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Zhao YD, Zhang W, Xing LZ, Xu J, Shi WM, Zhang YX. In vitro inhibition of α-Synuclein aggregation and disaggregation of preformed fibers by polyphenol hybrids with 2-conjugated benzothiazole. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2024; 105:129752. [PMID: 38631541 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2024.129752] [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: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
The misfolding and aggregation of α-Syn play a pivotal role in connecting diverse pathological pathways in Parkinson's disease (PD). Preserving α-Syn proteostasis and functionality by inhibiting its aggregation or disaggregating existing aggregates using suitable inhibitors represents a promising strategy for PD prevention and treatment. In this study, a series of benzothiazole-polyphenol hybrids was designed and synthesized. Three identified compounds exhibited notable inhibitory activities against α-Syn aggregation in vitro, with IC50 values in the low micromolar range. These inhibitors demonstrated sustained inhibitory effects throughout the entire aggregation process, stabilizing α-Syn proteostasis conformation. Moreover, the compounds effectively disintegrated preformed α-Syn oligomers and fibers, potentially by binding to specific domains within the fibers, inducing fibril instability, collapse, and ultimately resulting in smaller-sized aggregates and monomers. These findings offer valuable insights into the therapeutic potential of polyphenol hybrids with 2-conjugated benzothiazole targeting α-Syn aggregation in the treatment of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Dong Zhao
- Green Catalysis Center, College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Daxue Road 75, 450052 Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Green Catalysis Center, College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Daxue Road 75, 450052 Zhengzhou, China
| | - Li-Zi Xing
- Green Catalysis Center, College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Daxue Road 75, 450052 Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ji Xu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Science, Zhengzhou University, Kexue Road 100, 450001 Zhengzhou, China; Neuroscience Research Institute, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Kexue Road 100, 450001 Zhengzhou, China.
| | - Wei-Min Shi
- Green Catalysis Center, College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Daxue Road 75, 450052 Zhengzhou, China.
| | - Yun-Xiao Zhang
- Green Catalysis Center, College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Daxue Road 75, 450052 Zhengzhou, China.
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Drozdowska D, Wróbel-Tałałaj A, Parzych C, Ratkiewicz A. Benzamide Trimethoprim Derivatives as Human Dihydrofolate Reductase Inhibitors-Molecular Modeling and In Vitro Activity Study. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1079. [PMID: 38791041 PMCID: PMC11117929 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12051079] [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: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Human dihydrofolate reductase (hDHFR) is an essential cellular enzyme, and inhibiting its activity is a promising strategy for cancer therapy. We have chosen the trimethoprim molecule (TMP) as a model compound in our search for a new class of hDHFR inhibitors. We incorporated an amide bond, a structural element typical of netropsin, a ligand that binds selectively in the minor groove of DNA, into the molecules of TMP analogs. In this work, we present previously obtained and evaluated eleven benzamides (JW1-JW8; MB1, MB3, MB4). Recently, these compounds were specifically projected as potential inhibitors of the enzymes acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and β-secretase (BACE1). JW8 was most active against AChE, with an inhibitory concentration of AChE IC50 = 0.056 µM, while the IC50 for donepezil was 0.046 µM. This compound was also the most active against the BACE1 enzyme. The IC50 value was 9.01 µM compared to that for quercetin, with IC50 = 4.89 µM. All the benzamides were active against hDHFR, with IC50 values ranging from 4.72 to 20.17 µM, and showed activity greater than TMP (55.26 µM). Quantitative results identified the derivatives JW2 and JW8 as the most promising. A molecular modeling study demonstrates that JW2 interacts strongly with the key residue Gly-117, while JW8 interacts strongly with Asn-64 and Arg-70. Furthermore, JW2 and JW8 demonstrate the ability to stabilize the hDHFR enzyme, despite forming fewer hydrogen bonds with the protein compared to reference ligands. It can be concluded that this class of compounds certainly holds great promise for good active leads in medicinal chemistry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danuta Drozdowska
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Medical University of Białystok, Mickiewicza Street 2A, 15-222 Białystok, Poland;
| | - Agnieszka Wróbel-Tałałaj
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Medical University of Białystok, Mickiewicza Street 2A, 15-222 Białystok, Poland;
| | - Cezary Parzych
- Department of Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Bialystok, Ciołkowskiego 1K Street, 15-245 Białystok, Poland; (C.P.); (A.R.)
| | - Artur Ratkiewicz
- Department of Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Bialystok, Ciołkowskiego 1K Street, 15-245 Białystok, Poland; (C.P.); (A.R.)
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Xing LZ, Zhang W, Zhao YD, Xu J, Zhang YX. Pyrazolamide derivatives inhibit α-Synuclein aggregation, disaggregate preformed fibers, and reduce inclusion formation in neuron cells. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 268:116198. [PMID: 38368711 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116198] [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: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
α-Syn fibers, the primary cause and central element of Lewy bodies (LB), play a pivotal role in the development of Parkinson's disease (PD). This research aims to identify more potent inhibitors of α-Syn aggregation. A series of N-aryl-3-aryl-pyrazole-5-carboxamide derivatives were designed and synthesized for this purpose. Among them, four candidate compounds, combining pyrazole and polyphenol blocks, were identified through screening, demonstrating good inhibitory effects with IC50 values in the low micromolar range (1.25-4.29 μM). Two candidates exhibited high permeability through the blood-brain barrier. Mechanistic studies using various methods revealed that the candidates preferentially bind to the aggregation-prone domains-proNAC or NAC domains of α-Syn. This binding hinders the conformational transition from random coil/α-helix to β-sheet, preserving α-Syn proteostasis. As a result, it interferes with α-Syn nuclei formation, prolongs the lag phase, decelerates the elongation phase, and ultimately impedes the formation of α-Syn fibrils. Additionally, the candidates demonstrated promising results in the disaggregation of preformed α-Syn fibers, potentially by binding to specific sites near the β-sheet domain within fibers. This reduces fiber stability, causing rapid collapse and yielding smaller aggregates and monomers. Crucially, the candidate compounds exhibited significant inhibitory efficacy against α-Syn aggregation within nerve cells with low cytotoxicity. This resulted in a notable inhibition of the formation of LB-like α-Syn inclusions. These compounds show considerable promise as potential therapeutic agents for the prevention and treatment of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Zi Xing
- Green Catalysis Center, College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Daxue Road 75, 450052, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Green Catalysis Center, College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Daxue Road 75, 450052, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ya-Dong Zhao
- Green Catalysis Center, College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Daxue Road 75, 450052, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ji Xu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Science, Neuroscience Research Institute, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Kexue Road 100, 450001, Zhengzhou, China.
| | - Yun-Xiao Zhang
- Green Catalysis Center, College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Daxue Road 75, 450052, Zhengzhou, China.
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Wang ZP, Zhang W, Xing LZ, Zhao YD, Xu J, Zhang YX. Therapeutic potential of Coumarin-polyphenolic acid hybrids in PD: Inhibition of α-Syn aggregation and disaggregation of preformed fibrils, leading to reduced neuronal inclusion formation. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2024; 99:129618. [PMID: 38219887 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2024.129618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
This study focuses on the discovery of new potential drugs for treating PD by targeting the aggregation of α-Syn. A series of hybrids combining Coumarin and phenolic acid were designed and synthesized. Four particularly promising compounds were identified, showing strong inhibitory effects with IC50 values ranging from low micromolar to submicromolar concentrations, as low as 0.63 μM. These compounds exhibited a higher binding affinity to α-Syn residues and effectively hindered the entire aggregation process, maintaining the proteostasis conformation of α-Syn and preventing the formation of β-sheet aggregates. This approach holds significant promise for PD prevention. Additionally, these candidate compounds demonstrated the ability to break down preformed α-Syn oligomers and fibrils, resulting in the formation of smaller aggregates and monomers. Moreover, the candidate compounds showed impressive effectiveness in inhibiting α-Syn aggregation within nerve cells, thereby reducing the likelihood of α-Syn inclusion formation resembling Lewy bodies, which highlights their potential for treating PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen-Ping Wang
- Green Catalysis Center, College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Daxue Road 75, 450052 Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Green Catalysis Center, College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Daxue Road 75, 450052 Zhengzhou, China
| | - Li-Zi Xing
- Green Catalysis Center, College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Daxue Road 75, 450052 Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ya-Dong Zhao
- Green Catalysis Center, College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Daxue Road 75, 450052 Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ji Xu
- Deparment of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Science, Zhengzhou University, Kexue Road 100, 450001 Zhengzhou, China; Neuroscience Research Institute, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Kexue Road 100, 450001 Zhengzhou, China.
| | - Yun-Xiao Zhang
- Green Catalysis Center, College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Daxue Road 75, 450052 Zhengzhou, China.
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Zhang W, Liu W, Zhao YD, Xing LZ, Xu J, Li RJ, Zhang YX. The potential of Rhein's aromatic amines for Parkinson's disease prevention and treatment: α-Synuclein aggregation inhibition and disaggregation of preformed fibers. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2024; 97:129564. [PMID: 38000482 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2023.129564] [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: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
The aggregation of α-Syn is a pivotal mechanism in Parkinson's disease (PD). Effectively maintaining α-Syn proteostasis involves both inhibiting its aggregation and promoting disaggregation. In this study, we developed a series of aromatic amide derivatives based on Rhein. Two of these compounds, 4,5-dihydroxy-N-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-9,10-dioxo-9,10-dihydroanthracene-2-carboxamide (a5) and 4,5-dihydroxy-N-(2-hydroxy-4-chlorophenyl)-9,10-dioxo-9,10-dihydroanthracene-2-carboxamide (a8), exhibited good binding affinities to α-Syn residues, demonstrating promising inhibitory activity against α-Syn aggregation in vitro, with low IC50 values (1.35 and 1.08 μM, respectivly). These inhibitors acted throughout the entire aggregation process by stabilizing α-Syn's conformation and preventing the formation of β-sheet aggregates. They also effectively disassembled preformed α-Syn oligomers and fibrils. Preliminary mechanistic insights indicated that they bound to the specific domain within fibrils, inducing fibril instability, collapse, and the formation of smaller aggregates and monomeric α-Syn units. This research underscores the therapeutic potential of Rhein's aromatic amides in targeting α-Syn aggregation for PD treatment and suggests broader applications in managing and preventing neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhang
- Green Catalysis Center, College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Daxue Road 75, 450052 Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Green Catalysis Center, College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Daxue Road 75, 450052 Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ya-Dong Zhao
- Green Catalysis Center, College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Daxue Road 75, 450052 Zhengzhou, China
| | - Li-Zi Xing
- Green Catalysis Center, College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Daxue Road 75, 450052 Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ji Xu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Science, Zhengzhou University, Kexue Road 100, 450001 Zhengzhou, China; Neuroscience Research Institute, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Kexue Road 100, 450001 Zhengzhou, China.
| | - Rui-Jun Li
- Green Catalysis Center, College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Daxue Road 75, 450052 Zhengzhou, China.
| | - Yun-Xiao Zhang
- Green Catalysis Center, College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Daxue Road 75, 450052 Zhengzhou, China.
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Liu W, Zhang W, Xing LZ, Zhao YD, Xu J, Li RJ, Zhang YX. 4-Arylidene curcumin derivatives in vitro inhibit α-Synuclein aggregation and disaggregate the preformed fibril. Bioorg Med Chem 2023; 96:117529. [PMID: 37976808 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2023.117529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
This study focuses on the misfolding and aggregation of α-Syn as a central mechanism linking various pathological processes in PD. Maintaining α-Syn proteostasis through suitable inhibitors emerges as an effective approach to prevent PD. A more efficient strategy for PD treatment involves disintegrating neurotoxic oligomers and fibrils into normal functional α-Syn using inhibitors. To this end, a series of 4-arylidene curcumin derivatives were synthesized with a sheet-like conjugated skeleton and higher binding energies with α-Syn residues. Among these derivatives, three candidate compounds exhibited promising α-Syn aggregation inhibitory activities in vitro, with IC50 values as low as 0.61 μM. The inhibitory action extended throughout the entire aggregation process, stabilizing α-Syn proteostasis conformation and preventing β-sheets aggregation. Furthermore, the candidate compounds demonstrated effective disintegration capabilities against preformed α-Syn oligomers and fibrils. Initial mechanistic investigations indicated that the inhibitors may bind to a specific domain within the fibril, inducing fibril instability and subsequent collapse. This process resulted in the formation of a complex system of aggregates with smaller sizes and monomers. Overall, these findings provide valuable insights into the potential of 4-arylidene curcumin derivatives as therapeutic agents for targeting α-Syn aggregation in PD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Liu
- Green Catalysis Center, College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Daxue Road 75, 450052 Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Green Catalysis Center, College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Daxue Road 75, 450052 Zhengzhou, China
| | - Li-Zi Xing
- Green Catalysis Center, College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Daxue Road 75, 450052 Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ya-Dong Zhao
- Green Catalysis Center, College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Daxue Road 75, 450052 Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ji Xu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Science, Zhengzhou University, Kexue Road 100, 450001 Zhengzhou, China; Neuroscience Research Institute, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Kexue Road 100, 450001 Zhengzhou, China.
| | - Rui-Jun Li
- Green Catalysis Center, College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Daxue Road 75, 450052 Zhengzhou, China.
| | - Yun-Xiao Zhang
- Green Catalysis Center, College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Daxue Road 75, 450052 Zhengzhou, China.
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