1
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Yan KN, Nie YQ, Wang JY, Yin GL, Liu Q, Hu H, Sun X, Chen XH. Accelerating PROTACs Discovery Through a Direct-to-Biology Platform Enabled by Modular Photoclick Chemistry. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2400594. [PMID: 38689503 PMCID: PMC11234393 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202400594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) have emerged as a promising strategy for drug discovery and exploring protein functions, offering a revolutionary therapeutic modality. Currently, the predominant approach to PROTACs discovery mainly relies on an empirical design-synthesis-evaluation process involving numerous cycles of labor-intensive synthesis-purification and bioassay data collection. Therefore, the development of innovative methods to expedite PROTAC synthesis and exploration of chemical space remains highly desired. Here, a direct-to-biology strategy is reported to streamline the synthesis of PROTAC libraries on plates, enabling the seamless transfer of reaction products to cell-based bioassays without the need for additional purification. By integrating amide coupling and light-induced primary amines and o-nitrobenzyl alcohols cyclization (PANAC) photoclick chemistry into a plate-based synthetic process, this strategy produces PROTAC libraries with high efficiency and structural diversity. Moreover, by employing this platform for PROTACs screening, we smoothly found potent PROTACs effectively inhibit triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell growth and induce rapid, selective targeted degradation of cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9). The study introduces a versatile platform for assembling PROTACs on plates, followed by direct biological evaluation. This approach provides a promising opportunity for high-throughput synthesis of PROTAC libraries, thereby enhancing the efficiency of exploring chemical space and accelerating the discovery of PROTACs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke-Nian Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yong-Qiang Nie
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University, Nanchang, 330013, China
| | - Jia-Yu Wang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Guang-Liang Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Qia Liu
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310024, China
| | - Hao Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Xiaoxia Sun
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University, Nanchang, 330013, China
| | - Xiao-Hua Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310024, China
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2
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Stevens R, Thompson JDF, Fournier JCL, Burley GA, Battersby DJ, Miah AH. Innovative, combinatorial and high-throughput approaches to degrader synthesis. Chem Soc Rev 2024; 53:4838-4861. [PMID: 38596888 DOI: 10.1039/d3cs01127e] [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: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Targeted protein degraders such as PROTACs and molecular glues are a rapidly emerging therapeutic modality within industry and academia. Degraders possess unique mechanisms of action that lead to the removal of specific proteins by co-opting the cell's natural degradation mechanisms via induced proximity. Their optimisation thus far has often been largely empirical, requiring the synthesis and screening of a large number of analogues. In addition, the synthesis and development of degraders is often challenging, leading to lengthy optimisation campaigns to deliver candidate-quality compounds. This review highlights how the synthesis of degraders has evolved in recent years, in particular focusing on means of applying high-throughput chemistry and screening approaches to expedite these timelines, which we anticipate to be valuable in shaping the future of degrader optimisation campaigns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Stevens
- Medicinal Chemistry, GSK, Stevenage, SG1 2NY, UK.
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, G1 1XQ, UK
| | | | | | - Glenn A Burley
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, G1 1XQ, UK
| | | | - Afjal H Miah
- Medicinal Chemistry, GSK, Stevenage, SG1 2NY, UK.
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3
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Chen L, Wang D. A Tunable Cascade Reaction of Ureidomalonates and Alkenyl Azlactones for the Divergent Synthesis of Hydantoins with Distinct Functional Groups. J Org Chem 2024; 89:3365-3382. [PMID: 38363598 DOI: 10.1021/acs.joc.3c02814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
A tunable cascade reaction of ureidomalonates and alkenyl azlactones was disclosed, which gave rise to the construction of N-aroyl α-amino acid ester and imide-functionalized hydantoins in moderate to good yields and with excellent diastereoselectivities. The reaction pathway was precisely manipulated by organocatalysis and phase-transfer/sunlight relay catalysis, respectively, to realize the divergent synthesis. The successful gram-scale preparation of representative products exhibited the application potential of this protocol. Mechanistic studies indicated that the exchange and phase transfer of ethoxy anion played a key role in altering the reaction pathway, and sunlight might accelerate the oxidation process at the late stage of the reaction triggered by phase-transfer catalysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Chen
- School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang 550001, P. R. China
| | - Di Wang
- School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang 550001, P. R. China
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4
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Caceres-Cortes J, Falk B, Mueller L, Dhar TGM. Perspectives on Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy in Drug Discovery Research. J Med Chem 2024; 67:1701-1733. [PMID: 38290426 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c02389] [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: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
The drug discovery landscape has undergone a significant transformation over the past decade, owing to research endeavors in a wide range of areas leading to strategies for pursuing new drug targets and the emergence of novel drug modalities. NMR spectroscopy has been a technology of fundamental importance to these research pursuits and has seen its use expanded both within and outside of traditional medicinal chemistry applications. In this perspective, we will present advancement of NMR-derived methods that have facilitated the characterization of small molecules and novel drug modalities including macrocyclic peptides, cyclic dinucleotides, and ligands for protein degradation. We will discuss innovations in NMR spectroscopy at the chemistry and biology interface that have broadened NMR's utility from hit identification through lead optimization activities. We will also discuss the promise of emerging NMR approaches in bridging our understanding and addressing challenges in the pursuit of the therapeutic agents of the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet Caceres-Cortes
- Synthesis and Enabling Technologies, Small Molecule Drug Discovery, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Princeton, New Jersey 08540, United States
| | - Bradley Falk
- Synthesis and Enabling Technologies, Small Molecule Drug Discovery, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Princeton, New Jersey 08540, United States
| | - Luciano Mueller
- Synthesis and Enabling Technologies, Small Molecule Drug Discovery, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Princeton, New Jersey 08540, United States
| | - T G Murali Dhar
- Discovery Chemistry, Small Molecule Drug Discovery, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Princeton, New Jersey 085401, United States
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5
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Zhang Y, Shaabani S, Vowinkel K, Trombetta-Lima M, Sabogal-Guáqueta AM, Chen T, Hoekstra J, Lembeck J, Schmidt M, Decher N, Dömling A, Dolga AM. Novel SK channel positive modulators prevent ferroptosis and excitotoxicity in neuronal cells. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 171:116163. [PMID: 38242037 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116163] [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: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Small conductance calcium-activated potassium (SK) channel activity has been proposed to play a role in the pathology of several neurological diseases. Besides regulating plasma membrane excitability, SK channel activation provides neuroprotection against ferroptotic cell death by reducing mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake and reactive oxygen species (ROS). In this study, we employed a multifaceted approach, integrating structure-based and computational techniques, to strategically design and synthesize an innovative class of potent small-molecule SK2 channel modifiers through highly efficient multicomponent reactions (MCRs). The compounds' neuroprotective activity was compared with the well-studied SK positive modulator, CyPPA. Pharmacological SK channel activation by selected compounds confers neuroprotection against ferroptosis at low nanomolar ranges compared to CyPPA, that mediates protection at micromolar concentrations, as shown by an MTT assay, real-time cell impedance measurements and propidium iodide staining (PI). These novel compounds suppress increased mitochondrial ROS and Ca2+ level induced by ferroptosis inducer RSL3. Moreover, axonal degeneration was rescued by these novel SK channel activators in primary mouse neurons and they attenuated glutamate-induced neuronal excitability, as shown via microelectrode array. Meanwhile, functional afterhyperpolarization of the novel SK2 channel modulators was validated by electrophysiological measurements showing more current change induced by the novel modulators than the reference compound, CyPPA. These data support the notion that SK2 channel activation can represent a therapeutic target for brain diseases in which ferroptosis and excitotoxicity contribute to the pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuequ Zhang
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Shabnam Shaabani
- Department of Drug Design, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Kirsty Vowinkel
- Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Vegetative Physiology, University of Marburg, 35037 Marburg, Germany
| | - Marina Trombetta-Lima
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technologies and Biopharmacy, Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, the Netherlands
| | | | - Tingting Chen
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Jan Hoekstra
- Department of Drug Design, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Jan Lembeck
- Department of Drug Design, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Martina Schmidt
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Niels Decher
- Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Vegetative Physiology, University of Marburg, 35037 Marburg, Germany
| | - Alexander Dömling
- Department of Drug Design, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Amalia M Dolga
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, the Netherlands.
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6
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Arndt CM, Bitai J, Brunner J, Opatz T, Martinelli P, Gollner A, Sokol KR, Krumb M. One-Pot Synthesis of Cereblon Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras via Photoinduced C(sp 2)-C(sp 3) Cross Coupling and Amide Formation for Proteolysis Targeting Chimera Library Synthesis. J Med Chem 2023; 66:16939-16952. [PMID: 38096359 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01613] [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: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
In this study, a one-pot synthesis via photoinduced C(sp2)-C(sp3) coupling followed by amide formation to access proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) was developed. The described protocol was studied on cereblon (CRBN)-based E3-ligase binders and (+)-JQ-1, a bromodomain inhibitor, to generate BET (bromodomain and extra terminal domain) targeting protein degraders. The generated PROTACs were profiled in vitro and tested for their degradation ability with several potent candidates identified. Upfront, the individual reactions of the one-pot transformation were carefully optimized for CRBN binder functionalization and multiple heterobifunctional linker moieties were designed and synthesized. Separate scopes detailing the C(sp2)-C(sp3) coupling and one-pot PROTAC synthesis are described in this report as well as a library miniaturization study showing the high-throughput compatibility. Overall, the developed protocol provides rapid access to PROTACs in a single process, thereby allowing efficient generation of CRBN-based PROTAC libraries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine M Arndt
- Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, Dr. Boehringer-Gasse 5-11, Vienna 1121, Austria
- Department of Chemistry, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Duesbergweg 10-14, Mainz 55128, Germany
| | - Jacqueline Bitai
- Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, Dr. Boehringer-Gasse 5-11, Vienna 1121, Austria
| | - Jessica Brunner
- Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, Dr. Boehringer-Gasse 5-11, Vienna 1121, Austria
| | - Till Opatz
- Department of Chemistry, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Duesbergweg 10-14, Mainz 55128, Germany
| | - Paola Martinelli
- Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, Dr. Boehringer-Gasse 5-11, Vienna 1121, Austria
| | - Andreas Gollner
- Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, Dr. Boehringer-Gasse 5-11, Vienna 1121, Austria
| | - Kevin R Sokol
- Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, Dr. Boehringer-Gasse 5-11, Vienna 1121, Austria
| | - Matthias Krumb
- Boehringer Ingelheim RCV GmbH & Co KG, Dr. Boehringer-Gasse 5-11, Vienna 1121, Austria
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7
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Plesniak MP, Taylor EK, Eisele F, Kourra CMK, Michaelides IN, Oram A, Wernevik J, Valencia ZS, Rowbottom H, Mann N, Fredlund L, Pivnytska V, Novén A, Pirmoradian M, Lundbäck T, Storer RI, Pettersson M, De Donatis GM, Rehnström M. Rapid PROTAC Discovery Platform: Nanomole-Scale Array Synthesis and Direct Screening of Reaction Mixtures. ACS Med Chem Lett 2023; 14:1882-1890. [PMID: 38116431 PMCID: PMC10726452 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.3c00314] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Precise length, shape, and linker attachment points are all integral components to designing efficacious proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs). Due to the synthetic complexity of these heterobifunctional degraders and the difficulty of computational modeling to aid PROTAC design, the exploration of structure-activity relationships remains mostly empirical, which requires a significant investment of time and resources. To facilitate rapid hit finding, we developed capabilities for PROTAC parallel synthesis and purification by harnessing an array of preformed E3-ligand-linker intermediates. In the next iteration of this approach, we developed a rapid, nanomole-scale PROTAC synthesis methodology using amide coupling that enables direct screening of nonpurified reaction mixtures in cell-based degradation assays, as well as logD and EPSA measurements. This approach greatly expands and accelerates PROTAC SAR exploration (5 days instead of several weeks) as well as avoids laborious and solvent-demanding purification of the reaction mixtures, thus making it an economical and more sustainable methodology for PROTAC hit finding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateusz P. Plesniak
- Medicinal
Chemistry, Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and
Metabolism (CVRM), BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg 431 83, Sweden
| | - Emilia K. Taylor
- Medicinal
Chemistry, Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and
Metabolism (CVRM), BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg 431 83, Sweden
| | - Frederik Eisele
- Mechanistic
& Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg 431 83, Sweden
| | | | - Iacovos N. Michaelides
- Fragment
Based Lead Generation, Hit Discovery, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB4 0WG, U.K.
| | - Alice Oram
- iLAB,
Compound Synthesis & Management, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg 431 83, Sweden
| | - Johan Wernevik
- Mechanistic
& Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg 431 83, Sweden
| | | | - Hannah Rowbottom
- Mechanistic
& Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg 431 83, Sweden
| | - Nadia Mann
- Mechanistic
& Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg 431 83, Sweden
| | - Linda Fredlund
- Mechanistic
& Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg 431 83, Sweden
| | - Valentyna Pivnytska
- Mechanistic
& Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg 431 83, Sweden
| | - Anna Novén
- Mechanistic
& Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg 431 83, Sweden
| | - Mohammad Pirmoradian
- Mechanistic
& Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg 431 83, Sweden
| | - Thomas Lundbäck
- Mechanistic
& Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg 431 83, Sweden
| | - R. Ian Storer
- Hit
Discovery, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB4 0WG, U.K.
| | - Mariell Pettersson
- Medicinal
Chemistry, Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and
Metabolism (CVRM), BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg 431 83, Sweden
| | - Gian M. De Donatis
- Cellular
Assay Development, Discovery Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB4 0WG, U.K.
| | - Marie Rehnström
- Cell
Culture Sciences & Banking, Discovery Biology, Discovery Sciences,
R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg 431 83, Sweden
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8
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Zeng S, Ye Y, Xia H, Min J, Xu J, Wang Z, Pan Y, Zhou X, Huang W. Current advances and development strategies of orally bioavailable PROTACs. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 261:115793. [PMID: 37708797 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) have been an area of intensive research with the potential to extend drug space not target to traditional molecules. In the last half decade, we have witnessed several PROTACs initiated phase I/II/III clinical trials, which inspired us a lot. However, the structure of PROTACs beyond "rule of 5" resulted in developing PROTACs with acceptable oral pharmacokinetic (PK) properties remain one of the biggest bottleneck tasks. Many reports have demonstrated that it is possible to access orally bioavailable PROTACs through rational ligand and linker modifications. In this review, we systematically reviewed and highlighted the most recent advances in orally bioavailable PROTACs development, especially focused on the medicinal chemistry campaign of discovery process and in vivo oral PK properties. Moreover, the constructive strategies for developing oral PROTACs were proposed comprehensively. Collectively, we believe that the strategies summarized here may provide references for further development of oral PROTACs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenxin Zeng
- Affiliated Yongkang First People's Hospital and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; Key Discipline of Zhejiang Province in Public Health and Preventive Medicine (First Class, Category A), Hangzhou Medical College, China.
| | - Yingqiao Ye
- Affiliated Yongkang First People's Hospital and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; Key Discipline of Zhejiang Province in Public Health and Preventive Medicine (First Class, Category A), Hangzhou Medical College, China
| | - Heye Xia
- Affiliated Yongkang First People's Hospital and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; Key Discipline of Zhejiang Province in Public Health and Preventive Medicine (First Class, Category A), Hangzhou Medical College, China
| | - Jingli Min
- Affiliated Yongkang First People's Hospital and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; Key Discipline of Zhejiang Province in Public Health and Preventive Medicine (First Class, Category A), Hangzhou Medical College, China
| | - Jiamei Xu
- Affiliated Yongkang First People's Hospital and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; Key Discipline of Zhejiang Province in Public Health and Preventive Medicine (First Class, Category A), Hangzhou Medical College, China
| | - Zunyuan Wang
- Affiliated Yongkang First People's Hospital and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; Key Discipline of Zhejiang Province in Public Health and Preventive Medicine (First Class, Category A), Hangzhou Medical College, China
| | - Youlu Pan
- Affiliated Yongkang First People's Hospital and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; Key Discipline of Zhejiang Province in Public Health and Preventive Medicine (First Class, Category A), Hangzhou Medical College, China
| | - Xinglu Zhou
- HealZen Therapeutics Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310018, China.
| | - Wenhai Huang
- Affiliated Yongkang First People's Hospital and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311399, China; Key Discipline of Zhejiang Province in Public Health and Preventive Medicine (First Class, Category A), Hangzhou Medical College, China.
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9
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Fragkiadakis M, Anastasiou PK, Zingiridis M, Triantafyllou-Rundell ME, Reyes Romero A, Stoumpos CC, Neochoritis CG. Instant Macrocyclizations via Multicomponent Reactions. J Org Chem 2023; 88:12709-12715. [PMID: 37596972 DOI: 10.1021/acs.joc.3c01379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
Macrocycles fascinate chemists due to both their structure and their applications. However, we still lack efficient and sustainable synthetic methods, giving us straightforward access to them. Herein, a rapid macrocyclization utilizing a two-step, one-pot approach based on orthogonal multicomponent reaction (MCR) tactics is introduced. This synthetic protocol, which is based on Ugi and Groebke-Blackburn-Bienaymé reactions with isocyanides tethered to alkyl tosylates, yields medium sized macrocycles that are otherwise difficult to achieve. Single crystal structures reveal conformational reorganization via intramolecular hydrogen bonding, and modeling studies profile the synthesized libraries.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Marios Zingiridis
- Department of Chemistry, University of Crete, Voutes, 70013 Heraklion, Greece
| | | | - Atilio Reyes Romero
- Genetic Intelligence Laboratory, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, P.O. Box 24144, New York, New York 10065, United States
| | - Constantinos C Stoumpos
- Department of Materials Science & Technology, University of Crete, Voutes, 70013 Heraklion, Greece
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10
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Oh H, Kim H, Kim I. Regioselective Access to 1,2,4-Triazole-Fused N-Heterocycle, Pyrrolo[1,2- a][1,2,4]triazolo[5,1- c]pyrazine, via Double Dehydrative Cyclizations. J Org Chem 2023; 88:11748-11761. [PMID: 37526505 DOI: 10.1021/acs.joc.3c01044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
A highly efficient and regioselective approach to a novel 1,2,4-triazole-fused N-heterocyclic scaffold, pyrrolo[1,2-a][1,2,4]triazolo[3,4-c]pyrazine, was established by base-promoted reaction of pyrrole-2-carbonitrile-derived substrate with acyl hydrazide where domino double ring closures comprised of enamine formation, attack on nitrile, and cyclodehydration enabled sequential construction of pyrazine and 1,2,4-triazole ring systems with formation of three C-N bonds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyunjin Oh
- College of Pharmacy and Yonsei Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Yonsei University, 85 Songdogwahak-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 21983, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeyeon Kim
- College of Pharmacy and Yonsei Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Yonsei University, 85 Songdogwahak-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 21983, Republic of Korea
| | - Ikyon Kim
- College of Pharmacy and Yonsei Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Yonsei University, 85 Songdogwahak-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 21983, Republic of Korea
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11
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Zografou-Barredo NA, Hallatt AJ, Goujon-Ricci J, Cano C. A beginner's guide to current synthetic linker strategies towards VHL-recruiting PROTACs. Bioorg Med Chem 2023; 88-89:117334. [PMID: 37224698 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2023.117334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Over the last two decades, proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) have been revolutionary in drug development rendering targeted protein degradation (TPD) as an emerging therapeutic modality. These heterobifunctional molecules are comprised of three units: a ligand for the protein of interest (POI), a ligand for an E3 ubiquitin ligase, and a linker that tethers the two motifs together. Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) is one of the most widely employed E3 ligases in PROTACs development due to its prevalent expression across tissue types and well-characterised ligands. Linker composition and length has proven to play an important role in determining the physicochemical properties and spatial orientation of the POI-PROTAC-E3 ternary complex, thus influencing the bioactivity of degraders. Numerous articles and reports have been published showcasing the medicinal chemistry aspects of the linker design, but few have focused on the chemistry around tethering linkers to E3 ligase ligands. In this review, we focus on the current synthetic linker strategies employed in the assembly of VHL-recruiting PROTACs. We aim to cover a range of fundamental chemistries used to incorporate linkers of varying length, composition and functionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikol A Zografou-Barredo
- Cancer Research UK Newcastle Drug Discovery Unit, Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Alex J Hallatt
- Cancer Research UK Newcastle Drug Discovery Unit, Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Jennyfer Goujon-Ricci
- Cancer Research UK Newcastle Drug Discovery Unit, Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Céline Cano
- Cancer Research UK Newcastle Drug Discovery Unit, Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
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12
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Buskes M, Coffin A, Troast DM, Stein R, Blanco MJ. Accelerating Drug Discovery: Synthesis of Complex Chemotypes via Multicomponent Reactions. ACS Med Chem Lett 2023; 14:376-385. [PMID: 37077380 PMCID: PMC10107905 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.3c00012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The generation of multiple bonds in one reaction step has attracted massive interest in drug discovery and development. Multicomponent reactions (MCRs) offer the advantage of combining three or more reagents in a one-pot fashion to effectively yield a synthetic product. This approach significantly accelerates the synthesis of relevant compounds for biological testing. However, there is a perception that this methodology will only produce simple chemical scaffolds with limited use in medicinal chemistry. In this Microperspective, we want to highlight the value of MCRs toward the synthesis of complex molecules characterized by the presence of quaternary and chiral centers. This paper will cover specific examples showing the impact of this technology toward the discovery of clinical compounds and recent breakthroughs to expand the scope of the reactions toward topologically rich molecular chemotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa
J. Buskes
- Atavistik Bio 75 Sidney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Aaron Coffin
- Atavistik Bio 75 Sidney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Dawn M. Troast
- Atavistik Bio 75 Sidney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Rachel Stein
- Atavistik Bio 75 Sidney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Maria-Jesus Blanco
- Atavistik Bio 75 Sidney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
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13
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Kuchta R, Heim C, Herrmann A, Maiwald S, Ng YLD, Sosič I, Keuler T, Krönke J, Gütschow M, Hartmann MD, Steinebach C. Accessing three-branched high-affinity cereblon ligands for molecular glue and protein degrader design. RSC Chem Biol 2023; 4:229-234. [PMID: 36908700 PMCID: PMC9994103 DOI: 10.1039/d2cb00223j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The Petasis borono-Mannich reaction was employed for an alternative entry towards three-branched cereblon ligands. Such compounds are capabable of making multiple interactions with the protein surface and possess a suitable linker exit vector. The high-affinity ligands were used to assemble prototypic new molecular glues and proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) targeting BRD4 for degradation. Our results highlight the importance of multicomponent reactions (MCRs) in drug discovery and add new insights into the rapidly growing field of protein degraders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Kuchta
- Pharmaceutical Institute, Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry, University of Bonn An der Immenburg 4 Bonn D-53121 Germany
| | - Christopher Heim
- Max Planck Institute for Biology Tübingen Tübingen D-72076 Germany .,Interfaculty Institute of Biochemistry, University of Tübingen Tübingen 72076 Germany
| | | | - Samuel Maiwald
- Max Planck Institute for Biology Tübingen Tübingen D-72076 Germany
| | - Yuen Lam Dora Ng
- Charité, Department of Internal Medicine with Focus on Hematology, Oncology and Tumor Immunology Berlin D-12203 Germany
| | - Izidor Sosič
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana Ljubljana SI-1000 Slovenia
| | - Tim Keuler
- Pharmaceutical Institute, Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry, University of Bonn An der Immenburg 4 Bonn D-53121 Germany
| | - Jan Krönke
- Charité, Department of Internal Medicine with Focus on Hematology, Oncology and Tumor Immunology Berlin D-12203 Germany
| | - Michael Gütschow
- Pharmaceutical Institute, Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry, University of Bonn An der Immenburg 4 Bonn D-53121 Germany
| | - Marcus D Hartmann
- Max Planck Institute for Biology Tübingen Tübingen D-72076 Germany .,Interfaculty Institute of Biochemistry, University of Tübingen Tübingen 72076 Germany
| | - Christian Steinebach
- Pharmaceutical Institute, Pharmaceutical & Medicinal Chemistry, University of Bonn An der Immenburg 4 Bonn D-53121 Germany
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14
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Rao Z, Li K, Hong J, Chen D, Ding B, Jiang L, Qi X, Hu J, Yang B, He Q, Dong X, Cao J, Zhu CL. A practical "preTACs-cytoblot" platform accelerates the streamlined development of PROTAC-based protein degraders. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 251:115248. [PMID: 36905918 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115248] [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: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
With the growing importance of PROTAC-mediated protein degradation in drug discovery, robust synthetic methodologies and rapid screening assays are urgently needed. By harnessing the improved alkene hydroazidation reaction, we developed a novel strategy to introduce azido groups into the linker-E3 ligand conjugates and effectively created a range of prepacked terminal azide-labeled "preTACs" as PROTAC toolkit building blocks. Moreover, we demonstrated that preTACs are ready to conjugate to ligands targeting a protein of interest to generate libraries of chimeric degraders, which are subsequently screened for effective protein degradation directly from cultured cells with a cytoblot assay. Our study exemplifies that this practical "preTACs-cytoblot" platform allows efficient PROTAC assembly and rapid activity assessments. It may help industrial and academic investigators to accelerate their streamlined development of PROTAC-based protein degraders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zijian Rao
- Institute of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, PR China
| | - Kailin Li
- Institute of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, PR China
| | - Ju Hong
- Institute of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, PR China
| | - Danni Chen
- Institute of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, PR China
| | - Baoli Ding
- Institute of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, PR China
| | - Li Jiang
- Institute of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, PR China
| | - Xuxin Qi
- Institute of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, PR China
| | - Jiawen Hu
- Institute of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, PR China
| | - Bo Yang
- Institute of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, PR China; Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, PR China; Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, PR China
| | - Qiaojun He
- Institute of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, PR China; Centre for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research of ZJU, Hangzhou, 310058, PR China; Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, PR China; Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, PR China; Cancer Centre, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, PR China
| | - Xiaowu Dong
- Institute of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, PR China; Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, PR China; Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, PR China; Cancer Centre, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, PR China
| | - Ji Cao
- Institute of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, PR China; Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, PR China; Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, PR China; Cancer Centre, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, PR China; Engineering Research Center of Innovative Anticancer Drugs, Ministry of Education, China.
| | - Cheng-Liang Zhu
- Institute of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, PR China; Centre for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research of ZJU, Hangzhou, 310058, PR China; Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, PR China; Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, PR China; Engineering Research Center of Innovative Anticancer Drugs, Ministry of Education, China.
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15
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Abstract
Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) have shown great therapeutic potential by degrading various disease-causing proteins, particularly those related to tumors. Therefore, the introduction of PROTACs has ushered in a new chapter of antitumor drug development, marked by significant advances over recent years. Herein, we describe recent developments in PROTAC technology, focusing on design strategy, development workflow, and future outlooks. We also discuss potential opportunities and challenges for PROTAC research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minglei Li
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250117 Shandong, P. R. China
| | - Ying Zhi
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250117 Shandong, P. R. China
| | - Bo Liu
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250117 Shandong, P. R. China
| | - Qingqiang Yao
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250117 Shandong, P. R. China
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