of Advanced Technology, Henan, 450003, P. R. China
| | - Ying Zhao
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Zhaoxia Cheng
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Yazhou Wang
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Yale Yue
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, P. R. China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
- Henan Institute of Advanced Technology, Henan, 450003, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoyu Cheng
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Jingyi Sun
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Mona Atabakhshi-Kashi
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Jundong Yao
- Department of Interventional Ultrasound, 301 Hospital, 28 Fuxing Road, Beijing, 100853, P. R. China
| | - Jianping Dou
- Department of Interventional Ultrasound, 301 Hospital, 28 Fuxing Road, Beijing, 100853, P. R. China
| | - Jie Yu
- Department of Interventional Ultrasound, 301 Hospital, 28 Fuxing Road, Beijing, 100853, P. R. China
| | - Xiuping Zhang
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
- Faculty of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, 301 Hospital, Beijing, 100853, P. R. China
- Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, 301 Hospital, Beijing, 100853, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Digital Hepatobiliary Surgery, 301 Hospital, Beijing, 100853, P. R. China
| | - Yingqiu Qi
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, P. R. China
| | - Xiaotian Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, 450001, P. R. China
| | - Xiaolong Qi
- Center of Portal Hypertension, Department of Radiology, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, P. R. China
| | - Guangjun Nie
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, P. R. China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
- Henan Institute of Advanced Technology, Henan, 450003, P. R. China
- GBA Research Innovation Institute for Nanotechnology, Guangzhou, 510530, P. R. China
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28
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To KKW, Xing E, Larue RC, Li PK. BET Bromodomain Inhibitors: Novel Design Strategies and Therapeutic Applications. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28073043. [PMID: 37049806 PMCID: PMC10096006 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28073043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The mammalian bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) family of proteins consists of four conserved members (Brd2, Brd3, Brd4, and Brdt) that regulate numerous cancer-related and immunity-associated genes. They are epigenetic readers of histone acetylation with broad specificity. BET proteins are linked to cancer progression due to their interaction with numerous cellular proteins including chromatin-modifying factors, transcription factors, and histone modification enzymes. The spectacular growth in the clinical development of small-molecule BET inhibitors underscores the interest and importance of this protein family as an anticancer target. Current approaches targeting BET proteins for cancer therapy rely on acetylation mimics to block the bromodomains from binding chromatin. However, bromodomain-targeted agents are suffering from dose-limiting toxicities because of their effects on other bromodomain-containing proteins. In this review, we provided an updated summary about the evolution of small-molecule BET inhibitors. The design of bivalent BET inhibitors, kinase and BET dual inhibitors, BET protein proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs), and Brd4-selective inhibitors are discussed. The novel strategy of targeting the unique C-terminal extra-terminal (ET) domain of BET proteins and its therapeutic significance will also be highlighted. Apart from single agent treatment alone, BET inhibitors have also been combined with other chemotherapeutic modalities for cancer treatment demonstrating favorable clinical outcomes. The investigation of specific biomarkers for predicting the efficacy and resistance of BET inhibitors is needed to fully realize their therapeutic potential in the clinical setting.
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Alexander AK, Rice EJ, Lujic J, Simon LE, Tanis S, Barshad G, Zhu L, Lama J, Cohen PE, Danko CG. A-MYB and BRDT-dependent RNA Polymerase II pause release orchestrates transcriptional regulation in mammalian meiosis. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1753. [PMID: 36990976 PMCID: PMC10060231 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37408-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
During meiotic prophase I, spermatocytes must balance transcriptional activation with homologous recombination and chromosome synapsis, biological processes requiring extensive changes to chromatin state. We explored the interplay between chromatin accessibility and transcription through prophase I of mammalian meiosis by measuring genome-wide patterns of chromatin accessibility, nascent transcription, and processed mRNA. We find that Pol II is loaded on chromatin and maintained in a paused state early during prophase I. In later stages, paused Pol II is released in a coordinated transcriptional burst mediated by the transcription factors A-MYB and BRDT, resulting in ~3-fold increase in transcription. Transcriptional activity is temporally and spatially segregated from key steps of meiotic recombination: double strand breaks show evidence of chromatin accessibility earlier during prophase I and at distinct loci from those undergoing transcriptional activation, despite shared chromatin marks. Our findings reveal mechanisms underlying chromatin specialization in either transcription or recombination in meiotic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana K Alexander
- Baker Institute for Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Edward J Rice
- Baker Institute for Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Jelena Lujic
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Leah E Simon
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Stephanie Tanis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Gilad Barshad
- Baker Institute for Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Lina Zhu
- Baker Institute for Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Jyoti Lama
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Paula E Cohen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA.
- Cornell Reproductive Sciences Center (CoRe), Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA.
| | - Charles G Danko
- Baker Institute for Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA.
- Cornell Reproductive Sciences Center (CoRe), Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA.
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30
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Zhao T, Shen L, Ye X, Bai G, Liao C, Chen Z, Peng T, Li X, Kang X, An G. Prenatal and postnatal exposure to polystyrene microplastics induces testis developmental disorder and affects male fertility in mice. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 445:130544. [PMID: 36493639 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.130544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) can threaten human health, especially male fertility. However, most existing studies have focused on the adulthood stage of male reproduction toxicity caused by relatively short-term PS-MP exposure. This study aimed to investigate the toxic effect of PS-MPs on testicular development and reproductive function upon prenatal and postnatal exposure. Pregnant mice and their offspring were exposed to 0, 0.5 mg/L, 5 mg/L, and 50 mg/L PS-MPs through their daily drinking water from gestational day 1 to postnatal day (PND) 35 or PND70. We found that PS-MP exposure induced testis development disorder by PND35 and spermatogenesis dysfunction by PND70. By combining RNA sequencing results and bioinformatics analysis, the hormone-mediated signaling pathway, G1/S transition of the mitotic cell cycle, coregulation of androgen receptor activity, and Hippo signaling pathway were shown to be involved in testis development on PND35. The meiotic cell cycle, regulation of the immune effector process, neutrophil degranulation, and inflammation mediated by chemokine and cytokine signaling pathways were associated with disturbed spermatogenesis on PND70. These findings show that prenatal and postnatal exposure to PS-MPs resulted in testis development disorder and male subfertility, which may be regulated by the Hippo signaling pathway and involve an immune reaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianxin Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Department of Urology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Lianju Shen
- Pediatric Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xin Ye
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Gaochen Bai
- Department of Urology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Chen Liao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhicong Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tianwen Peng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaomin Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiangjin Kang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Geng An
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
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31
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Guo J, Zheng Q, Peng Y. BET proteins: Biological functions and therapeutic interventions. Pharmacol Ther 2023; 243:108354. [PMID: 36739915 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2023.108354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) family member proteins (BRD2, BRD3, BRD4 and BRDT) play a pivotal role in interpreting the epigenetic information of histone Kac modification, thus controlling gene expression, remodeling chromatin structures and avoid replicative stress-induced DNA damages. Abnormal activation of BET proteins is tightly correlated to various human diseases, including cancer. Therefore, BET bromodomain inhibitors (BBIs) were considered as promising therapeutics to treat BET-related diseases, raising >70 clinical trials in the past decades. Despite preliminary effects achieved, drug resistance and adverse events represent two major challenges for current BBIs development. In this review, we will introduce the biological functions of BET proteins in both physiological and pathological conditions; and summarize the progress in current BBI drug development. Moreover, we will also discuss the major challenges in the front of BET inhibitor development and provide rational strategies to overcome these obstacles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawei Guo
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Qingquan Zheng
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yong Peng
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; Frontier Medical Center, Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, Chengdu, 610212, China.
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32
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Garretson A, Dumont BL, Handel MA. Reproductive genomics of the mouse: implications for human fertility and infertility. Development 2023; 150:dev201313. [PMID: 36779988 PMCID: PMC10836652 DOI: 10.1242/dev.201313] [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] [Indexed: 02/14/2023]
Abstract
Genetic analyses of mammalian gametogenesis and fertility have the potential to inform about two important and interrelated clinical areas: infertility and contraception. Here, we address the genetics and genomics underlying gamete formation, productivity and function in the context of reproductive success in mammalian systems, primarily mouse and human. Although much is known about the specific genes and proteins required for meiotic processes and sperm function, we know relatively little about other gametic determinants of overall fertility, such as regulation of gamete numbers, duration of gamete production, and gamete selection and function in fertilization. As fertility is not a binary trait, attention is now appropriately focused on the oligogenic, quantitative aspects of reproduction. Multiparent mouse populations, created by complex crossing strategies, exhibit genetic diversity similar to human populations and will be valuable resources for genetic discovery, helping to overcome current limitations to our knowledge of mammalian reproductive genetics. Finally, we discuss how what we know about the genomics of reproduction can ultimately be brought to the clinic, informing our concepts of human fertility and infertility, and improving assisted reproductive technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis Garretson
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
- Tufts University, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 136 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Beth L. Dumont
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
- Tufts University, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 136 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Mary Ann Handel
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
- Tufts University, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 136 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA 02111, USA
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33
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Balbach M, Rossetti T, Ferreira J, Ghanem L, Ritagliati C, Myers RW, Huggins DJ, Steegborn C, Miranda IC, Meinke PT, Buck J, Levin LR. On-demand male contraception via acute inhibition of soluble adenylyl cyclase. Nat Commun 2023; 14:637. [PMID: 36788210 PMCID: PMC9929232 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36119-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Nearly half of all pregnancies are unintended; thus, existing family planning options are inadequate. For men, the only choices are condoms and vasectomy, and most current efforts to develop new contraceptives for men impact sperm development, meaning that contraception requires months of continuous pretreatment. Here, we provide proof-of-concept for an innovative strategy for on-demand contraception, where a man would take a birth control pill shortly before sex, only as needed. Soluble adenylyl cyclase (sAC) is essential for sperm motility and maturation. We show a single dose of a safe, acutely-acting sAC inhibitor with long residence time renders male mice temporarily infertile. Mice exhibit normal mating behavior, and full fertility returns the next day. These studies define sAC inhibitors as leads for on-demand contraceptives for men, and they provide in vivo proof-of-concept for previously untested paradigms in contraception; on-demand contraception after just a single dose and pharmacological contraception for men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Balbach
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Thomas Rossetti
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jacob Ferreira
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lubna Ghanem
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Carla Ritagliati
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Robert W Myers
- Tri-Institutional Therapeutics Discovery Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - David J Huggins
- Tri-Institutional Therapeutics Discovery Institute, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Clemens Steegborn
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Ileana C Miranda
- Laboratory of Comparative Pathology, Weill Cornell Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Peter T Meinke
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.,Tri-Institutional Therapeutics Discovery Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jochen Buck
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Lonny R Levin
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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34
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Zerio CJ, Sivinski J, Wijeratne EMK, Xu YM, Ngo DT, Ambrose AJ, Villa-Celis L, Ghadirian N, Clarkson MW, Zhang DD, Horton NC, Gunatilaka AAL, Fromme R, Chapman E. Physachenolide C is a Potent, Selective BET Inhibitor. J Med Chem 2023; 66:913-933. [PMID: 36577036 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
A pulldown using a biotinylated natural product of interest in the 17β-hydroxywithanolide (17-BHW) class, physachenolide C (PCC), identified the bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) family of proteins (BRD2, BRD3, and BRD4), readers of acetyl-lysine modifications and regulators of gene transcription, as potential cellular targets. BROMOscan bromodomain profiling and biochemical assays support PCC as a BET inhibitor with increased selectivity for bromodomain (BD)-1 of BRD3 and BRD4, and X-ray crystallography and NMR studies uncovered specific contacts that underlie the potency and selectivity of PCC toward BRD3-BD1 over BRD3-BD2. PCC also displays characteristics of a molecular glue, facilitating proteasome-mediated degradation of BRD3 and BRD4. Finally, PCC is more potent than other withanolide analogues and gold-standard pan-BET inhibitor (+)-JQ1 in cytotoxicity assays across five prostate cancer (PC) cell lines regardless of androgen receptor (AR)-signaling status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Zerio
- College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Arizona, 1703 E. Mabel Street, PO Box 210207, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Jared Sivinski
- College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Arizona, 1703 E. Mabel Street, PO Box 210207, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - E M Kithsiri Wijeratne
- College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, School of Natural Resources and the Environment, Southwest Center for Natural Products Research, University of Arizona, 250 E. Valencia Road, Tucson, Arizona 85706, United States
| | - Ya-Ming Xu
- College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, School of Natural Resources and the Environment, Southwest Center for Natural Products Research, University of Arizona, 250 E. Valencia Road, Tucson, Arizona 85706, United States
| | - Duc T Ngo
- College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Arizona, 1703 E. Mabel Street, PO Box 210207, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Andrew J Ambrose
- College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Arizona, 1703 E. Mabel Street, PO Box 210207, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Luis Villa-Celis
- College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Arizona, 1703 E. Mabel Street, PO Box 210207, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Niloofar Ghadirian
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Arizona, 1007 E. Lowell Street, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Michael W Clarkson
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arizona, 1041 E. Lowell Street, Tucson, Arizona 85719, United States
| | - Donna D Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Arizona, 1703 E. Mabel Street, PO Box 210207, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Nancy C Horton
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Arizona, 1007 E. Lowell Street, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - A A Leslie Gunatilaka
- College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, School of Natural Resources and the Environment, Southwest Center for Natural Products Research, University of Arizona, 250 E. Valencia Road, Tucson, Arizona 85706, United States
| | - Raimund Fromme
- School of Molecular Sciences, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, 1001 S. McAllister Avenue, Tempe, Arizona 85287, United States
| | - Eli Chapman
- College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Arizona, 1703 E. Mabel Street, PO Box 210207, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
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35
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Service CA, Puri D, Hsieh TC, Patel DP. Emerging concepts in male contraception: a narrative review of novel, hormonal and non-hormonal options. Ther Adv Reprod Health 2023; 17:26334941221138323. [PMID: 36909934 PMCID: PMC9996746 DOI: 10.1177/26334941221138323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Access to reliable contraception is a pillar of modern society. The burden of unintended pregnancy has fallen disproportionately on the mother throughout human history; however, recent legal developments surrounding abortion have sparked a renewed interest in male factor contraceptives beyond surgical sterilization and condoms. Modern efforts to develop reversible male birth control date back nearly a century and initially focused on altering the hypothalamic-pituitary-testes axis. These hormonal contraceptives faced multiple barriers, including systemic side effects, challenging dosing regimens, unfavorable routes of delivery, and the public stigma surrounding steroid use. Novel hormonal agents are seeking to overcome these barriers by limiting the side effects and simplifying use. Non-hormonal contraceptives are agents that target various stages of spermatogenesis; such as inhibitors of retinoic acid, Sertoli cell-germ cell interactions, sperm ion channels, and other small molecular targets. The identification of reproductive tract-specific genes associated with male infertility has led to more targeted drug development, made possible by advances in CRISPR and proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs). Despite multiple human trials, no male birth control agents have garnered regulatory approval in the United States or abroad. This narrative review examines current and emerging male contraceptives, including hormonal and non-hormonal agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- C. Austin Service
- Department of Urology, University of California
San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Dhruv Puri
- Department of Urology, University of California
San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Tung-Chin Hsieh
- Department of Urology, University of California
San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Darshan P. Patel
- Department of Urology, University of California
San Diego, 9333 Genesee Avenue, Suite 320, La Jolla, CA 92121, USA
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Yunaini L, Ari Pujianto D. Various gene modification techniques to discover molecular targets for nonhormonal male contraceptives: A review. Int J Reprod Biomed 2023; 21:17-32. [PMID: 36875503 PMCID: PMC9982321 DOI: 10.18502/ijrm.v21i1.12662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The identification and characterization of relevant targets are necessary for developing nonhormonal male contraceptives. The molecules must demonstrate that they are necessary for reproduction. As a result, a sophisticated technique is required to identify the molecular targets for nonhormonal male contraceptives. Genetic modification (GM) techniques are one method that can be applied. This technique has been widely used to study gene function that effected male fertility and has resulted in the discovery of numerous nonhormonal male contraceptive target molecules. We examined GM techniques and approaches used to investigate genes involved in male fertility as potential targets for nonhormonal contraceptives. The discovery of nonhormonal contraceptive candidate molecules was increased by using GM techniques, especially the Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats/Cas9 method. The discovery of candidate nonhormonal contraceptive molecules can be a wide-open research for the development of nonhormonal male contraceptives. Therefore, we are believing that one day nonhormonal male contraceptives will be released.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luluk Yunaini
- Doctoral Program of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta Pusat, Indonesia.,Department of Medicine Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta Pusat, Indonesia
| | - Dwi Ari Pujianto
- Department of Medicine Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta Pusat, Indonesia
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Jiang J, Zhao PL, Sigua LH, Chan A, Schönbrunn E, Qi J, Georg GI. 1,4-Dihydropyridinebutyrolactone-derived ring-opened ester and amide analogs targeting BET bromodomains. Arch Pharm (Weinheim) 2022; 355:e2200288. [PMID: 35941525 PMCID: PMC9633406 DOI: 10.1002/ardp.202200288] [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: 05/29/2022] [Revised: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Based on a previously reported 1,4-dihydropyridinebutyrolactone virtual screening hit, nine lactone ring-opened ester and seven amide analogs were prepared. The analogs were designed to provide interactions with residues at the entrance of the ZA loop of the testis-specific bromodomain (ZA) channel to enhance the affinity and selectivity for the bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) subfamily of bromodomains. Compound testing by AlphaScreen showed that neither the affinity nor the selectivity of the ester and lactam analogs was improved for BRD4-1 and the first bromodomain of the testis-specific bromodomain (BRDT-1). The esters retained affinity comparable to the parent compound, whereas the affinity for the amide analogs was reduced 10-fold. A representative benzyl ester analog was found to retain high selectivity for BET bromodomains as shown by a BROMOscan. X-ray analysis of the allyl ester analog in complex with BRD4-1 and BRDT-1 revealed that the ester side chain is located next to the ZA loop and solvent exposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiewei Jiang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Institute for Therapeutics Discovery and Development, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Pei-Liang Zhao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Institute for Therapeutics Discovery and Development, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Logan H. Sigua
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alice Chan
- Moffitt Cancer Center, Drug Discovery Department, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Ernst Schönbrunn
- Moffitt Cancer Center, Drug Discovery Department, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Jun Qi
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Gunda I. Georg
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Institute for Therapeutics Discovery and Development, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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Xia K, Wang F, Lai X, Dong L, Luo P, Zhang S, Yang C, Chen H, Ma Y, Huang W, Ou W, Li Y, Feng X, Yang B, Liu C, Lei Z, Tu X, Ke Q, Mao FF, Deng C, Xiang AP. AAV-mediated gene therapy produces fertile offspring in the Lhcgr-deficient mouse model of Leydig cell failure. Cell Rep Med 2022; 3:100792. [PMID: 36270285 PMCID: PMC9729833 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2022.100792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Leydig cell failure (LCF) caused by gene mutation results in testosterone deficiency and infertility. Serum testosterone levels can be recovered via testosterone replacement; however, established therapies have shown limited success in restoring fertility. Here, we use a luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotrophin receptor (Lhcgr)-deficient mouse model of LCF to investigate the feasibility of gene therapy for restoring testosterone production and fertility. We screen several adeno-associated virus (AAV) serotypes and identify AAV8 as an efficient vector to drive exogenous Lhcgr expression in progenitor Leydig cells through interstitial injection. We observe considerable testosterone recovery and Leydig cell maturation after AAV8-Lhcgr treatment in pubertal Lhcgr-/- mice. Of note, this gene therapy partially recovers sexual development, substantially restores spermatogenesis, and effectively produces fertile offspring. Furthermore, these favorable effects can be reproduced in adult Lhcgr-/- mice. Our proof-of-concept experiments in the mouse model demonstrate that AAV-mediated gene therapy may represent a promising therapeutic approach for patients with LCF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Xia
- Department of Urology and Andrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China,Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China,National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Fulin Wang
- Department of Urology and Andrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China,Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Xingqiang Lai
- Cardiovascular Department, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518033, China
| | - Lin Dong
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Peng Luo
- Department of Urology and Andrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China,Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Suyuan Zhang
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Cuifeng Yang
- Department of Urology and Andrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China,Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Hong Chen
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Yuanchen Ma
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Weijun Huang
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Wangsheng Ou
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhong Shan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510000, China
| | - Yuyan Li
- Department of Urology and Andrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Xin Feng
- Department of Urology and Andrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China,Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Bin Yang
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Congyuan Liu
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Zhenmin Lei
- Department of OB/GYN and Women’s Health, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY 40292, USA
| | - Xiang’an Tu
- Department of Urology and Andrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Qiong Ke
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Frank Fuxiang Mao
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhong Shan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510000, China
| | - Chunhua Deng
- Department of Urology and Andrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China,Corresponding author
| | - Andy Peng Xiang
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China,National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China,Corresponding author
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Wu S, Li X, Shang L, Wu L, Li T, Li P, Ji Z, Hou J, Yin M, Xu W. The novel BRDT inhibitor NHWD870 shows potential as a male contraceptive in mice. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2022; 54:1789-1800. [PMID: 36239350 PMCID: PMC10157631 DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2022135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Small molecule inhibitors of the bromodomain and extraterminal domain (BET) family proteins have emerged as promising options not only for the treatment of multiple cancers but also for disturbing the process of sperm maturation with potential for use as viable contraceptive targets. In this study, we find that the BET family inhibitor NHWD870 and BRDT can bind well in vitro through bioinformatics software prediction and protein binding inhibition experiments. NHWD870 can produce a good contraceptive effect through animal experiments in vivo, and the fertility can be restored to normal after drug withdrawal. Transcriptomics and proteomics results suggest that NHWD870 affects pathways related to spermatogenesis and maturation, further contributing to the male infertility phenotype. Our results show that NHWD870 can induce a complete and reversible contraceptive effect in mice, which is stronger than that of JQ1 and its synthesized derivatives. This study is expected to eventually lead to clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sixian Wu
- Joint Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, SCU-CUHK, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynaecologic and Paediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xiaoliang Li
- Joint Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, SCU-CUHK, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynaecologic and Paediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.,Reproductive Medical Centre, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Lijun Shang
- School of Human Sciences, London Metropolitan University, London N7 8BD, UK
| | - Lvying Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Tongtong Li
- Joint Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, SCU-CUHK, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynaecologic and Paediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Peiyv Li
- Joint Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, SCU-CUHK, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynaecologic and Paediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Zhiliang Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Jianwen Hou
- Joint Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, SCU-CUHK, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynaecologic and Paediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Mingzhu Yin
- Department of Dermatology, Hunan Engineering Research Center of Skin Heath and Disease, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Wenming Xu
- Joint Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, SCU-CUHK, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynaecologic and Paediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
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Xu C, Yu M, Zhang Q, Ma Z, Du K, You H, Wei J, Wang D, Tao W. Genome-Wide Identification and Characterization of the BRD Family in Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12172266. [PMID: 36077987 PMCID: PMC9454494 DOI: 10.3390/ani12172266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Nile tilapia is a good model for genome-wide identification and examination of the expression and role of gene families. In this study, we identified 54 bromodomain genes (BRDs) divided into eight subfamilies in Nile tilapia. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a high conservation of the BRDs family in vertebrates, with BRDs expansion due to fish-specific duplications. Most of the BRDs displayed sexually dimorphic expression in the gonads at 90 and 180 dah (days after hatching), including 21 testis-dominated genes (brdt, brd4a and brd2b, etc.), and 9 ovary-dominated genes (brd3b, brd2a and kat2a, etc.). Male fish treated with JQ1 (BET subfamily inhibitor) displayed abnormal spermatogenesis. The numbers of germ cells were reduced and the expression of steroidogenic enzyme genes was downregulated, while the expression of apoptosis-promoting genes was elevated in the testes of treated fish. Abstract The bromodomain (BRD) proteins specifically recognize the N-acetyllysine motifs, which is a key event in the reading process of epigenetic marks. BRDs are evolutionarily highly conserved. Over recent years, BRDs attracted great interest because of their important roles in biological processes. However, the genome-wide identification of this family was not carried out in many animal groups, in particular, in teleosts. Moreover, the expression patterns were not reported for any of the members in this family, and the role of the BRD family was not extensively studied in fish reproduction. In this study, we identified 16 to 120 BRD genes in 24 representative species. BRDs expanded significantly in vertebrates. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the BRD family was divided into eight subfamilies (I–VIII). Transcriptome analysis showed that BRDs in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) exhibited different expression patterns in different tissues, suggesting that these genes may play different roles in growth and development. Gonadal transcriptome analysis showed that most of the BRDs display sexually dimorphic expression in the gonads at 90 and 180 dah (days after hatching), including 21 testis-dominated genes (brdt, brd4a and brd2b, etc.), and nine ovary-dominated genes (brd3b, brd2a and kat2a, etc.). Consistent with transcriptomic data, the results of qRT-PCR and fluorescence in situ hybridization showed that brdt expression was higher in the testis than in the ovary, suggesting its critical role in the spermatogenesis of the tilapia. Male fish treated with JQ1 (BET subfamily inhibitor) displayed abnormal spermatogenesis. The numbers of germ cells were reduced, and the expression of steroidogenic enzyme genes was downregulated, while the expression of apoptosis-promoting genes was elevated in the testis tissue of treated fish. Our data provide insights into the evolution and expression of BRD genes, which is helpful for understanding their critical roles in sex differentiation and gonadal development in teleosts.
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Guan X, Cheryala N, Karim RM, Chan A, Berndt N, Qi J, Georg GI, Schönbrunn E. Bivalent BET Bromodomain Inhibitors Confer Increased Potency and Selectivity for BRDT via Protein Conformational Plasticity. J Med Chem 2022; 65:10441-10458. [PMID: 35867655 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Bromodomain and extraterminal domain (BET) proteins are important regulators of gene transcription and chromatin remodeling. BET family members BRD4 and BRDT are validated targets for cancer and male contraceptive drug development, respectively. Due to the high structural similarity of the acetyl-lysine binding sites, most reported inhibitors lack intra-BET selectivity. We surmised that protein-protein interactions induced by bivalent inhibitors may differ between BRD4 and BRDT, conferring an altered selectivity profile. Starting from nonselective monovalent inhibitors, we developed cell-active bivalent BET inhibitors with increased activity and selectivity for BRDT. X-ray crystallographic and solution studies revealed unique structural states of BRDT and BRD4 upon interaction with bivalent inhibitors. Varying spacer lengths and symmetric vs unsymmetric connections resulted in the same dimeric states, whereas different chemotypes induced different dimers. The findings indicate that the increased intra-BET selectivity of bivalent inhibitors is due to the differential plasticity of BET bromodomains upon inhibitor-induced dimerization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianghong Guan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Institute for Therapeutics Discovery and Development, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, 717 Delaware Street, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55414, United States
| | - Narsihmulu Cheryala
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Institute for Therapeutics Discovery and Development, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, 717 Delaware Street, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55414, United States
| | - Rezaul Md Karim
- Moffitt Cancer Center, Drug Discovery Department, 12902 Magnolia Drive, Tampa, Florida 33612, United States
| | - Alice Chan
- Moffitt Cancer Center, Drug Discovery Department, 12902 Magnolia Drive, Tampa, Florida 33612, United States
| | - Norbert Berndt
- Moffitt Cancer Center, Drug Discovery Department, 12902 Magnolia Drive, Tampa, Florida 33612, United States
| | - Jun Qi
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Gunda I Georg
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Institute for Therapeutics Discovery and Development, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, 717 Delaware Street, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55414, United States
| | - Ernst Schönbrunn
- Moffitt Cancer Center, Drug Discovery Department, 12902 Magnolia Drive, Tampa, Florida 33612, United States
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Tian J, Dai B, Gong L, Wang P, Ding H, Xia S, Sun W, Ren C, Shen J, Liu M. JQ-1 ameliorates schistosomiasis liver granuloma in mice by suppressing male and female reproductive systems and egg development of Schistosoma japonicum. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010661. [PMID: 35943970 PMCID: PMC9362908 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a serious and widespread parasitic disease caused by infection with Schistosoma. Because the parasite’s eggs are primarily responsible for schistosomiasis dissemination and pathogenesis, inhibiting egg production is a potential approach to control the spread and severity of the disease. The bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) proteins represent promising targets for the development of epigenetic drugs against Schistosoma. JQ-1 is a selective inhibitor of the BET protein family. In the present study, JQ-1 was applied to S. japonicum in vitro. By using laser confocal scanning microscopy and EdU incorporation assays, we showed that application of JQ-1 to worms in vitro affected egg laying and the development of both the male and female reproductive systems. JQ-1 also inhibited the expression of the reproductive-related genes SjPlk1 and SjNanos1 in S. japonicum. Mice infected with S. japonicum were treated with JQ-1 during egg granuloma formation. JQ-1 treatment significantly reduced the size of the liver granulomas and levels of serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase in mice and suppressed both egg laying and the development of male and female S. japonicum reproductive systems in vivo. Moreover, the mRNA expression levels of some proinflammatory cytokines were decreased in the parasites. Our findings suggest that JQ-1 treatment attenuates S. japonicum egg–induced hepatic granuloma due at least in part to suppressing the development of the reproductive system and egg production of S. japonicum. These findings further suggest that JQ-1 or other BET inhibitors warrant additional study as a new approach for the treatment or prevention of schistosomiasis. Among neglected tropical diseases, schistosomiasis is a serious disease caused by infection with the parasite Schistosoma japonicum. Treatment of schistosomiasis is currently almost exclusively with praziquantel, which kills mainly adult parasites, with minimal effectiveness against immature schistosomes and eggs. However, the parasite’s eggs are primarily responsible for schistosomiasis dissemination and pathology. In addition, overuse of praziquantel in epidemic areas has led to drug resistance and a reduced cure rate. Thus, new parasite targets for the development of novel therapeutics are crucial. Here, we evaluated the potential of JQ-1, a bromodomain and extra-terminal protein inhibitor, to suppress the production of S. japonicum eggs. Application of JQ-1 to S. japonicum in vitro decreased the number of mature germ cells, the rates of oviposition, and the number of eggs produced in each male-female pairing. JQ-1 treatment of mice infected with S. japonicum ameliorated hepatic granuloma and decreased serum liver enzymes, suggesting improved liver function. These results indicate that JQ-1 inhibits reproductive development and egg production in S. japonicum, providing supporting evidence that JQ-1 warrants additional study for use as a novel approach in the prevention or treatment of schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaming Tian
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University Hefei, Anhui, People’s Republic of China
- Microbiological Laboratory, Anhui Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hefei, Anhui, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bingxin Dai
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University Hefei, Anhui, People’s Republic of China
| | - Li Gong
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University Hefei, Anhui, People’s Republic of China
| | - Pingping Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University Hefei, Anhui, People’s Republic of China
| | - Han Ding
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University Hefei, Anhui, People’s Republic of China
| | - Siwei Xia
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, People’s Republic of China
| | - Weice Sun
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, People’s Republic of China
| | - Cuiping Ren
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University Hefei, Anhui, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jijia Shen
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University Hefei, Anhui, People’s Republic of China
- * E-mail: (JS); (ML)
| | - Miao Liu
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University Hefei, Anhui, People’s Republic of China
- * E-mail: (JS); (ML)
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Male contraceptive development: A medicinal chemistry perspective. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 243:114709. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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44
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Tsujikawa LM, Kharenko OA, Stotz SC, Rakai BD, Sarsons CD, Gilham D, Wasiak S, Fu L, Sweeney M, Johansson JO, Wong NCW, Kulikowski E. Breaking boundaries: Pan BETi disrupt 3D chromatin structure, BD2-selective BETi are strictly epigenetic transcriptional regulators. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 152:113230. [PMID: 35687908 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bromodomain and extraterminal proteins (BETs) are more than just epigenetic regulators of transcription. Here we highlight a new role for the BET protein BRD4 in the maintenance of higher order chromatin structure at Topologically Associating Domain Boundaries (TADBs). BD2-selective and pan (non-selective) BET inhibitors (BETi) differentially support chromatin structure, selectively affecting transcription and cell viability. METHODS Using RNA-seq and BRD4 ChIP-seq, the differential effect of BETi treatment on the transcriptome and BRD4 chromatin occupancy of human aortic endothelial cells from diabetic patients (dHAECs) stimulated with TNFα was evaluated. Chromatin decondensation and DNA fragmentation was assessed by immunofluorescence imaging and quantification. Key dHAEC findings were verified in proliferating monocyte-like THP-1 cells using real time-PCR, BRD4 co-immunoprecipitation studies, western blots, proliferation and apoptosis assays. FINDINGS We discovered that 1) BRD4 co-localizes with Ying-Yang 1 (YY1) at TADBs, critical chromatin structure complexes proximal to many DNA repair genes. 2) BD2-selective BETi enrich BRD4/YY1 associations, while pan-BETi do not. 3) Failure to support chromatin structures through BRD4/YY1 enrichment inhibits DNA repair gene transcription, which induces DNA damage responses, and causes widespread chromatin decondensation, DNA fragmentation, and apoptosis. 4) BD2-selective BETi maintain high order chromatin structure and cell viability, while reducing deleterious pro-inflammatory transcription. INTERPRETATION BRD4 plays a previously unrecognized role at TADBs. BETi differentially impact TADB stability. Our results provide translational insight for the development of BETi as therapeutics for a range of diseases including CVD, chronic kidney disease, cancer, and COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura M Tsujikawa
- Resverlogix Corporation, Suite 300, 4820 Richard Road SW, Calgary, AB T3E 6L1, Canada.
| | - Olesya A Kharenko
- Resverlogix Corporation, Suite 300, 4820 Richard Road SW, Calgary, AB T3E 6L1, Canada.
| | - Stephanie C Stotz
- Resverlogix Corporation, Suite 300, 4820 Richard Road SW, Calgary, AB T3E 6L1, Canada.
| | - Brooke D Rakai
- Resverlogix Corporation, Suite 300, 4820 Richard Road SW, Calgary, AB T3E 6L1, Canada.
| | - Christopher D Sarsons
- Resverlogix Corporation, Suite 300, 4820 Richard Road SW, Calgary, AB T3E 6L1, Canada.
| | - Dean Gilham
- Resverlogix Corporation, Suite 300, 4820 Richard Road SW, Calgary, AB T3E 6L1, Canada.
| | - Sylwia Wasiak
- Resverlogix Corporation, Suite 300, 4820 Richard Road SW, Calgary, AB T3E 6L1, Canada.
| | - Li Fu
- Resverlogix Corporation, Suite 300, 4820 Richard Road SW, Calgary, AB T3E 6L1, Canada.
| | - Michael Sweeney
- Resverlogix Corporation, Suite 4010, 44 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, CA 94104, USA.
| | - Jan O Johansson
- Resverlogix Corporation, Suite 4010, 44 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, CA 94104, USA.
| | - Norman C W Wong
- Resverlogix Corporation, Suite 300, 4820 Richard Road SW, Calgary, AB T3E 6L1, Canada.
| | - Ewelina Kulikowski
- Resverlogix Corporation, Suite 300, 4820 Richard Road SW, Calgary, AB T3E 6L1, Canada.
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Wang X, Sang M, Gong S, Chen Z, Zhao X, Wang G, Li Z, Huang Y, Chen S, Xie G, Duan E, Sun F. BET bromodomain inhibitor JQ1 regulates spermatid development by changing chromatin conformation in mouse spermatogenesis. Genes Dis 2022; 9:1062-1073. [PMID: 35685458 PMCID: PMC9170580 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2020.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
As a BET bromodomain inhibitor, JQ1 has been proven have efficacy against a number of different cancers. In terms of male reproduction, JQ1 may be used as a new type of contraceptive, since JQ1 treatment in male mice could lead to germ cell defects and a decrease of sperm motility, moreover, this effect is reversible. However, the mechanism of JQ1 acting on gene regulation in spermatogenesis remains unclear. Here, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) on mouse testes treated with JQ1 or vehicle control to determine the transcriptional regulatory function of JQ1 in spermatogenesis at the single cell resolution. We confirmed that JQ1 treatment could increase the numbers of somatic cells and spermatocytes and decrease the numbers of spermatid cells. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis demonstrated that differentially expressed genes which were down-regulated after JQ1 injection were mainly enriched in "DNA conformation change" biological process in early developmental germ cells and "spermatid development" biological process in spermatid cells. ATAC-seq data further confirmed that JQ1 injection could change the open state of chromatin. In addition, JQ1 could change the numbers of accessible meiotic DNA double-stranded break sites and the types of transcription factor motif that functioned in pachytene spermatocytes and round spermatids. The multi-omics analysis revealed that JQ1 had the ability to regulate gene transcription by changing chromatin conformation in mouse spermatogenesis, which would potentiate the availability of JQ1 in male contraceptive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaorong Wang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, PR China
| | - Mengmeng Sang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, PR China
| | - Shengnan Gong
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, PR China
| | - Zhichuan Chen
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, PR China
| | - Xi Zhao
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, PR China
| | - Guishuan Wang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, PR China
| | - Zhiran Li
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, PR China
| | - Yingying Huang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, PR China
| | - Shitao Chen
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200030, PR China
| | - Gangcai Xie
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, PR China
| | - Enkui Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, PR China
| | - Fei Sun
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, PR China
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Morreale FE, Kleine S, Leodolter J, Junker S, Hoi DM, Ovchinnikov S, Okun A, Kley J, Kurzbauer R, Junk L, Guha S, Podlesainski D, Kazmaier U, Boehmelt G, Weinstabl H, Rumpel K, Schmiedel VM, Hartl M, Haselbach D, Meinhart A, Kaiser M, Clausen T. BacPROTACs mediate targeted protein degradation in bacteria. Cell 2022; 185:2338-2353.e18. [PMID: 35662409 PMCID: PMC9240326 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2022.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Hijacking the cellular protein degradation system offers unique opportunities for drug discovery, as exemplified by proteolysis-targeting chimeras. Despite their great promise for medical chemistry, so far, it has not been possible to reprogram the bacterial degradation machinery to interfere with microbial infections. Here, we develop small-molecule degraders, so-called BacPROTACs, that bind to the substrate receptor of the ClpC:ClpP protease, priming neo-substrates for degradation. In addition to their targeting function, BacPROTACs activate ClpC, transforming the resting unfoldase into its functional state. The induced higher-order oligomer was visualized by cryo-EM analysis, providing a structural snapshot of activated ClpC unfolding a protein substrate. Finally, drug susceptibility and degradation assays performed in mycobacteria demonstrate in vivo activity of BacPROTACs, allowing selective targeting of endogenous proteins via fusion to an established degron. In addition to guiding antibiotic discovery, the BacPROTAC technology presents a versatile research tool enabling the inducible degradation of bacterial proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca E Morreale
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology, Vienna Biocenter, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Stefan Kleine
- University of Duisburg-Essen, Center of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, 45141 Essen, Germany
| | - Julia Leodolter
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology, Vienna Biocenter, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Sabryna Junker
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology, Vienna Biocenter, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - David M Hoi
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology, Vienna Biocenter, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Stepan Ovchinnikov
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology, Vienna Biocenter, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Anastasia Okun
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology, Vienna Biocenter, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Juliane Kley
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology, Vienna Biocenter, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Robert Kurzbauer
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology, Vienna Biocenter, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Lukas Junk
- Saarland University, Organic Chemistry I, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Somraj Guha
- Saarland University, Organic Chemistry I, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - David Podlesainski
- University of Duisburg-Essen, Center of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, 45141 Essen, Germany
| | - Uli Kazmaier
- Saarland University, Organic Chemistry I, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Guido Boehmelt
- Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, 1120 Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Klaus Rumpel
- Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, 1120 Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Markus Hartl
- Max Perutz Laboratories, Vienna Biocenter, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - David Haselbach
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology, Vienna Biocenter, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Anton Meinhart
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology, Vienna Biocenter, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Markus Kaiser
- University of Duisburg-Essen, Center of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, 45141 Essen, Germany.
| | - Tim Clausen
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology, Vienna Biocenter, 1030 Vienna, Austria; Medical University of Vienna, 1030 Vienna, Austria.
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French CA, Cheng ML, Hanna GJ, DuBois SG, Chau NG, Hann CL, Storck S, Salgia R, Trucco M, Tseng J, Stathis A, Piekarz R, Lauer UM, Massard C, Bennett K, Coker S, Tontsch-Grunt U, Sos ML, Liao S, Wu CJ, Polyak K, Piha-Paul SA, Shapiro GI. Report of the First International Symposium on NUT Carcinoma. Clin Cancer Res 2022; 28:2493-2505. [PMID: 35417004 PMCID: PMC9197941 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-22-0591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
NUT carcinoma is a rare, aggressive cancer defined by rearrangements of the NUTM1 gene. No routinely effective treatments of NUT carcinoma exist, despite harboring a targetable oncoprotein, most commonly BRD4-NUT. The vast majority of cases are fatal. Poor awareness of the disease is a major obstacle to progress in the treatment of NUT carcinoma. While the incidence likely exceeds that of Ewing sarcoma, and BRD4-NUT heralded the bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) inhibitor class of selective epigenetic modulators, NUT carcinoma is incorrectly perceived as "impossibly rare," and therefore receives comparatively little private or governmental funding or prioritization by pharma. To raise awareness, propagate scientific knowledge, and initiate a consensus on standard and targeted treatment of NUT carcinoma, we held the First International Symposium on NUT Carcinoma on March 3, 2021. This virtual event had more than eighty attendees from the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Patients with NUT carcinoma and family members were represented and shared perspectives. Broadly, the four areas discussed by experts in the field included (1) the biology of NUT carcinoma; (2) standard approaches to the treatment of NUT carcinoma; (3) results of clinical trials using BET inhibitors; and (4) future directions, including novel BET bromodomain inhibitors, combinatorial approaches, and immunotherapy. It was concluded that standard chemotherapeutic approaches and first-generation BET bromodomain inhibitors, the latter complicated by a narrow therapeutic window, are only modestly effective in a minority of cases. Nonetheless, emerging second-generation targeted inhibitors, novel rational synergistic combinations, and the incorporation of immuno-oncology approaches hold promise to improve the prognosis of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Steven G. DuBois
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA,Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nicole G. Chau
- British Columbia Cancer Agency, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | - Simone Storck
- Swabian Children’s Cancer Center, Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Ravi Salgia
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope, Duarte, CA
| | | | | | - Anastasios Stathis
- Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, EOC, Bellinzona, Switzerland and Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Universita della Svizzera Italiana, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Richard Piekarz
- Investigational Drug Branch, Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program (CTEP), Bethesda, MD
| | | | - Christophe Massard
- Gustave Roussy-Molecular Radiotherapy INSERM U1030, Faculty of Medicine Kremlin-Bicêtre and Paris-Saclay University , France
| | | | - Shodeinde Coker
- Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Lawrenceville, New Jersey, USA
| | | | - Martin L. Sos
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Institute of Pathology, Molecular Pathology University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany and Department of Translational Genomics and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Sida Liao
- TScan Therapeutics, Waltham, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Sarina A. Piha-Paul
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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Discovery of potent BET bromodomain 1 stereoselective inhibitors using DNA-encoded chemical library selections. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2122506119. [PMID: 35622893 PMCID: PMC9295786 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2122506119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BET bromodomain inhibition is therapeutic in multiple diseases; however, pan-BET inhibitors have induced significant myelosuppression and gastrointestinal toxicity, perhaps due to inhibition of both tandem bromodomains (BD) of all BET family members. However, selective inhibition of just the first BD (BD1) phenocopies pan-BET inhibitor activity in preclinical models of cancer, other diseases, and, for BRDT, in the testes for a contraceptive effect. Here, we leveraged our multibillion-molecule collection of DNA-encoded chemical libraries (DECLs) to identify BET BD1-selective inhibitors of specific chirality with high potency, stability, and good cellular activity. Our findings highlight the robustness and efficiency of the DECL platform to identify specific, potent protein binders that have promise as potential anticancer and anti-inflammatory agents and as male contraceptives. BRDT, BRD2, BRD3, and BRD4 comprise the bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) subfamily which contain two similar tandem bromodomains (BD1 and BD2). Selective BD1 inhibition phenocopies effects of tandem BET BD inhibition both in cancer models and, as we and others have reported of BRDT, in the testes. To find novel BET BD1 binders, we screened >4.5 billion molecules from our DNA-encoded chemical libraries with BRDT-BD1 or BRDT-BD2 proteins in parallel. A compound series enriched only by BRDT-BD1 was resynthesized off-DNA, uncovering a potent chiral compound, CDD-724, with >2,000-fold selectivity for inhibiting BRDT-BD1 over BRDT-BD2. CDD-724 stereoisomers exhibited remarkable differences in inhibiting BRDT-BD1, with the R-enantiomer (CDD-787) being 50-fold more potent than the S-enantiomer (CDD-786). From structure–activity relationship studies, we produced CDD-956, which maintained picomolar BET BD1 binding potency and high selectivity over BET BD2 proteins and had improved stability in human liver microsomes over CDD-787. BROMOscan profiling confirmed the excellent pan-BET BD1 affinity and selectivity of CDD-787 and CDD-956 on BD1 versus BD2 and all other BD-containing proteins. A cocrystal structure of BRDT-BD1 bound with CDD-956 was determined at 1.82 Å and revealed BRDT-BD1–specific contacts with the αZ and αC helices that explain the high affinity and selectivity for BET BD1 versus BD2. CDD-787 and CDD-956 maintain cellular BD1-selectivity in NanoBRET assays and show potent antileukemic activity in acute myeloid leukemia cell lines. These BET BD1-specific and highly potent compounds are structurally unique and provide insight into the importance of chirality to achieve BET specificity.
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49
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Falcinelli SD, Peterson JJ, Turner AMW, Irlbeck D, Read J, Raines SL, James KS, Sutton C, Sanchez A, Emery A, Sampey G, Ferris R, Allard B, Ghofrani S, Kirchherr JL, Baker C, Kuruc JD, Gay CL, James LI, Wu G, Zuck P, Rioja I, Furze RC, Prinjha RK, Howell BJ, Swanstrom R, Browne EP, Strahl BD, Dunham RM, Archin NM, Margolis DM. Combined noncanonical NF-κB agonism and targeted BET bromodomain inhibition reverse HIV latency ex vivo. J Clin Invest 2022; 132:e157281. [PMID: 35426377 PMCID: PMC9012286 DOI: 10.1172/jci157281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Latency reversal strategies for HIV cure using inhibitor of apoptosis protein (IAP) antagonists (IAPi) induce unprecedented levels of latent reservoir expression without immunotoxicity during suppressive antiretroviral therapy (ART). However, full targeting of the reservoir may require combinatorial approaches. A Jurkat latency model screen for IAPi combination partners demonstrated synergistic latency reversal with bromodomain (BD) and extraterminal domain protein inhibitors (BETi). Mechanistic investigations using CRISPR-CAS9 and single-cell RNA-Seq informed comprehensive ex vivo evaluations of IAPi plus pan-BET, bD-selective BET, or selective BET isoform targeting in CD4+ T cells from ART-suppressed donors. IAPi+BETi treatment resulted in striking induction of cell-associated HIV gag RNA, but lesser induction of fully elongated and tat-rev RNA compared with T cell activation-positive controls. IAPi+BETi resulted in HIV protein induction in bulk cultures of CD4+ T cells using an ultrasensitive p24 assay, but did not result in enhanced viral outgrowth frequency using a standard quantitative viral outgrowth assay. This study defines HIV transcriptional elongation and splicing as important barriers to latent HIV protein expression following latency reversal, delineates the roles of BET proteins and their BDs in HIV latency, and provides a rationale for exploration of IAPi+BETi in animal models of HIV latency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shane D. Falcinelli
- UNC HIV Cure Center, University of North Carolina (UNC), Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jackson J. Peterson
- UNC HIV Cure Center, University of North Carolina (UNC), Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Anne-Marie W. Turner
- UNC HIV Cure Center, University of North Carolina (UNC), Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, UNC, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - David Irlbeck
- UNC HIV Cure Center, University of North Carolina (UNC), Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- HIV Drug Discovery, ViiV Healthcare, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jenna Read
- UNC HIV Cure Center, University of North Carolina (UNC), Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Samuel L.M. Raines
- UNC HIV Cure Center, University of North Carolina (UNC), Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Katherine S. James
- UNC HIV Cure Center, University of North Carolina (UNC), Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Cameron Sutton
- UNC HIV Cure Center, University of North Carolina (UNC), Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Anthony Sanchez
- UNC HIV Cure Center, University of North Carolina (UNC), Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Ann Emery
- UNC HIV Cure Center, University of North Carolina (UNC), Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Gavin Sampey
- UNC HIV Cure Center, University of North Carolina (UNC), Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Robert Ferris
- UNC HIV Cure Center, University of North Carolina (UNC), Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- HIV Drug Discovery, ViiV Healthcare, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Brigitte Allard
- UNC HIV Cure Center, University of North Carolina (UNC), Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Simon Ghofrani
- UNC HIV Cure Center, University of North Carolina (UNC), Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jennifer L. Kirchherr
- UNC HIV Cure Center, University of North Carolina (UNC), Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Caroline Baker
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, UNC, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - JoAnn D. Kuruc
- UNC HIV Cure Center, University of North Carolina (UNC), Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, UNC, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Cynthia L. Gay
- UNC HIV Cure Center, University of North Carolina (UNC), Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, UNC, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Lindsey I. James
- UNC HIV Cure Center, University of North Carolina (UNC), Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Guoxin Wu
- Department of Infectious Disease, Merck & Co. Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey, USA
| | - Paul Zuck
- Department of Infectious Disease, Merck & Co. Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey, USA
| | - Inmaculada Rioja
- Immuno-Epigenetics, Immunology Research Unit, GSK Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, United Kingdom
| | - Rebecca C. Furze
- Immuno-Epigenetics, Immunology Research Unit, GSK Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, United Kingdom
| | - Rab K. Prinjha
- Immuno-Epigenetics, Immunology Research Unit, GSK Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, United Kingdom
| | - Bonnie J. Howell
- Department of Infectious Disease, Merck & Co. Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey, USA
| | - Ronald Swanstrom
- UNC HIV Cure Center, University of North Carolina (UNC), Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Edward P. Browne
- UNC HIV Cure Center, University of North Carolina (UNC), Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, UNC, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Brian D. Strahl
- UNC HIV Cure Center, University of North Carolina (UNC), Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Richard M. Dunham
- UNC HIV Cure Center, University of North Carolina (UNC), Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- HIV Drug Discovery, ViiV Healthcare, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Nancie M. Archin
- UNC HIV Cure Center, University of North Carolina (UNC), Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, UNC, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - David M. Margolis
- UNC HIV Cure Center, University of North Carolina (UNC), Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, UNC, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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50
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Chen J, Tang P, Wang Y, Wang J, Yang C, Li Y, Yang G, Wu F, Zhang J, Ouyang L. Targeting Bromodomain-Selective Inhibitors of BET Proteins in Drug Discovery and Development. J Med Chem 2022; 65:5184-5211. [PMID: 35324195 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Blocking the interactions between bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) proteins and acetylated lysines of histones by small molecules has important implications for the treatment of cancers and other diseases. Many pan-BET inhibitors have shown satisfactory results in clinical trials, but their potential for poor tolerability and toxicity persist. However, recently reported studies illustrate that some BET bromodomain (BET-BD1 or BET-BD2)-selective inhibitors have advantage over pan-inhibitors, including reduced toxicity concerns. Furthermore, some selective BET inhibitors have similar or even better therapeutic efficacy in inflammatory diseases or cancers. Therefore, the development of selective BET inhibitors has become a hot spot for medicinal chemists. Here, we summarize the known selective BET-BD1 and BET-BD2 inhibitors and review the methods for enhancing the selectivity and potency of these inhibitors based on their different modes of interactions with BET-BD1 or BET-BD2. Finally, we discuss prospective strategies that selectively target the bromodomains of BET proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juncheng Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Pan Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuxi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China.,Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Jiaxing Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee 38163, United States
| | - Chengcan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Yang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Gaoxia Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Fengbo Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Jifa Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Liang Ouyang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
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