1
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Péczka N, Ranđelović I, Orgován Z, Csorba N, Egyed A, Petri L, Ábrányi-Balogh P, Gadanecz M, Perczel A, Tóvári J, Schlosser G, Takács T, Mihalovits LM, Ferenczy GG, Buday L, Keserű GM. Contribution of Noncovalent Recognition and Reactivity to the Optimization of Covalent Inhibitors: A Case Study on KRas G12C. ACS Chem Biol 2024; 19:1743-1756. [PMID: 38991015 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.4c00217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
Covalent drugs might bear electrophiles to chemically modify their targets and have the potential to target previously undruggable proteins with high potency. Covalent binding of drug-size molecules includes a noncovalent recognition provided by secondary interactions and a chemical reaction leading to covalent complex formation. Optimization of their covalent mechanism of action should involve both types of interactions. Noncovalent and covalent binding steps can be characterized by an equilibrium dissociation constant (KI) and a reaction rate constant (kinact), respectively, and they are affected by both the warhead and the scaffold of the ligand. The relative contribution of these two steps was investigated on a prototypic drug target KRASG12C, an oncogenic mutant of KRAS. We used a synthetically more accessible nonchiral core derived from ARS-1620 that was equipped with four different warheads and a previously described KRAS-specific basic side chain. Combining these structural changes, we have synthesized novel covalent KRASG12C inhibitors and tested their binding and biological effect on KRASG12C by various biophysical and biochemical assays. These data allowed us to dissect the effect of scaffold and warhead on the noncovalent and covalent binding event. Our results revealed that the atropisomeric core of ARS-1620 is not indispensable for KRASG12C inhibition, the basic side chain has little effect on either binding step, and warheads affect the covalent reactivity but not the noncovalent binding. This type of analysis helps identify structural determinants of efficient covalent inhibition and may find use in the design of covalent agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolett Péczka
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Group and National Drug Discovery and Development Laboratory, HUN-REN Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest 1117, Hungary
- Department of Organic Chemistry and Technology, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Budapest 1111, Hungary
| | - Ivan Ranđelović
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology and the National Tumor Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Oncology, Budapest 1122, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Orgován
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Group and National Drug Discovery and Development Laboratory, HUN-REN Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest 1117, Hungary
| | - Noémi Csorba
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Group and National Drug Discovery and Development Laboratory, HUN-REN Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest 1117, Hungary
- Department of Organic Chemistry and Technology, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Budapest 1111, Hungary
| | - Attila Egyed
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Group and National Drug Discovery and Development Laboratory, HUN-REN Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest 1117, Hungary
| | - László Petri
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Group and National Drug Discovery and Development Laboratory, HUN-REN Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest 1117, Hungary
| | - Péter Ábrányi-Balogh
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Group and National Drug Discovery and Development Laboratory, HUN-REN Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest 1117, Hungary
| | - Márton Gadanecz
- Protein Modeling Research Group, Laboratory of Structural Chemistry and Biology, ELTE Institute of Chemistry, Budapest 1117, Hungary
- Hevesy György PhD School of Chemistry, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter sétány. 1/A, Budapest 1117, Hungary
| | - András Perczel
- Protein Modeling Research Group, Laboratory of Structural Chemistry and Biology, ELTE Institute of Chemistry, Budapest 1117, Hungary
| | - József Tóvári
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology and the National Tumor Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Oncology, Budapest 1122, Hungary
| | - Gitta Schlosser
- MTA-ELTE "Lendület", Ion Mobility Mass Spectrometry Research Group, Budapest 1117, Hungary
| | - Tamás Takács
- HUN-REN Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Signal Transduction and Functional Genomics Research Group, Budapest 1117, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Biology, Institute of Biology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest 1117, Hungary
| | - Levente M Mihalovits
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Group and National Drug Discovery and Development Laboratory, HUN-REN Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest 1117, Hungary
| | - György G Ferenczy
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Group and National Drug Discovery and Development Laboratory, HUN-REN Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest 1117, Hungary
| | - László Buday
- HUN-REN Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Signal Transduction and Functional Genomics Research Group, Budapest 1117, Hungary
| | - György M Keserű
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Group and National Drug Discovery and Development Laboratory, HUN-REN Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest 1117, Hungary
- Department of Organic Chemistry and Technology, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Budapest 1111, Hungary
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2
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Huang W, Fayad E, Abu Ali OA, Qin HL. A portal to highly valuable indole-functionalized vinyl sulfonyl fluorides and allylic sulfonyl fluorides. Org Biomol Chem 2024. [PMID: 39150283 DOI: 10.1039/d4ob01213e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
A practical and efficient method for the C-3 site selective alkenylation of indoles was developed for constructing novel indole-functionalized vinyl sulfonyl fluorides and indolyl allylic sulfonyl fluorides. The reaction is accomplished with exclusive regio- and stereoselectivity without using transition metal catalysts, providing novel products of great potential value in medicinal chemistry, chemical biology, and drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenzhuo Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Silicate Materials for Architectures; and School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Life Sciences, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China.
| | - Eman Fayad
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Sciences, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Ola A Abu Ali
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Taif University, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Hua-Li Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Silicate Materials for Architectures; and School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Life Sciences, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China.
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3
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Heppner DE, Ogboo BC, Urul DA, May EW, Schaefer EM, Murkin AS, Gehringer M. Demystifying Functional Parameters for Irreversible Enzyme Inhibitors. J Med Chem 2024. [PMID: 39115869 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c01721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- David E Heppner
- Department of Chemistry, The State University of New York at Buffalo. Buffalo, New York 14221, United States
| | - Blessing C Ogboo
- Department of Chemistry, The State University of New York at Buffalo. Buffalo, New York 14221, United States
| | - Daniel A Urul
- AssayQuant Technologies Inc., Marlboro, Massachusetts 01752, United States
| | - Earl W May
- AssayQuant Technologies Inc., Marlboro, Massachusetts 01752, United States
| | - Erik M Schaefer
- AssayQuant Technologies Inc., Marlboro, Massachusetts 01752, United States
| | - Andrew S Murkin
- Department of Chemistry, The State University of New York at Buffalo. Buffalo, New York 14221, United States
| | - Matthias Gehringer
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University Hospital Tübingen and Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Tübingen. 72076 Tübingen, Germany
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4
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Xu B, Zhang Z, Tantillo DJ, Dai M. Concise Total Syntheses of ( -)-Crinipellins A and B Enabled by a Controlled Cargill Rearrangement. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:21250-21256. [PMID: 39052841 PMCID: PMC11311239 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c07900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2024] [Revised: 07/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Herein, we report concise total syntheses of diterpene natural products (-)-crinipellins A and B with a tetraquinane skeleton, three adjacent all-carbon quaternary centers, and multiple oxygenated and labile functional groups. Our synthesis features a convergent Kozikowski β-alkylation to unite two readily available building blocks with all the required carbon atoms, an intramolecular photochemical [2 + 2] cycloaddition to install three challenging and adjacent all-carbon quaternary centers and a 5-6-4-5 tetracyclic skeleton, and a controlled Cargill rearrangement to rearrange the 5-6-4-5 tetracyclic skeleton to the desired tetraquinane skeleton. These strategically enabling transformations allowed us to complete total syntheses of (-)-crinipellins A and B in 12 and 13 steps, respectively. The results of quantum chemical computations revealed that the Bronsted acid-catalyzed Cargill rearrangements likely involve stepwise paths to products and the AlR3-catalyzed Cargill rearrangements likely involve a concerted path with asynchronous alkyl shifting events to form the desired product.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Xu
- Department
of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Ziyao Zhang
- Department
of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
| | - Dean J. Tantillo
- Department
of Chemistry, University of California—Davis, Davis, California 95616, United States
| | - Mingji Dai
- Department
of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
- Department
of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory
University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, United States
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5
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Rezaei E, Shahedi M, Habibi Z. Biocatalytic Synthesis of Nitrile-Bearing All-Carbon Quaternary Stereocenters. J Org Chem 2024; 89:10562-10571. [PMID: 39051740 DOI: 10.1021/acs.joc.4c00793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
The synthesis of all-carbon quaternary stereocenters containing nitriles is a very important and challenging subject in organic chemistry. We used a biocatalytic approach under mild conditions to obtain new derivatives of these scaffolds by oxidation of catechols by Myceliophthora thermophila laccase (Novozym 51003) to afford o-quinones and 1,4-addition of a series of carbon nucleophiles containing tertiary alkyle nitriles to these intermediates. Using this approach, α-cyano carbonyls bearing a quaternary stereocenter were also prepared. Finally, the yields for the prepared compounds were 72-94%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaheh Rezaei
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Shahid Beheshti University, 1983969411 Tehran, Iran
| | - Mansour Shahedi
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Shahid Beheshti University, 1983969411 Tehran, Iran
| | - Zohreh Habibi
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Shahid Beheshti University, 1983969411 Tehran, Iran
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6
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Lyu Y, Yang F, Sundaresh B, Rosconi F, van Opijnen T, Gao J. Covalent Inhibition of a Host-Pathogen Protein-Protein Interaction Reduces the Infectivity of Streptococcus pneumoniae. JACS AU 2024; 4:2484-2491. [PMID: 39055144 PMCID: PMC11267552 DOI: 10.1021/jacsau.4c00195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
The ever-expanding antibiotic resistance urgently calls for novel antibacterial therapeutics, especially those with a new mode of action. We report herein our exploration of protein-protein interaction (PPI) inhibition as a new mechanism to thwart bacterial pathogenesis. Specifically, we describe potent and specific inhibitors of the pneumococcal surface protein PspC, an important virulence factor that facilitates the infection of Streptococcus pneumoniae. Specifically, PspC has been documented to recruit human complement factor H (hFH) to suppress host complement activation and/or promote the bacterial attachment to host tissues. The CCP9 domain of hFH was recombinantly expressed to inhibit the PspC-hFH interaction as demonstrated on live pneumococcal cells. The inhibitor allowed for the first pharmacological intervention of the PspC-hFH interaction. This PPI inhibition reduced pneumococci's attachment to epithelial cells and also resensitized the D39 strain of S. pneumoniae for opsonization. Importantly, we have further devised covalent versions of CCP9, which afforded long-lasting PspC inhibition with low nanomolar potency. Overall, our results showcase the promise of PPI inhibition for combating bacterial infections as well as the power of covalent inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhan Lyu
- Department
of Chemistry, Merkert Chemistry Center, Boston College, Chestnut
Hill, Massachusetts 02467, United States
| | - Fan Yang
- Department
of Chemistry, Merkert Chemistry Center, Boston College, Chestnut
Hill, Massachusetts 02467, United States
| | - Bharathi Sundaresh
- Department
of Biology, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts 02467, United States
| | - Federico Rosconi
- Department
of Biology, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts 02467, United States
| | - Tim van Opijnen
- Broad
Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Jianmin Gao
- Department
of Chemistry, Merkert Chemistry Center, Boston College, Chestnut
Hill, Massachusetts 02467, United States
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7
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Liu Y, Li G, Ma W, Bao G, Li Y, He Z, Xu Z, Wang R, Sun W. Late-stage peptide modification and macrocyclization enabled by tertiary amine catalyzed tryptophan allylation. Chem Sci 2024; 15:11099-11107. [PMID: 39027288 PMCID: PMC11253200 DOI: 10.1039/d4sc01244e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Late-stage modification of peptides could potentially endow peptides with significant bioactivity and physicochemical properties, and thereby provide novel opportunities for peptide pharmaceutical studies. Since tryptophan (Trp) bears a unique indole ring residue and plays various critical functional roles in peptides, the modification methods for tryptophan were preliminarily developed with considerable progress via transition-metal mediated C-H activation. Herein, we report an unprecedented tertiary amine catalyzed peptide allylation via the SN2'-SN2' pathway between the N1 position of the indole ring of Trp and Morita-Baylis-Hillman (MBH) carbonates. Using this method that proceeds under mild conditions, we demonstrated an extremely broad scope of Trp-containing peptides and MBH carbonates to prepare a series of peptide conjugates and cyclic peptides. The reaction is amenable to either solid-phase (on resin) or solution-phase conditions. In addition, the modified peptides can be further conjugated with other biomolecules at Trp, providing a new handle for bioconjugation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuyang Liu
- Research Unit of Peptide Science (2019RU066), Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College Beijing 100050 China
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University Lanzhou 730000 China
- School of Pharmacy, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University Shenzhen 518055 China
| | - Guofeng Li
- School of Pharmacy, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University Shenzhen 518055 China
| | - Wen Ma
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University Lanzhou 730000 China
| | - Guangjun Bao
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University Lanzhou 730000 China
| | - Yiping Li
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University Lanzhou 730000 China
| | - Zeyuan He
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University Lanzhou 730000 China
| | - Zhaoqing Xu
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University Lanzhou 730000 China
| | - Rui Wang
- Research Unit of Peptide Science (2019RU066), Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College Beijing 100050 China
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University Lanzhou 730000 China
- School of Pharmacy, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University Shenzhen 518055 China
| | - Wangsheng Sun
- Research Unit of Peptide Science (2019RU066), Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College Beijing 100050 China
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University Lanzhou 730000 China
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8
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Lou J, Zhou Q, Lyu X, Cen X, Liu C, Yan Z, Li Y, Tang H, Liu Q, Ding J, Lu Y, Huang H, Xie H, Zhao Y. Discovery of a Covalent Inhibitor That Overcame Resistance to Venetoclax in AML Cells Overexpressing BFL-1. J Med Chem 2024; 67:10795-10830. [PMID: 38913996 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Clinical and biological studies have shown that overexpression of BFL-1 is one contributing factor to venetoclax resistance. The resistance might be overcome by a potent BFL-1 inhibitor, but such an inhibitor is rare. In this study, we show that 56, featuring an acrylamide moiety, inhibited the BFL-1/BID interaction with a Ki value of 105 nM. More interestingly, 56 formed an irreversible conjugation adduct at the C55 residue of BFL-1. 56 was a selective BFL-1 inhibitor, and its MCL-1 binding affinity was 10-fold weaker, while it did not bind BCL-2 and BCL-xL. Mechanistic studies showed that 56 overcame venetoclax resistance in isogenic AML cell lines MOLM-13-OE and MV4-11-OE, which both overexpressed BFL-1. More importantly, 56 and venetoclax combination promoted stronger apoptosis induction than either single agent. Collectively, our data show that 56 overcame resistance to venetoclax in AML cells overexpressing BFL-1. These attributes make 56 a promising candidate for future optimization.
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MESH Headings
- Humans
- Sulfonamides/pharmacology
- Sulfonamides/chemistry
- Sulfonamides/chemical synthesis
- Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic/pharmacology
- Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic/chemistry
- Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/drug effects
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/drug therapy
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/metabolism
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/pathology
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2/antagonists & inhibitors
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2/metabolism
- Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology
- Antineoplastic Agents/chemistry
- Antineoplastic Agents/chemical synthesis
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Minor Histocompatibility Antigens/metabolism
- Apoptosis/drug effects
- Drug Discovery
- Structure-Activity Relationship
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianfeng Lou
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Rd. Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Qianqian Zhou
- Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, PR China
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Rd. Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xilin Lyu
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Rd. Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xinyi Cen
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Chen Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Rd. Shanghai 201203, China
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Ziqin Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Rd. Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Rd. Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Haotian Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Rd. Shanghai 201203, China
- Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongshan 528400, China
| | - Qiupei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Rd. Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jian Ding
- Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, PR China
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Rd. Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ye Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Rd. Shanghai 201203, China
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - He Huang
- Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, PR China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Hua Xie
- Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, PR China
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Rd. Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
- Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongshan 528400, China
| | - Yujun Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Rd. Shanghai 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biopharmaceuticals, Shandong Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jinan 250101, China
- Key Laboratory of Protection, Development and Utilization of Medicinal Resources in Liupanshan Area, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
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9
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Raouf YS. Covalent Inhibitors: To Infinity and Beyond. J Med Chem 2024; 67:10513-10516. [PMID: 38913822 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c01308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Yasir S Raouf
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain 15551, UAE
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10
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Lucas SCC, Milbradt AG, Blackwell JH, Bonomo S, Brierley A, Cassar DJ, Freeman J, Hadfield TE, Morrill LA, Riemens R, Sarda S, Schiesser S, Wiktelius D, Ahmed S, Bostock MJ, Börjesson U, De Fusco C, Guerot C, Hargreaves D, Hewitt S, Lamb ML, Su N, Whatling R, Wheeler M, Kettle JG. Design of a Lead-Like Cysteine-Targeting Covalent Library and the Identification of Hits to Cys55 of Bfl-1. J Med Chem 2024; 67:11209-11225. [PMID: 38916990 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Covalent hit identification is a viable approach to identify chemical starting points against difficult-to-drug targets. While most researchers screen libraries of <2k electrophilic fragments, focusing on lead-like compounds can be advantageous in terms of finding hits with improved affinity and with a better chance of identifying cryptic pockets. However, due to the increased molecular complexity, larger numbers of compounds (>10k) are desirable to ensure adequate coverage of chemical space. Herein, the approach taken to build a library of 12k covalent lead-like compounds is reported, utilizing legacy compounds, robust library chemistry, and acquisitions. The lead-like covalent library was screened against the antiapoptotic protein Bfl-1, and six promising hits that displaced the BIM peptide from the PPI interface were identified. Intriguingly, X-ray crystallography of lead-like compound 8 showed that it binds to a previously unobserved conformation of the Bfl-1 protein and is an ideal starting point for the optimization of Bfl-1 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon C C Lucas
- Hit Discovery, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 0AA, U.K
| | - Alexander G Milbradt
- Mechanistic and Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 0AA, U.K
| | - J Henry Blackwell
- Hit Discovery, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 0AA, U.K
| | - Silvia Bonomo
- Hit Discovery, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 0AA, U.K
| | - Andrew Brierley
- Compound Synthesis and Management, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 0AA, U.K
| | - Doyle J Cassar
- Medicinal Chemistry, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 0AA, U.K
| | - Jared Freeman
- Medicinal Chemistry, Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolic Disorders (CVRM), Biopharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, SE-43183, Sweden
| | - Thomas E Hadfield
- Hit Discovery, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 0AA, U.K
| | - Lucas A Morrill
- Medicinal Chemistry, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, United States
| | - Rick Riemens
- Medicinal Chemistry, Oncology R&D, Acerta B. V., a Part of the AstraZeneca Group, Oss 5349, The Netherlands
| | - Sunil Sarda
- Compound Synthesis and Management, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 0AA, U.K
| | - Stefan Schiesser
- Medicinal Chemistry, Research and Early Development, Respiratory and Immunology (R&I), Biopharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, SE-43183, Sweden
| | - Daniel Wiktelius
- Compound Synthesis and Management, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, SE-43183, Sweden
| | - Samiyah Ahmed
- Discovery Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 0AA, U.K
| | - Mark J Bostock
- Mechanistic and Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 0AA, U.K
| | - Ulf Börjesson
- Hit Discovery, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, SE-43183, Sweden
| | - Claudia De Fusco
- Hit Discovery, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 0AA, U.K
| | - Carine Guerot
- Medicinal Chemistry, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 0AA, U.K
| | - David Hargreaves
- Mechanistic and Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 0AA, U.K
| | - Sarah Hewitt
- Mechanistic and Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 0AA, U.K
| | - Michelle L Lamb
- Medicinal Chemistry, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, United States
| | - Nancy Su
- Mechanistic and Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, United States
| | - Ryan Whatling
- Mechanistic and Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 0AA, U.K
| | - Matthew Wheeler
- Mechanistic and Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 0AA, U.K
| | - Jason G Kettle
- Medicinal Chemistry, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 0AA, U.K
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11
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Cao L, Wang L. Biospecific Chemistry for Covalent Linking of Biomacromolecules. Chem Rev 2024; 124:8516-8549. [PMID: 38913432 PMCID: PMC11240265 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.4c00066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Interactions among biomacromolecules, predominantly noncovalent, underpin biological processes. However, recent advancements in biospecific chemistry have enabled the creation of specific covalent bonds between biomolecules, both in vitro and in vivo. This Review traces the evolution of biospecific chemistry in proteins, emphasizing the role of genetically encoded latent bioreactive amino acids. These amino acids react selectively with adjacent natural groups through proximity-enabled bioreactivity, enabling targeted covalent linkages. We explore various latent bioreactive amino acids designed to target different protein residues, ribonucleic acids, and carbohydrates. We then discuss how these novel covalent linkages can drive challenging protein properties and capture transient protein-protein and protein-RNA interactions in vivo. Additionally, we examine the application of covalent peptides as potential therapeutic agents and site-specific conjugates for native antibodies, highlighting their capacity to form stable linkages with target molecules. A significant focus is placed on proximity-enabled reactive therapeutics (PERx), a pioneering technology in covalent protein therapeutics. We detail its wide-ranging applications in immunotherapy, viral neutralization, and targeted radionuclide therapy. Finally, we present a perspective on the existing challenges within biospecific chemistry and discuss the potential avenues for future exploration and advancement in this rapidly evolving field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Cao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, The Cardiovascular Research Institute, and Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, The Cardiovascular Research Institute, and Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, United States
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12
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Xu G, Torri D, Cuesta-Hoyos S, Panda D, Yates LRL, Zallot R, Bian K, Jia D, Iorgu AI, Levy C, Shepherd SA, Micklefield J. Cryptic enzymatic assembly of peptides armed with β-lactone warheads. Nat Chem Biol 2024:10.1038/s41589-024-01657-7. [PMID: 38951647 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-024-01657-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
Nature has evolved biosynthetic pathways to molecules possessing reactive warheads that inspired the development of many therapeutic agents, including penicillin antibiotics. Peptides armed with electrophilic warheads have proven to be particularly effective covalent inhibitors, providing essential antimicrobial, antiviral and anticancer agents. Here we provide a full characterization of the pathways that nature deploys to assemble peptides with β-lactone warheads, which are potent proteasome inhibitors with promising anticancer activity. Warhead assembly involves a three-step cryptic methylation sequence, which is likely required to reduce unfavorable electrostatic interactions during the sterically demanding β-lactonization. Amide-bond synthetase and adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-grasp enzymes couple amino acids to the β-lactone warhead, generating the bioactive peptide products. After reconstituting the entire pathway to β-lactone peptides in vitro, we go on to deliver a diverse range of analogs through enzymatic cascade reactions. Our approach is more efficient and cleaner than the synthetic methods currently used to produce clinically important warhead-containing peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangcai Xu
- Department of Chemistry and Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Daniele Torri
- Department of Chemistry and Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Sebastian Cuesta-Hoyos
- Department of Chemistry and Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Deepanjan Panda
- Department of Chemistry and Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Luke R L Yates
- Department of Chemistry and Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Rémi Zallot
- Department of Chemistry and Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Kehan Bian
- Department of Chemistry and Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Dongxu Jia
- Department of Chemistry and Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Andreea I Iorgu
- Department of Chemistry and Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Colin Levy
- Department of Chemistry and Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Sarah A Shepherd
- Department of Chemistry and Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Jason Micklefield
- Department of Chemistry and Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
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13
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Klett T, Schwer M, Ernst LN, Engelhardt MU, Jaag SJ, Masberg B, Knappe C, Lämmerhofer M, Gehringer M, Boeckler FM. Evaluation of a Covalent Library of Diverse Warheads (CovLib) Binding to JNK3, USP7, or p53. Drug Des Devel Ther 2024; 18:2653-2679. [PMID: 38974119 PMCID: PMC11226190 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s466829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Over the last few years, covalent fragment-based drug discovery has gained significant importance. Thus, striving for more warhead diversity, we conceived a library consisting of 20 covalently reacting compounds. Our covalent fragment library (CovLib) contains four different warhead classes, including five α-cyanoacacrylamides/acrylates (CA), three epoxides (EO), four vinyl sulfones (VS), and eight electron-deficient heteroarenes with a leaving group (SNAr/SN). Methods After predicting the theoretical solubility of the fragments by LogP and LogS during the selection process, we determined their experimental solubility using a turbidimetric solubility assay. The reactivities of the different compounds were measured in a high-throughput 5,5'-dithiobis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid) DTNB assay, followed by a (glutathione) GSH stability assay. We employed the CovLib in a (differential scanning fluorimetry) DSF-based screening against different targets: c-Jun N-terminal kinase 3 (JNK3), ubiquitin-specific protease 7 (USP7), and the tumor suppressor p53. Finally, the covalent binding was confirmed by intact protein mass spectrometry (MS). Results In general, the purchased fragments turned out to be sufficiently soluble. Additionally, they covered a broad spectrum of reactivity. All investigated α-cyanoacrylamides/acrylates and all structurally confirmed epoxides turned out to be less reactive compounds, possibly due to steric hindrance and reversibility (for α-cyanoacrylamides/acrylates). The SNAr and vinyl sulfone fragments are either highly reactive or stable. DSF measurements with the different targets JNK3, USP7, and p53 identified reactive fragment hits causing a shift in the melting temperatures of the proteins. MS confirmed the covalent binding mode of all these fragments to USP7 and p53, while additionally identifying the SNAr-type electrophile SN002 as a mildly reactive covalent hit for p53. Conclusion The screening and target evaluation of the CovLib revealed first interesting hits. The highly cysteine-reactive fragments VS004, SN001, SN006, and SN007 covalently modify several target proteins and showed distinct shifts in the melting temperatures up to +5.1 °C and -9.1 °C.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Klett
- Laboratory for Molecular Design & Pharmaceutical Biophysics, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, 72076, Germany
| | - Martin Schwer
- Laboratory for Molecular Design & Pharmaceutical Biophysics, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, 72076, Germany
| | - Larissa N Ernst
- Laboratory for Molecular Design & Pharmaceutical Biophysics, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, 72076, Germany
| | - Marc U Engelhardt
- Laboratory for Molecular Design & Pharmaceutical Biophysics, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, 72076, Germany
| | - Simon J Jaag
- Pharmaceutical (Bio-) Analysis, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, 72076, Germany
| | - Benedikt Masberg
- Pharmaceutical (Bio-) Analysis, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, 72076, Germany
| | - Cornelius Knappe
- Pharmaceutical (Bio-) Analysis, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, 72076, Germany
| | - Michael Lämmerhofer
- Pharmaceutical (Bio-) Analysis, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, 72076, Germany
| | - Matthias Gehringer
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, 72076, Germany
- Medicinal Chemistry, Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, 72076, Germany
| | - Frank M Boeckler
- Laboratory for Molecular Design & Pharmaceutical Biophysics, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, 72076, Germany
- Interfaculty Institute for Biomedical Informatics (IBMI), Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, 72076, Germany
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14
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Zhang J, Wang X, Huang Q, Ye J, Wang J. Genetically Encoded Epoxide Warhead for Precise and Versatile Covalent Targeting of Proteins. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:16173-16183. [PMID: 38819260 PMCID: PMC11177858 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c03974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Genetically encoding a proximal reactive warhead into the protein binder/drug has emerged as an efficient strategy for covalently binding to protein targets, enabling broad applications. To expand the reactivity scope for targeting the diverse natural residues under physiological conditions, the development of a genetically encoded reactive warhead with excellent stability and broad reactivity is highly desired. Herein, we reported the genetic encoding of epoxide-containing tyrosine (EPOY) for developing covalent protein drugs. Our study demonstrates that EPOY, when incorporated into a nanobody (KN035), can cross-link with different side chains (mutations) at the same position of PD-L1 protein. Significantly, a single genetically encoded reactive warhead that is capable of covalent and site-specific targeting to 10 different nucleophilic residues was achieved for the first time. This would largely expand the scope of covalent warhead and inspire the development of covalent warheads for both small-molecule drugs and protein drugs. Furthermore, we incorporate the EPOY into a designed ankyrin repeat protein (DarpinK13) to create the covalent binders of KRAS. This covalent KRAS binder holds the potential to achieve pan-covalent targeting of KRAS based on the structural similarity among all oncogenic KRAS mutants while avoiding off-target binding to NRAS/HRAS through a covalent interaction with KRAS-specific residues (H95 and E107). We envision that covalently targeting to H95 will be a promising strategy for the development of covalent pan-KRAS inhibitors in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jinsong Ye
- Department of Chemistry,
Research Center for Chemical Biology and Omics Analysis, College of
Science, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Catalysis, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Department of Chemistry,
Research Center for Chemical Biology and Omics Analysis, College of
Science, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Catalysis, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
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15
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Hillebrand L, Liang XJ, Serafim RAM, Gehringer M. Emerging and Re-emerging Warheads for Targeted Covalent Inhibitors: An Update. J Med Chem 2024; 67:7668-7758. [PMID: 38711345 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01825] [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] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Covalent inhibitors and other types of covalent modalities have seen a revival in the past two decades, with a variety of new targeted covalent drugs having been approved in recent years. A key feature of such molecules is an intrinsically reactive group, typically a weak electrophile, which enables the irreversible or reversible formation of a covalent bond with a specific amino acid of the target protein. This reactive group, often called the "warhead", is a critical determinant of the ligand's activity, selectivity, and general biological properties. In 2019, we summarized emerging and re-emerging warhead chemistries to target cysteine and other amino acids (Gehringer, M.; Laufer, S. A. J. Med. Chem. 2019, 62, 5673-5724; DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b01153). Since then, the field has rapidly evolved. Here we discuss the progress on covalent warheads made since our last Perspective and their application in medicinal chemistry and chemical biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Hillebrand
- Department of Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Xiaojun Julia Liang
- Department of Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image-Guided & Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies", University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ricardo A M Serafim
- Department of Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Matthias Gehringer
- Department of Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image-Guided & Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies", University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
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16
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Merten EM, Sears JD, Leisner TM, Hardy PB, Ghoshal A, Hossain MA, Asressu KH, Brown PJ, Stashko MA, Herring L, Mordant AL, Webb TS, Mills CA, Barker NK, Streblow ZJ, Perveen S, Arrowsmith C, Arnold JJ, Cameron CE, Streblow DN, Moorman NJ, Heise M, Willson TM, Popov K, Pearce KH. Discovery of a cell-active chikungunya virus nsP2 protease inhibitor using a covalent fragment-based screening approach. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.22.586341. [PMID: 38562906 PMCID: PMC10983941 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.22.586341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a mosquito-borne alphavirus that has been responsible for numerous large-scale outbreaks in the last twenty years. Currently, there are no FDA-approved therapeutics for any alphavirus infection. CHIKV non-structural protein 2 (nsP2), which contains a cysteine protease domain, is essential for viral replication, making it an attractive target for a drug discovery campaign. Here, we optimized a CHIKV nsP2 protease (nsP2pro) biochemical assay for the screening of a 6,120-compound cysteine-directed covalent fragment library. Using a 50% inhibition threshold, we identified 153 hits (2.5% hit rate). In dose-response follow up, RA-0002034, a covalent fragment that contains a vinyl sulfone warhead, inhibited CHIKV nsP2pro with an IC 50 of 58 ± 17 nM, and further analysis with time-dependent inhibition studies yielded a k inact /K I of 6.4 x 10 3 M -1 s -1 . LC-MS/MS analysis determined that RA-0002034 covalently modified the catalytic cysteine in a site-specific manner. Additionally, RA-0002034 showed no significant off-target reactivity against a panel of cysteine proteases. In addition to the potent biochemical inhibition of CHIKV nsP2pro activity and exceptional selectivity, RA-0002034 was tested in cellular models of alphavirus infection and effectively inhibited viral replication of both CHIKV and related alphaviruses. This study highlights the discovery and characterization of the chemical probe RA-0002034 as a promising hit compound from covalent fragment-based screening for development toward a CHIKV or pan-alphavirus therapeutic. Significance Statement Chikungunya virus is one of the most prominent and widespread alphaviruses and has caused explosive outbreaks of arthritic disease. Currently, there are no FDA-approved drugs to treat disease caused by chikungunya virus or any other alphavirus-caused infection. Here, we report the discovery of a covalent small molecule inhibitor of chikungunya virus nsP2 protease activity and viral replication of four diverse alphaviruses. This finding highlights the utility of covalent fragment screening for inhibitor discovery and represents a starting point towards the development of alphavirus therapeutics targeting nsP2 protease.
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17
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Gayatri, Brewitz L, Ibbotson L, Salah E, Basak S, Choudhry H, Schofield CJ. Thiophene-fused γ-lactams inhibit the SARS-CoV-2 main protease via reversible covalent acylation. Chem Sci 2024; 15:7667-7678. [PMID: 38784729 PMCID: PMC11110133 DOI: 10.1039/d4sc01027b] [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: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Enzyme inhibitors working by O-acylation of nucleophilic serine residues are of immense medicinal importance, as exemplified by the β-lactam antibiotics. By contrast, inhibition of nucleophilic cysteine enzymes by S-acylation has not been widely exploited for medicinal applications. The SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) is a nucleophilic cysteine protease and a validated therapeutic target for COVID-19 treatment using small-molecule inhibitors. The clinically used Mpro inhibitors nirmatrelvir and simnotrelvir work via reversible covalent reaction of their electrophilic nitrile with the Mpro nucleophilic cysteine (Cys145). We report combined structure activity relationship and mass spectrometric studies revealing that appropriately functionalized γ-lactams can potently inhibit Mpro by reversible covalent reaction with Cys145 of Mpro. The results suggest that γ-lactams have potential as electrophilic warheads for development of covalently reacting small-molecule inhibitors of Mpro and, by implication, other nucleophilic cysteine enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gayatri
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry and the Ineos Oxford Institute for Antimicrobial Research, University of Oxford 12 Mansfield Road OX1 3TA Oxford UK
| | - Lennart Brewitz
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry and the Ineos Oxford Institute for Antimicrobial Research, University of Oxford 12 Mansfield Road OX1 3TA Oxford UK
| | - Lewis Ibbotson
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry and the Ineos Oxford Institute for Antimicrobial Research, University of Oxford 12 Mansfield Road OX1 3TA Oxford UK
| | - Eidarus Salah
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry and the Ineos Oxford Institute for Antimicrobial Research, University of Oxford 12 Mansfield Road OX1 3TA Oxford UK
| | - Shyam Basak
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry and the Ineos Oxford Institute for Antimicrobial Research, University of Oxford 12 Mansfield Road OX1 3TA Oxford UK
| | - Hani Choudhry
- Department of Biochemistry, Center for Artificial Intelligence in Precision Medicines, King Abdulaziz University Jeddah Saudi Arabia
| | - Christopher J Schofield
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry and the Ineos Oxford Institute for Antimicrobial Research, University of Oxford 12 Mansfield Road OX1 3TA Oxford UK
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18
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Fuchs N, Zimmermann RA, Schwickert M, Gunkel A, Zimmer C, Meta M, Schwickert K, Keiser J, Haeberli C, Kiefer W, Schirmeister T. Dual Strategy to Design New Agents Targeting Schistosoma mansoni: Advancing Phenotypic and SmCB1 Inhibitors for Improved Efficacy. ACS Infect Dis 2024; 10:1664-1678. [PMID: 38686397 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.4c00020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
In this study, we have identified and optimized two lead structures from an in-house screening, with promising results against the parasitic flatworm Schistosoma mansoni and its target protease S. mansoni cathepsin B1 (SmCB1). Our correlation analysis highlighted the significance of physicochemical properties for the compounds' in vitro activities, resulting in a dual approach to optimize the lead structures, regarding both phenotypic effects in S. mansoni newly transformed schistosomula (NTS), adult worms, and SmCB1 inhibition. The optimized compounds from both approaches ("phenotypic" vs "SmCB1" approach) demonstrated improved efficacy against S. mansoni NTS and adult worms, with 2h from the "SmCB1" approach emerging as the most potent compound. 2h displayed nanomolar inhibition of SmCB1 (Ki = 0.050 μM) while maintaining selectivity toward human off-target cathepsins. Additionally, the greatly improved efficacy of compound 2h toward S. mansoni adults (86% dead worms at 10 μM, 68% at 1 μM, 35% at 0.1 μM) demonstrates its potential as a new therapeutic agent for schistosomiasis, underlined by its improved permeability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Fuchs
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Staudingerweg 5, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Robert A Zimmermann
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Staudingerweg 5, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Marvin Schwickert
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Staudingerweg 5, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Annika Gunkel
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Staudingerweg 5, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Collin Zimmer
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Staudingerweg 5, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Mergim Meta
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Staudingerweg 5, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Kevin Schwickert
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Staudingerweg 5, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Jennifer Keiser
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, 4123 Allschwil, Switzerland
| | - Cécile Haeberli
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, 4123 Allschwil, Switzerland
| | - Werner Kiefer
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Staudingerweg 5, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Tanja Schirmeister
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Staudingerweg 5, 55128 Mainz, Germany
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19
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Balıkçı E, Marques ASMC, Bauer LG, Seupel R, Bennett J, Raux B, Buchan K, Simelis K, Singh U, Rogers C, Ward J, Cheng C, Szommer T, Schützenhofer K, Elkins JM, Sloman DL, Ahel I, Fedorov O, Brennan PE, Huber KVM. Unexpected Noncovalent Off-Target Activity of Clinical BTK Inhibitors Leads to Discovery of a Dual NUDT5/14 Antagonist. J Med Chem 2024; 67:7245-7259. [PMID: 38635563 PMCID: PMC11089510 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Cofactor mimicry represents an attractive strategy for the development of enzyme inhibitors but can lead to off-target effects due to the evolutionary conservation of binding sites across the proteome. Here, we uncover the ADP-ribose (ADPr) hydrolase NUDT5 as an unexpected, noncovalent, off-target of clinical BTK inhibitors. Using a combination of biochemical, biophysical, and intact cell NanoBRET assays as well as X-ray crystallography, we confirm catalytic inhibition and cellular target engagement of NUDT5 and reveal an unusual binding mode that is independent of the reactive acrylamide warhead. Further investigation of the prototypical BTK inhibitor ibrutinib also revealed potent inhibition of the largely unstudied NUDIX hydrolase family member NUDT14. By exploring structure-activity relationships (SARs) around the core scaffold, we identify a potent, noncovalent, and cell-active dual NUDT5/14 inhibitor. Cocrystallization experiments yielded new insights into the NUDT14 hydrolase active site architecture and inhibitor binding, thus providing a basis for future chemical probe design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esra Balıkçı
- Centre
for Medicines Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7FZ, U.K.
- Target
Discovery Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7FZ, U.K.
| | - Anne-Sophie M. C. Marques
- Centre
for Medicines Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7FZ, U.K.
- Target
Discovery Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7FZ, U.K.
| | - Ludwig G. Bauer
- Centre
for Medicines Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7FZ, U.K.
- Target
Discovery Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7FZ, U.K.
| | - Raina Seupel
- Centre
for Medicines Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7FZ, U.K.
- Target
Discovery Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7FZ, U.K.
| | - James Bennett
- Centre
for Medicines Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7FZ, U.K.
- Target
Discovery Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7FZ, U.K.
| | - Brigitt Raux
- Centre
for Medicines Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7FZ, U.K.
- Target
Discovery Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7FZ, U.K.
| | - Karly Buchan
- Centre
for Medicines Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7FZ, U.K.
- Target
Discovery Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7FZ, U.K.
| | - Klemensas Simelis
- Centre
for Medicines Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7FZ, U.K.
- Target
Discovery Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7FZ, U.K.
| | - Usha Singh
- Centre
for Medicines Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7FZ, U.K.
- Target
Discovery Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7FZ, U.K.
| | - Catherine Rogers
- Centre
for Medicines Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7FZ, U.K.
- Target
Discovery Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7FZ, U.K.
| | - Jennifer Ward
- Centre
for Medicines Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7FZ, U.K.
- Target
Discovery Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7FZ, U.K.
| | - Carol Cheng
- Centre
for Medicines Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7FZ, U.K.
- Target
Discovery Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7FZ, U.K.
| | - Tamas Szommer
- Centre
for Medicines Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7FZ, U.K.
- Target
Discovery Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7FZ, U.K.
| | - Kira Schützenhofer
- Sir
William Dunn School of Pathology, University
of Oxford, South Parks
Road, Oxford OX1 3RE, U.K.
| | - Jonathan M. Elkins
- Centre
for Medicines Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7FZ, U.K.
- Target
Discovery Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7FZ, U.K.
| | - David L. Sloman
- Departments
of Discovery Chemistry, Merck & Co.
Inc., 33 Avenue Louis
Pasteur, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Ivan Ahel
- Sir
William Dunn School of Pathology, University
of Oxford, South Parks
Road, Oxford OX1 3RE, U.K.
| | - Oleg Fedorov
- Centre
for Medicines Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7FZ, U.K.
- Target
Discovery Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7FZ, U.K.
| | - Paul E. Brennan
- Centre
for Medicines Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7FZ, U.K.
- Target
Discovery Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7FZ, U.K.
- Alzheimer’s
Research UK Oxford Drug Discovery Institute, Nuffield Department of
Medicine, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7FZ, U.K.
| | - Kilian V. M. Huber
- Centre
for Medicines Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7FZ, U.K.
- Target
Discovery Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7FZ, U.K.
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20
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Guo QR, Cao YJ. Applications of genetic code expansion technology in eukaryotes. Protein Cell 2024; 15:331-363. [PMID: 37847216 PMCID: PMC11074999 DOI: 10.1093/procel/pwad051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Unnatural amino acids (UAAs) have gained significant attention in protein engineering and drug development owing to their ability to introduce new chemical functionalities to proteins. In eukaryotes, genetic code expansion (GCE) enables the incorporation of UAAs and facilitates posttranscriptional modification (PTM), which is not feasible in prokaryotic systems. GCE is also a powerful tool for cell or animal imaging, the monitoring of protein interactions in target cells, drug development, and switch regulation. Therefore, there is keen interest in utilizing GCE in eukaryotic systems. This review provides an overview of the application of GCE in eukaryotic systems and discusses current challenges that need to be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiao-ru Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomic, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yu J Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomic, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Institute of Chemical Biology, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518132, China
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21
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Xerxa E, Bajorath J. Data-oriented protein kinase drug discovery. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 271:116413. [PMID: 38636127 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
The continued growth of data from biological screening and medicinal chemistry provides opportunities for data-driven experimental design and decision making in early-phase drug discovery. Approaches adopted from data science help to integrate internal and public domain data and extract knowledge from historical in-house data. Protein kinase (PK) drug discovery is an exemplary area where large amounts of data are accumulating, providing a valuable knowledge base for discovery projects. Herein, the evolution of PK drug discovery and development of small molecular PK inhibitors (PKIs) is reviewed, highlighting milestone developments in the field and discussing exemplary studies providing a basis for increasing data orientation of PK discovery efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Xerxa
- Department of Life Science Informatics and Data Science, B-IT, LIMES Program Unit Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Lamarr Institute for Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität, Friedrich-Hirzebruch-Allee 5/6, D-53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jürgen Bajorath
- Department of Life Science Informatics and Data Science, B-IT, LIMES Program Unit Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Lamarr Institute for Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität, Friedrich-Hirzebruch-Allee 5/6, D-53115, Bonn, Germany.
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22
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Danilack AD, Dickson CJ, Soylu C, Fortunato M, Rodde S, Munkler H, Hornak V, Duca JS. Reactivities of acrylamide warheads toward cysteine targets: a QM/ML approach to covalent inhibitor design. J Comput Aided Mol Des 2024; 38:21. [PMID: 38693331 DOI: 10.1007/s10822-024-00560-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Covalent inhibition offers many advantages over non-covalent inhibition, but covalent warhead reactivity must be carefully balanced to maintain potency while avoiding unwanted side effects. While warhead reactivities are commonly measured with assays, a computational model to predict warhead reactivities could be useful for several aspects of the covalent inhibitor design process. Studies have shown correlations between covalent warhead reactivities and quantum mechanic (QM) properties that describe important aspects of the covalent reaction mechanism. However, the models from these studies are often linear regression equations and can have limitations associated with their usage. Applications of machine learning (ML) models to predict covalent warhead reactivities with QM descriptors are not extensively seen in the literature. This study uses QM descriptors, calculated at different levels of theory, to train ML models to predict reactivities of covalent acrylamide warheads. The QM/ML models are compared with linear regression models built upon the same QM descriptors and with ML models trained on structure-based features like Morgan fingerprints and RDKit descriptors. Experiments show that the QM/ML models outperform the linear regression models and the structure-based ML models, and literature test sets demonstrate the power of the QM/ML models to predict reactivities of unseen acrylamide warhead scaffolds. Ultimately, these QM/ML models are effective, computationally feasible tools that can expedite the design of new covalent inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron D Danilack
- Biomedical Research, Novartis, 181 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA.
| | - Callum J Dickson
- Biomedical Research, Novartis, 181 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Cihan Soylu
- Biomedical Research, Novartis, 181 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Mike Fortunato
- Biomedical Research, Novartis, 181 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Stephane Rodde
- Biomedical Research, Novartis, Novartis Campus, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Hagen Munkler
- Technical Research & Development, Novartis Pharma AG, Novartis Campus, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Viktor Hornak
- Merck Research Laboratories, 33 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Jose S Duca
- Biomedical Research, Novartis, 181 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
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23
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Liang W, Krabill AD, Gallagher KS, Muli C, Qu Z, Trader D, Zhang ZY, Dai M. Natural Product-Inspired Molecules for Covalent Inhibition of SHP2 Tyrosine Phosphatase. Tetrahedron 2024; 156:133918. [PMID: 38618612 PMCID: PMC11008911 DOI: 10.1016/j.tet.2024.133918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Natural products have been playing indispensable roles in the development of lifesaving drug molecules. They are also valuable sources for covalent protein modifiers. However, they often are scarce in nature and have complex chemical structures, which are limiting their further biomedical development. Thus, natural product-inspired small molecules which still contain the essence of the parent natural products but are readily available and amenable for structural modification, are important and desirable in searching for lead compounds for various disease treatment. Inspired by the complex and diverse ent-kaurene diterpenoids with significant biological activities, we have created a synthetically accessible and focused covalent library by incorporating the bicyclo[3.2.1]octane α-methylene ketone, which is considered as the pharmacophore of ent-kaurene diterpenoids, as half of the structure, and replacing the other half with much less complex but more druglike scaffolds. From this library, we have identified and characterized selective covalent inhibitors of protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP2, an important anti-cancer therapeutic target. The success of this study demonstrated the importance of creating and evaluating natural product-inspired library as well as their application in targeting challenging disease targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weida Liang
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, United States
| | - Aaron D Krabill
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, United States
| | - Katelyn S Gallagher
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, United States
| | - Christine Muli
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, United States
| | - Zihan Qu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, United States
| | - Darci Trader
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, United States
- Institute for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, United States
- Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, United States
| | - Zhong-Yin Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, United States
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, United States
- Institute for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, United States
- Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, United States
| | - Mingji Dai
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, United States
- Institute for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, United States
- Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, United States
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States
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24
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Schwarz M, Kurkunov M, Wittlinger F, Rudalska R, Wang G, Schwalm MP, Rasch A, Wagner B, Laufer SA, Knapp S, Dauch D, Gehringer M. Development of Highly Potent and Selective Covalent FGFR4 Inhibitors Based on S NAr Electrophiles. J Med Chem 2024; 67:6549-6569. [PMID: 38604131 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c02483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 (FGFR4) is thought to be a driver in several cancer types, most notably in hepatocellular carcinoma. One way to achieve high potency and isoform selectivity for FGFR4 is covalently targeting a rare cysteine (C552) in the hinge region of its kinase domain that is not present in other FGFR family members (FGFR1-3). Typically, this cysteine is addressed via classical acrylamide electrophiles. We demonstrate that noncanonical covalent "warheads" based on nucleophilic aromatic substitution (SNAr) chemistry can be employed in a rational manner to generate highly potent and (isoform-)selective FGFR4 inhibitors with a low intrinsic reactivity. Key compounds showed low to subnanomolar potency, efficient covalent inactivation kinetics, and excellent selectivity against the other FGFRs, the kinases with an equivalent cysteine, and a representative subset of the kinome. Moreover, these compounds achieved nanomolar potencies in cellular assays and demonstrated good microsomal stability, highlighting the potential of SNAr-based approaches in covalent inhibitor design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moritz Schwarz
- Department of Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Maksym Kurkunov
- Department of Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies", University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Florian Wittlinger
- Department of Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ramona Rudalska
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies", University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Medical Oncology and Pneumology, University Hospital Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Guiqun Wang
- German Cancer Research Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Structural Genomics Consortium (SGC), Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Max-von Laue Str. 15, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Max-von Laue Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Martin Peter Schwalm
- German Cancer Research Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Structural Genomics Consortium (SGC), Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Max-von Laue Str. 15, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Max-von Laue Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Alexander Rasch
- Department of Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Benedikt Wagner
- Department of Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies", University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Stefan A Laufer
- Department of Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies", University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Tübingen Center for Academic Drug Discovery & Development (TüCAD2), 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Stefan Knapp
- German Cancer Research Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Structural Genomics Consortium (SGC), Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Max-von Laue Str. 15, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Max-von Laue Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Daniel Dauch
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies", University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Medical Oncology and Pneumology, University Hospital Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Tübingen Center for Academic Drug Discovery & Development (TüCAD2), 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Matthias Gehringer
- Department of Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies", University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
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25
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Liu R, Clayton J, Shen M, Bhatnagar S, Shen J. Machine Learning Models to Interrogate Proteome-Wide Covalent Ligandabilities Directed at Cysteines. JACS AU 2024; 4:1374-1384. [PMID: 38665640 PMCID: PMC11040703 DOI: 10.1021/jacsau.3c00749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Machine learning (ML) identification of covalently ligandable sites may accelerate targeted covalent inhibitor design and help expand the druggable proteome space. Here, we report the rigorous development and validation of the tree-based models and convolutional neural networks (CNNs) trained on a newly curated database (LigCys3D) of over 1000 liganded cysteines in nearly 800 proteins represented by over 10,000 three-dimensional structures in the protein data bank. The unseen tests yielded 94 and 93% area under the receiver operating characteristic curves for the tree models and CNNs, respectively. Based on the AlphaFold2 predicted structures, the ML models recapitulated the newly liganded cysteines in the PDB with over 90% recall values. To assist the community of covalent drug discoveries, we report the predicted ligandable cysteines in 392 human kinases and their locations in the sequence-aligned kinase structure, including the PH and SH2 domains. Furthermore, we disseminate a searchable online database LigCys3D (https://ligcys.computchem.org/) and a web prediction server DeepCys (https://deepcys.computchem.org/), both of which will be continuously updated and improved by including newly published experimental data. The present work represents an important step toward the ML-led integration of big genome data and structure models to annotate the human proteome space for the next-generation covalent drug discoveries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruibin Liu
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of
Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, United States
| | - Joseph Clayton
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of
Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, United States
- Division
of Applied Regulatory Science, Office of Clinical Pharmacology, Center
for Drug Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food
and Drug Administration, Silver
Spring, Maryland 20993, United States
| | - Mingzhe Shen
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of
Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, United States
| | - Shubham Bhatnagar
- Department
of Computer Science, University of Maryland
at College Park, College
Park, Maryland 20742, United States
| | - Jana Shen
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of
Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, United States
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26
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Dickson P. DNA-Encoded Library Technology─A Catalyst for Covalent Ligand Discovery. ACS Chem Biol 2024; 19:802-808. [PMID: 38527941 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.3c00803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
The identification of novel covalent ligands for therapeutic purposes has long depended on serendipity, with dedicated hit finding techniques emerging only in the early 2000s. Advances in chemoproteomics have enabled robust characterization of putative drugs to derisk the unique liabilities associated with covalent hit molecules, leading to a renewed interest in this targeting modality. DNA-encoded library (DEL) technology has similarly emerged over the past two decades as a highly efficient method to identify new chemical equity toward protein targets of interest. A number of commercial and academic groups have reported methods in covalent DEL synthesis and hit identification; however, it is evident that there is still much to be done to fully realize the power of this technology for covalent ligand discovery. This perspective will explore the current approaches in covalent DEL technology and reflect on the next steps to advance this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paige Dickson
- X-Chem Inc., 100 Beaver Street, Waltham, Massachusetts 02453, United States
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27
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Puumala E, Sychantha D, Lach E, Reeves S, Nabeela S, Fogal M, Nigam A, Johnson JW, Aspuru-Guzik A, Shapiro RS, Uppuluri P, Kalyaanamoorthy S, Magolan J, Whitesell L, Robbins N, Wright GD, Cowen LE. Allosteric inhibition of tRNA synthetase Gln4 by N-pyrimidinyl-β-thiophenylacrylamides exerts highly selective antifungal activity. Cell Chem Biol 2024; 31:760-775.e17. [PMID: 38402621 PMCID: PMC11031294 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2024.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Candida species are among the most prevalent causes of systemic fungal infections, which account for ∼1.5 million annual fatalities. Here, we build on a compound screen that identified the molecule N-pyrimidinyl-β-thiophenylacrylamide (NP-BTA), which strongly inhibits Candida albicans growth. NP-BTA was hypothesized to target C. albicans glutaminyl-tRNA synthetase, Gln4. Here, we confirmed through in vitro amino-acylation assays NP-BTA is a potent inhibitor of Gln4, and we defined how NP-BTA arrests Gln4's transferase activity using co-crystallography. This analysis also uncovered Met496 as a critical residue for the compound's species-selective target engagement and potency. Structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies demonstrated the NP-BTA scaffold is subject to oxidative and non-oxidative metabolism, making it unsuitable for systemic administration. In a mouse dermatomycosis model, however, topical application of the compound provided significant therapeutic benefit. This work expands the repertoire of antifungal protein synthesis target mechanisms and provides a path to develop Gln4 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Puumala
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - David Sychantha
- M.G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, David Braley Centre for Antibiotic Discovery, Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Elizabeth Lach
- M.G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, David Braley Centre for Antibiotic Discovery, Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Shawn Reeves
- Department of Chemistry, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Sunna Nabeela
- Division of Infectious Diseases, The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-University of California Los Angeles Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
| | - Meea Fogal
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - AkshatKumar Nigam
- Department of Computer Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Jarrod W Johnson
- M.G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, David Braley Centre for Antibiotic Discovery, Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Alán Aspuru-Guzik
- Chemical Physics Theory Group, Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto Toronto, ON M5S 3H6, Canada; Department of Computer Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 2E4, Canada; Department of Chemical Engineering & Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3E5, Canada; Department of Materials Science & Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3E4, Canada; Vector Institute for Artificial Intelligence, Toronto, ON M5G 1M1, Canada; Lebovic Fellow, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR), Toronto, ON M5G 1M1, Canada; Acceleration Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3H6, Canada
| | - Rebecca S Shapiro
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Priya Uppuluri
- Division of Infectious Diseases, The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-University of California Los Angeles Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA; David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA
| | | | - Jakob Magolan
- M.G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, David Braley Centre for Antibiotic Discovery, Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Luke Whitesell
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Nicole Robbins
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Gerard D Wright
- M.G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, David Braley Centre for Antibiotic Discovery, Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Leah E Cowen
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada.
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28
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Panina SB, Schweer JV, Zhang Q, Raina G, Hardtke HA, Kim S, Yang W, Siegel D, Zhang YJ. Targeting of REST with rationally-designed small molecule compounds exhibits synergetic therapeutic potential in human glioblastoma cells. BMC Biol 2024; 22:83. [PMID: 38609948 PMCID: PMC11015551 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-024-01879-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive brain cancer associated with poor prognosis, intrinsic heterogeneity, plasticity, and therapy resistance. In some GBMs, cell proliferation is fueled by a transcriptional regulator, repressor element-1 silencing transcription factor (REST). RESULTS Using CRISPR/Cas9, we identified GBM cell lines dependent on REST activity. We developed new small molecule inhibitory compounds targeting small C-terminal domain phosphatase 1 (SCP1) to reduce REST protein level and transcriptional activity in glioblastoma cells. Top leads of the series like GR-28 exhibit potent cytotoxicity, reduce REST protein level, and suppress its transcriptional activity. Upon the loss of REST protein, GBM cells can potentially compensate by rewiring fatty acid metabolism, enabling continued proliferation. Combining REST inhibition with the blockade of this compensatory adaptation using long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase inhibitor Triacsin C demonstrated substantial synergetic potential without inducing hepatotoxicity. CONCLUSIONS Our results highlight the efficacy and selectivity of targeting REST alone or in combination as a therapeutic strategy to combat high-REST GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svetlana B Panina
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, 2500 Speedway, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Joshua V Schweer
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive 0741, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Qian Zhang
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, 2500 Speedway, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Gaurav Raina
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive 0741, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Haley A Hardtke
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, 2500 Speedway, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Seungjin Kim
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, 2500 Speedway, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Wanjie Yang
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, 2500 Speedway, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Dionicio Siegel
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive 0741, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Y Jessie Zhang
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, 2500 Speedway, Austin, TX, USA.
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29
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Allison M, Davie RL, Mogg AJ, Hampton SL, Emsley J, Stocks MJ. Discovery of α-Amidobenzylboronates as Highly Potent Covalent Inhibitors of Plasma Kallikrein. ACS Med Chem Lett 2024; 15:501-509. [PMID: 38628785 PMCID: PMC11017388 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.3c00572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Hereditary angioedema (HAE), a rare genetic disorder, is associated with uncontrolled plasma kallikrein (PKa) enzyme activity leading to the generation of bradykinin swelling in subcutaneous and submucosal membranes in various locations of the body. Herein, we describe a series of potent α-amidobenzylboronates as potential covalent inhibitors of PKa. These compounds exhibited time-dependent inhibition of PKa (compound 20 IC50 66 nM at 1 min, 70 pM at 24 h). Further compound dissociation studies demonstrated that 20 showed no apparent reversibility comparable to d-Phe-Pro-Arg-chloromethylketone (PPACK) (23), a known nonselective covalent PKa inhibitor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Allison
- Biodiscovery
Institute, School of Pharmacy, University
of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, United
Kingdom
| | - Rebecca L. Davie
- KalVista
Pharmaceuticals Limited, Salisbury, SP4 0BF, United
Kingdom
| | - Adrian J. Mogg
- KalVista
Pharmaceuticals Limited, Salisbury, SP4 0BF, United
Kingdom
| | - Sally L. Hampton
- KalVista
Pharmaceuticals Limited, Salisbury, SP4 0BF, United
Kingdom
| | - Jonas Emsley
- Biodiscovery
Institute, School of Pharmacy, University
of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, United
Kingdom
| | - Michael J. Stocks
- Biodiscovery
Institute, School of Pharmacy, University
of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, United
Kingdom
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30
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Ali MY, Bar-Peled L. Chemical proteomics to study metabolism, a reductionist approach applied at the systems level. Cell Chem Biol 2024; 31:446-451. [PMID: 38518745 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2024.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
Cellular metabolism encompasses a complex array of interconnected biochemical pathways that are required for cellular homeostasis. When dysregulated, metabolism underlies multiple human pathologies. At the heart of metabolic networks are enzymes that have been historically studied through a reductionist lens, and more recently, using high throughput approaches including genomics and proteomics. Merging these two divergent viewpoints are chemical proteomic technologies, including activity-based protein profiling, which combines chemical probes specific to distinct enzyme families or amino acid residues with proteomic analysis. This enables the study of metabolism at the network level with the precision of powerful biochemical approaches. Herein, we provide a primer on how chemical proteomic technologies custom-built for studying metabolism have unearthed fundamental principles in metabolic control. In parallel, these technologies have leap-frogged drug discovery through identification of novel targets and drug specificity. Collectively, chemical proteomics technologies appear to do the impossible: uniting systematic analysis with a reductionist approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Yousuf Ali
- Krantz Family Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Liron Bar-Peled
- Krantz Family Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
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31
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Schmidt M, Grethe C, Recknagel S, Kipka GM, Klink N, Gersch M. N-Cyanopiperazines as Specific Covalent Inhibitors of the Deubiquitinating Enzyme UCHL1. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202318849. [PMID: 38239128 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202318849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Cyanamides have emerged as privileged scaffolds in covalent inhibitors of deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs). However, many compounds with a cyanopyrrolidine warhead show cross-reactivity toward small subsets of DUBs or toward the protein deglycase PARK7/DJ-1, hampering their use for the selective perturbation of a single DUB in living cells. Here, we disclose N'-alkyl,N-cyanopiperazines as structures for covalent enzyme inhibition with exceptional specificity for the DUB UCHL1 among 55 human deubiquitinases and with effective target engagement in cells. Notably, transitioning from 5-membered pyrrolidines to 6-membered heterocycles eliminated PARK7 binding and introduced context-dependent reversibility of the isothiourea linkage to the catalytic cysteine of UCHL1. Compound potency and specificity were analysed by a range of biochemical assays and with a crystal structure of a cyanopiperazine in covalent complex with UCHL1. The structure revealed a compound-induced conformational restriction of the cross-over loop, which underlies the observed inhibitory potencies. Through the rationalization of specificities of different cyanamides, we introduce a framework for the investigation of protein reactivity of bioactive nitriles of this compound class. Our results represent an encouraging case study for the refining of electrophilic compounds into chemical probes, emphasizing the potential to engineer specificity through subtle chemical modifications around the warhead.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirko Schmidt
- Chemical Genomics Centre, Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Physiology, Otto-Hahn-Str. 15, D-44227, Dortmund, Germany
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund University, Otto-Hahn-Str. 15, D-44227, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Christian Grethe
- Chemical Genomics Centre, Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Physiology, Otto-Hahn-Str. 15, D-44227, Dortmund, Germany
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund University, Otto-Hahn-Str. 15, D-44227, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Sarah Recknagel
- Chemical Genomics Centre, Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Physiology, Otto-Hahn-Str. 15, D-44227, Dortmund, Germany
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund University, Otto-Hahn-Str. 15, D-44227, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Gian-Marvin Kipka
- Chemical Genomics Centre, Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Physiology, Otto-Hahn-Str. 15, D-44227, Dortmund, Germany
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund University, Otto-Hahn-Str. 15, D-44227, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Nikolas Klink
- Chemical Genomics Centre, Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Physiology, Otto-Hahn-Str. 15, D-44227, Dortmund, Germany
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund University, Otto-Hahn-Str. 15, D-44227, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Malte Gersch
- Chemical Genomics Centre, Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Physiology, Otto-Hahn-Str. 15, D-44227, Dortmund, Germany
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund University, Otto-Hahn-Str. 15, D-44227, Dortmund, Germany
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Kim T, Kim HS, Bang Y, Kwon Y, Kim J, Choi HJ, Suh YG. Identification of novel Nrf2-activating neuroprotective agents: Elucidation of structural congeners of (-)-galiellalactone and congener-based novel Nrf2 activators. Bioorg Chem 2024; 144:107109. [PMID: 38219480 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2024.107109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Herein, (-)-galiellalactone 1 congeners responsible for the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-activating neuroprotective effects were elucidated. Additionally, novel congener-based Nrf2 activators were identified using a drug repositioning strategy. (-)-Galiellalactone, which comprises a tricyclic lactone skeleton, significantly activates antioxidant response element (ARE)-mediated transcription in neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. Interestingly, two cyclohexene-truncated [3.3] bicyclic lactone analogs, which possess an exocyclic α-methylene-γ-butyrolactone moiety, exhibited higher Nrf2/ARE transcriptional activities than the parent (-)-galiellalactone. We confirmed that the cyclohexene moiety embedding the [3.3] bicyclic lactone congener does not play the essential role of (-)-galiellalactone for Nrf2/ARE activation. Nrf2/ARE activation by novel analogs resulted in the upregulation of downstream antioxidative and phase II detoxifying enzymes, heme oxygenase-1, and NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1, which are closely related to the cytoprotective effects on neurodegenerative diseases. (-)-Galiellalactone and its [3.3] bicyclic variants 3l and 3p increased the expression of antioxidant genes and exhibited neuroprotective effects against 6-hydroxydopamine-mediated neurotoxicity in the neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell line.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taewoo Kim
- College of Pharmacy and Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, CHA University, 120 Haeryong-ro, Pocheon-si, Gyeonggi-do 11160, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Su Kim
- College of Pharmacy and Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, CHA University, 120 Haeryong-ro, Pocheon-si, Gyeonggi-do 11160, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeojin Bang
- College of Pharmacy and Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, CHA University, 120 Haeryong-ro, Pocheon-si, Gyeonggi-do 11160, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoonjung Kwon
- College of Pharmacy and Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, CHA University, 120 Haeryong-ro, Pocheon-si, Gyeonggi-do 11160, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinhee Kim
- College of Pharmacy and Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, CHA University, 120 Haeryong-ro, Pocheon-si, Gyeonggi-do 11160, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Jin Choi
- College of Pharmacy and Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, CHA University, 120 Haeryong-ro, Pocheon-si, Gyeonggi-do 11160, Republic of Korea.
| | - Young-Ger Suh
- College of Pharmacy and Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, CHA University, 120 Haeryong-ro, Pocheon-si, Gyeonggi-do 11160, Republic of Korea.
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Abualnaja MM, Alalawy AI, Alatawi OM, Alessa AH, Fawzi Qarah A, Alqahtani AM, Bamaga MA, El-Metwaly NM. Synthesis of tetrazole hybridized with thiazole, thiophene or thiadiazole derivatives, molecular modelling and antimicrobial activity. Saudi Pharm J 2024; 32:101962. [PMID: 38318318 PMCID: PMC10840348 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2024.101962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Tetrazole-based derivatives and their electronic structures have displayed interesting antimicrobial activity. Methods The tetrazole-based hybrids linked with thiazole, thiophene and thiadiazole ring systems have been synthesized through various chemical reactions. The computational method DFT/B3LYP has been utilized to calculate their electronic properties. The antimicrobial effectiveness was investigated against representative bacterial and fungal strains. Additionally, the synthesized derivatives binding interaction was stimulated by docking program against PDB ID: 4URO as a model of the ATP binding domain of S. aureus DNA Gyrase subunit B. Results The structures of the synthesized tetrazole-based derivatives were confirmed by IR, NMR, and Mass spectroscopic data. The DFT/B3LYP method showed that the thiadiazole derivatives 9a-c had lower ΔEH-L than the thiophenes 7a-c and thiazoles 5a-c. The hybrids 5b, 5c, and 7b exhibited proper antibacterial activity against Gram's +ve bacterial strains (S. aureus and S. pneumonia), while 9a displayed potent activity towards Gram's -ve bacterial strains (S. typhimurium and E. coli). Meanwhile, derivatives 5a-b, 7a, 7c, and 9c showed good effectiveness towards fungal strain (C. albicans). Conclusion The study provides valuable tetrazole core-linked heterocyclic rings and opens the door to further research on their electrical characteristics and applications. Tetrazoles and thiazoles have antibacterial properties in pharmacological frameworks, making these hybrids potential lead molecules for drug development. The conclusion summarizes the data and suggests that the synthesized chemicals' interaction with a particular protein domain suggests focused biological activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matokah M. Abualnaja
- Department of Chemistry, Collage of Science, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 24230, Saudi Arabia
| | - Adel I. Alalawy
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
| | - Omar M. Alatawi
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 47512, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali H. Alessa
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 47512, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmad Fawzi Qarah
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Taibah University, Madinah, P.O. Box 344, Saudi Arabia
| | - Alaa M. Alqahtani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 21955, Saudi Arabia
| | - Majid A. Bamaga
- Department of Environment and Health Research, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nashwa M. El-Metwaly
- Department of Chemistry, Collage of Science, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 24230, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, El-Gomhoria Street, 35516, Egypt
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34
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Leng J, Xu J, Li Y, Wang SM, Qin HL. A mild protocol for efficient preparation of functional molecules containing triazole. RSC Adv 2024; 14:7601-7608. [PMID: 38440271 PMCID: PMC10911410 DOI: 10.1039/d4ra01271b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The construction of a class of novel triazole molecules containing sulfonyl fluoride functionalities was achieved through Cu-catalyzed click chemistry in good to excellent yields. The sulfonyl fluoride moieties were cleaved completely under base conditions to produce N-unsubstituted triazoles quantitatively, which provides a strategy to combine SuFEx click chemistry with Cu-catalyzed click chemistry ingeniously.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Leng
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yangzhou Polytechnic Institute Yangzhou Jiangsu 225127 P. R. China
| | - Jie Xu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yangzhou Polytechnic Institute Yangzhou Jiangsu 225127 P. R. China
| | - Yanan Li
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yangzhou Polytechnic Institute Yangzhou Jiangsu 225127 P. R. China
| | - Shi-Meng Wang
- Xiangyang Public Inspection and Testing Center No. 69, Taiziwan Road Xiangyang Hubei Province 441000 P. R. China
| | - Hua-Li Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Silicate Materials for Architectures, School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Life Science, Wuhan University of Technology 205 Luoshi Road Wuhan Hubei Province 430070 P. R. China
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35
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Tillmanns J, Kicuntod J, Lösing J, Marschall M. 'Getting Better'-Is It a Feasible Strategy of Broad Pan-Antiherpesviral Drug Targeting by Using the Nuclear Egress-Directed Mechanism? Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2823. [PMID: 38474070 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2024] [Revised: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The herpesviral nuclear egress represents an essential step of viral replication efficiency in host cells, as it defines the nucleocytoplasmic release of viral capsids. Due to the size limitation of the nuclear pores, viral nuclear capsids are unable to traverse the nuclear envelope without a destabilization of this natural host-specific barrier. To this end, herpesviruses evolved the regulatory nuclear egress complex (NEC), composed of a heterodimer unit of two conserved viral NEC proteins (core NEC) and a large-size extension of this complex including various viral and cellular NEC-associated proteins (multicomponent NEC). Notably, the NEC harbors the pronounced ability to oligomerize (core NEC hexamers and lattices), to multimerize into higher-order complexes, and, ultimately, to closely interact with the migrating nuclear capsids. Moreover, most, if not all, of these NEC proteins comprise regulatory modifications by phosphorylation, so that the responsible kinases, and additional enzymatic activities, are part of the multicomponent NEC. This sophisticated basis of NEC-specific structural and functional interactions offers a variety of different modes of antiviral interference by pharmacological or nonconventional inhibitors. Since the multifaceted combination of NEC activities represents a highly conserved key regulatory stage of herpesviral replication, it may provide a unique opportunity towards a broad, pan-antiherpesviral mechanism of drug targeting. This review presents an update on chances, challenges, and current achievements in the development of NEC-directed antiherpesviral strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Tillmanns
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jintawee Kicuntod
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Josephine Lösing
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Manfred Marschall
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
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36
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Allende J, Olaizola I, Ochoa de Retana AM, Palacios F, de Los Santos JM. Diastereoselective ZnCl 2-Mediated Joullié-Ugi Three-Component Reaction for the Preparation of Phosphorylated N-Acylaziridines from 2 H-Azirines. Molecules 2024; 29:1023. [PMID: 38474535 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29051023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
We disclose a direct approach to the diastereoselective synthesis of phosphorus substituted N-acylaziridines based on a one-pot ZnCl2-catalyzed Joullié-Ugi three-component reaction of phosphorylated 2H-azirines, carboxylic acids and isocyanides. Hence, this robust protocol offers rapid access to an array of N-acylaziridines in moderate-to-good yields and up to 98:2 dr for substrates over a wide scope. The relevance of this synthetic methodology was achieved via a gram-scale reaction and the further derivatization of the nitrogen-containing three-membered heterocycle. The diastereo- and regioselective ring expansion of the obtained N-acylaziridines to oxazole derivatives was accomplished in the presence of BF3·OEt2 as an efficient Lewid acid catalyst.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julene Allende
- Department of Organic Chemistry I, Faculty of Pharmacy, Lascaray Research Center, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Paseo de la Universidad 7, 01006 Vitoria, Spain
| | - Iurre Olaizola
- Department of Organic Chemistry I, Faculty of Pharmacy, Lascaray Research Center, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Paseo de la Universidad 7, 01006 Vitoria, Spain
| | - Ana M Ochoa de Retana
- Department of Organic Chemistry I, Faculty of Pharmacy, Lascaray Research Center, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Paseo de la Universidad 7, 01006 Vitoria, Spain
| | - Francisco Palacios
- Department of Organic Chemistry I, Faculty of Pharmacy, Lascaray Research Center, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Paseo de la Universidad 7, 01006 Vitoria, Spain
| | - Jesús M de Los Santos
- Department of Organic Chemistry I, Faculty of Pharmacy, Lascaray Research Center, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Paseo de la Universidad 7, 01006 Vitoria, Spain
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37
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Borges PHO, Ferreira SB, Silva FP. Recent Advances on Targeting Proteases for Antiviral Development. Viruses 2024; 16:366. [PMID: 38543732 PMCID: PMC10976044 DOI: 10.3390/v16030366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Viral proteases are an important target for drug development, since they can modulate vital pathways in viral replication, maturation, assembly and cell entry. With the (re)appearance of several new viruses responsible for causing diseases in humans, like the West Nile virus (WNV) and the recent severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), understanding the mechanisms behind blocking viral protease's function is pivotal for the development of new antiviral drugs and therapeutical strategies. Apart from directly inhibiting the target protease, usually by targeting its active site, several new pathways have been explored to impair its activity, such as inducing protein aggregation, targeting allosteric sites or by inducing protein degradation by cellular proteasomes, which can be extremely valuable when considering the emerging drug-resistant strains. In this review, we aim to discuss the recent advances on a broad range of viral proteases inhibitors, therapies and molecular approaches for protein inactivation or degradation, giving an insight on different possible strategies against this important class of antiviral target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Henrique Oliveira Borges
- Laboratory of Organic Synthesis and Biological Prospecting, Chemistry Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-909, Brazil;
- Laboratory of Experimental and Computational Biochemistry of Drugs, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Sabrina Baptista Ferreira
- Laboratory of Organic Synthesis and Biological Prospecting, Chemistry Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-909, Brazil;
| | - Floriano Paes Silva
- Laboratory of Experimental and Computational Biochemistry of Drugs, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
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38
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Compain G, Monsarrat C, Blagojevic J, Brillet K, Dumas P, Hammann P, Kuhn L, Martiel I, Engilberge S, Oliéric V, Wolff P, Burnouf DY, Wagner J, Guichard G. Peptide-Based Covalent Inhibitors Bearing Mild Electrophiles to Target a Conserved His Residue of the Bacterial Sliding Clamp. JACS AU 2024; 4:432-440. [PMID: 38425897 PMCID: PMC10900491 DOI: 10.1021/jacsau.3c00572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Peptide-based covalent inhibitors targeted to nucleophilic protein residues have recently emerged as new modalities to target protein-protein interactions (PPIs) as they may provide some benefits over more classic competitive inhibitors. Covalent inhibitors are generally targeted to cysteine, the most intrinsically reactive amino acid residue, and to lysine, which is more abundant at the surface of proteins but much less frequently to histidine. Herein, we report the structure-guided design of targeted covalent inhibitors (TCIs) able to bind covalently and selectively to the bacterial sliding clamp (SC), by reacting with a well-conserved histidine residue located on the edge of the peptide-binding pocket. SC is an essential component of the bacterial DNA replication machinery, identified as a promising target for the development of new antibacterial compounds. Thermodynamic and kinetic analyses of ligands bearing different mild electrophilic warheads confirmed the higher efficiency of the chloroacetamide compared to Michael acceptors. Two high-resolution X-ray structures of covalent inhibitor-SC adducts were obtained, revealing the canonical orientation of the ligand and details of covalent bond formation with histidine. Proteomic studies were consistent with a selective SC engagement by the chloroacetamide-based TCI. Finally, the TCI of SC was substantially more active than the parent noncovalent inhibitor in an in vitro SC-dependent DNA synthesis assay, validating the potential of the approach to design covalent inhibitors of protein-protein interactions targeted to histidine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Compain
- Univ.
Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, CBMN, UMR 5248, IECB, 2 Rue Robert Escarpit, F-33607 Pessac, France
| | - Clément Monsarrat
- Univ.
Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, CBMN, UMR 5248, IECB, 2 Rue Robert Escarpit, F-33607 Pessac, France
| | - Julie Blagojevic
- Université
de Strasbourg, CNRS, FR1589, Plateforme Protéomique Strasbourg
Esplanade, 2 Allée K. Roentgen, 67084 Strasbourg, France
| | - Karl Brillet
- Université
de Strasbourg, CNRS, Architecture et Réactivité de l’ARN,
UPR 9002, Institut de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire du
CNRS, 2 Allée
K. Roentgen, 67084 Strasbourg, France
| | - Philippe Dumas
- Department
of Integrative Structural Biology, IGBMC, Strasbourg University, ESBS, 1 Rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch, Cedex, France
| | - Philippe Hammann
- Université
de Strasbourg, CNRS, FR1589, Plateforme Protéomique Strasbourg
Esplanade, 2 Allée K. Roentgen, 67084 Strasbourg, France
| | - Lauriane Kuhn
- Université
de Strasbourg, CNRS, FR1589, Plateforme Protéomique Strasbourg
Esplanade, 2 Allée K. Roentgen, 67084 Strasbourg, France
| | - Isabelle Martiel
- Swiss
Light Source (SLS), Paul Scherrer Institute
(PSI), 5232 Villigen-PSI, Switzerland
| | - Sylvain Engilberge
- Swiss
Light Source (SLS), Paul Scherrer Institute
(PSI), 5232 Villigen-PSI, Switzerland
| | - Vincent Oliéric
- Swiss
Light Source (SLS), Paul Scherrer Institute
(PSI), 5232 Villigen-PSI, Switzerland
| | - Philippe Wolff
- Université
de Strasbourg, CNRS, Architecture et Réactivité de l’ARN,
UPR 9002, Institut de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire du
CNRS, 2 Allée
K. Roentgen, 67084 Strasbourg, France
| | - Dominique Y. Burnouf
- Université
de Strasbourg, CNRS, Architecture et Réactivité de l’ARN,
UPR 9002, Institut de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire du
CNRS, 2 Allée
K. Roentgen, 67084 Strasbourg, France
| | - Jérôme Wagner
- Université
de Strasbourg, CNRS, Architecture et Réactivité de l’ARN,
UPR 9002, Institut de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire du
CNRS, 2 Allée
K. Roentgen, 67084 Strasbourg, France
| | - Gilles Guichard
- Univ.
Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, CBMN, UMR 5248, IECB, 2 Rue Robert Escarpit, F-33607 Pessac, France
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Saquib Q, Bakheit AH, Ahmed S, Ansari SM, Al-Salem AM, Al-Khedhairy AA. Identification of Phytochemicals from Arabian Peninsula Medicinal Plants as Strong Binders to SARS-CoV-2 Proteases (3CL Pro and PL Pro) by Molecular Docking and Dynamic Simulation Studies. Molecules 2024; 29:998. [PMID: 38474509 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29050998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
We provide promising computational (in silico) data on phytochemicals (compounds 1-10) from Arabian Peninsula medicinal plants as strong binders, targeting 3-chymotrypsin-like protease (3CLPro) and papain-like proteases (PLPro) of SARS-CoV-2. Compounds 1-10 followed the Lipinski rules of five (RO5) and ADMET analysis, exhibiting drug-like characters. Non-covalent (reversible) docking of compounds 1-10 demonstrated their binding with the catalytic dyad (CYS145 and HIS41) of 3CLPro and catalytic triad (CYS111, HIS272, and ASP286) of PLPro. Moreover, the implementation of the covalent (irreversible) docking protocol revealed that only compounds 7, 8, and 9 possess covalent warheads, which allowed the formation of the covalent bond with the catalytic dyad (CYS145) in 3CLPro and the catalytic triad (CYS111) in PLPro. Root-mean-square deviation (RMSD), root-mean-square fluctuation (RMSF), and radius of gyration (Rg) analysis from molecular dynamic (MD) simulations revealed that complexation between ligands (compounds 7, 8, and 9) and 3CLPro and PLPro was stable, and there was less deviation of ligands. Overall, the in silico data on the inherent properties of the above phytochemicals unravel the fact that they can act as reversible inhibitors for 3CLPro and PLPro. Moreover, compounds 7, 8, and 9 also showed their novel properties to inhibit dual targets by irreversible inhibition, indicating their effectiveness for possibly developing future drugs against SARS-CoV-2. Nonetheless, to confirm the theoretical findings here, the effectiveness of the above compounds as inhibitors of 3CLPro and PLPro warrants future investigations using suitable in vitro and in vivo tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quaiser Saquib
- Zoology Department, College of Sciences, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed H Bakheit
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2457, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sarfaraz Ahmed
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2457, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sabiha M Ansari
- Botany & Microbiology Department, College of Sciences, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah M Al-Salem
- Zoology Department, College of Sciences, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulaziz A Al-Khedhairy
- Zoology Department, College of Sciences, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
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Zhang Y, Feng Q, Zheng Y, Lu Y, Liao S, Huang S. Radical Hydro-Fluorosulfonylation of Propargylic Alcohols via Electron Donor-Acceptor Photoactivation. Org Lett 2024; 26:1410-1415. [PMID: 38358353 DOI: 10.1021/acs.orglett.4c00010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
A radical hydro-fluorosulfonylation of propargyl alcohols with FSO2Cl is presented based on the photoactivation of the electron donor-acceptor (EDA) complex. The reaction avoids the requirement for photocatalysts, bases, hydrogen donor reagents, any other additives, and harsh conditions, enabling the facile synthesis of various functionalized γ-hydroxy (E)-alkenylsulfonyl fluorides. These multifunctional sulfonyl fluorides can be further diversified, providing access to various privileged molecules of biological relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingyin Zhang
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, International Innovation Center for Forest Chemicals and Materials, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210037, China
| | - Qingyuan Feng
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, International Innovation Center for Forest Chemicals and Materials, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210037, China
| | - Yu Zheng
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, International Innovation Center for Forest Chemicals and Materials, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210037, China
| | - Yanju Lu
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, International Innovation Center for Forest Chemicals and Materials, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210037, China
| | - Saihu Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361005, China
| | - Shenlin Huang
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, International Innovation Center for Forest Chemicals and Materials, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210037, China
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Traditional Chinese Medicine Research, Ministry of Education of China, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410081, China
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Zhao Y, Duan K, Fan Y, Li S, Huang L, Tu Z, Sun H, Cook GM, Yang J, Sun P, Tan Y, Ding K, Li Z. Catalyst-free late-stage functionalization to assemble α-acyloxyenamide electrophiles for selectively profiling conserved lysine residues. Commun Chem 2024; 7:31. [PMID: 38355988 PMCID: PMC10866925 DOI: 10.1038/s42004-024-01107-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Covalent probes coupled with chemical proteomics represent a powerful method for investigating small molecule and protein interactions. However, the creation of a reactive warhead within various ligands to form covalent probes has been a major obstacle. Herein, we report a convenient and robust process to assemble a unique electrophile, an α-acyloxyenamide, through a one-step late-stage coupling reaction. This procedure demonstrates remarkable tolerance towards other functional groups and facilitates ligand-directed labeling in proteins of interest. The reactive group has been successfully incorporated into a clinical drug targeting the EGFR L858R mutant, erlotinib, and a pan-kinase inhibitor. The resulting probes have been shown to be able to covalently engage a lysine residue proximal to the ATP-binding pocket of the EGFR L858R mutant. A series of active sites, and Mg2+, ATP-binding sites of kinases, such as K33 of CDK1, CDK2, CDK5 were detected. This is the first report of engaging these conserved catalytic lysine residues in kinases with covalent inhibition. Further application of this methodology to natural products has demonstrated its success in profiling ligandable conserved lysine residues in whole proteome. These findings offer insights for the development of new targeted covalent inhibitors (TCIs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Jinan University, 601 Huangpu Avenue West, Guangzhou, 510632, China
- International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development (MOE), School of Pharmacy, Jinan University, 601 Huangpu Avenue West, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Kang Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Jinan University, 601 Huangpu Avenue West, Guangzhou, 510632, China
- International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development (MOE), School of Pharmacy, Jinan University, 601 Huangpu Avenue West, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Youlong Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Jinan University, 601 Huangpu Avenue West, Guangzhou, 510632, China
- International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development (MOE), School of Pharmacy, Jinan University, 601 Huangpu Avenue West, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Shengrong Li
- Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Postdoctoral Station of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Liyan Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Jinan University, 601 Huangpu Avenue West, Guangzhou, 510632, China
- International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development (MOE), School of Pharmacy, Jinan University, 601 Huangpu Avenue West, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Zhengchao Tu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Jinan University, 601 Huangpu Avenue West, Guangzhou, 510632, China
- International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development (MOE), School of Pharmacy, Jinan University, 601 Huangpu Avenue West, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Hongyan Sun
- Department of Chemistry and COSDAF (Centre of Super-Diamond and Advanced Films), City University of Hong Kong, 83 TatChee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Gregory M Cook
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Otago, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand
| | - Jing Yang
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou International Bio Island, Guangzhou, 510005, China
| | - Pinghua Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Jinan University, 601 Huangpu Avenue West, Guangzhou, 510632, China
- International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development (MOE), School of Pharmacy, Jinan University, 601 Huangpu Avenue West, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Yi Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Jinan University, 601 Huangpu Avenue West, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
- International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development (MOE), School of Pharmacy, Jinan University, 601 Huangpu Avenue West, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
| | - Ke Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Jinan University, 601 Huangpu Avenue West, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
- International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development (MOE), School of Pharmacy, Jinan University, 601 Huangpu Avenue West, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
| | - Zhengqiu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment, Jinan University, 601 Huangpu Avenue West, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
- International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development (MOE), School of Pharmacy, Jinan University, 601 Huangpu Avenue West, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology, Jinan University, 601 Huangpu Avenue West, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
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Serafim RAM, Gehringer M, Borsari C. Targeted Covalent Inhibitors in Drug Discovery, Chemical Biology and Beyond. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:206. [PMID: 38399421 PMCID: PMC10891537 DOI: 10.3390/ph17020206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Covalent inhibitors have experienced a revival in medicinal chemistry and chemical biology in recent decades [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo A. M. Serafim
- Department of Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Matthias Gehringer
- Department of Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) ‘Image-Guided & Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies’, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Chiara Borsari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
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Xiao YC, Chen FE. The vinyl sulfone motif as a structural unit for novel drug design and discovery. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2024; 19:239-251. [PMID: 37978948 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2023.2284201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Vinyl sulfones are a special sulfur-containing structural unit that have attracted considerable attention, owing to their important role in serving as key structural motifs of various biologically active compounds as well as serving as versatile building blocks for organic transformations. The synthetic strategy of vinyl sulfone derivatives has been substantially upgraded over the past 30 years, and the wide application of this functional group in drug design and discovery has been promoted. AREA COVERED In this review, the authors review the application of vinyl sulfones in drug discovery and select optimized compounds which might have significant impact or potential inspiration for drug design. EXPERT OPINION Vinyl sulfones have been reported to target various macromolecular targets via non-covalent or covalent interactions, including multiple kinases, tubulin, cysteine protease, transcription factor, and so on. Thus, it has been significantly applied as a privileged scaffold in the design of anticancer, anti-infective, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective agents. However, much work remains to be done to improve the drug-like properties, such as chemical and metabolic stability, ADME, and toxicity. Besides, the chemical space of vinyl sulfones needs to be expanded, including but not limited to the design of constrained endocyclic and exocyclic vinyl sulfones.
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Affiliation(s)
- You-Cai Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Ministry of Education and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Fen-Er Chen
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Ministry of Education and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Engineering Center of Catalysis and Synthesis for Chiral Molecules, Department of Chemistry, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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44
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Cheke RS, Kharkar PS. Covalent inhibitors: An ambitious approach for the discovery of newer oncotherapeutics. Drug Dev Res 2024; 85:e22132. [PMID: 38054744 DOI: 10.1002/ddr.22132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Covalent inhibitors have been used to treat several diseases for over a century. However, strategic approaches for the rational design of covalent drugs have taken a definitive shape in recent times. Since the first appearance of covalent inhibitors in the late 18th century, the field has grown tremendously and around 30% of marketed drugs are covalent inhibitors especially, for oncology indications. However, the off-target toxicity and safety concerns can be significant issues related to the covalent drugs. Covalent kinase inhibitor (CKI) targeted oncotherapeutics has advanced dramatically over the last two decades since the discovery of afatinib (Gilotrif®), an EGFR inhibitor. Since then, US FDA has approved 10 CKIs for diverse cancer targets. The present review broadly summarizes the ongoing development in the discovery of newer CKIs from 2016 till the end of 2022. We believe that these efforts will assist the modern medicinal chemist actively working in the field of CKI discovery for varied indications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rameshwar S Cheke
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, India
| | - Prashant S Kharkar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, India
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45
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Zhang S, Zhang H, Liu X, Qi P, Tan T, Wang S, Gao H, Xu H, Zhou Z, Yi W. Mask and Release Strategy-Enabled Diversity-Oriented Synthesis for DNA-Encoded Library. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2307049. [PMID: 38044314 PMCID: PMC10853742 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202307049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
An ideal DNA-encoded library (DEL) selection requires the library to consist of diverse core skeletons and cover chemical space as much as possible. However, the lack of efficient on-DNA synthetic approaches toward core skeletons has greatly restricted the diversity of DEL. To mitigate this issue, this work disclosed a "Mask & Release" strategy to streamline the challenging on-DNA core skeleton synthesis. N-phenoxyacetamide is used as a masked phenol and versatile directing group to mediate diversified DNA-compatible C-H functionalization, introducing the 1st-dimensional diversity at a defined site, and simultaneously releasing the phenol functionality, which can facilitate the introduction of the 2nd diversity. This work not only provides a set of efficient syntheses toward DNA-conjugated drug-like core skeletons such as ortho-alkenyl/sulfiliminyl/cyclopropyl phenol, benzofuran, dihydrobenzofuran but also provides a paradigm for on-DNA core skeleton synthetic method development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silin Zhang
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical PharmacologyThe NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory DiseaseSchool of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated HospitalGuangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhou511436China
| | - Haiman Zhang
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical PharmacologyThe NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory DiseaseSchool of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated HospitalGuangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhou511436China
| | - Xiawen Liu
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical PharmacologyThe NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory DiseaseSchool of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated HospitalGuangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhou511436China
| | - Ping Qi
- Guangzhou Institute for Food InspectionGuangzhou511400China
| | - Tingting Tan
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies & School of Life Science and TechnologyShanghaiTech UniversityShanghai201210China
| | - Shengdong Wang
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical PharmacologyThe NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory DiseaseSchool of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated HospitalGuangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhou511436China
| | - Hui Gao
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical PharmacologyThe NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory DiseaseSchool of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated HospitalGuangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhou511436China
| | - Hongtao Xu
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies & School of Life Science and TechnologyShanghaiTech UniversityShanghai201210China
| | - Zhi Zhou
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical PharmacologyThe NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory DiseaseSchool of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated HospitalGuangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhou511436China
| | - Wei Yi
- Guangzhou Municipal and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical PharmacologyThe NMPA and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory DiseaseSchool of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Fifth Affiliated HospitalGuangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhou511436China
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Haghir Ebrahim Abadi MH, Ghasemlou A, Bayani F, Sefidbakht Y, Vosough M, Mozaffari-Jovin S, Uversky VN. AI-driven covalent drug design strategies targeting main protease (m pro) against SARS-CoV-2: structural insights and molecular mechanisms. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024:1-29. [PMID: 38287509 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2024.2308769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
The emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants has raised concerns about the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines. To address this challenge, small-molecule antivirals have been proposed as a crucial therapeutic option. Among potential targets for anti-COVID-19 therapy, the main protease (Mpro) of SARS-CoV-2 is important due to its essential role in the virus's life cycle and high conservation. The substrate-binding region of the core proteases of various coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV, and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), could be used for the generation of new protease inhibitors. Various drug discovery methods have employed a diverse range of strategies, targeting both monomeric and dimeric forms, including drug repurposing, integrating virtual screening with high-throughput screening (HTS), and structure-based drug design, each demonstrating varying levels of efficiency. Covalent inhibitors, such as Nirmatrelvir and MG-101, showcase robust and high-affinity binding to Mpro, exhibiting stable interactions confirmed by molecular docking studies. Development of effective antiviral drugs is imperative to address potential pandemic situations. This review explores recent advances in the search for Mpro inhibitors and the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in drug design. AI leverages vast datasets and advanced algorithms to streamline the design and identification of promising Mpro inhibitors. AI-driven drug discovery methods, including molecular docking, predictive modeling, and structure-based drug repurposing, are at the forefront of identifying potential candidates for effective antiviral therapy. In a time when COVID-19 potentially threat global health, the quest for potent antiviral solutions targeting Mpro could be critical for inhibiting the virus.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Fatemeh Bayani
- Protein Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Yahya Sefidbakht
- Protein Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Massoud Vosough
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sina Mozaffari-Jovin
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Medical Genetics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Vladimir N Uversky
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
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Fang W, Zheng J, Deng L, An Y, Rong D, Wei J, Xiong XF, Wang J, Wang Y. Discovery of the First-in-Class RORγ Covalent Inhibitors for Treatment of Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer. J Med Chem 2024; 67:1481-1499. [PMID: 38227771 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c02063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Nuclear receptor receptor-related orphan receptor γ (RORγ) is a ligand-dependent transcription factor and has been established as a key player in castration-resistant prostate cancers (CRPC) by driving androgen receptor (AR) overexpression, representing a potential therapeutical target for advanced prostate cancers. Here, we report the identification of the first-in-class RORγ covalent inhibitor 29 via the structure-based drug design approach following structure-activity relationship (SAR) exploration. Mass spectrometry assay validated its covalent inhibition mechanism. Compound 29 significantly inhibited RORγ transcriptional activity and remarkably suppressed the expression levels of AR and AR-targeted genes. Compound 29 also exhibited much superior activity in inhibiting the proliferation and colony formation and inducing apoptosis of the CRPC cell lines relative to the positive control 2 and noncovalent control 33. Importantly, it markedly suppressed the tumor growth in a 22Rv1 mouse tumor xenograft model with good safety. These results clearly demonstrate that 29 is a highly potent and selective RORγ covalent inhibitor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Fang
- Balance-Based Drug Discovery Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Jianwei Zheng
- Balance-Based Drug Discovery Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Lin Deng
- Balance-Based Drug Discovery Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yana An
- Balance-Based Drug Discovery Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Deqin Rong
- Balance-Based Drug Discovery Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Jianwei Wei
- Balance-Based Drug Discovery Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Xiao-Feng Xiong
- Balance-Based Drug Discovery Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Junjian Wang
- Balance-Based Drug Discovery Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yuanxiang Wang
- Balance-Based Drug Discovery Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
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Tian L, Qiang T, Yang X, Gao Y, Zhai X, Kang K, Du C, Lu Q, Gao H, Zhang D, Xie X, Liang C. Development of de-novo coronavirus 3-chymotrypsin-like protease (3CL pro) inhibitors since COVID-19 outbreak: A strategy to tackle challenges of persistent virus infection. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 264:115979. [PMID: 38048696 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
Although no longer a public health emergency of international concern, COVID-19 remains a persistent and critical health concern. The development of effective antiviral drugs could serve as the ultimate piece of the puzzle to curbing this global crisis. 3-chymotrypsin-like protease (3CLpro), with its substrate specificity mirroring that of the main picornavirus 3C protease and conserved across various coronaviruses, emerges as an ideal candidate for broad-spectrum antiviral drug development. Moreover, it holds the potential as a reliable contingency option to combat emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants. In this light, the approved drugs, promising candidates, and de-novo small molecule therapeutics targeting 3CLpro since the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020 are discussed. Emphasizing the significance of diverse structural characteristics in inhibitors, be they peptidomimetic or nonpeptidic, with a shared mission to minimize the risk of cross-resistance. Moreover, the authors propose an innovative optimization strategy for 3CLpro reversible covalent PROTACs, optimizing pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics to better prepare for potential future viral outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Tian
- College of Bioresources Chemical and Materials Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an, 710021, PR China; Key Laboratory for Antiviral and Antimicrobial-Resistant Bacteria Research of Xi'an, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an, 710021, PR China
| | - Taotao Qiang
- College of Bioresources Chemical and Materials Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an, 710021, PR China.
| | - Xiuding Yang
- Key Laboratory for Antiviral and Antimicrobial-Resistant Bacteria Research of Xi'an, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an, 710021, PR China; School of Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an, 710021, PR China
| | - Yue Gao
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 511436, PR China
| | - Xiaopei Zhai
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, PR China
| | - Kairui Kang
- Key Laboratory for Antiviral and Antimicrobial-Resistant Bacteria Research of Xi'an, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an, 710021, PR China; School of Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an, 710021, PR China
| | - Cong Du
- Key Laboratory for Antiviral and Antimicrobial-Resistant Bacteria Research of Xi'an, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an, 710021, PR China; School of Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an, 710021, PR China
| | - Qi Lu
- Key Laboratory for Antiviral and Antimicrobial-Resistant Bacteria Research of Xi'an, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an, 710021, PR China; School of Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an, 710021, PR China
| | - Hong Gao
- Key Laboratory for Antiviral and Antimicrobial-Resistant Bacteria Research of Xi'an, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an, 710021, PR China; Shaanxi Pioneer Biotech Co., Ltd., Xi'an, 710021, PR China
| | - Dezhu Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Antiviral and Antimicrobial-Resistant Bacteria Research of Xi'an, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an, 710021, PR China; Shaanxi Panlong Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd., Xi'an, 710025, PR China
| | - Xiaolin Xie
- Shaanxi Panlong Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd., Xi'an, 710025, PR China
| | - Chengyuan Liang
- Key Laboratory for Antiviral and Antimicrobial-Resistant Bacteria Research of Xi'an, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an, 710021, PR China; School of Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shaanxi University of Science & Technology, Xi'an, 710021, PR China.
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49
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Keeley A, Kopranovic A, Di Lorenzo V, Ábrányi-Balogh P, Jänsch N, Lai LN, Petri L, Orgován Z, Pölöske D, Orlova A, Németh A, Desczyk C, Imre T, Bajusz D, Moriggl R, Meyer-Almes FJ, Keserü GM. Electrophilic MiniFrags Revealed Unprecedented Binding Sites for Covalent HDAC8 Inhibitors. J Med Chem 2024; 67:572-585. [PMID: 38113354 PMCID: PMC10788917 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Screening of ultra-low-molecular weight ligands (MiniFrags) successfully identified viable chemical starting points for a variety of drug targets. Here we report the electrophilic analogues of MiniFrags that allow the mapping of potential binding sites for covalent inhibitors by biochemical screening and mass spectrometry. Small electrophilic heterocycles and their N-quaternized analogues were first characterized in the glutathione assay to analyze their electrophilic reactivity. Next, the library was used for systematic mapping of potential covalent binding sites available in human histone deacetylase 8 (HDAC8). The covalent labeling of HDAC8 cysteines has been proven by tandem mass spectrometry measurements, and the observations were explained by mutating HDAC8 cysteines. As a result, screening of electrophilic MiniFrags identified three potential binding sites suitable for the development of allosteric covalent HDAC8 inhibitors. One of the hit fragments was merged with a known HDAC8 inhibitor fragment using different linkers, and the linker length was optimized to result in a lead-like covalent inhibitor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron
B. Keeley
- Medicinal
Chemistry Research Group, Research Centre
for Natural Sciences, Magyar tudósok krt 2, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
- Department
of Organic Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Chemical Technology
and Biotechnology, Budapest University of
Technology and Economics, Müegyetem rkp. 3., H-1111 Budapest, Hungary
- National
Laboratory for Drug Research and Development, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Aleksandra Kopranovic
- Department
of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Applied Sciences Darmstadt, Haardtring 100, 64295 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Vincenzo Di Lorenzo
- Medicinal
Chemistry Research Group, Research Centre
for Natural Sciences, Magyar tudósok krt 2, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
- Department
of Organic Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Chemical Technology
and Biotechnology, Budapest University of
Technology and Economics, Müegyetem rkp. 3., H-1111 Budapest, Hungary
- National
Laboratory for Drug Research and Development, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Péter Ábrányi-Balogh
- Medicinal
Chemistry Research Group, Research Centre
for Natural Sciences, Magyar tudósok krt 2, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
- Department
of Organic Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Chemical Technology
and Biotechnology, Budapest University of
Technology and Economics, Müegyetem rkp. 3., H-1111 Budapest, Hungary
- National
Laboratory for Drug Research and Development, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Niklas Jänsch
- Department
of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Applied Sciences Darmstadt, Haardtring 100, 64295 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Linh N. Lai
- Department
of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Applied Sciences Darmstadt, Haardtring 100, 64295 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - László Petri
- Medicinal
Chemistry Research Group, Research Centre
for Natural Sciences, Magyar tudósok krt 2, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
- Department
of Organic Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Chemical Technology
and Biotechnology, Budapest University of
Technology and Economics, Müegyetem rkp. 3., H-1111 Budapest, Hungary
- National
Laboratory for Drug Research and Development, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Orgován
- Medicinal
Chemistry Research Group, Research Centre
for Natural Sciences, Magyar tudósok krt 2, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
- Department
of Organic Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Chemical Technology
and Biotechnology, Budapest University of
Technology and Economics, Müegyetem rkp. 3., H-1111 Budapest, Hungary
- National
Laboratory for Drug Research and Development, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Daniel Pölöske
- Institute
of Animal Breeding and Genetics, University
of Veterinary Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Anna Orlova
- Institute
of Animal Breeding and Genetics, University
of Veterinary Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - András
György Németh
- Medicinal
Chemistry Research Group, Research Centre
for Natural Sciences, Magyar tudósok krt 2, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
- Department
of Organic Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Chemical Technology
and Biotechnology, Budapest University of
Technology and Economics, Müegyetem rkp. 3., H-1111 Budapest, Hungary
- National
Laboratory for Drug Research and Development, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Charlotte Desczyk
- Department
of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Applied Sciences Darmstadt, Haardtring 100, 64295 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Tímea Imre
- Medicinal
Chemistry Research Group, Research Centre
for Natural Sciences, Magyar tudósok krt 2, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
- MS
Metabolomics
Research Group, Research Centre for Natural
Sciences, Magyar tudósok
krt 2, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Dávid Bajusz
- Medicinal
Chemistry Research Group, Research Centre
for Natural Sciences, Magyar tudósok krt 2, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
- Department
of Organic Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Chemical Technology
and Biotechnology, Budapest University of
Technology and Economics, Müegyetem rkp. 3., H-1111 Budapest, Hungary
- National
Laboratory for Drug Research and Development, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Richard Moriggl
- Institute
of Animal Breeding and Genetics, University
of Veterinary Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Franz-Josef Meyer-Almes
- Department
of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Applied Sciences Darmstadt, Haardtring 100, 64295 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - György M. Keserü
- Medicinal
Chemistry Research Group, Research Centre
for Natural Sciences, Magyar tudósok krt 2, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
- Department
of Organic Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Chemical Technology
and Biotechnology, Budapest University of
Technology and Economics, Müegyetem rkp. 3., H-1111 Budapest, Hungary
- National
Laboratory for Drug Research and Development, H-1117 Budapest, Hungary
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50
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Hoyt KW, Urul DA, Ogboo BC, Wittlinger F, Laufer SA, Schaefer EM, May EW, Heppner DE. Pitfalls and Considerations in Determining the Potency and Mutant Selectivity of Covalent Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Inhibitors. J Med Chem 2024; 67:2-16. [PMID: 38134304 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Enzyme inhibitors that form covalent bonds with their targets are being increasingly pursued in drug development. Assessing their biochemical activity relies on time-dependent assays, which are distinct and more complex compared with methods commonly employed for reversible-binding inhibitors. To provide general guidance to the covalent inhibitor development community, we explored methods and reported kinetic values and experimental factors in determining the biochemical activity of various covalent epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors. We showcase how liquid handling and assay reagents impact kinetic parameters and potency interpretations, which are critical for structure-kinetic relationships and covalent drug design. Additionally, we include benchmark kinetic values with reference inhibitors, which are imperative, as covalent EGFR inhibitor kinetic values are infrequently consistent in the literature. This overview seeks to inform best practices for developing new covalent inhibitors and highlight appropriate steps to address gaps in knowledge presently limiting assay reliability and reproducibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristopher W Hoyt
- Department of Chemistry, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, New York 14260, United States
| | - Daniel A Urul
- AssayQuant Technologies, Inc., Marlboro, Massachusetts 01752, United States
| | - Blessing C Ogboo
- Department of Chemistry, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, New York 14260, United States
| | - Florian Wittlinger
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Stefan A Laufer
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies", Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Tübingen Center for Academic Drug Discovery & Development (TüCAD2), 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Erik M Schaefer
- AssayQuant Technologies, Inc., Marlboro, Massachusetts 01752, United States
| | - Earl W May
- AssayQuant Technologies, Inc., Marlboro, Massachusetts 01752, United States
| | - David E Heppner
- Department of Chemistry, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, New York 14260, United States
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York 14203, United States
- Department of Structural Biology, The State University of New York, Buffalo, New York 14203, United States
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