1
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Leśniewska A, Przybylski P. Seven-membered N-heterocycles as approved drugs and promising leads in medicinal chemistry as well as the metal-free domino access to their scaffolds. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 275:116556. [PMID: 38879971 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116556] [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: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Azepanes or azepines are structural motifs of many drugs, drug candidates and evaluated lead compounds. Even though compounds having N-heterocyclic 7-membered rings are often found in nature (e.g. alkaloids), the natural compounds of this group are rather rare as approved therapeutics. Thus, recently studied and approved azepane or azepine-congeners predominantly consist of semi-synthetically or synthetically-obtained scaffolds. In this review a comparison of approved drugs and recently investigated leads was proposed taking into regard their structural aspects (stereochemistry), biological activities, pharmacokinetic properties and confirmed molecular targets. The 7-membered N-heterocycles reveal a wide range of biological activities, not only against CNS diseases, but also as e.g. antibacterial, anticancer, antiviral, antiparasitic and against allergy agents. As most of the approved or investigated potential drugs or lead structures, belonging to 7-membered N-heterocycles, are synthetic scaffolds, this report also reveals different and efficient metal-free cascade approaches useful to synthesize both simple azepane or azepine-containing congeners and those of oligocyclic structures. Stereochemistry of azepane/azepine fused systems, in view of biological data and binding with the targets, is discussed. Apart from the approved drugs, we compare advances in SAR studies of 7-membered N-heterocycles (mainly from 2018 to 2023), whereas the related synthetic part concerning various domino strategies is focused on the last ten years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Leśniewska
- Faculty of Chemistry, Adam Mickiewicz University, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 8, 61-614, Poznan, Poland
| | - Piotr Przybylski
- Faculty of Chemistry, Adam Mickiewicz University, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 8, 61-614, Poznan, Poland.
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2
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Guan Q, Xing S, Wang L, Zhu J, Guo C, Xu C, Zhao Q, Wu Y, Chen Y, Sun H. Triazoles in Medicinal Chemistry: Physicochemical Properties, Bioisosterism, and Application. J Med Chem 2024; 67:7788-7824. [PMID: 38699796 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Triazole demonstrates distinctive physicochemical properties, characterized by weak basicity, various dipole moments, and significant dual hydrogen bond acceptor and donor capabilities. These features are poised to play a pivotal role in drug-target interactions. The inherent polarity of triazole contributes to its lower logP, suggesting the potential improvement in water solubility. The metabolic stability of triazole adds additional value to drug discovery. Moreover, the metal-binding capacity of the nitrogen atom lone pair electrons of triazole has broad applications in the development of metal chelators and antifungal agents. This Perspective aims to underscore the unique physicochemical attributes of triazole and its application. A comparative analysis involving triazole isomers and other heterocycles provides guiding insights for the subsequent design of triazoles, with the hope of offering valuable considerations for designing other heterocycles in medicinal chemistry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianwen Guan
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuaishuai Xing
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Wang
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiawei Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, People's Republic of China
| | - Can Guo
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunlei Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Qun Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Yulan Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Yao Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Haopeng Sun
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, People's Republic of China
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3
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Yang J, Yu YC, Wang ZX, Li QQ, Ding N, Leng XJ, Cai J, Zhang MY, Wang JJ, Zhou Y, Wei TH, Xue X, Dai WC, Sun SL, Yang Y, Li NG, Shi ZH. Research strategies of small molecules as chemotherapeutics to overcome multiple myeloma resistance. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 271:116435. [PMID: 38648728 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116435] [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: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM), a cancer of plasma cells, is the second most common hematological malignancy which is characterized by aberrant plasma cells infiltration in the bone marrow and complex heterogeneous cytogenetic abnormalities. Over the past two decades, novel treatment strategies such as proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulators, and monoclonal antibodies have significantly improved the relative survival rate of MM patients. However, the development of drug resistance results in the majority of MM patients suffering from relapse, limited treatment options and uncontrolled disease progression after relapse. There are urgent needs to develop and explore novel MM treatment strategies to overcome drug resistance and improve efficacy. Here, we review the recent small molecule therapeutic strategies for MM, and introduce potential new targets and corresponding modulators in detail. In addition, this paper also summarizes the progress of multi-target inhibitor therapy and protein degradation technology in the treatment of MM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Yang
- National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, China
| | - Yan-Cheng Yu
- National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, China
| | - Zi-Xuan Wang
- National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, China
| | - Qing-Qing Li
- National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, China
| | - Ning Ding
- National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, China
| | - Xue-Jiao Leng
- National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, China
| | - Jiao Cai
- National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, China
| | - Meng-Yuan Zhang
- National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, China
| | - Jing-Jing Wang
- National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, China
| | - Yun Zhou
- National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, China
| | - Tian-Hua Wei
- National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, China
| | - Xin Xue
- National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, China
| | - Wei-Chen Dai
- National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, China
| | - Shan-Liang Sun
- National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, China.
| | - Ye Yang
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, China.
| | - Nian-Guang Li
- National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, China.
| | - Zhi-Hao Shi
- Laboratory of Molecular Design and Drug Discovery, School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, China.
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4
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Chen X, Wu T, Du Z, Kang W, Xu R, Meng F, Liu C, Chen Y, Bao Q, Shen J, You Q, Cao D, Jiang Z, Guo X. Discovery of a brain-permeable bromodomain and extra terminal domain (BET) inhibitor with selectivity for BD1 for the treatment of multiple sclerosis. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 265:116080. [PMID: 38142510 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.116080] [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: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neuroinflammatory autoimmune disease and lacks effective therapeutic agents. Dysregulation of transcription mediated by bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) proteins containing two different bromodomains (BD1 and BD2) is an important factor in multiple diseases, including MS. Herein, we identified a series of BD1-biased inhibitors, in which compound 16 showed nanomolar potency for BD1 (Kd = 230 nM) and a 60-fold selectivity for BRD4 BD1 over BD2. The co-crystal structure of BRD4 BD1 with 16 indicated that the hydrogen bond interaction of 16 with BD1-specific Asp145 is important for BD1 selectivity. 16 showed favorable brain distribution in mice and PK properties in rats. 16 was able to inhibit microglia activation and had significant therapeutic effects on EAE mice including improvement of spinal cord inflammatory conditions and demyelination protection. Overall, these results suggest that brain-permeable BD1 inhibitors have the potential to be further investigated as therapeutic agents for MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuetao Chen
- Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Tingting Wu
- Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Zhiyan Du
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Wenjing Kang
- Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Rujun Xu
- Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Fanying Meng
- Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Chihong Liu
- Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Yali Chen
- Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Qichao Bao
- Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Jingkang Shen
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Qidong You
- Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Danyan Cao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Zhengyu Jiang
- Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
| | - Xiaoke Guo
- Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
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5
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Peng X, Hu Z, Zeng L, Zhang M, Xu C, Lu B, Tao C, Chen W, Hou W, Cheng K, Bi H, Pan W, Chen J. Overview of epigenetic degraders based on PROTAC, molecular glue, and hydrophobic tagging technologies. Acta Pharm Sin B 2024; 14:533-578. [PMID: 38322348 PMCID: PMC10840439 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2023.09.003] [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: 06/10/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic pathways play a critical role in the initiation, progression, and metastasis of cancer. Over the past few decades, significant progress has been made in the development of targeted epigenetic modulators (e.g., inhibitors). However, epigenetic inhibitors have faced multiple challenges, including limited clinical efficacy, toxicities, lack of subtype selectivity, and drug resistance. As a result, the design of new epigenetic modulators (e.g., degraders) such as PROTACs, molecular glue, and hydrophobic tagging (HyT) degraders has garnered significant attention from both academia and pharmaceutical industry, and numerous epigenetic degraders have been discovered in the past decade. In this review, we aim to provide an in-depth illustration of new degrading strategies (2017-2023) targeting epigenetic proteins for cancer therapy, focusing on the rational design, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, clinical status, and crystal structure information of these degraders. Importantly, we also provide deep insights into the potential challenges and corresponding remedies of this approach to drug design and development. Overall, we hope this review will offer a better mechanistic understanding and serve as a useful guide for the development of emerging epigenetic-targeting degraders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaopeng Peng
- College of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases of Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 314000, China
| | - Zhihao Hu
- College of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases of Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 314000, China
| | - Limei Zeng
- College of Basic Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 314000, China
| | - Meizhu Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases of Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 314000, China
| | - Congcong Xu
- College of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases of Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 314000, China
| | - Benyan Lu
- College of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases of Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 314000, China
| | - Chengpeng Tao
- College of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases of Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 314000, China
| | - Weiming Chen
- College of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases of Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 314000, China
| | - Wen Hou
- College of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases of Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 314000, China
| | - Kui Cheng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Huichang Bi
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Wanyi Pan
- College of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases of Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 314000, China
| | - Jianjun Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
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6
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Collie GW, Clark MA, Keefe AD, Madin A, Read JA, Rivers EL, Zhang Y. Screening Ultra-Large Encoded Compound Libraries Leads to Novel Protein-Ligand Interactions and High Selectivity. J Med Chem 2024; 67:864-884. [PMID: 38197367 PMCID: PMC10823476 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01861] [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: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
The DNA-encoded library (DEL) discovery platform has emerged as a powerful technology for hit identification in recent years. It has become one of the major parallel workstreams for small molecule drug discovery along with other strategies such as HTS and data mining. For many researchers working in the DEL field, it has become increasingly evident that many hits and leads discovered via DEL screening bind to target proteins with unique and unprecedented binding modes. This Perspective is our attempt to analyze reports of DEL screening with the purpose of providing a rigorous and useful account of the binding modes observed for DEL-derived ligands with a focus on binding mode novelty.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Ying Zhang
- X-Chem,
Inc., Waltham, Massachusetts 02453, United States
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7
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Jiang W, Hou Q, Xu H, Yang K, Wang X, Zhang K, Zeng Y, Li W, Wang B, Luo G, Zhao X, Shen H, Xu Y, Wu X. Discovery of Novel Phenoxyaryl Pyridones as Bromodomain and Extra-Terminal Domain (BET) Inhibitors with High Selectivity for the Second Bromodomain (BD2) to Potentially Treat Acute Myeloid Leukemia. J Med Chem 2024; 67:1513-1532. [PMID: 38175809 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c02104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Bromodomain-selective BET inhibition has emerged as a promising strategy to improve the safety profiles of pan-BET inhibitors. Herein, we report the discovery of potent phenoxyaryl pyridones as highly BD2-selective BET inhibitors. Compound 23 (IC50 = 2.9 nM) exhibited a comparable BRD4 BD2 inhibitory activity relative to 10 (IC50 = 1.0 nM) and remarkably improved selectivity over BRD4 BD1 (23: 2583-fold; 10: 344-fold). This lead compound significantly inhibited the proliferation of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cell lines through induction of G0/G1 arrest and apoptosis in vitro. Excellent in vivo antitumor efficacy with 23 was achieved in an MV;411 mouse xenograft model. Pleasingly, compound 23 (hERG IC50 > 30 μM) mitigated the inhibition of the human ether-à-go-go-related gene (hERG) ion channel compared with 10 (hERG IC50 = 2.8 μM). This work provides a promising BD2-selective lead for the development of more effective and safe BET inhibitors as anticancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhua Jiang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
- Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Qiangqiang Hou
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
- Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Hongrui Xu
- Center for Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China
| | - Kexin Yang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
- Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Xiaohui Wang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
- Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Kuojun Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
- Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Yi Zeng
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
- Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Wenqiang Li
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
- Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Bingrui Wang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
- Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Guangmei Luo
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
- Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Xiaofan Zhao
- GMU-GIBH Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, China
| | - Hui Shen
- Center for Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China
| | - Yong Xu
- Center for Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China
- China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory on Biomedicine and Health, Guangzhou, 510530, China
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China
| | - Xiaoxing Wu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
- Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
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8
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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: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [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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9
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Wahi A, Manchanda N, Jain P, Jadhav HR. Targeting the epigenetic reader "BET" as a therapeutic strategy for cancer. Bioorg Chem 2023; 140:106833. [PMID: 37683545 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.106833] [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: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
Bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) proteins have the ability to bind to acetylated lysine residues present in both histones and non-histone proteins. This binding is facilitated by the presence of tandem bromodomains. The regulatory role of BET proteins extends to chromatin dynamics, cellular processes, and disease progression. The BET family comprises of BRD 2, 3, 4 and BRDT. The BET proteins are a class of epigenetic readers that regulate the transcriptional activity of a multitude of genes that are involved in the pathogenesis of cancer. Thus, targeting BET proteins has been identified as a potentially efficacious approach for the treatment of cancer. BET inhibitors (BETis) are known to interfere with the binding of BET proteins to acetylated lysine residues of chromatin, thereby leading to the suppression of transcription of several genes, including oncogenic transcription factors. Here in this review, we focus on role of Bromodomain and extra C-terminal (BET) proteins in cancer progression. Furthermore, numerous small-molecule inhibitors with pan-BET activity have been documented, with certain compounds currently undergoing clinical assessment. However, it is apparent that the clinical effectiveness of the present BET inhibitors is restricted, prompting the exploration of novel technologies to enhance their clinical outcomes and mitigate undesired adverse effects. Thus, strategies like development of selective BET-BD1, & BD2 inhibitors, dual and acting BET are also presented in this review and attempts to cover the chemistry needed for proper establishment of designed molecules into BRD have been made. Moreover, the review attempts to summarize the details of research till date and proposes a space for future development of BET inhibitor with diminished side effects. It can be concluded that discovery of isoform selective BET inhibitors can be a way forward in order to develop BET inhibitors with negligible side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Wahi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, Govt. of NCT of Delhi, Delhi, New Delhi 110017, India
| | - Namish Manchanda
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, Govt. of NCT of Delhi, Delhi, New Delhi 110017, India
| | - Priti Jain
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, Govt. of NCT of Delhi, Delhi, New Delhi 110017, India.
| | - Hemant R Jadhav
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani-Pilani Campus, Vidya Vihar Pilani, Rajasthan 333031, India
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10
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Shi M, Zheng X, Zhou Y, Yin Y, Lu Z, Zou Z, Hu Y, Liang Y, Chen T, Yang Y, Jing M, Lei D, Yang P, Li X. Selectivity Mechanism of Pyrrolopyridone Analogues Targeting Bromodomain 2 of Bromodomain-Containing Protein 4 from Molecular Dynamics Simulations. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:33658-33674. [PMID: 37744850 PMCID: PMC10515184 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c03935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) proteins play an important role in epigenetic regulation and are linked to several diseases; therefore, they are interesting targets. BET has two bromodomains: bromodomain 1 (BD1) and BD2. Selective targeting of BD1 or BD2 may produce different activities and greater effects than pan-BD inhibitors. However, the selective mechanism of the specific core must be studied at the atomic level. This study determined the effectiveness of pyrrolopyridone analogues to selectively inhibit BD2 using a pan-BD inhibitor (ABBV-075) and a selective-BD2 inhibitor (ABBV-744). Molecular dynamics simulations and calculations of binding free energies were used to systematically study the selectivity of BD2 inhibition by the pyrrolopyridone analogues. Overall, the pyrrolopyridone analogue inhibitors targeting BD2 interacted mainly with the following amino acid pairs between bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4)-BD1 and BRD4-BD2 complexes: I146/V439, N140/N433, D144/H437, P82/P375, V87/V380, D88/D381, and Y139/Y432. The pyrrolopyridone analogues targeting BRD4-BD2 were divided into five regions based on selectivity mechanism. These results suggest that the R3 and R5 regions of pyrrolopyridone analogues can be modified to improve the selectivity between BRD4-BD1 and BRD4-BD2. The selectivity of BD2 inhibition by pyrrolopyridone analogues can be used to design novel BD2 inhibitors based on a pyrrolopyridone core.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingsong Shi
- NHC
Key Laboratory of Nuclear Technology Medical Transformation, Mianyang
Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University
of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Mianyang 621099, Sichuan, China
- Innovation
Center of Nursing Research, Nursing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province,
West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Xueting Zheng
- NHC
Key Laboratory of Nuclear Technology Medical Transformation, Mianyang
Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University
of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Mianyang 621099, Sichuan, China
| | - Yan Zhou
- NHC
Key Laboratory of Nuclear Technology Medical Transformation, Mianyang
Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University
of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Mianyang 621099, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuan Yin
- NHC
Key Laboratory of Nuclear Technology Medical Transformation, Mianyang
Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University
of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Mianyang 621099, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhou Lu
- NHC
Key Laboratory of Nuclear Technology Medical Transformation, Mianyang
Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University
of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Mianyang 621099, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhiyan Zou
- NHC
Key Laboratory of Nuclear Technology Medical Transformation, Mianyang
Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University
of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Mianyang 621099, Sichuan, China
| | - Yan Hu
- NHC
Key Laboratory of Nuclear Technology Medical Transformation, Mianyang
Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University
of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Mianyang 621099, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuanyuan Liang
- NHC
Key Laboratory of Nuclear Technology Medical Transformation, Mianyang
Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University
of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Mianyang 621099, Sichuan, China
| | - Tingting Chen
- NHC
Key Laboratory of Nuclear Technology Medical Transformation, Mianyang
Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University
of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Mianyang 621099, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuhan Yang
- NHC
Key Laboratory of Nuclear Technology Medical Transformation, Mianyang
Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University
of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Mianyang 621099, Sichuan, China
| | - Meng Jing
- Department
of Pathology, Mianyang Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of
China, Mianyang 621099, Sichuan, China
| | - Dan Lei
- School
of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest
University of Science and Technology, Mianyang 621010, Sichuan, China
| | - Pei Yang
- Department
of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Mianyang Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of
China, Mianyang 621099, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaoan Li
- NHC
Key Laboratory of Nuclear Technology Medical Transformation, Mianyang
Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University
of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Mianyang 621099, Sichuan, China
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11
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Wang Z, Yin L, Xiong Z, Huang F, Yang N, Jiang F, Li H, Cui Y, Ren J, Cheng Z, Jia K, Lu T, Zhu J, Hu Q, Chen Y. Discovery of a Bromodomain and Extra Terminal Domain (BET) Inhibitor with the Selectivity for the Second Bromodomain (BD2) and the Capacity for the Treatment of Inflammatory Diseases. J Med Chem 2023; 66:10824-10848. [PMID: 37478496 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
Selective inhibitors targeting the first bromodomain (BD1) or the second bromodomain (BD2) of the bromodomain and extra terminal domain (BET) proteins have triggered extensive research to produce more specific agents. Herein, we described our efforts to design and synthesize a series of selective BET BD2 inhibitors with novel structures. Among them, compound 45 showed single-digit nanomolar potency against BRD4 BD2 (IC50: 1.6 nM) and a 328-fold selectivity for BRD4 BD2 over BRD4 BD1 (IC50: 524 nM). Besides, 45 possessed potent effects on regulating the differentiation of Th17 cells and reducing the levels of Th17-related cytokines by affecting the activation of STAT3 and NF-κB. Further studies demonstrated that 45 had significant therapeutic efficacy in mouse models of imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis and dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This work provides a strong foundation for the development of selective BET BD2 inhibitors and the therapeutic strategy for psoriasis and IBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhijie Wang
- School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211198, P. R. China
| | - Li Yin
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211198, P. R. China
| | - Zhenghan Xiong
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211198, P. R. China
| | - Fei Huang
- School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211198, P. R. China
| | - Na Yang
- School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211198, P. R. China
| | - Fei Jiang
- School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211198, P. R. China
| | - Huili Li
- School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211198, P. R. China
| | - Yong Cui
- School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211198, P. R. China
| | - Jiwei Ren
- School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211198, P. R. China
| | - Zitian Cheng
- School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211198, P. R. China
| | - Kun Jia
- School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211198, P. R. China
| | - Tao Lu
- School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211198, P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing 210009, P. R. China
| | - Jiapeng Zhu
- School of Medicine and Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base for TCM Quality and Efficacy, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| | - Qinghua Hu
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211198, P. R. China
| | - Yadong Chen
- School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211198, P. R. China
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12
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Gajjela BK, Zhou MM. Bromodomain inhibitors and therapeutic applications. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2023; 75:102323. [PMID: 37207401 PMCID: PMC10524616 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2023.102323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
The bromodomain acts to recognize acetylated lysine in histones and transcription proteins and plays a fundamental role in chromatin-based cellular processes including gene transcription and chromatin remodeling. Many bromodomain proteins, particularly the bromodomain and extra terminal domain (BET) protein BRD4 have been implicated in cancers and inflammatory disorders and recognized as attractive drug targets. Although clinical studies of many BET bromodomain inhibitors have made substantial progress toward harnessing the therapeutic potential of targeting the bromodomain proteins, the development of this new class of epigenetic drugs is met with challenges, especially on-target dose-limiting toxicity. In this review, we highlight the current development of new-generation small molecule inhibitors for the BET and non-BET bromodomain proteins and discuss the research strategies used to target different bromodomain proteins for a wide array of human diseases including cancers and inflammatory disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bharath Kumar Gajjela
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1425 Madison Avenue, New York, NY, 10029, United States
| | - Ming-Ming Zhou
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1425 Madison Avenue, New York, NY, 10029, United States.
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13
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Zhang S, Ye Y, Zhang Q, Luo Y, Wang ZC, Wu YZ, Zhang XP, Yi C. Current development of pyrazole-azole hybrids with anticancer potential. Future Med Chem 2023; 15:1527-1548. [PMID: 37610862 DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2023-0138] [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: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapy is a critical treatment modality for cancer patients, but multidrug resistance remains one of the major challenges in cancer therapy, creating an urgent need for the development of novel potent chemical entities. Azoles, particularly pyrazole, could interact with different biological targets and exhibit diverse biological properties including anticancer activity. Many clinically used anticancer agents own an azole moiety, demonstrating that azoles are privileged and pivotal templates in the discovery of novel anticancer chemotherapeutics. The present article is an attempt to highlight the recent advances in pyrazole-azole hybrids with anticancer potential and discuss the structure-activity relationships, covering articles published from 2018 to present, to facilitate the rational design of more effective anticancer candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu Zhang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Pollution Damage Assessment & Environmental Health Risk Prevention & Control, Hubei Provincial Academy of Eco-Environmental Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, 430000, PR China
| | - Yun Ye
- Technical Review Center for Administrative Licensing, Hubei Provincial Administration for Market Regulation, Wuhan, Hubei, 430000, PR China
| | - Qiang Zhang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Pollution Damage Assessment & Environmental Health Risk Prevention & Control, Hubei Provincial Academy of Eco-Environmental Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, 430000, PR China
| | - Yang Luo
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Pollution Damage Assessment & Environmental Health Risk Prevention & Control, Hubei Provincial Academy of Eco-Environmental Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, 430000, PR China
| | - Zi-Chen Wang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Pollution Damage Assessment & Environmental Health Risk Prevention & Control, Hubei Provincial Academy of Eco-Environmental Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, 430000, PR China
| | - Yi-Zhe Wu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Pollution Damage Assessment & Environmental Health Risk Prevention & Control, Hubei Provincial Academy of Eco-Environmental Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, 430000, PR China
| | - Xiang-Pu Zhang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Pollution Damage Assessment & Environmental Health Risk Prevention & Control, Hubei Provincial Academy of Eco-Environmental Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, 430000, PR China
| | - Chuan Yi
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Pollution Damage Assessment & Environmental Health Risk Prevention & Control, Hubei Provincial Academy of Eco-Environmental Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, 430000, PR China
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14
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Chen LC, Mokgautsi N, Kuo YC, Wu ATH, Huang HS. In Silico Evaluation of HN-N07 Small Molecule as an Inhibitor of Angiogenesis and Lymphangiogenesis Oncogenic Signatures in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2011. [PMID: 37509650 PMCID: PMC10376976 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11072011] [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: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis pathways have been identified as important therapeutic targets in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Bevacizumab, which is a monoclonal antibody, was the initial inhibitor of angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis that received approval for use in the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in combination with chemotherapy. Despite its usage, patients may still develop resistance to the treatment, which can be attributed to various histological subtypes and the initiation of treatment at advanced stages of cancer. Due to their better specificity, selectivity, and safety compared to chemotherapy, small molecules have been approved for treating advanced NSCLC. Based on the development of multiple small-molecule antiangiogenic drugs either in house and abroad or in other laboratories to treat NSCLC, we used a quinoline-derived small molecule-HN-N07-as a potential target drug for NSCLC. Accordingly, we used computational simulation tools and evaluated the drug-likeness properties of HN-N07. Moreover, we identified target genes, resulting in the discovery of the target BIRC5/HIF1A/FLT4 pro-angiogenic genes. Furthermore, we used in silico molecular docking analysis to determine whether HN-N07 could potentially inhibit BIRC5/HIF1A/FLT4. Interestingly, the results of docking HN-N07 with the BIRC5, FLT4, and HIF1A oncogenes revealed unique binding affinities, which were significantly higher than those of standard inhibitors. In summary, these results indicate that HN-N07 shows promise as a potential inhibitor of oncogenic signaling pathways in NSCLC. Ongoing studies that involve in vitro experiments and in vivo investigations using tumor-bearing mice are in progress, aiming to evaluate the therapeutic effectiveness of the HN-N07 small molecule.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lung-Ching Chen
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, Taipei 11101, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei 24205, Taiwan
| | - Ntlotlang Mokgautsi
- PhD Program for Cancer Molecular Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University and Academia Sinica, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute for Cancer Biology & Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Cheng Kuo
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- School of Post-Baccalaureate Chinese Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
| | - Alexander T H Wu
- The PhD Program of Translational Medicine, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Clinical Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- TMU Research Center of Cancer Translational Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 11490, Taiwan
| | - Hsu-Shan Huang
- PhD Program for Cancer Molecular Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University and Academia Sinica, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute for Cancer Biology & Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 11490, Taiwan
- School of Pharmacy, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 11490, Taiwan
- PhD Program in Drug Discovery and Development Industry, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
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15
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Bagka M, Choi H, Héritier M, Schwaemmle H, Pasquer QTL, Braun SMG, Scapozza L, Wu Y, Hoogendoorn S. Targeted protein degradation reveals BET bromodomains as the cellular target of Hedgehog pathway inhibitor-1. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3893. [PMID: 37393376 PMCID: PMC10314895 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39657-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Target deconvolution of small molecule hits from phenotypic screens presents a major challenge. Many screens have been conducted to find inhibitors for the Hedgehog signaling pathway - a developmental pathway with many implications in health and disease - yielding many hits but only few identified cellular targets. We here present a strategy for target identification based on Proteolysis-Targeting Chimeras (PROTACs), combined with label-free quantitative proteomics. We develop a PROTAC based on Hedgehog Pathway Inhibitor-1 (HPI-1), a phenotypic screen hit with unknown cellular target. Using this Hedgehog Pathway PROTAC (HPP) we identify and validate BET bromodomains as the cellular targets of HPI-1. Furthermore, we find that HPP-9 is a long-acting Hedgehog pathway inhibitor through prolonged BET bromodomain degradation. Collectively, we provide a powerful PROTAC-based approach for target deconvolution, that answers the longstanding question of the cellular target of HPI-1 and yields a PROTAC that acts on the Hedgehog pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meropi Bagka
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Hyeonyi Choi
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Margaux Héritier
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Hanna Schwaemmle
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Quentin T L Pasquer
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Simon M G Braun
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Leonardo Scapozza
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Yibo Wu
- Chemical Biology Mass Spectrometry Platform (CHEMBIOMS), Faculty of Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sascha Hoogendoorn
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
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16
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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: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [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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17
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Xu Z, Zhuang Y, Chen Q. Current scenario of pyrazole hybrids with in vivo therapeutic potential against cancers. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 257:115495. [PMID: 37209450 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115495] [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: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Chemotherapeutics occupy a pivotal role in the medication of different types of cancers, but the prevalence and mortality rates of cancer remain high. The drug resistance and low specificity of current available chemotherapeutics are the main barriers for the effective cancer chemotherapy, evoking an immediate need for the development of novel anticancer agents. Pyrazole is a highly versatile five-membered heterocycle with two adjacent nitrogen atoms and possesses remarkable therapeutic effects and robust pharmacological potency. The pyrazole derivatives especially pyrazole hybrids have demonstrated potent in vitro and in vivo efficacies against cancers through multiple mechanisms, inclusive of apoptosis induction, autophagy regulation, and cell cycle disruption. Moreover, several pyrazole hybrids such as crizotanib (pyrazole-pyridine hybrid), erdafitinib (pyrazole-quinoxaline hybrid) and ruxolitinib (pyrazole-pyrrolo [2,3-d]pyrimidine hybrid) have already been approved for the cancer therapy, revealing that pyrazole hybrids are useful scaffolds to develop novel anticancer agents. The purpose of this review is to summarize the current scenario of pyrazole hybrids with potential in vivo anticancer efficacy along with mechanisms of action, toxicity, and pharmacokinetics, covering papers published in recent 5 years (2018-present), to facilitate further rational exploitation of more effective candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Xu
- Industry Innovation & Research and Development Institute of Zhumadian, Huanghuai University, Zhumadian, 463000, China.
| | - Yafei Zhuang
- Industry Innovation & Research and Development Institute of Zhumadian, Huanghuai University, Zhumadian, 463000, China
| | - Qingtai Chen
- College of Chemistry Pharmaceutical Engineering, Huanghuai University, Zhumadian, 463000, China
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18
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Pan Z, Zhao Y, Wang X, Xie X, Liu M, Zhang K, Wang L, Bai D, Foster LJ, Shu R, He G. Targeting bromodomain-containing proteins: research advances of drug discovery. MOLECULAR BIOMEDICINE 2023; 4:13. [PMID: 37142850 PMCID: PMC10159834 DOI: 10.1186/s43556-023-00127-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Bromodomain (BD) is an evolutionarily conserved protein module found in 46 different BD-containing proteins (BCPs). BD acts as a specific reader for acetylated lysine residues (KAc) and serves an essential role in transcriptional regulation, chromatin remodeling, DNA damage repair, and cell proliferation. On the other hand, BCPs have been shown to be involved in the pathogenesis of a variety of diseases, including cancers, inflammation, cardiovascular diseases, and viral infections. Over the past decade, researchers have brought new therapeutic strategies to relevant diseases by inhibiting the activity or downregulating the expression of BCPs to interfere with the transcription of pathogenic genes. An increasing number of potent inhibitors and degraders of BCPs have been developed, some of which are already in clinical trials. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive review of recent advances in the study of drugs that inhibit or down-regulate BCPs, focusing on the development history, molecular structure, biological activity, interaction with BCPs and therapeutic potentials of these drugs. In addition, we discuss current challenges, issues to be addressed and future research directions for the development of BCPs inhibitors. Lessons learned from the successful or unsuccessful development experiences of these inhibitors or degraders will facilitate the further development of efficient, selective and less toxic inhibitors of BCPs and eventually achieve drug application in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoping Pan
- Department of Dermatology & Venerology and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
- Laboratory of Dermatology, Clinical Institute of Inflammation and Immunology (CIII), Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yuxi Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Disease, Department of Orthodontics and Pediatrics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xiaoyun Wang
- Department of Dermatology & Venerology and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
- Laboratory of Dermatology, Clinical Institute of Inflammation and Immunology (CIII), Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xin Xie
- College of Medical Technology and School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Mingxia Liu
- Department of Dermatology & Venerology and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Kaiyao Zhang
- Department of Dermatology & Venerology and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Lian Wang
- Department of Dermatology & Venerology and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Ding Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Disease, Department of Orthodontics and Pediatrics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Leonard J Foster
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Rui Shu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Disease, Department of Orthodontics and Pediatrics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Gu He
- Department of Dermatology & Venerology and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China.
- Laboratory of Dermatology, Clinical Institute of Inflammation and Immunology (CIII), Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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19
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Yan Z, Lyu X, Lin D, Wu G, Gong Y, Ren X, Xiao J, Lou J, Huang H, Chen Y, Zhao Y. Selective degradation of cellular BRD3 and BRD4-L promoted by PROTAC molecules in six cancer cell lines. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 254:115381. [PMID: 37084596 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023]
Abstract
Targeted degradation of BET family proteins BRD2/3/4 or only BRD4 with PROTAC molecules has been a promising strategy for the treatment of human cancer. Meanwhile, selective degradation of cellular BRD3 and BRD4-L remains a challenging task. We report herein a novel PROTAC molecule 24 that promoted selective degradation of cellular BRD3 and BRD4-L, but not BRD2 or BRD4-S, in a panel of six cancer cell lines. The observed target selectivity was partially attributed to differences in protein degradation kinetics and in types of cell lines. In a MM.1S mouse xenograft model, an optimized lead compound 28 promoted selective degradation of BRD3 and BRD4-L in vivo and exhibited robust antitumor activity. In summary, we have demonstrated that selective degradation of BRD3 and BRD4-L over BRD2 and BRD4-S is a feasible and robust approach in multiple cancer cell lines and an animal model, which could be helpful for further investigations on BRD3 and BRD4-L that ultimately benefitting cancer research and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziqin Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research and Small-Molecule Drug Research Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Rd, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Xilin Lyu
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research and Small-Molecule Drug Research Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Rd, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Dongze Lin
- Cancer Research Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Rd, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Gaoxing Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research and Small-Molecule Drug Research Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Rd, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yang Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research and Small-Molecule Drug Research Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Rd, Shanghai, 201203, China; School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, China
| | - Xuelian Ren
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Rd, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Jian Xiao
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China; Cancer Research Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Rd, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Jianfeng Lou
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research and Small-Molecule Drug Research Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Rd, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - He Huang
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China; Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Rd, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Yi Chen
- Cancer Research Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Rd, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Yujun Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research and Small-Molecule Drug Research Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Rd, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China; School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China; Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biopharmaceuticals, Shandong Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jinan, 250101, China.
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20
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Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Sclareolide-Indole Conjugates and Their Derivatives. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28041737. [PMID: 36838727 PMCID: PMC9961340 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28041737] [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: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Sclareolide is a sesquiterpene lactone isolated from various plant sources in tons every year and is commercially used as a flavor ingredient in the cosmetic and food industries. Antitumor and antiviral activities of sclareolide have been previously reported. However, biological studies of sclareolide synthetic analogous are few. In view of these, we developed a robust synthetic method that allows the assembly of 36 novel sclareolide-indole conjugates and their derivatives. The synthetic method was based on TiCl4-promoted nucleophilic substitution of sclareolide-derived hemiacetal 4, while electron-rich aryles including indoles, polyphenol ethers, and pyrazolo [1,5-a]pyridine were good substrates. The stereochemistry of the final products was confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, while the antiproliferative activities of selected final products were tested in K562 and MV4-11 cancer cell lines. Cytometric flow analysis shows that lead compounds 8k- and 10-induced robust apoptosis in MV4-11 cancer cells, while they exhibited weak impact on cell cycle progression. Taken together, our study suggests that sclareolide could be a good template and substrate for the synthesis of novel antiproliferative compounds.
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21
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Ali HA, Li Y, Bilal AHM, Qin T, Yuan Z, Zhao W. A Comprehensive Review of BET Protein Biochemistry, Physiology, and Pathological Roles. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:818891. [PMID: 35401196 PMCID: PMC8990909 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.818891] [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: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic modifications, specifically acetylation of histone plays a decisive role in gene regulation and transcription of normal cellular mechanisms and pathological conditions. The bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) proteins (BRD2, BRD3, BRD4, and BRDT), being epigenetic readers, ligate to acetylated regions of histone and synchronize gene transcription. BET proteins are crucial for normal cellular processing as they control cell cycle progression, neurogenesis, differentiation, and maturation of erythroids and spermatogenesis, etc. Research-based evidence indicated that BET proteins (mainly BRD4) are associated with numeral pathological ailments, including cancer, inflammation, infections, renal diseases, and cardiac diseases. To counter the BET protein-related pathological conditions, there are some BET inhibitors developed and also under development. BET proteins are a topic of most research nowadays. This review, provides an ephemeral but comprehensive knowledge about BET proteins’ basic structure, biochemistry, physiological roles, and pathological conditions in which the role of BETs have been proven. This review also highlights the current and future approaches to pledge BET protein-related pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hafiz Akbar Ali
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yalan Li
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Akram Hafiz Muhammad Bilal
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Tingting Qin
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ziqiao Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wen Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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22
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Li J, Zhang C, Xu H, Wang C, Dong R, Shen H, Zhuang X, Chen X, Li Q, Lu J, Zhang M, Wu X, Loomes KM, Zhou Y, Zhang Y, Liu J, Xu Y. Structure-Based Discovery and Optimization of Furo[3,2- c]pyridin-4(5 H)-one Derivatives as Potent and Second Bromodomain (BD2)-Selective Bromo and Extra Terminal Domain (BET) Inhibitors. J Med Chem 2022; 65:5760-5799. [PMID: 35333526 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Pan-bromodomain and extra terminal (Pan-BET) inhibitors show profound efficacy but exhibit pharmacology-driven toxicities in clinical trials. The development of domain-selective BET inhibitors to separate efficacy and toxicity is urgently needed. Herein, we report a series of furo[3,2-c]pyridin-4(5H)-one derivatives as novel BD2-selective BET inhibitors. The representative compound 8l (XY153) potently bound to BRD4 BD2 with an half-maximum inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of 0.79 nM and displayed 354-fold selectivity over BRD4 BD1. Besides, 8l exhibited 6-fold BRD4 BD2 domain selectivity over other BET BD2 domains. Compound 8l displayed potent antiproliferative activity against multiple tumor cell lines, especially MV4-11 (IC50 = 0.55 nM), while showing weak cytotoxicity against the normal lung fibroblast cell line. It highlights the safety profile of this series of BD2 inhibitors. 8l also demonstrated good metabolic stability in vitro. These data indicate that 8l may serve as a new and valuable lead compound for the development of potential therapeutics against acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
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Affiliation(s)
- Junhua Li
- Center for Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 190 Kaiyuan Avenue, Guangzhou 510530, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19 Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Cheng Zhang
- Center for Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 190 Kaiyuan Avenue, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Hongrui Xu
- Center for Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 190 Kaiyuan Avenue, Guangzhou 510530, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biocomputing, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Guangzhou Medical University, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Chao Wang
- Center for Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 190 Kaiyuan Avenue, Guangzhou 510530, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19 Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ruibo Dong
- Center for Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 190 Kaiyuan Avenue, Guangzhou 510530, China.,School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, No. 1266 Fujin Road, Chaoyang District, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Hui Shen
- Center for Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 190 Kaiyuan Avenue, Guangzhou 510530, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19 Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xiaoxi Zhuang
- Center for Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 190 Kaiyuan Avenue, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Xiaoshan Chen
- Center for Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 190 Kaiyuan Avenue, Guangzhou 510530, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19 Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Qiu Li
- Center for Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 190 Kaiyuan Avenue, Guangzhou 510530, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19 Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jibu Lu
- Center for Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 190 Kaiyuan Avenue, Guangzhou 510530, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19 Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Maofeng Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Taizhou Polytechnic College, Taizhou 225300, China
| | - Xishan Wu
- Center for Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 190 Kaiyuan Avenue, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Kerry M Loomes
- School of Biological Sciences & Maurice Wilkins Centre, University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
| | - Yulai Zhou
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, No. 1266 Fujin Road, Chaoyang District, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Center for Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 190 Kaiyuan Avenue, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Jinsong Liu
- Center for Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 190 Kaiyuan Avenue, Guangzhou 510530, China.,State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Yong Xu
- Center for Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 190 Kaiyuan Avenue, Guangzhou 510530, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biocomputing, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Guangzhou Medical University, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China.,China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory on Biomedicine and Health, Guangzhou 510530, China.,State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China
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23
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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: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [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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24
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Feng X, Yan Z, Zhou F, Lou J, Lyu X, Ren X, Zeng Z, Liu C, Zhang S, Zhu D, Huang H, Yang J, Zhao Y. Discovery of a selective and covalent small-molecule inhibitor of BFL-1 protein that induces robust apoptosis in cancer cells. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 236:114327. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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25
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Cai M, Dong J, Li H, Qin JJ. Recent Developments in Targeting Bromodomain and Extra Terminal Domain Proteins for Cancer Therapeutics. Curr Med Chem 2022; 29:4391-4409. [PMID: 35152859 DOI: 10.2174/0929867329666220211091806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Abstract:
Bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) proteins are a well-studied family of proteins associated with a variety of diseases including malignancy and chronic inflammation. Currently, numerous pan BET inhibitors have exhibited potent efficacy in several in vivo preclinical models and entered clinical trials, but have largely stalled due to their adverse events. Therefore, the development of new selective inhibitors and PROTACs (Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras) targeting BET is urgently needed. In the present review, we summarize the BET protein structure, the recent development of BET inhibitors, focusing mainly on BRD4-selective inhibitors and PROTAC degraders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maohua Cai
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institutes of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310022, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, China
| | - Jinyun Dong
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institutes of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310022, China
| | - Haobin Li
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institutes of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310022, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, China
| | - Jiang-Jiang Qin
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institutes of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310022, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, China
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26
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Progress in the development of domain selective inhibitors of the bromo and extra terminal domain family (BET) proteins. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 226:113853. [PMID: 34547507 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 09/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Dysfunction of the bromo and extra terminal domain (BET) family proteins is associated with many human diseases, therefore the BET family proteins have been considered as promising targets for drug development. Numerous small molecular compounds targeting the N-terminal two tandem bromodomains BD1 and BD2 of the BET family proteins have been reported, and a number of them have been advanced into clinical trials. Most of the BET inhibitors entered clinical trials are pan-BET inhibitors which show poor selectivity among BET members and bind to the BD1 and BD2 of the BET family proteins with comparable binding affinities. In order to elucidate the distinct functions of BD1s and BD2s, many BD1 and BD2 selective BET inhibitors have also been developed. In this review, we summarized the recent progress in the development of BD1 and BD2 selective BET inhibitors, and provided the perspectives for future studies of BET inhibitors.
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27
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Wang Q, Shao X, Leung ELH, Chen Y, Yao X. Selectively targeting individual bromodomain: Drug discovery and molecular mechanisms. Pharmacol Res 2021; 172:105804. [PMID: 34450309 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Bromodomain-containing proteins include bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) and non-BET families. Due to the conserved bromodomain (BD) module between BD-containing proteins, and especially BETs with each member having two BDs (BD1 and BD2), the high degree of structural similarity makes BD-selective inhibitors much difficult to be designed. However, increasing evidences emphasized that individual BDs had distinct functions and different cellular phenotypes after pharmacological inhibition, and selectively targeting one of the BDs could result in a different efficacy and tolerability profile. This review is to summarize the pioneering progress of BD-selective inhibitors targeting BET and non-BET proteins, focusing on their structural features, biological activity, therapeutic application and experimental/theoretical mechanisms. The present proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTAC) degraders targeting BDs, and clinical status of BD-selective inhibitors were also analyzed, providing a new insight into future direction of bromodomain-selective drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianqian Wang
- Chronic Disease Research Center, Medical College, Dalian University, Dalian 116622, China
| | - Xiaomin Shao
- Chronic Disease Research Center, Medical College, Dalian University, Dalian 116622, China
| | - Elaine Lai Han Leung
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macau(SAR) 999078, China
| | - Yingqing Chen
- Chronic Disease Research Center, Medical College, Dalian University, Dalian 116622, China.
| | - Xiaojun Yao
- Dr. Neher's Biophysics Laboratory for Innovative Drug Discovery, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macau(SAR) 999078, China.
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28
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Harrison LA, Atkinson SJ, Bassil A, Chung CW, Grandi P, Gray JRJ, Levernier E, Lewis A, Lugo D, Messenger C, Michon AM, Mitchell DJ, Preston A, Prinjha RK, Rioja I, Seal JT, Taylor S, Wall ID, Watson RJ, Woolven JM, Demont EH. Identification of a Series of N-Methylpyridine-2-carboxamides as Potent and Selective Inhibitors of the Second Bromodomain (BD2) of the Bromo and Extra Terminal Domain (BET) Proteins. J Med Chem 2021; 64:10742-10771. [PMID: 34232650 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c02155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Domain-specific BET bromodomain ligands represent an attractive target for drug discovery with the potential to unlock the therapeutic benefits of antagonizing these proteins without eliciting the toxicological aspects seen with pan-BET inhibitors. While we have reported several distinct classes of BD2 selective compounds, namely, GSK620, GSK549, and GSK046, only GSK046 shows high aqueous solubility. Herein, we describe the lead optimization of a further class of highly soluble compounds based upon a picolinamide chemotype. Focusing on achieving >1000-fold selectivity for BD2 over BD1 ,while retaining favorable physical chemical properties, compound 36 was identified as being 2000-fold selective for BD2 over BD1 (Brd4 data) with >1 mg/mL solubility in FaSSIF media. 36 represents a valuable new in vivo ready molecule for the exploration of the BD2 phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lee A Harrison
- Epigenetics Discovery Performance Unit, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Stephen J Atkinson
- Epigenetics Discovery Performance Unit, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Anna Bassil
- Epigenetics Discovery Performance Unit, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Chun-Wa Chung
- Platform Technology and Science, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Paola Grandi
- IVIVT Cellzome, Platform Technology and Science, GlaxoSmithKline, Meyerhofstr. 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - James R J Gray
- Quantitative Pharmacology, Immunoinflammation Therapy Area Unit, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Etienne Levernier
- Epigenetics Discovery Performance Unit, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Antonia Lewis
- Platform Technology and Science, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - David Lugo
- Quantitative Pharmacology, Immunoinflammation Therapy Area Unit, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Cassie Messenger
- Platform Technology and Science, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Anne-Marie Michon
- IVIVT Cellzome, Platform Technology and Science, GlaxoSmithKline, Meyerhofstr. 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Darren J Mitchell
- Epigenetics Discovery Performance Unit, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Alex Preston
- Epigenetics Discovery Performance Unit, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Rab K Prinjha
- Epigenetics Discovery Performance Unit, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Inmaculada Rioja
- Epigenetics Discovery Performance Unit, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Jonathan T Seal
- Epigenetics Discovery Performance Unit, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Simon Taylor
- Quantitative Pharmacology, Immunoinflammation Therapy Area Unit, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Ian D Wall
- Platform Technology and Science, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Robert J Watson
- Epigenetics Discovery Performance Unit, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - James M Woolven
- Platform Technology and Science, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Emmanuel H Demont
- Epigenetics Discovery Performance Unit, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
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Liu C, Zhou F, Yan Z, Shen L, Zhang X, He F, Wang H, Lu X, Yu K, Zhao Y, Zhu D. Discovery of a novel, potent and selective small-molecule inhibitor of PD-1/PD-L1 interaction with robust in vivo anti-tumour efficacy. Br J Pharmacol 2021; 178:2651-2670. [PMID: 33768523 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies have achieved great success in clinical treatment. However, monoclonal antibody drugs also have challenges, such as high manufacturing costs, poor diffusion, low oral bioavailability and limited penetration into tumour tissue. The development of small-molecule inhibitors of PD-1/PD-L1 interaction represents a promising perspective to overcome the above challenges in cancer immunotherapy. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We explored structural activity relationships and used biochemical assays to generate a lead compound (ZE132). CD8+ T-cells killing assay and Ifng expression assay were used to verify the in vitro cellular activity of ZE132. Off-target study was performed to verify the selectivity. Syngeneic mouse models were used to verify the in vivo activity of ZE132 in tumour immune microenvironment (TIME). We also performed pharmacokinetics profiling in mice and The Cancer Genome Atlas database analysis. KEY RESULTS ZE132 can effectively inhibit the PD-1/PD-L1 interactions in vitro, and it has a potent affinity to PD-L1. ZE132 shows robust anti-tumour effects in vivo, better than anti-PD-1 antibody. In the analysis of TIME, we found that ZE132 treatment promotes cytotoxic T-cell tumour infiltration and induces IL-2 expression. In addition, ZE132 elicits strong inhibitory effects on the mRNA expression of TGF-β, which may serve as a potential biomarker to predict responsiveness to PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapies. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS We identified a new lead compound ZE132 targeting PD-1/PD-L1 interactions, not only showing favourable drug-like properties in vitro and in vivo but also showing the advantage of overcoming the barrier of TIME compared to anti-PD-1 antibody.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenglong Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Feilong Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Ziqin Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Lian Shen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xichen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,School of Pharmacy, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fenglian He
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Heng Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaojie Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Ker Yu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yujun Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,School of Pharmacy, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Di Zhu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery and Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Immune Therapy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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30
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Tang P, Zhang J, Liu J, Chiang CM, Ouyang L. Targeting Bromodomain and Extraterminal Proteins for Drug Discovery: From Current Progress to Technological Development. J Med Chem 2021; 64:2419-2435. [PMID: 33616410 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) proteins bind acetylated lysine residues in histones and nonhistone proteins via tandem bromodomains and regulate chromatin dynamics, cellular processes, and disease procession. Thus targeting BET proteins is a promising strategy for treating various diseases, especially malignant tumors and chronic inflammation. Many pan-BET small-molecule inhibitors have been described, and some of them are in clinical evaluation. Nevertheless, the limited clinical efficacy of the current BET inhibitors is also evident and has inspired the development of new technologies to improve their clinical outcomes and minimize unwanted side effects. In this Review, we summarize the latest protein characteristics and biological functions of BRD4 as an example of BET proteins, analyze the clinical development status and preclinical resistance mechanisms, and discuss recent advances in BRD4-selective inhibitors, dual-target BET inhibitors, proteolysis targeting chimera degraders, and protein-protein interaction inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pan Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jifa Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jie Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Cheng-Ming Chiang
- Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Pharmacology, and Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, United States
| | - Liang Ouyang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
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31
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Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of indole-2-one derivatives as potent BRD4 inhibitors. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 208:112780. [PMID: 32883643 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2020] [Revised: 08/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Bromodomain protein 4 (BRD4) plays a crucial role in transcriptional regulation and is considered to be a viable drug target for cancer treatment. Herein, we designed and synthesized a series of indole-2-one derivatives through scaffold hopping drug design. Most of the compounds showed potent BRD4 inhibitory activities and anti-proliferation activities in cancer cell lines. Especially, compound 12j exhibited excellent BRD4 inhibitory activities (BD1 IC50 = 19 nM, BD2 IC50 = 28 nM) and anti-proliferation potency with IC50 values of 4.75 μM and 1.35 μM in HT-29 and HL-60 cells, respectively. Additionally, docking studies showed that the hydrophobic pocket next to KAc region and WPF shelf were critical to the activity of the compound. Compound 12j could arrest the cell-cycle progression of HT-29 cells into the G1 phase and reduce the expression of c-Myc. Moreover, compound 12j exhibited favorable oral pharmacokinetic properties. All the results demonstrated that compound 12j was a potent BRD4 inhibitor and had merely potential for colon cancer treatment.
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32
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Zhang BJ, Chen D, Dekker FJ, Quax WJ. Improving TRAIL-induced apoptosis in cancers by interfering with histone modifications. CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE (ALHAMBRA, CALIF.) 2020; 3:791-803. [PMID: 35582230 PMCID: PMC8992553 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2020.58] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic regulation refers to alterations to the chromatin template that collectively establish differential patterns of gene transcription. Post-translational modifications of the histones play a key role in epigenetic regulation of gene transcription. In this review, we provide an overview of recent studies on the role of histone modifications in carcinogenesis. Since tumour-selective ligands such as tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) are well-considered as promising anti-tumour therapies, we summarise strategies for improving TRAIL sensitivity by inhibiting aberrant histone modifications in cancers. In this perspective we also discuss new epigenetic drug targets for enhancing TRAIL-mediated apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bao-Jie Zhang
- University of Groningen, Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen 9713 AV, The Netherlands
| | - Deng Chen
- University of Groningen, Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen 9713 AV, The Netherlands
| | - Frank J. Dekker
- University of Groningen, Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen 9713 AV, The Netherlands
| | - Wim J. Quax
- University of Groningen, Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen 9713 AV, The Netherlands
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33
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Kulikowski E, Rakai BD, Wong NCW. Inhibitors of bromodomain and extra-terminal proteins for treating multiple human diseases. Med Res Rev 2020; 41:223-245. [PMID: 32926459 PMCID: PMC7756446 DOI: 10.1002/med.21730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Clinical development of bromodomain and extra‐terminal (BET) protein inhibitors differs from the traditional course of drug development. These drugs are simultaneously being evaluated for treating a wide spectrum of human diseases due to their novel mechanism of action. BET proteins are epigenetic “readers,” which play a primary role in transcription. Here, we briefly describe the BET family of proteins, of which BRD4 has been studied most extensively. We discuss BRD4 activity at latent enhancers as an example of BET protein function. We examine BRD4 redistribution and enhancer reprogramming in embryonic development, cancer, cardiovascular, autoimmune, and metabolic diseases, presenting hallmark studies that highlight BET proteins as attractive targets for therapeutic intervention. We review the currently available approaches to targeting BET proteins, methods of selectively targeting individual bromodomains, and review studies that compare the effects of selective BET inhibition to those of pan‐BET inhibition. Lastly, we examine the current clinical landscape of BET inhibitor development.
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34
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Petretich M, Demont EH, Grandi P. Domain-selective targeting of BET proteins in cancer and immunological diseases. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2020; 57:184-193. [PMID: 32741705 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2020.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Cancer and inflammation are strongly interconnected processes. Chronic inflammatory pathologies can be at the heart of tumor development; similarly, tumor-elicited inflammation is a consequence of many cancers. The mechanistic interdependence between cancer and inflammatory pathologies points toward common protein effectors which represent potential shared targets for pharmacological intervention. Epigenetic mechanisms often drive resistance to cancer therapy and immunomodulatory strategies. The bromodomain and extraterminal domain (BET) proteins are epigenetic adapters which play a major role in controlling cell proliferation and the production of inflammatory mediators. A plethora of small molecules aimed at inhibiting BET protein function to treat cancer and inflammatory diseases have populated academic and industry efforts in the last 10 years. In this review, we will discuss recent pharmacological approaches aimed at targeting a single or a subset of the eight bromodomains within the BET family which have the potential to tease apart clinical efficacy and safety signals of BET inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Petretich
- Cellzome GmbH, Functional Genomics R&D, GlaxoSmithKline, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Emmanuel H Demont
- Medicinal Chemistry, GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, UK
| | - Paola Grandi
- Cellzome GmbH, Functional Genomics R&D, GlaxoSmithKline, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany.
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35
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Seal JT, Atkinson SJ, Aylott H, Bamborough P, Chung CW, Copley RCB, Gordon L, Grandi P, Gray JRJ, Harrison LA, Hayhow TG, Lindon M, Messenger C, Michon AM, Mitchell D, Preston A, Prinjha RK, Rioja I, Taylor S, Wall ID, Watson RJ, Woolven JM, Demont EH. The Optimization of a Novel, Weak Bromo and Extra Terminal Domain (BET) Bromodomain Fragment Ligand to a Potent and Selective Second Bromodomain (BD2) Inhibitor. J Med Chem 2020; 63:9093-9126. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c00796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Paola Grandi
- IVIVT Cellzome, Platform Technology and Science, GlaxoSmithKline, Meyerhofstrasse 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Anne-Marie Michon
- IVIVT Cellzome, Platform Technology and Science, GlaxoSmithKline, Meyerhofstrasse 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | - Simon Taylor
- IVIVT Cellzome, Platform Technology and Science, GlaxoSmithKline, Meyerhofstrasse 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
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36
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Chen R, Zhang M, Zhou Y, Guo W, Yi M, Zhang Z, Ding Y, Wang Y. The application of histone deacetylases inhibitors in glioblastoma. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2020; 39:138. [PMID: 32682428 PMCID: PMC7368699 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-020-01643-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The epigenetic abnormality is generally accepted as the key to cancer initiation. Epigenetics that ensure the somatic inheritance of differentiated state is defined as a crucial factor influencing malignant phenotype without altering genotype. Histone modification is one such alteration playing an essential role in tumor formation, progression, and resistance to treatment. Notably, changes in histone acetylation have been strongly linked to gene expression, cell cycle, and carcinogenesis. The balance of two types of enzyme, histone acetyltransferases (HATs) and histone deacetylases (HDACs), determines the stage of histone acetylation and then the architecture of chromatin. Changes in chromatin structure result in transcriptional dysregulation of genes that are involved in cell-cycle progression, differentiation, apoptosis, and so on. Recently, HDAC inhibitors (HDACis) are identified as novel agents to keep this balance, leading to numerous researches on it for more effective strategies against cancers, including glioblastoma (GBM). This review elaborated influences on gene expression and tumorigenesis by acetylation and the antitumor mechanism of HDACis. Besdes, we outlined the preclinical and clinical advancement of HDACis in GBM as monotherapies and combination therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Chen
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Mengxian Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| | - Yangmei Zhou
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Wenjing Guo
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Ming Yi
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Ziyan Zhang
- Cancer Center, Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510000, Guangdong, China
| | - Yanpeng Ding
- Department of Oncology, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yali Wang
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
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37
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Sheppard GS, Wang L, Fidanze SD, Hasvold LA, Liu D, Pratt JK, Park CH, Longenecker K, Qiu W, Torrent M, Kovar PJ, Bui M, Faivre E, Huang X, Lin X, Wilcox D, Zhang L, Shen Y, Albert DH, Magoc TJ, Rajaraman G, Kati WM, McDaniel KF. Discovery of N-Ethyl-4-[2-(4-fluoro-2,6-dimethyl-phenoxy)-5-(1-hydroxy-1-methyl-ethyl)phenyl]-6-methyl-7-oxo-1 H-pyrrolo[2,3- c]pyridine-2-carboxamide (ABBV-744), a BET Bromodomain Inhibitor with Selectivity for the Second Bromodomain. J Med Chem 2020; 63:5585-5623. [PMID: 32324999 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c00628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The BET family of proteins consists of BRD2, BRD3, BRD4, and BRDt. Each protein contains two distinct bromodomains (BD1 and BD2). BET family bromodomain inhibitors under clinical development for oncology bind to each of the eight bromodomains with similar affinities. We hypothesized that it may be possible to achieve an improved therapeutic index by selectively targeting subsets of the BET bromodomains. Both BD1 and BD2 are highly conserved across family members (>70% identity), whereas BD1 and BD2 from the same protein exhibit a larger degree of divergence (∼40% identity), suggesting selectivity between BD1 and BD2 of all family members would be more straightforward to achieve. Exploiting the Asp144/His437 and Ile146/Val439 sequence differences (BRD4 BD1/BD2 numbering) allowed the identification of compound 27 demonstrating greater than 100-fold selectivity for BRD4 BD2 over BRD4 BD1. Further optimization to improve BD2 selectivity and oral bioavailability resulted in the clinical development compound 46 (ABBV-744).
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Affiliation(s)
- George S Sheppard
- Oncology Discovery, AbbVie Inc., 1 North Waukegan Road, North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Le Wang
- Oncology Discovery, AbbVie Inc., 1 North Waukegan Road, North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Steven D Fidanze
- Oncology Discovery, AbbVie Inc., 1 North Waukegan Road, North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Lisa A Hasvold
- Oncology Discovery, AbbVie Inc., 1 North Waukegan Road, North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Dachun Liu
- Oncology Discovery, AbbVie Inc., 1 North Waukegan Road, North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - John K Pratt
- Oncology Discovery, AbbVie Inc., 1 North Waukegan Road, North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Chang H Park
- Oncology Discovery, AbbVie Inc., 1 North Waukegan Road, North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Kenton Longenecker
- Oncology Discovery, AbbVie Inc., 1 North Waukegan Road, North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Wei Qiu
- Oncology Discovery, AbbVie Inc., 1 North Waukegan Road, North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Maricel Torrent
- Oncology Discovery, AbbVie Inc., 1 North Waukegan Road, North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Peter J Kovar
- Oncology Discovery, AbbVie Inc., 1 North Waukegan Road, North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Mai Bui
- Oncology Discovery, AbbVie Inc., 1 North Waukegan Road, North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Emily Faivre
- Oncology Discovery, AbbVie Inc., 1 North Waukegan Road, North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Xiaoli Huang
- Oncology Discovery, AbbVie Inc., 1 North Waukegan Road, North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Xiaoyu Lin
- Oncology Discovery, AbbVie Inc., 1 North Waukegan Road, North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Denise Wilcox
- Oncology Discovery, AbbVie Inc., 1 North Waukegan Road, North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Lu Zhang
- Oncology Discovery, AbbVie Inc., 1 North Waukegan Road, North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Yu Shen
- Oncology Discovery, AbbVie Inc., 1 North Waukegan Road, North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Daniel H Albert
- Oncology Discovery, AbbVie Inc., 1 North Waukegan Road, North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Terrance J Magoc
- Oncology Discovery, AbbVie Inc., 1 North Waukegan Road, North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Ganesh Rajaraman
- Oncology Discovery, AbbVie Inc., 1 North Waukegan Road, North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Warren M Kati
- Oncology Discovery, AbbVie Inc., 1 North Waukegan Road, North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Keith F McDaniel
- Oncology Discovery, AbbVie Inc., 1 North Waukegan Road, North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
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38
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Jiang F, Wei Q, Li H, Li H, Cui Y, Ma Y, Chen H, Cao P, Lu T, Chen Y. Discovery of novel small molecule induced selective degradation of the bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) bromodomain protein BRD4 and BRD2 with cellular potencies. Bioorg Med Chem 2019; 28:115181. [PMID: 31767403 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2019.115181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Revised: 10/18/2019] [Accepted: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The BET proteins BRD2, BRD3, and BRD4 play important roles in transcriptional regulation and can be degraded by proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) for BET proteins. However, the lack of intra-BET proteins selectivity limits the scope of current degraders as probes for target validation and could lead to unwanted side effects or toxicity in a therapeutic setting. We describe herein the design, synthesis, and evaluation of PROTAC BET degraders, based on the BET inhibitor with selectivity for the first Bromodomain benzo[cd]indole-2-one, alkylamide linker and cereblon ligand thalidomide. Compound 15 potently and rapidly induces reversible, long-lasting, and unexpectedly selective removal of BRD4 and BRD2 over BRD3, which not only effectively inhibits cell growth in human acute leukemia cell lines, but also very effective in inhibiting solid tumors with low cytotoxic effect in the cell profiles of NCI 60 cell lines. Remarkable dependency on linker length was observed for BRD4-degrading and c-Myc-driven antiproliferative activities in acute myeloid leukemia cell line MV4-11. The small-molecular 15 represents a novel, potent, and selective class of BRD4 and BRD2 degraders for the development of therapeutics to treat cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Jiang
- School of Sciences, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211198, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Qingyun Wei
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210028, PR China; Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210028, PR China
| | - Huili Li
- School of Sciences, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211198, PR China
| | - Hongmei Li
- School of Sciences, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211198, PR China
| | - Yong Cui
- School of Sciences, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211198, PR China
| | - Yu Ma
- School of Sciences, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211198, PR China
| | - Haifang Chen
- School of Sciences, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211198, PR China
| | - Peng Cao
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210028, PR China; Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210028, PR China.
| | - Tao Lu
- School of Sciences, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211198, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing 210009, PR China.
| | - Yadong Chen
- School of Sciences, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211198, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing 210009, PR China.
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