1
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de Groot AP, de Haan G. How CBX proteins regulate normal and leukemic blood cells. FEBS Lett 2024. [PMID: 38426219 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14839] [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: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) fate decisions are dictated by epigenetic landscapes. The Polycomb Repressive Complex 1 (PRC1) represses genes that induce differentiation, thereby maintaining HSC self-renewal. Depending on which chromobox (CBX) protein (CBX2, CBX4, CBX6, CBX7, or CBX8) is part of the PRC1 complex, HSC fate decisions differ. Here, we review how this occurs. We describe how CBX proteins dictate age-related changes in HSCs and stimulate oncogenic HSC fate decisions, either as canonical PRC1 members or by alternative interactions, including non-epigenetic regulation. CBX2, CBX7, and CBX8 enhance leukemia progression. To target, reprogram, and kill leukemic cells, we suggest and describe multiple therapeutic strategies to interfere with the epigenetic functions of oncogenic CBX proteins. Future studies should clarify to what extent the non-epigenetic function of cytoplasmic CBX proteins is important for normal, aged, and leukemic blood cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne P de Groot
- European Research Institute for Biology of Ageing (ERIBA), University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), The Netherlands
- Sanquin Research, Landsteiner Laboratory, Sanquin Blood Supply, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gerald de Haan
- European Research Institute for Biology of Ageing (ERIBA), University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), The Netherlands
- Sanquin Research, Landsteiner Laboratory, Sanquin Blood Supply, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Hematology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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2
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Aatkar A, Vuorinen A, Longfield OE, Gilbert K, Peltier-Heap R, Wagner CD, Zappacosta F, Rittinger K, Chung CW, House D, Tomkinson NCO, Bush JT. Efficient Ligand Discovery Using Sulfur(VI) Fluoride Reactive Fragments. ACS Chem Biol 2023; 18:1926-1937. [PMID: 37084287 PMCID: PMC10510102 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.3c00034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023]
Abstract
Sulfur(VI) fluorides (SFs) have emerged as valuable electrophiles for the design of "beyond-cysteine" covalent inhibitors and offer potential for expansion of the liganded proteome. Since SFs target a broad range of nucleophilic amino acids, they deliver an approach for the covalent modification of proteins without requirement for a proximal cysteine residue. Further to this, libraries of reactive fragments present an innovative approach for the discovery of ligands and tools for proteins of interest by leveraging a breadth of mass spectrometry analytical approaches. Herein, we report a screening approach that exploits the unique properties of SFs for this purpose. Libraries of SF-containing reactive fragments were synthesized, and a direct-to-biology workflow was taken to efficiently identify hit compounds for CAII and BCL6. The most promising hits were further characterized to establish the site(s) of covalent modification, modification kinetics, and target engagement in cells. Crystallography was used to gain a detailed molecular understanding of how these reactive fragments bind to their target. It is anticipated that this screening protocol can be used for the accelerated discovery of "beyond-cysteine" covalent inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arron Aatkar
- GSK, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K.
- Department
of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University
of Strathclyde, 295 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G1 1XL, U.K.
| | - Aini Vuorinen
- GSK, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K.
- The
Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, U.K.
| | - Oliver E. Longfield
- GSK, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K.
- Department
of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University
of Strathclyde, 295 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G1 1XL, U.K.
| | - Katharine Gilbert
- GSK, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K.
- Department
of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University
of Strathclyde, 295 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G1 1XL, U.K.
| | - Rachel Peltier-Heap
- GSK, South Collegeville Road, Collegeville, Pennsylvania 19426, United States
| | - Craig D. Wagner
- GSK, South Collegeville Road, Collegeville, Pennsylvania 19426, United States
| | | | | | - Chun-wa Chung
- GSK, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K.
| | - David House
- GSK, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K.
- The
Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, U.K.
| | - Nicholas C. O. Tomkinson
- Department
of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University
of Strathclyde, 295 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G1 1XL, U.K.
| | - Jacob T. Bush
- GSK, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K.
- The
Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, U.K.
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3
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Harnden A, Davis OA, Box GM, Hayes A, Johnson LD, Henley AT, de Haven Brandon AK, Valenti M, Cheung KMJ, Brennan A, Huckvale R, Pierrat OA, Talbot R, Bright MD, Akpinar HA, Miller DSJ, Tarantino D, Gowan S, de Klerk S, McAndrew PC, Le Bihan YV, Meniconi M, Burke R, Kirkin V, van Montfort RLM, Raynaud FI, Rossanese OW, Bellenie BR, Hoelder S. Discovery of an In Vivo Chemical Probe for BCL6 Inhibition by Optimization of Tricyclic Quinolinones. J Med Chem 2023; 66:5892-5906. [PMID: 37026591 PMCID: PMC10150366 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
B-cell lymphoma 6 (BCL6) is a transcriptional repressor and oncogenic driver of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Here, we report the optimization of our previously reported tricyclic quinolinone series for the inhibition of BCL6. We sought to improve the cellular potency and in vivo exposure of the non-degrading isomer, CCT373567, of our recently published degrader, CCT373566. The major limitation of our inhibitors was their high topological polar surface areas (TPSA), leading to increased efflux ratios. Reducing the molecular weight allowed us to remove polarity and decrease TPSA without considerably reducing solubility. Careful optimization of these properties, as guided by pharmacokinetic studies, led to the discovery of CCT374705, a potent inhibitor of BCL6 with a good in vivo profile. Modest in vivo efficacy was achieved in a lymphoma xenograft mouse model after oral dosing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice
C. Harnden
- Centre
for Cancer Drug Discovery and Division of Structural Biology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SM2 5NG, U.K.
| | - Owen A. Davis
- Centre
for Cancer Drug Discovery and Division of Structural Biology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SM2 5NG, U.K.
| | - Gary M. Box
- Centre
for Cancer Drug Discovery and Division of Structural Biology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SM2 5NG, U.K.
| | - Angela Hayes
- Centre
for Cancer Drug Discovery and Division of Structural Biology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SM2 5NG, U.K.
| | - Louise D. Johnson
- Centre
for Cancer Drug Discovery and Division of Structural Biology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SM2 5NG, U.K.
| | - Alan T. Henley
- Centre
for Cancer Drug Discovery and Division of Structural Biology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SM2 5NG, U.K.
| | - Alexis K. de Haven Brandon
- Centre
for Cancer Drug Discovery and Division of Structural Biology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SM2 5NG, U.K.
| | - Melanie Valenti
- Centre
for Cancer Drug Discovery and Division of Structural Biology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SM2 5NG, U.K.
| | - Kwai-Ming J. Cheung
- Centre
for Cancer Drug Discovery and Division of Structural Biology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SM2 5NG, U.K.
| | - Alfie Brennan
- Centre
for Cancer Drug Discovery and Division of Structural Biology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SM2 5NG, U.K.
| | - Rosemary Huckvale
- Centre
for Cancer Drug Discovery and Division of Structural Biology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SM2 5NG, U.K.
| | - Olivier A. Pierrat
- Centre
for Cancer Drug Discovery and Division of Structural Biology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SM2 5NG, U.K.
| | - Rachel Talbot
- Centre
for Cancer Drug Discovery and Division of Structural Biology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SM2 5NG, U.K.
| | - Michael D. Bright
- Centre
for Cancer Drug Discovery and Division of Structural Biology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SM2 5NG, U.K.
| | - Hafize Aysin Akpinar
- Centre
for Cancer Drug Discovery and Division of Structural Biology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SM2 5NG, U.K.
| | - Daniel S. J. Miller
- Centre
for Cancer Drug Discovery and Division of Structural Biology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SM2 5NG, U.K.
| | - Dalia Tarantino
- Centre
for Cancer Drug Discovery and Division of Structural Biology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SM2 5NG, U.K.
| | - Sharon Gowan
- Centre
for Cancer Drug Discovery and Division of Structural Biology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SM2 5NG, U.K.
| | - Selby de Klerk
- Centre
for Cancer Drug Discovery and Division of Structural Biology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SM2 5NG, U.K.
| | - Peter Craig McAndrew
- Centre
for Cancer Drug Discovery and Division of Structural Biology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SM2 5NG, U.K.
| | - Yann-Vaï Le Bihan
- Centre
for Cancer Drug Discovery and Division of Structural Biology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SM2 5NG, U.K.
| | - Mirco Meniconi
- Centre
for Cancer Drug Discovery and Division of Structural Biology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SM2 5NG, U.K.
| | - Rosemary Burke
- Centre
for Cancer Drug Discovery and Division of Structural Biology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SM2 5NG, U.K.
| | - Vladimir Kirkin
- Centre
for Cancer Drug Discovery and Division of Structural Biology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SM2 5NG, U.K.
| | - Rob L. M. van Montfort
- Centre
for Cancer Drug Discovery and Division of Structural Biology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SM2 5NG, U.K.
| | - Florence I. Raynaud
- Centre
for Cancer Drug Discovery and Division of Structural Biology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SM2 5NG, U.K.
| | - Olivia W. Rossanese
- Centre
for Cancer Drug Discovery and Division of Structural Biology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SM2 5NG, U.K.
| | - Benjamin R. Bellenie
- Centre
for Cancer Drug Discovery and Division of Structural Biology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SM2 5NG, U.K.
| | - Swen Hoelder
- Centre
for Cancer Drug Discovery and Division of Structural Biology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SM2 5NG, U.K.
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4
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Mamai A, Chau AM, Wilson BJ, Watson ID, Joseph BB, Subramanian PR, Morshed MM, Morin JA, Prakesch MA, Lu T, Connolly P, Kuntz DA, Pomroy NC, Poda G, Nguyen K, Marcellus R, Strathdee G, Theriault B, Subramaniam R, Mohammed M, Abibi A, Chan M, Winston J, Kiyota T, Undzys E, Aman A, Austin N, Du Jardin M, Packman K, Phillippar U, Attar R, Edwards J, O’Meara J, Uehling DE, Al-awar R, Privé GG, Isaac MB. Discovery of OICR12694: A Novel, Potent, Selective, and Orally Bioavailable BCL6 BTB Inhibitor. ACS Med Chem Lett 2023; 14:199-210. [PMID: 36793435 PMCID: PMC9923840 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.2c00502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
B cell lymphoma 6 (BCL6), a highly regulated transcriptional repressor, is deregulated in several forms of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), most notably in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). The activities of BCL6 are dependent on protein-protein interactions with transcriptional co-repressors. To find new therapeutic interventions addressing the needs of patients with DLBCL, we initiated a program to identify BCL6 inhibitors that interfere with co-repressor binding. A virtual screen hit with binding activity in the high micromolar range was optimized by structure-guided methods, resulting in a novel and highly potent inhibitor series. Further optimization resulted in the lead candidate 58 (OICR12694/JNJ-65234637), a BCL6 inhibitor with low nanomolar DLBCL cell growth inhibition and an excellent oral pharmacokinetic profile. Based on its overall favorable preclinical profile, OICR12694 is a highly potent, orally bioavailable candidate for testing BCL6 inhibition in DLBCL and other neoplasms, particularly in combination with other therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Mamai
- Drug
Discovery Program, Ontario Institute for
Cancer Research, 661 University Avenue, Suite 510, Toronto, OntarioM5G 0A3, Canada
| | - Anh M. Chau
- Drug
Discovery Program, Ontario Institute for
Cancer Research, 661 University Avenue, Suite 510, Toronto, OntarioM5G 0A3, Canada
| | - Brian J. Wilson
- Drug
Discovery Program, Ontario Institute for
Cancer Research, 661 University Avenue, Suite 510, Toronto, OntarioM5G 0A3, Canada
| | - Iain D. Watson
- Drug
Discovery Program, Ontario Institute for
Cancer Research, 661 University Avenue, Suite 510, Toronto, OntarioM5G 0A3, Canada
| | - Babu B. Joseph
- Drug
Discovery Program, Ontario Institute for
Cancer Research, 661 University Avenue, Suite 510, Toronto, OntarioM5G 0A3, Canada
| | - Pandiaraju R. Subramanian
- Drug
Discovery Program, Ontario Institute for
Cancer Research, 661 University Avenue, Suite 510, Toronto, OntarioM5G 0A3, Canada
| | - Monzur M. Morshed
- Drug
Discovery Program, Ontario Institute for
Cancer Research, 661 University Avenue, Suite 510, Toronto, OntarioM5G 0A3, Canada
| | - Justin A. Morin
- Drug
Discovery Program, Ontario Institute for
Cancer Research, 661 University Avenue, Suite 510, Toronto, OntarioM5G 0A3, Canada
| | - Michael A. Prakesch
- Drug
Discovery Program, Ontario Institute for
Cancer Research, 661 University Avenue, Suite 510, Toronto, OntarioM5G 0A3, Canada
| | - Tianbao Lu
- Janssen
Research & Development, LLC, 1400 McKean Road, Spring
House, Pennsylvania19477, United States
| | - Pete Connolly
- Janssen
Research & Development, LLC, 1400 McKean Road, Spring
House, Pennsylvania19477, United States
| | - Douglas A. Kuntz
- Princess
Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, OntarioM5G 2C1, Canada
| | - Neil C. Pomroy
- Princess
Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, OntarioM5G 2C1, Canada
| | - Gennady Poda
- Drug
Discovery Program, Ontario Institute for
Cancer Research, 661 University Avenue, Suite 510, Toronto, OntarioM5G 0A3, Canada
- Leslie
Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, OntarioM5S 3M2, Canada
| | - Kong Nguyen
- Drug
Discovery Program, Ontario Institute for
Cancer Research, 661 University Avenue, Suite 510, Toronto, OntarioM5G 0A3, Canada
| | - Richard Marcellus
- Drug
Discovery Program, Ontario Institute for
Cancer Research, 661 University Avenue, Suite 510, Toronto, OntarioM5G 0A3, Canada
| | - Graig Strathdee
- Drug
Discovery Program, Ontario Institute for
Cancer Research, 661 University Avenue, Suite 510, Toronto, OntarioM5G 0A3, Canada
| | - Brigitte Theriault
- Drug
Discovery Program, Ontario Institute for
Cancer Research, 661 University Avenue, Suite 510, Toronto, OntarioM5G 0A3, Canada
| | - Ratheesh Subramaniam
- Drug
Discovery Program, Ontario Institute for
Cancer Research, 661 University Avenue, Suite 510, Toronto, OntarioM5G 0A3, Canada
| | - Mohammed Mohammed
- Drug
Discovery Program, Ontario Institute for
Cancer Research, 661 University Avenue, Suite 510, Toronto, OntarioM5G 0A3, Canada
| | - Ayome Abibi
- Drug
Discovery Program, Ontario Institute for
Cancer Research, 661 University Avenue, Suite 510, Toronto, OntarioM5G 0A3, Canada
| | - Manuel Chan
- Drug
Discovery Program, Ontario Institute for
Cancer Research, 661 University Avenue, Suite 510, Toronto, OntarioM5G 0A3, Canada
| | - Jeffrey Winston
- Drug
Discovery Program, Ontario Institute for
Cancer Research, 661 University Avenue, Suite 510, Toronto, OntarioM5G 0A3, Canada
| | - Taira Kiyota
- Drug
Discovery Program, Ontario Institute for
Cancer Research, 661 University Avenue, Suite 510, Toronto, OntarioM5G 0A3, Canada
| | - Elijus Undzys
- Drug
Discovery Program, Ontario Institute for
Cancer Research, 661 University Avenue, Suite 510, Toronto, OntarioM5G 0A3, Canada
| | - Ahmed Aman
- Drug
Discovery Program, Ontario Institute for
Cancer Research, 661 University Avenue, Suite 510, Toronto, OntarioM5G 0A3, Canada
- Leslie
Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, OntarioM5S 3M2, Canada
| | - Nigel Austin
- Janssen
Research & Development, LLC, 1400 McKean Road, Spring
House, Pennsylvania19477, United States
| | - Marc Du Jardin
- Janssen
Research & Development, LLC, 1400 McKean Road, Spring
House, Pennsylvania19477, United States
| | - Kathryn Packman
- Janssen
Research & Development, LLC, 1400 McKean Road, Spring
House, Pennsylvania19477, United States
| | - Ulrike Phillippar
- Janssen
Research & Development, Turnhoutseweg 30, B-2340Beerse, Belgium
| | - Riccardo Attar
- Janssen
Research & Development, LLC, 1400 McKean Road, Spring
House, Pennsylvania19477, United States
| | - James Edwards
- Janssen
Research & Development, LLC, 1400 McKean Road, Spring
House, Pennsylvania19477, United States
| | - Jeff O’Meara
- Drug
Discovery Program, Ontario Institute for
Cancer Research, 661 University Avenue, Suite 510, Toronto, OntarioM5G 0A3, Canada
| | - David E. Uehling
- Drug
Discovery Program, Ontario Institute for
Cancer Research, 661 University Avenue, Suite 510, Toronto, OntarioM5G 0A3, Canada
| | - Rima Al-awar
- Drug
Discovery Program, Ontario Institute for
Cancer Research, 661 University Avenue, Suite 510, Toronto, OntarioM5G 0A3, Canada
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, OntarioM5S 3H6, Canada
- Department
of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University
of Toronto, Toronto, OntarioM5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Gilbert G. Privé
- Princess
Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, OntarioM5G 2C1, Canada
- Department
of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, OntarioM5G 1L7, Canada
- Department
of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, OntarioM5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Methvin B. Isaac
- Drug
Discovery Program, Ontario Institute for
Cancer Research, 661 University Avenue, Suite 510, Toronto, OntarioM5G 0A3, Canada
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5
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Gu H, He J, Li Y, Mi D, Guan T, Guo W, Liu B, Chen Y. B-cell Lymphoma 6 Inhibitors: Current Advances and Prospects of Drug Development for Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphomas. J Med Chem 2022; 65:15559-15583. [PMID: 36441945 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
B-cell lymphoma 6 (BCL6) is a transcriptional repressor that regulates the differentiation of B lymphocytes and mediates the formation of germinal centers (GCs) by recruiting corepressors through the BTB domain of BCL6. Physiological processes regulated by BCL6 involve cell activation, differentiation, DNA damage, and apoptosis. BCL6 is highly expressed when the gene is mutated, leading to the malignant proliferation of cells and drives tumorigenesis. BCL6 overexpression is closely correlated with tumorigenesis in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and other lymphomas, and BCL6 inhibitors can effectively inhibit some lymphomas and overcome resistance. Therefore, targeting BCL6 might be a promising therapeutic strategy for treating lymphomas. Herein, we comprehensively review the latest development of BCL6 inhibitors in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and discuss the overview of the pharmacophores of BCL6 inhibitors and their efficacies in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, the current advances in BCL6 degraders are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haijun Gu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, The Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Jia He
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, The Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Yuzhan Li
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, The Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Dazhao Mi
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, The Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Tian Guan
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, The Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Weikai Guo
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, The Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Bo Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yihua Chen
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, The Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
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6
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McLachlan T, Matthews WC, Jackson ER, Staudt DE, Douglas AM, Findlay IJ, Persson ML, Duchatel RJ, Mannan A, Germon ZP, Dun MD. B-cell Lymphoma 6 (BCL6): From Master Regulator of Humoral Immunity to Oncogenic Driver in Pediatric Cancers. Mol Cancer Res 2022; 20:1711-1723. [PMID: 36166198 PMCID: PMC9716245 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-22-0567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
B-cell lymphoma 6 (BCL6) is a protooncogene in adult and pediatric cancers, first identified in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) where it acts as a repressor of the tumor suppressor TP53, conferring survival, protection, and maintenance of lymphoma cells. BCL6 expression in normal B cells is fundamental in the regulation of humoral immunity, via initiation and maintenance of the germinal centers (GC). Its role in B cells during the production of high affinity immunoglobins (that recognize and bind specific antigens) is believed to underpin its function as an oncogene. BCL6 is known to drive the self-renewal capacity of leukemia-initiating cells (LIC), with high BCL6 expression in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and glioblastoma (GBM) associated with disease progression and treatment resistance. The mechanisms underpinning BCL6-driven therapy resistance are yet to be uncovered; however, high activity is considered to confer poor prognosis in the clinical setting. BCL6's key binding partner, BCL6 corepressor (BCOR), is frequently mutated in pediatric cancers and appears to act in concert with BCL6. Using publicly available data, here we show that BCL6 is ubiquitously overexpressed in pediatric brain tumors, inversely to BCOR, highlighting the potential for targeting BCL6 in these often lethal and untreatable cancers. In this review, we summarize what is known of BCL6 (role, effect, mechanisms) in pediatric cancers, highlighting the two sides of BCL6 function, humoral immunity, and tumorigenesis, as well as to review BCL6 inhibitors and highlight areas of opportunity to improve the outcomes of patients with pediatric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tabitha McLachlan
- University of Newcastle, Cancer Signalling Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine & Wellbeing, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - William C. Matthews
- University of Newcastle, Cancer Signalling Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine & Wellbeing, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Evangeline R. Jackson
- University of Newcastle, Cancer Signalling Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine & Wellbeing, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Dilana E. Staudt
- University of Newcastle, Cancer Signalling Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine & Wellbeing, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Alicia M. Douglas
- University of Newcastle, Cancer Signalling Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine & Wellbeing, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Izac J. Findlay
- University of Newcastle, Cancer Signalling Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine & Wellbeing, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mika L. Persson
- University of Newcastle, Cancer Signalling Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine & Wellbeing, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ryan J. Duchatel
- University of Newcastle, Cancer Signalling Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine & Wellbeing, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Abdul Mannan
- University of Newcastle, Cancer Signalling Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine & Wellbeing, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Zacary P. Germon
- University of Newcastle, Cancer Signalling Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine & Wellbeing, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Matthew D. Dun
- University of Newcastle, Cancer Signalling Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine & Wellbeing, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Precision Medicine Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia.,Corresponding Author: Matthew D. Dun, Cancer Signalling Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, Level 3, Life Sciences Bldg, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia. Phone: 612-4921-5693; E-mail:
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Pierrat OA, Liu M, Collie GW, Shetty K, Rodrigues MJ, Le Bihan YV, Gunnell EA, McAndrew PC, Stubbs M, Rowlands MG, Yahya N, Shehu E, Talbot R, Pickard L, Bellenie BR, Cheung KMJ, Drouin L, Innocenti P, Woodward H, Davis OA, Lloyd MG, Varela A, Huckvale R, Broccatelli F, Carter M, Galiwango D, Hayes A, Raynaud FI, Bryant C, Whittaker S, Rossanese OW, Hoelder S, Burke R, van Montfort RLM. Discovering cell-active BCL6 inhibitors: effectively combining biochemical HTS with multiple biophysical techniques, X-ray crystallography and cell-based assays. Sci Rep 2022; 12:18633. [PMID: 36329085 PMCID: PMC9633773 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-23264-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
By suppressing gene transcription through the recruitment of corepressor proteins, B-cell lymphoma 6 (BCL6) protein controls a transcriptional network required for the formation and maintenance of B-cell germinal centres. As BCL6 deregulation is implicated in the development of Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma, we sought to discover novel small molecule inhibitors that disrupt the BCL6-corepressor protein-protein interaction (PPI). Here we report our hit finding and compound optimisation strategies, which provide insight into the multi-faceted orthogonal approaches that are needed to tackle this challenging PPI with small molecule inhibitors. Using a 1536-well plate fluorescence polarisation high throughput screen we identified multiple hit series, which were followed up by hit confirmation using a thermal shift assay, surface plasmon resonance and ligand-observed NMR. We determined X-ray structures of BCL6 bound to compounds from nine different series, enabling a structure-based drug design approach to improve their weak biochemical potency. We developed a time-resolved fluorescence energy transfer biochemical assay and a nano bioluminescence resonance energy transfer cellular assay to monitor cellular activity during compound optimisation. This workflow led to the discovery of novel inhibitors with respective biochemical and cellular potencies (IC50s) in the sub-micromolar and low micromolar range.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier A Pierrat
- Division of Cancer Therapeutics, Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Manjuan Liu
- Division of Cancer Therapeutics, Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Gavin W Collie
- Division of Cancer Therapeutics, Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SM2 5NG, UK
- Division of Structural Biology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SW3 6JB, UK
| | - Kartika Shetty
- Division of Cancer Therapeutics, Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SM2 5NG, UK
- Division of Structural Biology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SW3 6JB, UK
| | - Matthew J Rodrigues
- Division of Cancer Therapeutics, Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SM2 5NG, UK
- Division of Structural Biology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SW3 6JB, UK
| | - Yann-Vaï Le Bihan
- Division of Cancer Therapeutics, Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SM2 5NG, UK
- Division of Structural Biology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SW3 6JB, UK
| | - Emma A Gunnell
- Division of Cancer Therapeutics, Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SM2 5NG, UK
- Division of Structural Biology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SW3 6JB, UK
| | - P Craig McAndrew
- Division of Cancer Therapeutics, Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Mark Stubbs
- Division of Cancer Therapeutics, Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Martin G Rowlands
- Division of Cancer Therapeutics, Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Norhakim Yahya
- Division of Cancer Therapeutics, Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Erald Shehu
- Division of Cancer Therapeutics, Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Rachel Talbot
- Division of Cancer Therapeutics, Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Lisa Pickard
- Division of Cancer Therapeutics, Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Benjamin R Bellenie
- Division of Cancer Therapeutics, Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Kwai-Ming J Cheung
- Division of Cancer Therapeutics, Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Ludovic Drouin
- Division of Cancer Therapeutics, Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Paolo Innocenti
- Division of Cancer Therapeutics, Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Hannah Woodward
- Division of Cancer Therapeutics, Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Owen A Davis
- Division of Cancer Therapeutics, Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Matthew G Lloyd
- Division of Cancer Therapeutics, Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Ana Varela
- Division of Cancer Therapeutics, Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Rosemary Huckvale
- Division of Cancer Therapeutics, Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Fabio Broccatelli
- Division of Cancer Therapeutics, Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Michael Carter
- Division of Cancer Therapeutics, Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SM2 5NG, UK
| | - David Galiwango
- Division of Cancer Therapeutics, Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Angela Hayes
- Division of Cancer Therapeutics, Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Florence I Raynaud
- Division of Cancer Therapeutics, Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Christopher Bryant
- Division of Cancer Therapeutics, Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Steven Whittaker
- Division of Cancer Therapeutics, Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Olivia W Rossanese
- Division of Cancer Therapeutics, Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Swen Hoelder
- Division of Cancer Therapeutics, Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Rosemary Burke
- Division of Cancer Therapeutics, Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Rob L M van Montfort
- Division of Cancer Therapeutics, Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SM2 5NG, UK.
- Division of Structural Biology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, SW3 6JB, UK.
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Tao AJ, Gadbois GE, Buczynski SA, Ferguson FM. Targeted protein degradation: Emerging concepts and protein state-specific targeting principles. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2022; 67:102114. [PMID: 35042023 PMCID: PMC9701552 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2021.102114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Targeted protein degraders are heterobifunctional small molecules that link a target ligand or bait to an E3-ligase binder via a chemical spacer. Upon entering the cell, these ligands trigger the formation of a ternary complex between the target protein, degrader and E3-ligase, which leads to target polyubiquitination and proteasomal degradation. In recent years, TPD has expanded rapidly as a field, becoming the modality of choice in drug discovery and chemical probe development. This has been driven by the unique pharmacology of these molecules, which allows for fast and reversible knockdown of the target protein. Recent studies have demonstrated that degraders with specificity for a defined subpopulation of a protein-of-interest can be developed, giving rise to the emerging concept of protein state-specific targeting. In this article, we review advances towards developing degraders that differentiate between target protein subpopulations based on their; activation state, oligomerization state, cellular localization state, and cell type.
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Molecular glues modulate protein functions by inducing protein aggregation: A promising therapeutic strategy of small molecules for disease treatment. Acta Pharm Sin B 2022; 12:3548-3566. [PMID: 36176907 PMCID: PMC9513498 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2022.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular glues can specifically induce aggregation between two or more proteins to modulate biological functions. In recent years, molecular glues have been widely used as protein degraders. In addition, however, molecular glues play a variety of vital roles, such as complex stabilization, interactome modulation and transporter inhibition, enabling challenging therapeutic targets to be druggable and offering an exciting novel approach for drug discovery. Since most molecular glues are identified serendipitously, exploration of their systematic discovery and rational design are important. In this review, representative examples of molecular glues with various physiological functions are divided into those mediating homo-dimerization, homo-polymerization and hetero-dimerization according to their aggregation modes, and we attempt to elucidate their mechanisms of action. In particular, we aim to highlight some biochemical techniques typically exploited within these representative studies and classify them in terms of three stages of molecular glue development: starting point, optimization and identification.
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