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Cheng C, Zhang J, Liu K, Xu Y, Shen F, Han Y, Hou Y, Zhang T, Bai G. Ginsenoside CK targeting KEAP1-DGR/Kelch domain disrupts the binding between KEAP1 and NRF2-DLG motif to ameliorate oxidative stress damage. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 119:154992. [PMID: 37499433 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.154992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Panax ginseng and Panax notoginseng as traditional Chinese medicines, are widely used in the treatment of qi deficiency, viral or bacterial infection, inflammation and cancer. Ginsenoside CK, an active metabolite of protopanoxadiol among the ginseng saponins, has been shown in previous studies to improve the organism's oxidative balance by regulating the KEAP1-NRF2/ARE pathway, thus slowing the progression of diseases. However, the specific targets and mechanisms of CK in improving oxidative stress remain unclear. PURPOSE The aim of this study was to determine the potential therapeutic targets and molecular mechanisms of CK in improving oxidative stress injury both in vitro and in vivo. METHODS LPS was used to induce oxidative damage in RAW 264.7 cells to evaluate the regulatory effects of CK on the KEAP1-NRF2/ARE pathway. Drug affinity responsive target stability technology (DARTS) combined with proteomics was employed to identify CK's potential target proteins. CK functional probe were designed to analyze the target protein using click chemistry. Furthermore, small molecule and protein interaction technologies were used to verify the mechanism, and computer dynamic simulation technology was used to analyze the interaction sites between CK and the target protein. The pharmacological effects and mechanism of CK in improving oxidative damage were verified in vivo by LPS-induced acute injury in mice and physical mechanical injury in rat soft tissues. RESULTS KEAP1 was identified as the target protein that CK regulates to improve oxidative damage through the KEAP1-NRF2/ARE pathway. CK competitively binds to the DGR/Kelch domain of KEAP1, disrupting the binding between DLG peptide in NRF2 and KEAP1, thereby inhibiting the occurrence of oxidative damage induced by LPS or physical mechanical stress. CONCLUSIONS CK functions as a natural KEAP1-NRF2 inhibitor, disrupting the binding between KEAP1 and NRF2-DLG motifs by targeting the DGR/Kelch domain of KEAP1, activating the antioxidant transcriptional program of NRF2, and reducing oxidative stress damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanjing Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin 300353, China
| | - Jinling Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin 300353, China
| | - Kaixin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin 300353, China
| | - Yanyan Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin 300353, China
| | - Fukui Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin 300353, China
| | - Yanqi Han
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Delivery Technology and Pharmacokinetics, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Quality markers of Traditional Chinese medicine, Tianjin Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, Tianjin 300462, China
| | - Yuanyuan Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin 300353, China.
| | - Tiejun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Delivery Technology and Pharmacokinetics, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Quality markers of Traditional Chinese medicine, Tianjin Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, Tianjin 300462, China.
| | - Gang Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin 300353, China.
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2
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Sun Y, Xu L, Zheng D, Wang J, Liu G, Mo Z, Liu C, Zhang W, Yu J, Xing C, He L, Zhuang C. A potent phosphodiester Keap1-Nrf2 protein-protein interaction inhibitor as the efficient treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Redox Biol 2023; 64:102793. [PMID: 37385075 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2023.102793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The Keap1-Nrf2 pathway has been established as a therapeutic target for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Directly inhibiting the protein-protein interaction (PPI) between Keap1 and Nrf2 has been reported as an effective strategy for treating AD. Our group has validated this in an AD mouse model for the first time using the inhibitor 1,4-diaminonaphthalene NXPZ-2 with high concentrations. In the present study, we reported a new phosphodiester containing diaminonaphthalene compound, POZL, designed to target the PPI interface using a structure-based design strategy to combat oxidative stress in AD pathogenesis. Our crystallographic verification confirms that POZL shows potent Keap1-Nrf2 inhibition. Remarkably, POZL showed its high in vivo anti-AD efficacy at a much lower dosage compared to NXPZ-2 in the transgenic APP/PS1 AD mouse model. POZL treatment in the transgenic mice could effectively ameliorate learning and memory dysfunction by promoting the Nrf2 nuclear translocation. As a result, the oxidative stress and AD biomarker expression such as BACE1 and hyperphosphorylation of Tau were significantly reduced, and the synaptic function was recovered. HE and Nissl staining confirmed that POZL improved brain tissue pathological changes by enhancing neuron quantity and function. Furthermore, it was confirmed that POZL could effectively reverse Aβ-caused synaptic damage by activating Nrf2 in primary cultured cortical neurons. Collectively, our findings demonstrated that the phosphodiester diaminonaphthalene Keap1-Nrf2 PPI inhibitor could be regarded as a promising preclinical candidate of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Sun
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Lijuan Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China; The Center for Basic Research and Innovation of Medicine and Pharmacy (MOE), School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Dongpeng Zheng
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Jue Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Guodong Liu
- The Center for Basic Research and Innovation of Medicine and Pharmacy (MOE), School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Zixin Mo
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Chao Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Wannian Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China; The Center for Basic Research and Innovation of Medicine and Pharmacy (MOE), School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Jianqiang Yu
- School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Chengguo Xing
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Florida, 1345 Center Drive, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Ling He
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
| | - Chunlin Zhuang
- School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China; The Center for Basic Research and Innovation of Medicine and Pharmacy (MOE), School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China.
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3
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Zhang X, Cui K, Wang X, Tong Y, Liu C, Zhu Y, You Q, Jiang Z, Guo X. Novel Hydrogen Sulfide Hybrid Derivatives of Keap1-Nrf2 Protein-Protein Interaction Inhibitor Alleviate Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Acute Experimental Colitis. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12051062. [PMID: 37237928 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12051062] [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: 02/19/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an idiopathic inflammatory disease of unknown etiology possibly associated with intestinal inflammation and oxidative stress. Molecular hybridization by combining two drug fragments to achieve a common pharmacological goal represents a novel strategy. The Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1)-nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway provides an effective defense mechanism for UC therapy, and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) shows similar and relevant biological functions as well. In this work, a series of hybrid derivatives were synthesized by connecting an inhibitor of Keap1-Nrf2 protein-protein interaction with two well-established H2S-donor moieties, respectively, via an ester linker, to find a drug candidate more effective for the UC treatment. Subsequently, the cytoprotective effects of hybrids derivatives were investigated, and DDO-1901 was identified as a candidate showing the best efficacy and used for further investigation on therapeutic effect on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in vitro and in vivo. Experimental results indicated that DDO-1901 could effectively alleviate DSS-induced colitis by improving the defense against oxidative stress and reducing inflammation, more potent than parent drugs. Compared with either drug alone, such molecular hybridization may offer an attractive strategy for the treatment of multifactorial inflammatory disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Keni Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Xiaolu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yuanyuan Tong
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Chihong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yuechao Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Qidong You
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Zhengyu Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Xiaoke Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
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4
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Qi Z, Tong Y, Luo H, Chen M, Zhou N, Chen L. Neuroprotective effect of a Keap1-Nrf2 Protein-Protein Inter-action inhibitor on cerebral Ischemia/Reperfusion injury. Bioorg Chem 2023; 132:106350. [PMID: 36681044 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.106350] [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: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Oxidative stress has been confirmed to be closely related to the occurrence and development of cerebral ischemic/reperfusion (I/R). The Keap1-Nrf2 pathway is widely recognized as a defensive system to maintain cellular redox homeostasis. Targeting Keap1-Nrf2 interaction by small molecules to release Nrf2 should be a promising strategy to treat cerebral I/R injury. The piperazinyl-naphthalenesulfonamide 6 K was reported to be a Keap1-Nrf2 protein-protein interaction inhibitor, showing promising antioxidative effect. Herein, this study is to investigate whether 6 K could prevent brain from I/R injury. The related mechanism of oxidative stress was also elucidated using in vivo mice middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model and in vitro SH-SY5Y oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R) model. The results indicated that treatment of 6 K markedly decreased infarct volume, apoptotic neurons and oxidative damage and promoted neurologic recovery in vivo. The cell model revealed that the reactive oxygen species (ROS) was decreased, and cell viability was increased. Western blots and immunofluorescence staining demonstrated that compound treatment promoted Nrf2 release and nuclear translocation. The downstream protective enzymes were significantly enhanced at both in vivo and in vitro levels. Collectively, 6 K is a promising protective agent against cerebral I/R injury through activation of Nrf2 to suppress oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zengxin Qi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, China; National Center for Neurological Disorders, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Restoration and Neural Regeneration, China; Neurosurgical Institute of Fudan University, China; Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Neurosurgery, China; State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, China
| | - Yusheng Tong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, China; National Center for Neurological Disorders, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Restoration and Neural Regeneration, China; Neurosurgical Institute of Fudan University, China; Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Neurosurgery, China; State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, China
| | - Hao Luo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, China; National Center for Neurological Disorders, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Restoration and Neural Regeneration, China; Neurosurgical Institute of Fudan University, China; Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Neurosurgery, China; State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, China
| | - Ming Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, China; National Center for Neurological Disorders, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Restoration and Neural Regeneration, China; Neurosurgical Institute of Fudan University, China; Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Neurosurgery, China; State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, China
| | - Nan Zhou
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, China; National Center for Neurological Disorders, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Restoration and Neural Regeneration, China; Neurosurgical Institute of Fudan University, China; Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Neurosurgery, China; State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, China.
| | - Liang Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, China; National Center for Neurological Disorders, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Restoration and Neural Regeneration, China; Neurosurgical Institute of Fudan University, China; Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Neurosurgery, China; State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, China.
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5
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Crisman E, Duarte P, Dauden E, Cuadrado A, Rodríguez-Franco MI, López MG, León R. KEAP1-NRF2 protein-protein interaction inhibitors: Design, pharmacological properties and therapeutic potential. Med Res Rev 2023; 43:237-287. [PMID: 36086898 PMCID: PMC10087726 DOI: 10.1002/med.21925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) is considered the master regulator of the phase II antioxidant response. It controls a plethora of cytoprotective genes related to oxidative stress, inflammation, and protein homeostasis, among other processes. Activation of these pathways has been described in numerous pathologies including cancer, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, digestive, metabolic, autoimmune, and neurodegenerative diseases. Considering the increasing interest of discovering novel NRF2 activators due to its clinical application, initial efforts were devoted to the development of electrophilic drugs able to induce NRF2 nuclear accumulation by targeting its natural repressor protein Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1) through covalent modifications on cysteine residues. However, off-target effects of these drugs prompted the development of an innovative strategy, the search of KEAP1-NRF2 protein-protein interaction (PPI) inhibitors. These innovative activators are proposed to target NRF2 in a more selective way, leading to potentially improved drugs with the application for a variety of diseases that are currently under investigation. In this review, we summarize known KEAP1-NRF2 PPI inhibitors to date and the bases of their design highlighting the most important features of their respective interactions. We also discuss the preclinical pharmacological properties described for the most promising compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrique Crisman
- Instituto de Química Médica, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IQM-CSIC), Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Princesa, Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto Teófilo Hernando y Departamento de Farmacología y Terapéutica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pablo Duarte
- Instituto de Química Médica, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IQM-CSIC), Madrid, Spain.,Instituto Teófilo Hernando y Departamento de Farmacología y Terapéutica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Esteban Dauden
- Instituto Teófilo Hernando y Departamento de Farmacología y Terapéutica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio Cuadrado
- Departmento de Bioquímica, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Paz (IdiPaz), Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas 'Alberto Sols' UAM-CSIC, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Manuela G López
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Princesa, Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto Teófilo Hernando y Departamento de Farmacología y Terapéutica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rafael León
- Instituto de Química Médica, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IQM-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
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6
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Sun Y, Zheng L, Yang B, Ge S, Li Q, Zhang M, Shen S, Ying Y. Design, synthesis and evaluation of novel small molecules acting as Keap1-Nrf2 protein-protein interaction inhibitors. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2022; 37:2575-2588. [PMID: 36128875 PMCID: PMC9518255 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2022.2124408] [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] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Direct interference with Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1)-Nrf2 protein-protein interaction (PPI) has recently been introduced as an attractive approach to control life-threatening diseases like myocarditis. The present study aimed to investigate the potential application in myocarditis of a series of novel non-naphthalene derivatives as potential Keap1-Nrf2 PPI inhibitors. Our results indicated that the optimal compound K22 displayed the highest metabolic stability and showed notable Keap1-Nrf2 PPI inhibitory activities in vitro. K22 effectively triggered Nrf2 activation and increased the protein and mRNA expression of Nrf2-regulated genes in H9c2 cells. Moreover, pre-treatment with K22 was shown to mitigate LPS-induced damage to H9c2 cells, causing a marked decrease in the levels of inflammatory factors as well as reactive oxygen species (ROS). Furthermore, K22 was also shown to be non-mutagenic in the Ames test. Overall, our findings suggest that K22 may be a promising drug lead as a Keap1-Nrf2 PPI inhibitor for myocarditis treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunfeng Sun
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Department of Pharmacy, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lulu Zheng
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Department of Pharmacy, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Bo Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Department of Pharmacy, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shuyu Ge
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Department of Pharmacy, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qiang Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Department of Pharmacy, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Mingwan Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Department of Pharmacy, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shenghui Shen
- Department of Cardiology, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yin Ying
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Department of Pharmacy, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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7
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Structure-activity relationships of 1,4-bis(arylsulfonamido)-benzene or naphthalene-N,N'-diacetic acids with varying C2-substituents as inhibitors of Keap1-Nrf2 protein-protein interaction. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 237:114380. [PMID: 35462166 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The Keap1-Nrf2-ARE pathway plays an important role in responding to oxidative stress and maintaining the redox homeostasis. Small molecule inhibitors targeting directly the Keap1-Nrf2 protein-protein interaction (PPI) can potentially be developed into effective preventive and therapeutic agents for numerous chronic inflammatory diseases. To improve the drug-like properties and inhibitory potency of these inhibitors, a series of 1,4-bis(arylsulfonamido)benzene or naphthalene-N,N'-diacetic acids with varying substituents at C-2 position of the benzene or naphthalene core were designed and synthesized. Among them, compound 12d with 2-(4-fluorobenzyloxy) group was the most potent direct inhibitor of Keap1-Nrf2 PPI with an IC50 of 64.5 nM in the fluorescent polarization (FP) assay and 14.2 nM in a time-resolved fluorescence resonance energy transfer (TR-FRET) assay. Moreover, cell-based biological assay showed that 12d significantly increased the mRNA levels of Nrf2 downstream genes, GSTM3, HMOX2 and NQO1, through Nrf2 activation. The discovery of the new scaffolds possessing diverse O-linked fragments at the C2 position offers opportunities to further modify the chemical structures of Keap1-Nrf2 PPI inhibitors to improve their pharmacokinetic, efficacy and safety profiles.
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8
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Liu G, Hou R, Xu L, Zhang X, Yan J, Xing C, Xu K, Zhuang C. Crystallography-Guided Optimizations of the Keap1-Nrf2 Inhibitors on the Solvent Exposed Region: From Symmetric to Asymmetric Naphthalenesulfonamides. J Med Chem 2022; 65:8289-8302. [PMID: 35687391 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Directly inhibiting the Keap1-Nrf2 protein-protein interaction has been investigated as a promising strategy to activate Nrf2 for anti-inflammation. We previously reported a naphthalensulfonamide Keap1-Nrf2 inhibitor NXPZ-2, but have not determined the exact binding mode with Keap1. This symmetric naphthalenesulfonamide compound has relatively low solubility. Herein, we first determined a crystal complex (resolution: 2.3 Å) of human Keap1 Kelch domain with NXPZ-2. Further optimizations on the solvent exposed region obtained asymmetric naphthalenesulfonamides and three crystal structures of Keap1 in complex with designed compounds. Among them, the asymmetric piperazinyl-naphthalenesulfonamide 6k with better aqueous solubility showed the best KD2 value of 0.21 μM to block the interaction. The productions of ROS and NO and the expression of TNF-α were inhibited by 6k in the in vitro model. This compound could relieve inflammations by significantly increasing the Nrf2 nuclear translocation in the LPS-induced ALI model with promising pharmacokinetic properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guodong Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Ruilin Hou
- School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Lijuan Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Xinqi Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Jianyu Yan
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Chengguo Xing
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Florida, 1345 Center Drive, Gainesville, Florida 32610, United States
| | - Ke Xu
- Translational Research Institute of Brain and Brain-Like Intelligence, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200434, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Brain Functional Modulation, Shanghai 200434, China
| | - Chunlin Zhuang
- School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China.,School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
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9
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Dayalan Naidu S, Suzuki T, Dikovskaya D, Knatko EV, Higgins M, Sato M, Novak M, Villegas JA, Moore TW, Yamamoto M, Dinkova-Kostova AT. The isoquinoline PRL-295 increases the thermostability of Keap1 and disrupts its interaction with Nrf2. iScience 2022; 25:103703. [PMID: 35036882 PMCID: PMC8749459 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.103703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcription factor Nrf2 and its negative regulator Keap1 orchestrate a cytoprotective response against oxidative, metabolic, and inflammatory stress. Keap1 is a drug target, with several small molecules in drug development. Here, we show that the isoquinoline PRL-295 increased Keap1 thermostability in lysates from cells expressing fluorescently tagged Keap1. The thermostability of endogenous Keap1 also increased in intact cells and murine liver following PRL-295 treatment. Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging-Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FLIM-FRET) experiments in cells co-expressing sfGFP-Nrf2 and Keap1-mCherry further showed that PRL-295 prolonged the donor fluorescence lifetime, indicating disruption of the Keap1-Nrf2 protein complex. Orally administered PRL-295 to mice activated the Nrf2transcriptional target NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) in liver and decreased the levels of plasma alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase upon acetaminophen-induced hepatic injury. Thus, PRL-295 engages the Keap1 protein target in cells and in vivo, disrupting its interaction with Nrf2, leading to activation of Nrf2-dependent transcription and hepatocellular protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharadha Dayalan Naidu
- Division of Cellular Medicine, School of Medicine, Jacqui Wood Cancer Centre, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, James Arnott Drive, Dundee, Scotland DD1 9SY, UK
| | - Takafumi Suzuki
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Dina Dikovskaya
- Division of Cellular Medicine, School of Medicine, Jacqui Wood Cancer Centre, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, James Arnott Drive, Dundee, Scotland DD1 9SY, UK
| | - Elena V. Knatko
- Division of Cellular Medicine, School of Medicine, Jacqui Wood Cancer Centre, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, James Arnott Drive, Dundee, Scotland DD1 9SY, UK
| | - Maureen Higgins
- Division of Cellular Medicine, School of Medicine, Jacqui Wood Cancer Centre, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, James Arnott Drive, Dundee, Scotland DD1 9SY, UK
| | - Miu Sato
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Miroslav Novak
- Division of Cellular Medicine, School of Medicine, Jacqui Wood Cancer Centre, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, James Arnott Drive, Dundee, Scotland DD1 9SY, UK
| | - José A. Villegas
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois Cancer Center, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Terry W. Moore
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois Cancer Center, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Masayuki Yamamoto
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Albena T. Dinkova-Kostova
- Division of Cellular Medicine, School of Medicine, Jacqui Wood Cancer Centre, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, James Arnott Drive, Dundee, Scotland DD1 9SY, UK
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences and Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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10
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Li G, Liu H, Feng R, Kang TS, Wang W, Ko CN, Wong CY, Ye M, Ma DL, Wan JB, Leung CH. A bioactive ligand-conjugated iridium(III) metal-based complex as a Keap1-Nrf2 protein-protein interaction inhibitor against acetaminophen-induced acute liver injury. Redox Biol 2021; 48:102129. [PMID: 34526248 PMCID: PMC8710994 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2021.102129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatotoxicity caused by an overdose of acetaminophen (APAP) is the leading reason for acute drug-related liver failure. Nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a protein that helps to regulate redox homeostasis and coordinate stress responses via binding to the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1). Targeting the Keap1-Nrf2 interaction has recently emerged as a potential strategy to alleviate liver injury caused by APAP. Here, we designed and synthesized a number of iridium (III) and rhodium (III) complexes bearing ligands with reported activity against oxidative stress, which is associated with Nrf2 transcriptional activation. The iridium (III) complex 1 bearing a bioactive ligand 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline and 4-chloro-2-phenylquinoline, a derivative of the bioactive ligand 2-phenylquinoline, was identified as a direct small-molecule inhibitor of the Keap1–Nrf2 protein-protein interaction. 1 could stabilize Keap1 protein, upregulate HO-1 and NQO1, and promote Nrf2 nuclear translocation in normal liver cells. Moreover, 1 reversed APAP-induced liver damage by disrupting Keap1–Nrf2 interaction and without inducing organ damage and immunotoxicity in mice. Our study demonstrates the identification of a selective and efficacious antagonist of Keap1–Nrf2 interaction possessed good cellular permeability in cellulo and ideal pharmacokinetic parameters in vivo, and, more importantly, validates the feasibility of conjugating metal complexes with bioactive ligands to generate metal-based drug leads as non-toxic Keap1–Nrf2 interaction inhibitors for treating APAP-induced acute liver injury. 1 reversed APAP-induced liver damage by disrupting Keap1–Nrf2 interaction without inducing organ damage or immunotoxicity. Complex 1 possessed good cellular permeability in cellulo and ideal pharmacokinetic parameters in vivo. Conjugating metal complexes with bioactive ligands opens a novel avenue for the treatment of APAP-induced liver damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guodong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR, China
| | - Hao Liu
- Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ruibing Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR, China
| | - Tian-Shu Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR, China
| | - Wanhe Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Institute of Medical Research, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710072, China
| | - Chung-Nga Ko
- Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chun-Yuen Wong
- Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Min Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Dik-Lung Ma
- Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
| | - Jian-Bo Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR, China.
| | - Chung-Hang Leung
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR, China; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR, China.
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11
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Zhang L, Xu L, Chen H, Zhang W, Xing C, Qu Z, Yu J, Zhuang C. Structure-based molecular hybridization design of Keap1-Nrf2 inhibitors as novel protective agents of acute lung injury. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 222:113599. [PMID: 34119834 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Blocking the Kelch-like epichlorohydrin-related protein 1 (Keap1)-nuclear factor-erythroid 2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway represents as a promising strategy to reduce oxidative stress and related-inflammation, including acute lung injury (ALI). NXPZ-2, a naphthalensulfonamide derivative, was previously reported to effectively inhibit the Keap1-Nrf2 protein-protein interaction (PPI) by our group. In the present work, a series of novel isothiocyanate-containing naphthalensulfonamides with the thioether, sulfoxide and sulfone moieties were designed by a structure-based molecular hybridization strategy using NXPZ-2 and the Nrf2 activator sulforaphane. They possessed good Keap1-Nrf2 PPI inhibitory activity and low cytotoxicity. The molecular docking study was performed to further explain the different activity of the thioether-, sulfoxide- and sulfone-containing naphthalensulfonamides. Among these new derivatives, 2-((N-(4-((N-(2-amino-2-oxoethyl)-4-((3-isothiocyanatopropyl)sulfinyl)phenyl)sulfonamido) naphthalen-1-yl)-4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonamido)acetamide (SCN-16) showed a good KD2 value of 0.455 μM to disrupt the PPI. In an LPS-induced peritoneal macrophage cell model, this compound could cause a significant increase in the nuclear Nrf2 protein, decrease in the cytosolic Nrf2 protein, and further elevate the downstream protective enzymes HO-1 and NQO-1, which were better than the lead compound NXPZ-2 and sulforaphane. What's more, the production of ROS and NO and the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α were also suppressed. In the LPS-induced ALI model, SCN-16 could significantly reduce LPS-induced inflammations and alleviate lung injuries by triggering Nrf2 nuclear translocation. Collectively, our results suggested that SCN-16 could be a novel lead compound targeting Keap1-Nrf2 protective pathway for clinical treatment of ALI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shengli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China; School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, 325 Guohe Road, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Lijuan Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shengli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China; School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, 325 Guohe Road, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Haihu Chen
- Department of Intervention, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Wannian Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shengli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China; School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, 325 Guohe Road, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Chengguo Xing
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Florida, 1345 Center Drive, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Zhuo Qu
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, 325 Guohe Road, Shanghai, 200433, China.
| | - Jianqiang Yu
- School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shengli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China.
| | - Chunlin Zhuang
- School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shengli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China; School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, 325 Guohe Road, Shanghai, 200433, China.
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12
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Direct inhibition of Keap1-Nrf2 Protein-Protein interaction as a potential therapeutic strategy for Alzheimer's disease. Bioorg Chem 2020; 103:104172. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2020.104172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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13
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Zhou HS, Hu LB, Zhang H, Shan WX, Wang Y, Li X, Liu T, Zhao J, You QD, Jiang ZY. Design, Synthesis, and Structure–Activity Relationships of Indoline-Based Kelch-like ECH-Associated Protein 1-Nuclear Factor (Erythroid-Derived 2)-Like 2 (Keap1-Nrf2) Protein–Protein Interaction Inhibitors. J Med Chem 2020; 63:11149-11168. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Shan Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Lv-Bin Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Han Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Wen-Xin Shan
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Xue Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Tian Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Qi-Dong You
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Zheng-Yu Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
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14
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Discovery of 2-oxy-2-phenylacetic acid substituted naphthalene sulfonamide derivatives as potent KEAP1-NRF2 protein-protein interaction inhibitors for inflammatory conditions. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 207:112734. [PMID: 32866756 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 07/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) is a pleiotropic transcription factor which regulates the constitutive and inducible transcription of a wide array of genes and confers protection against a variety of pathologies. Directly disrupting Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1)-NRF2 protein-protein interaction (PPI) has been explored as a promising strategy to activate NRF2. We reported here the first identification of a series of 2-oxy-2-phenylacetic acid substituted naphthalene sulfonamide derivatives as potent KEAP1-NRF2 inhibitors. Our efforts led to the potent small molecule KEAP1-NRF2 inhibitor, 20c, which exhibited a Kd of 24 nM to KEAP1 and an IC50 of 75 nM in disrupting KEAP1-NRF2 interaction. Subsequent biological studies provided consistent evidence across mouse macrophage cell-based and in vivo models that 20c induced NRF2 target gene expression and enhanced downstream antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Our study not only demonstrated that small molecule KEAP1-NRF2 PPI inhibitors can be potential preventive and therapeutic agents for diseases and conditions involving oxidative stress and inflammation but also enriched the chemical diversity of the KEAP1-NRF2 inhibitors.
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15
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Mou Y, Wen S, Li YX, Gao XX, Zhang X, Jiang ZY. Recent progress in Keap1-Nrf2 protein-protein interaction inhibitors. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 202:112532. [PMID: 32668381 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Therapeutic targeting the protein-protein interaction (PPI) of Nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) and its main regulator, Kelch-like ECH-Associating protein 1 (Keap1) has been emerged as a feasible way to combat oxidative stress related diseases, due to the key role of Nrf2 in oxidative stress regulation. In recent years, many efforts have been made to develop potent Keap1-Nrf2 inhibitors with new chemical structures. Various molecules with diverse chemical structures have been reported and some compounds exhibit high potency. This review summarizes peptide and small molecule Keap1-Nrf2 inhibitors reported recently. We also highlight the pharmacological effects and discuss the possible therapeutic application of Keap1-Nrf2 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Mou
- College of Pharmacy and Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Taizhou University, Taizhou, 225300, China
| | - Shuai Wen
- College of Pharmacy and Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Taizhou University, Taizhou, 225300, China
| | - Yu-Xiu Li
- College of Pharmacy and Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Taizhou University, Taizhou, 225300, China
| | - Xin-Xing Gao
- College of Pharmacy and Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Taizhou University, Taizhou, 225300, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- College of Pharmacy and Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Taizhou University, Taizhou, 225300, China
| | - Zheng-Yu Jiang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
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16
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Wan J, Lin S, Huang X, Li Q, Zeng L, Du S. ZJ01, a Small Molecule Inhibitor of the Kelch-Like ECH-Associated Protein 1-Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2-Related Factor 2 (Keap1-Nrf2) Protein-Protein Interaction, Reduces Hyperoxic Acute Lung Injury in a Mouse Model. Med Sci Monit 2020; 26:e920467. [PMID: 32437336 PMCID: PMC7257880 DOI: 10.12659/msm.920467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hyperoxic acute lung injury (ALI) is a complication of ventilation in patients with respiratory failure. Nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) has an important role in ALI. Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) binds to Nrf2. ZJ01 is a small molecule inhibitor of Keap1-Nrf2 protein-protein interaction (PPI) that can reduce Keap1-induced inhibition of Nrf2. This study aimed to investigate the effects of ZJ01 and the heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) inhibitor, zinc protoporphyrin IX (ZnPP IX), in a mouse model of hyperoxic ALI. Material/Methods C57BL/6J mice included five study groups: the room air+vehicle-treated group; the room air+ZJ01 group; the hyperoxia+vehicle-treated group; the hyperoxia+ZJ01 group; and the hyperoxia+ZJ01+ZnPP IX group. ZJ01, ZnPP IX, or vehicle were given 1 h after the hyperoxia challenge. The lungs from the mice were harvested at 72 h following the hyperoxia challenge. Results Hyperoxia exposure for 72 h increased the activity of myeloperoxidase, the lung water content, the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and matrix metalloprotease-9 (MMP-9) in the vehicle-treated mice. ZJ01 treatment reduced hyperoxia-induced inflammation and increased the activation of Nrf2 and HO-1 compared with the vehicle-treated mice. Histology of the lungs showed that ZJ01 treatment reduced the changes of hyperoxia-induced ALI. Pretreatment with ZnPP IX reversed the beneficial effect of ZJ01. Conclusions ZJ01, a Keap1-Nrf2 PPI inhibitor, reduced hyperoxic ALI in a mouse model through the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Wan
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China (mainland)
| | - Shaoyan Lin
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China (mainland)
| | - Xiuling Huang
- Department of Cardiology, NanXiong People's Hospital, Nanxiong, Guangdong, China (mainland)
| | - Qianqin Li
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China (mainland)
| | - Lingjun Zeng
- Department of Cardiology, NanXiong People's Hospital, Nanxiong, Guangdong, China (mainland)
| | - Song Du
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China (mainland)
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17
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Lu M, Zhang X, Zhao J, You Q, Jiang Z. A hydrogen peroxide responsive prodrug of Keap1-Nrf2 inhibitor for improving oral absorption and selective activation in inflammatory conditions. Redox Biol 2020; 34:101565. [PMID: 32422540 PMCID: PMC7231841 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2020.101565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Revised: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcription factor Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and its negative regulator, the E3 ligase adaptor Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), control the redox and metabolic homeostasis and oxidative stress. Inhibitors of Keap1-Nrf2 interaction are promising in oxidative stress related inflammatory diseases but now hit hurdles. By utilizing thiazolidinone moiety to shield the key carboxyl pharmacophore in Keap1-Nrf2 inhibitor, a hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-responsive prodrug pro2 was developed. The prodrug modification improved the physicochemical properties and cell membrane permeability of the parent drug. Pro2 was stable and stayed inactive under various physiological conditions, while became active by stimulation of H2O2 or inflammation derived reactive oxygen species. Moreover, pro2 exhibited proper pharmacokinetic profile suitable for oral administration and enhanced anti-inflammatory efficiency in vivo. Thus, this novel prodrug approach may not only provide an important advance in the therapy of chronic inflammatory diseases with high level of H2O2, but also offer a fresh solution to improve the drug-like and selectivity issues of Keap1-Nrf2 inhibitors. Pro2 was developed by utilizing H2O2-responsive thiazolidinone moiety to shield carboxyl group in Keap1-Nrf2 inhibitor. Pro2 was stable and inactive under various physiological conditions, while became active under inflammatory conditions. Pro2 exhibited proper pharmacokinetic profile for oral administration and enhanced anti-inflammatory efficiency in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengchen Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Xian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Qidong You
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
| | - Zhengyu Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
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18
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Abstract
Activation of the transcription factor Nrf2 via the Keap1-Nrf2-ARE signaling system regulates the transcription and subsequent expression of cellular cytoprotective proteins and plays a crucial role in preventing pathological conditions exacerbated by the overproduction of oxidative stress. In addition to electrophilic modulators, direct non-covalent inhibitors that interrupt the Keap1-Nrf2 protein-protein interaction (PPI) leading to Nrf2 activation have attracted a great deal of attention as potential preventive and therapeutic agents for oxidative stress-related diseases. Structural studies of Keap1-binding ligands, development of biochemical and cellular assays, and new structure-based design approaches have facilitated the discovery of small molecule PPI inhibitors. This perspective reviews the Keap1-Nrf2-ARE system, its physiological functions, and the recent progress in the discovery and the potential applications of direct inhibitors of Keap1-Nrf2 PPI.
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19
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Zhou H, Wang Y, You Q, Jiang Z. Recent progress in the development of small molecule Nrf2 activators: a patent review (2017-present). Expert Opin Ther Pat 2020; 30:209-225. [PMID: 31922884 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2020.1715365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: The transcription factor Nrf2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2) is the first line of defense against a plethora of environmental or endogenous deviations in redox metabolism, proteostasis, inflammation, etc. Therefore, pharmacological activation of Nrf2 is a potential therapeutic approach for several diseases related to oxidative stress and inflammation, such as cancer, cardiovascular, and neurodegenerative diseases.Areas covered: The authors first describe the biological function of Nrf2 and the molecular regulatory mechanism of Keap1-Nrf2-ARE ((Kelch-like ECH-Associating protein 1)-Nrf2-(antioxidant response element)). Then, they review recent progress of covalent activators and non-covalent Keap1-Nrf2 protein-protein interaction (PPI) inhibitors from patents and publications in 2017-present, consisting of new chemical molecules, structure optimization of reported activators and progress in preclinical or clinical trials.Expert opinion: Despite significant achievements in the development of Nrf2 activators, the selectivity is the primary consideration. Due to reacting with redox-sensitive cysteines in proteins except for Keap1, electrophilic activators often exhibit off-target effects. For Keap1-Nrf2 PPI inhibitors, how to enhance in vivo efficacy and/or penetrate blood-brain barrier (BBB) to reach central nervous system (CNS) is also challenging. Fragment-based drug discovery (FBDD), carboxylic acid bioisosteric replacement and prodrug approach might be used to circumvent this challenge. Moreover, the possibility of cancer risk caused by Nrf2 activation needs to be considered carefully.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haishan Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qidong You
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhengyu Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
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20
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Discovery of disubstituted xylylene derivatives as small molecule direct inhibitors of Keap1-Nrf2 protein-protein interaction. Bioorg Med Chem 2020; 28:115343. [PMID: 32046917 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2020.115343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The Keap1-Nrf2-ARE system represents a crucial antioxidant defense mechanism that protects cells against reactive oxygen species. Targeting Keap1-Nrf2 protein-protein interaction (PPI) has become a promising drug target for several oxidative stress-related and inflammatory diseases including pulmonary fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) and cancer chemoprevention. For the development of a potential therapeutic agent, drug-like properties and potency are important considerations. In this work, we focused on the modification of 4 as a lead through a molecular dissection strategy in an effort to improve its metabolic stability, leading to the discovery of a series of new disubstituted xylylene derivatives. The preliminary SAR of 9a indicated that compound 21a containing S-methylated acetate moieties exhibited comparable potency to the lead compound 4 in a fluorescent polarization assay but with improved metabolic stability in the presence of human liver microsomes.
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21
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Adelusi TI, Du L, Hao M, Zhou X, Xuan Q, Apu C, Sun Y, Lu Q, Yin X. Keap1/Nrf2/ARE signaling unfolds therapeutic targets for redox imbalanced-mediated diseases and diabetic nephropathy. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 123:109732. [PMID: 31945695 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2019.109732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Revised: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Hyperglycemia/oxidative stress has been implicated in the initiation and progression of diabetic complications while the components of Keap1/Nrf2/ARE signaling are being exploited as therapeutic targets for the treatment/management of these pathologies. Antioxidant agents like drugs, nutraceuticals and pure compounds that target the proteins of this pathway and their downstream genes hold the therapeutic strength to put the progression of this disease at bay. Here, we elucidate how the modulation of Keap1/Nrf2/ARE had been exploited for the treatment/management of end-stage diabetic kidney complication (diabetic nephropathy) by looking into (1) Nrf2 nuclear translocation and phosphorylation by some protein kinases at specific amino acid sequences and (2) Keap1 downregulation/Keap1-Nrf2 protein-protein inhibition (PPI) as potential therapeutic mechanisms exploited by Nrf2 activators for the modulation of diabetic nephropathy biomarkers (Collagen IV, Laminin, TGF-β1 and Fibronectin) that ultimately lead to the amelioration of this disease progression. Furthermore, we brought to limelight the relationship between diabetic nephropathy and Keap1/Nrf2/ARE and finally elucidate how the modulation of this signaling pathway could be further explored to create novel therapeutic milestones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Temitope Isaac Adelusi
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Lei Du
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Meng Hao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Xueyan Zhou
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Qian Xuan
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Chowdhury Apu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Ying Sun
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Qian Lu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Xiaoxing Yin
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China.
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22
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Emerging Screening Approaches in the Development of Nrf2-Keap1 Protein-Protein Interaction Inhibitors. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20184445. [PMID: 31509940 PMCID: PMC6770765 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20184445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Revised: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to role of the Keap1–Nrf2 protein–protein interaction (PPI) in protecting cells from oxidative stress, the development of small molecule inhibitors that inhibit this interaction has arisen as a viable approach to combat maladies caused by oxidative stress, such as cancers, neurodegenerative disease and diabetes. To obtain specific and genuine Keap1–Nrf2 inhibitors, many efforts have been made towards developing new screening approaches. However, there is no inhibitor for this target entering the clinic for the treatment of human diseases. New strategies to identify novel bioactive compounds from large molecular databases and accelerate the developmental process of the clinical application of Keap1–Nrf2 protein–protein interaction inhibitors are greatly needed. In this review, we have summarized virtual screening and other methods for discovering new lead compounds against the Keap1–Nrf2 protein–protein interaction. We also discuss the advantages and limitations of different strategies, and the potential of this PPI as a drug target in disease therapy.
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23
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Tran KT, Pallesen JS, Solbak SMØ, Narayanan D, Baig A, Zang J, Aguayo-Orozco A, Carmona RMC, Garcia AD, Bach A. A Comparative Assessment Study of Known Small-Molecule Keap1-Nrf2 Protein-Protein Interaction Inhibitors: Chemical Synthesis, Binding Properties, and Cellular Activity. J Med Chem 2019; 62:8028-8052. [PMID: 31411465 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b00723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Inhibiting the protein-protein interaction (PPI) between the transcription factor Nrf2 and its repressor protein Keap1 has emerged as a promising strategy to target oxidative stress in diseases, including central nervous system (CNS) disorders. Numerous non-covalent small-molecule Keap1-Nrf2 PPI inhibitors have been reported to date, but many feature suboptimal physicochemical properties for permeating the blood-brain barrier, while others contain problematic structural moieties. Here, we present the first side-by-side assessment of all reported Keap1-Nrf2 PPI inhibitor classes using fluorescence polarization, thermal shift assay, and surface plasmon resonance-and further evaluate the compounds in an NQO1 induction cell assay and in counter tests for nonspecific activities. Surprisingly, half of the compounds were inactive or deviated substantially from reported activities, while we confirm the cross-assay activities for others. Through this study, we have identified the most promising Keap1-Nrf2 inhibitors that can serve as pharmacological probes or starting points for developing CNS-active Keap1 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim T Tran
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences , University of Copenhagen , Universitetsparken 2 , DK-2100 Copenhagen , Denmark
| | - Jakob S Pallesen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences , University of Copenhagen , Universitetsparken 2 , DK-2100 Copenhagen , Denmark
| | - Sara M Ø Solbak
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences , University of Copenhagen , Universitetsparken 2 , DK-2100 Copenhagen , Denmark
| | - Dilip Narayanan
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences , University of Copenhagen , Universitetsparken 2 , DK-2100 Copenhagen , Denmark
| | - Amina Baig
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences , University of Copenhagen , Universitetsparken 2 , DK-2100 Copenhagen , Denmark
| | - Jie Zang
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences , University of Copenhagen , Universitetsparken 2 , DK-2100 Copenhagen , Denmark
| | - Alejandro Aguayo-Orozco
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences , University of Copenhagen , Universitetsparken 2 , DK-2100 Copenhagen , Denmark
| | - Rosa M C Carmona
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences , University of Copenhagen , Universitetsparken 2 , DK-2100 Copenhagen , Denmark
| | - Anthony D Garcia
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences , University of Copenhagen , Universitetsparken 2 , DK-2100 Copenhagen , Denmark.,École Nationale Supérieure de Chimie de Rennes , 11 Allée de Beaulieu , CS 50837, Rennes Cedex 7 35708 , France
| | - Anders Bach
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences , University of Copenhagen , Universitetsparken 2 , DK-2100 Copenhagen , Denmark
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24
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Lu MC, Zhang X, Wu F, Tan SJ, Zhao J, You QD, Jiang ZY. Discovery of a Potent Kelch-Like ECH-Associated Protein 1-Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2-Related Factor 2 (Keap1–Nrf2) Protein–Protein Interaction Inhibitor with Natural Proline Structure as a Cytoprotective Agent against Acetaminophen-Induced Hepatotoxicity. J Med Chem 2019; 62:6796-6813. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b00818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Chen Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Xian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Feng Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Shi-Jie Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Qi-Dong You
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Zheng-Yu Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
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25
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Lu MC, Zhao J, Liu YT, Liu T, Tao MM, You QD, Jiang ZY. CPUY192018, a potent inhibitor of the Keap1-Nrf2 protein-protein interaction, alleviates renal inflammation in mice by restricting oxidative stress and NF-κB activation. Redox Biol 2019; 26:101266. [PMID: 31279986 PMCID: PMC6614503 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2019.101266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Revised: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 07/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The Keap1-Nrf2-ARE pathway regulates the constitutive and inducible transcription of various genes that encode detoxification enzymes, antioxidant proteins and anti-inflammatory proteins and has pivotal roles in the defence against cellular oxidative stress. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic potential of CPUY192018, a potent small-molecule inhibitor of the Keap1-Nrf2 protein-protein interaction (PPI), in renal inflammation. In human proximal tubular epithelial HK-2 cells, CPUY192018 treatment significantly increased Nrf2 protein level and Nrf2 nuclear translocation, which enhanced Nrf2-ARE transcription capacity and the downstream protein content in a Nrf2 dependent manner. In lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-challenged human HK-2 cells, CPUY192018 exhibited cytoprotective effects by enhancing the Nrf2-ARE regulated antioxidant system and diminished the LPS-induced inflammatory response by hindering the ROS-mediated activation of the NF-κB pathway. In the LPS-induced mouse model of chronic renal inflammation, by activating Nrf2, CPUY192018 treatment balanced renal oxidative stress and suppressed inflammatory responses. Hence, administration of CPUY192018 reduced kidney damage and ameliorated pathological alterations of the glomerulus. Taken together, our study suggested that small-molecule Keap1-Nrf2 PPI inhibitors can activate the Nrf2-based cytoprotective system and protect the kidney from inflammatory injury, raising a potential application of Keap1-Nrf2 PPI inhibitors in the treatment of inflammatory kidney disorders. CPUY192018 activated Nrf2-ARE pathway to protect against LPS-induced renal inflammation both in cells and in vivo. CPUY192018 also inhibited NF-κB involved inflammatory response both in cells and kidney. The development of Keap1-Nrf2 PPI inhibitors may create treatment options for kidney diseases with reduced off-target effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Chen Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Yu-Ting Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Tian Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Meng-Min Tao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Qi-Dong You
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Zheng-Yu Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
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26
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Wang H, Wei W, Lan X, Liu N, Li Y, Ma H, Sun T, Peng X, Zhuang C, Yu J. Neuroprotective Effect of Swertiamain on Cerebral Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury by Inducing the Nrf2 Protective Pathway. ACS Chem Neurosci 2019; 10:2276-2286. [PMID: 30753053 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.8b00605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress plays a vital role in the development of cerebral ischemic/reperfusion (I/R). Targeting oxidative stress is proposed to be an effective strategy to treat cerebral I/R injury. Gentiana macrophylla Pall is reported to have a potential protective effect against stroke. Swertiamarin (Swe), an active secoiridoid glycoside compound isolated from Gentiana macrophylla Pall, has been reported to possess antioxidative potential. This study is to explore whether Swe could prevent brain from I/R injury, and the related mechanisms of oxidative stress are also elucidated using mice middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model and primary hippocampal neurons oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R) model. Swe (25, 100, or 400 mg/kg) was pretreated intraperitoneally for 7 days until establishment of the MCAO model, while hippocampal neurons were maintained in Swe (0.1, 1, or 10 μM) in the entire process of reoxygenation. The results indicated that Swe pretreatment markedly decreased infarct volume, apoptotic neurons, and oxidative damage and promoted neurologic recovery in vivo. It also decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and increased cell viability in vitro. Western blot analyses and immunofluorescence staining demonstrated that Swe pretreatment promoted Nrf2 nuclear translocation from Keap1-Nrf2 complex and enhanced the expressions of NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase-1 (NQO1) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) both in vivo and in vitro, while the expressions could be reversed by a Nrf2 inhibitor. The binding mode of Keap1 with Swe was also proposed by covalent molecular docking. Collectively, Swe could be considered as a promising protective agent against cerebral I/R injury through suppressing oxidative stress by activation of the Nrf2 protective pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region 750004, P.R. China
| | - Wei Wei
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region 750004, P.R. China
| | - Xiaobing Lan
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region 750004, P.R. China
| | - Ning Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region 750004, P.R. China
- Ningxia Hui Medicine Modern Engineering Research Center and Collaborative Innovation Center, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region 750004, P.R. China
| | - Yuxiang Li
- College of Nursing, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region 750004, P.R. China
| | - Hanxiang Ma
- Department of Anesthesiology, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region 750004, P.R. China
| | - Tao Sun
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Craniocerebral Diseases of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region 750004, P.R. China
| | - Xiaodong Peng
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region 750004, P.R. China
| | - Chunlin Zhuang
- Ningxia Hui Medicine Modern Engineering Research Center and Collaborative Innovation Center, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region 750004, P.R. China
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, 325 Guohe Road, Shanghai 200433, P.R. China
| | - Jianqiang Yu
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region 750004, P.R. China
- Ningxia Hui Medicine Modern Engineering Research Center and Collaborative Innovation Center, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region 750004, P.R. China
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Craniocerebral Diseases of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region 750004, P.R. China
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27
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Cong H, Zhao X, Castle BT, Pomeroy EJ, Zhou B, Lee J, Wang Y, Bian T, Miao Z, Zhang W, Sham YY, Odde DJ, Eckfeldt CE, Xing C, Zhuang C. An Indole-Chalcone Inhibits Multidrug-Resistant Cancer Cell Growth by Targeting Microtubules. Mol Pharm 2018; 15:3892-3900. [PMID: 30048137 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.8b00359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Multidrug resistance and toxic side effects are the major challenges in cancer treatment with microtubule-targeting agents (MTAs), and thus, there is an urgent clinical need for new therapies. Chalcone, a common simple scaffold found in many natural products, is widely used as a privileged structure in medicinal chemistry. We have previously validated tubulin as the anticancer target for chalcone derivatives. In this study, an α-methyl-substituted indole-chalcone (FC77) was synthesized and found to exhibit an excellent cytotoxicity against the NCI-60 cell lines (average concentration causing 50% growth inhibition = 6 nM). More importantly, several multidrug-resistant cancer cell lines showed no resistance to FC77, and the compound demonstrated good selective toxicity against cancer cells versus normal CD34+ blood progenitor cells. A further mechanistic study demonstrated that FC77 could arrest cells that relate to the binding to tubulin and inhibit the microtubule dynamics. The National Cancer Institute COMPARE analysis and molecular modeling indicated that FC77 had a mechanism of action similar to that of colchicine. Overall, our data demonstrate that this indole-chalcone represents a novel MTA template for further development of potential drug candidates for the treatment of multidrug-resistant cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Cong
- School of Pharmacy , Ningxia Medical University , Yinchuan , China
| | - Xinghua Zhao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry , University of Minnesota , Minneapolis , Minnesota 55455 , United States.,College of Veterinary Medicine , Hebei Agricultural University , Baoding , China
| | - Brian T Castle
- Department of Biomedical Engineering , University of Minnesota , Minneapolis , Minnesota 55455 , United States
| | - Emily J Pomeroy
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Transplantation , University of Minnesota , Minneapolis , Minnesota 55455 , United States
| | - Bo Zhou
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry , University of Minnesota , Minneapolis , Minnesota 55455 , United States
| | - John Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics , University of Minnesota , Minneapolis , Minnesota 55455 , United States
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry , University of Florida , Gainesville , Florida 32611 , United States
| | - Tengfei Bian
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry , University of Florida , Gainesville , Florida 32611 , United States
| | - Zhenyuan Miao
- School of Pharmacy , Second Military Medical University , Shanghai , China
| | - Wannian Zhang
- School of Pharmacy , Ningxia Medical University , Yinchuan , China.,School of Pharmacy , Second Military Medical University , Shanghai , China
| | - Yuk Yin Sham
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology , University of Minnesota , Minneapolis , Minnesota 55455 , United States
| | - David J Odde
- Department of Biomedical Engineering , University of Minnesota , Minneapolis , Minnesota 55455 , United States
| | - Craig E Eckfeldt
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Transplantation , University of Minnesota , Minneapolis , Minnesota 55455 , United States
| | - Chengguo Xing
- School of Pharmacy , Ningxia Medical University , Yinchuan , China.,Department of Medicinal Chemistry , University of Minnesota , Minneapolis , Minnesota 55455 , United States.,Department of Medicinal Chemistry , University of Florida , Gainesville , Florida 32611 , United States
| | - Chunlin Zhuang
- School of Pharmacy , Ningxia Medical University , Yinchuan , China.,School of Pharmacy , Second Military Medical University , Shanghai , China
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28
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Sui M, Jiang X, Chen J, Yang H, Zhu Y. Magnesium isoglycyrrhizinate ameliorates liver fibrosis and hepatic stellate cell activation by regulating ferroptosis signaling pathway. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 106:125-133. [PMID: 29957462 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.06.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2018] [Revised: 06/11/2018] [Accepted: 06/13/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Ferroptosis is recently reported as a new mode of regulated cell death. It is triggered by disturbed redox homeostasis, overloaded iron and increased lipid peroxidation. Howerver, the role of ferroptosis in hepatic fibrosis remains obscure. In the current study, we attempted to investigate the effect of Magnesium isoglycyrrhizinate (MgIG) on ferroptosis in liver fibrosis, and to further clarify the possible mechanisms. Our data showed that MgIG treatment markedly attenuated liver injury and reduced fibrotic scar formation in the rat model of liver fibrosis. Moreover, experiments in vitro also confirmed that MgIG treatment significantly decreased expression of hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation markers. Interestingly, HSCs treated by MgIG presented morphological features of ferroptosis. Furthermore, MgIG treatment remarkably induced HSC ferroptosis by promoting the accumulation of iron and lipid peroxides, whereas inhibition of ferroptosis by specific inhibitor ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1) completely abolished MgIG-induced anti-fibrosis effect. More importantly, our results determined that heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) was in the upstream position of MgIG-induced HSC ferroptosis. Conversely, HO-1 knockdown by siRNA evidently blocked MgIG-induced HSC ferroptosis and in turn exacerbated liver fibrosis. Overall, our research revealed that HO-1 mediated HSC ferroptosis was necessary for MgIG to ameliorate CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao Sui
- Xuzhou Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Xuzhou 221009, China
| | - Xiaofei Jiang
- Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Jun Chen
- Xuzhou Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Xuzhou 221009, China.
| | - Haiyan Yang
- Xuzhou Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Xuzhou 221009, China
| | - Yan Zhu
- Xuzhou Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Xuzhou 221009, China
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29
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Lambert M, Jambon S, Depauw S, David-Cordonnier MH. Targeting Transcription Factors for Cancer Treatment. Molecules 2018; 23:molecules23061479. [PMID: 29921764 PMCID: PMC6100431 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23061479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 229] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2018] [Revised: 06/11/2018] [Accepted: 06/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcription factors are involved in a large number of human diseases such as cancers for which they account for about 20% of all oncogenes identified so far. For long time, with the exception of ligand-inducible nuclear receptors, transcription factors were considered as “undruggable” targets. Advances knowledge of these transcription factors, in terms of structure, function (expression, degradation, interaction with co-factors and other proteins) and the dynamics of their mode of binding to DNA has changed this postulate and paved the way for new therapies targeted against transcription factors. Here, we discuss various ways to target transcription factors in cancer models: by modulating their expression or degradation, by blocking protein/protein interactions, by targeting the transcription factor itself to prevent its DNA binding either through a binding pocket or at the DNA-interacting site, some of these inhibitors being currently used or evaluated for cancer treatment. Such different targeting of transcription factors by small molecules is facilitated by modern chemistry developing a wide variety of original molecules designed to specifically abort transcription factor and by an increased knowledge of their pathological implication through the use of new technologies in order to make it possible to improve therapeutic control of transcription factor oncogenic functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mélanie Lambert
- INSERM UMR-S1172-JPARC (Jean-Pierre Aubert Research Center), Lille University and Hospital Center (CHU-Lille), Institut pour la Recherche sur le Cancer de Lille (IRCL), Place de Verdun, F-59045 Lille, France.
| | - Samy Jambon
- INSERM UMR-S1172-JPARC (Jean-Pierre Aubert Research Center), Lille University and Hospital Center (CHU-Lille), Institut pour la Recherche sur le Cancer de Lille (IRCL), Place de Verdun, F-59045 Lille, France.
| | - Sabine Depauw
- INSERM UMR-S1172-JPARC (Jean-Pierre Aubert Research Center), Lille University and Hospital Center (CHU-Lille), Institut pour la Recherche sur le Cancer de Lille (IRCL), Place de Verdun, F-59045 Lille, France.
| | - Marie-Hélène David-Cordonnier
- INSERM UMR-S1172-JPARC (Jean-Pierre Aubert Research Center), Lille University and Hospital Center (CHU-Lille), Institut pour la Recherche sur le Cancer de Lille (IRCL), Place de Verdun, F-59045 Lille, France.
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30
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Pallesen JS, Tran KT, Bach A. Non-covalent Small-Molecule Kelch-like ECH-Associated Protein 1–Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2-Related Factor 2 (Keap1–Nrf2) Inhibitors and Their Potential for Targeting Central Nervous System Diseases. J Med Chem 2018; 61:8088-8103. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b00358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jakob S. Pallesen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kim T. Tran
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anders Bach
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
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