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Asano W, Hantani R, Uhara T, Debaene F, Nomura A, Yamaguchi K, Adachi T, Otake K, Harada K, Hantani Y. Screening approaches for the identification of Nrf2-Keap1 protein-protein interaction inhibitors targeting hot spot residues. SLAS DISCOVERY : ADVANCING LIFE SCIENCES R & D 2024; 29:100125. [PMID: 37935317 DOI: 10.1016/j.slasd.2023.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) play a crucial role in most biological processes and are important targets in the development of therapeutic agents. However, small molecule drug discovery that targets PPIs remains very challenging. Targeting hot spot residues is considered the best option for inhibiting such interactions, but there are few examples of how knowledge of hot spots can be used in high throughput screening to find hit compounds. A substrate adaptor protein for a ubiquitin ligase complex, Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), negatively modulates the expression of genes involved in cellular protection against oxidative stress. Here, we focused on three arginine hot spot residues in the Keap1 substrate binding pocket (Arg380, Arg415, and Arg483), and screened the carboxylic acid library owned by Japan Tobacco Inc. for compounds that interact with the arginine residues in differential scanning fluorescence assays. Furthermore, we identified several small molecule compounds that specifically bind to the Keap1 Kelch domain hot spots by comparing binding to alanine mutant proteins (R380A, R415A, and R483A) with binding to the wild-type protein using surface plasmon resonance (SPR) screening. These compounds inhibited the protein-protein interaction between the Keap1 Kelch domain and the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) peptide, and the ubiquitination of Nrf2 catalyzed by the Cul3/RINGBox 1 E3 ligase. In addition, the binding mode of one compound (Compound 4) was determined by X-ray crystallography after validation of binding by isothermal titration calorimetry, native mass spectrometry, and nuclear magnetic resonance. Compound 4 had favorable thermodynamic properties, and noncovalently bound to Keap1 with a stoichiometry of 1:1. Our results suggest that Compound 4 could potentially be developed into effective therapeutic or preventive agents for a variety of diseases and conditions such as oxidative stress response, inflammation, and carcinogenesis. We believe that the use of a set of complementary biophysical techniques including the SPR assay with single alanine mutant of hot spots provides opportunities to identify hit compounds for developing inhibitors of PPIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wataru Asano
- Biological/Pharmacological Research Laboratories, Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1, Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-1125, Japan
| | - Rie Hantani
- Biological/Pharmacological Research Laboratories, Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1, Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-1125, Japan
| | - Toru Uhara
- Biological/Pharmacological Research Laboratories, Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1, Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-1125, Japan
| | - François Debaene
- Biophysics Dpt/ MS Platform, NovAliX, 16 rue d'Ankara, Strasbourg 67000, France
| | - Akihiro Nomura
- Chemical Research Laboratories, Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1, Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-1125, Japan
| | - Keishi Yamaguchi
- Chemical Research Laboratories, Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1, Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-1125, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Adachi
- Chemical Research Laboratories, Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1, Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-1125, Japan
| | - Kazuki Otake
- Chemical Research Laboratories, Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1, Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-1125, Japan
| | - Kazuhito Harada
- Chemical Research Laboratories, Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1, Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-1125, Japan
| | - Yoshiji Hantani
- Biological/Pharmacological Research Laboratories, Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1, Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-1125, Japan.
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Joma N, Zhang I, Righetto GL, McKay L, Gran ER, Kakkar A, Maysinger D. Flavonoids Regulate Redox-Responsive Transcription Factors in Glioblastoma and Microglia. Cells 2023; 12:2821. [PMID: 38132142 PMCID: PMC10871111 DOI: 10.3390/cells12242821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) has emerged as a valuable therapeutic target in glioblastoma (GBM), as it promotes tumorigenesis via an increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Immune cells such as microglia accumulate near the tumor and its hypoxic core, fostering tumor proliferation and angiogenesis. In this study, we explored the therapeutic potential of natural polyphenols with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Notably, flavonoids, including fisetin and quercetin, can protect non-cancerous cells while eliminating transformed cells (2D cultures and 3D tumoroids). We tested the hypothesis that fisetin and quercetin are modulators of redox-responsive transcription factors, for which subcellular location plays a critical role. To investigate the sites of interaction between natural compounds and stress-responsive transcription factors, we combined molecular docking with experimental methods employing proximity ligation assays. Our findings reveal that fisetin decreased cytosolic acetylated high mobility group box 1 (acHMGB1) and increased transcription factor EB (TFEB) abundance in microglia but not in GBM. Moreover, our results suggest that the most powerful modulator of the Nrf2-KEAP1 complex is fisetin. This finding is in line with molecular modeling and calculated binding properties between fisetin and Nrf2-KEAP1, which indicated more sites of interactions and stronger binding affinities than quercetin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natali Joma
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, 3655 Promenade Sir-William-Osler, Montreal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada; (N.J.); (I.Z.); (G.L.R.); (E.R.G.)
| | - Issan Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, 3655 Promenade Sir-William-Osler, Montreal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada; (N.J.); (I.Z.); (G.L.R.); (E.R.G.)
| | - Germanna L. Righetto
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, 3655 Promenade Sir-William-Osler, Montreal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada; (N.J.); (I.Z.); (G.L.R.); (E.R.G.)
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, 101 College St, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Laura McKay
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, 801 Sherbrooke St W, Montreal, QC H3A 0B8, Canada; (L.M.); (A.K.)
| | - Evan Rizzel Gran
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, 3655 Promenade Sir-William-Osler, Montreal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada; (N.J.); (I.Z.); (G.L.R.); (E.R.G.)
| | - Ashok Kakkar
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, 801 Sherbrooke St W, Montreal, QC H3A 0B8, Canada; (L.M.); (A.K.)
| | - Dusica Maysinger
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, 3655 Promenade Sir-William-Osler, Montreal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada; (N.J.); (I.Z.); (G.L.R.); (E.R.G.)
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3
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Fonseca Lopez F, Miao J, Damjanovic J, Bischof L, Braun MB, Ling Y, Hartmann MD, Lin YS, Kritzer JA. Computational Prediction of Cyclic Peptide Structural Ensembles and Application to the Design of Keap1 Binders. J Chem Inf Model 2023; 63:6925-6937. [PMID: 37917529 PMCID: PMC10807374 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.3c01337] [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] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
The Nrf2 transcription factor is a master regulator of the cellular response to oxidative stress, and Keap1 is its primary negative regulator. Activating Nrf2 by inhibiting the Nrf2-Keap1 protein-protein interaction has shown promise for treating cancer and inflammatory diseases. A loop derived from Nrf2 has been shown to inhibit Keap1 selectively, especially when cyclized, but there are no reliable design methods for predicting an optimal macrocyclization strategy. In this work, we employed all-atom, explicit-solvent molecular dynamics simulations with enhanced sampling methods to predict the relative degree of preorganization for a series of peptides cyclized with a set of bis-thioether "staples". We then correlated these predictions to experimentally measured binding affinities for Keap1 and crystal structures of the cyclic peptides bound to Keap1. This work showcases a computational method for designing cyclic peptides by simulating and comparing their entire solution-phase ensembles, providing key insights into designing cyclic peptides as selective inhibitors of protein-protein interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jiayuan Miao
- Department of Chemistry, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, United States
| | - Jovan Damjanovic
- Department of Chemistry, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, United States
| | - Luca Bischof
- Department of Protein Evolution, Max Planck Institute for Biology, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Interfaculty Institute of Biochemistry, Tübingen University, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Michael B Braun
- Department of Protein Evolution, Max Planck Institute for Biology, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Interfaculty Institute of Biochemistry, Tübingen University, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Yingjie Ling
- Department of Chemistry, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, United States
| | - Marcus D Hartmann
- Department of Protein Evolution, Max Planck Institute for Biology, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Interfaculty Institute of Biochemistry, Tübingen University, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Yu-Shan Lin
- Department of Chemistry, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, United States
| | - Joshua A Kritzer
- Department of Chemistry, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, United States
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Hamad RS, Al-Kuraishy HM, Alexiou A, Papadakis M, Ahmed EA, Saad HM, Batiha GES. SARS-CoV-2 infection and dysregulation of nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway. Cell Stress Chaperones 2023; 28:657-673. [PMID: 37796433 PMCID: PMC10746631 DOI: 10.1007/s12192-023-01379-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a recent pandemic caused by a novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‑CoV‑2) leading to pulmonary and extra-pulmonary manifestations due to the development of oxidative stress (OS) and hyperinflammation. The underlying cause for OS and hyperinflammation in COVID-19 may be related to the inhibition of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), a master regulator of antioxidative responses and cellular homeostasis. The Nrf2 pathway inhibits the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the development of cytokine storm and OS in COVID-19. Nrf2 activators can attenuate endothelial dysfunction (ED), renin-angiotensin system (RAS) dysregulation, immune thrombosis, and coagulopathy. Hence, this review aimed to reveal the potential role of the Nrf2 pathway and its activators in the management of COVID-19. As well, we tried to revise the mechanistic role of the Nrf2 pathway in COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rabab S Hamad
- Biological Sciences Department, College of Science, King Faisal University, 31982, Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
- Central Laboratory, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, 12411, Egypt
| | - Hayder M Al-Kuraishy
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Medicine, Medical Faculty, College of Medicine, Al-Mustansiriyah University, P.O. Box 14132, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Athanasios Alexiou
- Department of Science and Engineering, Novel Global Community Educational Foundation, Hebersham, NSW, 2770, Australia
- AFNP Med, 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Marios Papadakis
- Department of Surgery II, University Hospital Witten-Herdecke, University of Witten-Herdecke, Heusnerstrasse 40, 42283, Wuppertal, Germany.
| | - Eman A Ahmed
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt
| | - Hebatallah M Saad
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Matrouh University, Marsa Matruh, 51744, Egypt.
| | - Gaber El-Saber Batiha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Damanhour, 22511, Egypt.
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5
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Iegre J, Krajcovicova S, Gunnarsson A, Wissler L, Käck H, Luchniak A, Tångefjord S, Narjes F, Spring DR. A cell-active cyclic peptide targeting the Nrf2/Keap1 protein-protein interaction. Chem Sci 2023; 14:10800-10805. [PMID: 37829032 PMCID: PMC10566475 DOI: 10.1039/d3sc04083f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The disruption of the protein-protein interaction (PPI) between Nrf2 and Keap1 is an attractive strategy to counteract the oxidative stress that characterises a variety of severe diseases. Peptides represent a complementary approach to small molecules for the inhibition of this therapeutically important PPI. However, due to their polar nature and the negative net charge required for binding to Keap1, the peptides reported to date exhibit either mid-micromolar activity or are inactive in cells. Herein, we present a two-component peptide stapling strategy to rapidly access a variety of constrained and functionalised peptides that target the Nrf2/Keap1 PPI. The most promising peptide, P8-H containing a fatty acid tag, binds to Keap1 with nanomolar affinity and is effective at inducing transcription of ARE genes in a human lung epithelial cell line at sub-micromolar concentration. Furthermore, crystallography of the peptide in complex with Keap1 yielded a high resolution X-ray structure, adding to the toolbox of structures available to develop cell-permeable peptidomimetic inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Iegre
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry Lensfield Road CB2 1EW Cambridge UK
| | - Sona Krajcovicova
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry Lensfield Road CB2 1EW Cambridge UK
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Palacky University Olomouc Tr. 17. Listopadu 12 77900 Olomouc Czech Republic
| | - Anders Gunnarsson
- Mechanistic and Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca Pepparedsleden 1 43183 Gothenburg Sweden
| | - Lisa Wissler
- Mechanistic and Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca Pepparedsleden 1 43183 Gothenburg Sweden
| | - Helena Käck
- Mechanistic and Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca Pepparedsleden 1 43183 Gothenburg Sweden
| | - Anna Luchniak
- Mechanistic and Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca Pepparedsleden 1 43183 Gothenburg Sweden
| | - Stefan Tångefjord
- BioScience, Research & Early Development, Respiratory & Immunology, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca Pepparedsleden 1 43183 Gothenburg Sweden
| | - Frank Narjes
- Medicinal Chemistry, Research & Early Development, Respiratory & Immunology, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca Pepparedsleden 1 43183 Gothenburg Sweden
| | - David R Spring
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry Lensfield Road CB2 1EW Cambridge UK
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6
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Ghica A, Drumea V, Moroșan A, Mihaiescu DE, Costea L, Luță EA, Mihai DP, Balaci DT, Fița AC, Olaru OT, Boscencu R, Gîrd CE. Phytochemical Screening and Antioxidant Potential of Selected Extracts from Betula alba var. pendula Roth., Glycyrrhiza glabra L., and Avena sativa L. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:2510. [PMID: 37447070 DOI: 10.3390/plants12132510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to obtain, characterize, and evaluate the antioxidant potential of some extracts obtained from the bark of Betula alba var. pendula Roth., the root of Glycyrrhiza glabra L., and the green herb of the Avena sativa. The results revealed that the lowest IC50 value, determined by all three methods, was obtained for Betulae extractum (BE) (73.6 µg/mL-DPPH method, 11.2 µg/mL-ABTS method, and 58.7 µg/mL-FRAP method), followed by Liquiritiae extractum (LE) (805.6 µg/mL, 92.1 µg/mL, and 722 µg/mL) and Avenae extractum (1.13 mg/mL-DPPH method, 99.7 µg/mL-ABTS method, and 135.1 µg/mL-FRAP method). These results correlate with total polyphenols content (expressed in g tannic acid/100 g dry extract), with BE having more polyphenols than LE and AE (47.96 ± 9.7083 for BE, compared with 9.31 ± 0.9913 for LE and 40.55 ± 6.3715 for AE). The total flavonoid content (expressed as g rutoside/100 g dry extract) is similar for BE and LE (3.75 ± 0.3140 and 3.44 ± 0.3037) and smaller for AE (1.95 ± 0.0526). Therefore, Betulae extractum has the strongest antioxidant action, with an IC50 value very close to the standard used as a reference (ascorbic acid-16.5 μg/mL solution). The FT-ICR-MS analysis confirmed the presence of the major compounds in all three extracts. The antioxidant properties of the studied extracts were further supported by molecular docking experiments that revealed the potential of the analyzed phytochemicals to act as both noncovalent and covalent activators of the Nrf2 signaling pathway, with promising benefits in treating various skin disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adelina Ghica
- Faculty of Pharmacy, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Traian Vuia 6, 020956 Bucharest, Romania
- Biotehnos SA, Gorunului Street No. 3-5, 075100 Otopeni, Romania
| | - Veronica Drumea
- Biotehnos SA, Gorunului Street No. 3-5, 075100 Otopeni, Romania
| | - Alina Moroșan
- Department of Organic Chemistry "Costin Nenițescu", Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, University POLITEHNICA of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Dan Eduard Mihaiescu
- Department of Organic Chemistry "Costin Nenițescu", Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, University POLITEHNICA of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Liliana Costea
- Faculty of Pharmacy, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Traian Vuia 6, 020956 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Emanuela Alice Luță
- Faculty of Pharmacy, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Traian Vuia 6, 020956 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Dragos Paul Mihai
- Faculty of Pharmacy, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Traian Vuia 6, 020956 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Dalila Teodora Balaci
- Faculty of Pharmacy, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Traian Vuia 6, 020956 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ancuța Cătălina Fița
- Faculty of Pharmacy, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Traian Vuia 6, 020956 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Octavian Tudorel Olaru
- Faculty of Pharmacy, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Traian Vuia 6, 020956 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Rica Boscencu
- Faculty of Pharmacy, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Traian Vuia 6, 020956 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cerasela Elena Gîrd
- Faculty of Pharmacy, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Traian Vuia 6, 020956 Bucharest, Romania
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Wang X, Zhou T, Yang X, Cao X, Jin G, Zhang P, Guo J, Rong K, Li B, Hu Y, Liu K, Ma P, Qin A, Zhao J. DDRGK1 Enhances Osteosarcoma Chemoresistance via Inhibiting KEAP1-Mediated NRF2 Ubiquitination. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2204438. [PMID: 36965071 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202204438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Chemoresistance is the main obstacle in osteosarcoma (OS) treatment; however, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. In this study, it is discovered that DDRGK domain-containing protein 1 (DDRGK1) plays a fundamental role in chemoresistance induced in OS. Bioinformatic and tissue analyses indicate that higher expression of DDRGK1 correlates with advanced tumor stage and poor clinical prognosis of OS. Quantitative proteomic analyses suggest that DDRGK1 plays a critical role in mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. DDRGK1 knockout trigger the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and attenuate the stability of nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (NRF2), a major antioxidant response element. Furthermore, DDRGK1 inhibits ubiquitin-proteasome-mediated degradation of NRF2 via competitive binding to the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1) protein, which recruits NRF2 to CULLIN(CUL3). DDRGK1 knockout attenuates NRF2 stability, contributing to ROS accumulation, which promotes apoptosis and enhanced chemosensitivity to doxorubicin (DOX) and etoposide in cancer cells. Indeed, DDRGK1 knockout significantly enhances osteosarcoma chemosensitivity to DOX in vivo. The combination of DDRGK1 knockdown and DOX treatment provides a promising new avenue for the effective treatment of OS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orthopaedic Implants, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhaizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, P. R. China
| | - Tangjun Zhou
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orthopaedic Implants, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhaizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, P. R. China
| | - Xiao Yang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orthopaedic Implants, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhaizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, P. R. China
| | - Xiankun Cao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orthopaedic Implants, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhaizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, P. R. China
| | - Gu Jin
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, P. R. China
| | - Pu Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orthopaedic Implants, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhaizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, P. R. China
| | - Jiadong Guo
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orthopaedic Implants, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhaizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, P. R. China
| | - Kewei Rong
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orthopaedic Implants, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhaizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, P. R. China
| | - Baixing Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orthopaedic Implants, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhaizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, P. R. China
| | - Yibin Hu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orthopaedic Implants, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhaizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, P. R. China
| | - Kexin Liu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orthopaedic Implants, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhaizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, P. R. China
| | - Peixiang Ma
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orthopaedic Implants, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhaizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, P. R. China
| | - An Qin
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orthopaedic Implants, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhaizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, P. R. China
| | - Jie Zhao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orthopaedic Implants, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 639 Zhaizaoju Road, Shanghai, 200011, P. R. China
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A Multifunctional (-)-Meptazinol-Serotonin Hybrid Ameliorates Oxidative Stress-Associated Apoptotic Neuronal Death and Memory Deficits via Activating the Nrf2/Antioxidant Enzyme Pathway. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2023; 2023:6935947. [PMID: 36819782 PMCID: PMC9935814 DOI: 10.1155/2023/6935947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
The pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) involves multiple pathophysiological processes. Oxidative stress is a major cause of AD-associated neuronal injury. The current research was designed to examine whether a novel (-)-meptazinol-serotonin hybrid (Mep-S) with potent antioxidant activity and additional inhibitory properties for acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity could attenuate oxidative neuronal damage and cognitive deficits. In human SH-SY5Y cells, Mep-S suppressed H2O2-induced apoptosis by restoring mitochondrial membrane potential and inhibiting caspase-3 activation. Meanwhile, it attenuated oxidative stress elicited by H2O2 through lessening generation of reactive oxygen species as well as enhancing production of glutathione (GSH) and activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD). Mechanistically, Mep-S promoted nuclear translocation of a transcription factor nuclear factor E2-related factor-2 (Nrf2) in H2O2-challenged cells. This effect was accompanied by reduction in Kelch-like ECH-associated protein-1 (Keap1) levels as well as augmentation of Akt phosphorylation and expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and NAD(P)H quinine oxidoreductase-1 (NQO-1). Molecular docking analysis revealed that Mep-S may disrupt the protein-protein interactions between Keap1 and Nrf2. In an in vivo mouse model, Mep-S attenuated scopolamine-caused cognitive deficits with inhibition of apoptotic neuronal death and brain AChE activity. Furthermore, the scopolamine-induced impairment of total antioxidant capacity and reduction in SOD1, SOD2, and γ-glutamate-cysteine ligase expression in the brain were counteracted by Mep-S, accompanied by decreased Keap1 levels, increased Akt catalytic subunit and Nrf2 phosphorylation, and decreased Nrf2, HO-1, and NQO-1 expression. Collectively, our results suggest that Mep-S ameliorates apoptotic neuronal death and memory dysfunction associated with oxidative stress by regulating the Nrf2/antioxidant enzyme pathway through inactivating Keap1 and phosphorylating Nrf2 via Akt activation. Therefore, Mep-S may be a potential lead for multitarget neuroprotective agents to treat AD-like symptoms.
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Umedera K, Yoshimori A, Chen H, Kouji H, Nakamura H, Bajorath J. DeepCubist: Molecular Generator for Designing Peptidomimetics based on Complex three-dimensional scaffolds. J Comput Aided Mol Des 2023; 37:107-115. [PMID: 36462089 PMCID: PMC9876871 DOI: 10.1007/s10822-022-00493-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Mimicking bioactive conformations of peptide segments involved in the formation of protein-protein interfaces with small molecules is thought to represent a promising strategy for the design of protein-protein interaction (PPI) inhibitors. For compound design, the use of three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds rich in sp3-centers makes it possible to precisely mimic bioactive peptide conformations. Herein, we introduce DeepCubist, a molecular generator for designing peptidomimetics based on 3D scaffolds. Firstly, enumerated 3D scaffolds are superposed on a target peptide conformation to identify a preferred template structure for designing peptidomimetics. Secondly, heteroatoms and unsaturated bonds are introduced into the template via a deep generative model to produce candidate compounds. DeepCubist was applied to design peptidomimetics of exemplary peptide turn, helix, and loop structures in pharmaceutical targets engaging in PPIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kohei Umedera
- School of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259, Nagatsuta-cho, Midori-ku, 226-8503 Yokohama, Japan ,Department of Life Science Informatics, LIMES Program Unit Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, B-IT, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität, Friedrich-Hirzebruch-Allee 5/6, D-53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Atsushi Yoshimori
- Institute for Theoretical Medicine, Inc, 26-1, Muraoka-Higashi 2-chome, 251-8555 Fujisawa, Kanagawa Japan
| | - Hengwei Chen
- Department of Life Science Informatics, LIMES Program Unit Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, B-IT, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität, Friedrich-Hirzebruch-Allee 5/6, D-53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Hiroyuki Kouji
- Oita University Institute of Advanced Medicine, Inc, 17-20, Higashi Kasuga-machi, 870-0037 Oita City, Oita Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Nakamura
- School of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259, Nagatsuta-cho, Midori-ku, 226-8503 Yokohama, Japan ,Laboratory for Chemistry and Life Science, Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259, Nagatsuta-cho, Midori-ku, 226-8503 Yokohama, Japan
| | - Jürgen Bajorath
- Department of Life Science Informatics, LIMES Program Unit Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, B-IT, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität, Friedrich-Hirzebruch-Allee 5/6, D-53115 Bonn, Germany
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10
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Luo X, Weng X, Bao X, Bai X, Lv Y, Zhang S, Chen Y, Zhao C, Zeng M, Huang J, Xu B, Johnson TW, White SJ, Li J, Jia H, Yu B. A novel anti-atherosclerotic mechanism of quercetin: Competitive binding to KEAP1 via Arg483 to inhibit macrophage pyroptosis. Redox Biol 2022; 57:102511. [PMID: 36274522 PMCID: PMC9596875 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2022.102511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural antioxidants represented by quercetin have been documented to be effective against atherosclerosis. However, the related mechanisms remain largely unclear. In this study, we identified a novel anti-atherosclerotic mechanism of quercetin inhibiting macrophage pyroptosis by activating NRF2 through binding to the Arg483 site of KEAP1 competitively. In ApoE-/- mice fed with high fat diet, quercetin administration attenuated atherosclerosis progression by reducing oxidative stress level and suppressing macrophage pyroptosis. At the cellular level, quercetin suppressed THP-1 macrophage pyroptosis induced by ox-LDL, demonstrated by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation and reducing ROS level, while these effects were reversed by the specific NRF2 inhibitor (ML385). Mechanistically, quercetin promoted NRF2 to dissociate from KEAP1, enhanced NRF2 nuclear translocation as well as transcription of downstream antioxidant protein. Molecular docking results suggested that quercetin could bind with KEAP1 at Arg415 and Arg483. In order to verify the binding sites, KEAP1 mutated at Arg415 and Arg483 to Ser (R415S and R483S) was transfected into THP-1 macrophages, and the anti-pyroptotic effect of quercetin was abrogated by Arg483 mutation, but not Arg415 mutation. Furthermore, after administration of adeno associated viral vector (AAV) with AAV-KEAP1-R483S, the anti-atherosclerotic effects of quercetin were almost abolished in ApoE-/- mice. These findings proved quercetins suppressed macrophage pyroptosis by targeting KEAP1/NRF2 interaction, and provided reliable data on the underlying mechanism of natural antioxidants to protect against atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Luo
- Department of Cardiology, The 2nd Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, PR China; Key Laboratory of Myocardial Ischemia, Chinese Ministry of Education, Harbin, 150001, PR China
| | - Xiuzhu Weng
- Department of Cardiology, The 2nd Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, PR China; Key Laboratory of Myocardial Ischemia, Chinese Ministry of Education, Harbin, 150001, PR China
| | - Xiaoyi Bao
- Department of Cardiology, The 2nd Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, PR China; Key Laboratory of Myocardial Ischemia, Chinese Ministry of Education, Harbin, 150001, PR China
| | - Xiaoxuan Bai
- Department of Cardiology, The 2nd Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, PR China; Key Laboratory of Myocardial Ischemia, Chinese Ministry of Education, Harbin, 150001, PR China
| | - Ying Lv
- Department of Cardiology, The 2nd Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, PR China; Key Laboratory of Myocardial Ischemia, Chinese Ministry of Education, Harbin, 150001, PR China
| | - Shan Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, The 2nd Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, PR China; Key Laboratory of Myocardial Ischemia, Chinese Ministry of Education, Harbin, 150001, PR China
| | - Yuwu Chen
- Department of Cardiology, The 2nd Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, PR China; Key Laboratory of Myocardial Ischemia, Chinese Ministry of Education, Harbin, 150001, PR China
| | - Chen Zhao
- Department of Cardiology, The 2nd Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, PR China; Key Laboratory of Myocardial Ischemia, Chinese Ministry of Education, Harbin, 150001, PR China
| | - Ming Zeng
- Department of Cardiology, The 2nd Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, PR China; Key Laboratory of Myocardial Ischemia, Chinese Ministry of Education, Harbin, 150001, PR China
| | - Jianxin Huang
- Department of Cardiology, The 2nd Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, PR China; Key Laboratory of Myocardial Ischemia, Chinese Ministry of Education, Harbin, 150001, PR China
| | - Biyi Xu
- Department of Cardiology, The 2nd Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, PR China; Key Laboratory of Myocardial Ischemia, Chinese Ministry of Education, Harbin, 150001, PR China
| | - Thomas W Johnson
- Department of Cardiology, Bristol Heart Institute, Upper Maudlin St., Bristol, BS2 8HW, UK
| | - Stephen J White
- Department of Life Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, M1 5GD, UK
| | - Ji Li
- Department of Cardiology, The 2nd Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, PR China; Key Laboratory of Myocardial Ischemia, Chinese Ministry of Education, Harbin, 150001, PR China.
| | - Haibo Jia
- Department of Cardiology, The 2nd Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, PR China; Key Laboratory of Myocardial Ischemia, Chinese Ministry of Education, Harbin, 150001, PR China.
| | - Bo Yu
- Department of Cardiology, The 2nd Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, PR China; Key Laboratory of Myocardial Ischemia, Chinese Ministry of Education, Harbin, 150001, PR China
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11
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Narayanan D, Tran KT, Pallesen JS, Solbak SMØ, Qin Y, Mukminova E, Luchini M, Vasilyeva KO, González Chichón D, Goutsiou G, Poulsen C, Haapanen N, Popowicz GM, Sattler M, Olagnier D, Gajhede M, Bach A. Development of Noncovalent Small-Molecule Keap1-Nrf2 Inhibitors by Fragment-Based Drug Discovery. J Med Chem 2022; 65:14481-14526. [PMID: 36263945 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Targeting the protein-protein interaction (PPI) between the transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and its repressor, Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), constitutes a promising strategy for treating diseases involving oxidative stress and inflammation. Here, a fragment-based drug discovery (FBDD) campaign resulted in novel, high-affinity (Ki = 280 nM), and cell-active noncovalent small-molecule Keap1-Nrf2 PPI inhibitors. We screened 2500 fragments using orthogonal assays─fluorescence polarization (FP), thermal shift assay (TSA), and surface plasmon resonance (SPR)─and validated the hits by saturation transfer difference (STD) NMR, leading to 28 high-priority hits. Thirteen co-structures showed fragments binding mainly in the P4 and P5 subpockets of Keap1's Kelch domain, and three fluorenone-based fragments featuring a novel binding mode were optimized by structure-based drug discovery. We thereby disclose several fragment hits, including their binding modes, and show how FBDD can be performed to find new small-molecule Keap1-Nrf2 PPI inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dilip Narayanan
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kim T Tran
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jakob S Pallesen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sara M Ø Solbak
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Yuting Qin
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Elina Mukminova
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Martina Luchini
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kristina O Vasilyeva
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Dorleta González Chichón
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Georgia Goutsiou
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Cecilie Poulsen
- Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Nanna Haapanen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Grzegorz M Popowicz
- Institute of Structural Biology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany.,Bavarian NMR Center, Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, 85747 Garching, Germany
| | - Michael Sattler
- Institute of Structural Biology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany.,Bavarian NMR Center, Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, 85747 Garching, Germany
| | - David Olagnier
- Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Michael Gajhede
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anders Bach
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
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12
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Barthel T, Wollenhaupt J, Lima GMA, Wahl MC, Weiss MS. Large-Scale Crystallographic Fragment Screening Expedites Compound Optimization and Identifies Putative Protein-Protein Interaction Sites. J Med Chem 2022; 65:14630-14641. [PMID: 36260741 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The identification of starting points for compound development is one of the key steps in early-stage drug discovery. Information-rich techniques such as crystallographic fragment screening can potentially increase the efficiency of this step by providing the structural information of the binding mode of the ligands in addition to the mere binding information. Here, we present the crystallographic screening of our 1000-plus-compound F2X-Universal Library against the complex of the yeast spliceosomal Prp8 RNaseH-like domain and the snRNP assembly factor Aar2. The observed 269 hits are distributed over 10 distinct binding sites on the surface of the protein-protein complex. Our work shows that hit clusters from large-scale crystallographic fragment screening campaigns identify known interaction sites with other proteins and suggest putative additional interaction sites. Furthermore, the inherent binding pose validation within the hit clusters may accelerate downstream compound optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatjana Barthel
- Macromolecular Crystallography, Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin, Albert-Einstein-Straße 15, 12489 Berlin, Germany
| | - Jan Wollenhaupt
- Macromolecular Crystallography, Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin, Albert-Einstein-Straße 15, 12489 Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Markus C Wahl
- Macromolecular Crystallography, Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin, Albert-Einstein-Straße 15, 12489 Berlin, Germany.,Laboratory of Structural Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Takustraße 6, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Manfred S Weiss
- Macromolecular Crystallography, Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin, Albert-Einstein-Straße 15, 12489 Berlin, Germany
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13
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Wakefield AE, Kozakov D, Vajda S. Mapping the binding sites of challenging drug targets. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2022; 75:102396. [PMID: 35636004 PMCID: PMC9790766 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2022.102396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
An increasing number of medically important proteins are challenging drug targets because their binding sites are too shallow or too polar, are cryptic and thus not detectable without a bound ligand or located in a protein-protein interface. While such proteins may not bind druglike small molecules with sufficiently high affinity, they are frequently druggable using novel therapeutic modalities. The need for such modalities can be determined by experimental or computational fragment based methods. Computational mapping by mixed solvent molecular dynamics simulations or the FTMap server can be used to determine binding hot spots. The strength and location of the hot spots provide very useful information for selecting potentially successful approaches to drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda E. Wakefield
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215,Department of Chemistry, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215
| | - Dima Kozakov
- Department of Applied Mathematics and Statistics, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA,Laufer Center for Physical and Quantitative Biology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA NY, USA
| | - Sandor Vajda
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215,Department of Chemistry, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215
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14
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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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15
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Amarasinghe KN, De Maria L, Tyrchan C, Eriksson LA, Sadowski J, Petrović D. Virtual Screening Expands the Non-Natural Amino Acid Palette for Peptide Optimization. J Chem Inf Model 2022; 62:2999-3007. [PMID: 35699524 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.2c00193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Peptides are an important modality in drug discovery. While current peptide optimization focuses predominantly on the small number of natural and commercially available non-natural amino acids, the chemical spaces available for small molecule drug discovery are in the billions of molecules. In the present study, we describe the development of a large virtual library of readily synthesizable non-natural amino acids that can power the virtual screening protocols and aid in peptide optimization. To that end, we enumerated nearly 380 thousand amino acids and demonstrated their vast chemical diversity compared to the 20 natural and commercial residues. Furthermore, we selected a diverse ten thousand amino acid subset to validate our virtual screening workflow on the Keap1-Neh2 complex model system. Through in silico mutations of Neh2 peptide residues to those from the virtual library, our docking-based protocol identified a number of possible solutions with a significantly higher predicted affinity toward the Keap1 protein. This protocol demonstrates that the non-natural amino acid chemical space can be massively extended and virtually screened with a reasonable computational cost.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kosala N Amarasinghe
- Medicinal Chemistry, Research and Early Development, Respiratory and Immunology (R&I), BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg 431 50, Sweden.,Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg 405 30, Sweden
| | - Leonardo De Maria
- Medicinal Chemistry, Research and Early Development, Respiratory and Immunology (R&I), BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg 431 50, Sweden
| | - Christian Tyrchan
- Medicinal Chemistry, Research and Early Development, Respiratory and Immunology (R&I), BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg 431 50, Sweden
| | - Leif A Eriksson
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg 405 30, Sweden
| | - Jens Sadowski
- Hit Discovery, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg 431 50, Sweden
| | - Dušan Petrović
- Hit Discovery, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg 431 50, Sweden
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16
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Unni S, Deshmukh P, Krishnappa G, Bharath MMS, Padmanabhan B. Chlorhexidine as a Keap1-Nrf2 inhibitor: a new target for an old drug for Parkinson's disease therapy. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2022:1-15. [PMID: 35713597 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2022.2086175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Oxidative stress plays a vital role in the pathophysiology of most neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease (PD). The Keap1-Nrf2-ARE pathway, one of the internal defense mechanisms, curbs the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated in the cellular environment. The pathway leads to the expression of antioxidant genes such as HO-1, GCLC, and NQO1, which act as cellular redox switches and protect the cellular environment. Keap1, the negative regulator of Nrf2, is a potential therapeutic target for treating age-related neurodegenerative diseases. Tecfidera (Dimethyl fumarate), used in the intervention for relapsing multiple sclerosis, is the only commercial drug known to regulate the Nrf2 function. Here, we have identified a repurposing drug, chlorhexidine (LBP125), through ligand-based pharmacophore development and screening against the DrugBank, as a potential inhibitor of the β-propeller domain of Keap1 (Keap1-DC). Chlorhexidine, an antimicrobial agent, is widely used as a mouthwash, skin cleanser, and intervening bacterial infection during childbirth. The biochemical assay confirmed a significant binding affinity of 30 µM and competitively inhibited the Nrf2 peptide interaction. Moreover, chlorhexidine also exerts cytoprotection in a neurotoxic cell model of PD through Keap1-Nrf2 disruption leading to nuclear translocation of Nrf2 and expression of downstream genes, HO-1, and NQO1. Hence, the chemical scaffold of chlorhexidine is a potential lead to develop new chemical libraries with drug-like properties for treating PD. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sruthi Unni
- Department of Biophysics, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, India
| | - Prashant Deshmukh
- Department of Biophysics, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, India
| | - Gopinatha Krishnappa
- Department of Biophysics, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, India
| | - M M Srinivas Bharath
- Department of Clinical Psychopharmacology and Neurotoxicology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, India
| | - Balasundaram Padmanabhan
- Department of Biophysics, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, India
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17
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Begnini F, Geschwindner S, Johansson P, Wissler L, Lewis RJ, Danelius E, Luttens A, Matricon P, Carlsson J, Lenders S, König B, Friedel A, Sjö P, Schiesser S, Kihlberg J. Importance of Binding Site Hydration and Flexibility Revealed When Optimizing a Macrocyclic Inhibitor of the Keap1-Nrf2 Protein-Protein Interaction. J Med Chem 2022; 65:3473-3517. [PMID: 35108001 PMCID: PMC8883477 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Upregulation of the transcription factor Nrf2 by inhibition of the interaction with its negative regulator Keap1 constitutes an opportunity for the treatment of disease caused by oxidative stress. We report a structurally unique series of nanomolar Keap1 inhibitors obtained from a natural product-derived macrocyclic lead. Initial exploration of the structure-activity relationship of the lead, followed by structure-guided optimization, resulted in a 100-fold improvement in inhibitory potency. The macrocyclic core of the nanomolar inhibitors positions three pharmacophore units for productive interactions with key residues of Keap1, including R415, R483, and Y572. Ligand optimization resulted in the displacement of a coordinated water molecule from the Keap1 binding site and a significantly altered thermodynamic profile. In addition, minor reorganizations of R415 and R483 were accompanied by major differences in affinity between ligands. This study therefore indicates the importance of accounting both for the hydration and flexibility of the Keap1 binding site when designing high-affinity ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Begnini
- Department
of Chemistry—BMC, Uppsala University, Box 576, 75123 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Stefan Geschwindner
- Mechanistic
and Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, 43183 Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Patrik Johansson
- Mechanistic
and Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, 43183 Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Lisa Wissler
- Mechanistic
and Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, 43183 Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Richard J. Lewis
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, Research and Early Development, Respiratory
and Immunology (R&I), BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, 43183 Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Emma Danelius
- Department
of Chemistry—BMC, Uppsala University, Box 576, 75123 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Andreas Luttens
- Science
for Life Laboratory, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, Box
596, 75124 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Pierre Matricon
- Science
for Life Laboratory, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, Box
596, 75124 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jens Carlsson
- Science
for Life Laboratory, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, Box
596, 75124 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Stijn Lenders
- Department
of Chemistry—BMC, Uppsala University, Box 576, 75123 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Beate König
- Department
of Chemistry—BMC, Uppsala University, Box 576, 75123 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Anna Friedel
- Department
of Chemistry—BMC, Uppsala University, Box 576, 75123 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Peter Sjö
- Drugs
for Neglected Diseases Initiative (DNDi), 15 Chemin Camille-Vidart, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Stefan Schiesser
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, Research and Early Development, Respiratory
and Immunology (R&I), BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, 43183 Mölndal, Sweden,
| | - Jan Kihlberg
- Department
of Chemistry—BMC, Uppsala University, Box 576, 75123 Uppsala, Sweden,
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18
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Interdisciplinary Study of the Effects of Dipeptidyl-Peptidase III Cancer Mutations on the KEAP1-NRF2 Signaling Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23041994. [PMID: 35216111 PMCID: PMC8878202 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23041994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Dipeptidyl peptidase III (DPP III) is associated with cancer progression via interaction with KEAP1, leading to upregulation of the KEAP1-NRF2 oxidative stress pathway. Numerous DPP III mutations have been found in human tumor genomes, and it is suggested that some of them may alter affinity for KEAP1. One such example is the DPP III-R623W variant, which in our previous study showed much higher affinity for the Kelch domain of KEAP1 than the wild-type protein. In this work, we have investigated the effects of this mutation in cultured cells and the effects of several other DPP III mutations on the stability of KEAP1-DPP III complex using an interdisciplinary approach combining biochemical, biophysical and molecular biology methods with computational studies. We determined the affinity of the DPP III variants for the Kelch domain experimentally and by molecular modeling, as well as the effects of the R623W on the expression of several NRF2-controlled genes. We confirmed that the R623W variant upregulates NQO1 expression at the transcriptional level. This supports the hypothesis from our previous study that the increased affinity of the R623W variant for KEAP1 leads to upregulation of the KEAP1-NRF2 pathway. These results provide a new perspective on the involvement of DPP III in cancer progression and prognosis.
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19
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Nan B, Zhao Z, Jiang K, Gu X, Li H, Huang X. Astaxanthine attenuates cisplatin ototoxicity in vitro and protects against cisplatin-induced hearing loss in vivo. Acta Pharm Sin B 2022; 12:167-181. [PMID: 35127378 PMCID: PMC8800030 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2021.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Astaxanthine (AST) has important biological activities including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that could alleviate neurological and heart diseases, but its role in the prevention of cisplatin-induced hearing loss (CIHL) is not yet well understood. In our study, a steady interaction between AST and the E3 ligase adapter Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1, a predominant repressor of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2), was performed and tested via computer molecular docking and dynamics. AST protected against cisplatin-induced ototoxicity via NRF2 mediated pathway using quantitative PCR and Western blotting. The levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial membrane potential revealed that AST reduced ROS overexpression and mitochondrial dysfunction. Moreover, AST exerted anti-apoptosis effects in mouse cochlear explants using immunofluorescence staining and HEI-OC1 cell lines using quantitative PCR and Western blotting. Finally, AST combined with poloxamer was injected into the middle ear through the tympanum, and the protection against CIHL was evaluated using the acoustic brain stem test and immunofluorescent staining in adult mice. Our results suggest that AST reduced ROS overexpression, mitochondrial dysfunction, and apoptosis via NRF2-mediated pathway in cisplatin-exposed HEI-OC1 cell lines and mouse cochlear explants, finally promoting cell survival. Our study demonstrates that AST is a candidate therapeutic agent for CIHL.
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20
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Chen H, Chen J, Shi X, Li L, Xu S. Naringenin protects swine testis cells from bisphenol A-induced apoptosis via Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway. Biofactors 2022; 48:190-203. [PMID: 34914851 DOI: 10.1002/biof.1814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA) has caused serious pathologies in varying organs of humans and animals, especially reproductive organs. Naringenin (NRG) is a flavanone compound that has shown protective effects against several environmental chemicals through suppression of oxidative stress and activation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway. Herein, we described the discovery path of NRG inhibition on apoptosis in BPA exposed swine testis (ST) cells through targeting Kelch-like ech-associated protein (Keap1). We found that NRG could specifically bound to the active residues of DGR domain in Keap1, thereby activating Nrf2 signaling pathway, and then increasing the levels of SOD, GPx and CAT, and finally inhibiting oxidative stress and mitochondrial apoptosis induced by BPA in ST cells. Altogether, our results showed that NRG inhibits oxidative stress and mitochondrial apoptosis induced by BPA in ST cells by targeting Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway, indicating that NRG could serve as an antagonistic therapy against BPA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huijie Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
- College of Biological and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Jilin Agricultural Science and Technology University, Jilin, China
| | - Jianqing Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Xu Shi
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Lu Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Shiwen Xu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
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21
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Pallesen JS, Narayanan D, Tran KT, Solbak SMØ, Marseglia G, Sørensen LME, Høj LJ, Munafò F, Carmona RMC, Garcia AD, Desu HL, Brambilla R, Johansen TN, Popowicz GM, Sattler M, Gajhede M, Bach A. Deconstructing Noncovalent Kelch-like ECH-Associated Protein 1 (Keap1) Inhibitors into Fragments to Reconstruct New Potent Compounds. J Med Chem 2021; 64:4623-4661. [PMID: 33818106 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c02094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Targeting the protein-protein interaction (PPI) between nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) is a potential therapeutic strategy to control diseases involving oxidative stress. Here, six classes of known small-molecule Keap1-Nrf2 PPI inhibitors were dissected into 77 fragments in a fragment-based deconstruction reconstruction (FBDR) study and tested in four orthogonal assays. This gave 17 fragment hits of which six were shown by X-ray crystallography to bind in the Keap1 Kelch binding pocket. Two hits were merged into compound 8 with a 220-380-fold stronger affinity (Ki = 16 μM) relative to the parent fragments. Systematic optimization resulted in several novel analogues with Ki values of 0.04-0.5 μM, binding modes determined by X-ray crystallography, and enhanced microsomal stability. This demonstrates how FBDR can be used to find new fragment hits, elucidate important ligand-protein interactions, and identify new potent inhibitors of the Keap1-Nrf2 PPI.
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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
| | - Dilip Narayanan
- 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
| | - 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
| | - Giuseppe Marseglia
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.,Food and Drug Department, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 27/a, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Louis M E Sørensen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lars J Høj
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Federico Munafò
- 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
| | - Haritha L Desu
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Dept. Neurological Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida 33136, United States
| | - Roberta Brambilla
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Dept. Neurological Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida 33136, United States.,Department of Neurobiology Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, and BRIDGE-Brain Research Inter Disciplinary Guided Excellence, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, DK-5000 Odense, Denmark
| | - Tommy N Johansen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Grzegorz M Popowicz
- Institute of Structural Biology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany.,Biomolecular NMR and Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich at Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, 85747 Garching, Germany
| | - Michael Sattler
- Institute of Structural Biology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany.,Biomolecular NMR and Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich at Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, 85747 Garching, Germany
| | - Michael Gajhede
- 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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22
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Direct Keap1-kelch inhibitors as potential drug candidates for oxidative stress-orchestrated diseases: A review on In silico perspective. Pharmacol Res 2021; 167:105577. [PMID: 33774182 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The recent outcry in the search for direct keap1 inhibitors requires a quicker and more effective drug discovery process which is an inherent property of the Computer Aided Drug Discovery (CADD) to bring drug candidates into the clinic for patient's use. This Keap1 (negative regulator of ARE master activator) is emerging as a therapeutic strategy to combat oxidative stress-orchestrated diseases. The advances in computer algorithm and compound databases require that we highlight the functionalities that this technology possesses that can be exploited to target Keap1-Nrf2 PPI. Therefore, in this review, we uncover the in silico approaches that had been exploited towards the identification of keap1 inhibition in the light of appropriate fitting with relevant amino acid residues, we found 3 and 16 other compounds that perfectly fit keap1 kelch pocket/domain. Our goal is to harness the parameters that could orchestrate keap1 surface druggability by utilizing hotspot regions for virtual fragment screening and identification of hotspot residues.
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23
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Fucoxanthin Prevents 6-OHDA-Induced Neurotoxicity by Targeting Keap1. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2021; 2021:6688708. [PMID: 33777321 PMCID: PMC7972864 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6688708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
As the most abundant marine carotenoid extracted from seaweeds, fucoxanthin (FUC) is considered to have excellent neuroprotective activity. However, the target of FUC for its neuroprotective properties remains largely unclear. Oxidative stress is one of the initiating factors causing neuronal cell loss and necrosis, and it is also an important inducement of Parkinson's disease (PD). In the present study, the neuroprotective effect of FUC was assessed using a 6-hydroxydopamine- (6-OHDA-) induced neurotoxicity model. FUC suppressed 6-OHDA-induced accumulation of intracellular ROS, the disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential, and cell apoptosis through the Nrf2-ARE pathway. Keap1 as a repressor of Nrf2 can regulate the activity of Nrf2. Here, the biolayer interferometry (BLI) assay demonstrated that FUC specifically targeted Keap1 and inhibited the interaction between Keap1 and Nrf2. FUC bound to the hydrophobic region of Keap1 pocket and formed hydrogen bonding interactions with Arg415 and Tyr525. Besides, it also dose-dependently upregulated the expressions of antioxidant enzymes, such as nicotinamide heme oxygenase-1, glutamate-cysteine ligase modifier subunit, and glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit, in 6-OHDA-induced PC12 cells. In 6-OHDA-exposed zebrafish, FUC pretreatment significantly increased the total swimming distance of zebrafish larvae and improved the granular region of the brain tissue damage. These results suggested that FUC could protect the neuronal cells against 6-OHDA-induced injury via targeting Keap1.
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24
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Ortet PC, Muellers SN, Viarengo-Baker LA, Streu K, Szymczyna BR, Beeler AB, Allen KN, Whitty A. Recapitulating the Binding Affinity of Nrf2 for KEAP1 in a Cyclic Heptapeptide, Guided by NMR, X-ray Crystallography, and Machine Learning. J Am Chem Soc 2021; 143:3779-3793. [DOI: 10.1021/jacs.0c09799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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25
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Massoud TF, Paulmurugan R. Molecular Imaging of Protein–Protein Interactions and Protein Folding. Mol Imaging 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-816386-3.00071-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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26
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Begnini F, Poongavanam V, Over B, Castaldo M, Geschwindner S, Johansson P, Tyagi M, Tyrchan C, Wissler L, Sjö P, Schiesser S, Kihlberg J. Mining Natural Products for Macrocycles to Drug Difficult Targets. J Med Chem 2020; 64:1054-1072. [PMID: 33337880 PMCID: PMC7872424 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Lead
generation for difficult-to-drug targets that have large,
featureless, and highly lipophilic or highly polar and/or flexible
binding sites is highly challenging. Here, we describe how cores of
macrocyclic natural products can serve as a high-quality in
silico screening library that provides leads for difficult-to-drug
targets. Two iterative rounds of docking of a carefully selected set
of natural-product-derived cores led to the discovery of an uncharged
macrocyclic inhibitor of the Keap1-Nrf2 protein–protein interaction,
a particularly challenging target due to its highly polar binding
site. The inhibitor displays cellular efficacy and is well-positioned
for further optimization based on the structure of its complex with
Keap1 and synthetic access. We believe that our work will spur interest
in using macrocyclic cores for in silico-based lead
generation and also inspire the design of future macrocycle screening
collections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Begnini
- Department of Chemistry - BMC, Uppsala University, Box 576, 75123 Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Björn Over
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Research and Early Development, Early Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, 43183 Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Marie Castaldo
- Discovery Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, 43183 Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Stefan Geschwindner
- Structure, Biophysics & Fragment-Based Lead Generation, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, 43183 Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Patrik Johansson
- Structure, Biophysics & Fragment-Based Lead Generation, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, 43183 Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Mohit Tyagi
- Department of Chemistry - BMC, Uppsala University, Box 576, 75123 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Christian Tyrchan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Research and Early Development, Respiratory and Immunology, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, 43183 Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Lisa Wissler
- Structure, Biophysics & Fragment-Based Lead Generation, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, 43183 Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Peter Sjö
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi), 15 Chemin Louis Dunant, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Stefan Schiesser
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Research and Early Development, Respiratory and Immunology, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, 43183 Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Jan Kihlberg
- Department of Chemistry - BMC, Uppsala University, Box 576, 75123 Uppsala, Sweden
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