1
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Qin Y, Poulsen C, Narayanan D, Chan CB, Chen X, Montes BR, Tran KT, Mukminova E, Lin C, Gajhede M, Bullock AN, Olagnier D, Bach A. Structure-Guided Conformational Restriction Leading to High-Affinity, Selective, and Cell-Active Tetrahydroisoquinoline-Based Noncovalent Keap1-Nrf2 Inhibitors. J Med Chem 2024. [PMID: 39418396 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c01221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2024]
Abstract
Inhibition of the protein-protein interaction between Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) has been recognized as an attractive approach for treating oxidative stress-related diseases. Here, we present a new series of noncovalent Keap1-Nrf2 inhibitors developed by a conformational restriction strategy of our fluorenone-based compounds previously identified by fragment-based drug discovery. The design was guided by X-ray cocrystal structures, and the subsequent optimization process aimed at improving affinity, cellular activity, and metabolic stability. From the noncyclic compound 7 (Ki = 2.9 μM), a new series of tetrahydroisoquinoline-based Keap1 inhibitors with up to 223-fold improvement in binding affinity (57, Ki = 13 nM), better metabolic stability, and enhanced cellular activity was obtained. In addition, the compounds showed selectivity for the Keap1 Kelch domain across a panel of 15 homologous proteins. We thereby demonstrate the utility of cyclic rigidification in the design of potent and more drug-like Keap1-Nrf2 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Qin
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Cecilie Poulsen
- Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Dilip Narayanan
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Camilla B Chan
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Xiangrong Chen
- Centre for Medicines Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7FZ, U.K
| | - Beatriz Ralsi Montes
- Centre for Medicines Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7FZ, U.K
| | - Kim T Tran
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Elina Mukminova
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Chunyu Lin
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Michael Gajhede
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Alex N Bullock
- Centre for Medicines Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7FZ, U.K
| | - David Olagnier
- Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Anders Bach
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
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2
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Shi Z, Zhang Y, Wang X, Tang J, Kang Y, Hu J, Li L, Yang B, Chen S, Xiao Q, Lan J, Hu J, Peng Y, Yin D. Discovery of Propionic Acid Derivatives with a 5-THIQ Core as Potent and Orally Bioavailable Keap1-Nrf2 Protein-Protein Interaction Inhibitors for Acute Kidney Injury. J Med Chem 2024. [PMID: 39388678 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c01687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/12/2024]
Abstract
Keap1 plays a crucial role in regulating the Nrf2-mediated cytoprotective response and is increasingly targeted for oxidative stress-related diseases. Using small molecules to disrupt the Keap1-Nrf2 protein-protein interaction (PPI) has emerged as a new strategy for developing Nrf2 activators. Through extensive structure-activity relationship studies, we identified compound 56, which features a unique 5-tetrahydroisoquinoline scaffold and acts as a potent inhibitor of the Keap1-Nrf2 PPI. Compound 56 exhibited significant inhibitory activity (IC50 = 16.0 nM) and tight Keap1 binding affinity (Kd = 3.07 nM), along with acceptable oral bioavailability (F = 20%). Notably, 56 enhanced antioxidant defenses in HK-2 renal tubular epithelial cells and significantly reduced plasma creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels in acute kidney injury (AKI) mice. These findings collectively position compound 56 as a promising candidate for the treatment of AKI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeyu Shi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines & Beijing Key Laboratory of Active Substances Discovery and Druggability Evaluation, Institute of Materia Medica, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines & Beijing Key Laboratory of Active Substances Discovery and Druggability Evaluation, Institute of Materia Medica, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Xinyu Wang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines & Beijing Key Laboratory of Active Substances Discovery and Druggability Evaluation, Institute of Materia Medica, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Jingshu Tang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines & Beijing Key Laboratory of Active Substances Discovery and Druggability Evaluation, Institute of Materia Medica, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Yuying Kang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines & Beijing Key Laboratory of Active Substances Discovery and Druggability Evaluation, Institute of Materia Medica, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Jiahuan Hu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines & Beijing Key Laboratory of Active Substances Discovery and Druggability Evaluation, Institute of Materia Medica, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Li Li
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines & Beijing Key Laboratory of Active Substances Discovery and Druggability Evaluation, Institute of Materia Medica, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Beibei Yang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines & Beijing Key Laboratory of Active Substances Discovery and Druggability Evaluation, Institute of Materia Medica, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Si Chen
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines & Beijing Key Laboratory of Active Substances Discovery and Druggability Evaluation, Institute of Materia Medica, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Qiong Xiao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines & Beijing Key Laboratory of Active Substances Discovery and Druggability Evaluation, Institute of Materia Medica, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Jiaqi Lan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines & Beijing Key Laboratory of Active Substances Discovery and Druggability Evaluation, Institute of Materia Medica, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Jinping Hu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines & Beijing Key Laboratory of Active Substances Discovery and Druggability Evaluation, Institute of Materia Medica, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Ying Peng
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines & Beijing Key Laboratory of Active Substances Discovery and Druggability Evaluation, Institute of Materia Medica, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Dali Yin
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines & Beijing Key Laboratory of Active Substances Discovery and Druggability Evaluation, Institute of Materia Medica, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100050, China
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3
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Dong Y, Kang H, Peng R, Liu Z, Liao F, Hu SA, Ding W, Wang P, Yang P, Zhu M, Wang S, Wu M, Ye D, Gan X, Li F, Song K. A clinical-stage Nrf2 activator suppresses osteoclast differentiation via the iron-ornithine axis. Cell Metab 2024; 36:1679-1695.e6. [PMID: 38569557 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2024.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Activating Nrf2 by small molecules is a promising strategy to treat postmenopausal osteoporosis. However, there is currently no Nrf2 activator approved for treating chronic diseases, and the downstream mechanism underlying the regulation of Nrf2 on osteoclast differentiation remains unclear. Here, we found that bitopertin, a clinical-stage glycine uptake inhibitor, suppresses osteoclast differentiation and ameliorates ovariectomy-induced bone loss by activating Nrf2. Mechanistically, bitopertin interacts with the Keap1 Kelch domain and decreases Keap1-Nrf2 binding, leading to reduced Nrf2 ubiquitination and degradation. Bitopertin is associated with less adverse events than clinically approved Nrf2 activators in both mice and human subjects. Furthermore, Nrf2 transcriptionally activates ferroportin-coding gene Slc40a1 to reduce intracellular iron levels in osteoclasts. Loss of Nrf2 or iron supplementation upregulates ornithine-metabolizing enzyme Odc1, which decreases ornithine levels and thereby promotes osteoclast differentiation. Collectively, our findings identify a novel clinical-stage Nrf2 activator and propose a novel Nrf2-iron-ornithine metabolic axis in osteoclasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yimin Dong
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Honglei Kang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Renpeng Peng
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zheming Liu
- Cancer Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Fuben Liao
- Cancer Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Shi-An Hu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Weizhong Ding
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Pengju Wang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Pengchao Yang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Meipeng Zhu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Sibo Wang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Minglong Wu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Dawei Ye
- Cancer Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xin Gan
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Feng Li
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Kehan Song
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
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4
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Hayward D, Beekman AM. Strategies for converting turn-motif and cyclic peptides to small molecules for targeting protein-protein interactions. RSC Chem Biol 2024; 5:198-208. [PMID: 38456035 PMCID: PMC10915966 DOI: 10.1039/d3cb00222e] [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: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The development of small molecules that interact with protein-protein interactions is an ongoing challenge. Peptides offer a starting point in the drug discovery process for targeting protein-interactions due to their larger, more flexible structure and the structurally diverse properties that allow for a greater interaction with the protein. The techniques for rapidly identifying potent cyclic peptides and turn-motif peptides are highly effective, but this potential has not yet transferred to approved drug candidates. By applying the properties of the peptide-protein interaction the development of small molecules for drug discovery has the potential to be more efficient. In this review, we discuss the methods that allow for the unique binding properties of peptides to proteins, and the methods deployed to transfer these qualities to potent small molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deanne Hayward
- School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park Norwich Norfolk NR47TJ UK
| | - Andrew M Beekman
- School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park Norwich Norfolk NR47TJ UK
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5
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Fan C, Zhang Z, Lai Z, Yang Y, Li J, Liu L, Chen S, Hu X, Zhao H, Cui S. Chemical Evolution and Biological Evaluation of Natural Products for Efficient Therapy of Acute Lung Injury. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2305432. [PMID: 38126681 PMCID: PMC10870070 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202305432] [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: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Acute lung injury (ALI) is one of the most common complications in COVID-19 and also a syndrome of acute respiratory failure with high mortality rates, but lacks effective therapeutic drugs. Natural products provide inspiration and have proven to be the most valuable source for bioactive molecule discovery. In this study, the chemical evolution of the natural product Tanshinone IIA (Tan-IIA) to achieve a piperidine-fused scaffold through a synthetic route of pre-activation, multi-component reaction, and post-modification is presented. Through biological evaluation, it is pinpointed that compound 8b is a standout candidate with remarkable anti-inflammation and anti-oxidative stress properties, coupled with low toxicity. The mechanistic study unveils a multifaceted biological profile of 8b and shows that 8b is highly efficient in vivo for the treatment of ALI. Therefore, this work not only provides an effective strategy for the treatment of ALI, but also offers a distinctive natural product-inspired drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengcheng Fan
- Institute of Drug Discovery and DesignCollege of Pharmaceutical SciencesNational Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery and Release SystemsZhejiang University866 Yuhangtang RoadHangzhou310058China
| | - Zeyi Zhang
- College of Pharmaceutical SciencesZhejiang Chinese Medical UniversityHangzhou311402China
| | - Zhencheng Lai
- Institute of Drug Discovery and DesignCollege of Pharmaceutical SciencesNational Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery and Release SystemsZhejiang University866 Yuhangtang RoadHangzhou310058China
| | - Yanzi Yang
- College of Pharmaceutical SciencesZhejiang Chinese Medical UniversityHangzhou311402China
| | - Jiaming Li
- Institute of Drug Discovery and DesignCollege of Pharmaceutical SciencesNational Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery and Release SystemsZhejiang University866 Yuhangtang RoadHangzhou310058China
| | - Lei Liu
- Institute of Drug Discovery and DesignCollege of Pharmaceutical SciencesNational Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery and Release SystemsZhejiang University866 Yuhangtang RoadHangzhou310058China
| | - Siyu Chen
- Institute of Drug Discovery and DesignCollege of Pharmaceutical SciencesNational Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery and Release SystemsZhejiang University866 Yuhangtang RoadHangzhou310058China
| | - Xueping Hu
- Institute of Molecular Sciences and EngineeringInstitute of Frontier and Interdisciplinary ScienceShandong UniversityQingdao266237China
| | - Huajun Zhao
- College of Pharmaceutical SciencesZhejiang Chinese Medical UniversityHangzhou311402China
| | - Sunliang Cui
- Institute of Drug Discovery and DesignCollege of Pharmaceutical SciencesNational Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery and Release SystemsZhejiang University866 Yuhangtang RoadHangzhou310058China
- Jinhua Institute of Zhejiang UniversityJinhuaZhejiang321299China
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6
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Barreca M, Qin Y, Cadot MEH, Barraja P, Bach A. Advances in developing noncovalent small molecules targeting Keap1. Drug Discov Today 2023; 28:103800. [PMID: 37852355 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) is a drug target for diseases involving oxidative stress and inflammation. There are three covalent Keap1-binding drugs on the market, but noncovalent compounds that inhibit the interaction between Keap1 and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) represent an attractive alternative. Both compound types prevent degradation of Nrf2, leading to the expression of antioxidant and antiinflammatory proteins. However, their off-target profiles differ as do their exact pharmacodynamic effects. Here, we discuss the opportunities and challenges of targeting Keap1 with covalent versus noncovalent inhibitors. We then provide a comprehensive overview of current noncovalent Keap1-Nrf2 inhibitors, with a focus on their pharmacological effects, to examine the therapeutic potential for this compound class.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilia Barreca
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, 90123 Palermo, Italy
| | - Yuting Qin
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Marie Elodie Hélène Cadot
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Paola Barraja
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, 90123 Palermo, Italy
| | - Anders Bach
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
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7
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Song J, Wang H, Sheng J, Zhang W, Lei J, Gan W, Cai F, Yang Y. Vitexin attenuates chronic kidney disease by inhibiting renal tubular epithelial cell ferroptosis via NRF2 activation. Mol Med 2023; 29:147. [PMID: 37891461 PMCID: PMC10612207 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-023-00735-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic kidney disease (CKD) involves a variety of pathological processes, and ferroptosis plays a vital role in CKD progression. Targeting ferroptosis is a promising strategy for the treatment of CKD. However, inhibitors of ferroptosis have not been used in the clinical treatment of CKD. Vitexin is a natural flavonoid with many biological activities and protective effects against various diseases. However, whether vitexin can prevent the progression of CKD is not known. METHODS In vivo, the effect of vitexin on CKD was evaluated by using mouse models of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) and unilateral ischemia-reperfusion (UIR). Western blotting, Sirius red staining and transmission electron microscopy were used to analyze renal tubular injury, interstitial fibrosis, and inflammation in the kidneys of UUO and UIR mice. In vitro, CCK8 assays and lipid peroxidation assays were performed to analyze cell viability and lipid peroxidation in human renal tubular epithelial cells (HK2 cells) induced by erastin. The activation of renal fibroblasts (NRK-49 F cells) was also analyzed. Additionally, an in-silico protein-drug docking model and coimmunoprecipitation were performed to determine the direct substrate of vitexin. RESULTS In vivo, vitexin treatment significantly ameliorated renal tubular injury, interstitial fibrosis, and inflammation in the kidneys of UUO and UIR mice. Additionally, our results showed that vitexin significantly attenuated UUO- and UIR-induced ferroptosis in renal tubular epithelial cells by upregulating glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) protein levels and inhibiting lipid peroxidation in mouse kidneys. In vitro, treatment with vitexin inhibited erastin-induced ferroptosis in HK2 cells. Moreover, vitexin inhibited the expression of collagen I and α-SMA (alpha-smooth muscle actin) in NRK-49 F cells induced by the supernatant of erastin-treated HK2 cells. Mechanistically, our results suggested that vitexin could activate the NRF2/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) pathway by inhibiting the KEAP1- and ubiquitination-mediated degradation of NRF2, thereby increasing the expression of GPX4, and further inhibiting lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis. Additionally, knockout of NRF2 greatly inhibited the antiferroptotic effects of vitexin. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, our results indicate that vitexin can protect against renal tubular epithelial cell ferroptosis in CKD by activating the KEAP1/NRF2/HO-1 pathway and is a promising drug to treat CKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayu Song
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210003, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hongri Wang
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210003, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jingyi Sheng
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210003, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wen Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Juan Lei
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210003, Jiangsu, China
| | - Weihua Gan
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210003, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Fangfang Cai
- School of Biopharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211198, China.
| | - Yunwen Yang
- Nanjing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 72 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210008, China.
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8
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Miao Q, Kadam VD, Mukherjee A, Tan Z, Teng M. Unlocking DCAFs To Catalyze Degrader Development: An Arena for Innovative Approaches. J Med Chem 2023; 66:13369-13383. [PMID: 37738232 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
Chemically induced proximity-based targeted protein degradation (TPD) has become a prominent paradigm in drug discovery. With the clinical benefit demonstrated by certain small-molecule protein degraders that target the cullin-RING E3 ubiquitin ligases (CRLs), the field has proactively strategized to tackle anticipated drug resistance by harnessing additional E3 ubiquitin ligases to enrich the arsenal of this therapeutic approach. Here, we endeavor to explore the collaborative efforts involved in unlocking a broad range of CRL4DCAF for degrader drug development. Throughout the discussion, we also highlight how both conventional and innovative approaches in drug discovery can be taken to realize this objective. Moving ahead, we expect a greater allocation of resources in TPD to pursue these high-hanging fruits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Miao
- Center for Drug Discovery, Department of Pathology & Immunology, and Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Vilas D Kadam
- Center for Drug Discovery, Department of Pathology & Immunology, and Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Ayan Mukherjee
- Center for Drug Discovery, Department of Pathology & Immunology, and Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Zhi Tan
- Center for Drug Discovery, Department of Pathology & Immunology, and Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Mingxing Teng
- Center for Drug Discovery, Department of Pathology & Immunology, and Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
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9
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Zhao Z, Dong R, You Q, Jiang Z. Medicinal Chemistry Insights into the Development of Small-Molecule Kelch-Like ECH-Associated Protein 1-Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2-Related Factor 2 (Keap1-Nrf2) Protein-Protein Interaction Inhibitors. J Med Chem 2023. [PMID: 37441735 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
Oxidative stress has been implicated in a wide range of pathological conditions. The transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) exerts a central role in regulating the cellular defense system against oxidative and electrophilic insults. Nonelectrophilic inhibition of the protein-protein interaction (PPI) between Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) and Nrf2 has become a promising approach to activate Nrf2. Recently, multiple drug discovery strategies have facilitated the development of small-molecule Keap1-Nrf2 PPI inhibitors with potent activity and favorable drug-like properties. In this Perspective, we summarize the latest progress of small-molecule Keap1-Nrf2 PPI inhibitors from medicinal chemistry insights and discuss future prospects and challenges in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziquan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Ruitian Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Qidong You
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Zhengyu Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
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10
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Yan J, Li Y, Ding L, Hou R, Xing C, Jiang C, Miao Z, Zhuang C. Fragment-Based Discovery of Azocyclic Alkyl Naphthalenesulfonamides as Keap1-Nrf2 Inhibitors for Acute Lung Injury Treatment. J Med Chem 2023. [PMID: 37257073 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Blocking the Kelch-like epichlorohydrin-related protein 1 (Keap1)-nuclear factor-erythroid 2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway is a promising strategy to alleviate acute lung injury (ALI). A naphthalensulfonamide NXPZ-2, targeting Keap1-Nrf2 interaction to release Nrf2, was confirmed to exhibit significant anti-inflammatory activities, however, accompanying nonideal solubility and PK profiles. To further improve the properties, twenty-nine novel naphthalenesulfonamide derivatives were designed by a fragment-based strategy. Among them, compound 10u with a (R)-azetidine group displayed the highest PPI inhibitory activity (KD2 = 0.22 μM). The hydrochloric acid form of 10u exhibited a 9-fold improvement on water solubility (S = 484 μg/mL, pH = 7.0) compared to NXPZ-2 (S = 55 μg/mL, pH = 7.0). It could significantly reduce LPS-induced lung oxidative damages and inflammations in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, a satisfactory pharmacokinetic property was revealed. In conclusion, the novel azetidine-containing naphthalenesulfonamide represents a promising drug candidate for Keap1-targeting ALI treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianyu Yan
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Yue Li
- School of Biological Science and Technology, University of Jinan, Jinan 250022, China
| | - Li Ding
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Ruilin Hou
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
- School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Chengguo Xing
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, United States
| | - Chengshi Jiang
- School of Biological Science and Technology, University of Jinan, Jinan 250022, China
| | - Zhenyuan Miao
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Chunlin Zhuang
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
- School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
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11
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Adinolfi S, Patinen T, Jawahar Deen A, Pitkänen S, Härkönen J, Kansanen E, Küblbeck J, Levonen AL. The KEAP1-NRF2 pathway: Targets for therapy and role in cancer. Redox Biol 2023; 63:102726. [PMID: 37146513 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2023.102726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 51.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The KEAP1-NRF2 pathway is the key regulator of cellular defense against both extrinsic and intrinsic oxidative and electrophilic stimuli. Since its discovery in the 1990s, its seminal role in various disease pathologies has become well appreciated, motivating research to elucidate the intricacies of NRF2 signaling and its downstream effects to identify novel targets for therapy. In this graphical review, we present an updated overview of the KEAP1-NRF2 signaling, focusing on the progress made within the past ten years. Specifically, we highlight the advances made in understanding the mechanism of activation of NRF2, resulting in novel discoveries in its therapeutic targeting. Furthermore, we will summarize new findings in the rapidly expanding field of NRF2 in cancer, with important implications for its diagnostics and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Adinolfi
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70210, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Tommi Patinen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70210, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Ashik Jawahar Deen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70210, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Sini Pitkänen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70210, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jouni Härkönen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70210, Kuopio, Finland; Department of Pathology, Hospital Nova of Central Finland, Jyväskylä, 40620, Finland
| | - Emilia Kansanen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70210, Kuopio, Finland; Science Service Center, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jenni Küblbeck
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70210, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Anna-Liisa Levonen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70210, Kuopio, Finland.
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12
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Folbergrová J, Ješina P, Otáhal J. Protective Effect of Sulforaphane on Oxidative Stress and Mitochondrial Dysfunction Associated with Status Epilepticus in Immature Rats. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:2024-2035. [PMID: 36598650 PMCID: PMC9984354 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-03201-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The present study aimed to elucidate the effect of sulforaphane (a natural isothiocyanate) on oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction during and at selected periods following status epilepticus (SE) induced in immature 12-day-old rats by Li-pilocarpine. Dihydroethidium was employed for the detection of superoxide anions, immunoblot analyses for 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT) and 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) levels and respiratory chain complex I activity for evaluation of mitochondrial function. Sulforaphane was given i.p. in two doses (5 mg/kg each), at PD 10 and PD 11, respectively. The findings of the present study indicate that both the acute phase of SE and the early period of epileptogenesis (1 week and 3 weeks following SE induction) are associated with oxidative stress (documented by the enhanced superoxide anion production and the increased levels of 3-NT and 4-HNE) and the persisting deficiency of complex I activity. Pretreatment with sulforaphane either completely prevented or significantly reduced markers of both oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. Since sulforaphane had no direct anti-seizure effect, the findings suggest that the ability of sulforaphane to activate Nrf2 is most likely responsible for the observed protective effect. Nrf2-ARE signaling pathway can be considered a promising target for novel therapies of epilepsy, particularly when new compounds, possessing inhibitory activity against protein-protein interaction between Nrf2 and its repressor protein Keap1, with less "off-target" effects and, importantly, with an optimal permeability and bioavailability properties, become available commercially.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaroslava Folbergrová
- Institute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Vídeňská 1083, 142 20, Prague 4, Czech Republic.
| | - Pavel Ješina
- Institute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Vídeňská 1083, 142 20, Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Jakub Otáhal
- Institute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Vídeňská 1083, 142 20, Prague 4, Czech Republic
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13
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Michaelides IN, Collie GW. E3 Ligases Meet Their Match: Fragment-Based Approaches to Discover New E3 Ligands and to Unravel E3 Biology. J Med Chem 2023; 66:3173-3194. [PMID: 36821822 PMCID: PMC10009759 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
Ubiquitination is a key post-translational modification of proteins, affecting the regulation of multiple cellular processes. Cells are equipped with over 600 ubiquitin orchestrators, called E3 ubiquitin ligases, responsible for directing the covalent attachment of ubiquitin to substrate proteins. Due to their regulatory role in cells, significant efforts have been made to discover ligands for E3 ligases. The recent emergence of the proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) and molecular glue degrader (MGD) modalities has further increased interest in E3 ligases as drug targets. This perspective focuses on how fragment based lead discovery (FBLD) methods have been used to discover new ligands for this important target class. In some cases these efforts have led to clinical candidates; in others, they have provided tools for deepening our understanding of E3 ligase biology. Recently, FBLD-derived ligands have inspired the design of PROTACs that are able to artificially modulate protein levels in cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iacovos N. Michaelides
- Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals
R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, CB4 0WG, United
Kingdom
| | - Gavin W. Collie
- Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals
R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, CB4 0WG, United
Kingdom
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14
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Wang Y, Tang B, Li H, Zheng J, Zhang C, Yang Z, Tan X, Luo P, Ma L, Wang Y, Long L, Chen Z, Xiao Z, Ma L, Zhou J, Wang Y, Shi C. A small-molecule inhibitor of Keap1-Nrf2 interaction attenuates sepsis by selectively augmenting the antibacterial defence of macrophages at infection sites. EBioMedicine 2023; 90:104480. [PMID: 36863256 PMCID: PMC9996215 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2023.104480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Macrophages at infection sites are considered as the promising therapeutic targets to prevent sepsis development. The Nrf2/Keap1 system acts as a critical modulator of the antibacterial activity of macrophages. Recently, Keap1-Nrf2 protein-protein interaction (PPI) inhibitors have emerged as safer and stronger Nrf2 activators; however, their therapeutic potential in sepsis remains unclear. Herein, we report a unique heptamethine dye, IR-61, as a Keap1-Nrf2 PPI inhibitor that preferentially accumulates in macrophages at infection sites. METHODS A mouse model of acute lung bacterial infection was used to investigate the biodistribution of IR-61. SPR study and CESTA were used to detect the Keap1 binding behaviour of IR-61 in vitro and in cells. Established models of sepsis in mice were used to determine the therapeutic effect of IR-61. The relationship between Nrf2 levels and sepsis outcomes was preliminarily investigated using monocytes from human patients. FINDINGS Our data showed that IR-61 preferentially accumulated in macrophages at infection sites, enhanced bacterial clearance, and improved outcomes in mice with sepsis. Mechanistic studies indicated that IR-61 potentiated the antibacterial function of macrophages by activating Nrf2 via direct inhibition of the Keap1-Nrf2 interaction. Moreover, we observed that IR-61 enhanced the phagocytic ability of human macrophages, and the expression levels of Nrf2 in monocytes might be associated with the outcomes of sepsis patients. INTERPRETATIONS Our study demonstrates that the specific activation of Nrf2 in macrophages at infection sites is valuable for sepsis management. IR-61 may prove to be a Keap1-Nrf2 PPI inhibitor for the precise treatment of sepsis. FUNDING This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Major program 82192884), the Intramural Research Project (Grants: 2018-JCJQ-ZQ-001 and 20QNPY018), and the Chongqing National Science Foundation (CSTB2022NSCQ-MSX1222).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yawei Wang
- Institute of Rocket Force Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China; Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610083, China
| | - Binlin Tang
- Institute of Rocket Force Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China; Oncology Department, General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610083, China
| | - Huijuan Li
- Institute of Rocket Force Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Jiancheng Zheng
- Institute of Rocket Force Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Can Zhang
- Institute of Rocket Force Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Zeyu Yang
- Institute of Rocket Force Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Xu Tan
- Institute of Rocket Force Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Peng Luo
- Institute of Rocket Force Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Le Ma
- Institute of Rocket Force Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Yang Wang
- Institute of Rocket Force Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Lei Long
- Institute of Rocket Force Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Zelin Chen
- Institute of Rocket Force Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Zhenliang Xiao
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610083, China
| | - Lijie Ma
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610083, China
| | - Jing Zhou
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610083, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Institute of Rocket Force Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China.
| | - Chunmeng Shi
- Institute of Rocket Force Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China.
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Tang Y, Sun L, Zhao Y, Yao J, Feng Z, Liu Z, Zhang G, Sun C. UHPLC-ESI-QE-Orbitrap-MS based metabolomics reveals the antioxidant mechanism of icaritin on mice with cerebral ischemic reperfusion. PeerJ 2023; 11:e14483. [PMID: 36643627 PMCID: PMC9838208 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.14483] [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: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Icaritin (ICT) has been previously demonstrated to display protective effects against cerebral ischemic reperfusion (I/R) by inhibiting oxidative stress, but the mechanism remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the mechanism from the perspective of metabolomics. Methods A mice cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) model was explored to mimic cerebral ischemic reperfusion and protective effect of ICT was assessed by neurologic deficit scoring, infarct volume and brain water content. Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography electrospray ionization orbitrap tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-ESI-QE-Orbitrap-MS) based metabolomic was performed to explore potential biomarkers. Brain tissue metabolic profiles were analyzed and metabolic biomarkers were identified through multivariate data analysis. The protein levels of Nrf2, HO-1 and HQO1 were assayed by western blot. The release of malondialdehyde (MDA) and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and catalase (CAT) were detected using corresponding assay kits. Results The results showed that after ICT treatment, the neurological deficit, cerebral infarction area, brain edema and the level of MDA in brain tissue of MCAO/R mice were significantly reduced. Meanwhile, ICT enhanced the activity of SOD, CAT and GSH-Px. Western blot results confirmed that ICT up-regulated the protein levels of antioxidant-related protein including Nrf2, HO-1 and NQO1. According to the metabolomic profiling of brain tissues, clear separations were observed among the Sham, Model and ICT groups. A total of 44 biomarkers were identified, and the identified biomarkers were mainly related to linoleic acid metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, arginine biosynthesis, arginine and proline metabolism, D-glutamine and D-glutamate metabolism, taurine and hypotaurine metabolism and purine metabolism, respectively. At the same time, the inhibitory effect of ICT on arachidonic acid and linoleic acid in brain tissue, as well as the promoting effect on taurine, GABA, NAAG, may be the key factors for the anti-neurooxidative function of mice after MCAO/R injury. Conclusion Our results demonstrate that ICT has benefits for MCAO/R injury, which are partially related to the suppression of oxidative stress via stimulating the Nrf2 signaling and regulating the production of arachidonic acid, linoleic acid, taurine, GABA, NAAG in brain tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunfeng Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Generic Manufacture Technology of Chinese Traditional Medicine, Lunan Pharmaceutical Group Co. Ltd., Linyi, Shandong Province, China
| | - Lixin Sun
- Linyi Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Linyi, Shandong Province, China
| | - Yun Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Generic Manufacture Technology of Chinese Traditional Medicine, Lunan Pharmaceutical Group Co. Ltd., Linyi, Shandong Province, China
| | - Jingchun Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Generic Manufacture Technology of Chinese Traditional Medicine, Lunan Pharmaceutical Group Co. Ltd., Linyi, Shandong Province, China
| | - Zhong Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Generic Manufacture Technology of Chinese Traditional Medicine, Lunan Pharmaceutical Group Co. Ltd., Linyi, Shandong Province, China,School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Zhong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Generic Manufacture Technology of Chinese Traditional Medicine, Lunan Pharmaceutical Group Co. Ltd., Linyi, Shandong Province, China
| | - Guimin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Generic Manufacture Technology of Chinese Traditional Medicine, Lunan Pharmaceutical Group Co. Ltd., Linyi, Shandong Province, China
| | - Chenghong Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Generic Manufacture Technology of Chinese Traditional Medicine, Lunan Pharmaceutical Group Co. Ltd., Linyi, Shandong Province, China
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16
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Zhao Z, Dong R, Cui K, You Q, Jiang Z. An updated patent review of Nrf2 activators (2020-present). Expert Opin Ther Pat 2023; 33:29-49. [PMID: 36800917 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2023.2178299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a pivotal transcription factor that controls the expression of numerous cytoprotective genes and regulates cellular defense system against oxidative insults. Thus, activating the Nrf2 pathway is a promising strategy for the treatment of various chronic diseases characterized by oxidative stress. AREAS COVERED This review first discusses the biological effects of Nrf2 and the regulatory mechanism of Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1-Nrf2-antioxidant response element (Keap1-Nrf2-ARE) pathway. Then, Nrf2 activators (2020-present) are summarized based on the mechanism of action. The case studies consist of chemical structures, biological activities, structural optimization, and clinical development. EXPERT OPINION Extensive efforts have been devoted to developing novel Nrf2 activators with improved potency and drug-like properties. These Nrf2 activators have exhibited beneficial effects in in vitro and in vivo models of oxidative stress-related chronic diseases. However, some specific problems, such as target selectivity and brain blood barrier (BBB) permeability, still need to be addressed in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziquan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ruitian Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Keni Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qidong You
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhengyu Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
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Crisman E, Duarte P, Dauden E, Cuadrado A, Rodríguez-Franco MI, López MG, León R. KEAP1-NRF2 protein-protein interaction inhibitors: Design, pharmacological properties and therapeutic potential. Med Res Rev 2023; 43:237-287. [PMID: 36086898 PMCID: PMC10087726 DOI: 10.1002/med.21925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 57.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) is considered the master regulator of the phase II antioxidant response. It controls a plethora of cytoprotective genes related to oxidative stress, inflammation, and protein homeostasis, among other processes. Activation of these pathways has been described in numerous pathologies including cancer, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, digestive, metabolic, autoimmune, and neurodegenerative diseases. Considering the increasing interest of discovering novel NRF2 activators due to its clinical application, initial efforts were devoted to the development of electrophilic drugs able to induce NRF2 nuclear accumulation by targeting its natural repressor protein Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1) through covalent modifications on cysteine residues. However, off-target effects of these drugs prompted the development of an innovative strategy, the search of KEAP1-NRF2 protein-protein interaction (PPI) inhibitors. These innovative activators are proposed to target NRF2 in a more selective way, leading to potentially improved drugs with the application for a variety of diseases that are currently under investigation. In this review, we summarize known KEAP1-NRF2 PPI inhibitors to date and the bases of their design highlighting the most important features of their respective interactions. We also discuss the preclinical pharmacological properties described for the most promising compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrique Crisman
- Instituto de Química Médica, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IQM-CSIC), Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Princesa, Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto Teófilo Hernando y Departamento de Farmacología y Terapéutica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pablo Duarte
- Instituto de Química Médica, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IQM-CSIC), Madrid, Spain.,Instituto Teófilo Hernando y Departamento de Farmacología y Terapéutica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Esteban Dauden
- Instituto Teófilo Hernando y Departamento de Farmacología y Terapéutica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio Cuadrado
- Departmento de Bioquímica, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Paz (IdiPaz), Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas 'Alberto Sols' UAM-CSIC, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Manuela G López
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Princesa, Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto Teófilo Hernando y Departamento de Farmacología y Terapéutica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rafael León
- Instituto de Química Médica, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IQM-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
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Lou J, Lu Y, Cheng J, Zhou F, Yan Z, Zhang D, Meng X, Zhao Y. A chemical perspective on the modulation of TEAD transcriptional activities: Recent progress, challenges, and opportunities. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 243:114684. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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19
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Narayanan D, Tran KT, Pallesen JS, Solbak SMØ, Qin Y, Mukminova E, Luchini M, Vasilyeva KO, González Chichón D, Goutsiou G, Poulsen C, Haapanen N, Popowicz GM, Sattler M, Olagnier D, Gajhede M, Bach A. Development of Noncovalent Small-Molecule Keap1-Nrf2 Inhibitors by Fragment-Based Drug Discovery. J Med Chem 2022; 65:14481-14526. [PMID: 36263945 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Targeting the protein-protein interaction (PPI) between the transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and its repressor, Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), constitutes a promising strategy for treating diseases involving oxidative stress and inflammation. Here, a fragment-based drug discovery (FBDD) campaign resulted in novel, high-affinity (Ki = 280 nM), and cell-active noncovalent small-molecule Keap1-Nrf2 PPI inhibitors. We screened 2500 fragments using orthogonal assays─fluorescence polarization (FP), thermal shift assay (TSA), and surface plasmon resonance (SPR)─and validated the hits by saturation transfer difference (STD) NMR, leading to 28 high-priority hits. Thirteen co-structures showed fragments binding mainly in the P4 and P5 subpockets of Keap1's Kelch domain, and three fluorenone-based fragments featuring a novel binding mode were optimized by structure-based drug discovery. We thereby disclose several fragment hits, including their binding modes, and show how FBDD can be performed to find new small-molecule Keap1-Nrf2 PPI inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dilip Narayanan
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kim T Tran
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jakob S Pallesen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sara M Ø Solbak
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Yuting Qin
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Elina Mukminova
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Martina Luchini
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kristina O Vasilyeva
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Dorleta González Chichón
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Georgia Goutsiou
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Cecilie Poulsen
- Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Nanna Haapanen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Grzegorz M Popowicz
- Institute of Structural Biology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany.,Bavarian NMR Center, Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, 85747 Garching, Germany
| | - Michael Sattler
- Institute of Structural Biology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany.,Bavarian NMR Center, Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, 85747 Garching, Germany
| | - David Olagnier
- Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Michael Gajhede
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anders Bach
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
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20
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Exploring Nrf2 as a therapeutic target in testicular dysfunction. Cell Tissue Res 2022; 390:23-33. [PMID: 35788899 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-022-03664-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Testicular dysfunction, a major contributory factor to infertility, has received a lot of attention over the recent years. Several studies have linked abnormal sperm function and morphology with an enhanced generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress. The nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2 (Nrf2) is a transcriptional response to cellular stresses (intrinsic or extrinsic) that regulates the oxidative status, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, and proteostasis. In this review, the therapeutic role of Nrf2 was explored. To do so, scientific data were retrieved from databases such as Elsevier, Wiley, Web of Science, Springer, PubMed, Taylor and Francis, and Google Scholar using search terms such as "Nrf2" and "testis," "sperm," "testicular function," and "testosterone." It has been noted that Nrf2 influences the physiology and pathology of testicular dysfunction, especially in the spermatogenic process, by regulating cellular resistance to oxidative stress, inflammation, and environmental toxicants. However, numerous compounds serve as activators and inhibitors of testicular Nrf2. Nrf2 activators might play a therapeutic role in the prevention and treatment of testicular dysfunction, while molecules that inhibit Nrf2 might induce dysfunction in testis components. Nrf2 activators protect cells against oxidative damage and activate Nrf2/KEAP1 signaling which promotes its movement to the nucleus, and increased Nrf2 function and expression, along with their downstream antioxidant gene. Nrf2 inhibitors facilitate oxidative stress via interfering with the Nrf2 signal pathway. The Nrf2 activation could serve as a promising therapeutic target for testicular dysfunction. This review explored the effect of Nrf2 on testicular function while highlighting potential activators and inhibitors of Nrf2.
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21
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Sun Y, He L, Wang W, Xie Z, Zhang X, Wang P, Wang L, Yan C, Liu Z, Zhao J, Cui Z, Wang Y, Tang L, Zhang Z. Activation of Atg7-dependent autophagy by a novel inhibitor of the Keap1-Nrf2 protein-protein interaction from Penthorum chinense Pursh. attenuates 6-hydroxydopamine-induced ferroptosis in zebrafish and dopaminergic neurons. Food Funct 2022; 13:7885-7900. [PMID: 35776077 DOI: 10.1039/d2fo00357k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The death of dopaminergic neurons is a dominant factor during the occurrence and development of Parkinson's disease (PD). Previous studies demonstrated that ferroptosis is implicated in the death of dopaminergic neurons. Besides, polyphenols have been proven to be effective in preventing the death of dopaminergic neurons. This work aims to explore the neuroprotective effect and mechanism of thonningianin A (Th A), a polyphenolic compound in natural plant foods, against 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced ferroptosis in dopaminergic cells. The results of molecular docking and other binding assays collectively demonstrated that Th A can strongly target the Kelch domain of Keap1. Th A treatment significantly facilitated the nuclear factor erythroid 2-like 2 (Nrf2) nuclear translocation and subsequently increased the heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) protein level through inhibiting the protein-protein interaction (PPI) of Keap1 and Nrf2. Compared with the nomifensine (Nomi) treatment, Th A had a more potent protective effect on 6-OHDA-induced ferroptosis during PD pathology in zebrafish, which was associated with assuaging the reduction of the total swimming distance, glutathione (GSH) depletion, iron accumulation, lipid peroxidation, and aggregation of α-synuclein (α-syn). Furthermore, Th A also exhibited a strong protective effect against 6-OHDA-induced ferroptosis in vitro in the human neuroblastoma cell line SH-SY5Y. Th A degraded Keap1 protein through activating Atg7-dependent autophagy. Additionally, Th A treatment facilitated the degradation of Keap1 protein by promoting the interaction between p62/SQSTM1 (sequestosome 1, hereafter referred to as p62) and Keap1. Taken together, our findings indicated that Th A protects dopaminergic cells against 6-OHDA-induced ferroptosis through activating the Nrf2-based cytoprotective system, thus enabling a potential application of Keap1-Nrf2 PPI inhibitors in the restraint of ferroptosis and treatment of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiran Sun
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, P.R. China.
| | - Libo He
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resources and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, Sichuan, China.
| | - Wang Wang
- School of Basic Medicine, Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang 330052, Jiangxi, China
| | - Zhishen Xie
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, P.R. China.
| | - Xiaowei Zhang
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, P.R. China.
| | - Pan Wang
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, P.R. China.
| | - Lan Wang
- College of Chemical and Food Engineering, Zhengzhou Institute of Technology, Zhengzhou 450044, China
| | - Chenchen Yan
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, P.R. China.
| | - Zhiwen Liu
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, P.R. China.
| | - Jie Zhao
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, P.R. China.
| | - Zhenghao Cui
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, P.R. China.
| | - Yida Wang
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resources and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, Sichuan, China.
| | - Lin Tang
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resources and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, Sichuan, China.
| | - Zhenqiang Zhang
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, P.R. China.
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22
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Kelly AM, Berry MR, Tasker SZ, McKee SA, Fan TM, Hergenrother PJ. Target-Agnostic P-Glycoprotein Assessment Yields Strategies to Evade Efflux, Leading to a BRAF Inhibitor with Intracranial Efficacy. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:12367-12380. [PMID: 35759775 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c03944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) presents a major hurdle in the development of central nervous system (CNS) active therapeutics, and expression of the P-glycoprotein (P-gp) efflux transporter at the blood-brain interface further impedes BBB penetrance of most small molecules. Designing efflux liabilities out of compounds can be laborious, and there is currently no generalizable approach to directly transform periphery-limited agents to ones active in the CNS. Here, we describe a target-agnostic, prospective assessment of P-gp efflux using diverse compounds. Our results demonstrate that reducing the molecular size or appending a carboxylic acid in many cases enables evasion of P-gp efflux in cell-based experiments and in mice. These strategies were then applied to transform a periphery-limited V600EBRAF inhibitor, dabrafenib, into versions that possess potent and selective anti-cancer activity but now also evade P-gp-mediated efflux. When compared to dabrafenib, the compound developed herein (everafenib) has superior BBB penetrance and superior efficacy in an intracranial mouse model of metastatic melanoma, suggesting it as a lead candidate for the treatment of melanoma metastases to the brain and gliomas with BRAF mutation. More generally, the results described herein suggest the actionability of the trends observed in these target-agnostic efflux studies and provide guidance for the conversion of non-BBB-penetrant drugs into versions that are BBB-penetrant and efficacious.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aya M Kelly
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States.,Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Matthew R Berry
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Sarah Z Tasker
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States.,Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Sydney A McKee
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States.,Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Timothy M Fan
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States.,Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States.,Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Paul J Hergenrother
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States.,Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States.,Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
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23
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Structure-activity relationships of 1,4-bis(arylsulfonamido)-benzene or naphthalene-N,N'-diacetic acids with varying C2-substituents as inhibitors of Keap1-Nrf2 protein-protein interaction. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 237:114380. [PMID: 35462166 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The Keap1-Nrf2-ARE pathway plays an important role in responding to oxidative stress and maintaining the redox homeostasis. Small molecule inhibitors targeting directly the Keap1-Nrf2 protein-protein interaction (PPI) can potentially be developed into effective preventive and therapeutic agents for numerous chronic inflammatory diseases. To improve the drug-like properties and inhibitory potency of these inhibitors, a series of 1,4-bis(arylsulfonamido)benzene or naphthalene-N,N'-diacetic acids with varying substituents at C-2 position of the benzene or naphthalene core were designed and synthesized. Among them, compound 12d with 2-(4-fluorobenzyloxy) group was the most potent direct inhibitor of Keap1-Nrf2 PPI with an IC50 of 64.5 nM in the fluorescent polarization (FP) assay and 14.2 nM in a time-resolved fluorescence resonance energy transfer (TR-FRET) assay. Moreover, cell-based biological assay showed that 12d significantly increased the mRNA levels of Nrf2 downstream genes, GSTM3, HMOX2 and NQO1, through Nrf2 activation. The discovery of the new scaffolds possessing diverse O-linked fragments at the C2 position offers opportunities to further modify the chemical structures of Keap1-Nrf2 PPI inhibitors to improve their pharmacokinetic, efficacy and safety profiles.
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24
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Kaseda S, Sannomiya Y, Horizono J, Kuwazuru J, Suico MA, Ogi S, Sasaki R, Sunamoto H, Fukiya H, Nishiyama H, Kamura M, Niinou S, Koyama Y, Nara F, Shuto T, Onuma K, Kai H. Novel Keap1-Nrf2 Protein-Protein Interaction Inhibitor UBE-1099 Ameliorates Progressive Phenotype in Alport Syndrome Mouse Model. KIDNEY360 2022; 3:687-699. [PMID: 35721612 PMCID: PMC9136903 DOI: 10.34067/kid.0004572021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bardoxolone methyl activates nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) via covalent binding and irreversible inhibition of Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), the negative regulator of Nrf2. Ongoing clinical trials of bardoxolone methyl show promising effects for patients with CKD. However, the direct inhibition of Keap1-Nrf2 protein-protein interaction (PPI) as an approach to activate Nrf2 is less explored. METHODS We developed a noncovalent Nrf2 activator UBE-1099, which highly selectively inhibits Keap1-Nrf2 PPI, and evaluated its efficacy on the progressive phenotype in an Alport syndrome mouse model (Col4a5-G5X). RESULTS Similar to bardoxolone methyl, UBE-1099 transiently increased proteinuria and reduced plasma creatinine in Alport mice. Importantly, UBE-1099 improved the glomerulosclerosis, renal inflammation, and fibrosis, and prolonged the life span of Alport mice. UBE-1099 ameliorated the dysfunction of Nrf2 signaling in the renal tissue of Alport mice. Moreover, transcriptome analysis in the glomerulus showed that UBE-1099 induced the expression of genes associated with the cell cycle and cytoskeleton, which may explain its unique mechanism of improvement such as glomerular morphologic change. CONCLUSIONS UBE-1099 significantly ameliorates the progressive phenotype in Alport mice. Our results revealed the efficacy of Keap1-Nrf2 PPI inhibitor for glomerulosclerosis and present a potential therapeutic drug for CKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shota Kaseda
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
- Program for Leading Graduate School “HIGO (Health Life Science: Interdisciplinary and Glocal Oriented) Program,” Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Yuya Sannomiya
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Jun Horizono
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Jun Kuwazuru
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Mary Ann Suico
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
- Global Center for Natural Resources Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Sayaka Ogi
- Pharmaceuticals Research Laboratory, UBE Industries Ltd., Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Ryoko Sasaki
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Hidetoshi Sunamoto
- Pharmaceuticals Research Laboratory, UBE Industries Ltd., Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Hirohiko Fukiya
- Pharmaceuticals Research Laboratory, UBE Industries Ltd., Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Hayato Nishiyama
- Pharmaceuticals Research Laboratory, UBE Industries Ltd., Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Misato Kamura
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
- Program for Leading Graduate School “HIGO (Health Life Science: Interdisciplinary and Glocal Oriented) Program,” Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Saki Niinou
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Yuimi Koyama
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Futoshi Nara
- Pharmaceuticals Research Laboratory, UBE Industries Ltd., Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Shuto
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
- Global Center for Natural Resources Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Onuma
- Pharmaceuticals Research Laboratory, UBE Industries Ltd., Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Kai
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
- Program for Leading Graduate School “HIGO (Health Life Science: Interdisciplinary and Glocal Oriented) Program,” Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
- Global Center for Natural Resources Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
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25
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Tastan B, Arioz BI, Genc S. Targeting NLRP3 Inflammasome With Nrf2 Inducers in Central Nervous System Disorders. Front Immunol 2022; 13:865772. [PMID: 35418995 PMCID: PMC8995746 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.865772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The NLRP3 inflammasome is an intracellular multiprotein complex that plays an essential role in the innate immune system by identifying and eliminating a plethora of endogenous and exogenous threats to the host. Upon activation of the NLRP3 complex, pro-inflammatory cytokines are processed and released. Furthermore, activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome complex can induce pyroptotic cell death, thereby propagating the inflammatory response. The aberrant activity and detrimental effects of NLRP3 inflammasome activation have been associated with cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, metabolic, and inflammatory diseases. Therefore, clinical strategies targeting the inhibition of the self-propelled NLRP3 inflammasome activation are required. The transcription factor Nrf2 regulates cellular stress response, controlling the redox equilibrium, metabolic programming, and inflammation. The Nrf2 pathway participates in anti-oxidative, cytoprotective, and anti-inflammatory activities. This prominent regulator, through pharmacologic activation, could provide a therapeutic strategy for the diseases to the etiology and pathogenesis of which NLRP3 inflammasome contributes. In this review, current knowledge on NLRP3 inflammasome activation and Nrf2 pathways is presented; the relationship between NLRP3 inflammasome signaling and Nrf2 pathway, as well as the pre/clinical use of Nrf2 activators against NLRP3 inflammasome activation in disorders of the central nervous system, are thoroughly described. Cumulative evidence points out therapeutic use of Nrf2 activators against NLRP3 inflammasome activation or diseases that NLRP3 inflammasome contributes to would be advantageous to prevent inflammatory conditions; however, the side effects of these molecules should be kept in mind before applying them to clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bora Tastan
- Genc Laboratory, Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center, Izmir, Turkey,Izmir International Biomedicine and Genome Institute, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Burak I. Arioz
- Genc Laboratory, Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center, Izmir, Turkey,Izmir International Biomedicine and Genome Institute, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Sermin Genc
- Genc Laboratory, Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center, Izmir, Turkey,Department of Neuroscience, Health Sciences Institute, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey,*Correspondence: Sermin Genc,
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26
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Xiao X, Tong Z, Zhang Y, Zhou H, Luo M, Hu T, Hu P, Kong L, Liu Z, Yu C, Huang Z, Hu L. Novel Prenylated Indole Alkaloids with Neuroprotection on SH-SY5Y Cells against Oxidative Stress Targeting Keap1–Nrf2. Mar Drugs 2022; 20:md20030191. [PMID: 35323490 PMCID: PMC8952805 DOI: 10.3390/md20030191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress has been implicated in the etiology of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Molecules non-covalently binding to the Keap1–Nrf2 complex could be a promising therapeutic approach for PD. Herein, two novel prenylated indole alkaloids asperpenazine (1), and asperpendoline (2) with a scarce skeleton of pyrimido[1,6-a]indole were discovered from the co-cultivated fungi of Aspergillus ochraceus MCCC 3A00521 and Penicillium sp. HUBU 0120. Compound 2 exhibited potential neuroprotective activity on SH-SY5Y cells against oxidative stress. Molecular mechanism research demonstrated that 2 inhibited Keap1 expression, resulting in the translocation of Nrf2 from the cytoplasm to the nucleus, activating the downstream genes expression of HO-1 and NQO1, leading to the reduction in reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the augment of glutathione. Molecular docking and dynamic simulation analyses manifested that 2 interacted with Keap1 (PDB ID: 1X2R) via forming typical hydrogen and hydrophobic bonds with residues and presented less fluctuation of RMSD and RMSF during a natural physiological condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueyang Xiao
- National & Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of High-Throughput Drug Screening Technology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Traditional Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China; (X.X.); (Z.T.); (H.Z.); (M.L.); (T.H.); (P.H.); (L.K.); (Z.L.); (C.Y.)
| | - Zhou Tong
- National & Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of High-Throughput Drug Screening Technology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Traditional Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China; (X.X.); (Z.T.); (H.Z.); (M.L.); (T.H.); (P.H.); (L.K.); (Z.L.); (C.Y.)
| | - Yuexing Zhang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China;
| | - Hui Zhou
- National & Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of High-Throughput Drug Screening Technology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Traditional Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China; (X.X.); (Z.T.); (H.Z.); (M.L.); (T.H.); (P.H.); (L.K.); (Z.L.); (C.Y.)
| | - Mengying Luo
- National & Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of High-Throughput Drug Screening Technology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Traditional Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China; (X.X.); (Z.T.); (H.Z.); (M.L.); (T.H.); (P.H.); (L.K.); (Z.L.); (C.Y.)
| | - Tianhui Hu
- National & Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of High-Throughput Drug Screening Technology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Traditional Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China; (X.X.); (Z.T.); (H.Z.); (M.L.); (T.H.); (P.H.); (L.K.); (Z.L.); (C.Y.)
| | - Ping Hu
- National & Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of High-Throughput Drug Screening Technology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Traditional Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China; (X.X.); (Z.T.); (H.Z.); (M.L.); (T.H.); (P.H.); (L.K.); (Z.L.); (C.Y.)
| | - Luqi Kong
- National & Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of High-Throughput Drug Screening Technology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Traditional Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China; (X.X.); (Z.T.); (H.Z.); (M.L.); (T.H.); (P.H.); (L.K.); (Z.L.); (C.Y.)
| | - Zeqin Liu
- National & Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of High-Throughput Drug Screening Technology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Traditional Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China; (X.X.); (Z.T.); (H.Z.); (M.L.); (T.H.); (P.H.); (L.K.); (Z.L.); (C.Y.)
| | - Chan Yu
- National & Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of High-Throughput Drug Screening Technology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Traditional Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China; (X.X.); (Z.T.); (H.Z.); (M.L.); (T.H.); (P.H.); (L.K.); (Z.L.); (C.Y.)
| | - Zhiyong Huang
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China
- Correspondence: (Z.H.); (L.H.); Tel.: +86-22-84861931 (Z.H.); +86-27-88661237-8023 (L.H.)
| | - Linzhen Hu
- National & Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of High-Throughput Drug Screening Technology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Traditional Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China; (X.X.); (Z.T.); (H.Z.); (M.L.); (T.H.); (P.H.); (L.K.); (Z.L.); (C.Y.)
- Correspondence: (Z.H.); (L.H.); Tel.: +86-22-84861931 (Z.H.); +86-27-88661237-8023 (L.H.)
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27
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Hu L, Wang Z, Tong Z, Hu P, Kong L, Luo M, Li X, Zhang Y, Huang Z, Zhang Y. Undescribed Meroterpenoids from
Hypericum japonicum
with Neuroprotective Effects on
H
2
O
2
Insult
SH‐SY5Y
Cells Targeting
Keap1‐Nrf2. CHINESE J CHEM 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/cjoc.202200008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Linzhen Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of High‐throughput Drug Screening Technology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Life Sciences Hubei University Wuhan 430062 Hubei Province People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenzhen Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan 430030 Hubei Province People's Republic of China
| | - Zhou Tong
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of High‐throughput Drug Screening Technology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Life Sciences Hubei University Wuhan 430062 Hubei Province People's Republic of China
| | - Ping Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of High‐throughput Drug Screening Technology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Life Sciences Hubei University Wuhan 430062 Hubei Province People's Republic of China
| | - Luqi Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of High‐throughput Drug Screening Technology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Life Sciences Hubei University Wuhan 430062 Hubei Province People's Republic of China
| | - Mengying Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of High‐throughput Drug Screening Technology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Life Sciences Hubei University Wuhan 430062 Hubei Province People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao‐Nian Li
- Kunming Institute of Botany Chinese Academy of Sciences Kunming 650204 People's Republic of China
| | - Yuexing Zhang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Hubei University Wuhan 430062 Hubei Province People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiyong Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of High‐throughput Drug Screening Technology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Life Sciences Hubei University Wuhan 430062 Hubei Province People's Republic of China
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology Chinese Academy of Sciences Tianjin 300308 People's Republic of China
| | - Yonghui Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan 430030 Hubei Province People's Republic of China
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Ulasov AV, Rosenkranz AA, Georgiev GP, Sobolev AS. Nrf2/Keap1/ARE signaling: Towards specific regulation. Life Sci 2022; 291:120111. [PMID: 34732330 PMCID: PMC8557391 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.120111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 174] [Impact Index Per Article: 87.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The Nrf2 transcription factor governs the expression of hundreds genes involved in cell defense against oxidative stress, the hallmark of numerous diseases such as neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, some viral pathologies, diabetes and others. The main route for Nrf2 activity regulation is via interactions with the Keap1 protein. Under the normoxia the Keap1 binds the Nrf2 and targets it to the proteasomal degradation, while the Keap1 is regenerated. Upon oxidative stress the interactions between Nrf2 and Keap1 are interrupted and the Nrf2 activates the transcription of the protective genes. Currently, the Nrf2 system activation is considered as a powerful cytoprotective strategy for treatment of different pathologies, which pathogenesis relies on oxidative stress including viral diseases of pivotal importance such as COVID-19. The implementation of this strategy is accomplished mainly through the inactivation of the Keap1 "guardian" function. Two approaches are now developing: the Keap1 modification via electrophilic agents, which leads to the Nrf2 release, and direct interruption of the Nrf2:Keap1 protein-protein interactions (PPI). Because of theirs chemical structure, the Nrf2 electrophilic inducers could non-specifically interact with others cellular proteins leading to undesired effects. Whereas the non-electrophilic inhibitors of the Nrf2:Keap1 PPI could be more specific, thereby widening the therapeutic window.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexey V Ulasov
- Department of Molecular Genetics of Intracellular Transport, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 34/5 Vavilov St., 119334 Moscow, Russia.
| | - Andrey A Rosenkranz
- Department of Molecular Genetics of Intracellular Transport, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 34/5 Vavilov St., 119334 Moscow, Russia; Faculty of Biology, Moscow State University, 1-12 Leninskiye Gory St., 119234 Moscow, Russia
| | - Georgii P Georgiev
- Department of Molecular Genetics of Intracellular Transport, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 34/5 Vavilov St., 119334 Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexander S Sobolev
- Department of Molecular Genetics of Intracellular Transport, Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 34/5 Vavilov St., 119334 Moscow, Russia; Faculty of Biology, Moscow State University, 1-12 Leninskiye Gory St., 119234 Moscow, Russia
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Huang W, Huang Y, Jiayan, Cui, Wu Y, Zhu F, Huang J, Ma L. Design and Synthesis of Osthole-based Compounds as Potential Nrf2 Agonists. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2022; 61:128547. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2022.128547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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Norton D, Bonnette WG, Callahan JF, Carr MG, Griffiths-Jones CM, Heightman TD, Kerns JK, Nie H, Rich SJ, Richardson C, Rumsey W, Sanchez Y, Verdonk ML, Willems HMG, Wixted WE, Wolfe L, Woolford AJA, Wu Z, Davies TG. Fragment-Guided Discovery of Pyrazole Carboxylic Acid Inhibitors of the Kelch-like ECH-Associated Protein 1: Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2 Related Factor 2 (KEAP1:NRF2) Protein-Protein Interaction. J Med Chem 2021; 64:15949-15972. [PMID: 34705450 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The NRF2-mediated cytoprotective response is central to cellular homoeostasis, and there is increasing interest in developing small-molecule activators of this pathway as therapeutics for diseases involving chronic oxidative stress. The protein KEAP1, which regulates NRF2, is a key point for pharmacological intervention, and we recently described the use of fragment-based drug discovery to develop a tool compound that directly disrupts the protein-protein interaction between NRF2 and KEAP1. We now present the identification of a second, chemically distinct series of KEAP1 inhibitors, which provided an alternative chemotype for lead optimization. Pharmacophoric information from our original fragment screen was used to identify new hit matter through database searching and to evolve this into a new lead with high target affinity and cell-based activity. We highlight how knowledge obtained from fragment-based approaches can be used to focus additional screening campaigns in order to de-risk projects through the rapid identification of novel chemical series.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Norton
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, 436 Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge CB4 0QA, U.K
| | - William G Bonnette
- GlaxoSmithKline, 1250 South Collegeville Road, Collegeville, Pennsylvania 19426-0989, United States
| | - James F Callahan
- GlaxoSmithKline, 1250 South Collegeville Road, Collegeville, Pennsylvania 19426-0989, United States
| | - Maria G Carr
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, 436 Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge CB4 0QA, U.K
| | | | - Tom D Heightman
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, 436 Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge CB4 0QA, U.K
| | - Jeffrey K Kerns
- GlaxoSmithKline, 1250 South Collegeville Road, Collegeville, Pennsylvania 19426-0989, United States
| | - Hong Nie
- GlaxoSmithKline, 1250 South Collegeville Road, Collegeville, Pennsylvania 19426-0989, United States
| | - Sharna J Rich
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, 436 Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge CB4 0QA, U.K
| | | | - William Rumsey
- GlaxoSmithKline, 1250 South Collegeville Road, Collegeville, Pennsylvania 19426-0989, United States
| | - Yolanda Sanchez
- GlaxoSmithKline, 1250 South Collegeville Road, Collegeville, Pennsylvania 19426-0989, United States
| | - Marcel L Verdonk
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, 436 Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge CB4 0QA, U.K
| | | | - William E Wixted
- GlaxoSmithKline, 1250 South Collegeville Road, Collegeville, Pennsylvania 19426-0989, United States
| | - Lawrence Wolfe
- GlaxoSmithKline, 1250 South Collegeville Road, Collegeville, Pennsylvania 19426-0989, United States
| | | | - Zining Wu
- GlaxoSmithKline, 1250 South Collegeville Road, Collegeville, Pennsylvania 19426-0989, United States
| | - Thomas G Davies
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, 436 Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge CB4 0QA, U.K
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Zeb A, Choubey V, Gupta R, Kuum M, Safiulina D, Vaarmann A, Gogichaishvili N, Liiv M, Ilves I, Tämm K, Veksler V, Kaasik A. A novel role of KEAP1/PGAM5 complex: ROS sensor for inducing mitophagy. Redox Biol 2021; 48:102186. [PMID: 34801863 PMCID: PMC8607199 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2021.102186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
When ROS production exceeds the cellular antioxidant capacity, the cell needs to eliminate the defective mitochondria responsible for excessive ROS production. It has been proposed that the removal of these defective mitochondria involves mitophagy, but the mechanism of this regulation remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate that moderate mitochondrial superoxide and hydrogen peroxide production oxidates KEAP1, thus breaking the interaction between this protein and PGAM5, leading to the inhibition of its proteasomal degradation. Accumulated PGAM5 interferes with the processing of the PINK1 in the mitochondria leading to the accumulation of PINK1 on the outer mitochondrial membrane. In turn, PINK1 promotes Parkin recruitment to mitochondria and sensitizes mitochondria for autophagic removal. We also demonstrate that inhibitors of the KEAP1-PGAM5 protein-protein interaction (including CPUY192018) mimic the effect of mitochondrial ROS and sensitize mitophagy machinery, suggesting that these inhibitors could be used as pharmacological regulators of mitophagy. Together, our results show that KEAP1/PGAM5 complex senses mitochondrially generated superoxide/hydrogen peroxide to induce mitophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akbar Zeb
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Ravila 19, 50411, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Vinay Choubey
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Ravila 19, 50411, Tartu, Estonia.
| | - Ruby Gupta
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Ravila 19, 50411, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Malle Kuum
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Ravila 19, 50411, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Dzhamilja Safiulina
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Ravila 19, 50411, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Annika Vaarmann
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Ravila 19, 50411, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Nana Gogichaishvili
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Ravila 19, 50411, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Mailis Liiv
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Ravila 19, 50411, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Ivar Ilves
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Nooruse 1, 50411, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Kaido Tämm
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Tartu, Ravila 14a, 50411, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Vladimir Veksler
- University Paris-Saclay, INSERM UMR-S 1180, Laboratory of Signaling and Cardiovascular Pathophysiology, 92296, Châtenay-Malabry, France
| | - Allen Kaasik
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Ravila 19, 50411, Tartu, Estonia.
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Bono S, Feligioni M, Corbo M. Impaired antioxidant KEAP1-NRF2 system in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: NRF2 activation as a potential therapeutic strategy. Mol Neurodegener 2021; 16:71. [PMID: 34663413 PMCID: PMC8521937 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-021-00479-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oxidative stress (OS) is an imbalance between oxidant and antioxidant species and, together with other numerous pathological mechanisms, leads to the degeneration and death of motor neurons (MNs) in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). MAIN BODY Two of the main players in the molecular and cellular response to OS are NRF2, the transcription nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, and its principal negative regulator, KEAP1, Kelch-like ECH (erythroid cell-derived protein with CNC homology)-associated protein 1. Here we first provide an overview of the structural organization, regulation, and critical role of the KEAP1-NRF2 system in counteracting OS, with a focus on its alteration in ALS. We then examine several compounds capable of promoting NRF2 activity thereby inducing cytoprotective effects, and which are currently in different stages of clinical development for many pathologies, including neurodegenerative diseases. CONCLUSIONS Although challenges associated with some of these compounds remain, important advances have been made in the development of safer and more effective drugs that could actually represent a breakthrough for fatal degenerative diseases such as ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Bono
- Need Institute, Laboratory of Neurobiology for Translational Medicine, c/o Casa di Cura del Policlinico (CCP), Via Dezza 48, 20144 Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Feligioni
- Need Institute, Laboratory of Neurobiology for Translational Medicine, c/o Casa di Cura del Policlinico (CCP), Via Dezza 48, 20144 Milan, Italy
- Laboratory of Neuronal Cell Signaling, EBRI Rita Levi-Montalcini Foundation, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Corbo
- Department of Neurorehabilitation Sciences, Casa di Cura del Policlinico (CCP), Via Dezza 48, 20144 Milan, Italy
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Wei J, Meng F, Park KS, Yim H, Velez J, Kumar P, Wang L, Xie L, Chen H, Shen Y, Teichman E, Li D, Wang GG, Chen X, Kaniskan HÜ, Jin J. Harnessing the E3 Ligase KEAP1 for Targeted Protein Degradation. J Am Chem Soc 2021; 143:15073-15083. [PMID: 34520194 PMCID: PMC8480205 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.1c04841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) represent a new class of promising therapeutic modalities. PROTACs hijack E3 ligases and the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS), leading to selective degradation of the target proteins. However, only a very limited number of E3 ligases have been leveraged to generate effective PROTACs. Herein, we report that the KEAP1 E3 ligase can be harnessed for targeted protein degradation utilizing a highly selective, noncovalent small-molecule KEAP1 binder. We generated a proof-of-concept PROTAC, MS83, by linking the KEAP1 ligand to a BRD4/3/2 binder. MS83 effectively reduces protein levels of BRD4 and BRD3, but not BRD2, in cells in a concentration-, time-, KEAP1- and UPS-dependent manner. Interestingly, MS83 degrades BRD4/3 more durably than the CRBN-recruiting PROTAC dBET1 in MDA-MB-468 cells and selectively degrades BRD4 short isoform over long isoform in MDA-MB-231 cells. It also displays improved antiproliferative activity than dBET1. Overall, our study expands the limited toolbox for targeted protein degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jieli Wei
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences and Oncological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, United States
| | - Fanye Meng
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences and Oncological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, United States
| | - Kwang-Su Park
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences and Oncological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, United States
| | - Hyerin Yim
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences and Oncological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, United States
| | - Julia Velez
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences and Oncological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, United States
| | - Prashasti Kumar
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences and Oncological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, United States
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Ling Xie
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - He Chen
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences and Oncological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, United States
| | - Yudao Shen
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences and Oncological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, United States
| | - Emily Teichman
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences and Oncological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, United States
| | - Dongxu Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Gang Greg Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Xian Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - H Ümit Kaniskan
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences and Oncological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, United States
| | - Jian Jin
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences and Oncological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, United States
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Duarte TL, Talbot NP, Drakesmith H. NRF2 and Hypoxia-Inducible Factors: Key Players in the Redox Control of Systemic Iron Homeostasis. Antioxid Redox Signal 2021; 35:433-452. [PMID: 32791852 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2020.8148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Significance: Oxygen metabolism and iron homeostasis are closely linked. Iron facilitates the oxygen-carrying capacity of blood, and its deficiency causes anemia. Conversely, excess free iron is detrimental for stimulating the formation of reactive oxygen species, causing tissue damage. The amount and distribution of iron thus need to be tightly regulated by the liver-expressed hormone hepcidin. This review analyzes the roles of key oxygen-sensing pathways in cellular and systemic regulation of iron homeostasis; specifically, the prolyl hydroxylase domain (PHD)/hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) and the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1/NF-E2 p45-related factor 2 (KEAP1/NRF2) pathways, which mediate tissue adaptation to low and high oxygen, respectively. Recent Advances: In macrophages, NRF2 regulates genes involved in hemoglobin catabolism, iron storage, and iron export. NRF2 was recently identified as the molecular sensor of iron-induced oxidative stress and is responsible for BMP6 expression by liver sinusoidal endothelial cells, which in turn activates hepcidin synthesis by hepatocytes to restore systemic iron levels. Moreover, NRF2 orchestrates the activation of antioxidant defenses that are crucial to protect against iron toxicity. On the contrary, low iron/hypoxia stabilizes renal HIF2a via inactivation of iron-dependent PHD dioxygenases, causing an erythropoietic stimulus that represses hepcidin via an inhibitory effect of erythroferrone on bone morphogenetic proteins. Intestinal HIF2a is also stabilized, increasing the expression of genes involved in dietary iron absorption. Critical Issues: An intimate crosstalk between oxygen-sensing pathways and iron regulatory mechanisms ensures that fluctuations in systemic iron levels are promptly detected and restored. Future Directions: The realization that redox-sensitive transcription factors regulate systemic iron levels suggests novel therapeutic approaches. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 35, 433-452.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiago L Duarte
- Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Nick P Talbot
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy & Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Hal Drakesmith
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Haematology Theme, Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Zhang L, Xu L, Chen H, Zhang W, Xing C, Qu Z, Yu J, Zhuang C. Structure-based molecular hybridization design of Keap1-Nrf2 inhibitors as novel protective agents of acute lung injury. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 222:113599. [PMID: 34119834 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Blocking the Kelch-like epichlorohydrin-related protein 1 (Keap1)-nuclear factor-erythroid 2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway represents as a promising strategy to reduce oxidative stress and related-inflammation, including acute lung injury (ALI). NXPZ-2, a naphthalensulfonamide derivative, was previously reported to effectively inhibit the Keap1-Nrf2 protein-protein interaction (PPI) by our group. In the present work, a series of novel isothiocyanate-containing naphthalensulfonamides with the thioether, sulfoxide and sulfone moieties were designed by a structure-based molecular hybridization strategy using NXPZ-2 and the Nrf2 activator sulforaphane. They possessed good Keap1-Nrf2 PPI inhibitory activity and low cytotoxicity. The molecular docking study was performed to further explain the different activity of the thioether-, sulfoxide- and sulfone-containing naphthalensulfonamides. Among these new derivatives, 2-((N-(4-((N-(2-amino-2-oxoethyl)-4-((3-isothiocyanatopropyl)sulfinyl)phenyl)sulfonamido) naphthalen-1-yl)-4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonamido)acetamide (SCN-16) showed a good KD2 value of 0.455 μM to disrupt the PPI. In an LPS-induced peritoneal macrophage cell model, this compound could cause a significant increase in the nuclear Nrf2 protein, decrease in the cytosolic Nrf2 protein, and further elevate the downstream protective enzymes HO-1 and NQO-1, which were better than the lead compound NXPZ-2 and sulforaphane. What's more, the production of ROS and NO and the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α were also suppressed. In the LPS-induced ALI model, SCN-16 could significantly reduce LPS-induced inflammations and alleviate lung injuries by triggering Nrf2 nuclear translocation. Collectively, our results suggested that SCN-16 could be a novel lead compound targeting Keap1-Nrf2 protective pathway for clinical treatment of ALI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shengli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China; School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, 325 Guohe Road, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Lijuan Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shengli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China; School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, 325 Guohe Road, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Haihu Chen
- Department of Intervention, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Wannian Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shengli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China; School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, 325 Guohe Road, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Chengguo Xing
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Florida, 1345 Center Drive, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Zhuo Qu
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, 325 Guohe Road, Shanghai, 200433, China.
| | - Jianqiang Yu
- School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shengli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China.
| | - Chunlin Zhuang
- School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shengli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China; School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, 325 Guohe Road, Shanghai, 200433, China.
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Gorgulla C, Çınaroğlu SS, Fischer PD, Fackeldey K, Wagner G, Arthanari H. VirtualFlow Ants-Ultra-Large Virtual Screenings with Artificial Intelligence Driven Docking Algorithm Based on Ant Colony Optimization. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:5807. [PMID: 34071676 PMCID: PMC8199267 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The docking program PLANTS, which is based on ant colony optimization (ACO) algorithm, has many advanced features for molecular docking. Among them are multiple scoring functions, the possibility to model explicit displaceable water molecules, and the inclusion of experimental constraints. Here, we add support of PLANTS to VirtualFlow (VirtualFlow Ants), which adds a valuable method for primary virtual screenings and rescoring procedures. Furthermore, we have added support of ligand libraries in the MOL2 format, as well as on the fly conversion of ligand libraries which are in the PDBQT format to the MOL2 format to endow VirtualFlow Ants with an increased flexibility regarding the ligand libraries. The on the fly conversion is carried out with Open Babel and the program SPORES. We applied VirtualFlow Ants to a test system involving KEAP1 on the Google Cloud up to 128,000 CPUs, and the observed scaling behavior is approximately linear. Furthermore, we have adjusted several central docking parameters of PLANTS (such as the speed parameter or the number of ants) and screened 10 million compounds for each of the 10 resulting docking scenarios. We analyzed their docking scores and average docking times, which are key factors in virtual screenings. The possibility of carrying out ultra-large virtual screening with PLANTS via VirtualFlow Ants opens new avenues in computational drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Gorgulla
- Department of Physics, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (P.D.F.); (G.W.)
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | | | - Patrick D. Fischer
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (P.D.F.); (G.W.)
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Saarland University, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Konstantin Fackeldey
- Zuse Institute Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany;
- Institute of Mathematics, Technical University Berlin, 10623 Berlin, Germany
| | - Gerhard Wagner
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (P.D.F.); (G.W.)
| | - Haribabu Arthanari
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (P.D.F.); (G.W.)
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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37
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Sassetti E, Clausen MH, Laraia L. Small-Molecule Inhibitors of Reactive Oxygen Species Production. J Med Chem 2021; 64:5252-5275. [PMID: 33856791 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are involved in physiological cellular processes including differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis by acting as signaling molecules or regulators of transcription factors. The maintenance of appropriate cellular ROS levels is termed redox homeostasis, a balance between their production and neutralization. High concentrations of ROS may contribute to severe pathological events including cancer, neurodegenerative, and cardiovascular diseases. In recent years, approaches to target the sources of ROS production directly in order to develop tool compounds or potential therapeutics have been explored. Herein, we briefly outline the major sources of cellular ROS production and comprehensively review the targeting of these by small-molecule inhibitors. We critically assess the value of ROS inhibitors with different mechanisms-of-action, including their potency, mode-of-action, known off-target effects, and clinical or preclinical status, while suggesting future avenues of research in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Sassetti
- Center for Nanomedicine and Theranostics, Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet 207, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Mads H Clausen
- Center for Nanomedicine and Theranostics, Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet 207, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Luca Laraia
- Center for Nanomedicine and Theranostics, Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet 207, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
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38
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Pallesen JS, Narayanan D, Tran KT, Solbak SMØ, Marseglia G, Sørensen LME, Høj LJ, Munafò F, Carmona RMC, Garcia AD, Desu HL, Brambilla R, Johansen TN, Popowicz GM, Sattler M, Gajhede M, Bach A. Deconstructing Noncovalent Kelch-like ECH-Associated Protein 1 (Keap1) Inhibitors into Fragments to Reconstruct New Potent Compounds. J Med Chem 2021; 64:4623-4661. [PMID: 33818106 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c02094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Targeting the protein-protein interaction (PPI) between nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) is a potential therapeutic strategy to control diseases involving oxidative stress. Here, six classes of known small-molecule Keap1-Nrf2 PPI inhibitors were dissected into 77 fragments in a fragment-based deconstruction reconstruction (FBDR) study and tested in four orthogonal assays. This gave 17 fragment hits of which six were shown by X-ray crystallography to bind in the Keap1 Kelch binding pocket. Two hits were merged into compound 8 with a 220-380-fold stronger affinity (Ki = 16 μM) relative to the parent fragments. Systematic optimization resulted in several novel analogues with Ki values of 0.04-0.5 μM, binding modes determined by X-ray crystallography, and enhanced microsomal stability. This demonstrates how FBDR can be used to find new fragment hits, elucidate important ligand-protein interactions, and identify new potent inhibitors of the Keap1-Nrf2 PPI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakob S Pallesen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Dilip Narayanan
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kim T Tran
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sara M Ø Solbak
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Giuseppe Marseglia
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.,Food and Drug Department, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 27/a, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Louis M E Sørensen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lars J Høj
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Federico Munafò
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Rosa M C Carmona
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anthony D Garcia
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.,École Nationale Supérieure de Chimie de Rennes, 11 Allée de Beaulieu, CS 50837, Rennes Cedex 7 35708, France
| | - Haritha L Desu
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Dept. Neurological Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida 33136, United States
| | - Roberta Brambilla
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Dept. Neurological Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida 33136, United States.,Department of Neurobiology Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, and BRIDGE-Brain Research Inter Disciplinary Guided Excellence, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, DK-5000 Odense, Denmark
| | - Tommy N Johansen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Grzegorz M Popowicz
- Institute of Structural Biology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany.,Biomolecular NMR and Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich at Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, 85747 Garching, Germany
| | - Michael Sattler
- Institute of Structural Biology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany.,Biomolecular NMR and Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich at Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, 85747 Garching, Germany
| | - Michael Gajhede
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anders Bach
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
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39
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Zhang Z, Peng L, Fu Y, Wang W, Wang P, Zhou F. Ginnalin A Binds to the Subpockets of Keap1 Kelch Domain To Activate the Nrf2-Regulated Antioxidant Defense System in SH-SY5Y Cells. ACS Chem Neurosci 2021; 12:872-882. [PMID: 33571414 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.0c00713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Ginnalin A (GA), a polyphenol from the red maple, was reported to be a potential ROS scavenger or an activator of nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) in cancer cells. However, whether GA could activate Nrf2 in neuronal cells and the exact mode of action are unknown. We performed molecular docking calculations, which revealed that GA fits well into the five subpockets of the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein1 (Keap1) Kelch domain via hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interaction. Our cytotoxicity assays demonstrate that pretreating SH-SY5Y cells with 20 μM GA effectively prevents cells from oxidative assault by 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA). Fluorescence imaging indicates that upon the GA pretreatment, Nrf2 dissociates from the Keap1-Nrf2 complex and translocates into nucleus to activate the cellular antixodant system. Real-time qPCR quantification and Western blotting verified that the GA pretreatment elevates NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase-1 (NQO1) by more than 4.6-fold, heme oxygenase (HO-1) by about 1.2-fold, and the glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic (GCLC) subunit by 0.7-fold. The higher antixidant protein levels, along with increased glutathione concentration, decrease intracellular reactive oxygen species and alleviate the 6-OHDA-induced oxidative damage. Silence of Nrf2 abrogates the cytoprotection of the GA pretreatment, confirming that the Keap1/Nrf2-ARE (antioxidant response element) pathway is solely responsible for the GA's biological effects. GA is a promising natural compound for sensitizing neuronal cells' antioxidative defense system to offset oxidative stress, a condition closely linked to the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuang Zhang
- Institute of Surface Analysis and Chemical Biology, University of Jinan, Jinan, Shandong 250022, P. R. China
| | - Lanlan Peng
- Institute of Surface Analysis and Chemical Biology, University of Jinan, Jinan, Shandong 250022, P. R. China
| | - Yaru Fu
- Institute of Surface Analysis and Chemical Biology, University of Jinan, Jinan, Shandong 250022, P. R. China
| | - Wenjuan Wang
- Institute of Surface Analysis and Chemical Biology, University of Jinan, Jinan, Shandong 250022, P. R. China
| | - Pengcheng Wang
- Institute of Surface Analysis and Chemical Biology, University of Jinan, Jinan, Shandong 250022, P. R. China
| | - Feimeng Zhou
- Institute of Surface Analysis and Chemical Biology, University of Jinan, Jinan, Shandong 250022, P. R. China
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40
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Jiménez‐Grávalos F, Gallegos M, Martín Pendás Á, Novikov AS. Challenging the electrostatic
σ
‐hole picture of halogen bonding using minimal models and the interacting quantum atoms approach. J Comput Chem 2021; 42:676-687. [DOI: 10.1002/jcc.26488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Miguel Gallegos
- Department of Analytical and Physical Chemistry University of Oviedo Oviedo Spain
| | - Ángel Martín Pendás
- Department of Analytical and Physical Chemistry University of Oviedo Oviedo Spain
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41
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Jo J, Ibrahim L, Iaconelli J, Kwak J, Kumar M, Jung Y, Lairson LL, Chatterjee AK, Schultz PG, Bollong MJ, Yun H. Discovery and SAR studies of 3-amino-4-(phenylsulfonyl)tetrahydrothiophene 1,1-dioxides as non-electrophilic antioxidant response element (ARE) activators. Bioorg Chem 2021; 108:104614. [PMID: 33508678 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2020.104614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The transcription factor NRF2 controls resistance to oxidative insult and is thus a key therapeutic target for treating a number of disease states associated with oxidative stress and aging. We previously reported CBR-470-1, a bis-sulfone which activates NRF2 by increasing the levels of methylglyoxal, a metabolite that covalently modifies NRF2 repressor KEAP1. Here, we report the design, synthesis, and structure activity relationship of a series of bis-sulfones derived from this unexplored chemical template. We identify analogs with sub-micromolar potencies, 7f and 7g, as well as establish that efficacious NRF2 activation can be achieved by non-toxic analogs 7c, 7e, and 9, a key limitation with CBR-470-1. Further efforts to identify non-covalent NRF2 activators of this kind will likely provide new insight into revealing the role of central metabolism in cellular signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeyun Jo
- College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Lara Ibrahim
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550, North Torrey Pines, La Jolla, CA 92037, United States
| | - Jonathan Iaconelli
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550, North Torrey Pines, La Jolla, CA 92037, United States
| | - Jinsook Kwak
- College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Manoj Kumar
- California Institute for Biomedical Research, 11119 North Torrey Pines Road, Suite 100, La Jolla, CA 92037, United States
| | - Yunjin Jung
- College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Luke L Lairson
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550, North Torrey Pines, La Jolla, CA 92037, United States
| | - Arnab K Chatterjee
- California Institute for Biomedical Research, 11119 North Torrey Pines Road, Suite 100, La Jolla, CA 92037, United States
| | - Peter G Schultz
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550, North Torrey Pines, La Jolla, CA 92037, United States; California Institute for Biomedical Research, 11119 North Torrey Pines Road, Suite 100, La Jolla, CA 92037, United States
| | - Michael J Bollong
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550, North Torrey Pines, La Jolla, CA 92037, United States.
| | - Hwayoung Yun
- College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea; Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550, North Torrey Pines, La Jolla, CA 92037, United States.
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42
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Moretti D, Tambone S, Cerretani M, Fezzardi P, Missineo A, Sherman LT, Munoz-Sajuan I, Harper S, Dominquez C, Pacifici R, Tomei L, Park L, Bresciani A. NRF2 activation by reversible KEAP1 binding induces the antioxidant response in primary neurons and astrocytes of a Huntington's disease mouse model. Free Radic Biol Med 2021; 162:243-254. [PMID: 33096251 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2020.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Oxidative stress has been associated with pathogenesis in several diseases including Huntington's disease (HD), a neurodegenerative disorder caused by a mutation in the huntingtin gene. Oxidative stress induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) are normally controlled at the cellular level by the nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (NRF2) a transcription factor that regulates the expression of various antioxidants and detoxifying proteins. Normally NRF2 is largely inactivated in the cytoplasm by the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1)/Cullin-3 (CUL3) mediated ubiquitination and subsequent proteosomal degradation. In the presence of ROS, KEAP1 sensor cysteines are directly or indirectly engaged resulting in NRF2 release, nuclear translocation, and activation of its target genes. Consequently the activation of NRF2 by a small-molecule drug may have the therapeutic potential to control oxidative stress by upregulation of the endogenous antioxidant responses. Here we attempted to validate the use of a reversible non-acidic KEAP1 binder (Compound 2) to activate NRF2 with better cellular activity than similar acidic compounds. When tested head to head with sulforaphane, a covalent KEAP1 binder, Compound 2 had a similar ability to induce the expression of genes known to be modulated by NRF2 in neurons and astrocytes isolated from wild-type rat, wild type mouse and zQ175 (an HD mouse model) embryos. However, while sulforaphane also negatively affected genes involved in neurotoxicity in these cells, Compound 2 showed a clean profile suggesting its mode of action has lower off-target activity. We show that Compound 2 was able to protect cells from an oxidative insult by preserving the ATP content and the mitochondrial potential of primary astrocytes, consistent with the hypothesis that neurotoxicity induced by oxidative stress can be limited by upregulation of innate antioxidant response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Moretti
- Department of Translational and Discovery Research, IRBM S.p.A., Via Pontina Km 30,600, 00071, Pomezia, Roma, Italy
| | - Sara Tambone
- Department of Translational and Discovery Research, IRBM S.p.A., Via Pontina Km 30,600, 00071, Pomezia, Roma, Italy
| | - Mauro Cerretani
- Department of Translational and Discovery Research, IRBM S.p.A., Via Pontina Km 30,600, 00071, Pomezia, Roma, Italy
| | - Paola Fezzardi
- Department of Drug Discovery, IRBM S.p.A., Via Pontina Km 30, 600 - 00071, Pomezia, Roma, Italy
| | - Antonino Missineo
- Department of Translational and Discovery Research, IRBM S.p.A., Via Pontina Km 30,600, 00071, Pomezia, Roma, Italy
| | | | | | - Steven Harper
- Department of Drug Discovery, IRBM S.p.A., Via Pontina Km 30, 600 - 00071, Pomezia, Roma, Italy
| | - Celia Dominquez
- CHDI Management/CHDI Foundation, 6080 Center Drive, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Robert Pacifici
- CHDI Management/CHDI Foundation, 6080 Center Drive, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Licia Tomei
- Department of Translational and Discovery Research, IRBM S.p.A., Via Pontina Km 30,600, 00071, Pomezia, Roma, Italy
| | - Larry Park
- CHDI Management/CHDI Foundation, 6080 Center Drive, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Alberto Bresciani
- Department of Translational and Discovery Research, IRBM S.p.A., Via Pontina Km 30,600, 00071, Pomezia, Roma, Italy.
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43
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Begnini F, Poongavanam V, Over B, Castaldo M, Geschwindner S, Johansson P, Tyagi M, Tyrchan C, Wissler L, Sjö P, Schiesser S, Kihlberg J. Mining Natural Products for Macrocycles to Drug Difficult Targets. J Med Chem 2020; 64:1054-1072. [PMID: 33337880 PMCID: PMC7872424 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Lead
generation for difficult-to-drug targets that have large,
featureless, and highly lipophilic or highly polar and/or flexible
binding sites is highly challenging. Here, we describe how cores of
macrocyclic natural products can serve as a high-quality in
silico screening library that provides leads for difficult-to-drug
targets. Two iterative rounds of docking of a carefully selected set
of natural-product-derived cores led to the discovery of an uncharged
macrocyclic inhibitor of the Keap1-Nrf2 protein–protein interaction,
a particularly challenging target due to its highly polar binding
site. The inhibitor displays cellular efficacy and is well-positioned
for further optimization based on the structure of its complex with
Keap1 and synthetic access. We believe that our work will spur interest
in using macrocyclic cores for in silico-based lead
generation and also inspire the design of future macrocycle screening
collections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Begnini
- Department of Chemistry - BMC, Uppsala University, Box 576, 75123 Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Björn Over
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Research and Early Development, Early Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, 43183 Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Marie Castaldo
- Discovery Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, 43183 Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Stefan Geschwindner
- Structure, Biophysics & Fragment-Based Lead Generation, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, 43183 Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Patrik Johansson
- Structure, Biophysics & Fragment-Based Lead Generation, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, 43183 Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Mohit Tyagi
- Department of Chemistry - BMC, Uppsala University, Box 576, 75123 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Christian Tyrchan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Research and Early Development, Respiratory and Immunology, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, 43183 Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Lisa Wissler
- Structure, Biophysics & Fragment-Based Lead Generation, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, 43183 Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Peter Sjö
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi), 15 Chemin Louis Dunant, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Stefan Schiesser
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Research and Early Development, Respiratory and Immunology, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, 43183 Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Jan Kihlberg
- Department of Chemistry - BMC, Uppsala University, Box 576, 75123 Uppsala, Sweden
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44
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Generation of potent Nrf2 activators via tuning the electrophilicity and steric hindrance of vinyl sulfones for neuroprotection. Bioorg Chem 2020; 107:104520. [PMID: 33323273 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2020.104520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Oxidative stress is constantly involved in the etiopathogenesis of an ever-widening range of neurodegenerative diseases. As a consequence, effective repression of cellular oxidative stress to a redox homeostatic condition is a promising and feasible strategy to treat, or at least retard the progression of, such disorders. Nrf2, a primary orchestrator of cellular antioxidant response machine, is responsible for detoxifying and compensating for deleterious oxidative stress via transcriptional activation of a diverse array of antioxidant biomolecules. In the framework of our persistent interest in disclosing small molecules that interfere with cellular redox-regulating machinery, we report herein the synthesis, optimization, and biological assessment of 47 vinyl sulfone scaffold-bearing small molecules, most of which exhibit robust neuroprotective effect against H2O2-mediated lesions to PC12 cells. After initial screening, the most potent neuroprotective compounds 9b and 9c with marginal cytotoxicity were selected for the follow-up studies. Our results demonstrate that their neuroprotective effects are attributed to the up-regulation of a panel of antioxidant genes and corresponding gene products. Further mechanistic studies indicate that Nrf2 is indispensable for the cellular performances of 9b and 9c, arising from the fact that silence of Nrf2 gene drastically nullifies their protective action. Taken together, 9b and 9c discovered in this work merit further development as neuroprotective candidates for the treatment of oxidative stress-mediated pathological conditions.
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45
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Direct inhibition of Keap1-Nrf2 Protein-Protein interaction as a potential therapeutic strategy for Alzheimer's disease. Bioorg Chem 2020; 103:104172. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2020.104172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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46
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Zhou HS, Hu LB, Zhang H, Shan WX, Wang Y, Li X, Liu T, Zhao J, You QD, Jiang ZY. Design, Synthesis, and Structure–Activity Relationships of Indoline-Based Kelch-like ECH-Associated Protein 1-Nuclear Factor (Erythroid-Derived 2)-Like 2 (Keap1-Nrf2) Protein–Protein Interaction Inhibitors. J Med Chem 2020; 63:11149-11168. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Shan Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Lv-Bin Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Han Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Wen-Xin Shan
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Xue Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Tian Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Qi-Dong You
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Zheng-Yu Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
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47
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Colarusso S, De Simone D, Frattarelli T, Andreini M, Cerretani M, Missineo A, Moretti D, Tambone S, Kempf G, Augustin M, Steinbacher S, Munoz-Sanjuan I, Park L, Summa V, Tomei L, Bresciani A, Dominguez C, Toledo-Sherman L, Bianchi E. Optimization of linear and cyclic peptide inhibitors of KEAP1-NRF2 protein-protein interaction. Bioorg Med Chem 2020; 28:115738. [PMID: 33065433 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2020.115738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Inhibition of KEAP1-NRF2 protein-protein interaction is considered a promising strategy to selectively and effectively activate NRF2, a transcription factor which is involved in several pathologies such as Huntington's disease (HD). A library of linear peptides based on the NRF2-binding motifs was generated on the nonapeptide lead Ac-LDEETGEFL-NH2 spanning residues 76-84 of the Neh2 domain of NRF2 with the aim to replace E78, E79 and E82 with non-acidic amino acids. A deeper understanding of the features and accessibility of the T80 subpocket was also targeted by structure-based design. Approaches to improve cell permeability were investigated using both different classes of cyclic peptides and conjugation to cell-penetrating peptides. This insight will guide future design of macrocycles, peptido-mimetics and, most importantly, small neutral brain-penetrating molecules to evaluate whether NRF2 activators have utility in HD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Colarusso
- Department of Drug Discovery, IRBM Spa, Via Pontina km 30.600, 00071 Pomezia, Rome, Italy.
| | - Daniele De Simone
- Department of Drug Discovery, IRBM Spa, Via Pontina km 30.600, 00071 Pomezia, Rome, Italy
| | - Tommaso Frattarelli
- Department of Drug Discovery, IRBM Spa, Via Pontina km 30.600, 00071 Pomezia, Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Andreini
- Department of Drug Discovery, IRBM Spa, Via Pontina km 30.600, 00071 Pomezia, Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Cerretani
- Translational & Discovery Research, IRBM Spa, Via Pontina km 30.600, 00071 Pomezia, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonino Missineo
- Translational & Discovery Research, IRBM Spa, Via Pontina km 30.600, 00071 Pomezia, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniele Moretti
- Translational & Discovery Research, IRBM Spa, Via Pontina km 30.600, 00071 Pomezia, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Tambone
- Translational & Discovery Research, IRBM Spa, Via Pontina km 30.600, 00071 Pomezia, Rome, Italy
| | - Georg Kempf
- Proteros Biostructures GmbH, Bunsenstraße 7 a, 82152 Planegg, Germany
| | - Martin Augustin
- Proteros Biostructures GmbH, Bunsenstraße 7 a, 82152 Planegg, Germany
| | | | | | - Larry Park
- CHDI Management/CHDI Foundation, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Vincenzo Summa
- Department of Drug Discovery, IRBM Spa, Via Pontina km 30.600, 00071 Pomezia, Rome, Italy
| | - Licia Tomei
- Translational & Discovery Research, IRBM Spa, Via Pontina km 30.600, 00071 Pomezia, Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Bresciani
- Translational & Discovery Research, IRBM Spa, Via Pontina km 30.600, 00071 Pomezia, Rome, Italy
| | - Celia Dominguez
- CHDI Management/CHDI Foundation, Los Angeles, CA, United States.
| | - Leticia Toledo-Sherman
- Translational & Discovery Research, IRBM Spa, Via Pontina km 30.600, 00071 Pomezia, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Bianchi
- Department of Drug Discovery, IRBM Spa, Via Pontina km 30.600, 00071 Pomezia, Rome, Italy
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48
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Discovery of 2-oxy-2-phenylacetic acid substituted naphthalene sulfonamide derivatives as potent KEAP1-NRF2 protein-protein interaction inhibitors for inflammatory conditions. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 207:112734. [PMID: 32866756 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 07/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) is a pleiotropic transcription factor which regulates the constitutive and inducible transcription of a wide array of genes and confers protection against a variety of pathologies. Directly disrupting Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1)-NRF2 protein-protein interaction (PPI) has been explored as a promising strategy to activate NRF2. We reported here the first identification of a series of 2-oxy-2-phenylacetic acid substituted naphthalene sulfonamide derivatives as potent KEAP1-NRF2 inhibitors. Our efforts led to the potent small molecule KEAP1-NRF2 inhibitor, 20c, which exhibited a Kd of 24 nM to KEAP1 and an IC50 of 75 nM in disrupting KEAP1-NRF2 interaction. Subsequent biological studies provided consistent evidence across mouse macrophage cell-based and in vivo models that 20c induced NRF2 target gene expression and enhanced downstream antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Our study not only demonstrated that small molecule KEAP1-NRF2 PPI inhibitors can be potential preventive and therapeutic agents for diseases and conditions involving oxidative stress and inflammation but also enriched the chemical diversity of the KEAP1-NRF2 inhibitors.
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Rolt A, Cox LS. Structural basis of the anti-ageing effects of polyphenolics: mitigation of oxidative stress. BMC Chem 2020; 14:50. [PMID: 32793891 PMCID: PMC7417423 DOI: 10.1186/s13065-020-00696-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Ageing, and particularly the onset of age-related diseases, is associated with tissue dysfunction and macromolecular damage, some of which can be attributed to accumulation of oxidative damage. Polyphenolic natural products such as stilbenoids, flavonoids and chalcones have been shown to be effective at ameliorating several age-related phenotypes, including oxidative stress, inflammation, impaired proteostasis and cellular senescence, both in vitro and in vivo. Here we aim to identify the structural basis underlying the pharmacology of polyphenols towards ROS and related biochemical pathways involved in age-related disease. We compile and describe SAR trends across different polyphenol chemotypes including stilbenoids, flavonoids and chalcones, review their different molecular targets and indications, and identify common structural ground between chemotypes and mechanisms of action. In particular, we focus on the structural requirements for the direct scavenging of reactive oxygen/nitrogen species such as radicals as well as coordination of a broader antioxidant response. We further suggest that it is important to consider multiple (rather than single) biological activities when identifying and developing new medicinal chemistry entities with utility in modulating complex biological properties such as cell ageing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Rolt
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QU UK
| | - Lynne S Cox
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QU UK
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Xu Y, Lu X, Zhang L, Wang L, Zhang G, Yao J, Sun C. Icaritin activates Nrf2/Keap1 signaling to protect neuronal cells from oxidative stress. Chem Biol Drug Des 2020; 97:111-120. [DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.13765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yuyu Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Generic Manufacture Technology of Chinese Traditional Medicine Linyi China
- Linyi Key Laboratory for Immunopharmacology and Immunotoxicology of Natural Medicine Lunan Pharmaceutical Group Co. Ltd. Linyi China
- Lunan Pharmaceutical Group Co. Ltd. Linyi China
| | - Xiaoyan Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Generic Manufacture Technology of Chinese Traditional Medicine Linyi China
- Linyi Key Laboratory for Immunopharmacology and Immunotoxicology of Natural Medicine Lunan Pharmaceutical Group Co. Ltd. Linyi China
- Lunan Pharmaceutical Group Co. Ltd. Linyi China
| | - Li Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Generic Manufacture Technology of Chinese Traditional Medicine Linyi China
- Lunan Pharmaceutical Group Co. Ltd. Linyi China
| | - Lijuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Generic Manufacture Technology of Chinese Traditional Medicine Linyi China
- Linyi Key Laboratory for Immunopharmacology and Immunotoxicology of Natural Medicine Lunan Pharmaceutical Group Co. Ltd. Linyi China
- Lunan Pharmaceutical Group Co. Ltd. Linyi China
| | - Guimin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Generic Manufacture Technology of Chinese Traditional Medicine Linyi China
- Linyi Key Laboratory for Immunopharmacology and Immunotoxicology of Natural Medicine Lunan Pharmaceutical Group Co. Ltd. Linyi China
- Lunan Pharmaceutical Group Co. Ltd. Linyi China
| | - Jingchun Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Generic Manufacture Technology of Chinese Traditional Medicine Linyi China
- Linyi Key Laboratory for Immunopharmacology and Immunotoxicology of Natural Medicine Lunan Pharmaceutical Group Co. Ltd. Linyi China
- Lunan Pharmaceutical Group Co. Ltd. Linyi China
| | - Chenghong Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Generic Manufacture Technology of Chinese Traditional Medicine Linyi China
- Linyi Key Laboratory for Immunopharmacology and Immunotoxicology of Natural Medicine Lunan Pharmaceutical Group Co. Ltd. Linyi China
- Lunan Pharmaceutical Group Co. Ltd. Linyi China
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