1
|
Duo L, Chen Y, Liu Q, Ma Z, Farjudian A, Ho WY, Low SS, Ren J, Hirst JD, Xie H, Tang B. Discovery of novel SOS1 inhibitors using machine learning. RSC Med Chem 2024; 15:1392-1403. [PMID: 38665844 PMCID: PMC11042245 DOI: 10.1039/d4md00063c] [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: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Overactivation of the rat sarcoma virus (RAS) signaling is responsible for 30% of all human malignancies. Son of sevenless 1 (SOS1), a crucial node in the RAS signaling pathway, could modulate RAS activation, offering a promising therapeutic strategy for RAS-driven cancers. Applying machine learning (ML)-based virtual screening (VS) on small-molecule databases, we selected a random forest (RF) regressor for its robustness and performance. Screening was performed with the L-series and EGFR-related datasets, and was extended to the Chinese National Compound Library (CNCL) with more than 1.4 million compounds. In addition to a series of documented SOS1-related molecules, we uncovered nine compounds that have an unexplored chemical framework and displayed inhibitory activity, with the most potent achieving more than 50% inhibition rate in the KRAS G12C/SOS1 PPI assay and an IC50 value in the proximity of 20 μg mL-1. Compared with the manner that known inhibitory agents bind to the target, hit compounds represented by CL01545365 occupy a unique pocket in molecular docking. An in silico drug-likeness assessment suggested that the compound has moderately favorable drug-like properties and pharmacokinetic characteristics. Altogether, our findings strongly support that, characterized by the distinctive binding modes, the recognition of novel skeletons from the carboxylic acid series could be candidates for developing promising SOS1 inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lihui Duo
- Nottingham Ningbo China Beacons of Excellence Research and Innovation Institute, Key Laboratory for Carbonaceous Waste Processing and Process Intensification Research of Zhejiang Province, Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, The University of Nottingham Ningbo China 199 Taikang East Road Ningbo 315100 P. R. China
| | - Yi Chen
- Division of Antitumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences 555 Zuchongzhi Road 201203 Shanghai China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences No.19A Yuquan Road Beijing 100049 China
| | - Qiupei Liu
- Nottingham Ningbo China Beacons of Excellence Research and Innovation Institute, Key Laboratory for Carbonaceous Waste Processing and Process Intensification Research of Zhejiang Province, Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, The University of Nottingham Ningbo China 199 Taikang East Road Ningbo 315100 P. R. China
- Division of Antitumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences 555 Zuchongzhi Road 201203 Shanghai China
| | - Zhangyi Ma
- Nottingham Ningbo China Beacons of Excellence Research and Innovation Institute, Key Laboratory for Carbonaceous Waste Processing and Process Intensification Research of Zhejiang Province, Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, The University of Nottingham Ningbo China 199 Taikang East Road Ningbo 315100 P. R. China
| | - Amin Farjudian
- School of Mathematics, Watson Building, University of Birmingham Edgbaston Birmingham B15 2TT UK
| | - Wan Yong Ho
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Nottingham (Malaysia Campus) Semenyih 43500 Malaysia
| | - Sze Shin Low
- Nottingham Ningbo China Beacons of Excellence Research and Innovation Institute, Key Laboratory for Carbonaceous Waste Processing and Process Intensification Research of Zhejiang Province, Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, The University of Nottingham Ningbo China 199 Taikang East Road Ningbo 315100 P. R. China
| | - Jianfeng Ren
- Nottingham Ningbo China Beacons of Excellence Research and Innovation Institute, Key Laboratory for Carbonaceous Waste Processing and Process Intensification Research of Zhejiang Province, Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, The University of Nottingham Ningbo China 199 Taikang East Road Ningbo 315100 P. R. China
| | - Jonathan D Hirst
- School of Chemistry, University of Nottingham University Park Nottingham NG7 2RD UK
| | - Hua Xie
- Division of Antitumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences 555 Zuchongzhi Road 201203 Shanghai China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences No.19A Yuquan Road Beijing 100049 China
- Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences Zhongshan Tsuihang New District Zhongshan 528400 China
| | - Bencan Tang
- Nottingham Ningbo China Beacons of Excellence Research and Innovation Institute, Key Laboratory for Carbonaceous Waste Processing and Process Intensification Research of Zhejiang Province, Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, The University of Nottingham Ningbo China 199 Taikang East Road Ningbo 315100 P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Chen Y, Liu QP, Xie H, Ding J. From bench to bedside: current development and emerging trend of KRAS-targeted therapy. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2024; 45:686-703. [PMID: 38049578 PMCID: PMC10943119 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-023-01194-4] [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: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Kirsten rat sarcoma 2 viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) is the most frequently mutated oncogene in human cancers with mutations predominantly occurring in codon 12. These mutations disrupt the normal function of KRAS by interfering with GTP hydrolysis and nucleotide exchange activity, making it prone to the GTP-bound active state, thus leading to sustained activation of downstream pathways. Despite decades of research, there has been no progress in the KRAS drug discovery until the groundbreaking discovery of covalently targeting the KRASG12C mutation in 2013, which led to revolutionary changes in KRAS-targeted therapy. So far, two small molecule inhibitors sotorasib and adagrasib targeting KRASG12C have received accelerated approval for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring KRASG12C mutations. In recent years, rapid progress has been achieved in the KRAS-targeted therapy field, especially the exploration of KRASG12C covalent inhibitors in other KRASG12C-positive malignancies, novel KRAS inhibitors beyond KRASG12C mutation or pan-KRAS inhibitors, and approaches to indirectly targeting KRAS. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the molecular and mutational characteristics of KRAS and summarize the development and current status of covalent inhibitors targeting the KRASG12C mutation. We also discuss emerging promising KRAS-targeted therapeutic strategies, with a focus on mutation-specific and direct pan-KRAS inhibitors and indirect KRAS inhibitors through targeting the RAS activation-associated proteins Src homology-2 domain-containing phosphatase 2 (SHP2) and son of sevenless homolog 1 (SOS1), and shed light on current challenges and opportunities for drug discovery in this field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi Chen
- Division of Antitumor Pharmacology, 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
| | - Qiu-Pei Liu
- Division of Antitumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- Department of Chemical and Environment Engineering, Science and Engineering Building, The University of Nottingham Ningbo China, Ningbo, 315100, China
| | - Hua Xie
- Division of Antitumor Pharmacology, 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.
- Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongshan, 528400, China.
| | - Jian Ding
- Division of Antitumor Pharmacology, 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.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Wu J, Li X, Wu C, Wang Y, Zhang J. Current advances and development strategies of targeting son of sevenless 1 (SOS1) in drug discovery. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 268:116282. [PMID: 38430853 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116282] [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: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
The Son of Sevenless 1 (SOS1) guanine nucleotide exchange factor, prevalent across eukaryotic species, plays a pivotal role in facilitating the attachment of RAS protein to GTP, thereby regulating the activation of intracellular RAS proteins. This regulation is part of a feedback mechanism involving SOS1, which allows both activators and inhibitors of SOS1 to exert control over downstream signaling pathways, demonstrating potential anti-tumor effects. Predominantly, small molecule modulators that target SOS1 focus on a hydrophobic pocket within the CDC25 protein domain. The effectiveness of these modulators largely depends on their ability to interact with specific amino acids, notably Phe890 and Tyr884. This interaction is crucial for influencing the protein-protein interaction (PPI) between RAS and the catalytic domain of SOS1. Currently, most small molecule modulators targeting SOS1 are in the preclinical research phase, with a few advancing to clinical trials. This progression raises safety concerns, making the assurance of drug safety a primary consideration alongside the enhancement of efficacy in the development of SOS1 modulators. This review encapsulates recent advancements in the chemical categorization of SOS1 inhibitors and activators. It delves into the evolution of small molecule modulation targeting SOS1 and offers perspectives on the design of future generations of selective SOS1 small molecule modulators.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jialin Wu
- Department of Neurology, Neuro-system and Multimorbidity Laboratory and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China; Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province & Precision Medicine Research Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaoxue Li
- Department of Dermatology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Chengyong Wu
- Department of Neurology, Neuro-system and Multimorbidity Laboratory and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China; Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province & Precision Medicine Research Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuxi Wang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province & Precision Medicine Research Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
| | - Jifa Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Neuro-system and Multimorbidity Laboratory and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Chen T, Tang X, Wang Z, Feng F, Xu C, Zhao Q, Wu Y, Sun H, Chen Y. Inhibition of Son of Sevenless Homologue 1 (SOS1): Promising therapeutic treatment for KRAS-mutant cancers. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 261:115828. [PMID: 37778239 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115828] [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: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Kristen rat sarcoma (KRAS) is one of the most common oncogenes in human cancers. As a guanine nucleotide exchange factor, Son of Sevenless Homologue 1 (SOS1) represents a potential therapeutic concept for the treatment of KRAS-mutant cancers because of its activation on KRAS and downstream signaling pathways. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the structure, biological function, and regulation of SOS1. We also focus on the recent advances in SOS1 inhibitors and emphasize their binding modes, structure-activity relationships and pharmacological activities. We hope that this publication can provide a comprehensive compendium on the rational design of SOS1 inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tingkai Chen
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, People's Republic of China
| | - Xu Tang
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenqi Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Feng
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, 211166, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunlei Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Qun Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Yulan Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Haopeng Sun
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yao Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
He H, Chen R, Wang Z, Qing L, Zhang Y, Liu Y, Pan W, Fang H, Zhang S. Design of Orally-bioavailable Tetra-cyclic phthalazine SOS1 inhibitors with high selectivity against EGFR. Bioorg Chem 2023; 136:106536. [PMID: 37054529 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.106536] [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: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
KRAS mutations (G12C, G12D, etc.) are implicated in the oncogenesis and progression of many deadliest cancers. Son of sevenless homolog 1 (SOS1) is a crucial regulator of KRAS to modulate KRAS from inactive to active states. We previously discovered tetra-cyclic quinazolines as an improved scaffold for inhibiting SOS1-KRAS interaction. In this work, we report the design of tetra-cyclic phthalazine derivatives for selectively inhibiting SOS1 against EGFR. The lead compound 6c displayed remarkable activity to inhibit the proliferation of KRAS(G12C)-mutant pancreas cells. 6c showed a favorable pharmacokinetic profile in vivo, with a bioavailability of 65.8% and exhibited potent tumor suppression in pancreas tumor xenograft models. These intriguing results suggested that 6c has the potential to be developed as a drug candidate for KRAS-driven tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huan He
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, PR China; Key Laboratory of Coal Conversion and New Carbon Materials of Hubei Province, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, PR China; Wuhan Yuxiang Pharmaceutical Technology Co., Ltd., Wuhan 430200, PR China
| | - Ruiqi Chen
- Key Laboratory of Coal Conversion and New Carbon Materials of Hubei Province, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, PR China
| | - Ziwei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Coal Conversion and New Carbon Materials of Hubei Province, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, PR China
| | - Luolong Qing
- Key Laboratory of Coal Conversion and New Carbon Materials of Hubei Province, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, PR China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Coal Conversion and New Carbon Materials of Hubei Province, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, PR China
| | - Yi Liu
- Key Laboratory of Coal Conversion and New Carbon Materials of Hubei Province, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, PR China; School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan 430023, PR China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Radiation Chemistry and Functional Materials, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning 437100, PR China
| | - Weidong Pan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, PR China.
| | - Huaxiang Fang
- Key Laboratory of Coal Conversion and New Carbon Materials of Hubei Province, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, PR China.
| | - Silong Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, PR China; Key Laboratory of Coal Conversion and New Carbon Materials of Hubei Province, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, PR China; Wuhan Yuxiang Pharmaceutical Technology Co., Ltd., Wuhan 430200, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Luo G, Wang B, Hou Q, Wu X. Development of Son of Sevenless Homologue 1 (SOS1) Modulators To Treat Cancers by Regulating RAS Signaling. J Med Chem 2023; 66:4324-4341. [PMID: 36987571 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
Son of sevenless homologue 1 (SOS1) protein is universally expressed in cells and plays an important role in the RAS signaling pathway. Specifically, this protein interacts with RAS in response to upstream stimuli to promote guanine nucleotide exchange in RAS and activates the downstream signaling pathways. Thus, targeting SOS1 is a new approach for treating RAS-driven cancers. In this Perspective, we briefly summarize the structural and functional aspects of SOS1 and focus on recent advances in the discovery of activators, inhibitors, and PROTACs that target SOS1. This review aims to provide a timely and updated overview on the strategies for targeting SOS1 in cancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guangmei Luo
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy and Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Bingrui Wang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy and Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Qiangqiang Hou
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy and Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Xiaoxing Wu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy and Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| |
Collapse
|