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Al-Horani RA, Aliter KF. Triple Action of Lignosulfonic Acid Sodium: Anti-protease, Antioxidant, and Anti-inflammatory Effects of a Polymeric Heparin Mimetic. Med Chem 2024; 20:414-421. [PMID: 38192144 PMCID: PMC11228124 DOI: 10.2174/0115734064275120231222111145] [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: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Heparins are sulfated glycosaminoglycans that are used as anticoagulants to treat thrombosis. Heparins exhibit other potential therapeutic effects, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and anti-malarial effects. However, the strong anticoagulant activity of heparins poses a risk of life-threatening bleeding, limiting their therapeutic use for other diseases beyond thrombosis. To exploit the other effects of heparins and eliminate the bleeding risk, we explored an alternative polymer called lignosulfonic acid sodium (LSAS), which acts as a sulfonated heparin mimetic. LSAS targets factor XIa to exert an anticoagulant effect, and thus, unlike heparins, it is unlikely to cause bleeding. METHODS This study investigated the multiple effects of LSAS to identify potential leads for complex pathologies treatment. A series of chromogenic substrate hydrolysis assays were used to evaluate the inhibition of three inflammation-related proteases by LSAS. Its chemical antioxidant activity against the system of ABTS/hydrogen peroxide/metmyoglobin was also determined. Lastly, the effect of LSAS on TNFα-induced activation of the NF-κB pathway in HEK-293 cells was also tested to determine its cellular anti-inflammatory activity. RESULTS The results showed that LSAS effectively inhibited human neutrophil elastase, cathepsin G, and plasmin, with IC50 values ranging from 0.73 to 212.5 μg/mL. Additionally, LSAS demonstrated a significant chemical antioxidant effect, with an IC50 value of 44.1 μg/mL. Furthermore, at a concentration of approximately 530 μg/mL, LSAS inhibited the TNFα-induced activation of the NF-κB pathway in HEK-293 cells, indicating a substantial anti-inflammatory effect. An essential advantage of LSAS is its high water solubility and virtual non-toxicity, making it a safe and readily available polymer. CONCLUSION Based on these findings, LSAS is put forward as a polymeric heparin mimetic with multiple functions, serving as a potential platform for developing novel therapeutics to treat complex pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rami A Al-Horani
- Division of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA 70125, USA
| | - Kholoud F Aliter
- Department of Chemistry, School of STEM, Dillard University, New Orleans, LA, 70122, USA
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2
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Afosah DK, Fayyad RM, Puliafico VR, Merrell S, Langmia EK, Diagne SR, Al-Horani RA, Desai UR. Homogeneous, Synthetic, Non-Saccharide Glycosaminoglycan Mimetics as Potent Inhibitors of Human Cathepsin G. Biomolecules 2023; 13:760. [PMID: 37238630 PMCID: PMC10216581 DOI: 10.3390/biom13050760] [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: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Cathepsin G (CatG) is a pro-inflammatory neutrophil serine protease that is important for host defense, and has been implicated in several inflammatory disorders. Hence, inhibition of CatG holds much therapeutic potential; however, only a few inhibitors have been identified to date, and none have reached clinical trials. Of these, heparin is a well-known inhibitor of CatG, but its heterogeneity and bleeding risk reduce its clinical potential. We reasoned that synthetic small mimetics of heparin, labeled as non-saccharide glycosaminoglycan mimetics (NSGMs), would exhibit potent CatG inhibition while being devoid of bleeding risks associated with heparin. Hence, we screened a focused library of 30 NSGMs for CatG inhibition using a chromogenic substrate hydrolysis assay and identified nano- to micro-molar inhibitors with varying levels of efficacy. Of these, a structurally-defined, octasulfated di-quercetin NSGM 25 inhibited CatG with a potency of ~50 nM. NSGM 25 binds to CatG in an allosteric site through an approximately equal contribution of ionic and nonionic forces. Octasulfated 25 exhibits no impact on human plasma clotting, suggesting minimal bleeding risk. Considering that octasulfated 25 also potently inhibits two other pro-inflammatory proteases, human neutrophil elastase and human plasmin, the current results imply the possibility of a multi-pronged anti-inflammatory approach in which these proteases are likely to simultaneously likely combat important conditions, e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, emphysema, or cystic fibrosis, with minimal bleeding risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel K. Afosah
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA; (R.M.F.)
- Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23219, USA
| | - Rawan M. Fayyad
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA; (R.M.F.)
- Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23219, USA
| | - Valerie R. Puliafico
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Washington and Lee University, Lexington, VA 24450, USA
| | - Spencer Merrell
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Washington and Lee University, Lexington, VA 24450, USA
| | - Eltice K. Langmia
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Washington and Lee University, Lexington, VA 24450, USA
| | - Sophie R. Diagne
- Department of Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Rami A. Al-Horani
- Division of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA 70125, USA
| | - Umesh R. Desai
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA; (R.M.F.)
- Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23219, USA
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3
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Abdelfadiel E, Gunta R, Villuri BK, Afosah DK, Sankaranarayanan NV, Desai UR. Designing Smaller, Synthetic, Functional Mimetics of Sulfated Glycosaminoglycans as Allosteric Modulators of Coagulation Factors. J Med Chem 2023; 66:4503-4531. [PMID: 37001055 PMCID: PMC10108365 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
Natural glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are arguably the most diverse collection of natural products. Unfortunately, this bounty of structures remains untapped. Decades of research has realized only one GAG-like synthetic, small-molecule drug, fondaparinux. This represents an abysmal output because GAGs present a frontier that few medicinal chemists, and even fewer pharmaceutical companies, dare to undertake. GAGs are heterogeneous, polymeric, polydisperse, highly water soluble, synthetically challenging, too rapidly cleared, and difficult to analyze. Additionally, GAG binding to proteins is not very selective and GAG-binding sites are shallow. This Perspective attempts to transform this negative view into a much more promising one by highlighting recent advances in GAG mimetics. The Perspective focuses on the principles used in the design/discovery of drug-like, synthetic, sulfated small molecules as allosteric modulators of coagulation factors, such as antithrombin, thrombin, and factor XIa. These principles will also aid the design/discovery of sulfated agents against cancer, inflammation, and microbial infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elsamani
I. Abdelfadiel
- Institute
for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23219, United States
| | - Rama Gunta
- Institute
for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23219, United States
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - Bharath Kumar Villuri
- Institute
for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23219, United States
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - Daniel K. Afosah
- Institute
for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23219, United States
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - Nehru Viji Sankaranarayanan
- Institute
for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23219, United States
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - Umesh R. Desai
- Institute
for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23219, United States
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
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4
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Xie Z, Meng Z, Yang X, Duan Y, Wang Q, Liao C. Factor XIa Inhibitors in Anticoagulation Therapy: Recent Advances and Perspectives. J Med Chem 2023; 66:5332-5363. [PMID: 37037122 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c02130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
Factor XIa (FXIa) in the intrinsic pathway of the coagulation process has been proven to be an effective and safe target for anticoagulant discovery with limited or no bleeding. Numerous small-molecule FXIa inhibitors (SMFIs) with various scaffolds have been identified in the early stages of drug discovery. They have served as the foundation for the recent discovery of additional promising SMFIs with improved potency, selectivity, and pharmacokinetic profiles, some of which have entered clinical trials for the treatment of thrombosis. After reviewing the coagulation process and structure of FXIa, this perspective discusses the rational or structure-based design, discovery, structure-activity relationships, and development of SMFIs disclosed in recent years. Strategies for identifying more selective and druggable SMFIs are provided, paving the way for the design and discovery of more useful SMFIs for anticoagulation therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhouling Xie
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Engineering, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, P. R. China
| | - Zhiwei Meng
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Engineering, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoxiao Yang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Engineering, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, P. R. China
| | - Yajun Duan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Engineering, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, P. R. China
| | - Qin Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, P. R. China
| | - Chenzhong Liao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Engineering, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, P. R. China
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Heide F, Koch M, Stetefeld J. Heparin Mimetics and Their Impact on Extracellular Matrix Protein Assemblies. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:ph16030471. [PMID: 36986571 PMCID: PMC10059586 DOI: 10.3390/ph16030471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Heparan sulfate is a crucial extracellular matrix component that organizes structural features and functional protein processes. This occurs through the formation of protein-heparan sulfate assemblies around cell surfaces, which allow for the deliberate local and temporal control of cellular signaling. As such, heparin-mimicking drugs can directly affect these processes by competing with naturally occurring heparan sulfate and heparin chains that then disturb protein assemblies and decrease regulatory capacities. The high number of heparan-sulfate-binding proteins that are present in the extracellular matrix can cause obscure pathological effects that should be considered and examined in more detail, especially when developing novel mimetics for clinical use. The objective of this article is to investigate recent studies that present heparan-sulfate-mediated protein assemblies and the impact of heparin mimetics on the assembly and function of these protein complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Heide
- Department of Chemistry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Manuel Koch
- Institute for Experimental Dental Research and Oral Musculoskeletal Biology, Center for Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Jörg Stetefeld
- Department of Chemistry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
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6
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1,2,3-Triazole Derivatives as Novel Antifibrinolytic Drugs. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232314942. [PMID: 36499270 PMCID: PMC9736318 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232314942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrinolysis is a natural process that ensures blood fluidity through the removal of fibrin deposits. However, excessive fibrinolytic activity can lead to complications in different circumstances, such as general surgery or severe trauma. The current antifibrinolytic drugs in the market, aminocaproic acid (EACA) and tranexamic acid (TXA), require high doses repetitively to maintain their therapeutic effect. These high doses are related to a number of side effects such as headaches, nasal symptoms, or gastrointestinal discomfort and severely limit their use in patients with renal impairment. Therefore, the discovery of novel antifibrinolytics with a higher specificity and lower dosage could vastly improve the applicability of these drugs. Herein, we synthesized a total of ten compounds consisting of a combination of three key moieties: an oxadiazolone, a triazole, and a terminal amine. The IC50 of each compound was calculated in our clot lysis assays, and the best candidate (1) provided approximately a 2.5-fold improvement over the current gold standard, TXA. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics were used to perform a structure-activity relationship (SAR) analysis with the lysine binding site in the Kringle 1 domain of plasminogen. This analysis revealed that 1,2,3-triazole was crucial for the activity, enhancing the binding affinity through pi-pi stacking and polar interactions with Tyr72. The results presented in this work open the door to further investigate this new family as potential antifibrinolytic drugs.
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Nallan Chakravarthula T, Zeng Z, Alves NJ. Multivalent Benzamidine Molecules for Plasmin Inhibition: Effect of Valency and Linker Length. ChemMedChem 2022; 17:e202200364. [PMID: 36111842 PMCID: PMC9828467 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202200364] [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] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
There is an emerging interest in utilizing synthetic multivalent inhibitors that comprise of multiple inhibitor moieties linked on a common scaffold to achieve strong and selective enzyme inhibition. As multivalent inhibition is impacted by valency and linker length, in this study, we explore the effect of multivalent benzamidine inhibitors of varying valency and linker length on plasmin inhibition. Plasmin is an endogenous enzyme responsible for digesting fibrin present in blood clots. Monovalent plasmin(ogen) inhibitors are utilized clinically to treat hyperfibrinolysis-associated bleeding events. Benzamidine is a reversible inhibitor that binds to plasmin's active site. Herein, multivalent benzamidine inhibitors of varying valencies (mono-, bi- and tri-valent) and linker lengths (∼1-12 nm) were synthesized to systematically study their effect on plasmin inhibition. Inhibition assays were performed using a plasmin substrate (S-2251) to determine inhibition constants (Ki). Pentamidine (shortest bivalent) and Tri-AMB (shortest trivalent) were the strongest inhibitors with Ki values of 2.1±0.8 and 3.9±1.7 μM, respectively. Overall, increasing valency and decreasing linker length, increases effective local concentration of the inhibitor and therefore, resulted in stronger inhibition of plasmin via statistical rebinding. This study aids in the design of multivalent inhibitors that can achieve desired enzyme inhibition by means of modulating valency and linker length.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanmaye Nallan Chakravarthula
- Department of Emergency MedicineIndiana University School of MedicineIndianapolisIN46202USA,Weldon School of Biomedical EngineeringPurdue UniversityWest LafayetteIN47906USA
| | - Ziqian Zeng
- Department of Emergency MedicineIndiana University School of MedicineIndianapolisIN46202USA,Weldon School of Biomedical EngineeringPurdue UniversityWest LafayetteIN47906USA
| | - Nathan J. Alves
- Department of Emergency MedicineIndiana University School of MedicineIndianapolisIN46202USA,Weldon School of Biomedical EngineeringPurdue UniversityWest LafayetteIN47906USA
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8
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Synthesis and Hemostatic Activity of New Amide Derivatives. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27072271. [PMID: 35408669 PMCID: PMC9000710 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27072271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Eight dipeptides containing antifibrinolytic agents (tranexamic acid, aminocaproic acid, 4-(aminomethyl)benzoic acid, and glycine—natural amino acids) were synthesized in a three-step process with good or very good yields. DMT/NMM/TsO− (4-(4,6-dimethoxy-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)-4-methylmorpholinium toluene-4-sulfonate) was used as a coupling reagent. Hemolysis tests were used to study the effects of the dipeptides on blood components. Blood plasma clotting tests were used to examine their effects on thrombin time (TT), prothrombin time (PT), and the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT). The level of hemolysis did not exceed 1%. In clotting tests, TT, PT, and aPTT did not differentiate any of the compounds. The prothrombin times for all amides 1–8 were similar. The obtained results in the presence of amides 1–4 and 8 were slightly lower than for the other compounds and the positive control, and they were similar to the results obtained for TA. In the case of amide 3, a significantly decreased aPTT was observed. The aPTTs observed for plasma treated with amide 3 and TA were comparable. In the case of amide 6 and 8, TT values significantly lower than for the other compounds were found. The clot formation and fibrinolysis (CFF) assay was used to assess the influence of the dipeptides on the blood plasma coagulation cascade and the fibrinolytic efficiency of the blood plasma. In the clot formation and fibrinolysis assay, amides 5 and 7 were among the most active compounds. The cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of the synthesized dipeptides were evaluated on the monocyte/macrophage peripheral blood cell line. The dipeptides did not cause hemolysis at any concentrations. They exhibited no significant cytotoxic effect on SC cells and did not induce significant DNA damage.
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9
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Torres-Rico M, Maza S, de Paz JL, Nieto PM. Synthesis, structure and midkine binding of chondroitin sulfate oligosaccharide analogues. Org Biomol Chem 2021; 19:5312-5326. [PMID: 34048524 DOI: 10.1039/d1ob00882j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The preparation of chondroitin sulfate (CS) oligosaccharide mimetics, more easily synthesized than natural sequences, is a highly interesting task because these compounds pave the way for modulation of the biological processes in which CS is involved. Herein, we report the synthesis of CS type E analogues which present easily accessible glucose units instead of glucuronic acid (GlcA) moieties. NMR experiments and molecular dynamics simulations showed that the 3D structure of these compounds is similar to the structure of the natural CS-E oligosaccharides. In addition, fluorescence polarization (FP) and saturation transfer difference NMR (STD-NMR) experiments revealed that the synthesized CS-like derivatives were able to interact with midkine, a model heparin-binding growth factor, suggesting that the presence of the GlcA carboxylate groups is not essential for the binding. Overall, our results indicate that the synthesized glucose-containing oligosaccharides can be considered as functional and structural CS mimetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myriam Torres-Rico
- Glycosystems Laboratory, Instituto de Investigaciones Químicas (IIQ), cicCartuja, CSIC and Universidad de Sevilla, Americo Vespucio, 49, 41092 Sevilla, Spain.
| | - Susana Maza
- Glycosystems Laboratory, Instituto de Investigaciones Químicas (IIQ), cicCartuja, CSIC and Universidad de Sevilla, Americo Vespucio, 49, 41092 Sevilla, Spain.
| | - José L de Paz
- Glycosystems Laboratory, Instituto de Investigaciones Químicas (IIQ), cicCartuja, CSIC and Universidad de Sevilla, Americo Vespucio, 49, 41092 Sevilla, Spain.
| | - Pedro M Nieto
- Glycosystems Laboratory, Instituto de Investigaciones Químicas (IIQ), cicCartuja, CSIC and Universidad de Sevilla, Americo Vespucio, 49, 41092 Sevilla, Spain.
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10
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Boothello RS, Sankaranarayanan NV, Afosah DK, Karuturi R, Al-Horani RA, Desai UR. Studies on fragment-based design of allosteric inhibitors of human factor XIa. Bioorg Med Chem 2020; 28:115762. [PMID: 32992249 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2020.115762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Human factor XIa (hFXIa) has emerged as an attractive target for development of new anticoagulants that promise higher level of safety. Different strategies have been adopted so far for the design of anti-hFXIa molecules including competitive and non-competitive inhibition. Of these, allosteric dysfunction of hFXIa's active site is especially promising because of the possibility of controlled reduction in activity that may offer a route to safer anticoagulants. In this work, we assess fragment-based design approach to realize a group of novel allosteric hFXIa inhibitors. Starting with our earlier discovery that sulfated quinazolinone (QAO) bind in the heparin-binding site of hFXIa, we developed a group of two dozen dimeric sulfated QAOs with intervening linkers that displayed a progressive variation in inhibition potency. In direct opposition to the traditional wisdom, increasing linker flexibility led to higher potency, which could be explained by computational studies. Sulfated QAO 19S was identified as the most potent and selective inhibitor of hFXIa. Enzyme inhibition studies revealed that 19S utilizes a non-competitive mechanism of action, which was supported by fluorescence studies showing a classic sigmoidal binding profile. Studies with selected mutants of hFXIa indicated that sulfated QAOs bind in heparin-binding site of the catalytic domain of hFXIa. Overall, the approach of fragment-based design offers considerable promise for designing heparin-binding site-directed allosteric inhibitors of hFXIa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rio S Boothello
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, United States; Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23219, United States; Hunter Holmes McGuire Medical Center, Richmond, VA 23249, United States
| | - Nehru Viji Sankaranarayanan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, United States; Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23219, United States
| | - Daniel K Afosah
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, United States; Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23219, United States
| | - Rajesh Karuturi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, United States; Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23219, United States
| | - Rami A Al-Horani
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, United States; Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23219, United States; Division of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA 70125, United States
| | - Umesh R Desai
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, United States; Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23219, United States.
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11
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Morla S, Desai UR. Discovery of Sulfated Small Molecule Inhibitors of Matrix Metalloproteinase-8. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10081166. [PMID: 32784891 PMCID: PMC7465109 DOI: 10.3390/biom10081166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2020] [Revised: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Elevated matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) activity contributes to the etiology of many diseases, including atherosclerosis, pulmonary fibrosis, and sepsis. Yet, very few small molecule inhibitors of MMP-8 have been identified. We reasoned that the synthetic non-sugar mimetics of glycosaminoglycans may inhibit MMP-8 because natural glycosaminoglycans are known to modulate the functions of various MMPs. The screening a library of 58 synthetic, sulfated mimetics consisting of a dozen scaffolds led to the identification of only two scaffolds, including sulfated benzofurans and sulfated quinazolinones, as promising inhibitors of MMP-8. Interestingly, the sulfated quinazolinones displayed full antagonism of MMP-8 and sulfated benzofuran appeared to show partial antagonism. Of the two, sulfated quinazolinones exhibited a >10-fold selectivity for MMP-8 over MMP-9, a closely related metalloproteinase. Molecular modeling suggested the plausible occupancy of the S1′ pocket on MMP-8 as the distinguishing feature of the interaction. Overall, this work provides the first proof that the sulfated mimetics of glycosaminoglycans could lead to potent, selective, and catalytic activity-tunable, small molecular inhibitors of MMP-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shravan Morla
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA;
- Drug Discovery and Development, Institute for Structural Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond 23219, VA, USA
| | - Umesh R. Desai
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA;
- Drug Discovery and Development, Institute for Structural Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond 23219, VA, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +804-828-7575; Fax: +804-827-3664
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12
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Chen WQ, Yin MM, Song PJ, He XH, Liu Y, Jiang FL. Thermodynamics, Kinetics and Mechanisms of Noncompetitive Allosteric Inhibition of Chymotrypsin by Dihydrolipoic Acid-Coated Gold Nanoclusters. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2020; 36:6447-6457. [PMID: 32460493 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.0c00699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Enzymes are an important class of biomacromolecules which catalyze many metabolic processes in living systems. Nanomaterials can be synthesized with tailored sizes as well as desired surface modifications, thus acting as promising enzyme regulators. Fluorescent gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) are a representative class of ultrasmall nanoparticles (USNPs) with sizes of ∼2 nm, smaller than most of proteins including enzymes. In this work, we chose α-chymotrypsin (ChT) and AuNCs as the model system. Activity assays and inhibition kinetics studies showed that dihydrolipoic acid (DHLA)-coated AuNCs (DHLA-AuNCs) had a high inhibitory potency (IC50 = 3.4 μM) and high inhibitory efficacy (>80%) on ChT activity through noncompetitive inhibition mechanism. In distinct contrast, glutathione (GSH)-coated AuNCs (GSH-AuNCs) had no significant inhibition effects. Fluorescence spectroscopy, agarose gel electrophoresis and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy were conducted to explore the underlying mechanisms. A two-step interaction model was proposed. First, both DHLA-AuNCs and GSH-AuNCs might be bound to the positively charged sites of ChT through electrostatic forces. Second, further hydrophobic interactions occurred between three tyrosine residues of ChT and the hydrophobic carbon chain of DHLA, leading to a significant structural change thus to deactivate ChT on the allosteric site. On the contrary, no such interactions occurred with GSH of zwitterionic characteristic, which explained no inhibitory effect of GSH-AuNCs on ChT. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first example of the allosteric inhibition of ChT by nano regulators. These findings provide a fundamental basis for the design and development of nano regulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Qi Chen
- Sauvage Center for Molecular Sciences, College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, P. R. China
| | - Miao-Miao Yin
- Sauvage Center for Molecular Sciences, College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, P. R. China
| | - Peng-Jun Song
- Sauvage Center for Molecular Sciences, College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, P. R. China
| | - Xiao-Hang He
- Sauvage Center for Molecular Sciences, College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, P. R. China
| | - Yi Liu
- Sauvage Center for Molecular Sciences, College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, P. R. China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory for Coal Conversion and New Carbon Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, P. R. China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Natural Polymer Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanning Normal University, Nanning 530001, P. R. China
| | - Feng-Lei Jiang
- Sauvage Center for Molecular Sciences, College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, P. R. China
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13
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Aggarwal NK, Subramanian A. Antifibrinolytics and cardiac surgery: The past, the present, and the future. Ann Card Anaesth 2020; 23:193-199. [PMID: 32275035 PMCID: PMC7336973 DOI: 10.4103/aca.aca_205_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2018] [Revised: 01/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac surgery is usually associated with significant blood loss, which often necessitates blood transfusion. In order to decrease the risks associated with the latter, pharmacological as well as nonpharmacological strategies have been used to reduce blood loss. Among the pharmacological approaches, antifibrinolytic drugs are the mainstay. Aprotinin, which was the first ubiquitously used drug, fell into disrepute only to re-emerge after much debate. The decline of aprotinin paved the way for the lysine analogs. However, we must be aware with the side effects of these drugs as well as the dose modification required in special situations. Nonsaccharide glycosaminoglycans have been under investigation to overcome the drawbacks of the lysine analogs. It remains to be seen whether these drugs can replace the traditional antifibrinolytics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naresh K Aggarwal
- Department of Cardiac Anesthesia, Manipal Hospitals, New Delhi, India
| | - Arun Subramanian
- Department of Cardiac Anesthesia, Manipal Hospitals, New Delhi, India
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14
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Afosah DK, Al-Horani RA. Sulfated Non-Saccharide Glycosaminoglycan Mimetics as Novel Drug Discovery Platform for Various Pathologies. Curr Med Chem 2020; 27:3412-3447. [PMID: 30457046 PMCID: PMC6551317 DOI: 10.2174/0929867325666181120101147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Revised: 11/06/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are very complex, natural anionic polysaccharides. They are polymers of repeating disaccharide units of uronic acid and hexosamine residues. Owing to their template-free, spatiotemporally-controlled, and enzyme-mediated biosyntheses, GAGs possess enormous polydispersity, heterogeneity, and structural diversity which often translate into multiple biological roles. It is well documented that GAGs contribute to physiological and pathological processes by binding to proteins including serine proteases, serpins, chemokines, growth factors, and microbial proteins. Despite advances in the GAG field, the GAG-protein interface remains largely unexploited by drug discovery programs. Thus, Non-Saccharide Glycosaminoglycan Mimetics (NSGMs) have been rationally developed as a novel class of sulfated molecules that modulate GAG-protein interface to promote various biological outcomes of substantial benefit to human health. In this review, we describe the chemical, biochemical, and pharmacological aspects of recently reported NSGMs and highlight their therapeutic potentials as structurally and mechanistically novel anti-coagulants, anti-cancer agents, anti-emphysema agents, and anti-viral agents. We also describe the challenges that complicate their advancement and describe ongoing efforts to overcome these challenges with the aim of advancing the novel platform of NSGMs to clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel K. Afosah
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23219
| | - Rami A. Al-Horani
- Division of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, Louisiana 70125
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15
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Steinmetzer T, Pilgram O, Wenzel BM, Wiedemeyer SJA. Fibrinolysis Inhibitors: Potential Drugs for the Treatment and Prevention of Bleeding. J Med Chem 2019; 63:1445-1472. [PMID: 31658420 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b01060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Hyperfibrinolytic situations can lead to life-threatening bleeding, especially during cardiac surgery. The approved antifibrinolytic agents such as tranexamic acid, ε-aminocaproic acid, 4-aminomethylbenzoic acid, and aprotinin were developed in the 1960s without the structural insight of their respective targets. Crystal structures of the main antifibrinolytic targets, the lysine binding sites on plasminogen's kringle domains, and plasmin's serine protease domain greatly contributed to the structure-based drug design of novel inhibitor classes. Two series of ligands targeting the lysine binding sites have been recently described, which are more potent than the most-widely used antifibrinolytic agent, tranexamic acid. Furthermore, four types of promising active site inhibitors of plasmin have been developed: tranexamic acid conjugates targeting the S1 pocket and primed sites, substrate-analogue linear homopiperidylalanine-containing 4-amidinobenzylamide derivatives, macrocyclic inhibitors addressing nonprimed binding regions, and bicyclic 14-mer SFTI-1 analogues blocking both, primed and nonprimed binding sites of plasmin. Furthermore, several allosteric plasmin inhibitors based on heparin mimetics have been developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Torsten Steinmetzer
- Department of Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry , Philipps University Marburg , Marbacher Weg 6 , D-35032 Marburg , Germany
| | - Oliver Pilgram
- Department of Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry , Philipps University Marburg , Marbacher Weg 6 , D-35032 Marburg , Germany
| | - Benjamin M Wenzel
- Department of Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry , Philipps University Marburg , Marbacher Weg 6 , D-35032 Marburg , Germany
| | - Simon J A Wiedemeyer
- Department of Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry , Philipps University Marburg , Marbacher Weg 6 , D-35032 Marburg , Germany
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16
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Al-Horani RA, Clemons D, Mottamal M. The In Vitro Effects of Pentamidine Isethionate on Coagulation and Fibrinolysis. Molecules 2019; 24:E2146. [PMID: 31174390 PMCID: PMC6600542 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24112146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2019] [Revised: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pentamidine is bis-oxybenzamidine-based antiprotozoal drug. The parenteral use of pentamidine appears to affect the processes of blood coagulation and/or fibrinolysis resulting in rare but potentially life-threatening blood clot formation. Pentamidine was also found to cause disseminated intravascular coagulation syndrome. To investigate the potential underlying molecular mechanism(s) of pentamidine's effects on coagulation and fibrinolysis, we studied its effects on clotting times in normal and deficient human plasmas. Using normal plasma, pentamidine isethionate doubled the activated partial thromboplastin time at 27.5 µM, doubled the prothrombin time at 45.7 µM, and weakly doubled the thrombin time at 158.17 µM. Using plasmas deficient of factors VIIa, IXa, XIa, or XIIa, the concentrations to double the activated partial thromboplastin time were similar to that obtained using normal plasma. Pentamidine also inhibited plasmin-mediated clot lysis with half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of ~3.6 μM. Chromogenic substrate hydrolysis assays indicated that pentamidine inhibits factor Xa and plasmin with IC50 values of 10.4 µM and 8.4 µM, respectively. Interestingly, it did not significantly inhibit thrombin, factor XIa, factor XIIIa, neutrophil elastase, or chymotrypsin at the highest concentrations tested. Michaelis-Menten kinetics and molecular modeling studies revealed that pentamidine inhibits factor Xa and plasmin in a competitive fashion. Overall, this study provides quantitative mechanistic insights into the in vitro effects of pentamidine isethionate on coagulation and fibrinolysis via the disruption of the proteolytic activity of factor Xa and plasmin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rami A Al-Horani
- Division of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA 70125, USA.
| | - Daytriona Clemons
- Division of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA 70125, USA.
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17
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Morla S, Sankaranarayanan NV, Afosah DK, Kumar M, Kummarapurugu AB, Voynow JA, Desai UR. On the Process of Discovering Leads That Target the Heparin-Binding Site of Neutrophil Elastase in the Sputum of Cystic Fibrosis Patients. J Med Chem 2019; 62:5501-5511. [PMID: 31074986 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b00379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a disease of dysregulated salt and fluid homeostasis that results in the massive accumulation of neutrophil elastase, resulting in lung degradation and death. The current CF therapy relies on inhaled deoxyribonuclease and hypertonic saline but does not address the elastolytic degradation of the lung. We reasoned that allosteric agents targeting the heparin-binding site of neutrophil elastase would offer a therapeutic paradigm. Screening a library of 60 nonsaccharide glycosaminoglycan mimetics (NSGMs) led to the discovery of 23 hits against neutrophil elastase. To identify a lead NSGM that works in sync with the current CF-relieving agents, we developed a rigorous protocol based on fundamental computational, biochemical, mechanistic, and adverse effect studies. The lead NSGM so identified neutralized neutrophil elastase present in the sputum of CF patients in the presence of deoxyribonuclease and high-salt conditions. Our work presents the process for discovering potent, small, synthetic, allosteric, anti-CF agents, while also identifying a novel lead for further studies in animal models of CF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shravan Morla
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry , Virginia Commonwealth University , Richmond , Virginia 23298 , United States.,Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development , Virginia Commonwealth University , Richmond , Virginia 23219 , United States
| | - Nehru Viji Sankaranarayanan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry , Virginia Commonwealth University , Richmond , Virginia 23298 , United States.,Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development , Virginia Commonwealth University , Richmond , Virginia 23219 , United States
| | - Daniel K Afosah
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry , Virginia Commonwealth University , Richmond , Virginia 23298 , United States.,Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development , Virginia Commonwealth University , Richmond , Virginia 23219 , United States
| | - Megh Kumar
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry , Virginia Commonwealth University , Richmond , Virginia 23298 , United States.,Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development , Virginia Commonwealth University , Richmond , Virginia 23219 , United States
| | - Apparao B Kummarapurugu
- Children's Hospital of Richmond at Virginia Commonwealth University , Richmond , Virginia 23298 , United States
| | - Judith A Voynow
- Children's Hospital of Richmond at Virginia Commonwealth University , Richmond , Virginia 23298 , United States
| | - Umesh R Desai
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry , Virginia Commonwealth University , Richmond , Virginia 23298 , United States.,Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development , Virginia Commonwealth University , Richmond , Virginia 23219 , United States
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18
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Synthesis of a Fluorous-Tagged Hexasaccharide and Interaction with Growth Factors Using Sugar-Coated Microplates. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2019; 24:molecules24081591. [PMID: 31013665 PMCID: PMC6515340 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24081591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Revised: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 04/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Here, we report the synthesis of a sulfated, fully protected hexasaccharide as a glycosaminoglycan mimetic and the study of its interactions with different growth factors: midkine, basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2) and nerve growth factor (NGF). Following a fluorous-assisted approach, monosaccharide building blocks were successfully assembled and the target oligosaccharide was prepared in excellent yield. The use of more acid stable 4,6-O-silylidene protected glucosamine units was crucial for the efficiency of this strategy because harsh reaction conditions were needed in the glycosylations to avoid the formation of orthoester side products. Fluorescence polarization experiments demonstrated the strong interactions between the synthesized hexamer, and midkine and FGF-2. In addition, we have developed an alternative assay to analyse these molecular recognition events. The prepared oligosaccharide was non-covalently attached to a fluorous-functionalized microplate and the direct binding of the protein to the sugar-immobilized surface was measured, affording the corresponding KD,surf value.
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19
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Structural studies of plasmin inhibition. Biochem Soc Trans 2019; 47:541-557. [DOI: 10.1042/bst20180211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Revised: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Plasminogen (Plg) is the zymogen form of the serine protease plasmin (Plm), and it plays a crucial role in fibrinolysis as well as wound healing, immunity, tissue remodeling and inflammation. Binding to the targets via the lysine-binding sites allows for Plg activation by plasminogen activators (PAs) present on the same target. Cellular uptake of fibrin degradation products leads to apoptosis, which represents one of the pathways for cross-talk between fibrinolysis and tissue remodeling. Therapeutic manipulation of Plm activity plays a vital role in the treatments of a range of diseases, whereas Plm inhibitors are used in trauma and surgeries as antifibrinolytic agents. Plm inhibitors are also used in conditions such as angioedema, menorrhagia and melasma. Here, we review the rationale for the further development of new Plm inhibitors, with a particular focus on the structural studies of the active site inhibitors of Plm. We compare the binding mode of different classes of inhibitors and comment on how it relates to their efficacy, as well as possible future developments.
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20
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Boothello RS, Patel NJ, Sharon C, Abdelfadiel EI, Morla S, Brophy DF, Lippman HR, Desai UR, Patel BB. A Unique Nonsaccharide Mimetic of Heparin Hexasaccharide Inhibits Colon Cancer Stem Cells via p38 MAP Kinase Activation. Mol Cancer Ther 2019; 18:51-61. [PMID: 30337351 PMCID: PMC6332501 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-18-0104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2018] [Revised: 07/23/2018] [Accepted: 10/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Targeting of cancer stem cells (CSC) is expected to be a paradigm-shifting approach for the treatment of cancers. Cell surface proteoglycans bearing sulfated glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chains are known to play a critical role in the regulation of stem cell fate. Here, we show for the first time that G2.2, a sulfated nonsaccharide GAG mimetic (NSGM) of heparin hexasaccharide, selectively inhibits colonic CSCs in vivo G2.2-reduced CSCs (CD133+/CXCR4+, Dual hi) induced HT-29 and HCT 116 colon xenografts' growth in a dose-dependent fashion. G2.2 also significantly delayed the growth of colon xenograft further enriched in CSCs following oxaliplatin and 5-fluorouracil treatment compared with vehicle-treated xenograft controls. In fact, G2.2 robustly inhibited CSCs' abundance (measured by levels of CSC markers, e.g., CD133, DCMLK1, LGR5, and LRIG1) and self-renewal (quaternary spheroids) in colon cancer xenografts. Intriguingly, G2.2 selectively induced apoptosis in the Dual hi CSCs in vivo eluding to its CSC targeting effects. More importantly, G2.2 displayed none to minimal toxicity as observed through morphologic and biochemical studies of vital organ functions, blood coagulation profile, and ex vivo analyses of normal intestinal (and bone marrow) progenitor cell growth. Through extensive in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo mechanistic studies, we showed that G2.2's inhibition of CSC self-renewal was mediated through activation of p38α, uncovering important signaling that can be targeted to deplete CSCs selectively while minimizing host toxicity. Hence, G2.2 represents a first-in-class (NSGM) anticancer agent to reduce colorectal CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rio S Boothello
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
- McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Nirmita J Patel
- McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia
- Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | | | - Elsamani I Abdelfadiel
- Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Shravan Morla
- Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Donald F Brophy
- Department of Pharmacotherapy and Outcomes Sciences, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | | | - Umesh R Desai
- Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia.
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Bhaumik B Patel
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia.
- McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia
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21
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Swedberg JE, Wu G, Mahatmanto T, Durek T, Caradoc-Davies TT, Whisstock JC, Law RHP, Craik DJ. Highly Potent and Selective Plasmin Inhibitors Based on the Sunflower Trypsin Inhibitor-1 Scaffold Attenuate Fibrinolysis in Plasma. J Med Chem 2018; 62:552-560. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b01139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Joakim E. Swedberg
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Guojie Wu
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Tunjung Mahatmanto
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Thomas Durek
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | | | - James C. Whisstock
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Ruby H. P. Law
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - David J. Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
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22
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Kolodziejczyk-Czepas J, Pasiński B, Ponczek MB, Moniuszko-Szajwaj B, Kowalczyk M, Pecio Ł, Nowak P, Stochmal A. Bufadienolides from Kalanchoe daigremontiana modulate the enzymatic activity of plasmin - In vitro and in silico analyses. Int J Biol Macromol 2018; 120:1591-1600. [PMID: 30261260 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2018.09.143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2018] [Revised: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 09/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Plasmin (EC 3.4.21.7) is a key enzyme of the fibrinolytic system, responsible for the degradation of fibrin clot and maintaining blood fluidity. Hence, alterations of the fibrinolytic capacity of blood plasma may contribute to thrombotic or bleeding complications. The aim of this study was to determine effects of a bufadienolide-rich fraction, isolated from roots of Kalanchoe daigremontiana (0.05-50 μg/ml) on enzymatic properties of plasmin. Hydrolysis of a synthetic substrate S-2251 (H-D-Valyl-l-leucyl-l-lysine-p-nitroaniline dihydrochloride) by plasmin revealed that the bufadienolide-rich fraction had a diverse effect on this enzyme, dependently on the concentration range. While the lower concentrations of the examined fraction (0.05-2.5 μg/ml) significantly enhanced the amidolytic activity of plasmin, at 25-50 μg/ml concentrations, the enzyme was evidently inhibited (by about 60%). The Lineweaver-Burk plot indicated on an uncompetitive inhibition of plasmin. Inhibitory effects (up to 80%) were also found in the streptokinase-induced plasminogen activation to plasmin. Docking results suggest that only some of compounds (mostly bersaldegenin 1-acetate (10), bryotoxin (13) and hovetrichoside C (17)) were bound to plasminogen/plasmin, depending on the presence or absence of the substrate in the active site. The obtained findings suggest allosteric regulation of plasminogen activation and plasmin activity by components of the examined fraction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Kolodziejczyk-Czepas
- Department of General Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Pomorska 141/143, 90-236 Lodz, Poland.
| | - Bartłomiej Pasiński
- Department of General Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Pomorska 141/143, 90-236 Lodz, Poland
| | - Michal B Ponczek
- Department of General Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Pomorska 141/143, 90-236 Lodz, Poland
| | - Barbara Moniuszko-Szajwaj
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Soil Science and Plant Cultivation, State Research Institute, Czartoryskich 8, 24-100 Pulawy, Poland
| | - Mariusz Kowalczyk
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Soil Science and Plant Cultivation, State Research Institute, Czartoryskich 8, 24-100 Pulawy, Poland
| | - Łukasz Pecio
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Soil Science and Plant Cultivation, State Research Institute, Czartoryskich 8, 24-100 Pulawy, Poland
| | - Pawel Nowak
- Department of General Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Pomorska 141/143, 90-236 Lodz, Poland
| | - Anna Stochmal
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Soil Science and Plant Cultivation, State Research Institute, Czartoryskich 8, 24-100 Pulawy, Poland
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23
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Lim TC, Cai S, Huber RG, Bond PJ, Siew Chia PX, Khou SL, Gao S, Lee SS, Lee SG. Facile saccharide-free mimetics that recapitulate key features of glycosaminoglycan sulfation patterns. Chem Sci 2018; 9:7940-7947. [PMID: 30429999 PMCID: PMC6201788 DOI: 10.1039/c8sc02303d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
We report a new class of saccharide-free glycosaminoglycan (GAG) mimetics where polyproline imparts facilely-made sulfation patterns with GAG-like structure, function and tunability.
Controlling glycosaminoglycan (GAG) activity to exploit its immense potential in biology ultimately requires facile manipulation of sulfation patterns associated with GAGs. However, satisfying this requirement in full remains challenging, given that synthesis of GAGs is technically arduous while convenient GAG mimetics often produce sulfation patterns that are uncharacteristic of GAGs. To overcome this, we develop saccharide-free polyproline-based GAG mimetics (PGMs) that can be facilely assembled via amide coupling chemistry. Molecular dynamics simulations show that PGMs recapitulate key GAG structural features (i.e. ∼9 Å-sized repeating units, periodicity and helicity) and as with GAGs, can be tuned to introduce systematic variations in sulfate clustering and spacing. Functionally, a variety of PGMs control various GAG activities (concerning P-selectin, neurotrophic factors and heparinase) and exhibit GAG-like characteristics such as progressive modulation, comparable effectiveness with heparins, need for different sequences to suit different activities and the presence of a “minimal bioactive length”. Furthermore, PGMs produce consistent effects in vivo and successfully provide therapeutic benefits over cancer metastasis. Taken together with their high level of biosafety, PGMs answer the long-standing need for an effective and practicable strategy to manipulate GAG-appropriate sulfation patterns and exploit GAG activity in medicine and biotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teck Chuan Lim
- Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology , 31 Biopolis Way, The Nanos , Singapore 138669 , Singapore .
| | - Shuting Cai
- Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology , 31 Biopolis Way, The Nanos , Singapore 138669 , Singapore .
| | - Roland G Huber
- Bioinformatics Institute , 30 Biopolis Street, #07-01 Matrix , Singapore 138671 , Singapore
| | - Peter J Bond
- Bioinformatics Institute , 30 Biopolis Street, #07-01 Matrix , Singapore 138671 , Singapore.,Department of Biological Sciences , National University of Singapore , 14 Science Drive 4 , Singapore 117543 , Singapore
| | - Priscilla Xian Siew Chia
- Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology , 31 Biopolis Way, The Nanos , Singapore 138669 , Singapore .
| | - Siv Ly Khou
- Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology , 31 Biopolis Way, The Nanos , Singapore 138669 , Singapore .
| | - Shujun Gao
- Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology , 31 Biopolis Way, The Nanos , Singapore 138669 , Singapore .
| | - Su Seong Lee
- Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology , 31 Biopolis Way, The Nanos , Singapore 138669 , Singapore .
| | - Song-Gil Lee
- Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology , 31 Biopolis Way, The Nanos , Singapore 138669 , Singapore .
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24
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Gangji RN, Sankaranarayanan NV, Elste J, Al-Horani RA, Afosah DK, Joshi R, Tiwari V, Desai UR. Inhibition of Herpes Simplex Virus-1 Entry into Human Cells by Nonsaccharide Glycosaminoglycan Mimetics. ACS Med Chem Lett 2018; 9:797-802. [PMID: 30128070 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.7b00364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2017] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Although heparan sulfate (HS) has been implicated in facilitating entry of enveloped viruses including herpes simplex virus (HSV), small molecules that effectively compete with this abundant, cell surface macromolecule remain unknown. We reasoned that entry of HSV-1 involving its glycoprotein D (gD) binding to HS could be competitively targeted through small, synthetic, nonsaccharide glycosaminoglycan mimetics (NSGMs). Screening a library of NSGMs identified a small, distinct group that bound gD with affinities of 8-120 nM. Studies on HSV-1 entry into HeLa, HFF-1, and VK2/E6E7 cells identified inhibitors with potencies in the range of 0.4-1.0 μM. These synthetic NSGMs are likely to offer promising chemical biology probes and/or antiviral drug discovery opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahaman Navaz Gangji
- Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23219, United States
| | - Nehru Viji Sankaranarayanan
- Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23219, United States
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - James Elste
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, Illinois 60515, United States
| | - Rami A. Al-Horani
- Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23219, United States
- College of Pharmacy, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, Louisiana 70125, United States
| | - Daniel K. Afosah
- Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23219, United States
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - Rachel Joshi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - Vaibhav Tiwari
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, Illinois 60515, United States
| | - Umesh R. Desai
- Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23219, United States
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
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25
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Maza S, Gandia-Aguado N, de Paz JL, Nieto PM. Fluorous-tag assisted synthesis of a glycosaminoglycan mimetic tetrasaccharide as a high-affinity FGF-2 and midkine ligand. Bioorg Med Chem 2018; 26:1076-1085. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2018.01.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2017] [Revised: 01/22/2018] [Accepted: 01/24/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
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26
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Fischer PM. Design of Small-Molecule Active-Site Inhibitors of the S1A Family Proteases as Procoagulant and Anticoagulant Drugs. J Med Chem 2017; 61:3799-3822. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.7b00772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Peter M. Fischer
- School of Pharmacy and Centre for Biomolecular Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K
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