1
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Howard GC, Wang J, Rose KL, Jones C, Patel P, Tsui T, Florian AC, Vlach L, Lorey SL, Grieb BC, Smith BN, Slota MJ, Reynolds EM, Goswami S, Savona MR, Mason FM, Lee T, Fesik S, Liu Q, Tansey WP. Ribosome subunit attrition and activation of the p53-MDM4 axis dominate the response of MLL-rearranged cancer cells to WDR5 WIN site inhibition. eLife 2024; 12:RP90683. [PMID: 38682900 PMCID: PMC11057873 DOI: 10.7554/elife.90683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The chromatin-associated protein WD Repeat Domain 5 (WDR5) is a promising target for cancer drug discovery, with most efforts blocking an arginine-binding cavity on the protein called the 'WIN' site that tethers WDR5 to chromatin. WIN site inhibitors (WINi) are active against multiple cancer cell types in vitro, the most notable of which are those derived from MLL-rearranged (MLLr) leukemias. Peptidomimetic WINi were originally proposed to inhibit MLLr cells via dysregulation of genes connected to hematopoietic stem cell expansion. Our discovery and interrogation of small-molecule WINi, however, revealed that they act in MLLr cell lines to suppress ribosome protein gene (RPG) transcription, induce nucleolar stress, and activate p53. Because there is no precedent for an anticancer strategy that specifically targets RPG expression, we took an integrated multi-omics approach to further interrogate the mechanism of action of WINi in human MLLr cancer cells. We show that WINi induce depletion of the stock of ribosomes, accompanied by a broad yet modest translational choke and changes in alternative mRNA splicing that inactivate the p53 antagonist MDM4. We also show that WINi are synergistic with agents including venetoclax and BET-bromodomain inhibitors. Together, these studies reinforce the concept that WINi are a novel type of ribosome-directed anticancer therapy and provide a resource to support their clinical implementation in MLLr leukemias and other malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory Caleb Howard
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University School of MedicineNashvilleUnited States
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University Medical CenterNashvilleUnited States
- Center for Quantitative Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical CenterNashvilleUnited States
| | - Kristie L Rose
- Mass Spectrometry Research Center, Vanderbilt University School of MedicineNashvilleUnited States
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of MedicineNashvilleUnited States
| | - Camden Jones
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University School of MedicineNashvilleUnited States
| | - Purvi Patel
- Mass Spectrometry Research Center, Vanderbilt University School of MedicineNashvilleUnited States
| | - Tina Tsui
- Mass Spectrometry Research Center, Vanderbilt University School of MedicineNashvilleUnited States
| | - Andrea C Florian
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University School of MedicineNashvilleUnited States
| | - Logan Vlach
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical CenterNashvilleUnited States
| | - Shelly L Lorey
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University School of MedicineNashvilleUnited States
| | - Brian C Grieb
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical CenterNashvilleUnited States
| | - Brianna N Smith
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical CenterNashvilleUnited States
| | - Macey J Slota
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University School of MedicineNashvilleUnited States
| | - Elizabeth M Reynolds
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University School of MedicineNashvilleUnited States
| | - Soumita Goswami
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University School of MedicineNashvilleUnited States
| | - Michael R Savona
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical CenterNashvilleUnited States
| | - Frank M Mason
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical CenterNashvilleUnited States
| | - Taekyu Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of MedicineNashvilleUnited States
| | - Stephen Fesik
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of MedicineNashvilleUnited States
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of MedicineNashvilleUnited States
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt UniversityNashvilleUnited States
| | - Qi Liu
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University Medical CenterNashvilleUnited States
- Center for Quantitative Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical CenterNashvilleUnited States
| | - William P Tansey
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University School of MedicineNashvilleUnited States
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of MedicineNashvilleUnited States
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2
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Huang X, Chen Y, Xiao Q, Shang X, Liu Y. Chemical inhibitors targeting histone methylation readers. Pharmacol Ther 2024; 256:108614. [PMID: 38401773 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2024.108614] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
Histone methylation reader domains are protein modules that recognize specific histone methylation marks, such as methylated or unmethylated lysine or arginine residues on histones. These reader proteins play crucial roles in the epigenetic regulation of gene expression, chromatin structure, and DNA damage repair. Dysregulation of these proteins has been linked to various diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and developmental disorders. Therefore, targeting these proteins with chemical inhibitors has emerged as an attractive approach for therapeutic intervention, and significant progress has been made in this area. In this review, we will summarize the development of inhibitors targeting histone methylation readers, including MBT domains, chromodomains, Tudor domains, PWWP domains, PHD fingers, and WD40 repeat domains. For each domain, we will briefly discuss its identification and biological/biochemical functions, and then focus on the discovery of inhibitors tailored to target this domain, summarizing the property and potential application of most inhibitors. We will also discuss the structural basis for the potency and selectivity of these inhibitors, which will aid in further lead generation and optimization. Finally, we will also address the challenges and strategies involved in the development of these inhibitors. It should facilitate the rational design and development of novel chemical scaffolds and new targeting strategies for histone methylation reader domains with the help of this body of data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolei Huang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Precision Diagnostics and Therapeutics Development, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, PR China
| | - Yichang Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Precision Diagnostics and Therapeutics Development, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, PR China
| | - Qin Xiao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Precision Diagnostics and Therapeutics Development, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, PR China
| | - Xinci Shang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Precision Diagnostics and Therapeutics Development, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, PR China
| | - Yanli Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Precision Diagnostics and Therapeutics Development, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, PR China.
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3
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Zhao R, Zhu J, Jiang X, Bai R. Click chemistry-aided drug discovery: A retrospective and prospective outlook. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 264:116037. [PMID: 38101038 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.116037] [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: 10/22/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Click chemistry has emerged as a valuable tool for rapid compound synthesis, presenting notable advantages and convenience in the exploration of potential drug candidates. In particular, in situ click chemistry capitalizes on enzymes as reaction templates, leveraging their favorable conformation to selectively link individual building blocks and generate novel hits. This review comprehensively outlines and introduces the extensive use of click chemistry in compound library construction, and hit and lead discovery, supported by specific research examples. Additionally, it discusses the limitations and precautions associated with the application of click chemistry in drug discovery. Our intention for this review is to contribute to the development of a modular synthetic approach for the rapid identification of drug candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, PR China; Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, PR China
| | - Junlong Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, PR China; Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, PR China
| | - Xiaoying Jiang
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, PR China; Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, PR China
| | - Renren Bai
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, PR China; Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, PR China.
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4
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Howard GC, Wang J, Rose KL, Jones C, Patel P, Tsui T, Florian AC, Vlach L, Lorey SL, Grieb BC, Smith BN, Slota MJ, Reynolds EM, Goswami S, Savona MR, Mason FM, Lee T, Fesik SW, Liu Q, Tansey WP. Ribosome subunit attrition and activation of the p53-MDM4 axis dominate the response of MLL-rearranged cancer cells to WDR5 WIN site inhibition. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.07.26.550648. [PMID: 37546802 PMCID: PMC10402127 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.26.550648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
The chromatin-associated protein WD Repeat Domain 5 (WDR5) is a promising target for cancer drug discovery, with most efforts blocking an arginine-binding cavity on the protein called the "WIN" site that tethers WDR5 to chromatin. WIN site inhibitors (WINi) are active against multiple cancer cell types in vitro, the most notable of which are those derived from MLL-rearranged (MLLr) leukemias. Peptidomimetic WINi were originally proposed to inhibit MLLr cells via dysregulation of genes connected to hematopoietic stem cell expansion. Our discovery and interrogation of small molecule WIN site inhibitors, however, revealed that they act in MLLr cell lines to suppress ribosome protein gene (RPG) transcription, induce nucleolar stress, and activate p53. Because there is no precedent for an anti-cancer strategy that specifically targets RPG expression, we took an integrated multi-omics approach to further interrogate the mechanism of action of WINi in MLLr cancer cells. We show that WINi induce depletion of the stock of ribosomes, accompanied by a broad yet modest translational choke and changes in alternative mRNA splicing that inactivate the p53 antagonist MDM4. We also show that WINi are synergistic with agents including venetoclax and BET-bromodomain inhibitors. Together, these studies reinforce the concept that WINi are a novel type of ribosome-directed anti-cancer therapy and provide a resource to support their clinical implementation in MLLr leukemias and other malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory C. Howard
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Center for Quantitative Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Kristie Lindsey Rose
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Mass Spectrometry Research Center, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Camden Jones
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Purvi Patel
- Mass Spectrometry Research Center, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Tina Tsui
- Mass Spectrometry Research Center, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Andrea C. Florian
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Current address: Department of Biology, Belmont University, Nashville, TN 37212, USA
| | - Logan Vlach
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Shelly L. Lorey
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Brian C. Grieb
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Brianna N. Smith
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Macey J. Slota
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Current address: Department of Urology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco CA 94143, USA
| | - Elizabeth M. Reynolds
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Soumita Goswami
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Michael R. Savona
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Frank M. Mason
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Taekyu Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Stephen W. Fesik
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Qi Liu
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Center for Quantitative Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - William P. Tansey
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
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5
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Weissmiller AM, Fesik SW, Tansey WP. WD Repeat Domain 5 Inhibitors for Cancer Therapy: Not What You Think. J Clin Med 2024; 13:274. [PMID: 38202281 PMCID: PMC10779565 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13010274] [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: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
WDR5 is a conserved nuclear protein that scaffolds the assembly of epigenetic regulatory complexes and moonlights in functions ranging from recruiting MYC oncoproteins to chromatin to facilitating the integrity of mitosis. It is also a high-value target for anti-cancer therapies, with small molecule WDR5 inhibitors and degraders undergoing extensive preclinical assessment. WDR5 inhibitors were originally conceived as epigenetic modulators, proposed to inhibit cancer cells by reversing oncogenic patterns of histone H3 lysine 4 methylation-a notion that persists to this day. This premise, however, does not withstand contemporary inspection and establishes expectations for the mechanisms and utility of WDR5 inhibitors that can likely never be met. Here, we highlight salient misconceptions regarding WDR5 inhibitors as epigenetic modulators and provide a unified model for their action as a ribosome-directed anti-cancer therapy that helps focus understanding of when and how the tumor-inhibiting properties of these agents can best be understood and exploited.
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Affiliation(s)
- April M. Weissmiller
- Department of Biology, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN 32132, USA;
| | - Stephen W. Fesik
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA;
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - William P. Tansey
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA;
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
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6
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Teuscher KB, Mills JJ, Tian J, Han C, Meyers KM, Sai J, South TM, Crow MM, Van Meveren M, Sensintaffar JL, Zhao B, Amporndanai K, Moore WJ, Stott GM, Tansey WP, Lee T, Fesik SW. Structure-Based Discovery of Potent, Orally Bioavailable Benzoxazepinone-Based WD Repeat Domain 5 Inhibitors. J Med Chem 2023; 66:16783-16806. [PMID: 38085679 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
The chromatin-associated protein WDR5 (WD repeat domain 5) is an essential cofactor for MYC and a conserved regulator of ribosome protein gene transcription. It is also a high-profile target for anti-cancer drug discovery, with proposed utility against both solid and hematological malignancies. We have previously discovered potent dihydroisoquinolinone-based WDR5 WIN-site inhibitors with demonstrated efficacy and safety in animal models. In this study, we sought to optimize the bicyclic core to discover a novel series of WDR5 WIN-site inhibitors with improved potency and physicochemical properties. We identified the 3,4-dihydrobenzo[f][1,4]oxazepin-5(2H)-one core as an alternative scaffold for potent WDR5 inhibitors. Additionally, we used X-ray structural analysis to design partially saturated bicyclic P7 units. These benzoxazepinone-based inhibitors exhibited increased cellular potency and selectivity and favorable physicochemical properties compared to our best-in-class dihydroisoquinolinone-based counterparts. This study opens avenues to discover more advanced WDR5 WIN-site inhibitors and supports their development as novel anti-cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jianhua Tian
- Molecular Design and Synthesis Center, Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, Nashville, Tennessee 37232-0142, United States
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - William J Moore
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702-1201, United States
| | - Gordon M Stott
- Leidos Biomedical Research, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland 21701-4907, United States
| | | | | | - Stephen W Fesik
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232-0142, United States
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7
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Gurung R, Om D, Pun R, Hyun S, Shin D. Recent Progress in Modulation of WD40-Repeat Domain 5 Protein (WDR5): Inhibitors and Degraders. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3910. [PMID: 37568727 PMCID: PMC10417795 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15153910] [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: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
WD40-repeat (WDR) domain proteins play a crucial role in mediating protein-protein interactions that sustain oncogenesis in human cancers. One prominent example is the interaction between the transcription factor MYC and its chromatin co-factor, WD40-repeat domain protein 5 (WDR5), which is essential for oncogenic processes. The MYC family of proteins is frequently overexpressed in various cancers and has been validated as a promising target for anticancer therapies. The recruitment of MYC to chromatin is facilitated by WDR5, highlighting the significance of their interaction. Consequently, inhibiting the MYC-WDR5 interaction has been shown to induce the regression of malignant tumors, offering an alternative approach to targeting MYC in the development of anticancer drugs. WDR5 has two protein interaction sites, the "WDR5-binding motif" (WBM) site for MYC interaction and the histone methyltransferases SET1 recognition motif "WDR5-interacting" (WIN) site forming MLL complex. Significant efforts have been dedicated to the discovery of inhibitors that target the WDR5 protein. More recently, the successful application of targeted protein degradation technology has enabled the removal of WDR5. This breakthrough has opened up new avenues for inhibiting the interaction between WDR5 and the binding partners. In this review, we address the recent progress made in targeting WDR5 to inhibit MDR5-MYC and MDR5-MLL1 interactions, including its targeted protein degradation and their potential impact on anticancer drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raju Gurung
- College of Pharmacy, Gachon University, 191 Hambakmoe-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 21936, Republic of Korea; (R.G.); (D.O.); (R.P.)
| | - Darlami Om
- College of Pharmacy, Gachon University, 191 Hambakmoe-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 21936, Republic of Korea; (R.G.); (D.O.); (R.P.)
| | - Rabin Pun
- College of Pharmacy, Gachon University, 191 Hambakmoe-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 21936, Republic of Korea; (R.G.); (D.O.); (R.P.)
| | - Soonsil Hyun
- College of Pharmacy, Chungbuk National University, 194-31 Osongsaengmyeong 1-ro, Heungdeok-gu, Cheongju-si 28160, Republic of Korea
| | - Dongyun Shin
- College of Pharmacy, Gachon University, 191 Hambakmoe-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 21936, Republic of Korea; (R.G.); (D.O.); (R.P.)
- Gachon Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Gachon University, 191 Hambakmoe-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 21936, Republic of Korea
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8
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Zhao S, Liu J, Lv Z, Zhang G, Xu Z. Recent updates on 1,2,3-triazole-containing hybrids with in vivo therapeutic potential against cancers: A mini-review. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 251:115254. [PMID: 36893627 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
1,2,3-Triazole moiety which is usually constructed by highly versatile, efficacious and selective copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition not only can act as a linker to connect different pharmacophores, but also is a useful pharmacophore with diverse biological properties. 1,2,3-Triazoles are readily interact with diverse enzymes and receptors in cancer cells through non-covalent interactions and can inhibit cancer cell proliferation, arrest cell cycle and induce apoptosis. In particular, 1,2,3-triazole-containing hybrids have the potential to exert dual or multiple anticancer mechanisms of action, representing useful scaffolds in expediting development of novel anticancer agents. The current review summarizes the in vivo anticancer efficacy and mechanisms of action of 1,2,3-triazole-containing hybrids reported in the last decade to continuously open up a map for the remarkable exploration of more effective candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shijia Zhao
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Jie Liu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Zaosheng Lv
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Guangde Zhang
- Engineering Training Center, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China.
| | - Zhi Xu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China.
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9
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Liu L, Guo X, Wang Y, Li G, Yu Y, Song Y, Zeng C, Ding Z, Qiu Y, Yan F, Zhang YX, Zhao C, Zhang Y, Dou Y, Atadja P, Li E, Wang H. Loss of Wdr5 attenuates MLL-rearranged leukemogenesis by suppressing Myc targets. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2023; 1869:166600. [PMID: 36402263 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2022.166600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
WD repeat domain 5 (WDR5) is a prominent target for pharmacological inhibition in cancer through its scaffolding role with various oncogenic partners such as MLL and MYC. WDR5-related drug discovery efforts center on blocking these binding interfaces or degradation have been devoted to developing small-molecule inhibitors or degraders of WDR5 for cancer treatment. Nevertheless, the precise role of WDR5 in these cancer cells has not been well elucidated genetically. Here, by using an MLL-AF9 murine leukemia model, we found that genetically deletion of Wdr5 impairs cell growth and colony forming ability of MLL-AF9 leukemia cells in vitro or ex vivo and attenuates the leukemogenesis in vivo as well, which acts through direct regulation of ribosomal genes. Pharmacological inhibition of Wdr5 recapitulates genetic study results in the same model. In conclusion, our current study demonstrated the first genetic evidence for the indispensable role of Wdr5 in MLL-r leukemogenesis in vivo, which supports therapeutically targeting WDR5 in MLL-rearranged leukemia by strengthening its disease linkage genetically and deepening insights into its mechanism of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lulu Liu
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, 181 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, 4218 Jinke Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xin Guo
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, 4218 Jinke Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yao Wang
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, 4218 Jinke Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Guo Li
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, 4218 Jinke Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yanyan Yu
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, 4218 Jinke Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yang Song
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, 4218 Jinke Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Chenhui Zeng
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, 4218 Jinke Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Zhilou Ding
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, 4218 Jinke Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yuanjun Qiu
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, 4218 Jinke Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Feifei Yan
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, 181 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, 4218 Jinke Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yi-Xiang Zhang
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, 4218 Jinke Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Caiqi Zhao
- Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Shanghai General Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University, No. 650 Songjiang Road, Shanghai 201620, China
| | - Yali Dou
- Department of Medicine, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, 1441 Eastlake Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90007, USA
| | - Peter Atadja
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, 4218 Jinke Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - En Li
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, 4218 Jinke Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - He Wang
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, 181 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, 4218 Jinke Road, Shanghai 201203, China.
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10
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Teuscher KB, Meyers KM, Wei Q, Mills JJ, Tian J, Alvarado J, Sai J, Van Meveren M, South TM, Rietz TA, Zhao B, Moore WJ, Stott GM, Tansey WP, Lee T, Fesik SW. Discovery of Potent Orally Bioavailable WD Repeat Domain 5 (WDR5) Inhibitors Using a Pharmacophore-Based Optimization. J Med Chem 2022; 65:6287-6312. [PMID: 35436124 PMCID: PMC10081510 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
WD repeat domain 5 (WDR5) is a nuclear scaffolding protein that forms many biologically important multiprotein complexes. The WIN site of WDR5 represents a promising pharmacological target in a variety of human cancers. Here, we describe the optimization of our initial WDR5 WIN-site inhibitor using a structure-guided pharmacophore-based convergent strategy to improve its druglike properties and pharmacokinetic profile. The core of the previous lead remained constant while a focused SAR effort on the three pharmacophore units was combined to generate a new in vivo lead series. Importantly, this new series of compounds has picomolar binding affinity, improved cellular antiproliferative activity and selectivity, and increased kinetic aqueous solubility. They also exhibit a desirable oral pharmacokinetic profile with manageable intravenous clearance and high oral bioavailability. Thus, these new leads are useful probes toward studying the effects of WDR5 inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - William J Moore
- Leidos Biomedical Research, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland 21701-4907, United States
| | - Gordon M Stott
- Leidos Biomedical Research, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland 21701-4907, United States
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11
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Siladi AJ, Wang J, Florian AC, Thomas LR, Creighton JH, Matlock BK, Flaherty DK, Lorey SL, Howard GC, Fesik SW, Weissmiller AM, Liu Q, Tansey WP. WIN site inhibition disrupts a subset of WDR5 function. Sci Rep 2022; 12:1848. [PMID: 35115608 PMCID: PMC8813994 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-05947-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
WDR5 nucleates the assembly of histone-modifying complexes and acts outside this context in a range of chromatin-centric processes. WDR5 is also a prominent target for pharmacological inhibition in cancer. Small-molecule degraders of WDR5 have been described, but most drug discovery efforts center on blocking the WIN site of WDR5, an arginine binding cavity that engages MLL/SET enzymes that deposit histone H3 lysine 4 methylation (H3K4me). Therapeutic application of WIN site inhibitors is complicated by the disparate functions of WDR5, but is generally guided by two assumptions-that WIN site inhibitors disable all functions of WDR5, and that changes in H3K4me drive the transcriptional response of cancer cells to WIN site blockade. Here, we test these assumptions by comparing the impact of WIN site inhibition versus WDR5 degradation on H3K4me and transcriptional processes. We show that WIN site inhibition disables only a specific subset of WDR5 activity, and that H3K4me changes induced by WDR5 depletion do not explain accompanying transcriptional responses. These data recast WIN site inhibitors as selective loss-of-function agents, contradict H3K4me as a relevant mechanism of action for WDR5 inhibitors, and indicate distinct clinical applications of WIN site inhibitors and WDR5 degraders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Siladi
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, 465 21st Avenue South, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
- Center for Quantitative Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Andrea C Florian
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, 465 21st Avenue South, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Lance R Thomas
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, 465 21st Avenue South, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
- Oncocyte Corporation, 2 International Drive, Suite 510, Nashville, TN, 37217, USA
| | - Joy H Creighton
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, 465 21st Avenue South, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
- Department of Biology, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN, 32132, USA
| | - Brittany K Matlock
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center Flow Cytometry Shared Resource, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - David K Flaherty
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center Flow Cytometry Shared Resource, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Shelly L Lorey
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, 465 21st Avenue South, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Gregory C Howard
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, 465 21st Avenue South, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Stephen W Fesik
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - April M Weissmiller
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, 465 21st Avenue South, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
- Department of Biology, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN, 32132, USA
| | - Qi Liu
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
- Center for Quantitative Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - William P Tansey
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, 465 21st Avenue South, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA.
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