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Cronin SJF, Andrews NA, Latremoliere A. Peripheralized sepiapterin reductase inhibition as a safe analgesic therapy. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1173599. [PMID: 37251335 PMCID: PMC10213231 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1173599] [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: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of novel analgesics for chronic pain in the last 2 decades has proven virtually intractable, typically failing due to lack of efficacy and dose-limiting side effects. Identified through unbiased gene expression profiling experiments in rats and confirmed by human genome-wide association studies, the role of excessive tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) in chronic pain has been validated by numerous clinical and preclinical studies. BH4 is an essential cofactor for aromatic amino acid hydroxylases, nitric oxide synthases, and alkylglycerol monooxygenase so a lack of BH4 leads to a range of symptoms in the periphery and central nervous system (CNS). An ideal therapeutic goal therefore would be to block excessive BH4 production, while preventing potential BH4 rundown. In this review, we make the case that sepiapterin reductase (SPR) inhibition restricted to the periphery (i.e., excluded from the spinal cord and brain), is an efficacious and safe target to alleviate chronic pain. First, we describe how different cell types that engage in BH4 overproduction and contribute to pain hypersensitivity, are themselves restricted to peripheral tissues and show their blockade is sufficient to alleviate pain. We discuss the likely safety profile of peripherally restricted SPR inhibition based on human genetic data, the biochemical alternate routes of BH4 production in various tissues and species, and the potential pitfalls to predictive translation when using rodents. Finally, we propose and discuss possible formulation and molecular strategies to achieve peripherally restricted, potent SPR inhibition to treat not only chronic pain but other conditions where excessive BH4 has been demonstrated to be pathological.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nick A. Andrews
- The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Alban Latremoliere
- Departments of Neurosurgery and Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Neurosurgery Pain Research Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States
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Potlitz F, Link A, Schulig L. Advances in the discovery of new chemotypes through ultra-large library docking. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2023; 18:303-313. [PMID: 36714919 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2023.2171984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The size and complexity of virtual screening libraries in drug discovery have skyrocketed in recent years, reaching up to multiple billions of accessible compounds. However, virtual screening of such ultra-large libraries poses several challenges associated with preparing the libraries, sampling, and pre-selection of suitable compounds. The utilization of artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted screening approaches, such as deep learning, poses a promising countermeasure to deal with this rapidly expanding chemical space. For example, various AI-driven methods were recently successfully used to identify novel small molecule inhibitors of the SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro). AREAS COVERED This review focuses on presenting various kinds of virtual screening methods suitable for dealing with ultra-large libraries. Challenges associated with these computational methodologies are discussed, and recent advances are highlighted in the example of the discovery of novel Mpro inhibitors targeting the SARS-CoV-2 virus. EXPERT OPINION With the rapid expansion of the virtual chemical space, the methodologies for docking and screening such quantities of molecules need to keep pace. Employment of AI-driven screening compounds has already been shown to be effective in a range from a few thousand to multiple billion compounds, furthered by de novo generation of drug-like molecules without human interference.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Potlitz
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Greifswald, Germany
| | - Andreas Link
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Greifswald, Germany
| | - Lukas Schulig
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Greifswald, Germany
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3
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Buchholz CR, Pomerantz WCK. 19F NMR viewed through two different lenses: ligand-observed and protein-observed 19F NMR applications for fragment-based drug discovery. RSC Chem Biol 2021; 2:1312-1330. [PMID: 34704040 PMCID: PMC8496043 DOI: 10.1039/d1cb00085c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
19F NMR has emerged as a powerful tool in drug discovery, particularly in fragment-based screens. The favorable magnetic resonance properties of the fluorine-19 nucleus, the general absence of fluorine in biological settings, and its ready incorporation into both small molecules and biopolymers, has enabled multiple applications of 19F NMR using labeled small molecules and proteins in biophysical, biochemical, and cellular experiments. This review will cover developments in ligand-observed and protein-observed 19F NMR experiments tailored towards drug discovery with a focus on fragment screening. We also cover the key advances that have furthered the field in recent years, including quantitative, structural, and in-cell methodologies. Several case studies are described for each application to highlight areas for innovation and to further catalyze new NMR developments for using this versatile nucleus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline R Buchholz
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota 308 Harvard Street SE Minneapolis Minnesota 55455 USA
| | - William C K Pomerantz
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota 308 Harvard Street SE Minneapolis Minnesota 55455 USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota 207 Pleasant St. SE Minneapolis Minnesota 55455 USA
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Obeng S, Hiranita T, León F, McMahon LR, McCurdy CR. Novel Approaches, Drug Candidates, and Targets in Pain Drug Discovery. J Med Chem 2021; 64:6523-6548. [PMID: 33956427 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Because of the problems associated with opioids, drug discovery efforts have been employed to develop opioids with reduced side effects using approaches such as biased opioid agonism, multifunctional opioids, and allosteric modulation of opioid receptors. Receptor targets such as adrenergic, cannabinoid, P2X3 and P2X7, NMDA, serotonin, and sigma, as well as ion channels like the voltage-gated sodium channels Nav1.7 and Nav1.8 have been targeted to develop novel analgesics. Several enzymes, such as soluble epoxide hydrolase, sepiapterin reductase, and MAGL/FAAH, have also been targeted to develop novel analgesics. In this review, old and recent targets involved in pain signaling and compounds acting at these targets are summarized. In addition, strategies employed to reduce side effects, increase potency, and efficacy of opioids are also elaborated. This review should aid in propelling drug discovery efforts to discover novel analgesics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Obeng
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, United States.,Department Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, United States
| | - Takato Hiranita
- Department Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, United States
| | - Francisco León
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia 29208, United States
| | - Lance R McMahon
- Department Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, United States
| | - Christopher R McCurdy
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, United States.,Translational Drug Development Core, Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, United States
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Abstract
Spirocyclic scaffolds are incorporated in various approved drugs and drug candidates. The increasing interest in less planar bioactive compounds has given rise to the development of synthetic methodologies for the preparation of spirocyclic scaffolds. In this Perspective, we summarize the diverse synthetic routes to obtain spirocyclic systems. The impact of spirocycles on potency and selectivity, including the aspect of stereochemistry, is discussed. Furthermore, we examine the changes in physicochemical properties as well as in in vitro and in vivo ADME using selected studies that compare spirocyclic compounds to their nonspirocyclic counterparts. In conclusion, the value of spirocyclic scaffolds in medicinal chemistry is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerstin Hiesinger
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University, Max-von-Laue Straße 9, D-60348 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Dmitry Dar'in
- Institute of Chemistry, Saint Petersburg State University, 199034 Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Ewgenij Proschak
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University, Max-von-Laue Straße 9, D-60348 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Mikhail Krasavin
- Institute of Chemistry, Saint Petersburg State University, 199034 Saint Petersburg, Russia
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Jahnke W, Erlanson DA, de Esch IJP, Johnson CN, Mortenson PN, Ochi Y, Urushima T. Fragment-to-Lead Medicinal Chemistry Publications in 2019. J Med Chem 2020; 63:15494-15507. [PMID: 33226222 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Fragment-based drug discovery (FBDD) has grown and matured to a point where it is valuable to keep track of its extent and details of application. This Perspective summarizes successful fragment-to-lead stories published in 2019. It is the fifth in a series that started with literature published in 2015. The analysis of screening methods, optimization strategies, and molecular properties of hits and leads are presented in the hope of informing best practices for FBDD. Moreover, FBDD is constantly evolving, and the latest technologies and emerging trends are summarized. These include covalent FBDD, FBDD for the stabilization of proteins or protein-protein interactions, FBDD for enzyme activators, new screening technologies, and advances in library design and chemical synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Jahnke
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, 4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Daniel A Erlanson
- Frontier Medicines, 151 Oyster Point Boulevard, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States of America
| | - Iwan J P de Esch
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute for Molecules, Medicines and Systems (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1108, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Christopher N Johnson
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, 436 Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge CB4 0QA, United Kingdom
| | - Paul N Mortenson
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, 436 Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge CB4 0QA, United Kingdom
| | - Yuji Ochi
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, 436 Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge CB4 0QA, United Kingdom
| | - Tatsuya Urushima
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, 436 Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge CB4 0QA, United Kingdom
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Wu Y, Chen P, Sun L, Yuan S, Cheng Z, Lu L, Du H, Zhan M. Sepiapterin reductase: Characteristics and role in diseases. J Cell Mol Med 2020; 24:9495-9506. [PMID: 32734666 PMCID: PMC7520308 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.15608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Revised: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Sepiapterin reductase, a homodimer composed of two subunits, plays an important role in the biosynthesis of tetrahydrobiopterin. Furthermore, sepiapterin reductase exhibits a wide distribution in different tissues and is associated with many diseases, including brain dysfunction, chronic pain, cardiovascular disease and cancer. With regard to drugs targeting sepiapterin reductase, many compounds have been identified and provide potential methods to treat various diseases. However, the underlying mechanism of sepiapterin reductase in many biological processes is unclear. Therefore, this article summarized the structure, distribution and function of sepiapterin reductase, as well as the relationship between sepiapterin reductase and different diseases, with the aim of finding evidence to guide further studies on the molecular mechanisms and the potential clinical value of sepiapterin reductase. In particular, the different effects induced by the depletion of sepiapterin reductase or the inhibition of the enzyme suggest that the non-enzymatic activity of sepiapterin reductase could function in certain biological processes, which also provides a possible direction for sepiapterin reductase research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Wu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug ScreeningChina Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Peng Chen
- Department of NeurosurgeryThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang UniversityNanchangChina
| | - Li Sun
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug ScreeningChina Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Shengtao Yuan
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug ScreeningChina Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Zujue Cheng
- Department of NeurosurgeryThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang UniversityNanchangChina
| | - Ligong Lu
- Interventional Radiology CenterZhuhai People's HospitalZhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan UniversityZhuhaiChina
| | - Hongzhi Du
- School of PharmacyHubei University of Chinese MedicineWuhanChina
| | - Meixiao Zhan
- Interventional Radiology CenterZhuhai People's HospitalZhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan UniversityZhuhaiChina
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Wang H, Liang L, Guo Z, Peng H, Qiao S, Saha N, Zhu D, Zeng W, Chen Y, Huang P, Wen S. Highly Reactive Cyclic Monoaryl Iodoniums Tuned as Carbene Generators Couple with Nucleophiles under Metal-Free Conditions. iScience 2020; 23:101307. [PMID: 32634743 PMCID: PMC7338778 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.101307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Cross-coupling reactions between aryl iodide and nucleophiles have been well developed. Iodoniums equipped with a reactive C-I(III) bond accelerate cross-coupling reactions of aryl iodide. Among them, cyclic diaryliodoniums are more atom economical; however; they are often in the trap of metal reliance and encounter regioselectivity issues. Now, we have developed a series of highly reactive cyclic monoaryl-vinyl iodoniums that can be tuned to construct C-N, C-O, and C-C bonds without metal catalysis. Under promotion of triethylamine, coupling reactions with aniline, phenol, aromatic acid, and indole proceed rapidly and regioselectively at room temperature. The carbene species is conceptualized as a key intermediate in our mechanism model. Furthermore, the coupling products enable diversity-oriented synthesis strategy to further build up a chemical library of diverse heterocyclic fragments that are in demand in the drug discovery field. Our current work provides a deep insight into the synthetic application of these highly reactive cyclic iodoniums.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiwen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng East Road, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Liyun Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng East Road, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Zhirong Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng East Road, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Hui Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng East Road, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Shuang Qiao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng East Road, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Nemai Saha
- Berhampore Girl's College, Berhampore, Murshidabad, West Bengal 742101, India
| | - Daqian Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng East Road, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Wenbin Zeng
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Yunyun Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Peng Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng East Road, Guangzhou 510060, China.
| | - Shijun Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng East Road, Guangzhou 510060, China.
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Teng S, Jiao Z, Chi YR, Zhou JS. Asymmetric Wacker‐Type Oxyallenylation and Azaallenylation of Cyclic Alkenes. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2020; 59:2246-2250. [DOI: 10.1002/anie.201911961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shenghan Teng
- Division of Chemistry and Biological ChemistrySchool of Physical and Mathematical SciencesNanyang Technological University 21 Nanyang Link Singapore 637371 Singapore
| | - Zhiwei Jiao
- Division of Chemistry and Biological ChemistrySchool of Physical and Mathematical SciencesNanyang Technological University 21 Nanyang Link Singapore 637371 Singapore
| | - Yonggui Robin Chi
- Division of Chemistry and Biological ChemistrySchool of Physical and Mathematical SciencesNanyang Technological University 21 Nanyang Link Singapore 637371 Singapore
| | - Jianrong Steve Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical OncogenomicsKey Laboratory of Chemical GenomicsSchool of Chemical Biology and BiotechnologyPeking University Shenzhen Graduate School 2199 Lishui Road, Room F-312 Nanshan District Shenzhen 518055 China
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10
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Teng S, Jiao Z, Chi YR, Zhou JS. Asymmetric Wacker‐Type Oxyallenylation and Azaallenylation of Cyclic Alkenes. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201911961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shenghan Teng
- Division of Chemistry and Biological ChemistrySchool of Physical and Mathematical SciencesNanyang Technological University 21 Nanyang Link Singapore 637371 Singapore
| | - Zhiwei Jiao
- Division of Chemistry and Biological ChemistrySchool of Physical and Mathematical SciencesNanyang Technological University 21 Nanyang Link Singapore 637371 Singapore
| | - Yonggui Robin Chi
- Division of Chemistry and Biological ChemistrySchool of Physical and Mathematical SciencesNanyang Technological University 21 Nanyang Link Singapore 637371 Singapore
| | - Jianrong Steve Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical OncogenomicsKey Laboratory of Chemical GenomicsSchool of Chemical Biology and BiotechnologyPeking University Shenzhen Graduate School 2199 Lishui Road, Room F-312 Nanshan District Shenzhen 518055 China
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