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Wang X, Li N, Liu YH, Wu J, Liu QG, Niu JB, Xu Y, Huang CZ, Zhang SY, Song J. Targeting focal adhesion kinase (FAK) in cancer therapy: A recent update on inhibitors and PROTAC degraders. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 276:116678. [PMID: 39029337 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116678] [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: 06/02/2024] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024]
Abstract
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is considered as a pivotal intracellular non-receptor tyrosine kinase, and has garnered significant attention as a promising target for anticancer drug development. As of early 2024, a total of 12 drugs targeting FAK have been approved for clinical or preclinical studies worldwide, including three PROTAC degraders. In recent three years (2021-2023), significant progress has been made in designing targeted FAK anticancer agents, including the development of a novel benzenesulfofurazan type NO-releasing FAK inhibitor and the first-in-class dual-target inhibitors simultaneously targeting FAK and HDACs. Given the pivotal role of FAK in the discovery of anticancer drugs, as well as the notable advancements achieved in FAK inhibitors and PROTAC degraders in recent years, this review is underbaked to present a comprehensive overview of the function and structure of FAK. Additionally, the latest findings on the inhibitors and PROTAC degraders of FAK from the past three years, along with their optimization strategies and anticancer activities, were summarized, which might help to provide novel insights for the development of novel targeted FAK agents with promising anticancer potential and favorable pharmacological profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Na Li
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Yun-He Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Ji Wu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Drug Discovery & Development, Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies (Ministry of Education), Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Qiu-Ge Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Jin-Bo Niu
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Yan Xu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Chen-Zheng Huang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Sai-Yang Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China; State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention &Treatment, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
| | - Jian Song
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
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Ye YX, Cao YY, Xu LS, Wang HC, Liu XH, Zhu HL. FAK inhibitors in cancer, a patent review - an update on progress. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2024; 34:593-610. [PMID: 38946486 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2024.2368742] [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: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a cytoplasmic non-receptor tyrosine kinase over-expressed in various malignancies which is related to various cellular functions such as adhesion, metastasis and proliferation. AREAS COVERED There is growing evidence that FAK is a promising therapeutic target for designing inhibitors by regulating the downstream pathways of FAK. Some potential FAK inhibitors have entered clinical phase research. EXPERT OPINION FAK could be an effective target in medicinal chemistry research and there were a variety of FAKIs have been patented recently. Here, we updated an overview of design, synthesis and structure-activity relationship of chemotherapeutic FAK inhibitors (FAKIs) from 2017 until now based on our previous work. We hope our efforts can broaden the understanding of FAKIs and provide new ideas and insights for future cancer treatment from medicinal chemistry point of view.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Xi Ye
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Biology and Food Engineering, Suzhou University, Suzhou, PR China
| | - Yu-Yao Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Li-Sheng Xu
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Biology and Food Engineering, Suzhou University, Suzhou, PR China
| | - Hai-Chao Wang
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Biology and Food Engineering, Suzhou University, Suzhou, PR China
| | - Xin-Hua Liu
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Biology and Food Engineering, Suzhou University, Suzhou, PR China
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, PR China
| | - Hai-Liang Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, PR China
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Yang M, Xiang H, Luo G. Targeting focal adhesion kinase (FAK) for cancer therapy: FAK inhibitors, FAK-based dual-target inhibitors and PROTAC degraders. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 224:116246. [PMID: 38685282 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116246] [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: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK), a non-receptor tyrosine kinase, plays an essential role in regulating cell proliferation, migration and invasion through both kinase-dependent enzymatic function and kinase-independent scaffolding function. The overexpression and activation of FAK is commonly observed in various cancers and some drug-resistant settings. Therefore, targeted disruption of FAK has been identified as an attractive strategy for cancer treatment. To date, numerous structurally diverse inhibitors targeting distinct domains of FAK have been developed, encompassing kinase domain inhibitors, FERM domain inhibitors, and FAT domain inhibitors, with several FAK inhibitors advanced to clinical trials. Moreover, given the critical role of FAK scaffolding function in signal transduction, FAK-targeted PROTACs have also been developed. Although no current FAK-targeted therapeutics have been approved for the market, the combination of FAK inhibitors with other anticancer drugs has shown considerable promise in the clinic. This review provides an overview of current drug discovery strategies targeting FAK, including the development of FAK inhibitors, FAK-based dual-target inhibitors and proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) in both literature and patent applications. Accordingly, their design and optimization process, mechanisms of action and biological activities are discussed to offer insights into future directions of FAK-targeting drug discovery in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, PR China
| | - Hua Xiang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, PR China.
| | - Guoshun Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, PR China.
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Hu HH, Wang SQ, Shang HL, Lv HF, Chen BB, Gao SG, Chen XB. Roles and inhibitors of FAK in cancer: current advances and future directions. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1274209. [PMID: 38410129 PMCID: PMC10895298 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1274209] [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: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a non-receptor tyrosine kinase that exhibits high expression in various tumors and is associated with a poor prognosis. FAK activation promotes tumor growth, invasion, metastasis, and angiogenesis via both kinase-dependent and kinase-independent pathways. Moreover, FAK is crucial for sustaining the tumor microenvironment. The inhibition of FAK impedes tumorigenesis, metastasis, and drug resistance in cancer. Therefore, developing targeted inhibitors against FAK presents a promising therapeutic strategy. To date, numerous FAK inhibitors, including IN10018, defactinib, GSK2256098, conteltinib, and APG-2449, have been developed, which have demonstrated positive anti-tumor effects in preclinical studies and are undergoing clinical trials for several types of tumors. Moreover, many novel FAK inhibitors are currently in preclinical studies to advance targeted therapy for tumors with aberrantly activated FAK. The benefits of FAK degraders, especially in terms of their scaffold function, are increasingly evident, holding promising potential for future clinical exploration and breakthroughs. This review aims to clarify FAK's role in cancer, offering a comprehensive overview of the current status and future prospects of FAK-targeted therapy and combination approaches. The goal is to provide valuable insights for advancing anti-cancer treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Hui Hu
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Henan Engineering Research Center of Precision Therapy of Gastrointestinal Cancer and Zhengzhou Key Laboratory for Precision Therapy of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Sai-Qi Wang
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Henan Engineering Research Center of Precision Therapy of Gastrointestinal Cancer and Zhengzhou Key Laboratory for Precision Therapy of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Zhengzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hai-Li Shang
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Henan Engineering Research Center of Precision Therapy of Gastrointestinal Cancer and Zhengzhou Key Laboratory for Precision Therapy of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hui-Fang Lv
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Henan Engineering Research Center of Precision Therapy of Gastrointestinal Cancer and Zhengzhou Key Laboratory for Precision Therapy of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Bei-Bei Chen
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Henan Engineering Research Center of Precision Therapy of Gastrointestinal Cancer and Zhengzhou Key Laboratory for Precision Therapy of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Zhengzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - She-Gan Gao
- Henan Key Laboratory of Microbiome and Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Henan Key Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetics, Cancer Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
| | - Xiao-Bing Chen
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Henan Engineering Research Center of Precision Therapy of Gastrointestinal Cancer and Zhengzhou Key Laboratory for Precision Therapy of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Zhengzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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Nammalwar B, Bunce RA. Recent Advances in Pyrimidine-Based Drugs. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:104. [PMID: 38256937 PMCID: PMC10820437 DOI: 10.3390/ph17010104] [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: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Pyrimidines have become an increasingly important core structure in many drug molecules over the past 60 years. This article surveys recent areas in which pyrimidines have had a major impact in drug discovery therapeutics, including anti-infectives, anticancer, immunology, immuno-oncology, neurological disorders, chronic pain, and diabetes mellitus. The article presents the synthesis of the medicinal agents and highlights the role of the biological target with respect to the disease model. Additionally, the biological potency, ADME properties and pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics (if available) are discussed. This survey attempts to demonstrate the versatility of pyrimidine-based drugs, not only for their potency and affinity but also for the improved medicinal chemistry properties of pyrimidine as a bioisostere for phenyl and other aromatic π systems. It is hoped that this article will provide insight to researchers considering the pyrimidine scaffold as a chemotype in future drug candidates in order to counteract medical conditions previously deemed untreatable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baskar Nammalwar
- Vividion Therapeutics, 5820 Nancy Ridge Drive, San Diego, CA 92121, USA;
| | - Richard A. Bunce
- Department of Chemistry, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
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He B, Ding L, Tan HZ, Liu CB, He LQ. Synthesis and antitumor activity evaluation of coumarin Mannich base derivatives. Chem Biol Drug Des 2024; 103:e14389. [PMID: 37955286 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.14389] [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: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
Twenty-one new coumarin Mannich base derivatives (11a-u) were synthesized, which exhibited antiproliferation activities in HepG2 (liver cancer), A549 (lung cancer), MCF-7 (breast cancer), and HT-29 (colon cancer). Most of the target compounds showed the most potent activity against HepG2 cells compared with other cancer cells, compound 11g showed the strongest antiproliferative activity (2.10 μM) against HepG2, even superior to the positive control drug 5-FU(5.49 μM). The nitric oxide (NO) release of all compounds in HepG2 cells was determined, of which compound 11g showed high levels of NO release (10.8 μM). Notably, the solubility of compound 11g increased 13-fold compared with the lead 8. The preliminary cytotoxicity studies suggest that 11g had little effect on LO2 cells(normal liver cells, >50 μM). The effect of compound 11g on the apoptosis of HepG2 cells was also studied, and the results showed that the induction effect of compound 11g on apoptosis is a concentration-dependent manner. Our results indicate that compound 11g might be a promising lead for further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing He
- College of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Le Ding
- College of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Hong-Zhou Tan
- College of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Cheng-Bo Liu
- College of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Li-Qin He
- College of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
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Liu Y, Kong LJ, Li N, Liu YH, Jia MQ, Liu QG, Zhang SY, Song J. Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of novel 2,4-diaminopyrimidine cinnamyl derivatives as inhibitors of FAK with potent anti-gastric cancer activities. Bioorg Chem 2023; 141:106895. [PMID: 37797456 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.106895] [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: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
In this study, twenty-one novel 2,4-diaminopyrimidine cinnamyl derivatives as inhibitors targeting FAK were designed and synthesized based on the structure of TAE-226, and the inhibitory effects of these compounds on both the FAK enzyme and three cancer cell lines (MGC-803, HCT-116, and KYSE30) were investigated. Among them, compound 12s displayed potent inhibitory potency on FAK (IC50 = 47 nM), and demonstrated more significant antiproliferative activities in MGC-803, HCT-116 and KYSE30 cells (IC50 values were 0.24, 0.45 and 0.44 μM, respectively) compared to TAE-226. Furthermore, compound 12s significantly inhibited FAK activation leading to the negative regulation of FAK-related signaling pathways such as AKT/mTOR and MAPK signaling pathways. Molecular docking study suggested that compound 12s could well occupy the ATP-binding pocket site of FAK similar to TAE-226. In addition, compound 12s also efficiently inhibited the proliferation, induced apoptosis and cellular senescence in MGC-803 cells. In conclusion, compound 12s emerges a potent FAK inhibitor that could exert potent inhibitory activity against gastric cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Li-Jun Kong
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Liaocheng Vocational and Technical College, Liaocheng 252000, China
| | - Na Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Yun-He Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Mei-Qi Jia
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Qiu-Ge Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Sai-Yang Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
| | - Jian Song
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
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