1
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Shields JD, Howells R, Lamont G, Leilei Y, Madin A, Reimann CE, Rezaei H, Reuillon T, Smith B, Thomson C, Zheng Y, Ziegler RE. AiZynth impact on medicinal chemistry practice at AstraZeneca. RSC Med Chem 2024; 15:1085-1095. [PMID: 38665822 PMCID: PMC11042116 DOI: 10.1039/d3md00651d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
AstraZeneca chemists have been using the AI retrosynthesis tool AiZynth for three years. In this article, we present seven examples of how medicinal chemists using AiZynth positively impacted their drug discovery programmes. These programmes run the gamut from early-stage hit confirmation to late-stage route optimisation efforts. We also discuss the different use cases for which AI retrosynthesis tools are best suited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason D Shields
- Early Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca 35 Gatehouse Drive Waltham MA 02451 USA
| | - Rachel Howells
- Early Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca 1 Francis Crick Avenue Cambridge CB2 0AA UK
| | - Gillian Lamont
- Early Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca 1 Francis Crick Avenue Cambridge CB2 0AA UK
| | - Yin Leilei
- Pharmaron Beijing Co., Ltd. 6 Taihe Road BDA Beijing 100176 P.R. China
| | - Andrew Madin
- Discovery Sciences, AstraZeneca 1 Francis Crick Avenue Cambridge CB2 0AA UK
| | | | - Hadi Rezaei
- Early Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca 35 Gatehouse Drive Waltham MA 02451 USA
| | - Tristan Reuillon
- Respiratory & Immunology, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca Pepparedsleden 1 43183 Mölndal Sweden
| | - Bryony Smith
- Early Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca 1 Francis Crick Avenue Cambridge CB2 0AA UK
| | - Clare Thomson
- Early Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca 1 Francis Crick Avenue Cambridge CB2 0AA UK
| | - Yuting Zheng
- Pharmaron Beijing Co., Ltd. 6 Taihe Road BDA Beijing 100176 P.R. China
| | - Robert E Ziegler
- Early Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca 35 Gatehouse Drive Waltham MA 02451 USA
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2
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Grimster NP, Gingipalli L, Balazs A, Barlaam B, Boiko S, Boyd S, Dry H, Goldberg FW, Ikeda T, Johnson T, Kawatkar S, Kemmitt P, Lamont S, Lorthioir O, Mfuh A, Patel J, Pike A, Read J, Romero R, Sarkar U, Sha L, Simpson I, Song K, Su Q, Wang H, Watson D, Wu A, Zehnder TE, Zheng X, Li S, Dong Z, Yang D, Song Y, Wang P, Liu X, Dowling JE, Edmondson SD. Optimization of a series of novel, potent and selective Macrocyclic SYK inhibitors. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2023; 91:129352. [PMID: 37270074 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2023.129352] [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: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK) is a non-receptor cytoplasmic kinase. Due to its pivotal role in B cell receptor and Fc-receptor signalling, inhibition of SYK has been a target of interest in a variety of diseases. Herein, we report the use of structure-based drug design to discover a series of potent macrocyclic inhibitors of SYK, with excellent kinome selectivity and in vitro metabolic stability. We were able to remove hERG inhibition through the optimization of physical properties, and utilized a pro-drug strategy to address permeability challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Scott Boyd
- Oncology R & D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Hannah Dry
- Oncology R & D, AstraZeneca, Waltham, USA
| | | | - Tim Ikeda
- Discovery Sciences R & D, AstraZeneca, Waltham, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Joe Patel
- Discovery Sciences R & D, AstraZeneca, Waltham, USA
| | - Andy Pike
- Oncology R & D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jon Read
- Discovery Sciences R & D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | | | | | - Li Sha
- Oncology R & D, AstraZeneca, Waltham, USA
| | | | - Kun Song
- Oncology R & D, AstraZeneca, Waltham, USA
| | - Qibin Su
- Oncology R & D, AstraZeneca, Waltham, USA
| | | | | | - Allan Wu
- Discovery Sciences R & D, AstraZeneca, Waltham, USA
| | | | | | - Shaolu Li
- Oncology R & D, AstraZeneca, Waltham, USA
| | - Zhiqiang Dong
- Pharmaron Beijing Co., Ltd., 6 Taihe Road BDA, Beijing 100176, PR China
| | - Dejian Yang
- Pharmaron Beijing Co., Ltd., 6 Taihe Road BDA, Beijing 100176, PR China
| | - Yanwei Song
- Pharmaron Beijing Co., Ltd., 6 Taihe Road BDA, Beijing 100176, PR China
| | - Peng Wang
- Pharmaron Beijing Co., Ltd., 6 Taihe Road BDA, Beijing 100176, PR China
| | - Xuemei Liu
- Pharmaron Beijing Co., Ltd., 6 Taihe Road BDA, Beijing 100176, PR China
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3
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Sethio D, Poongavanam V, Xiong R, Tyagi M, Duy Vo D, Lindh R, Kihlberg J. Simulation Reveals the Chameleonic Behavior of Macrocycles. J Chem Inf Model 2023; 63:138-146. [PMID: 36563083 PMCID: PMC9832480 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.2c01093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Conformational analysis is central to the design of bioactive molecules. It is particularly challenging for macrocycles due to noncovalent transannular interactions, steric interactions, and ring strain that are often coupled. Herein, we simulated the conformations of five macrocycles designed to express a progression of increasing complexity in environment-dependent intramolecular interactions and verified the results against NMR measurements in chloroform and dimethyl sulfoxide. Molecular dynamics using an explicit solvent model, but not the Monte Carlo method with implicit solvation, handled both solvents correctly. Refinement of conformations at the ab initio level was fundamental to reproducing the experimental observations─standard state-of-the-art molecular mechanics force fields were insufficient. Our simulations correctly predicted the intramolecular interactions between side chains and the macrocycle and revealed an unprecedented solvent-induced conformational switch of the macrocyclic ring. Our results provide a platform for the rational, prospective design of molecular chameleons that adapt to the properties of the environment.
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4
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Liu W, Jiang J, Lin Y, You Q, Wang L. Insight into Thermodynamic and Kinetic Profiles in Small-Molecule Optimization. J Med Chem 2022; 65:10809-10847. [PMID: 35969687 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Structure-activity relationships (SARs) and structure-property relationships (SPRs) have been considered the most important factors during the drug optimization process. For medicinal chemists, improvements in the potencies and druglike properties of small molecules are regarded as their major goals. Among them, the binding affinity and selectivity of small molecules on their targets are the most important indicators. In recent years, there has been growing interest in using thermodynamic and kinetic profiles to analyze ligand-receptor interactions, which could provide not only binding affinities but also detailed binding parameters for small-molecule optimization. In this perspective, we are trying to provide an insight into thermodynamic and kinetic profiles in small-molecule optimization. Through a highlight of strategies on the small-molecule optimization with specific cases, we aim to put forward the importance of structure-thermodynamic relationships (STRs) and structure-kinetic relationships (SKRs), which could provide more guidance to find safe and effective small-molecule drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Jingsheng Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yating Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Qidong You
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Lei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
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5
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Structure of human spermine oxidase in complex with a highly selective allosteric inhibitor. Commun Biol 2022; 5:787. [PMID: 35931745 PMCID: PMC9355956 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03735-9] [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: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Human spermine oxidase (hSMOX) plays a central role in polyamine catabolism. Due to its association with several pathological processes, including inflammation and cancer, hSMOX has garnered interest as a possible therapeutic target. Therefore, determination of the structure of hSMOX is an important step to enable drug discovery and validate hSMOX as a drug target. Using insights from hydrogen/deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HDX-MS), we engineered a hSMOX construct to obtain the first crystal structure of hSMOX bound to the known polyamine oxidase inhibitor MDL72527 at 2.4 Å resolution. While the overall fold of hSMOX is similar to its homolog, murine N1-acetylpolyamine oxidase (mPAOX), the two structures contain significant differences, notably in their substrate-binding domains and active site pockets. Subsequently, we employed a sensitive biochemical assay to conduct a high-throughput screen that identified a potent and selective hSMOX inhibitor, JNJ-1289. The co-crystal structure of hSMOX with JNJ-1289 was determined at 2.1 Å resolution, revealing that JNJ-1289 binds to an allosteric site, providing JNJ-1289 with a high degree of selectivity towards hSMOX. These results provide crucial insights into understanding the substrate specificity and enzymatic mechanism of hSMOX, and for the design of highly selective inhibitors. Rational engineering of human spermine oxidase yields crystallizable structures and the design of an allosteric inhibitor.
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6
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Linclau B, Wang Z, Jeffries B, Graton J, Carbajo RJ, Sinnaeve D, Le Questel J, Scott JS, Chiarparin E. Relating Conformational Equilibria to Conformer‐Specific Lipophilicities: New Opportunities in Drug Discovery. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202114862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Linclau
- School of Chemistry University of Southampton Highfield, Southampton SO17 1BJ UK
- Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University Campus Sterre, S4 Krijgslaan 281 9000 Ghent Belgium
| | - Zhong Wang
- School of Chemistry University of Southampton Highfield, Southampton SO17 1BJ UK
| | - Benjamin Jeffries
- School of Chemistry University of Southampton Highfield, Southampton SO17 1BJ UK
| | - Jérôme Graton
- CEISAM UMR CNRS 6230 Université de Nantes CNRS CEISAM UMR 6230 44000 Nantes France
| | | | - Davy Sinnaeve
- Univ. Lille Inserm Institut Pasteur de Lille CHU Lille U1167—RID-AGE—Risk Factors and Molecular Determinants of Aging-Related Diseases 59000 Lille France
- CNRS ERL9002—Integrative Structural Biology 59000 Lille France
| | - Jean‐Yves Le Questel
- CEISAM UMR CNRS 6230 Université de Nantes CNRS CEISAM UMR 6230 44000 Nantes France
| | - James S. Scott
- Medicinal Chemistry, Oncology R&D AstraZeneca Cambridge CB4 0WG UK
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7
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Wang B, Wu H, Hu C, Wang H, Liu J, Wang W, Liu Q. An overview of kinase downregulators and recent advances in discovery approaches. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2021; 6:423. [PMID: 34924565 PMCID: PMC8685278 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-021-00826-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the clinical approval of imatinib, the discovery of protein kinase downregulators entered a prosperous age. However, challenges still exist in the discovery of kinase downregulator drugs, such as the high failure rate during development, side effects, and drug-resistance problems. With the progress made through multidisciplinary efforts, an increasing number of new approaches have been applied to solve the above problems during the discovery process of kinase downregulators. In terms of in vitro and in vivo drug evaluation, progress was also made in cellular and animal model platforms for better and more clinically relevant drug assessment. Here, we review the advances in drug design strategies, drug property evaluation technologies, and efficacy evaluation models and technologies. Finally, we discuss the challenges and perspectives in the development of kinase downregulator drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beilei Wang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, People's Republic of China
- Hefei Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong Wu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, People's Republic of China
- Hefei Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, People's Republic of China
| | - Chen Hu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, People's Republic of China
- Hefei Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, People's Republic of China
| | - Haizhen Wang
- Hefei PreceDo pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd, Hefei, Anhui, 230088, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Liu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, People's Republic of China
- Hefei Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenchao Wang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, People's Republic of China
- Hefei Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingsong Liu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, People's Republic of China.
- Hefei Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, People's Republic of China.
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8
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Linclau B, Wang Z, Jeffries B, Graton J, Carbajo RJ, Sinnaeve D, Le Questel JY, Scott JS, Chiarparin E. Relating Conformational Equilibria to Conformer-Specific Lipophilicities: New Opportunities in Drug Discovery. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021; 61:e202114862. [PMID: 34913249 PMCID: PMC9304282 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202114862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Efficient drug discovery is based on a concerted effort in optimizing bioactivity and compound properties such as lipophilicity, and is guided by efficiency metrics that reflect both aspects. While conformation–activity relationships and ligand conformational control are known strategies to improve bioactivity, the use of conformer‐specific lipophilicities (logp) is much less explored. Here we show how conformer‐specific logp values can be obtained from knowledge of the macroscopic logP value, and of the equilibrium constants between the individual species in water and in octanol. This is illustrated with fluorinated amide rotamers, with integration of rotamer 19F NMR signals as a facile, direct method to obtain logp values. The difference between logp and logP optimization is highlighted, giving rise to a novel avenue for lipophilicity control in drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Linclau
- School of Chemistry, University of Southampton, Highfield, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK.,Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Campus Sterre, S4, Krijgslaan 281, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Zhong Wang
- School of Chemistry, University of Southampton, Highfield, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Benjamin Jeffries
- School of Chemistry, University of Southampton, Highfield, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Jérôme Graton
- CEISAM UMR CNRS 6230, Université de Nantes, CNRS, CEISAM UMR 6230, 44000, Nantes, France
| | - Rodrigo J Carbajo
- Medicinal Chemistry, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, CB4 0WG, UK
| | - Davy Sinnaeve
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, Institut Pasteur de Lille, CHU Lille, U1167-RID-AGE-Risk Factors and Molecular, Determinants of Aging-Related Diseases, 59000, Lille, France.,CNRS, ERL9002-Integrative Structural Biology, 59000, Lille, France
| | - Jean-Yves Le Questel
- CEISAM UMR CNRS 6230, Université de Nantes, CNRS, CEISAM UMR 6230, 44000, Nantes, France
| | - James S Scott
- Medicinal Chemistry, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, CB4 0WG, UK
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9
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Fumagalli G, Carbajo RJ, Nissink JWM, Tart J, Dou R, Thomas AP, Spring DR. Targeting a Novel KRAS Binding Site: Application of One-Component Stapling of Small (5-6-mer) Peptides. J Med Chem 2021; 64:17287-17303. [PMID: 34787423 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
RAS proteins are central in the proliferation of many types of cancer, but a general approach toward the identification of pan-mutant RAS inhibitors has remained unresolved. In this work, we describe the application of a binding pharmacophore identified from analysis of known RAS binding peptides to the design of novel peptides. Using a chemically divergent approach, we generated a library of small stapled peptides from which we identified compounds with weak binding activity. Exploration of structure-activity relationships (SARs) and optimization of these early compounds led to low-micromolar binders of KRAS that block nucleotide exchange.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Fumagalli
- Department of Chemistry, Cambridge University, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, U.K.,Chemistry, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB4 0WG, U.K
| | | | | | - Jonathan Tart
- Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB4 0WG, U.K
| | - Rongxuan Dou
- Department of Chemistry, Cambridge University, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, U.K
| | - Andrew P Thomas
- Chemistry, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB4 0WG, U.K
| | - David R Spring
- Department of Chemistry, Cambridge University, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, U.K
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10
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Morado J, Mortenson PN, Nissink JWM, Verdonk ML, Ward RA, Essex JW, Skylaris CK. Generation of Quantum Configurational Ensembles Using Approximate Potentials. J Chem Theory Comput 2021; 17:7021-7042. [PMID: 34644088 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jctc.1c00532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Conformational analysis is of paramount importance in drug design: it is crucial to determine pharmacological properties, understand molecular recognition processes, and characterize the conformations of ligands when unbound. Molecular Mechanics (MM) simulation methods, such as Monte Carlo (MC) and molecular dynamics (MD), are usually employed to generate ensembles of structures due to their ability to extensively sample the conformational space of molecules. The accuracy of these MM-based schemes strongly depends on the functional form of the force field (FF) and its parametrization, components that often hinder their performance. High-level methods, such as ab initio MD, provide reliable structural information but are still too computationally expensive to allow for extensive sampling. Therefore, to overcome these limitations, we present a multilevel MC method that is capable of generating quantum configurational ensembles while keeping the computational cost at a minimum. We show that FF reparametrization is an efficient route to generate FFs that reproduce QM results more closely, which, in turn, can be used as low-cost models to achieve the gold standard QM accuracy. We demonstrate that the MC acceptance rate is strongly correlated with various phase space overlap measurements and that it constitutes a robust metric to evaluate the similarity between the MM and QM levels of theory. As a more advanced application, we present a self-parametrizing version of the algorithm, which combines sampling and FF parametrization in one scheme, and apply the methodology to generate the QM/MM distribution of a ligand in aqueous solution.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Morado
- School of Chemistry, University of Southampton, Highfield, Southampton SO17 1BJ, United Kingdom
| | - Paul N Mortenson
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, 436 Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge CB4 0QA, United Kingdom
| | - J Willem M Nissink
- Medicinal Chemistry, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB4 0WG, United Kingdom
| | - Marcel L Verdonk
- Astex Pharmaceuticals, 436 Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge CB4 0QA, United Kingdom
| | - Richard A Ward
- Medicinal Chemistry, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB4 0WG, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan W Essex
- School of Chemistry, University of Southampton, Highfield, Southampton SO17 1BJ, United Kingdom
| | - Chris-Kriton Skylaris
- School of Chemistry, University of Southampton, Highfield, Southampton SO17 1BJ, United Kingdom
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11
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Balazs A, Davies N, Longmire D, Packer M, Chiarparin E. Nuclear magnetic resonance free ligand conformations and atomic resolution dynamics. MAGNETIC RESONANCE (GOTTINGEN, GERMANY) 2021; 2:489-498. [PMID: 37904764 PMCID: PMC10539760 DOI: 10.5194/mr-2-489-2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/01/2023]
Abstract
Knowledge of free ligand conformational preferences (energy minima) and conformational dynamics (rotational energy barriers) of small molecules in solution can guide drug design hypotheses and help rank ideas to bias syntheses towards more active compounds. Visualization of conformational exchange dynamics around torsion angles, by replica exchange with solute tempering molecular dynamics (REST-MD), gives results in agreement with high-resolution 1 H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra and complements free ligand conformational analyses. Rotational energy barriers around individual bonds are comparable between calculated and experimental values, making the in-silico method relevant to ranking prospective design ideas in drug discovery programs, particularly across a series of analogs. Prioritizing design ideas, based on calculations and analysis of measurements across a series, efficiently guides rational discovery towards the "right molecules" for effective medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber Y. S. Balazs
- Chemistry, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Waltham, Massachusetts 02451, United States
| | - Nichola L. Davies
- Chemistry, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB4 0QA, United
Kingdom
| | - David Longmire
- Chemistry, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB4 0QA, United
Kingdom
| | - Martin J. Packer
- Chemistry, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB4 0QA, United
Kingdom
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12
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Leeson PD, Bento AP, Gaulton A, Hersey A, Manners EJ, Radoux CJ, Leach AR. Target-Based Evaluation of "Drug-Like" Properties and Ligand Efficiencies. J Med Chem 2021; 64:7210-7230. [PMID: 33983732 PMCID: PMC7610969 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Physicochemical descriptors commonly used to define "drug-likeness" and ligand efficiency measures are assessed for their ability to differentiate marketed drugs from compounds reported to bind to their efficacious target or targets. Using ChEMBL version 26, a data set of 643 drugs acting on 271 targets was assembled, comprising 1104 drug-target pairs having ≥100 published compounds per target. Taking into account changes in their physicochemical properties over time, drugs are analyzed according to their target class, therapy area, and route of administration. Recent drugs, approved in 2010-2020, display no overall differences in molecular weight, lipophilicity, hydrogen bonding, or polar surface area from their target comparator compounds. Drugs are differentiated from target comparators by higher potency, ligand efficiency (LE), lipophilic ligand efficiency (LLE), and lower carboaromaticity. Overall, 96% of drugs have LE or LLE values, or both, greater than the median values of their target comparator compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul D Leeson
- Paul Leeson Consulting Ltd, The Malt House, Main Street, Congerstone, Nuneaton, Warkwickshire CV13 6LZ, United Kingdom
| | - A Patricia Bento
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire CB10 1SD, United Kingdom
| | - Anna Gaulton
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire CB10 1SD, United Kingdom
| | - Anne Hersey
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire CB10 1SD, United Kingdom
| | - Emma J Manners
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire CB10 1SD, United Kingdom
| | - Chris J Radoux
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire CB10 1SD, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew R Leach
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire CB10 1SD, United Kingdom
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13
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Kobori S, Huh S, Appavoo SD, Yudin AK. Two-Dimensional Barriers for Probing Conformational Shifts in Macrocycles. J Am Chem Soc 2021; 143:5166-5171. [PMID: 33754700 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.1c01248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
We describe the development and use of composite two-dimensional barriers in macrocyclic backbones. These tunable constructs derive their mode of action from heterocyclic rearrangements. The Boulton-Katritzky reaction has been identified as a particularly versatile means to effect a composite barrier, allowing the examination of the influence of heterocycle translocation on conformation. Kinetic studies using 1H NMR have revealed that the in-plane atom movement is fast in 17, 18, 19-membered rings but slows down in 16-membered rings. The analysis by NMR and MD simulation experiments is consistent with the maintenance of rare cis-amide motifs during conformational interconversion. Taken together, our investigation demonstrates that heterocyclic rearrangement reactions can be used to control macrocyclic backbones and provides fundamental insights that may be applicable to the development of a wide range of other conformational control elements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinya Kobori
- Davenport Research Laboratories, Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, 80 St. George Street, Toronto, Ontario Canada, M5S 3H6
| | - Sungjoon Huh
- Davenport Research Laboratories, Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, 80 St. George Street, Toronto, Ontario Canada, M5S 3H6
| | - Solomon D Appavoo
- Davenport Research Laboratories, Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, 80 St. George Street, Toronto, Ontario Canada, M5S 3H6
| | - Andrei K Yudin
- Davenport Research Laboratories, Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, 80 St. George Street, Toronto, Ontario Canada, M5S 3H6
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14
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Comeau C, Ries B, Stadelmann T, Tremblay J, Poulet S, Fröhlich U, Côté J, Boudreault PL, Derbali RM, Sarret P, Grandbois M, Leclair G, Riniker S, Marsault É. Modulation of the Passive Permeability of Semipeptidic Macrocycles: N- and C-Methylations Fine-Tune Conformation and Properties. J Med Chem 2021; 64:5365-5383. [PMID: 33750117 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c02036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Incorporating small modifications to peptidic macrocycles can have a major influence on their properties. For instance, N-methylation has been shown to impact permeability. A better understanding of the relationship between permeability and structure is of key importance as peptidic drugs are often associated with unfavorable pharmacokinetic profiles. Starting from a semipeptidic macrocycle backbone composed of a tripeptide tethered head-to-tail with an alkyl linker, we investigated two small changes: peptide-to-peptoid substitution and various methyl placements on the nonpeptidic linker. Implementing these changes in parallel, we created a collection of 36 compounds. Their permeability was then assessed in parallel artificial membrane permeability assay (PAMPA) and Caco-2 assays. Our results show a systematic improvement in permeability associated with one peptoid position in the cycle, while the influence of methyl substitution varies on a case-by-case basis. Using a combination of molecular dynamics simulations and NMR measurements, we offer hypotheses to explain such behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Comeau
- Département de Pharmacologie-Physiologie, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001, 12e av nord, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada J1H5N4
| | - Benjamin Ries
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zürich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 2, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Stadelmann
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zürich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 2, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Jacob Tremblay
- Département de Pharmacologie-Physiologie, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001, 12e av nord, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada J1H5N4
| | - Sylvain Poulet
- Département de Pharmacologie-Physiologie, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001, 12e av nord, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada J1H5N4
| | - Ulrike Fröhlich
- Département de Pharmacologie-Physiologie, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001, 12e av nord, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada J1H5N4
| | - Jérôme Côté
- Département de Pharmacologie-Physiologie, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001, 12e av nord, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada J1H5N4
| | - Pierre-Luc Boudreault
- Département de Pharmacologie-Physiologie, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001, 12e av nord, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada J1H5N4
| | - Rabeb Mouna Derbali
- Faculté de pharmacie, Université de Montréal, C.P. 6128, succursale Centre-ville, Montréal, Quebec, Canada H3C 3J7
| | - Philippe Sarret
- Département de Pharmacologie-Physiologie, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001, 12e av nord, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada J1H5N4
| | - Michel Grandbois
- Département de Pharmacologie-Physiologie, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001, 12e av nord, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada J1H5N4
| | - Grégoire Leclair
- Faculté de pharmacie, Université de Montréal, C.P. 6128, succursale Centre-ville, Montréal, Quebec, Canada H3C 3J7
| | - Sereina Riniker
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zürich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 2, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Éric Marsault
- Département de Pharmacologie-Physiologie, Institut de Pharmacologie de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001, 12e av nord, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada J1H5N4
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15
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Raubo P, Carbajo RJ, McCoull W, Raubo J, Thomas M. Diversity-orientated synthesis of macrocyclic heterocycles using a double S NAr approach. Org Biomol Chem 2021; 19:6274-6290. [PMID: 34195728 DOI: 10.1039/d1ob00612f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
An efficient macrocyclisation approach based on the double aromatic nucleophilic substitution (SNACK) was developed. This methodology allows a facile incorporation of heterocyclic motifs into macrocyclic rings and rapid synthesis of a significant number of structurally diverse macrocycles. SNACK macrocyclisation enables preparation of stable diastereoisomers of conformationally restricted macrocycles (atropisomers). Practical application of SNACK macrocyclisation in a drug discovery project was exemplified by the identification of high affinity macrocyclic binders of B-cell lymphoma 6 (BCL6).
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Raubo
- Medicinal Chemistry, Research and Early Development, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Rodrigo J Carbajo
- Medicinal Chemistry, Research and Early Development, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK.
| | - William McCoull
- Medicinal Chemistry, Research and Early Development, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Joanna Raubo
- Medicinal Chemistry, Research and Early Development, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Morgan Thomas
- Medicinal Chemistry, Research and Early Development, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK.
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16
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Horst R, Farley KA, Kormos BL, Withka JM. NMR spectroscopy: the swiss army knife of drug discovery. JOURNAL OF BIOMOLECULAR NMR 2020; 74:509-519. [PMID: 32617727 DOI: 10.1007/s10858-020-00330-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy has evolved into a powerful tool within drug discovery over the last two decades. While traditionally being used by medicinal chemists for small molecule structure elucidation, it can also be a valuable tool for the identification of small molecules that bind to drug targets, for the characterization of target-ligand interactions and for hit-to-lead optimization. Here, we describe how NMR spectroscopy is integrated into the Pfizer drug discovery pipeline and how we utilize this approach to identify and validate initial hits and generate leads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reto Horst
- Medicinal Sciences, Pfizer, Eastern Point Road, Groton, CT, 06340, USA.
| | - Kathleen A Farley
- Medicinal Sciences, Pfizer, Eastern Point Road, Groton, CT, 06340, USA
| | - Bethany L Kormos
- Medicinal Sciences, Pfizer, 610 Main St., Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Jane M Withka
- Medicinal Sciences, Pfizer, 610 Main St., Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
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17
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Dubey A, Takeuchi K, Reibarkh M, Arthanari H. The role of NMR in leveraging dynamics and entropy in drug design. JOURNAL OF BIOMOLECULAR NMR 2020; 74:479-498. [PMID: 32720098 PMCID: PMC7686249 DOI: 10.1007/s10858-020-00335-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/11/2020] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy has contributed to structure-based drug development (SBDD) in a unique way compared to the other biophysical methods. The potency of a ligand binding to a protein is dictated by the binding free energy, which is an intricate interplay between entropy and enthalpy. In addition to providing the atomic resolution structural information, NMR can help to identify protein-ligand interactions that potentially contribute to the enthalpic component of the free energy. NMR can also illuminate dynamic aspects of the interaction, which correspond to the entropic term of the free energy. The ability of NMR to access both terms in the free energy equation stems from the suite of experiments developed to shed light on various aspects that contribute to both entropy and enthalpy, deepening our understanding of the biological function of macromolecules and assisting to target them in physiological conditions. Here we provide a brief account of the contribution of NMR to SBDD, highlighting hallmark examples and discussing the challenges that demand further method development. In the era of integrated biology, the unique ability of NMR to directly ascertain structural and dynamical aspects of macromolecule and monitor changes in these properties upon engaging a ligand can be combined with computational and other structural and biophysical methods to provide a more complete picture of the energetics of drug engagement with the target. Such efforts can be used to engineer better drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhinav Dubey
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Koh Takeuchi
- Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology Research Institute & Molecular Profiling Research Center for Drug Discovery (molprof), National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tokyo, 135-0064, Japan.
| | - Mikhail Reibarkh
- Analytical Research and Development, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, 07065, USA
| | - Haribabu Arthanari
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
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18
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Grimster NP, Gingipalli L, Barlaam B, Su Q, Zheng X, Watson D, Wang H, Simpson I, Pike A, Balazs A, Boiko S, Ikeda TP, Impastato AC, Jones NH, Kawatkar S, Kemmitt P, Lamont S, Patel J, Read J, Sarkar U, Sha L, Tomlinson RC, Wang H, Wilson DM, Zehnder TE, Wang L, Wang P, Goldberg FW, Shao W, Fawell S, Dry H, Dowling JE, Edmondson SD. Optimization of a series of potent, selective and orally bioavailable SYK inhibitors. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2020; 30:127433. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2020.127433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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19
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Udvarhelyi A, Rodde S, Wilcken R. ReSCoSS: a flexible quantum chemistry workflow identifying relevant solution conformers of drug-like molecules. J Comput Aided Mol Des 2020; 35:399-415. [PMID: 32803515 DOI: 10.1007/s10822-020-00337-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Conformational equilibria are at the heart of drug design, yet their energetic description is often hampered by the insufficient accuracy of low-cost methods. Here we present a flexible and semi-automatic workflow based on quantum chemistry, ReSCoSS, designed to identify relevant conformers and predict their equilibria across different solvent environments in the Conductor-like Screening Model for Real Solvents (COSMO-RS) framework. We demonstrate the utility and accuracy of the workflow through conformational case studies on several drug-like molecules from literature where relevant conformations are known. We further show that including ReSCoSS conformers significantly improves COSMO-RS based predictions of physicochemical properties over single-conformation approaches. ReSCoSS has found broad adoption in the in-house drug discovery and development work streams and has contributed to establishing quantum-chemistry methods as a strategic pillar in ligand discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anikó Udvarhelyi
- Technical Research and Development, Novartis Pharma AG, 4002, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Stephane Rodde
- Global Discovery Chemistry, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, 4002, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Rainer Wilcken
- Global Discovery Chemistry, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, 4002, Basel, Switzerland.
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20
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Liu YM, Kuo CN, Liou JP. Anaplastic lymphoma kinase inhibitors: an updated patent review (2014-2018). Expert Opin Ther Pat 2020; 30:351-373. [PMID: 32125908 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2020.1738389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), a receptor tyrosine kinase, has been discovered in several cancers, including anaplastic large-cell lymphoma, non-small cell lung cancer, and inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors. The deregulation of ALK activities, such as translocation and point mutation, results in human carcinogenesis. The use of ALK inhibitors in clinical cancer treatment has been shown to be efficacious, and the issue of resistance to ALK inhibitors has been reported. Consequently, the development of a new generation of ALK inhibitors is necessary.Areas covered: This paper provides a comprehensive review of the patent literature from 2014 to 2018 including small molecule ALK inhibitors and their use as anticancer agents. The approved and developing ALK inhibitors are described.Expert commentary: The available three generations of ALK inhibitors have shown a good anticancer effect in ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer. An urgent issue in this field is ALK resistance development. The development of new ALK inhibitors through structure modification of currently available ALK inhibitors is proceeding, such as the synthesis of macrocyclic compounds. This article arranges the ALK inhibitors that have published in the patent in recent years. It may help in the investigation of a new generation of ALK inhibitors, which can overcome the resistance issue and development of novel drug candidates in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Min Liu
- TMU Biomedical Commercialization Center, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Chun-Nan Kuo
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei Municipal Wanfang Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jing-Ping Liou
- TMU Biomedical Commercialization Center, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
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21
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Affiliation(s)
- Neal J. Zondlo
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
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22
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Modelling the binding mode of macrocycles: Docking and conformational sampling. Bioorg Med Chem 2019; 28:115143. [PMID: 31771798 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2019.115143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2019] [Revised: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Drug discovery is increasingly tackling challenging protein binding sites regarding molecular recognition and druggability, including shallow and solvent-exposed protein-protein interaction interfaces. Macrocycles are emerging as promising chemotypes to modulate such sites. Despite their chemical complexity, macrocycles comprise important drugs and offer advantages compared to non-cyclic analogs, hence the recent impetus in the medicinal chemistry of macrocycles. Elaboration of macrocycles, or constituent fragments, can strongly benefit from knowledge of their binding mode to a target. When such information from X-ray crystallography is elusive, computational docking can provide working models. However, few studies have explored docking protocols for macrocycles, since conventional docking methods struggle with the conformational complexity of macrocycles, and also potentially with the shallower topology of their binding sites. Indeed, macrocycle binding mode prediction with the mainstream docking software GOLD has hardly been explored. Here, we present an in-depth study of macrocycle docking with GOLD and the ChemPLP scores. First, we summarize the thorough curation of a test set of 41 protein-macrocycle X-ray structures, raising the issue of lattice contacts with such systems. Rigid docking of the known bioactive conformers was successful (three top ranked poses) for 92.7% of the systems, in absence of crystallographic waters. Thus, without conformational search issues, scoring performed well. However, docking success dropped to 29.3% with the GOLD built-in conformational search. Yet, the success rate doubled to 58.5% when GOLD was supplied with extensive conformer ensembles docked rigidly. The reasons for failure, sampling or scoring, were analyzed, exemplified with particular cases. Overall, binding mode prediction of macrocycles remains challenging, but can be much improved with tailored protocols. The analysis of the interplay between conformational sampling and docking will be relevant to the prospective modelling of macrocycles in general.
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