1
|
Yoon DS, Liu C, Jalagam PR, Feng J, Wang W, Swidorski JJ, Xu L, Hartz RA, Nair SK, Beno BR, Panda M, Ghosh K, Kumar A, Sale H, Shah D, Mathur A, Ellsworth BA, Cheng D, Regueiro-Ren A. Atropisomerism Observed in Galactose-Based Monosaccharide Inhibitors of Galectin-3 Comprising 2-Methyl-4-phenyl-2,4-dihydro-3 H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thione. J Med Chem 2024. [PMID: 39102502 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c01008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
Galectin-3 (Gal-3) is a carbohydrate binding protein that has been implicated in the development and progression of fibrotic diseases. Proof-of-principal animal models have demonstrated that inhibition of Gal-3 is a potentially viable pathway for the treatment of fibrosis─with small molecule Gal-3 inhibitors advanced into clinical trials. We hereby report the discovery of novel galactose-based monosaccharide Gal-3 inhibitors comprising 2-methyl-4-phenyl-2,4-dihydro-3H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thione (compound 20) and 4-phenyl-4H-1,2,4-triazole (compound 15). Notably, hindered rotation caused by steric interaction between the 3-thione and ortho-trifluoromethyl group of compounds 20, 21 induced formation of thermodynamically stable atropisomers. Distinct X-ray cocrystal structures of 20 and 21 were obtained, which clearly demonstrated that the configuration of 21 proscribes a key halogen bonding σ-hole interaction of 3-chloro with carbonyl oxygen of Gly182, thereby leading to significant loss in potency. Ultimately, 20 and 15 were evaluated in mouse pharmacokinetic studies, and both compounds exhibited oral exposures suitable for further in vivo assessment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David S Yoon
- Research and Early Development, Bristol Myers Squibb, P.O. Box 5400, Princeton, New Jersey 08543-5400, United States
| | - Chunjian Liu
- Research and Early Development, Bristol Myers Squibb, P.O. Box 5400, Princeton, New Jersey 08543-5400, United States
| | - Prasada Rao Jalagam
- Biocon-Bristol Myers Squibb Research and Development Center, Bangalore 560099, India
| | - Jianxin Feng
- Research and Early Development, Bristol Myers Squibb, P.O. Box 5400, Princeton, New Jersey 08543-5400, United States
| | - Wei Wang
- Research and Early Development, Bristol Myers Squibb, P.O. Box 5400, Princeton, New Jersey 08543-5400, United States
| | - Jacob J Swidorski
- Research and Early Development, Bristol Myers Squibb, P.O. Box 5400, Princeton, New Jersey 08543-5400, United States
| | - Li Xu
- Research and Early Development, Bristol Myers Squibb, P.O. Box 5400, Princeton, New Jersey 08543-5400, United States
| | - Richard A Hartz
- Research and Early Development, Bristol Myers Squibb, P.O. Box 5400, Princeton, New Jersey 08543-5400, United States
| | - Satheesh K Nair
- Biocon-Bristol Myers Squibb Research and Development Center, Bangalore 560099, India
| | - Brett R Beno
- Research and Early Development, Bristol Myers Squibb, P.O. Box 5400, Princeton, New Jersey 08543-5400, United States
| | - Manoranjan Panda
- Biocon-Bristol Myers Squibb Research and Development Center, Bangalore 560099, India
| | - Kaushik Ghosh
- Biocon-Bristol Myers Squibb Research and Development Center, Bangalore 560099, India
| | - Amit Kumar
- Biocon-Bristol Myers Squibb Research and Development Center, Bangalore 560099, India
| | - Harinath Sale
- Biocon-Bristol Myers Squibb Research and Development Center, Bangalore 560099, India
| | - Devang Shah
- Biocon-Bristol Myers Squibb Research and Development Center, Bangalore 560099, India
| | - Arvind Mathur
- Research and Early Development, Bristol Myers Squibb, P.O. Box 5400, Princeton, New Jersey 08543-5400, United States
| | - Bruce A Ellsworth
- Research and Early Development, Bristol Myers Squibb, P.O. Box 5400, Princeton, New Jersey 08543-5400, United States
| | - Dong Cheng
- Research and Early Development, Bristol Myers Squibb, P.O. Box 5400, Princeton, New Jersey 08543-5400, United States
| | - Alicia Regueiro-Ren
- Research and Early Development, Bristol Myers Squibb, P.O. Box 5400, Princeton, New Jersey 08543-5400, United States
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Liu C, Wang W, Feng J, Beno B, Raja T, Swidorski J, Manepalli RKVLP, Vetrichelvan M, Rao Jalagam P, Nair SK, Gupta A, Panda M, Ghosh K, Kaushikkumar Shukla J, Sale H, Shah D, Singh Gautam S, Patel D, Mathur A, Ellsworth BA, Cheng D, Regueiro-Ren A. Identification of benzothiazole derived monosaccharides as potent, selective, and orally bioavailable inhibitors of human and mouse galectin-3; a rare example of using a S···O binding interaction for drug design. Bioorg Med Chem 2024; 101:117638. [PMID: 38394996 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2024.117638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
As a result of our continued efforts to pursue Gal-3 inhibitors that could be used to fully evaluate the potential of Gal-3 as a therapeutic target, two novel series of benzothiazole derived monosaccharides as potent (against both human and mouse Gal-3) and orally bioavailable Gal-3 inhibitors, represented by 4 and 5, respectively, were identified. These discoveries were made based on proposals that the benzothiazole sulfur atom could interact with the carbonyl oxygen of G182/G196 in h/mGal-3, and that the anomeric triazole moiety could be modified into an N-methyl carboxamide functionality. The interaction between the benzothiazole sulfur and the carbonyl oxygen of G196 in mGal-3 was confirmed by an X-ray co-crystal structure of early lead 9, providing a rare example of using a S···O binding interaction for drug design. It was found that for both the series, methylation of 3-OH in the monosaccharides caused no loss in h & mGal-3 potencies but significantly improved permeability of the molecules.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chunjian Liu
- Research & Early Development, Bristol Myers Squibb Company, P.O. Box 4000, Princeton, NJ 08543, United States.
| | - Wei Wang
- Research & Early Development, Bristol Myers Squibb Company, P.O. Box 4000, Princeton, NJ 08543, United States
| | - Jianxin Feng
- Research & Early Development, Bristol Myers Squibb Company, P.O. Box 4000, Princeton, NJ 08543, United States
| | - Brett Beno
- Research & Early Development, Bristol Myers Squibb Company, P.O. Box 4000, Princeton, NJ 08543, United States
| | - Thiruvenkadam Raja
- Biocon-Bristol Myers Squibb Research and Development Center, Bangalore 560099, India
| | - Jacob Swidorski
- Research & Early Development, Bristol Myers Squibb Company, P.O. Box 4000, Princeton, NJ 08543, United States
| | | | | | - Prasada Rao Jalagam
- Biocon-Bristol Myers Squibb Research and Development Center, Bangalore 560099, India
| | - Satheesh K Nair
- Biocon-Bristol Myers Squibb Research and Development Center, Bangalore 560099, India
| | - Anuradha Gupta
- Biocon-Bristol Myers Squibb Research and Development Center, Bangalore 560099, India
| | - Manoranjan Panda
- Biocon-Bristol Myers Squibb Research and Development Center, Bangalore 560099, India
| | - Kaushik Ghosh
- Biocon-Bristol Myers Squibb Research and Development Center, Bangalore 560099, India
| | | | - Harinath Sale
- Biocon-Bristol Myers Squibb Research and Development Center, Bangalore 560099, India
| | - Devang Shah
- Biocon-Bristol Myers Squibb Research and Development Center, Bangalore 560099, India
| | | | - Dipal Patel
- Research & Early Development, Bristol Myers Squibb Company, P.O. Box 4000, Princeton, NJ 08543, United States
| | - Arvind Mathur
- Research & Early Development, Bristol Myers Squibb Company, P.O. Box 4000, Princeton, NJ 08543, United States
| | - Bruce A Ellsworth
- Research & Early Development, Bristol Myers Squibb Company, P.O. Box 4000, Princeton, NJ 08543, United States
| | - Dong Cheng
- Research & Early Development, Bristol Myers Squibb Company, P.O. Box 4000, Princeton, NJ 08543, United States
| | - Alicia Regueiro-Ren
- Research & Early Development, Bristol Myers Squibb Company, P.O. Box 4000, Princeton, NJ 08543, United States
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Lázár L, Tsagkarakou AS, Stravodimos G, Kontopidis G, Leffler H, Nilsson UJ, Somsák L, Leonidas DD. Strong Binding of C-Glycosylic1,2-Thiodisaccharides to Galectin-3─Enthalpy-Driven Affinity Enhancement by Water-Mediated Hydrogen Bonds. J Med Chem 2023; 66:12420-12431. [PMID: 37658813 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Galectin-3 is involved in multiple pathways of many diseases, including cancer, fibrosis, and diabetes, and it is a validated pharmaceutical target for the development of novel therapeutic agents to address unmet medical needs. Novel 1,2-thiodisaccharides with a C-glycosylic functionality were synthesized by the photoinitiated thiol-ene click reaction of O-peracylated 1-C-substituted glycals and 1-thio-glycopyranoses. Subsequent global deprotection yielded test compounds, which were studied for their binding to human galectin-3 by fluorescence polarization and isothermal titration calorimetry to show low micromolar Kd values. The best inhibitor displayed a Kd value of 8.0 μM. An analysis of the thermodynamic binding parameters revealed that the binding Gibbs free energy (ΔG) of the new inhibitors was dominated by enthalpy (ΔH). The binding mode of the four most efficient 1,2-thiodisaccharides was also studied by X-ray crystallography that uncovered the unique role of water-mediated hydrogen bonds in conferring enthalpy-driven affinity enhancement for the new inhibitors. This 1,2-thiodisaccharide-type scaffold represents a new lead for galectin-3 inhibitor discovery and offers several possibilities for further development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- László Lázár
- Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Debrecen, P.O. Box 400, H-4002 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Anastasia S Tsagkarakou
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Biopolis, 41500 Larissa, Greece
| | - George Stravodimos
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Biopolis, 41500 Larissa, Greece
| | - George Kontopidis
- Department of Biochemistry, Veterinary School, University of Thessaly, 224 Trikalon, 43131 Karditsa, Greece
| | - Hakon Leffler
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, SE-2210 Lund, Sweden
| | - Ulf J Nilsson
- Department of Chemistry, Lund University, SE-2210 Lund, Sweden
| | - László Somsák
- Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Debrecen, P.O. Box 400, H-4002 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Demetres D Leonidas
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Biopolis, 41500 Larissa, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ortega-Ferreira C, Soret P, Robin G, Speca S, Hubert S, Le Gall M, Desvaux E, Jendoubi M, Saint-Paul J, Chadli L, Chomel A, Berger S, Nony E, Neau B, Fould B, Licznar A, Levasseur F, Guerrier T, Elouej S, Courtade-Gaïani S, Provost N, Nguyen TQ, Verdier J, Launay D, De Ceuninck F. Antibody-mediated neutralization of galectin-3 as a strategy for the treatment of systemic sclerosis. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5291. [PMID: 37652913 PMCID: PMC10471779 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41117-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune, inflammatory and fibrotic disease with limited treatment options. Developing new therapies is therefore crucial to address patient needs. To this end, we focused on galectin-3 (Gal-3), a lectin known to be associated with several pathological processes seen in SSc. Using RNA sequencing of whole-blood samples in a cross-sectional cohort of 249 patients with SSc, Gal-3 and its interactants defined a strong transcriptomic fingerprint associated with disease severity, pulmonary and cardiac malfunctions, neutrophilia and lymphopenia. We developed new Gal-3 neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (mAb), which were then evaluated in a mouse model of hypochlorous acid (HOCl)-induced SSc. We show that two of these antibodies, D11 and E07, reduced pathological skin thickening, lung and skin collagen deposition, pulmonary macrophage content, and plasma interleukin-5 and -6 levels. Moreover, E07 changed the transcriptional profiles of HOCl-treated mice, resulting in a gene expression pattern that resembled that of control mice. Similarly, pathological pathways engaged in patients with SSc were counteracted by E07 in mice. Collectively, these findings demonstrate the translational potential of Gal-3 blockade as a therapeutic option for SSc.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Céline Ortega-Ferreira
- Servier R&D Center, Biomarker Assay Development, Translational Medicine, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Perrine Soret
- Servier R&D Center, Biomarker Biostatistics, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | | | - Silvia Speca
- U1286 INFINITE, Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, Lille University, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
- Inserm, Lille, France
| | - Sandra Hubert
- Servier R&D Center, Neurosciences and Immuno-inflammation Therapeutic Area, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | | | - Emiko Desvaux
- Servier R&D Center, Neurosciences and Immuno-inflammation Therapeutic Area, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Manel Jendoubi
- U1286 INFINITE, Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, Lille University, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
- Inserm, Lille, France
| | | | - Loubna Chadli
- Servier R&D Center, Clinical Biomarker Development, Translational Medicine, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Agnès Chomel
- Servier R&D Center, Protein Sciences, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Sylvie Berger
- Servier R&D Center, Structural Sciences, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Emmanuel Nony
- Servier R&D Center, Protein Sciences, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Béatrice Neau
- Servier R&D Center, Preclinical Biostatistics, Quantitative Pharmacology, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Benjamin Fould
- Servier R&D Center, Protein Sciences, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Anne Licznar
- Servier R&D Center, DMPK Department, Translational Medicine, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Franck Levasseur
- Servier R&D Center, DMPK Department, Translational Medicine, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Thomas Guerrier
- U1286 INFINITE, Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, Lille University, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
- Inserm, Lille, France
| | - Sahar Elouej
- Servier R&D Center, Computational Medicine, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | | | - Nicolas Provost
- Servier R&D Center, Molecular Genomics, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | | | - Julien Verdier
- Servier R&D Center, Neurosciences and Immuno-inflammation Therapeutic Area, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - David Launay
- U1286 INFINITE, Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, Lille University, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
- Inserm, Lille, France
- Lille University Hospital, Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Immunology, Reference Center for Rare Systemic Autoimmune Diseases, North and North-West France (CeRAINO), Lille, France
| | - Frédéric De Ceuninck
- Servier R&D Center, Neurosciences and Immuno-inflammation Therapeutic Area, Gif-sur-Yvette, France.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Bouffette S, Botez I, De Ceuninck F. Targeting galectin-3 in inflammatory and fibrotic diseases. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2023; 44:519-531. [PMID: 37391294 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2023.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
Galectin (Gal)-3 is a β-galactoside-binding lectin emerging as a key player in cardiac, hepatic, renal, and pulmonary fibrosis and inflammation, respiratory infections caused by COVID-19, and neuroinflammatory disorders. Here, we review recent information highlighting Gal-3 as a relevant therapeutic target in these specific disease conditions. While a causal link was difficult to establish until now, we discuss how recent strategic breakthroughs allowed us to identify new-generation Gal-3 inhibitors with improved potency, selectivity, and bioavailability, and report their usefulness as valuable tools for proof-of-concept studies in various preclinical models of the aforementioned diseases, with emphasis on those actually in clinical stages. We also address critical views and suggestions intended to expand the therapeutic opportunities provided by this complex target.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Selena Bouffette
- Servier, Neurology and Immuno-inflammation Therapeutic Area, Servier R&D Center, Gif-sur-Yvette, France; Université Paris-Saclay, Inserm, Inflammation Microbiome and Immunosurveillance, Orsay, France
| | - Iuliana Botez
- Servier, Drug Design Small Molecules Unit, Servier R&D Center, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Frédéric De Ceuninck
- Servier, Neurology and Immuno-inflammation Therapeutic Area, Servier R&D Center, Gif-sur-Yvette, France.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Targeting galectin-driven regulatory circuits in cancer and fibrosis. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2023; 22:295-316. [PMID: 36759557 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-023-00636-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 59.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Galectins are a family of endogenous glycan-binding proteins that have crucial roles in a broad range of physiological and pathological processes. As a group, these proteins use both extracellular and intracellular mechanisms as well as glycan-dependent and independent pathways to reprogramme the fate and function of numerous cell types. Given their multifunctional roles in both tissue fibrosis and cancer, galectins have been identified as potential therapeutic targets for these disorders. Here, we focus on the therapeutic relevance of galectins, particularly galectin 1 (GAL1), GAL3 and GAL9 to tumour progression and fibrotic diseases. We consider an array of galectin-targeted strategies, including small-molecule carbohydrate inhibitors, natural polysaccharides and their derivatives, peptides, peptidomimetics and biological agents (notably, neutralizing monoclonal antibodies and truncated galectins) and discuss their mechanisms of action, selectivity and therapeutic potential in preclinical models of fibrosis and cancer. We also review the results of clinical trials that aim to evaluate the efficacy of galectin inhibitors in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and cancer. The rapid pace of glycobiology research, combined with the acute need for drugs to alleviate fibrotic inflammation and overcome resistance to anticancer therapies, will accelerate the translation of anti-galectin therapeutics into clinical practice.
Collapse
|
7
|
Ou C, Li C, Feng C, Tong X, Vasta GR, Wang LX. Synthesis, binding affinity, and inhibitory capacity of cyclodextrin-based multivalent glycan ligands for human galectin-3. Bioorg Med Chem 2022; 72:116974. [PMID: 36108470 PMCID: PMC10349921 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2022.116974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Human galectin 3 (Gal-3) has been implicated to play important roles in different biological recognition processes such as tumor growth and cancer metastasis. High-affinity Gal-3 ligands are desirable for functional studies and as inhibitors for potential therapeutic development. We report here a facile synthesis of β-cyclodextrin (CD)-based Tn and TF antigen-containing multivalent ligands via a click reaction. Binding studies indicated that the synthetic multivalent glycan ligands demonstrated a clear clustering effect in binding to human Gal-3, with up to 153-fold enhanced relative affinity in comparison with the monomeric glycan ligand. The GalNAc (Tn antigen) containing heptavalent ligand showed the highest affinity for human Gal-3 among the synthetic ligands tested, with an EC50 of 1.4 μM in binding to human Gal-3. A cell-based assay revealed that the synthetic CD-based multivalent ligands could efficiently inhibit Gal-3 binding to human airway epithelial cells, with an inhibitory capacity consistent with their binding affinity measured by SPR. The synthetic cyclodextrin-based ligands described in this study should be valuable for functional studies of human Gal-3 and potentially for therapeutic applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chong Ou
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, United States
| | - Chao Li
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, United States
| | - Chiguang Feng
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21202, United States
| | - Xin Tong
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, United States
| | - Gerardo R Vasta
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21202, United States
| | - Lai-Xi Wang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Zetterberg FR, MacKinnon A, Brimert T, Gravelle L, Johnsson RE, Kahl-Knutson B, Leffler H, Nilsson UJ, Pedersen A, Peterson K, Roper JA, Schambye H, Slack RJ, Tantawi S. Discovery and Optimization of the First Highly Effective and Orally Available Galectin-3 Inhibitors for Treatment of Fibrotic Disease. J Med Chem 2022; 65:12626-12638. [PMID: 36154172 PMCID: PMC9574852 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
![]()
Galectin-3 is a carbohydrate-binding protein central
to regulating
mechanisms of diseases such as fibrosis, cancer, metabolic, inflammatory,
and heart disease. We recently found a high affinity (nM) thiodigalactoside
GB0139 which currently is in clinical development (PhIIb) as an inhaled
treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. To enable treatment of
systemically galectin-3 driven disease, we here present the first
series of selective galectin-3 inhibitors combining high affinity
(nM) with oral bioavailability. This was achieved by optimizing galectin-3
specificity and physical chemical parameters for a series of disubstituted
monogalactosides. Further characterization showed that this class
of compounds reduced profibrotic gene expression in liver myofibroblasts
and displayed antifibrotic activity in CCl4-induced liver
fibrosis and bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis mouse models. On the
basis of the overall pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and safety
profile, GB1211 was selected as the clinical candidate and is currently
in phase IIa clinical trials as a potential therapy for liver cirrhosis
and cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fredrik R Zetterberg
- Galecto Biotech AB, Sahlgrenska Science Park, Medicinaregatan 8 A, SE-413 46 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Alison MacKinnon
- Galecto Biotech ApS, Nine Edinburgh Bioquarter, 9 Little France Road, Edinburgh EH16 4UX, U.K
| | - Thomas Brimert
- Red Glead Discovery AB, Medicon Village, SE-223 63 Lund, Sweden.,Biochemistry and Structural Biology, Center for Molecular Protein Science, Department of Chemistry, Lund University, Box 124, SE-221 00 Lund, Sweden
| | - Lise Gravelle
- Galecto Biotech ApS, Cobis Science Park, Ole Maaloes Vej 3, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Barbro Kahl-Knutson
- Biochemistry and Structural Biology, Center for Molecular Protein Science, Department of Chemistry, Lund University, Box 124, SE-221 00 Lund, Sweden
| | - Hakon Leffler
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Box 124, SE-221 00 Lund, Sweden
| | - Ulf J Nilsson
- Galecto Biotech AB, Sahlgrenska Science Park, Medicinaregatan 8 A, SE-413 46 Gothenburg, Sweden.,Centre for Analysis and Synthesis, Department of Chemistry, Lund University, Box 124, SE-221 00 Lund, Sweden
| | - Anders Pedersen
- Galecto Biotech ApS, Cobis Science Park, Ole Maaloes Vej 3, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kristoffer Peterson
- Galecto Biotech AB, Sahlgrenska Science Park, Medicinaregatan 8 A, SE-413 46 Gothenburg, Sweden.,Centre for Analysis and Synthesis, Department of Chemistry, Lund University, Box 124, SE-221 00 Lund, Sweden
| | - James A Roper
- Galecto Biotech ApS, Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst, Stevenage, SG1 2FX Hertfordshire, U.K
| | - Hans Schambye
- Galecto Biotech ApS, Cobis Science Park, Ole Maaloes Vej 3, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Robert J Slack
- Galecto Biotech ApS, Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst, Stevenage, SG1 2FX Hertfordshire, U.K
| | - Susan Tantawi
- Galecto Biotech ApS, Cobis Science Park, Ole Maaloes Vej 3, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Liu C, Jalagam PR, Feng J, Wang W, Raja T, Sura MR, Manepalli RKVLP, Aliphedi BR, Medavarapu S, Nair SK, Muthalagu V, Natesan R, Gupta A, Beno B, Panda M, Ghosh K, Shukla JK, Sale H, Haldar P, Kalidindi N, Shah D, Patel D, Mathur A, Ellsworth BA, Cheng D, Regueiro-Ren A. Identification of Monosaccharide Derivatives as Potent, Selective, and Orally Bioavailable Inhibitors of Human and Mouse Galectin-3. J Med Chem 2022; 65:11084-11099. [PMID: 35969688 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Galectin-3 (Gal-3), a member of the β-galactoside-binding protein family, is implicated in a wide variety of human diseases. Identification of Gal-3 inhibitors with the right combination of potency (against both human and mouse Gal-3) and pharmacokinetic properties to fully evaluate the potential of Gal-3 for therapeutic intervention has been a major challenge due to the characteristics of its binding pocket: high hydrophilicity and key structural differences between human Gal-3 and the mouse ortholog. We report the discovery of a novel series of monosaccharide-based, highly potent, and orally bioavailable inhibitors of human and mouse Gal-3. The novel monosaccharide derivatives proved to be selective for Gal-3, the only member of the chimeric type of galectins, over Gal-1 and Gal-9, representative of the prototype and tandem-repeat type of galectins, respectively. The proposed binding mode for the newly identified ligands was confirmed by an X-ray cocrystal structure of a representative analogue bound to Gal-3 protein.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chunjian Liu
- Department of Small Molecule Drug Discovery, Research & Early Development, Bristol Myers Squibb Company, Princeton, New Jersey 08543, United States
| | - Prasada Rao Jalagam
- Biocon-Bristol Myers Squibb Research and Development Center, Bangalore 560099, India
| | - Jianxin Feng
- Department of Small Molecule Drug Discovery, Research & Early Development, Bristol Myers Squibb Company, Princeton, New Jersey 08543, United States
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Small Molecule Drug Discovery, Research & Early Development, Bristol Myers Squibb Company, Princeton, New Jersey 08543, United States
| | - Thiruvenkadam Raja
- Biocon-Bristol Myers Squibb Research and Development Center, Bangalore 560099, India
| | | | | | - Bheema Reddy Aliphedi
- Biocon-Bristol Myers Squibb Research and Development Center, Bangalore 560099, India
| | - Santosh Medavarapu
- Biocon-Bristol Myers Squibb Research and Development Center, Bangalore 560099, India
| | - Satheesh K Nair
- Biocon-Bristol Myers Squibb Research and Development Center, Bangalore 560099, India
| | | | - Ramesh Natesan
- Biocon-Bristol Myers Squibb Research and Development Center, Bangalore 560099, India
| | - Anuradha Gupta
- Biocon-Bristol Myers Squibb Research and Development Center, Bangalore 560099, India
| | - Brett Beno
- Department of Computer-Aided Drug Design & Molecular Analytics, Research & Early Development, Bristol Myers Squibb Company, Princeton, New Jersey 08543, United States
| | - Manoranjan Panda
- Biocon-Bristol Myers Squibb Research and Development Center, Bangalore 560099, India
| | - Kaushik Ghosh
- Biocon-Bristol Myers Squibb Research and Development Center, Bangalore 560099, India
| | | | - Harinath Sale
- Biocon-Bristol Myers Squibb Research and Development Center, Bangalore 560099, India
| | - Priyanka Haldar
- Biocon-Bristol Myers Squibb Research and Development Center, Bangalore 560099, India
| | | | - Devang Shah
- Biocon-Bristol Myers Squibb Research and Development Center, Bangalore 560099, India
| | - Dipal Patel
- Department of Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Research & Early Development, Bristol Myers Squibb Company, Princeton, New Jersey 08543, United States
| | - Arvind Mathur
- Department of Discovery Synthesis, Research & Early Development, Bristol Myers Squibb Company, Princeton, New Jersey 08543, United States
| | - Bruce A Ellsworth
- Department of Small Molecule Drug Discovery, Research & Early Development, Bristol Myers Squibb Company, Princeton, New Jersey 08543, United States
| | - Dong Cheng
- Department of Cardiovascular and Fibrosis Discovery Biology, Research & Early Development, Bristol Myers Squibb Company, Princeton, New Jersey 08543, United States
| | - Alicia Regueiro-Ren
- Department of Small Molecule Drug Discovery, Research & Early Development, Bristol Myers Squibb Company, Princeton, New Jersey 08543, United States
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Investigation of the Molecular Details of the Interactions of Selenoglycosides and Human Galectin-3. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23052494. [PMID: 35269646 PMCID: PMC8910297 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Human galectin-3 (hGal-3) is involved in a variety of biological processes and is implicated in wide range of diseases. As a result, targeting hGal-3 for clinical applications has become an intense area of research. As a step towards the development of novel hGal-3 inhibitors, we describe a study of the binding of two Se-containing hGal-3 inhibitors, specifically that of di(β-D-galactopyranosyl)selenide (SeDG), in which two galactose rings are linked by one Se atom and a di(β-D-galactopyranosyl)diselenide (DSeDG) analogue with a diseleno bond between the two sugar units. The binding affinities of these derivatives to hGal-3 were determined by 15N-1H HSQC NMR spectroscopy and fluorescence anisotropy titrations in solution, indicating a slight decrease in the strength of interaction for SeDG compared to thiodigalactoside (TDG), a well-known inhibitor of hGal-3, while DSeDG displayed a much weaker interaction strength. NMR and FA measurements showed that both seleno derivatives bind to the canonical S face site of hGal-3 and stack against the conserved W181 residue also confirmed by X-ray crystallography, revealing canonical properties of the interaction. The interaction with DSeDG revealed two distinct binding modes in the crystal structure which are in fast exchange on the NMR time scale in solution, explaining a weaker interaction with hGal-3 than SeDG. Using molecular dynamics simulations, we have found that energetic contributions to the binding enthalpies mainly differ in the electrostatic interactions and in polar solvation terms and are responsible for weaker binding of DSeDG compared to SeDG. Selenium-containing carbohydrate inhibitors of hGal-3 showing canonical binding modes offer the potential of becoming novel hydrolytically stable scaffolds for a new class of hGal-3 inhibitors.
Collapse
|
11
|
Vrbata D, Filipová M, Tavares MR, Červený J, Vlachová M, Šírová M, Pelantová H, Petrásková L, Bumba L, Konefał R, Etrych T, Křen V, Chytil P, Bojarová P. Glycopolymers Decorated with 3- O-Substituted Thiodigalactosides as Potent Multivalent Inhibitors of Galectin-3. J Med Chem 2022; 65:3866-3878. [PMID: 35157467 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Galectin-3 (Gal-3) participates in many cancer-related metabolic processes. The inhibition of overexpressed Gal-3 by, e.g., β-galactoside-derived inhibitors is hence promising for cancer treatment. The multivalent presentation of such inhibitors on a suitable biocompatible carrier can enhance the overall affinity to Gal-3 and favorably modify the interaction with Gal-3-overexpressing cells. We synthesized a library of C-3 aryl-substituted thiodigalactoside inhibitors and their multivalent N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide (HPMA)-based counterparts with two different glycomimetic contents. Glycopolymers with a higher content of glycomimetic exhibited a higher affinity to Gal-3 as assessed by ELISA and biolayer interferometry. Among them, four candidates (with 4-acetophenyl, 4-cyanophenyl, 4-fluorophenyl, and thiophen-3-yl substitution) were selected for further evaluation in cancer-related experiments in cell cultures. These glycopolymers inhibited Gal-3-induced processes in cancer cells. The cyanophenyl-substituted glycopolymer exhibited the strongest antiproliferative, antimigratory, antiangiogenic, and immunoprotective properties. The prepared glycopolymers appear to be prospective modulators of the tumor microenvironment applicable in the therapy of Gal-3-associated cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Vrbata
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Vídeňská 1083, CZ-142 20 Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Marcela Filipová
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Heyrovského nám. 2, CZ-162 06 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Marina R Tavares
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Heyrovského nám. 2, CZ-162 06 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Jakub Červený
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Vídeňská 1083, CZ-142 20 Prague 4, Czech Republic.,Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Albertov 6, CZ-128 43 Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Miluše Vlachová
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Vídeňská 1083, CZ-142 20 Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Milada Šírová
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Vídeňská 1083, CZ-142 20 Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Helena Pelantová
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Vídeňská 1083, CZ-142 20 Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Lucie Petrásková
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Vídeňská 1083, CZ-142 20 Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Ladislav Bumba
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Vídeňská 1083, CZ-142 20 Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Rafał Konefał
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Heyrovského nám. 2, CZ-162 06 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Tomáš Etrych
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Heyrovského nám. 2, CZ-162 06 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Vladimír Křen
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Vídeňská 1083, CZ-142 20 Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Chytil
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Heyrovského nám. 2, CZ-162 06 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Pavla Bojarová
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Vídeňská 1083, CZ-142 20 Prague 4, Czech Republic.,Department of Health Care Disciplines and Population Protection, Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague, nám. Sítná 3105, CZ-272 01 Kladno, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Yong C, Li Y, Bi T, Chen G, Zheng D, Wang Z, Zhang Y. Research Progress on the Synthesis and Activity of D-Galactose Derived Small Galectin Inhibitors. CHINESE J ORG CHEM 2022. [DOI: 10.6023/cjoc202110036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
|
13
|
Bailly C, Thuru X, Quesnel B. Modulation of the Gal-9/TIM-3 Immune Checkpoint with α-Lactose. Does Anomery of Lactose Matter? Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13246365. [PMID: 34944985 PMCID: PMC8699133 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13246365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The disaccharide lactose is a common excipient in pharmaceutical products. In addition, the two anomers α- and β-lactose can exert immuno-modulatory effects. α-Lactose functions as a major regulator of the T-cell immunoglobulin mucin-3 (Tim-3)/Galectin-9 (Gal-9) immune checkpoint, through direct binding to the β-galactoside-binding lectin galectin-9. The blockade of TIM-3 with monoclonal antibodies or small molecules represents a promising approach to combat onco-hematological diseases, in particular myelodysplastic syndromes, and acute myeloid leukemia. Alternatively, the activity of the checkpoint can be modulated via targeting of Gal-9 with both α- and β-lactose. In fact, lactose is a quasi-pan-galectin ligand, capable of modulating the functions of most of the 16 galectin molecules. This review discusses the capacity of lactose and Gal-9 to modulate the TIM-3/Gal-9 and PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoints in oncology. The immuno-regulatory roles of lactose and Gal-9 are highlighted. Abstract The disaccharide lactose is an excipient commonly used in pharmaceutical products. The two anomers, α- and β-lactose (α-L/β-L), differ by the orientation of the C-1 hydroxyl group on the glucose unit. In aqueous solution, a mutarotation process leads to an equilibrium of about 40% α-L and 60% β-L at room temperature. Beyond a pharmaceutical excipient in solid products, α-L has immuno-modulatory effects and functions as a major regulator of TIM-3/Gal-9 immune checkpoint, through direct binding to the β-galactoside-binding lectin galectin-9. The blockade of the co-inhibitory checkpoint TIM-3 expressed on T cells with anti-TIM-3 antibodies represents a promising approach to combat different onco-hematological diseases, in particular myelodysplastic syndromes and acute myeloid leukemia. In parallel, the discovery and development of anti-TIM-3 small molecule ligands is emerging, including peptides, RNA aptamers and a few specifically designed heterocyclic molecules. An alternative option consists of targeting the different ligands of TIM-3, notably Gal-9 recognized by α-lactose. Modulation of the TIM-3/Gal-9 checkpoint can be achieved with both α- and β-lactose. Moreover, lactose is a quasi-pan-galectin ligand, capable of modulating the functions of most of the 16 galectin molecules. The present review provides a complete analysis of the pharmaceutical and galectin-related biological functions of (α/β)-lactose. A focus is made on the capacity of lactose and Gal-9 to modulate both the TIM-3/Gal-9 and PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoints in oncology. Modulation of the TIM-3/Gal-9 checkpoint is a promising approach for the treatment of cancers and the role of lactose in this context is discussed. The review highlights the immuno-regulatory functions of lactose, and the benefit of the molecule well beyond its use as a pharmaceutical excipient.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Bailly
- OncoWitan, Scientific Consulting Office, 59290 Lille, France
- Correspondence:
| | - Xavier Thuru
- University of Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR9020—UMR1277—Canther—Cancer Heterogeneity, Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, 59000 Lille, France; (X.T.); (B.Q.)
| | - Bruno Quesnel
- University of Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR9020—UMR1277—Canther—Cancer Heterogeneity, Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, 59000 Lille, France; (X.T.); (B.Q.)
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Giguère D, St-Gelais J. Protecting-Group-Free Synthesis of GB1107: An Orally Active Galectin-3 Antagonist. SYNTHESIS-STUTTGART 2021. [DOI: 10.1055/a-1517-7177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
AbstractSmall-molecule galectin inhibitors are useful research tools that could also be used as potential drug candidates. In that context, GB1107, a monosaccharidic galectin inhibitor, was shown to be an orally active galectin-3 antagonist that inhibits lung adenocarcinoma growth. Herein, a protecting-group-free synthesis of GB1107, along with other analogues is described. Starting from inexpensive levoglucosan, a Payne rearrangement/azidation process was used as key step. Finally, the use of a log P determination method based on 19F NMR spectroscopy was explored to assess the lipophilicity of galectin inhibitors.
Collapse
|