Discovery and radiosensitization research of ursolic acid derivatives as SENP1 inhibitors

Emerging role of SENP1 in tumorigenesis and cancer therapy

Acting as a cysteine protease, small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO)/sentrin-specific protease1 (SENP1) involved in multiple physiological and pathological processes through processing the precursor SUMO protein into mature form and deSUMOylating target protein. It has been reported that SENP1 is highly expressed and plays a carcinogenic role in various cancers. In this paper, we mainly explore the function and mechanism of SENP1 in tumor cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, metastasis, stemness, angiogenesis, metabolism and drug resistance. Furthermore, the research progress of SENP1 inhibitors for cancer treatment is introduced. This study aims to provide theoretical references for cancer therapy by targeting SENP1.

Drug Discovery Targeting Post-Translational Modifications in Response to DNA Damages Induced by Space Radiation

DNA damage in astronauts induced by cosmic radiation poses a major barrier to human space exploration. Cellular responses and repair of the most lethal DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) are crucial for genomic integrity and cell survival. Post-translational modifications (PTMs), including phosphorylation, ubiquitylation, and SUMOylation, are among the regulatory factors modulating a delicate balance and choice between predominant DSB repair pathways, such as non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) and homologous recombination (HR). In this review, we focused on the engagement of proteins in the DNA damage response (DDR) modulated by phosphorylation and ubiquitylation, including ATM, DNA-PKcs, CtIP, MDM2, and ubiquitin ligases. The involvement and function of acetylation, methylation, PARylation, and their essential proteins were also investigated, providing a repository of candidate targets for DDR regulators. However, there is a lack of radioprotectors in spite of their consideration in the discovery of radiosensitizers. We proposed new perspectives for the research and development of future agents against space radiation by the systematic integration and utilization of evolutionary strategies, including multi-omics analyses, rational computing methods, drug repositioning, and combinations of drugs and targets, which may facilitate the use of radioprotectors in practical applications in human space exploration to combat fatal radiation hazards.

SUMO-specific protease 1 inhibitors-A literature and patent overview

INTRODUCTION

Cancer is currently one of the biggest killers threatening human health. More and more studies have confirmed that SUMO-specific protease 1 (SENP1) is over-expressed in various cancer tissues. Therefore, targeting SENP1 expression may become a new strategy for tumor therapy.

AREAS COVERED

This review reports the latest advances in literature and patents on SENP1 inhibitor development over the past 10 years. With SENP1 as the keyword, articles and patents from PubMed, Google scholar and ScienceDirect databases were covered.

EXPERT OPINION

The available complex crystal structures of SENP1-SUMO1, afforded structure-based drug design opportunities, which led to the development of various isoform-selective small molecule inhibitors belonging to diverse classes (derivatives of benzamides, naphthalenesulfonic acids, pyridones, and the like). Preclinical studies have initially shown the potential advantages of these compounds, which have certain significance for the development of anticancer drugs.

Recent research and development of inhibitors targeting sentrin-specific protease 1 for the treatment of cancers

Small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO)/sentrin-specific protease 1 (SENP1), is a cysteine protease that promotes SUMO maturation and deSUMOylation of target proteins and regulates transcription factors or co-regulatory factors to mediate gene transcription. Many studies have shown that SENP1 is the driving factor for a multitude of cancers including prostate cancer, liver cancer, and breast cancer. Inhibition of SENP1 activity has been proved to inhibit the survival, proliferation, invasion, and migration of cancer cells, and increase their chemical and radiation sensitivity. Therefore, SENP1 is a promising anti-tumor target. At present, peptide inhibitors of SENP1 have entered clinical trials. Recently, many small molecule compounds and natural products were synthesized and identified as SENP1 inhibitors, and showed good tumor inhibitory activity in vitro and in vivo. This review summarizes the structure, physiological function, and role of SENP1 in tumorigenesis and development, focusing on the design and discovery of small molecule inhibitors of SENP1 from the perspective of medicinal chemistry, providing ideas for the development and research of small molecule inhibitors of SENP1 in the future.

Small-molecule inhibitors targeting small ubiquitin-like modifier pathway for the treatment of cancers and other diseases

SUMOylation is a key post-translational modification that involves the covalent attachment of small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) to the lysine residues of target proteins. The well-balanced SUMOylation is essential for normal cellular behaviors, while disturbance of SUMOylation is associated with various cancers and other diseases. Herein, we summarize the structures and biological functions of proteins involved in the SUMOylation process, their dysregulation in human diseases, and the discovery of small-molecular inhibitors targeting this pathway. In addition, we highlight the emerging trends in this field.