1
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Li GC, Castro MA, Ukwaththage T, Sanders CR. Optimizing NMR fragment-based drug screening for membrane protein targets. J Struct Biol X 2024; 9:100100. [PMID: 38883400 PMCID: PMC11176934 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjsbx.2024.100100] [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: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 05/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
NMR spectroscopy has played a pivotal role in fragment-based drug discovery by coupling detection of weak ligand-target binding with structural mapping of the binding site. Fragment-based screening by NMR has been successfully applied to many soluble protein targets, but only to a limited number of membrane proteins, despite the fact that many drug targets are membrane proteins. This is partly because of difficulties preparing membrane proteins for NMR-especially human membrane proteins-and because of the inherent complexity associated with solution NMR spectroscopy on membrane protein samples, which require the inclusion of membrane-mimetic agents such as micelles, nanodiscs, or bicelles. Here, we developed a generalizable protocol for fragment-based screening of membrane proteins using NMR. We employed two human membrane protein targets, both in fully protonated detergent micelles: the single-pass C-terminal domain of the amyloid precursor protein, C99, and the tetraspan peripheral myelin protein 22 (PMP22). For both we determined the optimal NMR acquisition parameters, protein concentration, protein-to-micelle ratio, and upper limit to the concentration of D6-DMSO in screening samples. Furthermore, we conducted preliminary screens of a plate-format molecular fragment mixture library using our optimized conditions and were able to identify hit compounds that selectively bound to the respective target proteins. It is hoped that the approaches presented here will be useful in complementing existing methods for discovering lead compounds that target membrane proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey C Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine - Basic Sciences, Nashville, TN 37240, USA
| | - Manuel A Castro
- Department of Biochemistry and Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine - Basic Sciences, Nashville, TN 37240, USA
| | - Thilini Ukwaththage
- Department of Biochemistry and Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine - Basic Sciences, Nashville, TN 37240, USA
| | - Charles R Sanders
- Department of Biochemistry and Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine - Basic Sciences, Nashville, TN 37240, USA
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2
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Smith CR, Chen D, Christensen JG, Coulombe R, Féthière J, Gunn RJ, Hollander J, Jones B, Ketcham JM, Khare S, Kuehler J, Lawson JD, Marx MA, Olson P, Pearson KE, Ren C, Tsagris D, Ulaganathan T, Van’t Veer I, Wang X, Ivetac A. Discovery of Five SOS2 Fragment Hits with Binding Modes Determined by SOS2 X-Ray Cocrystallography. J Med Chem 2024; 67:774-781. [PMID: 38156904 PMCID: PMC10788894 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c02140] [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: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
SOS1 and SOS2 are guanine nucleotide exchange factors that mediate RTK-stimulated RAS activation. Selective SOS1:KRAS PPI inhibitors are currently under clinical investigation, whereas there are no reports to date of SOS2:KRAS PPI inhibitors. SOS2 activity is implicated in MAPK rebound when divergent SOS1 mutant cell lines are treated with the SOS1 inhibitor BI-3406; therefore, SOS2:KRAS inhibitors are of therapeutic interest. In this report, we detail a fragment-based screening strategy to identify X-ray cocrystal structures of five diverse fragment hits bound to SOS2.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dan Chen
- ZoBio
BV, J.H. Oortweg 19, Leiden 2333 CH, Netherlands
| | | | - René Coulombe
- Inixium, 3000-275 Armand Frappier, Laval, Quebec H7V 4A7, Canada
| | - James Féthière
- Inixium, 3000-275 Armand Frappier, Laval, Quebec H7V 4A7, Canada
| | - Robin J. Gunn
- Mirati
Therapeutics, San Diego, California 92130, United States
| | | | - Benjamin Jones
- Mirati
Therapeutics, San Diego, California 92130, United States
| | - John M. Ketcham
- Mirati
Therapeutics, San Diego, California 92130, United States
| | - Shilpi Khare
- Mirati
Therapeutics, San Diego, California 92130, United States
| | - Jon Kuehler
- Mirati
Therapeutics, San Diego, California 92130, United States
| | - J. David Lawson
- Mirati
Therapeutics, San Diego, California 92130, United States
| | - Matthew A. Marx
- Mirati
Therapeutics, San Diego, California 92130, United States
| | - Peter Olson
- Mirati
Therapeutics, San Diego, California 92130, United States
| | | | - Cynthia Ren
- Mirati
Therapeutics, San Diego, California 92130, United States
| | | | | | | | - Xiaolun Wang
- Mirati
Therapeutics, San Diego, California 92130, United States
| | - Anthony Ivetac
- Mirati
Therapeutics, San Diego, California 92130, United States
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3
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Pham P, Hilty C. Biomolecular interactions studied by low-field NMR using SABRE hyperpolarization. Chem Sci 2023; 14:10258-10263. [PMID: 37772094 PMCID: PMC10530938 DOI: 10.1039/d3sc02365f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
We demonstrate that low-field nuclear magnetic resonance provides a means for measuring biomacromolecular interactions without requiring a superconducting, or even a permanent magnet. A small molecule, 5-fluoropyridine-3-carboximidamide, is designed to be a specific ligand for the trypsin protein, while containing a fluorine atom as a nuclear spin hyperpolarizable label. With hyperpolarization by the parahydrogen based signal amplification by the reversible exchange method, fluorine NMR signals are detectable in the measurement field of 0.85 mT of an electromagnet, at a concentration of less than 100 μM. As a weak ligand for the protein, the hyperpolarized molecule can serve as a reporter for measuring the binding of other ligands of interest, illustrated by the determination of the dissociation constant KD of benzamidine from changes in the observed R2 relaxation rates. A signal enhancement of more than 106 compared to Boltzmann polarization at the measurement field indicates that this experiment is not feasible without prepolarization. The extended magnetic field range for the measurement of biomolecular interactions under near physiological conditions, with a protein concentration on the order of 10 μM or less, provides a new option for screening of ligand binding, measurement of protein-protein interactions, and measurement of molecular dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierce Pham
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University 3255 TAMU College Station TX 77843 USA
| | - Christian Hilty
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University 3255 TAMU College Station TX 77843 USA
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4
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Nedielkov R, Möller HM. Detecting and Characterizing Interactions of Metabolites with Proteins by Saturation Transfer Difference Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (STD NMR) Spectroscopy. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2554:123-139. [PMID: 36178624 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2624-5_9] [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] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Saturation transfer difference (STD) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is an established technique for detecting and characterizing the binding of small molecules, such as metabolites, to biological macromolecules like proteins and nucleic acids. STD NMR allows detection of binding in complex mixtures of potential ligands, which is often used for library screening in the pharmaceutical industry but may also be beneficial for binding studies with metabolite mixtures. The nature of the ligand is normally restricted to small molecules in terms of NMR spectroscopy, and the size of the macromolecule on the other side should be larger than 10-15 kDa. This technique is especially applicable to detecting binders of intermediate to low affinity with the dissociation constant (KD) above 1 μM. In this chapter, we focus on recent developments and the applications of STD NMR to studying interactions of natural products and metabolites, in particular. The reader is also referred to excellent reviews of the field and the literature cited therein. This chapter also provides a detailed experimental protocol for performing the STD NMR measurement based on the example of the subunit A of the Na+-transporting NADH/ubiquinone oxidoreductase (Na+-NQR) from V. cholerae interacting with its natural quinone substrate and inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruslan Nedielkov
- University of Potsdam, Institute for Chemistry, Potsdam, Germany.
| | - Heiko M Möller
- University of Potsdam, Institute for Chemistry, Potsdam, Germany
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5
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Mandal R, Pham P, Hilty C. Screening of Protein-Ligand Binding Using a SABRE Hyperpolarized Reporter. Anal Chem 2022; 94:11375-11381. [PMID: 35921650 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c02250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Hyperpolarization through signal amplification by reversible exchange (SABRE) provides a facile means to enhance nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) signals of small molecules containing an N-heterocycle or other binding site for a polarization transfer catalyst. A purpose-designed reporter ligand, which is capable of binding both to a target protein and to the catalyst, makes the sensitivity enhancement by this technique compatible with the measurement of a range of biomolecular interactions. The 1H polarization of the reporter ligand 4-amidinopyridine, which is targeting trypsin, is used to screen ligands that are not themselves hyperpolarizable by SABRE. The respective protein-ligand dissociation constants (KD) are determined by an observed change in the R2 relaxation rate of the reporter. A calculation of expected signal changes indicates that the accessible ligand KD values extend over several orders of magnitude, while the concentrations of target proteins and ligands can be reduced considering the sensitivity gains from hyperpolarization. In general, the design of a single, weakly binding ligand for a target protein enables the use of SABRE hyperpolarization for ligand screening or other biophysical studies involving macromolecular interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ratnamala Mandal
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, 3255 TAMU, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Pierce Pham
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, 3255 TAMU, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Christian Hilty
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, 3255 TAMU, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
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6
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Chae YK, Um Y, Kim H. A simple and sensitive detection of the binding ligands by using the receptor aggregation and NMR spectroscopy: a test case of the maltose binding protein. JOURNAL OF BIOMOLECULAR NMR 2021; 75:371-381. [PMID: 34524563 PMCID: PMC8441238 DOI: 10.1007/s10858-021-00381-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Protein-ligand interaction is one of the highlights of molecular recognition. The most popular application of this type of interaction is drug development which requires a high throughput screening of a ligand that binds to the target protein. Our goal was to find a binding ligand with a simple detection, and once this type of ligand was found, other methods could then be used to measure the detailed kinetic or thermodynamic parameters. We started with the idea that the ligand NMR signal would disappear if it was bound to the non-tumbling mass. In order to create the non-tumbling mass, we tried the aggregates of a target protein, which was fused to the elastin-like polypeptide. We chose the maltose binding proteinas a test case, and we tried it with several sugars, which included maltose, glucose, sucrose, lactose, galactose, maltotriose, and β-cyclodextrin. The maltose signal in the H-1 NMR spectrum disappeared completely as hoped around the protein to ligand ratio of 1:3 at 298 K where the proteins aggregated. The protein signals also disappeared upon aggregation except for the fast-moving part, which resulted in a cleaner background than the monomeric form. Since we only needed to look for a disappearing signal amongst those from the mixture, it should be useful in high throughput screening. Other types of sugars except for the maltotriose and β-cyclodextrin, which are siblings of the maltose, did not seem to bind at all. We believe that our system would be especially more effective when dealing with a smaller target protein, so both the protein and the bound ligand would lose their signals only when the aggregates formed. We hope that our proposed method would contribute to accelerating the development of the potent drug candidates by simultaneously identifying several binders directly from a mixture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Kee Chae
- Department of Chemistry, Sejong University, 209 Neungdong-Ro, Gwangjin-Gu, Seoul, 05006, Korea.
| | - Yoonjin Um
- Department of Chemistry, Sejong University, 209 Neungdong-Ro, Gwangjin-Gu, Seoul, 05006, Korea
| | - Hakbeom Kim
- Department of Chemistry, Sejong University, 209 Neungdong-Ro, Gwangjin-Gu, Seoul, 05006, Korea
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7
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Abstract
The emerging risk of viral diseases has triggered the search for preventive and therapeutic agents. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, greater efforts have been devoted to investigating virus entry mechanisms into host cells. The feasibility of plasmonic sensing technologies for screening interactions of small molecules in real time, while providing the pharmacokinetic drug profiling of potential antiviral compounds, offers an advantageous approach over other biophysical methods. This review summarizes recent advancements in the drug discovery process of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) inhibitors using Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) biosensors. A variety of SPR assay formats are discussed according to the binding kinetics and drug efficacies of both natural products and repurposed drugs. Special attention has been given to the targeting of antiviral agents that block the receptor binding domain of the spike protein (RBD-S) and the main protease (3CLpro) of SARS-CoV-2. The functionality of plasmonic biosensors for high-throughput screening of entry virus inhibitors was also reviewed taking into account experimental parameters (binding affinities, selectivity, stability), potential limitations and future applications.
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8
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Waltenspühl Y, Ehrenmann J, Klenk C, Plückthun A. Engineering of Challenging G Protein-Coupled Receptors for Structure Determination and Biophysical Studies. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26051465. [PMID: 33800379 PMCID: PMC7962830 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26051465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Membrane proteins such as G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) exert fundamental biological functions and are involved in a multitude of physiological responses, making these receptors ideal drug targets. Drug discovery programs targeting GPCRs have been greatly facilitated by the emergence of high-resolution structures and the resulting opportunities to identify new chemical entities through structure-based drug design. To enable the determination of high-resolution structures of GPCRs, most receptors have to be engineered to overcome intrinsic hurdles such as their poor stability and low expression levels. In recent years, multiple engineering approaches have been developed to specifically address the technical difficulties of working with GPCRs, which are now beginning to make more challenging receptors accessible to detailed studies. Importantly, successfully engineered GPCRs are not only valuable in X-ray crystallography, but further enable biophysical studies with nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, surface plasmon resonance, native mass spectrometry, and fluorescence anisotropy measurements, all of which are important for the detailed mechanistic understanding, which is the prerequisite for successful drug design. Here, we summarize engineering strategies based on directed evolution to reduce workload and enable biophysical experiments of particularly challenging GPCRs.
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9
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Diethelm-Varela B. Using NMR Spectroscopy in the Fragment-Based Drug Discovery of Small-Molecule Anticancer Targeted Therapies. ChemMedChem 2020; 16:725-742. [PMID: 33236493 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202000756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 11/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Against the challenge of providing personalized cancer care, the development of targeted therapies stands as a promising approach. The discovery of these agents can benefit from fragment-based drug discovery (FBDD) methods that help guide ligand design and provide key structural information on the targets of interest. In particular, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy is a promising biophysical tool in fragment discovery due to its detection capabilities and versatility. This review provides an overview of FBDD, describes the basis of NMR-based fragment screening, summarizes some exciting technical advances reported over the past decades, and closes with a discussion of selected case studies where this technique has been used as part of drug discovery campaigns to produce lead compounds towards the design of anti-cancer targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Diethelm-Varela
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, 20 Penn St., Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
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10
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Keiffer S, Carneiro MG, Hollander J, Kobayashi M, Pogoryelev D, Ab E, Theisgen S, Müller G, Siegal G. NMR in target driven drug discovery: why not? JOURNAL OF BIOMOLECULAR NMR 2020; 74:521-529. [PMID: 32901320 PMCID: PMC7683447 DOI: 10.1007/s10858-020-00343-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
No matter the source of compounds, drug discovery campaigns focused directly on the target are entirely dependent on a consistent stream of reliable data that reports on how a putative ligand interacts with the protein of interest. The data will derive from many sources including enzyme assays and many types of biophysical binding assays such as TR-FRET, SPR, thermophoresis and many others. Each method has its strengths and weaknesses, but none is as information rich and broadly applicable as NMR. Here we provide a number of examples of the utility of NMR for enabling and providing ongoing support for the early pre-clinical phase of small molecule drug discovery efforts. The examples have been selected for their usefulness in a commercial setting, with full understanding of the need for speed, cost-effectiveness and ease of implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Eiso Ab
- ZoBio, JH Oortweg 19, 2333CH, Leiden, Netherlands
| | | | - Gerhard Müller
- Gotham GmbH, Am Klopferspitz 19a, 82152, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Gregg Siegal
- ZoBio, JH Oortweg 19, 2333CH, Leiden, Netherlands.
- Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences, Free University Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1108, 1081 HZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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11
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Mureddu LG, Ragan TJ, Brooksbank EJ, Vuister GW. CcpNmr AnalysisScreen, a new software programme with dedicated automated analysis tools for fragment-based drug discovery by NMR. JOURNAL OF BIOMOLECULAR NMR 2020; 74:565-577. [PMID: 32638146 PMCID: PMC7683461 DOI: 10.1007/s10858-020-00321-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Fragment-based drug discovery or FBDD is one of the main methods used by industry and academia for identifying drug-like candidates in early stages of drug discovery. NMR has a significant impact at any stage of the drug discovery process, from primary identification of small molecules to the elucidation of binding modes for guiding optimisations. The essence of NMR as an analytical tool, however, requires the processing and analysis of relatively large amounts of single data items, e.g. spectra, which can be daunting when managed manually. One bottleneck in FBDD by NMR is a lack of adequate and well-integrated resources for NMR data analysis that are freely available to the community. Thus, scientists typically resort to manually inspecting large datasets and relying predominantly on subjective interpretations. In this manuscript, we present CcpNmr AnalysisScreen, a software package that provides computational tools for automated analysis of FBDD data by NMR. We outline how the quality of collected spectra can be evaluated quickly, and how robust workflows can be optimised for reliable and rapid hit identification. With an intuitive graphical user interface and powerful algorithms, AnalysisScreen enables easy analysis of the large datasets needed in the early process of drug discovery by NMR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca G Mureddu
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Leicester Institute of Structural and Chemical Biology, University of Leicester, Henry Wellcome Building, Lancaster Road, Leicester, LE1 7HN, UK
| | - Timothy J Ragan
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Leicester Institute of Structural and Chemical Biology, University of Leicester, Henry Wellcome Building, Lancaster Road, Leicester, LE1 7HN, UK
| | - Edward J Brooksbank
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Leicester Institute of Structural and Chemical Biology, University of Leicester, Henry Wellcome Building, Lancaster Road, Leicester, LE1 7HN, UK
| | - Geerten W Vuister
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Leicester Institute of Structural and Chemical Biology, University of Leicester, Henry Wellcome Building, Lancaster Road, Leicester, LE1 7HN, UK.
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12
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Wang Y, Hilty C. Amplification of Nuclear Overhauser Effect Signals by Hyperpolarization for Screening of Ligand Binding to Immobilized Target Proteins. Anal Chem 2020; 92:13718-13723. [PMID: 32897681 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.0c01071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Immobilization of a target protein enhances the cross-relaxation rates for transfer of nuclear spin polarization but reduces the accessible target concentration. Hyperpolarization of ligand spins by dissolution dynamic nuclear polarization (D-DNP) is shown to increase sensitivity for observing the intraligand nuclear Overhauser effect (NOE). This effect, also known as the transferred NOE (trNOE), can be used for detection of binding and for obtaining binding-related structural information. The measurement of hyperpolarized trNOE signals is demonstrated for the ligand 4'-hydroxyazobenzene-2-carboxylic acid interacting with avidin protein immobilized on polystyrene beads. In a sample containing 63.5 μM ligands and 0.83 μM accessible protein binding sites, the signal enhancement provided by D-DNP leads to single-scan detection of the NOE buildup, despite that this signal peaks at only 2% of the total ligand signal. These buildup curves allow the confirmation of binding through a change in the sign of the NOE and the quantitative determination of cross-relaxation rates. The combination of the D-DNP technique and protein immobilization may facilitate the identification of intraligand NOEs in ligand screening for drug discovery. The same method may be applied to in vivo characterization of ligand interactions with cell surface proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunyi Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, 3255 TAMU, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Christian Hilty
- Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, 3255 TAMU, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
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13
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Nielsen CDT, Dhasmana D, Floresta G, Wohland T, Cilibrizzi A. Illuminating the Path to Target GPCR Structures and Functions. Biochemistry 2020; 59:3783-3795. [PMID: 32956586 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.0c00606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
G-Protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are ubiquitous within eukaryotes, responsible for a wide array of physiological and pathological processes. Indeed, the fact that they are the most drugged target in the human genome is indicative of their importance. Despite the clear interest in GPCRs, most information regarding their activity has been so far obtained by analyzing the response from a "bulk medium". As such, this Perspective summarizes some of the common methods for this indirect observation. Nonetheless, by inspecting approaches applying super-resolution imaging, we argue that imaging is perfectly situated to obtain more detailed structural and spatial information, assisting in the development of new GPCR-targeted drugs and clinical strategies. The benefits of direct optical visualization of GPCRs are analyzed in the context of potential future directions in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian D-T Nielsen
- Imperial College London, White City Campus, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, 80 Wood Lane, London W12 0BZ, U.K
| | - Divya Dhasmana
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 14 Science Drive 4, Singapore 117543
| | - Giuseppe Floresta
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, King's College London, London SE1 9NH, U.K
| | - Thorsten Wohland
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 14 Science Drive 4, Singapore 117543.,Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, 3 Science Drive 3, Singapore 117543
| | - Agostino Cilibrizzi
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, King's College London, London SE1 9NH, U.K
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14
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Li Q. Application of Fragment-Based Drug Discovery to Versatile Targets. Front Mol Biosci 2020; 7:180. [PMID: 32850968 PMCID: PMC7419598 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2020.00180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Fragment-based drug discovery (FBDD) is a powerful method to develop potent small-molecule compounds starting from fragments binding weakly to targets. As FBDD exhibits several advantages over high-throughput screening campaigns, it becomes an attractive strategy in target-based drug discovery. Many potent compounds/inhibitors of diverse targets have been developed using this approach. Methods used in fragment screening and understanding fragment-binding modes are critical in FBDD. This review elucidates fragment libraries, methods utilized in fragment identification/confirmation, strategies applied in growing the identified fragments into drug-like lead compounds, and applications of FBDD to different targets. As FBDD can be readily carried out through different biophysical and computer-based methods, it will play more important roles in drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingxin Li
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Biomass High Value Utilization, Guangdong Provincial Bioengineering Institute, Guangzhou Sugarcane Industry Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
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15
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Structural biology of human GPCR drugs and endogenous ligands - insights from NMR spectroscopy. Methods 2020; 180:79-88. [PMID: 32911074 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2020.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 08/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) represent the largest class of "druggable" proteins in the human genome. For more than a decade, crystal structures and, more recently, cryoEM structures of GPCR complexes have provided unprecedented insight into GPCR drug binding and cell signaling. Nevertheless, structure determination of receptors in complexes with weakly binding molecules or complex polypeptides remains especially challenging, including for hormones, many of which have so far eluded researchers. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy has emerged as a promising approach to determine structures of ligands bound to their receptors and to provide insights into the dynamics of GPCR-bound drugs. The capability to investigate compounds with weak binding affinities has also been leveraged in NMR applications to identify novel lead compounds in drug screening campaigns. We review recent structural biology studies of GPCR ligands by NMR, highlighting new methodologies enabling studies of GPCRs with native sequences and in native-like membrane environments that provide insights into important drugs and endogenous ligands.
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16
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Li Q, Kang C. A Practical Perspective on the Roles of Solution NMR Spectroscopy in Drug Discovery. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25132974. [PMID: 32605297 PMCID: PMC7411973 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25132974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2020] [Revised: 06/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Solution nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is a powerful tool to study structures and dynamics of biomolecules under physiological conditions. As there are numerous NMR-derived methods applicable to probe protein–ligand interactions, NMR has been widely utilized in drug discovery, especially in such steps as hit identification and lead optimization. NMR is frequently used to locate ligand-binding sites on a target protein and to determine ligand binding modes. NMR spectroscopy is also a unique tool in fragment-based drug design (FBDD), as it is able to investigate target-ligand interactions with diverse binding affinities. NMR spectroscopy is able to identify fragments that bind weakly to a target, making it valuable for identifying hits targeting undruggable sites. In this review, we summarize the roles of solution NMR spectroscopy in drug discovery. We describe some methods that are used in identifying fragments, understanding the mechanism of action for a ligand, and monitoring the conformational changes of a target induced by ligand binding. A number of studies have proven that 19F-NMR is very powerful in screening fragments and detecting protein conformational changes. In-cell NMR will also play important roles in drug discovery by elucidating protein-ligand interactions in living cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingxin Li
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Biomass High Value Utilization, Guangdong Provincial Bioengineering Institute (Guangzhou Sugarcane Industry Research Institute), Guangzhou 510316, China
- Correspondence: (Q.L.); (C.K.); Tel.: +86-020-84168436 (Q.L.); +65-64070602 (C.K.)
| | - CongBao Kang
- Experimental Drug Development Centre (EDDC), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 10 Biopolis Road, Chromos, #05-01, Singapore 138670, Singapore
- Correspondence: (Q.L.); (C.K.); Tel.: +86-020-84168436 (Q.L.); +65-64070602 (C.K.)
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17
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Keeley A, Petri L, Ábrányi-Balogh P, Keserű GM. Covalent fragment libraries in drug discovery. Drug Discov Today 2020; 25:983-996. [PMID: 32298798 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2020.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 03/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Targeted covalent inhibitors and chemical probes have become integral parts of drug discovery approaches. Given the advantages of fragment-based drug discovery, screening electrophilic fragments emerged as a promising alternative to discover and validate novel targets and to generate viable chemical starting points even for targets that are barely tractable. In this review, we present recent principles and considerations in the design of electrophilic fragment libraries from the selection of the appropriate covalent warhead through the design of the covalent fragment to the compilation of the library. We then summarize recent screening methodologies of covalent fragments against surrogate models, proteins, and the whole proteome, or living cells. Finally, we highlight recent drug discovery applications of covalent fragment libraries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Keeley
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Group, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar tudósok krt. 2, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - László Petri
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Group, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar tudósok krt. 2, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Péter Ábrányi-Balogh
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Group, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar tudósok krt. 2, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - György M Keserű
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Group, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar tudósok krt. 2, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary.
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18
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Interrogating the Essential Bacterial Cell Division Protein FtsQ with Fragments Using Target Immobilized NMR Screening (TINS). Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20153684. [PMID: 31357624 PMCID: PMC6695665 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20153684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Revised: 07/20/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The divisome is a large protein complex that regulates bacterial cell division and therefore represents an attractive target for novel antibacterial drugs. In this study, we report on the ligandability of FtsQ, which is considered a key component of the divisome. For this, the soluble periplasmic domain of Escherichia coli FtsQ was immobilized and used to screen a library of 1501 low molecular weight (< 300 Da), synthetic compounds for those that interact with the protein. A primary screen was performed using target immobilized NMR screening (TINS) and yielded 72 hits. Subsequently, these hits were validated in an orthogonal assay. At first, we aimed to do this using surface plasmon resonance (SPR), but the lack of positive control hampered optimization of the experiment. Alternatively, a two-dimensional heteronuclear single quantum coherence (HSQC) NMR spectrum of FtsQ was obtained and used to validate these hits by chemical shift perturbation (CSP) experiments. This resulted in the identification of three fragments with weak affinity for the periplasmic domain of FtsQ, arguing that the ligandability of FtsQ is low. While this indicates that developing high affinity ligands for FtsQ is far from straightforward, the identified hit fragments can help to further interrogate FtsQ interactions.
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19
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Polshakov VI, Batuev EA, Mantsyzov AB. NMR screening and studies of target–ligand interactions. RUSSIAN CHEMICAL REVIEWS 2019. [DOI: 10.1070/rcr4836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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20
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Assessing molecular interactions with biophysical methods using the validation cross. Biochem Soc Trans 2018; 47:63-76. [DOI: 10.1042/bst20180271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2018] [Revised: 11/09/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
There are numerous methods for studying molecular interactions. However, each method gives rise to false negative- or false positive binding results, stemming from artifacts of the scientific equipment or from shortcomings of the experimental format. To validate an initial positive binding result, additional methods need to be applied to cover the shortcomings of the primary experiment. The aim of such a validation procedure is to exclude as many artifacts as possible to confirm that there is a true molecular interaction that meets the standards for publishing or is worth investing considerable resources for follow-up activities in a drug discovery project. To simplify this validation process, a graphical scheme — the validation cross — can be used. This simple graphic is a powerful tool for identifying blind spots of a binding hypothesis, for selecting the most informative combination of methods to reveal artifacts and, in general, for understanding more thoroughly the nature of a validation process. The concept of the validation cross was originally introduced for the validation of protein–ligand interactions by NMR in drug discovery. Here, an attempt is made to expand the concept to further biophysical methods and to generalize it for binary molecular interactions.
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21
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Chen PC, Hennig J. The role of small-angle scattering in structure-based screening applications. Biophys Rev 2018; 10:1295-1310. [PMID: 30306530 PMCID: PMC6233350 DOI: 10.1007/s12551-018-0464-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In many biomolecular interactions, changes in the assembly states and structural conformations of participants can act as a complementary reporter of binding to functional and thermodynamic assays. This structural information is captured by a number of structural biology and biophysical techniques that are viable either as primary screens in small-scale applications or as secondary screens to complement higher throughput methods. In particular, small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) reports the average distance distribution between all atoms after orientational averaging. Such information is important when for example investigating conformational changes involved in inhibitory and regulatory mechanisms where binding events do not necessarily cause functional changes. Thus, we summarise here the current and prospective capabilities of SAXS-based screening in the context of other methods that yield structural information. Broad guidelines are also provided to assist readers in preparing screening protocols that are tailored to available X-ray sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Po-Chia Chen
- Structural and Computational Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory Heidelberg, Meyerhofstrasse 1, 69126, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Janosch Hennig
- Structural and Computational Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory Heidelberg, Meyerhofstrasse 1, 69126, Heidelberg, Germany.
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22
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Lamoree B, Hubbard RE. Using Fragment-Based Approaches to Discover New Antibiotics. SLAS DISCOVERY : ADVANCING LIFE SCIENCES R & D 2018; 23:495-510. [PMID: 29923463 PMCID: PMC6024353 DOI: 10.1177/2472555218773034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2017] [Revised: 03/16/2018] [Accepted: 04/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Fragment-based lead discovery has emerged over the past two decades as a successful approach to generate novel lead candidates in drug discovery programs. The two main advantages over conventional high-throughput screening (HTS) are more efficient sampling of chemical space and tighter control over the physicochemical properties of the lead candidates. Antibiotics are a class of drugs with particularly strict property requirements for efficacy and safety. The development of novel antibiotics has slowed down so much that resistance has now evolved against every available antibiotic drug. Here we give an overview of fragment-based approaches in screening and lead discovery projects for new antibiotics. We discuss several successful hit-to-lead development examples. Finally, we highlight the current challenges and opportunities for fragment-based lead discovery toward new antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bas Lamoree
- YSBL, Department of Chemistry, University of York, Heslington, York, UK
| | - Roderick E. Hubbard
- YSBL, Department of Chemistry, University of York, Heslington, York, UK
- Vernalis Research, Granta Park, Abington, Cambridge, UK
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23
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Sugiki T, Furuita K, Fujiwara T, Kojima C. Current NMR Techniques for Structure-Based Drug Discovery. Molecules 2018; 23:molecules23010148. [PMID: 29329228 PMCID: PMC6017608 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23010148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2017] [Revised: 12/28/2017] [Accepted: 01/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
A variety of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) applications have been developed for structure-based drug discovery (SBDD). NMR provides many advantages over other methods, such as the ability to directly observe chemical compounds and target biomolecules, and to be used for ligand-based and protein-based approaches. NMR can also provide important information about the interactions in a protein-ligand complex, such as structure, dynamics, and affinity, even when the interaction is too weak to be detected by ELISA or fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based high-throughput screening (HTS) or to be crystalized. In this study, we reviewed current NMR techniques. We focused on recent progress in NMR measurement and sample preparation techniques that have expanded the potential of NMR-based SBDD, such as fluorine NMR (19F-NMR) screening, structure modeling of weak complexes, and site-specific isotope labeling of challenging targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshihiko Sugiki
- Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.
| | - Kyoko Furuita
- Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.
| | | | - Chojiro Kojima
- Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.
- Graduate School of Engineering, Yokohama National University, Yokohama 240-8501, Japan.
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24
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Brender JR, Krishnamoorthy J, Ghosh A, Bhunia A. Binding Moiety Mapping by Saturation Transfer Difference NMR. Methods Mol Biol 2018; 1824:49-65. [PMID: 30039401 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-8630-9_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Saturation transfer difference (STD) NMR has emerged as one of the key technologies in lead optimization during drug design. Unlike most biophysical assays which report only on the binding affinity, STD NMR reports simultaneously on both the binding affinity and the structure of the binding ligand/protein complex. The STD experiment drives magnetization from a protein to a bound small molecule ligand which carries away the memory of the saturation signal when it dissociates. Since the transfer of saturation is distance dependent, STD NMR can be used to map the specific atoms on the ligand in contact with a protein receptor allowing the impact of any structural change in the binding site to be mapped directly on to the individual functional groups responsible when a suitable compound library is screened. Because the signal is detected from the free ligand and not the bound complex, it can be used on a much wider range of systems than protein-detected NMR and has the advantage of more directly reporting on distances than changes in chemical shifts alone. The STD experiment, while deceptively simple, is very sensitive to both sample conditions and acquisition parameters. We present a general protocol for setting up and STD NMR experiment with a particular focus on how choices in sample conditions and acquisition parameters affect the outcome of the experiment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey R Brender
- Radiation Biology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | | | - Anirban Ghosh
- Department of Biophysics, Bose Institute, Kolkata, India
| | - Anirban Bhunia
- Department of Biophysics, Bose Institute, Kolkata, India
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25
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Ángeles Canales M, Félix Espinosa J. Ligand-detected NMR Methods in Drug Discovery. BIOPHYSICAL TECHNIQUES IN DRUG DISCOVERY 2017. [DOI: 10.1039/9781788010016-00023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
This book chapter describes the basic principles of NMR-based techniques for detecting ligand binding and uses examples of the application of these techniques in drug discovery programs for screening, hit validation and optimization to illustrate their utility in characterizing ligand–protein interactions. The binding of small molecules to biological receptors can be observed directly by detecting changes in a particular NMR parameter when the protein is added to a sample containing the ligand, or indirectly, using a “spy” molecule in competitive NMR experiments. Combinations of different NMR experiments can be used to confirm binding and also to obtain structural information that can be used to guide medicinal chemistry decisions. Ligand-observed NMR methods are able to identify weak affinity ligands that cannot be detected by other biophysical techniques, which means that NMR-based methods are extremely valuable tools for fragment-based drug discovery approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Ángeles Canales
- Department of Química Orgánica I, Universidad Complutense de Madrid Avd. Complutense s/n 28040 Madrid Spain
| | - Juan Félix Espinosa
- Centro de Investigación Lilly Avda. de la Industria 30 28108, Alcobendas, Madrid Spain
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26
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Nitsche C, Otting G. NMR studies of ligand binding. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2017; 48:16-22. [PMID: 29017071 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2017.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Revised: 09/15/2017] [Accepted: 09/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
NMR spectroscopy is an established tool in drug discovery, but its strength is commonly regarded to be largely confined to the early stages of hit discovery and fragment based drug design, where NMR offers unique capabilities of characterizing the binding modes of ligand molecules that bind sufficiently weakly to be in rapid exchange between bound and free state. Here we, first, provide a meta-review of recent reviews on NMR studies of ligand binding and, second, review recent progress towards NMR characterization of the ligand binding mode in stable protein-ligand complexes, with particular emphasis on the global positioning system (GPS) approach enabled by paramagnetic lanthanide tags.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Nitsche
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Gottfried Otting
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia.
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27
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Cerofolini L, Giuntini S, Louka A, Ravera E, Fragai M, Luchinat C. High-Resolution Solid-State NMR Characterization of Ligand Binding to a Protein Immobilized in a Silica Matrix. J Phys Chem B 2017; 121:8094-8101. [PMID: 28762736 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.7b05679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Solid-state NMR is becoming a powerful tool to detect atomic-level structural features of biomolecules even when they are bound to (or trapped in) solid systems that lack long-range three-dimensional order. We here demonstrate that it is possible to probe protein-ligand interactions from a protein-based perspective also when the protein is entrapped in silica, thus translating into biomolecular solid-state NMR all of the considerations that are usually made to understand the chemical nature of the interaction of a protein with its ligands. This work provides a proof of concept that also immobilized enzymes can be used for protein-based NMR protein-ligand interactions for drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Cerofolini
- Magnetic Resonance Center (CERM), University of Florence, and Interuniversity Consortium for Magnetic Resonance of Metalloproteins (CIRMMP) , Via L. Sacconi 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy
| | - Stefano Giuntini
- Magnetic Resonance Center (CERM), University of Florence, and Interuniversity Consortium for Magnetic Resonance of Metalloproteins (CIRMMP) , Via L. Sacconi 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy.,Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence , Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy
| | - Alexandra Louka
- Magnetic Resonance Center (CERM), University of Florence, and Interuniversity Consortium for Magnetic Resonance of Metalloproteins (CIRMMP) , Via L. Sacconi 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy.,Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence , Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy
| | - Enrico Ravera
- Magnetic Resonance Center (CERM), University of Florence, and Interuniversity Consortium for Magnetic Resonance of Metalloproteins (CIRMMP) , Via L. Sacconi 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy.,Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence , Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy
| | - Marco Fragai
- Magnetic Resonance Center (CERM), University of Florence, and Interuniversity Consortium for Magnetic Resonance of Metalloproteins (CIRMMP) , Via L. Sacconi 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy.,Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence , Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy.,GiottoBiotech S.R.L. , Via Madonna del Piano 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy
| | - Claudio Luchinat
- Magnetic Resonance Center (CERM), University of Florence, and Interuniversity Consortium for Magnetic Resonance of Metalloproteins (CIRMMP) , Via L. Sacconi 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy.,Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence , Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy
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28
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Abstract
Membrane proteins play a most important part in metabolism, signaling, cell motility, transport, development, and many other biochemical and biophysical processes which constitute fundamentals of life on the molecular level. Detailed understanding of these processes is necessary for the progress of life sciences and biomedical applications. Nanodiscs provide a new and powerful tool for a broad spectrum of biochemical and biophysical studies of membrane proteins and are commonly acknowledged as an optimal membrane mimetic system that provides control over size, composition, and specific functional modifications on the nanometer scale. In this review we attempted to combine a comprehensive list of various applications of nanodisc technology with systematic analysis of the most attractive features of this system and advantages provided by nanodiscs for structural and mechanistic studies of membrane proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilia G Denisov
- Department of Biochemistry and Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois , Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Stephen G Sligar
- Department of Biochemistry and Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois , Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
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29
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30
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Gossert AD, Jahnke W. NMR in drug discovery: A practical guide to identification and validation of ligands interacting with biological macromolecules. PROGRESS IN NUCLEAR MAGNETIC RESONANCE SPECTROSCOPY 2016; 97:82-125. [PMID: 27888841 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnmrs.2016.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2016] [Revised: 09/07/2016] [Accepted: 09/07/2016] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Protein-ligand interactions are at the heart of drug discovery research. NMR spectroscopy is an excellent technology to identify and validate protein-ligand interactions. A plethora of NMR methods are available which are powerful, robust and information-rich, but also have pitfalls and limitations. In this review, we will focus on how to choose between different experiments, and assess their strengths and liabilities. We introduce the concept of the validation cross, which helps to categorize experiments according to their information content and to simplify the choice of the right experiment in order to address a specific question. Additionally, we will provide the framework for drawing correct conclusions from experimental results in order to accurately evaluate such interactions. Out of scope for this review are methods for subsequent characterization of the interaction such as quantitative KD determination, binding mode analysis, or structure determination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alvar D Gossert
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Novartis Campus, 4002 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Wolfgang Jahnke
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Novartis Campus, 4002 Basel, Switzerland
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31
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Staker BL, Buchko GW, Myler PJ. Recent contributions of structure-based drug design to the development of antibacterial compounds. Curr Opin Microbiol 2016; 27:133-8. [PMID: 26458180 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2015.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2015] [Revised: 09/09/2015] [Accepted: 09/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
According to a Pew Research study published in February 2015, there are 37 antibacterial programs currently in clinical trials in the United States. Protein structure-based methods for guiding small molecule design were used in at least 34 of these programs. Typically, this occurred at an early stage (drug discovery and/or lead optimization) prior to an Investigational New Drug (IND) application, although sometimes in retrospective studies to rationalize biological activity. Recognizing that structure-based methods are resource-intensive and often require specialized equipment and training, the NIAID has funded two Structural Genomics Centers to determine structures of infectious disease species proteins with the aim of supporting individual investigators' research programs with structural biology methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bart L Staker
- Seattle Structural Genomics Center for Infectious Disease, United States; Center for Infectious Disease Research (formerly Seattle Biomedical Research Institute), 307 Westlake Ave N, Suite 500, Seattle, WA 98109, United States.
| | - Garry W Buchko
- Seattle Structural Genomics Center for Infectious Disease, United States; Biological Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA 99354, United States
| | - Peter J Myler
- Seattle Structural Genomics Center for Infectious Disease, United States; Center for Infectious Disease Research (formerly Seattle Biomedical Research Institute), 307 Westlake Ave N, Suite 500, Seattle, WA 98109, United States; Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, United States; Department of Biomedical Informatics and Health Education, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, United States
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32
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Ma R, Wang P, Wu J, Ruan K. Process of Fragment-Based Lead Discovery-A Perspective from NMR. Molecules 2016; 21:molecules21070854. [PMID: 27438813 PMCID: PMC6273320 DOI: 10.3390/molecules21070854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2016] [Revised: 05/22/2016] [Accepted: 05/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Fragment-based lead discovery (FBLD) has proven fruitful during the past two decades for a variety of targets, even challenging protein–protein interaction (PPI) systems. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy plays a vital role, from initial fragment-based screening to lead generation, because of its power to probe the intrinsically weak interactions between targets and low-molecular-weight fragments. Here, we review the NMR FBLD process from initial library construction to lead generation. We describe technical aspects regarding fragment library design, ligand- and protein-observed screening, and protein–ligand structure model generation. For weak binders, the initial hit-to-lead evolution can be guided by structural information retrieved from NMR spectroscopy, including chemical shift perturbation, transferred pseudocontact shifts, and paramagnetic relaxation enhancement. This perspective examines structure-guided optimization from weak fragment screening hits to potent leads for challenging PPI targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongsheng Ma
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Science at the Microscale, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, Anhui, China.
| | - Pengchao Wang
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Science at the Microscale, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, Anhui, China.
| | - Jihui Wu
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Science at the Microscale, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, Anhui, China.
| | - Ke Ruan
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Science at the Microscale, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, Anhui, China.
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33
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Bauer U, Breeze AL. “Ligandability” of Drug Targets: Assessment of Chemical Tractability via Experimental and
In Silico
Approaches. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.1002/9783527677047.ch03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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34
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Guo D, Heitman LH, IJzerman AP. Kinetic Aspects of the Interaction between Ligand and G Protein-Coupled Receptor: The Case of the Adenosine Receptors. Chem Rev 2016; 117:38-66. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.6b00025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dong Guo
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry,
Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR), Leiden University, P.O. Box 9502, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Laura H. Heitman
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry,
Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR), Leiden University, P.O. Box 9502, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Adriaan P. IJzerman
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry,
Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR), Leiden University, P.O. Box 9502, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands
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35
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Chaikuad A, Lang S, Brennan PE, Temperini C, Fedorov O, Hollander J, Nachane R, Abell C, Müller S, Siegal G, Knapp S. Structure-Based Identification of Inhibitory Fragments Targeting the p300/CBP-Associated Factor Bromodomain. J Med Chem 2016; 59:1648-53. [PMID: 26731131 PMCID: PMC4770306 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.5b01719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
![]()
The
P300/CBP-associated factor plays a central role in retroviral
infection and cancer development, and the C-terminal bromodomain provides
an opportunity for selective targeting. Here, we report several new
classes of acetyl-lysine mimetic ligands ranging from mM to low micromolar
affinity that were identified using fragment screening approaches.
The binding modes of the most attractive fragments were determined
using high resolution crystal structures providing chemical starting
points and structural models for the development of potent and selective
PCAF inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Apirat Chaikuad
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, Structural Genomics Consortium and Target Discovery Institute, University of Oxford , Old Road Campus Research Building, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, OX3 7DQ, U.K
| | - Steffen Lang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge , Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, U.K
| | - Paul E Brennan
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, Structural Genomics Consortium and Target Discovery Institute, University of Oxford , Old Road Campus Research Building, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, OX3 7DQ, U.K
| | - Claudia Temperini
- Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University , Einsteinweg 55, 2333 CC Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Oleg Fedorov
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, Structural Genomics Consortium and Target Discovery Institute, University of Oxford , Old Road Campus Research Building, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, OX3 7DQ, U.K
| | | | - Ruta Nachane
- ZoBio , Einsteinweg 55, 2333 CC Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Chris Abell
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge , Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, U.K
| | - Susanne Müller
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, Structural Genomics Consortium and Target Discovery Institute, University of Oxford , Old Road Campus Research Building, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, OX3 7DQ, U.K
| | - Gregg Siegal
- ZoBio , Einsteinweg 55, 2333 CC Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Stefan Knapp
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, Structural Genomics Consortium and Target Discovery Institute, University of Oxford , Old Road Campus Research Building, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, OX3 7DQ, U.K.,Institute for Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University and Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences , Max-von-Laue-Strasse 9, D-60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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Ahirwar R, Tanwar S, Parween S, Kumar A, Nahar P. Image-based detection of oligonucleotides--a low cost alternative to spectrophotometric or fluorometric methods. Analyst 2015; 139:2186-92. [PMID: 24653995 DOI: 10.1039/c3an02402d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Herein, we report a sensitive and low cost image-based (photocolorimetric) method for the detection of oligonucleotides on an activated polypropylene microtest plate (APPμTP). The assay was developed on the APPμTP by covalently immobilising 20-mer amino-modified oligonucleotides. Biotin-tagged complementary target sequences were then hybridised with the immobilised oligonucleotides. Colour was developed by streptavidin-HRP conjugate and the image of the coloured assay solution was taken by a desktop scanner and analysed using colour saturation. The developed method was analysed for its detection limit, accuracy, sensitivity and interference. The linearity range was found to be 1.7-170 ng mL(-1) while the lower limit of detection and limit of quantification were 1.7 and 5.6 ng mL(-1) respectively. The method showed comparable sensitivity to fluorometric methods, and was found to be correlated to fluorescence (R(2) = 0.8081, p-value < 0.0001) and absorbance (R(2) = 0.9394, p-value < 0.0001)-based quantification. It discriminates mismatched base sequences from perfectly matched sequences efficiently. Validation of the method was carried out by detecting por A DNA of Neisseria meningitidis in bacterial meningitis samples. The por A-specific probe having a 6-carbon spacer at its 5'-NH2 terminus was immobilised covalently to the APPμTP and hybridised with different samples of biotinylated single-stranded por A DNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajesh Ahirwar
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, Mall Road, Delhi, 110007, India.
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Sturlese M, Bellanda M, Moro S. NMR-Assisted Molecular Docking Methodologies. Mol Inform 2015; 34:513-25. [DOI: 10.1002/minf.201500012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2015] [Accepted: 04/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Wätzig H, Oltmann-Norden I, Steinicke F, Alhazmi HA, Nachbar M, El-Hady DA, Albishri HM, Baumann K, Exner T, Böckler FM, El Deeb S. Data quality in drug discovery: the role of analytical performance in ligand binding assays. J Comput Aided Mol Des 2015; 29:847-65. [DOI: 10.1007/s10822-015-9851-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2015] [Accepted: 06/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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Abstract
Fragment-based drug design (FBDD) comprises both fragment-based screening (FBS) to find hits and elaboration of these hits to lead compounds. Typical fragment hits have lower molecular weight (<300-350 Da) and lower initial potency but higher ligand efficiency when compared to those from high-throughput screening. NMR spectroscopy has been widely used for FBDD since it identifies and localizes the binding site of weakly interacting hits on the target protein. Here we describe ligand-based NMR methods for hit identification from fragment libraries and for functional cross-validation of primary hits.
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41
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Yuan G, Gedeon NG, Jankins TC, Jones GB. Novel approaches for targeting the adenosine A2Areceptor. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2014; 10:63-80. [DOI: 10.1517/17460441.2015.971006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Shepherd CA, Hopkins AL, Navratilova I. Fragment screening by SPR and advanced application to GPCRs. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2014; 116:113-23. [PMID: 25301577 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2014.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2014] [Accepted: 09/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) is one of the primary biophysical methods for the screening of low molecular weight 'fragment' libraries, due to its low protein consumption and 'label-free' methodology. SPR biosensor interaction analysis is employed to both screen and confirm the binding of compounds in fragment screening experiments, as it provides accurate information on the affinity and kinetics of molecular interactions. The most advanced application of the use of SPR for fragment screening is against membrane protein drug targets, such G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). Biophysical GPCR assays using SPR have been validated with pharmacological measurements approximate to cell-based methods, yet provide the advantage of biophysical methods in their ability to measure the weak affinities of low molecular weight fragments. A number of SPR fragment screens against GPCRs have now been disclosed in the literature. SPR fragment screening is proving versatile to screen both thermostabilised GPCRs and solubilised wild type receptors. In this chapter, we discuss the state-of-the-art in GPCR fragment screening by SPR and the technical considerations in performing such experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire A Shepherd
- Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, College of Life Science, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee DD1 5EH, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew L Hopkins
- Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, College of Life Science, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee DD1 5EH, United Kingdom.
| | - Iva Navratilova
- Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, College of Life Science, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee DD1 5EH, United Kingdom
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Dias DM, Ciulli A. NMR approaches in structure-based lead discovery: recent developments and new frontiers for targeting multi-protein complexes. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2014; 116:101-12. [PMID: 25175337 PMCID: PMC4261069 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2014.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2014] [Revised: 08/06/2014] [Accepted: 08/19/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is a pivotal method for structure-based and fragment-based lead discovery because it is one of the most robust techniques to provide information on protein structure, dynamics and interaction at an atomic level in solution. Nowadays, in most ligand screening cascades, NMR-based methods are applied to identify and structurally validate small molecule binding. These can be high-throughput and are often used synergistically with other biophysical assays. Here, we describe current state-of-the-art in the portfolio of available NMR-based experiments that are used to aid early-stage lead discovery. We then focus on multi-protein complexes as targets and how NMR spectroscopy allows studying of interactions within the high molecular weight assemblies that make up a vast fraction of the yet untargeted proteome. Finally, we give our perspective on how currently available methods could build an improved strategy for drug discovery against such challenging targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M Dias
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Alessio Ciulli
- College of Life Sciences, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, University of Dundee, Dow Street, DD1 5EH, Dundee, UK.
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Barile E, Pellecchia M. NMR-based approaches for the identification and optimization of inhibitors of protein-protein interactions. Chem Rev 2014; 114:4749-63. [PMID: 24712885 PMCID: PMC4027952 DOI: 10.1021/cr500043b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Barile
- Sanford-Burnham Medical
Research Institute, 10901
North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Maurizio Pellecchia
- Sanford-Burnham Medical
Research Institute, 10901
North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
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A new NMR technique to probe protein–ligand interaction. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2014; 89:18-23. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2013.10.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2013] [Revised: 10/14/2013] [Accepted: 10/16/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Luna RE, Akabayov SR, Ziarek JJ, Wagner G. Examining weak protein-protein interactions in start codon recognition via NMR spectroscopy. FEBS J 2014; 281:1965-73. [PMID: 24393460 DOI: 10.1111/febs.12667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2013] [Accepted: 11/28/2013] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Weak protein-protein interactions are critical in numerous biological processes. Unfortunately, they are difficult to characterize due to the high concentrations required for the production and detection of the complex population. The inherent sensitivity of NMR spectroscopy to the chemical environment makes it an excellent tool to tackle this problem. NMR permits the exploration of interactions over a range of affinities, yielding essential insights into dynamic biological processes. The conversion of messanger RNA to protein is one such process that requires the coordinated association of many low-affinity proteins. During start codon recognition, eukaryotic initiation factors assemble into high-order complexes that bind messanger RNA and bring it to the ribosome for decoding. Many of the structures of the eukaryotic initiation factors have been determined; however, little is known regarding the weak binary complexes formed and their structure-function mechanisms. Herein, we use start codon recognition as a model system to review the relevant NMR methods for the characterization of weak interactions and the development of small molecule inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael E Luna
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Chen D, Ranganathan A, IJzerman AP, Siegal G, Carlsson J. Complementarity between in silico and biophysical screening approaches in fragment-based lead discovery against the A(2A) adenosine receptor. J Chem Inf Model 2013; 53:2701-14. [PMID: 23971943 DOI: 10.1021/ci4003156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Fragment-based lead discovery (FBLD) is becoming an increasingly important method in drug development. We have explored the potential to complement NMR-based biophysical screening of chemical libraries with molecular docking in FBLD against the A(2A) adenosine receptor (A(2A)AR), a drug target for inflammation and Parkinson's disease. Prior to an NMR-based screen of a fragment library against the A(2A)AR, molecular docking against a crystal structure was used to rank the same set of molecules by their predicted affinities. Molecular docking was able to predict four out of the five orthosteric ligands discovered by NMR among the top 5% of the ranked library, suggesting that structure-based methods could be used to prioritize among primary hits from biophysical screens. In addition, three fragments that were top-ranked by molecular docking, but had not been picked up by the NMR-based method, were demonstrated to be A(2A)AR ligands. While biophysical approaches for fragment screening are typically limited to a few thousand compounds, the docking screen was extended to include 328,000 commercially available fragments. Twenty-two top-ranked compounds were tested in radioligand binding assays, and 14 of these were A(2A)AR ligands with K(i) values ranging from 2 to 240 μM. Optimization of fragments was guided by molecular dynamics simulations and free energy calculations. The results illuminate strengths and weaknesses of molecular docking and demonstrate that this method can serve as a valuable complementary tool to biophysical screening in FBLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Chen
- ZoBio BV , 2300RA Leiden, The Netherlands
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Harner MJ, Frank AO, Fesik SW. Fragment-based drug discovery using NMR spectroscopy. JOURNAL OF BIOMOLECULAR NMR 2013; 56:65-75. [PMID: 23686385 PMCID: PMC3699969 DOI: 10.1007/s10858-013-9740-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2013] [Accepted: 05/03/2013] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy has evolved into a powerful tool for fragment-based drug discovery over the last two decades. While NMR has been traditionally used to elucidate the three-dimensional structures and dynamics of biomacromolecules and their interactions, it can also be a very valuable tool for the reliable identification of small molecules that bind to proteins and for hit-to-lead optimization. Here, we describe the use of NMR spectroscopy as a method for fragment-based drug discovery and how to most effectively utilize this approach for discovering novel therapeutics based on our experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary J Harner
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, 2215 Garland Ave, 607 Light Hall, Nashville, TN 37232-0146, USA
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Visegrády A, Keserű GM. Fragment-based lead discovery on G-protein-coupled receptors. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2013; 8:811-20. [PMID: 23621346 DOI: 10.1517/17460441.2013.794135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) form one of the largest groups of potential targets for novel medications. Low druggability of many GPCR targets and inefficient sampling of chemical space in high-throughput screening expertise however often hinder discovery of drug discovery leads for GPCRs. Fragment-based drug discovery is an alternative approach to the conventional strategy and has proven its efficiency on several enzyme targets. Based on developments in biophysical screening techniques, receptor stabilization and in vitro assays, virtual and experimental fragment screening and fragment-based lead discovery recently became applicable for GPCR targets. AREAS COVERED This article provides a review of the biophysical as well as biological detection techniques suitable to study GPCRs together with their applications to screen fragment libraries and identify fragment-size ligands of cell surface receptors. The article presents several recent examples including both virtual and experimental protocols for fragment hit discovery and early hit to lead progress. EXPERT OPINION With the recent progress in biophysical detection techniques, the advantages of fragment-based drug discovery could be exploited for GPCR targets. Structural information on GPCRs will be more abundantly available for early stages of drug discovery projects, providing information on the binding process and efficiently supporting the progression of fragment hit to lead. In silico approaches in combination with biological assays can be used to address structurally challenging GPCRs and confirm biological relevance of interaction early in the drug discovery project.
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Guan JY, Keizers PHJ, Liu WM, Löhr F, Skinner SP, Heeneman EA, Schwalbe H, Ubbink M, Siegal G. Small-molecule binding sites on proteins established by paramagnetic NMR spectroscopy. J Am Chem Soc 2013; 135:5859-68. [PMID: 23509882 DOI: 10.1021/ja401323m] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Determining the three-dimensional structure of a small molecule-protein complex with weak affinity can be a significant challenge. We present a paramagnetic NMR method to determine intermolecular structure restraints based on pseudocontact shifts (PCSs). Since the ligand must be in fast exchange between free and bound states and the fraction bound can be as low as a few percent, the method is ideal for ligands with high micromolar to millimolar dissociation constants. Paramagnetic tags are attached, one at a time, in a well-defined way via two arms at several sites on the protein surface. The ligand PCSs were measured from simple 1D (1)H spectra and used as docking restraints. An independent confirmation of the complex structure was carried out using intermolecular NOEs. The results show that structures derived from these two approaches are similar. The best results are obtained if the magnetic susceptibility tensors of the tags are known, but it is demonstrated that with two-armed probes, the magnetic susceptibility tensor can be predicted with sufficient accuracy to provide a low-resolution model of the ligand orientation and the location of the binding site in the absence of isotope-labeled protein. This approach can facilitate fragment-based drug discovery in obtaining structural information on the initial fragment hits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Ying Guan
- Gorlaeus Laboratories, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Post Office Box 9502, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands
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