1
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Otake K, Hara Y, Ubukata M, Inoue M, Nagahashi N, Motoda D, Ogawa N, Hantani Y, Hantani R, Adachi T, Nomura A, Yamaguchi K, Maekawa M, Mamada H, Motomura T, Sato M, Harada K. Optimization Efforts for Identification of Novel Highly Potent Keap1-Nrf2 Protein-Protein Interaction Inhibitors. J Med Chem 2024; 67:3741-3763. [PMID: 38408347 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c02171] [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: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
In research focused on protein-protein interaction (PPI) inhibitors, the optimization process to achieve both high inhibitory activity and favorable physicochemical properties remains challenging. Our previous study reported the discovery of novel and bioavailable Keap1-Nrf2 PPI inhibitor 8 which exhibited moderate in vivo activity in rats. In this work, we present our subsequent efforts to optimize this compound. Two distinct approaches were employed, targeting high energy water molecules and Ser602 as "hot spots" from the anchor with good aqueous solubility, metabolic stability, and membrane permeability. Through ligand efficiency (LE)-guided exploration, we identified two novel inhibitors 22 and 33 with good pharmacokinetics (PK) profiles and more potent in vivo activities, which appear to be promising chemical probes among the existing inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuki Otake
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1, Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-1125, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Hara
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1, Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-1125, Japan
| | - Minoru Ubukata
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1, Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-1125, Japan
| | - Masafumi Inoue
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1, Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-1125, Japan
| | - Noboru Nagahashi
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1, Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-1125, Japan
| | - Dai Motoda
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1, Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-1125, Japan
| | - Naoki Ogawa
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1, Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-1125, Japan
| | - Yoshiji Hantani
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1, Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-1125, Japan
| | - Rie Hantani
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1, Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-1125, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Adachi
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1, Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-1125, Japan
| | - Akihiro Nomura
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1, Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-1125, Japan
| | - Keishi Yamaguchi
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1, Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-1125, Japan
| | - Mariko Maekawa
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1, Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-1125, Japan
| | - Hideaki Mamada
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1, Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-1125, Japan
| | - Takahisa Motomura
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1, Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-1125, Japan
| | - Motohide Sato
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1, Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-1125, Japan
| | - Kazuhito Harada
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1, Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-1125, Japan
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2
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Lee S, Ali AR, Abed DA, Nguyen MU, Verzi MP, Hu L. Structural modification of C2-substituents on 1,4-bis(arylsulfonamido)benzene or naphthalene-N,N'-diacetic acid derivatives as potent inhibitors of the Keap1-Nrf2 protein-protein interaction. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 265:116104. [PMID: 38159482 PMCID: PMC10794003 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.116104] [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: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
The Keap1-Nrf2-ARE signaling pathway is an attractive therapeutic target for the prevention and treatment of oxidative stress-associated diseases by activating the cellular expression of cytoprotective enzymes and proteins. Small molecule inhibitors can directly disrupt the Keap1-Nrf2 protein-protein interaction (PPI), resulting in elevated levels of Nrf2 protein and subsequent stimulation of related antioxidant responses. Previously, we found that 1,4-bis(arylsulfonamido)benzene or naphthalene-N,N'-diacetic acid derivatives with an ether type C2-substituent on the benzene or naphthalene core exhibited potent inhibitory activities with IC50's in the submicromolar or nanomolar range. We here describe a more detailed structure-activity relationship study around the C2 substituents containing various polar linkers shedding new insight on their binding interactions with the Keap1 Kelch domain. The key observation from our findings is that the substituents at the C2-position of the benzene or naphthalene scaffold impact their inhibitory potencies in biochemical assays as well as activities in cell culture. The biochemical FP and TR-FRET assays revealed that the naphthalene derivatives 17b and 18 with an additional carboxylate at the C2 were the most active inhibitors against Keap1-Nrf2 PPI. In the cell-based assay, the two compounds were shown to be potent Nrf2 activators of the transcription of the Nrf2-dependent genes, such as HMOX2, GSTM3, and NQO1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumi Lee
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 160 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, United States
| | - Ahmed R Ali
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 160 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, United States
| | - Dhulfiqar Ali Abed
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 160 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, United States
| | - Mai-Uyen Nguyen
- Department of Genetics, Human Genetics Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Life Sciences Building Rutgers University, 145 Bevier Road, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, United States
| | - Michael P Verzi
- Department of Genetics, Human Genetics Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Life Sciences Building Rutgers University, 145 Bevier Road, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, United States; Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, United States
| | - Longqin Hu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 160 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, United States; Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, United States.
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3
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Barreca M, Qin Y, Cadot MEH, Barraja P, Bach A. Advances in developing noncovalent small molecules targeting Keap1. Drug Discov Today 2023; 28:103800. [PMID: 37852355 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) is a drug target for diseases involving oxidative stress and inflammation. There are three covalent Keap1-binding drugs on the market, but noncovalent compounds that inhibit the interaction between Keap1 and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) represent an attractive alternative. Both compound types prevent degradation of Nrf2, leading to the expression of antioxidant and antiinflammatory proteins. However, their off-target profiles differ as do their exact pharmacodynamic effects. Here, we discuss the opportunities and challenges of targeting Keap1 with covalent versus noncovalent inhibitors. We then provide a comprehensive overview of current noncovalent Keap1-Nrf2 inhibitors, with a focus on their pharmacological effects, to examine the therapeutic potential for this compound class.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilia Barreca
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, 90123 Palermo, Italy
| | - Yuting Qin
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Marie Elodie Hélène Cadot
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Paola Barraja
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, 90123 Palermo, Italy
| | - 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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4
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Chen B, Liu C, Cong W, Gao F, Zou Y, Su L, Liu L, Hillisch A, Lehmann L, Bierer D, Li X, Hu HG. Cyclobutane-bearing restricted anchoring residues enabled geometry-specific hydrocarbon peptide stapling. Chem Sci 2023; 14:11499-11506. [PMID: 37886087 PMCID: PMC10599482 DOI: 10.1039/d3sc04279k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Stapled peptides are regarded as the promising next-generation therapeutics because of their improved secondary structure, membrane permeability and metabolic stability as compared with the prototype linear peptides. Usually, stapled peptides are obtained by a hydrocarbon stapling technique, anchoring from paired olefin-terminated unnatural amino acids and the consequent ring-closing metathesis (RCM). To investigate the adaptability of the rigid cyclobutane structure in RCM and expand the chemical diversity of hydrocarbon peptide stapling, we herein described the rational design and efficient synthesis of cyclobutane-based conformationally constrained amino acids, termed (E)-1-amino-3-(but-3-en-1-yl)cyclobutane-1-carboxylic acid (E7) and (Z)-1-amino-3-(but-3-en-1-yl)cyclobutane-1-carboxylic acid (Z7). All four combinations including E7-E7, E7-Z7, Z7-Z7 and Z7-E7 were proven to be applicable in RCM-mediated peptide stapling to afford the corresponding geometry-specific stapled peptides. With the aid of the combined quantum and molecular mechanics, the E7-E7 combination was proven to be optimal in both the RCM reaction and helical stabilization. With the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 as the target, a series of cyclobutane-bearing stapled peptides were obtained. Among them, E7-E7 geometry-specific stapled peptides indeed exhibit higher α-helicity and thus stronger biological activity than canonical hydrocarbon stapled peptides. We believe that this methodology possesses great potential to expand the scope of the existing peptide stapling strategy. These cyclobutane-bearing restricted anchoring residues served as effective supplements for the existing olefin-terminated unnatural amino acids and the resultant geometry-specific hydrocarbon peptide stapling provided more potential for peptide therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baobao Chen
- School of Medicine or Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University Shanghai 200444 China
| | - Chao Liu
- School of Medicine or Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University Shanghai 200444 China
| | - Wei Cong
- School of Medicine or Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University Shanghai 200444 China
| | - Fei Gao
- School of Medicine or Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University Shanghai 200444 China
| | - Yan Zou
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University Shanghai 200433 China
| | - Li Su
- School of Medicine or Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University Shanghai 200444 China
| | - Lei Liu
- Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University Beijing 100084 China
| | - Alexander Hillisch
- Bayer AG, Pharma Division, Drug Discovery Sciences Aprather Weg 18A Wuppertal 42096 Germany
- UCB BioSciences GmbH Alfred-Nobel-Straße 10 40789 Monheim am Rhein Germany
| | - Lutz Lehmann
- Bayer AG, Pharma Division, Drug Discovery Sciences Aprather Weg 18A Wuppertal 42096 Germany
| | - Donald Bierer
- Bayer AG, Pharma Division, Drug Discovery Sciences Aprather Weg 18A Wuppertal 42096 Germany
| | - Xiang Li
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University Shanghai 200433 China
| | - Hong-Gang Hu
- School of Medicine or Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University Shanghai 200444 China
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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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Zhao Z, Dong R, You Q, Jiang Z. Medicinal Chemistry Insights into the Development of Small-Molecule Kelch-Like ECH-Associated Protein 1-Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2-Related Factor 2 (Keap1-Nrf2) Protein-Protein Interaction Inhibitors. J Med Chem 2023. [PMID: 37441735 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
Oxidative stress has been implicated in a wide range of pathological conditions. The transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) exerts a central role in regulating the cellular defense system against oxidative and electrophilic insults. Nonelectrophilic inhibition of the protein-protein interaction (PPI) between Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) and Nrf2 has become a promising approach to activate Nrf2. Recently, multiple drug discovery strategies have facilitated the development of small-molecule Keap1-Nrf2 PPI inhibitors with potent activity and favorable drug-like properties. In this Perspective, we summarize the latest progress of small-molecule Keap1-Nrf2 PPI inhibitors from medicinal chemistry insights and discuss future prospects and challenges in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziquan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Ruitian Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Qidong You
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Zhengyu Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
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7
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Dakhlaoui I, Bernard PJ, Pietrzak D, Simakov A, Maj M, Refouvelet B, Béduneau A, Cornu R, Jozwiak K, Chabchoub F, Iriepa I, Martin H, Marco-Contelles J, Ismaili L. Exploring the Potential of Sulfonamide-Dihydropyridine Hybrids as Multitargeted Ligands for Alzheimer's Disease Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119742. [PMID: 37298693 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a multifactorial neurodegenerative disease that has a heavy social and economic impact on all societies and for which there is still no cure. Multitarget-directed ligands (MTDLs) seem to be a promising therapeutic strategy for finding an effective treatment for this disease. For this purpose, new MTDLs were designed and synthesized in three steps by simple and cost-efficient procedures targeting calcium channel blockade, cholinesterase inhibition, and antioxidant activity. The biological and physicochemical results collected in this study allowed us the identification two sulfonamide-dihydropyridine hybrids showing simultaneous cholinesterase inhibition, calcium channel blockade, antioxidant capacity and Nrf2-ARE activating effect, that deserve to be further investigated for AD therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imen Dakhlaoui
- Laboratoire LINC UR 481, Pôle de Chimie Médicinale, Université de Franche-Comté, F-25000 Besançon, France
- Laboratory of Applied Chemistry, Heterocycles, Lipids and Polymers, Faculty of Sciences of Sfax, University of Sfax, B. P 802, Sfax 3000, Tunisia
| | - Paul J Bernard
- Laboratoire LINC UR 481, Pôle de Chimie Médicinale, Université de Franche-Comté, F-25000 Besançon, France
| | - Diana Pietrzak
- Department of Biopharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, ul. W. Chodzki 4a, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Alexey Simakov
- PEPITE EA4267, Université de Franche-Comté, F-25000 Besançon, France
| | - Maciej Maj
- Department of Biopharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, ul. W. Chodzki 4a, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Bernard Refouvelet
- Laboratoire LINC UR 481, Pôle de Chimie Médicinale, Université de Franche-Comté, F-25000 Besançon, France
| | - Arnaud Béduneau
- PEPITE EA4267, Université de Franche-Comté, F-25000 Besançon, France
| | - Raphaël Cornu
- PEPITE EA4267, Université de Franche-Comté, F-25000 Besançon, France
| | - Krzysztof Jozwiak
- Department of Biopharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, ul. W. Chodzki 4a, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Fakher Chabchoub
- Laboratory of Applied Chemistry, Heterocycles, Lipids and Polymers, Faculty of Sciences of Sfax, University of Sfax, B. P 802, Sfax 3000, Tunisia
| | - Isabel Iriepa
- Department of Organic Chemistry and Inorganic Chemistry, Universidad de Alcalá, Ctra. Madrid-Barcelona, Km. 33,6, 28871 Alcalá de Henares, Spain
| | - Helene Martin
- PEPITE EA4267, Université de Franche-Comté, F-25000 Besançon, France
| | - José Marco-Contelles
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry (IQOG, CSIC), C/Juan de la Cierva 3, 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Lhassane Ismaili
- Laboratoire LINC UR 481, Pôle de Chimie Médicinale, Université de Franche-Comté, F-25000 Besançon, France
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8
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Otake K, Ubukata M, Nagahashi N, Ogawa N, Hantani Y, Hantani R, Adachi T, Nomura A, Yamaguchi K, Maekawa M, Mamada H, Motomura T, Sato M, Harada K. Methyl and Fluorine Effects in Novel Orally Bioavailable Keap1-Nrf2 PPI Inhibitor. ACS Med Chem Lett 2023; 14:658-665. [PMID: 37197451 PMCID: PMC10184158 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.3c00067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress is one of the causes of progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Activation of the antioxidant protein regulator Nrf2 by inhibition of the Keap1-Nrf2 protein-protein interaction (PPI) is of interest as a potential treatment for CKD. We report the identification of the novel and weak PPI inhibitor 7 with good physical properties by a high throughput screening (HTS) campaign, followed by structural and computational analysis. The installation of only methyl and fluorine groups successfully provided the lead compound 25, which showed more than 400-fold stronger activity. Furthermore, these dramatic substituent effects can be explained by the analysis of using isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). Thus, the resulting 25, which exhibited high oral absorption and durability, would be a CKD therapeutic agent because of the dose-dependent manner for up-regulation of the antioxidant protein heme oxigenase-1 (HO-1) in rat kidneys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuki Otake
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1, Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki 569-1125, Osaka, Japan
| | - Minoru Ubukata
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1, Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki 569-1125, Osaka, Japan
| | - Noboru Nagahashi
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1, Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki 569-1125, Osaka, Japan
| | - Naoki Ogawa
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1, Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki 569-1125, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yoshiji Hantani
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1, Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki 569-1125, Osaka, Japan
| | - Rie Hantani
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1, Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki 569-1125, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Adachi
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1, Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki 569-1125, Osaka, Japan
| | - Akihiro Nomura
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1, Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki 569-1125, Osaka, Japan
| | - Keishi Yamaguchi
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1, Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki 569-1125, Osaka, Japan
| | - Mariko Maekawa
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1, Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki 569-1125, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hideaki Mamada
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1, Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki 569-1125, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takahisa Motomura
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1, Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki 569-1125, Osaka, Japan
| | - Motohide Sato
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1, Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki 569-1125, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kazuhito Harada
- Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Japan Tobacco Inc., 1-1, Murasaki-cho, Takatsuki 569-1125, Osaka, Japan
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9
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Abed DA, Ali AR, Lee S, Nguyen MU, Verzi MP, Hu L. Optimization of the C2 substituents on the 1,4-bis(arylsulfonamido)naphthalene-N,N'-diacetic acid scaffold for better inhibition of Keap1-Nrf2 protein-protein interaction. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 252:115302. [PMID: 36989811 PMCID: PMC10101933 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
Direct inhibition of the protein-protein interaction (PPI) between Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) reduces the ubiquitination and subsequent degradation of Nrf2, leading to Nrf2 accumulation in the cytosol and the nuclear translocation of Nrf2. Once inside the nucleus, Nrf2 binds to and activates the expression of antioxidant response element (ARE) genes involved in redox homeostasis and detoxification. Herein, we report a series of 1,4-bis(arylsulfonamido)naphthalene-N,N'-diacetic acid analogs with varying C2 substituents to explore the structure-activity relationships at this position of the central naphthalene core. The Keap1-binding activities were first screened with a fluorescence polarization (FP) assay followed by further evaluation of the more potent compounds using a more sensitive time-resolved fluorescence energy transfer (TR-FRET) assay. It was found that compound 24a with C2-phthalimidopropyl group was the most potent in this series showing an IC50 of 2.5 nM in the TR-FRET assay with a Ki value in the subnanomolar range. Our docking study indicated that the C2-phthalimidopropyl group in compound 24a provided an extra hydrogen bonding interaction with the key residue Arg415 that may be responsible for the observed boost in binding affinity. In addition, compounds 12b, 15, and 24a were shown to activate the Nrf2 signaling pathway in NCM460D cells resulting in elevated mRNA levels of GSTM3, HMOX1 and NQO1 by 2.4-11.7 fold at 100 μM as compared to the vehicle control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhulfiqar Ali Abed
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 160 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Ahmed R Ali
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 160 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Sumi Lee
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 160 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Mai-Uyen Nguyen
- Department of Genetics, Human Genetics Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Life Sciences Building Rutgers University, 145 Bevier Road Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Michael P Verzi
- Department of Genetics, Human Genetics Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Life Sciences Building Rutgers University, 145 Bevier Road Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA; Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
| | - Longqin Hu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 160 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA; Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA.
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10
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Dinkova-Kostova AT, Copple IM. Advances and challenges in therapeutic targeting of NRF2. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2023; 44:137-149. [PMID: 36628798 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2022.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 50.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Activation of the transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) is emerging as an attractive therapeutic approach to counteract oxidative stress, inflammation, and metabolic imbalances. These processes underpin many chronic pathologies with unmet therapeutic needs, including neurodegenerative disorders and metabolic diseases. As the NRF2 field transitions into the clinical phase of its evolution, the need for an understanding of the factors influencing NRF2 pharmacology has never been greater. In this opinion article we describe the rationale for targeting NRF2, summarise the recent advances in drug development of NRF2 modulators, and reflect on the remaining challenges in realising the full clinical potential of NRF2 as a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albena T Dinkova-Kostova
- Division of Cellular and Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 9SY, UK; Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences and Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Ian M Copple
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Institute of Systems, Molecular & Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 3GE, UK.
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11
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Zhao Z, Dong R, Cui K, You Q, Jiang Z. An updated patent review of Nrf2 activators (2020-present). Expert Opin Ther Pat 2023; 33:29-49. [PMID: 36800917 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2023.2178299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a pivotal transcription factor that controls the expression of numerous cytoprotective genes and regulates cellular defense system against oxidative insults. Thus, activating the Nrf2 pathway is a promising strategy for the treatment of various chronic diseases characterized by oxidative stress. AREAS COVERED This review first discusses the biological effects of Nrf2 and the regulatory mechanism of Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1-Nrf2-antioxidant response element (Keap1-Nrf2-ARE) pathway. Then, Nrf2 activators (2020-present) are summarized based on the mechanism of action. The case studies consist of chemical structures, biological activities, structural optimization, and clinical development. EXPERT OPINION Extensive efforts have been devoted to developing novel Nrf2 activators with improved potency and drug-like properties. These Nrf2 activators have exhibited beneficial effects in in vitro and in vivo models of oxidative stress-related chronic diseases. However, some specific problems, such as target selectivity and brain blood barrier (BBB) permeability, still need to be addressed in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziquan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ruitian Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Keni Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qidong You
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhengyu Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
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12
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Sun Y, Zheng L, Yang B, Ge S, Li Q, Zhang M, Shen S, Ying Y. Design, synthesis and evaluation of novel small molecules acting as Keap1-Nrf2 protein-protein interaction inhibitors. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2022; 37:2575-2588. [PMID: 36128875 PMCID: PMC9518255 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2022.2124408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Direct interference with Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1)-Nrf2 protein-protein interaction (PPI) has recently been introduced as an attractive approach to control life-threatening diseases like myocarditis. The present study aimed to investigate the potential application in myocarditis of a series of novel non-naphthalene derivatives as potential Keap1-Nrf2 PPI inhibitors. Our results indicated that the optimal compound K22 displayed the highest metabolic stability and showed notable Keap1-Nrf2 PPI inhibitory activities in vitro. K22 effectively triggered Nrf2 activation and increased the protein and mRNA expression of Nrf2-regulated genes in H9c2 cells. Moreover, pre-treatment with K22 was shown to mitigate LPS-induced damage to H9c2 cells, causing a marked decrease in the levels of inflammatory factors as well as reactive oxygen species (ROS). Furthermore, K22 was also shown to be non-mutagenic in the Ames test. Overall, our findings suggest that K22 may be a promising drug lead as a Keap1-Nrf2 PPI inhibitor for myocarditis treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunfeng Sun
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Department of Pharmacy, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lulu Zheng
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Department of Pharmacy, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Bo Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Department of Pharmacy, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shuyu Ge
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Department of Pharmacy, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qiang Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Department of Pharmacy, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Mingwan Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Department of Pharmacy, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shenghui Shen
- Department of Cardiology, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yin Ying
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Department of Pharmacy, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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The Role of Organosulfur Compounds as Nrf2 Activators and Their Antioxidant Effects. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11071255. [PMID: 35883746 PMCID: PMC9311638 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11071255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling has become a key pathway for cellular regulation against oxidative stress and inflammation, and therefore an attractive therapeutic target. Several organosulfur compounds are reportedly activators of the Nrf2 pathway. Organosulfur compounds constitute an important class of therapeutic agents in medicinal chemistry due to their ability to participate in biosynthesis, metabolism, cellular functions, and protection of cells from oxidative damage. Sulfur has distinctive chemical properties such as a large number of oxidation states and versatility of reactions that promote fundamental biological reactions and redox biochemistry. The presence of sulfur is responsible for the peculiar features of organosulfur compounds which have been utilized against oxidative stress-mediated diseases. Nrf2 activation being a key therapeutic strategy for oxidative stress is closely tied to sulfur-based chemistry since the ability of compounds to react with sulfhydryl (-SH) groups is a common property of Nrf2 inducers. Although some individual organosulfur compounds have been reported as Nrf2 activators, there are no papers with a collective analysis of these Nrf2-activating organosulfur compounds which may help to broaden the knowledge of their therapeutic potentials and motivate further research. In line with this fact, for the first time, this review article provides collective and comprehensive information on Nrf2-activating organosulfur compounds and their therapeutic effects against oxidative stress, thereby enriching the chemical and pharmacological diversity of Nrf2 activators.
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