1
|
Addis P, Bali U, Baron F, Campbell A, Harborne S, Jagger L, Milne G, Pearce M, Rosethorne EM, Satchell R, Swift D, Young B, Unitt JF. Key aspects of modern GPCR drug discovery. SLAS DISCOVERY : ADVANCING LIFE SCIENCES R & D 2024; 29:1-22. [PMID: 37625784 DOI: 10.1016/j.slasd.2023.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the largest and most versatile cell surface receptor family with a broad repertoire of ligands and functions. We've learned an enormous amount about discovering drugs of this receptor class since the first GPCR was cloned and expressed in 1986, such that it's now well-recognized that GPCRs are the most successful target class for approved drugs. Here we take the reader through a GPCR drug discovery journey from target to the clinic, highlighting the key learnings, best practices, challenges, trends and insights on discovering drugs that ultimately modulate GPCR function therapeutically in patients. The future of GPCR drug discovery is inspiring, with more desirable drug mechanisms and new technologies enabling the delivery of better and more successful drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Phil Addis
- Bioscience, Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacology and Protein Science Departments, Sygnature Discovery Ltd, BioCity, Pennyfoot Street, Nottingham NG1 1GR, UK
| | - Utsav Bali
- Bioscience, Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacology and Protein Science Departments, Sygnature Discovery Ltd, BioCity, Pennyfoot Street, Nottingham NG1 1GR, UK
| | - Frank Baron
- Bioscience, Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacology and Protein Science Departments, Sygnature Discovery Ltd, BioCity, Pennyfoot Street, Nottingham NG1 1GR, UK
| | - Adrian Campbell
- Bioscience, Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacology and Protein Science Departments, Sygnature Discovery Ltd, BioCity, Pennyfoot Street, Nottingham NG1 1GR, UK
| | - Steven Harborne
- Bioscience, Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacology and Protein Science Departments, Sygnature Discovery Ltd, BioCity, Pennyfoot Street, Nottingham NG1 1GR, UK
| | - Liz Jagger
- Bioscience, Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacology and Protein Science Departments, Sygnature Discovery Ltd, BioCity, Pennyfoot Street, Nottingham NG1 1GR, UK
| | - Gavin Milne
- Bioscience, Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacology and Protein Science Departments, Sygnature Discovery Ltd, BioCity, Pennyfoot Street, Nottingham NG1 1GR, UK
| | - Martin Pearce
- Bioscience, Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacology and Protein Science Departments, Sygnature Discovery Ltd, BioCity, Pennyfoot Street, Nottingham NG1 1GR, UK
| | - Elizabeth M Rosethorne
- Bioscience, Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacology and Protein Science Departments, Sygnature Discovery Ltd, BioCity, Pennyfoot Street, Nottingham NG1 1GR, UK
| | - Rupert Satchell
- Bioscience, Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacology and Protein Science Departments, Sygnature Discovery Ltd, BioCity, Pennyfoot Street, Nottingham NG1 1GR, UK
| | - Denise Swift
- Bioscience, Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacology and Protein Science Departments, Sygnature Discovery Ltd, BioCity, Pennyfoot Street, Nottingham NG1 1GR, UK
| | - Barbara Young
- Bioscience, Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacology and Protein Science Departments, Sygnature Discovery Ltd, BioCity, Pennyfoot Street, Nottingham NG1 1GR, UK
| | - John F Unitt
- Bioscience, Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacology and Protein Science Departments, Sygnature Discovery Ltd, BioCity, Pennyfoot Street, Nottingham NG1 1GR, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Prudent R, Lemoine H, Walsh J, Roche D. Affinity selection mass spectrometry speeding drug discovery. Drug Discov Today 2023; 28:103760. [PMID: 37660985 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103760] [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: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Affinity selection mass spectrometry (AS-MS) has gained momentum in drug discovery. This review summarizes how this technology has slowly risen as a new paradigm in hit identification and its potential synergy with DNA encoded library technology. It presents an overview of the recent results on challenging targets and perspectives on new areas of research, such as RNA targeting with small molecules. The versatility of the approach is illustrated and strategic drivers discussed in terms of the experience of a small-medium CRO and a big pharma organization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jarrod Walsh
- High Throughput Screening, Hit Discovery, Discovery Sciences, R&D Biopharmaceuticals, AstraZeneca, Alderley Park, UK
| | - Didier Roche
- Edelris, Bioparc, Bioserra 1 Building, Lyon, France.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Mata JM, van der Nol E, Pomplun SJ. Advances in Ultrahigh Throughput Hit Discovery with Tandem Mass Spectrometry Encoded Libraries. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:19129-19139. [PMID: 37556835 PMCID: PMC10472510 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c04899] [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: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
Discovering new bioactive molecules is crucial for drug development. Finding a hit compound for a new drug target usually requires screening of millions of molecules. Affinity selection based technologies have revolutionized early hit discovery by enabling the rapid screening of libraries with millions or billions of compounds in short timeframes. In this Perspective, we describe recent technology breakthroughs that enable the screening of ultralarge synthetic peptidomimetic libraries with a barcode-free tandem mass spectrometry decoding strategy. A combination of combinatorial synthesis, affinity selection, automated de novo peptide sequencing algorithms, and advances in mass spectrometry instrumentation now enables hit discovery from synthetic libraries with over 100 million members. We provide a perspective on this powerful technology and showcase success stories featuring the discovery of high affinity binders for a number of drug targets including proteins, nucleic acids, and specific cell types. Further, we show the usage of the technology to discover synthetic peptidomimetics with specific functions and reactivity. We predict that affinity selection coupled with tandem mass spectrometry and automated de novo decoding will rapidly evolve further and become a broadly used drug discovery technology.
Collapse
|
4
|
Jacobson KA, Suresh RR, Oliva P. A 2A adenosine receptor agonists, antagonists, inverse agonists and partial agonists. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2023; 170:1-27. [PMID: 37741687 PMCID: PMC10775762 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2023.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
The Gs-coupled A2A adenosine receptor (A2AAR) has been explored extensively as a pharmaceutical target, which has led to numerous clinical trials. However, only one selective A2AAR agonist (regadenoson, Lexiscan) and one selective A2AAR antagonist (istradefylline, Nouriast) have been approved by the FDA, as a pharmacological agent for myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) and as a cotherapy for Parkinson's disease (PD), respectively. Adenosine is widely used in MPI, as Adenoscan. Despite numerous unsuccessful clinical trials, medicinal chemical activity around A2AAR ligands has accelerated recently, particularly through structure-based drug design. New drug-like A2AAR antagonists for PD and cancer immunotherapy have been identified, and many clinical trials have ensued. For example, imaradenant (AZD4635), a compound that was designed computationally, based on A2AAR X-ray structures and biophysical mapping. Mixed A2AAR/A2BAR antagonists are also hopeful for cancer treatment. A2AAR antagonists may also have potential as neuroprotective agents for treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth A Jacobson
- Molecular Recognition Section, Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Bethesda, MD, United States.
| | - R Rama Suresh
- Molecular Recognition Section, Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Paola Oliva
- Molecular Recognition Section, Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Bethesda, MD, United States
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Li Q, Yin G, Wang J, Li L, Liang Q, Zhao X, Chen Y, Zheng X, Zhao X. An emerging paradigm to develop analytical methods based on immobilized transmembrane proteins and its applications in drug discovery. Trends Analyt Chem 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2022.116728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
|
6
|
Mohamud A, Zeghal M, Patel S, Laroche G, Blgacim N, Giguère PM. Functional Characterization of Sodium Channel Inhibitors at the Delta-Opioid Receptor. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:16939-16951. [PMID: 35647460 PMCID: PMC9134235 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.1c07226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Existing pharmacotherapies acting on the opioid receptor system have been extensively used to treat chronic pain and addictive disorders. Nevertheless, the adverse side effects associated with opioid therapy underscore the need for concerted measures to develop safer analgesics. A promising avenue of research stems from the characterization of a sodium-dependent allosteric regulation site housed within the delta-opioid receptor and several other G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), thereby revealing the presence of a cluster of sodium and water molecules lodged in a cavity thought to be present only in the inactive conformation of the receptor. Studies into the structure-function relationship of said pocket demonstrated its critical involvement in the functional control of GPCR signaling. While the sodium pocket has been proposed to be present in the majority of class A GPCRs, the shape of this allosteric cavity appears to have significant structural variation among crystallographically solved GPCRs, making this site optimal for the design of new allosteric modulators that will be selective for opioid receptors. The size of the sodium pocket supports the accommodation of small molecules, and it has been speculated that promiscuous amiloride and 5'-substituted amiloride-related derivatives could target this cavity within many GPCRs, including opioid receptors. Using pharmacological approaches, we have described the selectivities of 5'-substituted amiloride-related derivatives, as well as the hitherto undescribed activity of the NHE1 inhibitor zoniporide toward class A GPCRs. Our investigations into the structural features of the delta-opioid receptor and its ensuing signaling activities suggest a bitopic mode of overlapping interactions involving the orthosteric site and the juxtaposed Na+ pocket, but only at the active or partially active opioid receptor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abdulhamid
O. Mohamud
- Department
of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H8M5, Canada
| | - Manel Zeghal
- Department
of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H8M5, Canada
| | - Shivani Patel
- Department
of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H8M5, Canada
| | - Geneviève Laroche
- Department
of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H8M5, Canada
| | - Nuria Blgacim
- Department
of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H8M5, Canada
| | - Patrick M. Giguère
- Department
of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H8M5, Canada
- Brain
and Mind Research Institute, University
of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H8M5, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Egyed A, Kiss DJ, Keserű GM. The Impact of the Secondary Binding Pocket on the Pharmacology of Class A GPCRs. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:847788. [PMID: 35355719 PMCID: PMC8959758 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.847788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) are considered important therapeutic targets due to their pathophysiological significance and pharmacological relevance. Class A receptors represent the largest group of GPCRs that gives the highest number of validated drug targets. Endogenous ligands bind to the orthosteric binding pocket (OBP) embedded in the intrahelical space of the receptor. During the last 10 years, however, it has been turned out that in many receptors there is secondary binding pocket (SBP) located in the extracellular vestibule that is much less conserved. In some cases, it serves as a stable allosteric site harbouring allosteric ligands that modulate the pharmacology of orthosteric binders. In other cases it is used by bitopic compounds occupying both the OBP and SBP. In these terms, SBP binding moieties might influence the pharmacology of the bitopic ligands. Together with others, our research group showed that SBP binders contribute significantly to the affinity, selectivity, functional activity, functional selectivity and binding kinetics of bitopic ligands. Based on these observations we developed a structure-based protocol for designing bitopic compounds with desired pharmacological profile.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Attila Egyed
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Group, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Dóra Judit Kiss
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Group, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - György M Keserű
- Medicinal Chemistry Research Group, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Korkutata M, Agrawal L, Lazarus M. Allosteric Modulation of Adenosine A 2A Receptors as a New Therapeutic Avenue. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23042101. [PMID: 35216213 PMCID: PMC8880556 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23042101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [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: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The therapeutic potential of targeting adenosine A2A receptors (A2ARs) is immense due to their broad expression in the body and central nervous system. The role of A2ARs in cardiovascular function, inflammation, sleep/wake behaviors, cognition, and other primary nervous system functions has been extensively studied. Numerous A2AR agonist and antagonist molecules are reported, many of which are currently in clinical trials or have already been approved for treatment. Allosteric modulators can selectively elicit a physiologic response only where and when the orthosteric ligand is released, which reduces the risk of an adverse effect resulting from A2AR activation. Thus, these allosteric modulators have a potential therapeutic advantage over classical agonist and antagonist molecules. This review focuses on the recent developments regarding allosteric A2AR modulation, which is a promising area for future pharmaceutical research because the list of existing allosteric A2AR modulators and their physiologic effects is still short.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa Korkutata
- Department of Neurology, Division of Sleep Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA;
| | - Lokesh Agrawal
- Molecular Neuroscience Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Kunigami-gun, Onna 904-0412, Japan;
| | - Michael Lazarus
- International Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine (WPI-IIIS), University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8575, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-29-853-3681
| |
Collapse
|