1
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Chandramohan A, Josien H, Yuen TY, Duggal R, Spiegelberg D, Yan L, Juang YCA, Ge L, Aronica PG, Kaan HYK, Lim YH, Peier A, Sherborne B, Hochman J, Lin S, Biswas K, Nestor M, Verma CS, Lane DP, Sawyer TK, Garbaccio R, Henry B, Kannan S, Brown CJ, Johannes CW, Partridge AW. Design-rules for stapled peptides with in vivo activity and their application to Mdm2/X antagonists. Nat Commun 2024; 15:489. [PMID: 38216578 PMCID: PMC10786919 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43346-4] [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: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Although stapled α-helical peptides can address challenging targets, their advancement is impeded by poor understandings for making them cell permeable while avoiding off-target toxicities. By synthesizing >350 molecules, we present workflows for identifying stapled peptides against Mdm2(X) with in vivo activity and no off-target effects. Key insights include a clear correlation between lipophilicity and permeability, removal of positive charge to avoid off-target toxicities, judicious anionic residue placement to enhance solubility/behavior, optimization of C-terminal length/helicity to enhance potency, and optimization of staple type/number to avoid polypharmacology. Workflow application gives peptides with >292x improved cell proliferation potencies and no off-target cell proliferation effects ( > 3800x on-target index). Application of these 'design rules' to a distinct Mdm2(X) peptide series improves ( > 150x) cellular potencies and removes off-target toxicities. The outlined workflow should facilitate therapeutic impacts, especially for those targets such as Mdm2(X) that have hydrophobic interfaces and are targetable with a helical motif.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Tsz Ying Yuen
- Institute of Sustainability for Chemicals, Energy and Environment, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR), Singapore, 138665, Singapore
| | | | - Diana Spiegelberg
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Lin Yan
- Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, 07033, USA
| | | | - Lan Ge
- Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, 07033, USA
| | - Pietro G Aronica
- Bioinformatics Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR), Singapore, 138671, Singapore
| | | | - Yee Hwee Lim
- Institute of Sustainability for Chemicals, Energy and Environment, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR), Singapore, 138665, Singapore
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Marika Nestor
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Chandra S Verma
- Bioinformatics Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR), Singapore, 138671, Singapore
| | - David P Lane
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Singapore, 138673, Singapore
| | | | | | - Brian Henry
- MSD International, Singapore, 138665, Singapore.
| | - Srinivasaraghavan Kannan
- Bioinformatics Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR), Singapore, 138671, Singapore.
| | | | - Charles W Johannes
- Institute of Sustainability for Chemicals, Energy and Environment, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR), Singapore, 138665, Singapore.
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Singapore, 138673, Singapore.
- EPOC Scientific LLC, Stoneham, MA, 02180, USA.
| | - Anthony W Partridge
- MSD International, Singapore, 138665, Singapore.
- Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA.
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2
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Yang P, Zhu Y, Zheng Q, Meng S, Wu Y, Shuai W, Sun Q, Wang G. Recent advances of β-catenin small molecule inhibitors for cancer therapy: Current development and future perspectives. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 243:114789. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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3
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Li X, Craven TW, Levine PM. Cyclic Peptide Screening Methods for Preclinical Drug Discovery. J Med Chem 2022; 65:11913-11926. [PMID: 36074956 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Cyclic peptides are among the most diverse architectures for current drug discovery efforts. Their size, stability, and ease of synthesis provide attractive scaffolds to engage and modulate some of the most challenging targets, including protein-protein interactions and those considered to be "undruggable". With a variety of sophisticated screening technologies to produce libraries of cyclic peptides, including phage display, mRNA display, split intein circular ligation of peptides, and in silico screening, a new era of cyclic peptide drug discovery is at the forefront of modern medicine. In this perspective, we begin by discussing cyclic peptides approved for clinical use in the past two decades. Particular focus is placed around synthetic chemistries to generate de novo libraries of cyclic peptides and novel methods to screen them. The perspective culminates with future prospects for generating cyclic peptides as viable therapeutic options and discusses the advantages and disadvantages currently being faced with bringing them to market.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinting Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Timothy W Craven
- Department of Biochemistry and Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Paul M Levine
- Department of Biochemistry and Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
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4
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Ng S, Lim S, Sim ACN, Mangadu R, Lau A, Zhang C, Martinez SB, Chandramohan A, Lim UM, Ho SSW, Chang SC, Gopal P, Hong LZ, Schwaid A, Fernandis AZ, Loboda A, Li C, Phan U, Henry B, Partridge AW. STUB1 is an intracellular checkpoint for interferon gamma sensing. Sci Rep 2022; 12:14087. [PMID: 35982220 PMCID: PMC9388626 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-18404-4] [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: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) leads to durable and complete tumour regression in some patients but in others gives temporary, partial or no response. Accordingly, significant efforts are underway to identify tumour-intrinsic mechanisms underlying ICB resistance. Results from a published CRISPR screen in a mouse model suggested that targeting STUB1, an E3 ligase involved in protein homeostasis, may overcome ICB resistance but the molecular basis of this effect remains unclear. Herein, we report an under-appreciated role of STUB1 to dampen the interferon gamma (IFNγ) response. Genetic deletion of STUB1 increased IFNGR1 abundance on the cell surface and thus enhanced the downstream IFNγ response as showed by multiple approaches including Western blotting, flow cytometry, qPCR, phospho-STAT1 assay, immunopeptidomics, proteomics, and gene expression profiling. Human prostate and breast cancer cells with STUB1 deletion were also susceptible to cytokine-induced growth inhibition. Furthermore, blockade of STUB1 protein function recapitulated the STUB1-null phenotypes. Despite these encouraging in vitro data and positive implications from clinical datasets, we did not observe in vivo benefits of inactivating Stub1 in mouse syngeneic tumour models-with or without combination with anti-PD-1 therapy. However, our findings elucidate STUB1 as a barrier to IFNγ sensing, prompting further investigations to assess if broader inactivation of human STUB1 in both tumors and immune cells could overcome ICB resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Ng
- Quantitative Biosciences, MSD, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shuhui Lim
- Quantitative Biosciences, MSD, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Ruban Mangadu
- Discovery Oncology, Merck & Co., Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ally Lau
- Target & Pathway Biology, MSD, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | | | | | - U-Ming Lim
- Target & Pathway Biology, MSD, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | | | - Pooja Gopal
- Quantitative Biosciences, MSD, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Lewis Z Hong
- Translational Biomarkers, MSD, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Adam Schwaid
- Chemical Biology, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Cai Li
- Quantitative Biosciences, Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, MA, USA
| | - Uyen Phan
- Discovery Oncology, Merck & Co., Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Brian Henry
- Quantitative Biosciences, MSD, Singapore, Singapore.
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5
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Ng S, Brueckner AC, Bahmanjah S, Deng Q, Johnston JM, Ge L, Duggal R, Habulihaz B, Barlock B, Ha S, Sadruddin A, Yeo C, Strickland C, Peier A, Henry B, Sherer EC, Partridge AW. Discovery and Structure-Based Design of Macrocyclic Peptides Targeting STUB1. J Med Chem 2022; 65:9789-9801. [PMID: 35853179 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00406] [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
Recent evidence suggests that deletion of STUB1─a pivotal negative regulator of interferon-γ sensing─may potentially clear malignant cells. However, current studies rely primarily on genetic approaches, as pharmacological inhibitors of STUB1 are lacking. Identifying a tool compound will be a step toward validating the target in a broader therapeutic sense. Herein, screening more than a billion macrocyclic peptides resulted in STUB1 binders, which were further optimized by a structure-enabled in silico design. The strategy to replace the macrocyclic peptides' hydrophilic and solvent-exposed region with a hydrophobic scaffold improved cellular permeability while maintaining the binding conformation. Further substitution of the permeability-limiting terminal aspartic acid with a tetrazole bioisostere retained the binding to a certain extent while improving permeability, suggesting a path forward. Although not optimal for cellular study, the current lead provides a valuable template for further development into selective tool compounds for STUB1 to enable target validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Ng
- Quantitative Biosciences, MSD, 8 Biomedical Grove, Singapore 138665
| | - Alexander C Brueckner
- Computational & Structural Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc., 2000 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
| | - Soheila Bahmanjah
- Computational & Structural Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc., 2000 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
| | - Qiaolin Deng
- Computational & Structural Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc., 2000 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
| | - Jennifer M Johnston
- Computational & Structural Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc., 2000 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
| | - Lan Ge
- Cell Sciences Innovation, Merck & Co., Inc., 2000 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
| | - Ruchia Duggal
- ADME Group 2, Merck & Co., Inc., 33 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Bahanu Habulihaz
- PPDM ADME Transporters & In Vitro Technology, Merck & Co., Inc., 126 East Lincoln Ave, Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Benjamin Barlock
- ADME Group 2, Merck & Co., Inc., 33 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Sookhee Ha
- Computational & Structural Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc., 2000 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
| | - Ahmad Sadruddin
- Quantitative Biosciences, MSD, 8 Biomedical Grove, Singapore 138665
| | - Constance Yeo
- Quantitative Biosciences, MSD, 8 Biomedical Grove, Singapore 138665
| | - Corey Strickland
- Computational & Structural Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc., 2000 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
| | - Andrea Peier
- Screening & Compound Profiling, Merck & Co., Inc., 2000 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
| | - Brian Henry
- Quantitative Biosciences, MSD, 8 Biomedical Grove, Singapore 138665
| | - Edward C Sherer
- Computational & Structural Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc., 2000 Galloping Hill Road, Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
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6
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McCoy MA, Spicer D, Wells N, Hoogewijs K, Fiedler M, Baud MGJ. Biophysical Survey of Small-Molecule β-Catenin Inhibitors: A Cautionary Tale. J Med Chem 2022; 65:7246-7261. [PMID: 35581674 PMCID: PMC9150122 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
![]()
The canonical Wingless-related
integration site signaling pathway
plays a critical role in human physiology, and its dysregulation can
lead to an array of diseases. β-Catenin is a multifunctional
protein within this pathway and an attractive yet challenging therapeutic
target, most notably in oncology. This has stimulated the search for
potent small-molecule inhibitors binding directly to the β-catenin
surface to inhibit its protein–protein interactions and downstream
signaling. Here, we provide an account of the claimed (and some putative)
small-molecule ligands of β-catenin from the literature. Through
in silico analysis, we show that most of these molecules contain promiscuous
chemical substructures notorious for interfering with screening assays.
Finally, and in line with this analysis, we demonstrate using orthogonal
biophysical techniques that none of the examined small molecules bind
at the surface of β-catenin. While shedding doubts on their
reported mode of action, this study also reaffirms β-catenin
as a prominent target in drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A McCoy
- School of Chemistry, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, U.K
| | - Dominique Spicer
- School of Chemistry, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, U.K
| | - Neil Wells
- School of Chemistry, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, U.K
| | - Kurt Hoogewijs
- National University of Ireland, University Road, Galway H91 TK33, Ireland
| | - Marc Fiedler
- Medical Research Council, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge CB2 0QH, U.K
| | - Matthias G J Baud
- School of Chemistry, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, U.K
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7
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Gauvin DV, Zimmermann ZJ, Dalton JA. De-risking in Tier I CNS safety assessments is the primary function of study design and technical training of laboratory staff observers. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2022; 129:105116. [PMID: 35017023 DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2022.105116] [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: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Derisking is not a pharmaceutical industry strategy to reduce time, effort, or costs in drug development. Derisking strategies originated within the National Institutes of Health as a predicate to good science. There is a growing sentiment within drug development programs to diminish the importance of behavioral measures in toxicological studies and in the Tiered Safety assessment plans of the U.S. Regulatory Agencies and the International Commission on Harmonization. The validity and reliability of the Functional Observational Batter (FOB) is critically dependent on consistency and technical quality in each risk assessment plan. US Federal and International drug approval organizations have universally adopted the concept of principles of test construction rather than delineating specific behavioral assay endpoints for inclusion of the FOB in nonclinical safety protocols. The validity and reliability of behavioral observations in standardized neurotoxicity screening is critically dependent on the FOB developed by the Study Director with the Sponsor throughout all stages of testing.. The individual risk factors selected for observation to be included in the early Tier 1 safety program should be determined by the mechanism and mode of action of the test article. The results of Tier I testing are the basis for Tier II testing designs. Critical to the compliance with Good Laboratory Practices is the documentation of training of the operational staff scheduled to conduct all aspects of the established protocol.
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Affiliation(s)
- David V Gauvin
- Neurobehavioral Sciences, Charles River Laboratories, Mattawan, 49071, MI, USA.
| | | | - Jill A Dalton
- Neurobehavioral Sciences, Charles River Laboratories, Mattawan, 49071, MI, USA
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8
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Lim S, Boyer N, Boo N, Huang C, Venkatachalam G, Angela Juang YC, Garrigou M, Kaan HYK, Duggal R, Peh KM, Sadruddin A, Gopal P, Yuen TY, Ng S, Kannan S, Brown CJ, Verma CS, Orth P, Peier A, Ge L, Yu X, Bhatt B, Chen F, Wang E, Li NJ, Gonzales RJ, Stoeck A, Henry B, Sawyer TK, Lane DP, Johannes CW, Biswas K, Partridge AW. Discovery of cell active macrocyclic peptides with on-target inhibition of KRAS signaling. Chem Sci 2021; 12:15975-15987. [PMID: 35024121 PMCID: PMC8672774 DOI: 10.1039/d1sc05187c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Macrocyclic peptides have the potential to address intracellular protein–protein interactions (PPIs) of high value therapeutic targets that have proven largely intractable to small molecules. Here, we report broadly applicable lessons for applying this modality to intracellular targets and specifically for advancing chemical matter to address KRAS, a protein that represents the most common oncogene in human lung, colorectal and pancreatic cancers yet is one of the most challenging targets in human disease. Specifically, we focused on KRpep-2d, an arginine-rich KRAS-binding peptide with a disulfide-mediated macrocyclic linkage and a protease-sensitive backbone. These latter redox and proteolytic labilities obviated cellular activity. Extensive structure–activity relationship studies involving macrocyclic linker replacement, stereochemical inversion, and backbone α-methylation, gave a peptide with on-target cellular activity. However, we uncovered an important generic insight – the arginine-dependent cell entry mechanism limited its therapeutic potential. In particular, we observed a strong correlation between net positive charge and histamine release in an ex vivo assay, thus making this series unsuitable for advancement due to the potentially fatal consequences of mast cell degranulation. This observation should signal to researchers that cationic-mediated cell entry – an approach that has yet to succeed in the clinic despite a long history of attempts – carries significant therapy-limiting safety liabilities. Nonetheless, the cell-active molecules identified here validate a unique inhibitory epitope on KRAS and thus provide valuable molecular templates for the development of therapeutics that are desperately needed to address KRAS-driven cancers – some of the most treatment-resistant human malignancies. Targeting undruggable intracellular proteins with peptides: novel on-target macrocyclic peptide inhibitors of KRAS with broad inhibition of proliferation of multiple KRAS-dependent cancer cell lines.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuhui Lim
- MSD International Singapore 138665 Singapore
| | | | - Nicole Boo
- MSD International Singapore 138665 Singapore
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Pooja Gopal
- MSD International Singapore 138665 Singapore
| | - Tsz Ying Yuen
- Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR) Singapore 138665 Singapore
| | - Simon Ng
- Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR) Singapore 138665 Singapore
| | | | - Christopher J Brown
- Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR) Singapore 138665 Singapore
| | - Chandra S Verma
- Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR) Singapore 138665 Singapore
| | - Peter Orth
- Merck & Co., Inc. Kenilworth New Jersey 07033 USA
| | - Andrea Peier
- Merck & Co., Inc. Kenilworth New Jersey 07033 USA
| | - Lan Ge
- Merck & Co., Inc. Kenilworth New Jersey 07033 USA
| | - Xiang Yu
- Merck & Co., Inc. West Point Pennsylvania 19486 USA
| | | | - Feifei Chen
- Merck & Co., Inc. West Point Pennsylvania 19486 USA
| | - Erjia Wang
- Merck & Co., Inc. West Point Pennsylvania 19486 USA
| | | | | | | | - Brian Henry
- MSD International Singapore 138665 Singapore
| | | | - David P Lane
- Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR) Singapore 138665 Singapore
| | - Charles W Johannes
- Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR) Singapore 138665 Singapore
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9
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Walport LJ, Low JKK, Matthews JM, Mackay JP. The characterization of protein interactions - what, how and how much? Chem Soc Rev 2021; 50:12292-12307. [PMID: 34581717 DOI: 10.1039/d1cs00548k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Protein interactions underlie most molecular events in biology. Many methods have been developed to identify protein partners, to measure the affinity with which these biomolecules interact and to characterise the structures of the complexes. Each approach has its own advantages and limitations, and it can be difficult for the newcomer to determine which methodology would best suit their system. This review provides an overview of many of the techniques most widely used to identify protein partners, assess stoichiometry and binding affinity, and determine low-resolution models for complexes. Key methods covered include: yeast two-hybrid analysis, affinity purification mass spectrometry and proximity labelling to identify partners; size-exclusion chromatography, scattering methods, native mass spectrometry and analytical ultracentrifugation to estimate stoichiometry; isothermal titration calorimetry, biosensors and fluorometric methods (including microscale thermophoresis, anisotropy/polarisation, resonance energy transfer, AlphaScreen, and differential scanning fluorimetry) to measure binding affinity; and crosslinking and hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry to probe the structure of complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise J Walport
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Rd, London NW1 1AT, UK.,Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
| | - Jason K K Low
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
| | - Jacqueline M Matthews
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
| | - Joel P Mackay
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
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10
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Zhou LL, Guan Q, Li WY, Zhang Z, Li YA, Dong YB. A Ferrocene-Functionalized Covalent Organic Framework for Enhancing Chemodynamic Therapy via Redox Dyshomeostasis. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2021; 17:e2101368. [PMID: 34216420 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202101368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Chemodynamic therapy (CDT), which induces cell death by decomposing high levels of H2 O2 in tumor cells into highly toxic ·OH, is recognized as a promising antineoplastic approach. However, current CDT approaches are often restricted by the highly controlled and upregulated cellular antioxidant defense. To enhance ·OH-induced cellular damage by CDT, a covalent organic framework (COF)-based, ferrocene (Fc)- and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) inhibitor-loaded nanodrug, RSL3@COF-Fc (2b), is fabricated. The obtained 2b not only promotes in situ Fenton-like reactions to trigger ·OH production in cells, but also attenuates the repair mechanisms under oxidative stress via irreversible covalent GPX4 inhibition. As a result, these two approaches synergistically result in massive lipid peroxide accumulation, subsequent cell damage, and ultimately ferroptosis, while not being limited by intracellular glutathione. It is believed that this research provides a paradigm for enhancing reactive oxygen species-mediated oncotherapy through redox dyshomeostasis and may provide new insights for developing COF-based nanomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le-Le Zhou
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Functionalized Probes for Chemical Imaging in Universities of Shandong, Key Laboratory of Molecular and Nano Probes, Ministry of Education, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250014, P. R. China
| | - Qun Guan
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Functionalized Probes for Chemical Imaging in Universities of Shandong, Key Laboratory of Molecular and Nano Probes, Ministry of Education, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250014, P. R. China
| | - Wen-Yan Li
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Functionalized Probes for Chemical Imaging in Universities of Shandong, Key Laboratory of Molecular and Nano Probes, Ministry of Education, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250014, P. R. China
| | - Zhiyong Zhang
- Institute of Basic Medicine, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250062, P. R. China
| | - Yan-An Li
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Functionalized Probes for Chemical Imaging in Universities of Shandong, Key Laboratory of Molecular and Nano Probes, Ministry of Education, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250014, P. R. China
| | - Yu-Bin Dong
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Functionalized Probes for Chemical Imaging in Universities of Shandong, Key Laboratory of Molecular and Nano Probes, Ministry of Education, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250014, P. R. China
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11
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Nomura TK, Heishima K, Sugito N, Sugawara R, Ueda H, Yukihiro A, Honda R. Specific inhibition of oncogenic RAS using cell-permeable RAS-binding domains. Cell Chem Biol 2021; 28:1581-1589.e6. [PMID: 33964212 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2021.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Oncogenic RAS proteins, common oncogenic drivers in many human cancers, have been refractory to conventional small-molecule and macromolecule inhibitors due to their intracellular localization and the lack of druggable pockets. Here, we present a feasible strategy for designing RAS inhibitors that involves intracellular delivery of RAS-binding domain (RBD), a nanomolar-affinity specific ligand of RAS. Screening of 51 different combinations of RBD and cell-permeable peptides has identified Pen-cRaf-v1 as a cell-permeable pan-RAS inhibitor capable of targeting both G12C and non-G12C RAS mutants. Pen-cRaf-v1 crosses the cell membrane via endocytosis, competitively inhibits RAS-effector interaction, and thereby exerts anticancer activity against several KRAS-mutant cancer cell lines. Moreover, Pen-cRaf-v1 exhibits excellent activity comparable with a leading pan-RAS inhibitor (BI-2852), as well as high target specificity in transcriptome analysis and alanine mutation analysis. These findings demonstrate that specific inhibition of oncogenic RAS, and possibly treatment of RAS-mutant cancer, is feasible by intracellular delivery of RBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teiko Komori Nomura
- United Graduate School of Drug Discovery and Medical Information Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
| | - Kazuki Heishima
- United Graduate School of Drug Discovery and Medical Information Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
| | - Nobuhiko Sugito
- United Graduate School of Drug Discovery and Medical Information Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
| | - Ryota Sugawara
- United Graduate School of Drug Discovery and Medical Information Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Ueda
- United Graduate School of Drug Discovery and Medical Information Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
| | - Akao Yukihiro
- United Graduate School of Drug Discovery and Medical Information Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
| | - Ryo Honda
- United Graduate School of Drug Discovery and Medical Information Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan.
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12
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Peier A, Ge L, Boyer N, Frost J, Duggal R, Biswas K, Edmondson S, Hermes JD, Yan L, Zimprich C, Sadruddin A, Kristal Kaan HY, Chandramohan A, Brown CJ, Thean D, Lee XE, Yuen TY, Ferrer-Gago FJ, Johannes CW, Lane DP, Sherborne B, Corona C, Robers MB, Sawyer TK, Partridge AW. NanoClick: A High Throughput, Target-Agnostic Peptide Cell Permeability Assay. ACS Chem Biol 2021; 16:293-309. [PMID: 33539064 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.0c00804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Macrocyclic peptides open new opportunities to target intracellular protein-protein interactions (PPIs) that are often considered nondruggable by traditional small molecules. However, engineering sufficient membrane permeability into these molecules is a central challenge for identifying clinical candidates. Currently, there is a lack of high-throughput assays to assess peptide permeability, which limits our capacity to engineer this property into macrocyclic peptides for advancement through drug discovery pipelines. Accordingly, we developed a high throughput and target-agnostic cell permeability assay that measures the relative cumulative cytosolic exposure of a peptide in a concentration-dependent manner. The assay was named NanoClick as it combines in-cell Click chemistry with an intracellular NanoBRET signal. We validated the approach using known cell penetrating peptides and further demonstrated a correlation to cellular activity using a p53/MDM2 model system. With minimal change to the peptide sequence, NanoClick enables the ability to measure uptake of molecules that enter the cell via different mechanisms such as endocytosis, membrane translocation, or passive permeability. Overall, the NanoClick assay can serve as a screening tool to uncover predictive design rules to guide structure-activity-permeability relationships in the optimization of functionally active molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Peier
- Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
| | - Lan Ge
- Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
| | - Nicolas Boyer
- Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - John Frost
- Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
| | - Ruchia Duggal
- Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Kaustav Biswas
- Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Scott Edmondson
- Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
| | | | - Lin Yan
- Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
| | - Chad Zimprich
- Promega Corporation, Madison, Wisconsin 53711, United States
| | | | | | | | - Christopher J. Brown
- Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) Singapore 138665, Singapore
| | - Dawn Thean
- Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) Singapore 138665, Singapore
| | - Xue Er Lee
- Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) Singapore 138665, Singapore
| | - Tsz Ying Yuen
- Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) Singapore 138665, Singapore
| | | | - Charles W. Johannes
- Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) Singapore 138665, Singapore
| | - David P. Lane
- Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) Singapore 138665, Singapore
| | - Brad Sherborne
- Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
| | - Cesear Corona
- Promega Biosciences Incorporated, San Luis Obispo, California 93401, United States
| | | | - Tomi K. Sawyer
- Merck & Co., Inc., Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
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13
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Hurd CA, Brear P, Revell J, Ross S, Mott HR, Owen D. Affinity maturation of the RLIP76 Ral binding domain to inform the design of stapled peptides targeting the Ral GTPases. J Biol Chem 2021; 296:100101. [PMID: 33214225 PMCID: PMC7949049 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra120.015735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Ral GTPases have been implicated as critical drivers of cell growth and metastasis in numerous Ras-driven cancers. We have previously reported stapled peptides, based on the Ral effector RLIP76, that can disrupt Ral signaling. Stapled peptides are short peptides that are locked into their bioactive form using a synthetic brace. Here, using an affinity maturation of the RLIP76 Ral-binding domain, we identified several sequence substitutions that together improve binding to Ral proteins by more than 20-fold. Hits from the selection were rigorously analyzed to determine the contributions of individual residues and two 1.5 Å cocrystal structures of the tightest-binding mutants in complex with RalB revealed key interactions. Insights gained from this maturation were used to design second-generation stapled peptides based on RLIP76 that exhibited vastly improved selectivity for Ral GTPases when compared with the first-generation lead peptide. The binding of second-generation peptides to Ral proteins was quantified and the binding site of the lead peptide on RalB was determined by NMR. Stapled peptides successfully competed with multiple Ral-effector interactions in cellular lysates. Our findings demonstrate how manipulation of a native binding partner can assist in the rational design of stapled peptide inhibitors targeting a protein-protein interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine A Hurd
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Paul Brear
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jefferson Revell
- AstraZeneca, Sir Aaron Klug Building, Granta Park, Cambridge, UK
| | - Sarah Ross
- Research and Early Development, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Helen R Mott
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Darerca Owen
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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14
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Luo Y, Schofield JA, Na Z, Hann T, Simon MD, Slavoff SA. Discovery of cellular substrates of human RNA-decapping enzyme DCP2 using a stapled bicyclic peptide inhibitor. Cell Chem Biol 2020; 28:463-474.e7. [PMID: 33357462 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2020.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
DCP2 is an RNA-decapping enzyme that controls the stability of human RNAs that encode factors functioning in transcription and the immune response. While >1,800 human DCP2 substrates have been identified, compensatory expression changes secondary to genetic ablation of DCP2 have complicated a complete mapping of its regulome. Cell-permeable, selective chemical inhibitors of DCP2 could provide a powerful tool to study DCP2 specificity. Here, we report phage display selection of CP21, a bicyclic peptide ligand to DCP2. CP21 has high affinity and selectivity for DCP2 and inhibits DCP2 decapping activity toward selected RNA substrates in human cells. CP21 increases formation of P-bodies, liquid condensates enriched in intermediates of RNA decay, in a manner that resembles the deletion or mutation of DCP2. We used CP21 to identify 76 previously unreported DCP2 substrates. This work demonstrates that DCP2 inhibition can complement genetic approaches to study RNA decay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Luo
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; Chemical Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
| | - Jeremy A Schofield
- Chemical Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT 06516, USA; Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06529, USA
| | - Zhenkun Na
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; Chemical Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
| | - Tanja Hann
- Yale Combined Program in the Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Matthew D Simon
- Chemical Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT 06516, USA; Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06529, USA
| | - Sarah A Slavoff
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; Chemical Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT 06516, USA; Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06529, USA.
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15
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Generation of KS-58 as the first K-Ras(G12D)-inhibitory peptide presenting anti-cancer activity in vivo. Sci Rep 2020; 10:21671. [PMID: 33303890 PMCID: PMC7730438 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-78712-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Ras mutations (e.g., occur in K-Ras, N-Ras, and H-Ras) are one of the most desirable and promising drug targets in chemotherapy treatments for cancer. However, there are still no approved drugs directly targeting mutated Ras. In 2017, an artificial cyclic peptide, KRpep-2d, was discovered as the first selective inhibitor of K-Ras(G12D), the most frequent K-Ras mutation. Here, we report the generation of KS-58, a KRpep-2d derivative that is identified as a bicyclic peptide and possess unnatural amino acid structures. Our in vitro data and molecular dynamics simulations suggest that KS-58 enters cells and blocks intracellular Ras–effector protein interactions. KS-58 selectively binds to K-Ras(G12D) and suppresses the in vitro proliferation of the human lung cancer cell line A427 and the human pancreatic cancer cell line PANC-1, both of which express K-Ras(G12D). Moreover, KS-58 exhibits anti-cancer activity when given as an intravenous injection to mice with subcutaneous or orthotropic PANC-1 cell xenografts. The anti-cancer activity is further improved by combination with gemcitabine. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of K-Ras(G12D)-selective inhibitory peptide presenting in vivo anti-cancer activity. KS-58 is an attractive lead molecule for the development of novel cancer drugs that target K-Ras(G12D).
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16
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Maryanoff BE, Wipf P. Presenting a Special Issue on "Medicinal Chemistry: From Targets to Therapies". ACS Med Chem Lett 2020; 11:1780-1782. [PMID: 33062151 PMCID: PMC7549098 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.0c00508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
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