1
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Tants JN, Schlundt A. The role of structure in regulatory RNA elements. Biosci Rep 2024; 44:BSR20240139. [PMID: 39364891 PMCID: PMC11499389 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20240139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2024] [Revised: 10/02/2024] [Accepted: 10/04/2024] [Indexed: 10/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Regulatory RNA elements fulfill functions such as translational regulation, control of transcript levels, and regulation of viral genome replication. Trans-acting factors (i.e., RNA-binding proteins) bind the so-called cis elements and confer functionality to the complex. The specificity during protein-RNA complex (RNP) formation often exploits the structural plasticity of RNA. Functional integrity of cis-trans pairs depends on the availability of properly folded RNA elements, and RNA conformational transitions can cause diseases. Knowledge of RNA structure and the conformational space is needed for understanding complex formation and deducing functional effects. However, structure determination of RNAs under in vivo conditions remains challenging. This review provides an overview of structured eukaryotic and viral RNA cis elements and discusses the effect of RNA structural equilibria on RNP formation. We showcase implications of RNA structural changes for diseases, outline strategies for RNA structure-based drug targeting, and summarize the methodological toolbox for deciphering RNA structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan-Niklas Tants
- Institute for Molecular Biosciences and Biomolecular Resonance Center (BMRZ), Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 7-9, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Andreas Schlundt
- Institute for Molecular Biosciences and Biomolecular Resonance Center (BMRZ), Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 7-9, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
- University of Greifswald, Institute of Biochemistry, Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 4, 17489 Greifswald, Germany
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2
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Chen S, Mao Q, Cheng H, Tai W. RNA-Binding Small Molecules in Drug Discovery and Delivery: An Overview from Fundamentals. J Med Chem 2024; 67:16002-16017. [PMID: 39287926 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c01330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/19/2024]
Abstract
RNA molecules, similar to proteins, fold into complex structures to confer diverse functions in cells. The intertwining of functions with RNA structures offers a new therapeutic opportunity for small molecules to bind and manipulate disease-relevant RNA pathways, thus creating a therapeutic realm of RNA-binding small molecules. The ongoing interest in RNA targeting and subsequent screening campaigns have led to the identification of numerous compounds that can regulate RNAs from splicing, degradation to malfunctions, with therapeutic benefits for a variety of diseases. Moreover, along with the rise of RNA-based therapeutics, RNA-binding small molecules have expanded their application to the modification, regulation, and delivery of RNA drugs, leading to the burgeoning interest in this field. This Perspective overviews the emerging roles of RNA-binding small molecules in drug discovery and delivery, covering aspects from their action fundamentals to therapeutic applications, which may inspire researchers to advance the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyi Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China
| | - Qi Mao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China
| | - Hong Cheng
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China
| | - Wanyi Tai
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, China
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3
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Yao X, Peng J, Luo R, Wang X, Lu X, Wu L, Jin R, Zhong J, Liang J, Hong S, Yang L, Zhang X, Mao S, Hu J, Tao Z, Sun D, Wang H, Zhang L, Xia Y, Chen K, Wang Y. Nusinersen effectiveness and safety in pediatric patients with 5q-spinal muscular atrophy: a multi-center disease registry in China. J Neurol 2024; 271:5378-5391. [PMID: 38954034 PMCID: PMC11319379 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-024-12442-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of nusinersen for the treatment of 5q-spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) among Chinese pediatric patients. METHODS Using a longitudinal, multi-center registry, both prospective and retrospective data were collected from pediatric patients with 5q-SMA receiving nusinersen treatment across 18 centers in China. All patients fulfilling the eligibility criteria were included consecutively. Motor function outcomes were assessed post-treatment by SMA type. Safety profile was evaluated among patients starting nusinersen treatment post-enrollment. Descriptive analyses were used to report baseline characteristics, effectiveness, and safety results. RESULTS As of March 2nd, 2023, 385 patients were included. Most patients demonstrated improvements or stability in motor function across all SMA types. Type II patients demonstrated mean changes [95% confidence interval (CI)] of 4.4 (3.4-5.4) and 4.1 (2.8-5.4) in Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale-Expanded (HFMSE), and 2.4 (1.7-3.1) and 2.3 (1.2-3.4) in Revised Upper Limb Module (RULM) scores at months 6 and 10. Type III patients exhibited mean changes (95% CI) of 3.9 (2.5-5.3) and 4.3 (2.6-6.0) in HFMSE, and 2.1 (1.2-3.0) and 1.5 (0.0-3.0) in RULM scores at months 6 and 10. Of the 132 patients, 62.9% experienced adverse events (AEs). Two patients experienced mild AEs (aseptic meningitis and myalgia) considered to be related to nusinersen by the investigator, with no sequelae. CONCLUSIONS These data underscore the significance of nusinersen in Chinese pediatric patients with SMA regarding motor function improvement or stability, and support recommendations on nusinersen treatment by Chinese SMA guidelines and continuous coverage of nusinersen by basic medical insurance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Yao
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jing Peng
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Rong Luo
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiuxia Wang
- Department of Pediatric Internal Medicine, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Xinguo Lu
- Department of Neurology, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Liwen Wu
- Department of Neurology, Hunan Children's Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Ruifeng Jin
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Jianmin Zhong
- Department of Neurology, Jiangxi Provincial Children's Hospital, Nanchang, China
| | - Jianmin Liang
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Siqi Hong
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lin Yang
- Department of Pediatric Internal Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'An Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiaoli Zhang
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shanshan Mao
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jun Hu
- Department of Pediatric Internal Medicine, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zhe Tao
- Department of Neurology, Dalian Women and Children's Medical Group, Dalian, China
| | - Dan Sun
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Wuhan Children's Hospital, Tongji Medical College Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hua Wang
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Biogen Biotechnology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanyan Xia
- Biogen Biotechnology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd, Shanghai, China
| | - Ken Chen
- Real World Solutions, IQVIA Solutions Enterprise Management Consulting (Shanghai) Co., Ltd, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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4
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Bar-Chama N, Elsheikh B, Hewamadduma C, Guittari CJ, Gorni K, Mueller L. Male Reproduction in Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) and the Potential Impact of Oral Survival of Motor Neuron 2 (SMN2) Pre-mRNA Splicing Modifiers. Neurol Ther 2024; 13:933-947. [PMID: 38750391 PMCID: PMC11263299 DOI: 10.1007/s40120-024-00626-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a neuromuscular disease caused by deletions or mutations in the survival of motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene resulting in reduced levels of SMN protein. SMN protein is produced by cells throughout the body, and evidence suggests that low SMN protein can have systemic implications, including in male reproductive organs. However, a paucity of research exists on this important topic. This article will discuss findings from non-clinical studies on the role of SMN in the male reproductive system; additionally, real-world observational reports of individuals with SMA will be examined. Furthermore, we will review the non-clinical reproductive findings of risdiplam, a small-molecule SMN2 splicing modifier approved for the treatment of SMA, which has widespread distribution in both the central nervous system and peripheral organs. Specifically, the available non-clinical evidence of the effect of risdiplam on male reproductive organs and spermatogenesis is examined. Lastly, the article will highlight available capabilities to assess male fertility as well as the advanced reproductive technologies utilized to treat male infertility. This article demonstrates the need for further research to better understand the impacts of SMA on male fertility and reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natan Bar-Chama
- The Center for Male Reproductive Health, Reproductive Medicine Associates of New York, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Urology, The Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, NY, USA.
- , 635 Madison Ave 10th Floor, New York, NY, 10022, USA.
| | - Bakri Elsheikh
- Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Channa Hewamadduma
- Department of Neuroscience, Sheffield Institute for Translational Neurosciences (SITRAN), University of Sheffield and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals Foundation NHS Trust, Sheffield, UK
| | - Carol Jean Guittari
- PDMA Neuroscience and Rare Disease, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ksenija Gorni
- PDMA Neuroscience and Rare Disease, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Lutz Mueller
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
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5
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Haque US, Yokota T. Recent Progress in Gene-Targeting Therapies for Spinal Muscular Atrophy: Promises and Challenges. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:999. [PMID: 39202360 PMCID: PMC11353366 DOI: 10.3390/genes15080999] [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: 06/28/2024] [Revised: 07/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a severe genetic disorder characterized by the loss of motor neurons, leading to progressive muscle weakness, loss of mobility, and respiratory complications. In its most severe forms, SMA can result in death within the first two years of life if untreated. The condition arises from mutations in the SMN1 (survival of motor neuron 1) gene, causing a deficiency in the survival motor neuron (SMN) protein. Humans possess a near-identical gene, SMN2, which modifies disease severity and is a primary target for therapies. Recent therapeutic advancements include antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), small molecules targeting SMN2, and virus-mediated gene replacement therapy delivering a functional copy of SMN1. Additionally, recognizing SMA's broader phenotype involving multiple organs has led to the development of SMN-independent therapies. Evidence now indicates that SMA affects multiple organ systems, suggesting the need for SMN-independent treatments along with SMN-targeting therapies. No single therapy can cure SMA; thus, combination therapies may be essential for comprehensive treatment. This review addresses the SMA etiology, the role of SMN, and provides an overview of the rapidly evolving therapeutic landscape, highlighting current achievements and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umme Sabrina Haque
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada;
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada
| | - Toshifumi Yokota
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada;
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada
- The Friends of Garrett Cumming Research & Muscular Dystrophy Canada HM Toupin Neurological Science Research, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada
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6
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Marshall CM, Federice JG, Bell CN, Cox PB, Njardarson JT. An Update on the Nitrogen Heterocycle Compositions and Properties of U.S. FDA-Approved Pharmaceuticals (2013-2023). J Med Chem 2024; 67:11622-11655. [PMID: 38995264 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c01122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
This Perspective is a continuation of our analysis of U.S. FDA-approved small-molecule drugs (1938-2012) containing nitrogen heterocycles. In this study we report drug structure and property analyses of 321 unique new small-molecule drugs approved from January 2013 to December 2023 as well as information about frequency of important heteroatoms such as sulfur and fluorine and key small nitrogen substituents (CN and NO2). The most notable change is an incredible increase in drugs containing at least one nitrogen heterocycle─82%, compared to 59% from preceding decades─as well as a significant increase in the number of nitrogen heterocycles per drug. Pyridine has claimed the #1 high-frequency nitrogen heterocycle occurrence spot from piperidine (#2), with pyrimidine (#5), pyrazole (#6), and morpholine (#9) being the big top 10 climbers. Also notable is high number of fused nitrogen heterocycles, apparently driven largely by newly approved cancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher M Marshall
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - John G Federice
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Chloe N Bell
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Philip B Cox
- Discovery Research, AbbVie Inc., 1 North Waukegan Road, North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Jon T Njardarson
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
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Tapken I, Kuhn D, Hoffmann N, Detering NT, Schüning T, Billaud JN, Tugendreich S, Schlüter N, Green J, Krämer A, Claus P. From data to discovery: AI-guided analysis of disease-relevant molecules in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Hum Mol Genet 2024; 33:1367-1377. [PMID: 38704739 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddae076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinal Muscular Atrophy is caused by partial loss of survival of motoneuron (SMN) protein expression. The numerous interaction partners and mechanisms influenced by SMN loss result in a complex disease. Current treatments restore SMN protein levels to a certain extent, but do not cure all symptoms. The prolonged survival of patients creates an increasing need for a better understanding of SMA. Although many SMN-protein interactions, dysregulated pathways, and organ phenotypes are known, the connections among them remain largely unexplored. Monogenic diseases are ideal examples for the exploration of cause-and-effect relationships to create a network describing the disease-context. Machine learning tools can utilize such knowledge to analyze similarities between disease-relevant molecules and molecules not described in the disease so far. We used an artificial intelligence-based algorithm to predict new genes of interest. The transcriptional regulation of 8 out of 13 molecules selected from the predicted set were successfully validated in an SMA mouse model. This bioinformatic approach, using the given experimental knowledge for relevance predictions, enhances efficient targeted research in SMA and potentially in other disease settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ines Tapken
- SMATHERIA gGmbH - Non-Profit Biomedical Research Institute, Feodor-Lynen-Str. 31, Hannover 30625, Germany
- Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), Bünteweg 2, Hannover 30559, Germany
| | - Daniela Kuhn
- SMATHERIA gGmbH - Non-Profit Biomedical Research Institute, Feodor-Lynen-Str. 31, Hannover 30625, Germany
- Hannover Medical School, Department of Conservative Dentistry, Periodontology and Preventive Dentistry, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, Hannover 30625, Germany
| | - Nico Hoffmann
- SMATHERIA gGmbH - Non-Profit Biomedical Research Institute, Feodor-Lynen-Str. 31, Hannover 30625, Germany
| | - Nora T Detering
- SMATHERIA gGmbH - Non-Profit Biomedical Research Institute, Feodor-Lynen-Str. 31, Hannover 30625, Germany
- Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), Bünteweg 2, Hannover 30559, Germany
| | - Tobias Schüning
- SMATHERIA gGmbH - Non-Profit Biomedical Research Institute, Feodor-Lynen-Str. 31, Hannover 30625, Germany
| | - Jean-Noël Billaud
- QIAGEN Digital Insights, 1001 Marshall Street,Redwood City, CA 94063, United States
| | - Stuart Tugendreich
- QIAGEN Digital Insights, 1001 Marshall Street,Redwood City, CA 94063, United States
| | - Nadine Schlüter
- Hannover Medical School, Department of Conservative Dentistry, Periodontology and Preventive Dentistry, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, Hannover 30625, Germany
| | - Jeff Green
- QIAGEN Digital Insights, 1001 Marshall Street,Redwood City, CA 94063, United States
| | - Andreas Krämer
- QIAGEN Digital Insights, 1001 Marshall Street,Redwood City, CA 94063, United States
| | - Peter Claus
- SMATHERIA gGmbH - Non-Profit Biomedical Research Institute, Feodor-Lynen-Str. 31, Hannover 30625, Germany
- Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), Bünteweg 2, Hannover 30559, Germany
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8
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Bonnet C, Dian AL, Espie-Caullet T, Fabbri L, Lagadec L, Pivron T, Dutertre M, Luco R, Navickas A, Vagner S, Verga D, Uguen P. Post-transcriptional gene regulation: From mechanisms to RNA chemistry and therapeutics. Bull Cancer 2024; 111:782-790. [PMID: 38824069 DOI: 10.1016/j.bulcan.2024.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
A better understanding of the RNA biology and chemistry is necessary to then develop new RNA therapeutic strategies. This review is the synthesis of a series of conferences that took place during the 6th international course on post-transcriptional gene regulation at Institut Curie. This year, the course made a special focus on RNA chemistry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Bonnet
- CNRS UMR3348 Genome integrity, RNA and Cancer, Institut Curie, University Paris-Saclay, 91401 Orsay, France
| | - Ana Luisa Dian
- CNRS UMR3348 Genome integrity, RNA and Cancer, Institut Curie, University Paris-Saclay, 91401 Orsay, France
| | - Tristan Espie-Caullet
- CNRS UMR3348 Genome integrity, RNA and Cancer, Institut Curie, University Paris-Saclay, 91401 Orsay, France
| | - Lucilla Fabbri
- CNRS UMR3348 Genome integrity, RNA and Cancer, Institut Curie, University Paris-Saclay, 91401 Orsay, France
| | - Lucie Lagadec
- CNRS UMR3348 Genome integrity, RNA and Cancer, Institut Curie, University Paris-Saclay, 91401 Orsay, France
| | - Thibaud Pivron
- CNRS UMR3348 Genome integrity, RNA and Cancer, Institut Curie, University Paris-Saclay, 91401 Orsay, France
| | - Martin Dutertre
- CNRS UMR3348 Genome integrity, RNA and Cancer, Institut Curie, University Paris-Saclay, 91401 Orsay, France
| | - Reini Luco
- CNRS UMR3348 Genome integrity, RNA and Cancer, Institut Curie, University Paris-Saclay, 91401 Orsay, France
| | - Albertas Navickas
- CNRS UMR3348 Genome integrity, RNA and Cancer, Institut Curie, University Paris-Saclay, 91401 Orsay, France
| | - Stephan Vagner
- CNRS UMR3348 Genome integrity, RNA and Cancer, Institut Curie, University Paris-Saclay, 91401 Orsay, France
| | - Daniela Verga
- CNRS UMR9187, Inserm U1196, Chemistry and Modelling for the Biology of Cancer, Institut Curie, université Paris-Saclay, 91405 Orsay, France
| | - Patricia Uguen
- CNRS UMR3348 Genome integrity, RNA and Cancer, Institut Curie, University Paris-Saclay, 91401 Orsay, France.
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9
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Kersten C, Archambault P, Köhler LP. Assessment of Nucleobase Protomeric and Tautomeric States in Nucleic Acid Structures for Interaction Analysis and Structure-Based Ligand Design. J Chem Inf Model 2024; 64:4485-4499. [PMID: 38766733 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.4c00520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
With increasing interest in RNA as a therapeutic and a potential target, the role of RNA structures has become more important. Even slight changes in nucleobases, such as modifications or protomeric and tautomeric states, can have a large impact on RNA structure and function, while local environments in turn affect protonation and tautomerization. In this work, the application of empirical tools for pKa and tautomer prediction for RNA modifications was elucidated and compared with ab initio quantum mechanics (QM) methods and expanded toward macromolecular RNA structures, where QM is no longer feasible. In this regard, the Protonate3D functionality within the molecular operating environment (MOE) was expanded for nucleobase protomer and tautomer predictions and applied to reported examples of altered protonation states depending on the local environment. Overall, observations of nonstandard protomers and tautomers were well reproduced, including structural C+G:C(A) and A+GG motifs, several mismatches, and protonation of adenosine or cytidine as the general acid in nucleolytic ribozymes. Special cases, such as cobalt hexamine-soaked complexes or the deprotonation of guanosine as the general base in nucleolytic ribozymes, proved to be challenging. The collected set of examples shall serve as a starting point for the development of further RNA protonation prediction tools, while the presented Protonate3D implementation already delivers reasonable protonation predictions for RNA and DNA macromolecules. For cases where higher accuracy is needed, like following catalytic pathways of ribozymes, incorporation of QM-based methods can build upon the Protonate3D-generated starting structures. Likewise, this protonation prediction can be used for structure-based RNA-ligand design approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Kersten
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Staudingerweg 5, 55128 Mainz, Germany
- Institute for Quantitative and Computational Biosciences, Johannes Gutenberg-University, BioZentrum I, Hanns-Dieter-Hüsch.Weg 15, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Philippe Archambault
- Chemical Computing Group, 910-1010 Sherbrooke W., Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3A 2R7
| | - Luca P Köhler
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Staudingerweg 5, 55128 Mainz, Germany
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10
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Kallert E, Almena Rodriguez L, Husmann JÅ, Blatt K, Kersten C. Structure-based virtual screening of unbiased and RNA-focused libraries to identify new ligands for the HCV IRES model system. RSC Med Chem 2024; 15:1527-1538. [PMID: 38784459 PMCID: PMC11110755 DOI: 10.1039/d3md00696d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Targeting RNA including viral RNAs with small molecules is an emerging field. The hepatitis C virus internal ribosome entry site (HCV IRES) is a potential target for translation inhibitor development to raise drug resistance mutation preparedness. Using RNA-focused and unbiased molecule libraries, a structure-based virtual screening (VS) by molecular docking and pharmacophore analysis was performed against the HCV IRES subdomain IIa. VS hits were validated by a microscale thermophoresis (MST) binding assay and a Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) assay elucidating ligand-induced conformational changes. Ten hit molecules were identified with potencies in the high to medium micromolar range proving the suitability of structure-based virtual screenings against RNA-targets. Hit compounds from a 2-guanidino-quinazoline series, like the strongest binder, compound 8b with an EC50 of 61 μM, show low molecular weight, moderate lipophilicity and reduced basicity compared to previously reported IRES ligands. Therefore, it can be considered as a potential starting point for further optimization by chemical derivatization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Kallert
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg-University Staudingerweg 5 55128 Mainz Germany
| | - Laura Almena Rodriguez
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg-University Staudingerweg 5 55128 Mainz Germany
| | - Jan-Åke Husmann
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg-University Staudingerweg 5 55128 Mainz Germany
| | - Kathrin Blatt
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg-University Staudingerweg 5 55128 Mainz Germany
| | - Christian Kersten
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg-University Staudingerweg 5 55128 Mainz Germany
- Institute for Quantitative and Computational Biosciences, Johannes Gutenberg-University BioZentrum I, Hanns-Dieter-Hüsch-Weg 15 55128 Mainz Germany
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11
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Rosenblum SL, Soueid DM, Giambasu G, Vander Roest S, Pasternak A, DiMauro EF, Simov V, Garner AL. Live cell screening to identify RNA-binding small molecule inhibitors of the pre-let-7-Lin28 RNA-protein interaction. RSC Med Chem 2024; 15:1539-1546. [PMID: 38784453 PMCID: PMC11110735 DOI: 10.1039/d4md00123k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Dysregulation of the networking of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) and RNAs drives many human diseases, including cancers, and the targeting of RNA-protein interactions (RPIs) has emerged as an exciting area of RNA-targeted drug discovery. Accordingly, methods that enable the discovery of cell-active small molecule modulators of RPIs are needed to propel this emerging field forward. Herein, we describe the application of live-cell assay technology, RNA interaction with protein-mediated complementation assay (RiPCA), for high-throughput screening to identify small molecule inhibitors of the pre-let-7d-Lin28A RPI. Utilizing a combination of RNA-biased small molecules and virtual screening hits, we discovered an RNA-binding small molecule that can disrupt the pre-let-7-Lin28 interaction demonstrating the potential of RiPCA for advancing RPI-targeted drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sydney L Rosenblum
- Program in Chemical Biology, University of Michigan 210 Washtenaw Avenue Ann Arbor MI 48109 USA
| | - Dalia M Soueid
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan 1600 Huron Parkway, NCRC B520 Ann Arbor MI 48109 USA
| | - George Giambasu
- Computational Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc. Boston MA 02115 USA
| | - Steve Vander Roest
- Center for Chemical Genomics, Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan 210 Washtenaw Avenue Ann Arbor MI 48109 USA
| | | | - Erin F DiMauro
- Discovery Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc. Boston MA 02115 USA
| | - Vladimir Simov
- Discovery Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc. Boston MA 02115 USA
| | - Amanda L Garner
- Program in Chemical Biology, University of Michigan 210 Washtenaw Avenue Ann Arbor MI 48109 USA
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan 1600 Huron Parkway, NCRC B520 Ann Arbor MI 48109 USA
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12
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Malard F, Wolter AC, Marquevielle J, Morvan E, Ecoutin A, Rüdisser S, Allain FT, Campagne S. The diversity of splicing modifiers acting on A-1 bulged 5'-splice sites reveals rules for rational drug design. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:4124-4136. [PMID: 38554107 PMCID: PMC11077090 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae201] [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: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Pharmacological modulation of RNA splicing by small molecules is an emerging facet of drug discovery. In this context, the SMN2 splicing modifier SMN-C5 was used as a prototype to understand the mode of action of small molecule splicing modifiers and propose the concept of 5'-splice site bulge repair. In this study, we combined in vitro binding assays and structure determination by NMR spectroscopy to identify the binding modes of four other small molecule splicing modifiers that switch the splicing of either the SMN2 or the HTT gene. Here, we determined the solution structures of risdiplam, branaplam, SMN-CX and SMN-CY bound to the intermolecular RNA helix epitope containing an unpaired adenine within the G-2A-1G+1U+2 motif of the 5'-splice site. Despite notable differences in their scaffolds, risdiplam, SMN-CX, SMN-CY and branaplam contact the RNA epitope similarly to SMN-C5, suggesting that the 5'-splice site bulge repair mechanism can be generalised. These findings not only deepen our understanding of the chemical diversity of splicing modifiers that target A-1 bulged 5'-splice sites, but also identify common pharmacophores required for modulating 5'-splice site selection with small molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Malard
- Université de Bordeaux, Inserm U1212, CNRS UMR5320, ARNA unit, 146 rue Léo Saignat, 33076 Bordeaux Cedex, France
- Institut Européen de Chimie et Biologie, 2 rue Robert Escarpit, 33607 Pessac Cedex, France
| | - Antje C Wolter
- ETH Zürich, Department of Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, Hönggerbergring 64, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Julien Marquevielle
- Université de Bordeaux, Inserm U1212, CNRS UMR5320, ARNA unit, 146 rue Léo Saignat, 33076 Bordeaux Cedex, France
- Institut Européen de Chimie et Biologie, 2 rue Robert Escarpit, 33607 Pessac Cedex, France
| | - Estelle Morvan
- Institut Européen de Chimie et Biologie, UAR3033 CNRS, Université de Bordeaux, INSERM US01, Pessac 33600, France
| | - Agathe Ecoutin
- Université de Bordeaux, Inserm U1212, CNRS UMR5320, ARNA unit, 146 rue Léo Saignat, 33076 Bordeaux Cedex, France
- Institut Européen de Chimie et Biologie, 2 rue Robert Escarpit, 33607 Pessac Cedex, France
| | - Simon H Rüdisser
- ETH Zürich, Department of Biology, BioNMR platform, Hönggerbergring 64, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Frédéric H T Allain
- ETH Zürich, Department of Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, Hönggerbergring 64, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Sebastien Campagne
- Université de Bordeaux, Inserm U1212, CNRS UMR5320, ARNA unit, 146 rue Léo Saignat, 33076 Bordeaux Cedex, France
- Institut Européen de Chimie et Biologie, 2 rue Robert Escarpit, 33607 Pessac Cedex, France
- ETH Zürich, Department of Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, Hönggerbergring 64, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
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13
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Ishigami Y, Wong MS, Martí-Gómez C, Ayaz A, Kooshkbaghi M, Hanson SM, McCandlish DM, Krainer AR, Kinney JB. Specificity, synergy, and mechanisms of splice-modifying drugs. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1880. [PMID: 38424098 PMCID: PMC10904865 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46090-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Drugs that target pre-mRNA splicing hold great therapeutic potential, but the quantitative understanding of how these drugs work is limited. Here we introduce mechanistically interpretable quantitative models for the sequence-specific and concentration-dependent behavior of splice-modifying drugs. Using massively parallel splicing assays, RNA-seq experiments, and precision dose-response curves, we obtain quantitative models for two small-molecule drugs, risdiplam and branaplam, developed for treating spinal muscular atrophy. The results quantitatively characterize the specificities of risdiplam and branaplam for 5' splice site sequences, suggest that branaplam recognizes 5' splice sites via two distinct interaction modes, and contradict the prevailing two-site hypothesis for risdiplam activity at SMN2 exon 7. The results also show that anomalous single-drug cooperativity, as well as multi-drug synergy, are widespread among small-molecule drugs and antisense-oligonucleotide drugs that promote exon inclusion. Our quantitative models thus clarify the mechanisms of existing treatments and provide a basis for the rational development of new therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuma Ishigami
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, 11724, USA
| | - Mandy S Wong
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, 11724, USA
- Beam Therapeutics, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | | | - Andalus Ayaz
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, 11724, USA
| | - Mahdi Kooshkbaghi
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, 11724, USA
- The Estée Lauder Companies, New York, NY, 10153, USA
| | | | | | - Adrian R Krainer
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, 11724, USA.
| | - Justin B Kinney
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, 11724, USA.
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14
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Alves CRR, Ha LL, Yaworski R, Sutton ER, Lazzarotto CR, Christie KA, Reilly A, Beauvais A, Doll RM, de la Cruz D, Maguire CA, Swoboda KJ, Tsai SQ, Kothary R, Kleinstiver BP. Optimization of base editors for the functional correction of SMN2 as a treatment for spinal muscular atrophy. Nat Biomed Eng 2024; 8:118-131. [PMID: 38057426 PMCID: PMC10922509 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-023-01132-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is caused by mutations in SMN1. SMN2 is a paralogous gene with a C•G-to-T•A transition in exon 7, which causes this exon to be skipped in most SMN2 transcripts, and results in low levels of the protein survival motor neuron (SMN). Here we show, in fibroblasts derived from patients with SMA and in a mouse model of SMA that, irrespective of the mutations in SMN1, adenosine base editors can be optimized to target the SMN2 exon-7 mutation or nearby regulatory elements to restore the normal expression of SMN. After optimizing and testing more than 100 guide RNAs and base editors, and leveraging Cas9 variants with high editing fidelity that are tolerant of different protospacer-adjacent motifs, we achieved the reversion of the exon-7 mutation via an A•T-to-G•C edit in up to 99% of fibroblasts, with concomitant increases in the levels of the SMN2 exon-7 transcript and of SMN. Targeting the SMN2 exon-7 mutation via base editing or other CRISPR-based methods may provide long-lasting outcomes to patients with SMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiano R R Alves
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Leillani L Ha
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rebecca Yaworski
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Emma R Sutton
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Cicera R Lazzarotto
- Department of Hematology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Kathleen A Christie
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Aoife Reilly
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ariane Beauvais
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Roman M Doll
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Molecular Biosciences/Cancer Biology Program, Heidelberg University and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Demitri de la Cruz
- Molecular Neurogenetics Unit, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA
- Program in Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Casey A Maguire
- Molecular Neurogenetics Unit, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA
- Program in Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kathryn J Swoboda
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Shengdar Q Tsai
- Department of Hematology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Rashmi Kothary
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Benjamin P Kleinstiver
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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15
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Kovachka S, Panosetti M, Grimaldi B, Azoulay S, Di Giorgio A, Duca M. Small molecule approaches to targeting RNA. Nat Rev Chem 2024; 8:120-135. [PMID: 38278932 DOI: 10.1038/s41570-023-00569-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
The development of innovative methodologies to identify RNA binders has attracted enormous attention in chemical biology and drug discovery. Although antibiotics targeting bacterial ribosomal RNA have been on the market for decades, the renewed interest in RNA targeting reflects the need to better understand complex intracellular processes involving RNA. In this context, small molecules are privileged tools used to explore the biological functions of RNA and to validate RNAs as therapeutic targets, and they eventually are to become new drugs. Despite recent progress, the rational design of specific RNA binders requires a better understanding of the interactions which occur with the RNA target to reach the desired biological response. In this Review, we discuss the challenges to approaching this underexplored chemical space, together with recent strategies to bind, interact and affect biologically relevant RNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Kovachka
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, Institute of Chemistry of Nice, Nice, France
| | - Marc Panosetti
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, Institute of Chemistry of Nice, Nice, France
- Molecular Medicine Research Line, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Genoa, Italy
| | - Benedetto Grimaldi
- Molecular Medicine Research Line, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Genoa, Italy
| | - Stéphane Azoulay
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, Institute of Chemistry of Nice, Nice, France
| | - Audrey Di Giorgio
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, Institute of Chemistry of Nice, Nice, France
| | - Maria Duca
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, Institute of Chemistry of Nice, Nice, France.
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16
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Mo B, Chen C, Peng J. CuI-catalyzed synthesis of multisubstituted pyrido[1,2- a]pyrimidin-4-ones through tandem Ullmann-type C-N cross-coupling and intramolecular amidation reaction. RSC Adv 2023; 13:24264-24271. [PMID: 37583662 PMCID: PMC10424054 DOI: 10.1039/d3ra04454h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Various multi-substituted pyrido[1,2-a]pyrimidin-4-ones were synthesized via a one-pot tandem CuI-catalyzed C-N bond formation/intramolecular amidation reaction at 130 °C in DMF. This protocol features simple operation, broad substrate scope, good functional group tolerance and gram scale preparation, thus allowing practical and modular synthesis of pyrido[1,2-a]pyrimidin-4-ones from readily available 2-halopyridine and (Z)-3-amino-3-arylacrylate ester in good to excellent yields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baichuan Mo
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Resource Utilization, Northeast Forestry University No. 26 Hexing Road Harbin 150040 P. R. China
- Material Science and Engineering College, Northeast Forestry University No. 26 Hexing Road Harbin 150040 P. R. China
| | - Chunxia Chen
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Resource Utilization, Northeast Forestry University No. 26 Hexing Road Harbin 150040 P. R. China
- Material Science and Engineering College, Northeast Forestry University No. 26 Hexing Road Harbin 150040 P. R. China
| | - Jinsong Peng
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Resource Utilization, Northeast Forestry University No. 26 Hexing Road Harbin 150040 P. R. China
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17
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Maucort C, Bonnet M, Ortuno JC, Tucker G, Quissac E, Verreault M, Azoulay S, Di Giorgio C, Di Giorgio A, Duca M. Synthesis of Bleomycin-Inspired RNA Ligands Targeting the Biogenesis of Oncogenic miRNAs. J Med Chem 2023; 66:10639-10657. [PMID: 37449818 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) play pivotal roles in the regulation of gene expression and represent a promising target for the development of new therapeutic approaches. Among these ncRNAs, microRNAs (miRNAs or miRs) are involved in the regulation of gene expression, and their dysregulation has been linked to several diseases such as cancers. Indeed, oncogenic miRNAs are overexpressed in cancer cells, thus promoting tumorigenesis and maintenance of cancer stem cells that are resistant to chemotherapy and often responsible for therapeutic failure. Here, we describe the design and synthesis of new small-molecule RNA binders able to inhibit the biogenesis of oncogenic miRNAs and target efficiently cancer stem cells. Through the biochemical study of their interaction with the target and thanks to intracellular assays, we describe the structure-activity relationships for this new series of RNA ligands, and we identify compounds bearing a very promising antiproliferative activity against cancer stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloé Maucort
- CNRS, Institute of Chemistry of Nice (ICN), Université Côte d'Azur, 28 avenue Valrose, 06100 Nice, France
| | - Maurinne Bonnet
- CNRS, Institute of Chemistry of Nice (ICN), Université Côte d'Azur, 28 avenue Valrose, 06100 Nice, France
| | - Jean-Claude Ortuno
- Institut de Recherche Servier, 125 chemin de Ronde, 78290 Croissy-sur-Seine, France
| | - Gordon Tucker
- Institut de Recherche Servier, 125 chemin de Ronde, 78290 Croissy-sur-Seine, France
| | - Emie Quissac
- Institut du Cerveau-Paris Brain Institute-ICM, Inserm, CNRS, APHP, Hôpital de la Pitié Salpêtrière, Sorbonne Université, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Maïté Verreault
- Institut du Cerveau-Paris Brain Institute-ICM, Inserm, CNRS, APHP, Hôpital de la Pitié Salpêtrière, Sorbonne Université, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Stéphane Azoulay
- CNRS, Institute of Chemistry of Nice (ICN), Université Côte d'Azur, 28 avenue Valrose, 06100 Nice, France
| | - Christophe Di Giorgio
- CNRS, Institute of Chemistry of Nice (ICN), Université Côte d'Azur, 28 avenue Valrose, 06100 Nice, France
| | - Audrey Di Giorgio
- CNRS, Institute of Chemistry of Nice (ICN), Université Côte d'Azur, 28 avenue Valrose, 06100 Nice, France
| | - Maria Duca
- CNRS, Institute of Chemistry of Nice (ICN), Université Côte d'Azur, 28 avenue Valrose, 06100 Nice, France
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18
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Li Q, Kang C. Targeting RNA-binding proteins with small molecules: Perspectives, pitfalls and bifunctional molecules. FEBS Lett 2023; 597:2031-2047. [PMID: 37519019 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14710] [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: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) play vital roles in organisms through binding with RNAs to regulate their functions. Small molecules affecting the function of RBPs have been developed, providing new avenues for drug discovery. Herein, we describe the perspectives on developing small molecule regulators of RBPs. The following types of small molecule modulators are of great interest in drug discovery: small molecules binding to RBPs to affect interactions with RNA molecules, bifunctional molecules binding to RNA or RBP to influence their interactions, and other types of molecules that affect the stability of RNA or RBPs. Moreover, we emphasize that the bifunctional molecules may play important roles in small molecule development to overcome the challenges encountered in the process of drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingxin Li
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Biomass High Value Utilization, Institute of Biological and Medical Engineering, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Congbao Kang
- Experimental Drug Development Centre, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
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19
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Lakhina Y, Boulis NM, Donsante A. Current and emerging targeted therapies for spinal muscular atrophy. Expert Rev Neurother 2023; 23:1189-1199. [PMID: 37843301 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2023.2268276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder caused by insufficiency or total absence of the survival motor neuron protein due to a mutation in the SMN1 gene. The copy number of its paralog, SMN2, influences disease onset and phenotype severity. Current therapeutic approaches include viral and non-viral modalities affecting gene expression. Regulatory-approved drugs Spinraza (Nusinersen), Zolgensma (Onasemnogene abeparvovec), and Evrysdi (Risdiplam) are still being investigated during clinical trials and show benefits in the long-term for symptomatic and pre-symptomatic patients. However, some ongoing interventions require repeated drug administration. AREAS COVERED In this review, the authors describe the existing therapy based on point of application, focusing on recent clinical trials of antisense oligonucleotides, viral gene therapy, and splice modulators and thepotential routes for correcting the mutation to provide therapeutic levels of SMN protein. EXPERT OPINION In the opinion of the authors, multiple treatment options for patients with SMA shifted the treatment paradigm from palliative supportive care to improvedmotor function, increased survival, and greater quality of life for such patients. They further believe that the future in SMA treatment development lies incombining existing treatment options, targeting aspects of the disease refractory to these treatments, and using gene editing technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuliya Lakhina
- Department of Neurosurgery, Emory University, Atlanta, USA
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20
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Sierra-Delgado JA, Sinha-Ray S, Kaleem A, Ganjibakhsh M, Parvate M, Powers S, Zhang X, Likhite S, Meyer K. In Vitro Modeling as a Tool for Testing Therapeutics for Spinal Muscular Atrophy and IGHMBP2-Related Disorders. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:867. [PMID: 37372153 DOI: 10.3390/biology12060867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is the leading genetic cause of infant mortality. The most common form of SMA is caused by mutations in the SMN1 gene, located on 5q (SMA). On the other hand, mutations in IGHMBP2 lead to a large disease spectrum with no clear genotype-phenotype correlation, which includes Spinal Muscular Atrophy with Muscular Distress type 1 (SMARD1), an extremely rare form of SMA, and Charcot-Marie-Tooth 2S (CMT2S). We optimized a patient-derived in vitro model system that allows us to expand research on disease pathogenesis and gene function, as well as test the response to the AAV gene therapies we have translated to the clinic. We generated and characterized induced neurons (iN) from SMA and SMARD1/CMT2S patient cell lines. After establishing the lines, we treated the generated neurons with AAV9-mediated gene therapy (AAV9.SMN (Zolgensma) for SMA and AAV9.IGHMBP2 for IGHMBP2 disorders (NCT05152823)) to evaluate the response to treatment. The iNs of both diseases show a characteristic short neurite length and defects in neuronal conversion, which have been reported in the literature before with iPSC modeling. SMA iNs respond to treatment with AAV9.SMN in vitro, showing a partial rescue of the morphology phenotype. For SMARD1/CMT2S iNs, we were able to observe an improvement in the neurite length of neurons after the restoration of IGHMBP2 in all disease cell lines, albeit to a variable extent, with some lines showing better responses to treatment than others. Moreover, this protocol allowed us to classify a variant of uncertain significance on IGHMBP2 on a suspected SMARD1/CMT2S patient. This study will further the understanding of SMA, and SMARD1/CMT2S disease in particular, in the context of variable patient mutations, and might further the development of new treatments, which are urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shrestha Sinha-Ray
- The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Abuzar Kaleem
- The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Meysam Ganjibakhsh
- The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Mohini Parvate
- The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Samantha Powers
- The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Xiaojin Zhang
- The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Shibi Likhite
- The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Kathrin Meyer
- The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
- College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
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21
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Moshnenko N, Kazantsev A, Chupakhin E, Bakulina O, Dar'in D. Synthetic Routes to Approved Drugs Containing a Spirocycle. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28104209. [PMID: 37241950 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28104209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of spirocycles in drug discovery and medicinal chemistry has been booming in the last two decades. This has clearly translated into the landscape of approved drugs. Among two dozen clinically used medicines containing a spirocycle, 50% have been approved in the 21st century. The present review focuses on the notable synthetic routes to such drugs invented in industry and academia, and is intended to serve as a useful reference source of synthetic as well as general drug information for researchers engaging in the design of new spirocyclic scaffolds for medicinal use or embarking upon analog syntheses inspired by the existing approved drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazar Moshnenko
- Institute of Chemistry, Saint Petersburg State University, 199034 Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Alexander Kazantsev
- Institute of Chemistry, Saint Petersburg State University, 199034 Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Evgeny Chupakhin
- Institute of Living Systems, Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, 236016 Kaliningrad, Russia
| | - Olga Bakulina
- Institute of Chemistry, Saint Petersburg State University, 199034 Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Dmitry Dar'in
- Institute of Chemistry, Saint Petersburg State University, 199034 Saint Petersburg, Russia
- Saint Petersburg Research Institute of Phthisiopulmonology, 191036 Saint Petersburg, Russia
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22
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23
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CD33 isoforms in microglia and Alzheimer's disease: Friend and foe. Mol Aspects Med 2023; 90:101111. [PMID: 35940942 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2022.101111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of neurodegenerative disease and is considered the main cause of dementia worldwide. Genome-wide association studies combined with integrated analysis of functional datasets support a critical role for microglia in AD pathogenesis, identifying them as important potential therapeutic targets. The ability of immunomodulatory receptors on microglia to control the response to pathogenic amyloid-β aggregates has gained significant interest. Siglec-3, also known as CD33, is one of these immunomodulatory receptors expressed on microglia that has been identified as an AD susceptibility factor. Here, we review recent advances made in understanding the multifaceted roles that CD33 plays in microglia with emphasis on two human-specific CD33 isoforms that differentially correlate with AD susceptibility. We also describe several different therapeutic approaches for targeting CD33 that have been advanced for the purpose of skewing microglial cell responses.
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24
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Mehta PR, Brown AL, Ward ME, Fratta P. The era of cryptic exons: implications for ALS-FTD. Mol Neurodegener 2023; 18:16. [PMID: 36922834 PMCID: PMC10018954 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-023-00608-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
TDP-43 is an RNA-binding protein with a crucial nuclear role in splicing, and mislocalises from the nucleus to the cytoplasm in a range of neurodegenerative disorders. TDP-43 proteinopathy spans a spectrum of incurable, heterogeneous, and increasingly prevalent neurodegenerative diseases, including the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia disease spectrum and a significant fraction of Alzheimer's disease. There are currently no directed disease-modifying therapies for TDP-43 proteinopathies, and no way to distinguish who is affected before death. It is now clear that TDP-43 proteinopathy leads to a number of molecular changes, including the de-repression and inclusion of cryptic exons. Importantly, some of these cryptic exons lead to the loss of crucial neuronal proteins and have been shown to be key pathogenic players in disease pathogenesis (e.g., STMN2), as well as being able to modify disease progression (e.g., UNC13A). Thus, these aberrant splicing events make promising novel therapeutic targets to restore functional gene expression. Moreover, presence of these cryptic exons is highly specific to patients and areas of the brain affected by TDP-43 proteinopathy, offering the potential to develop biomarkers for early detection and stratification of patients. In summary, the discovery of cryptic exons gives hope for novel diagnostics and therapeutics on the horizon for TDP-43 proteinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Puja R Mehta
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, UCL Queen Square Motor Neuron Disease Centre, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Anna-Leigh Brown
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, UCL Queen Square Motor Neuron Disease Centre, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Michael E Ward
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Pietro Fratta
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, UCL Queen Square Motor Neuron Disease Centre, London, WC1N 3BG, UK.
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25
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Ichijo R, Kamimura T, Kawai G. Interaction between a fluoroquinolone derivative KG022 and RNAs: Effect of base pairs 3′ adjacent to the bulged residues. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1145528. [PMID: 36999159 PMCID: PMC10043337 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1145528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA-targeted small molecules are a promising modality in drug discovery. Recently, we found that a fluoroquinolone derivative, KG022, can bind to RNAs with bulged C or G. To clarify the RNA specificity of KG022, we analyzed the effect of the base pair located at the 3′side of the bulged residue. It was found that KG022 prefers G-C and A-U base pairs at the 3′side. Solution structures of the complexes of KG022 with the four RNA molecules with bulged C or G and G-C or A-U base pairs at the 3′side of the bulged residue were determined to find that the fluoroquinolone moiety is located between two purine bases, and this may be the mechanism of the specificity. This work provides an important example of the specificity of RNA-targeted small molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rika Ichijo
- Graduate School of Engineering, Chiba Institute of Technology, Chiba, Japan
| | | | - Gota Kawai
- Graduate School of Engineering, Chiba Institute of Technology, Chiba, Japan
- *Correspondence: Gota Kawai,
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Garner AL. Contemporary Progress and Opportunities in RNA-Targeted Drug Discovery. ACS Med Chem Lett 2023; 14:251-259. [PMID: 36923915 PMCID: PMC10009794 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.3c00020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The surprising discovery that RNAs are the predominant gene products to emerge from the human genome catalyzed a renaissance in RNA biology. It is now well-understood that RNAs act as more than just a messenger and comprise a large and diverse family of ribonucleic acids of differing sizes, structures, and functions. RNAs play expansive roles in the cell, contributing to the regulation and fine-tuning of nearly all aspects of gene expression and genome architecture. In line with the significance of these functions, we have witnessed an explosion in discoveries connecting RNAs with a variety of human diseases. Consequently, the targeting of RNAs, and more broadly RNA biology, has emerged as an untapped area of drug discovery, making the search for RNA-targeted therapeutics of great interest. In this Microperspective, I highlight contemporary learnings in the field and present my views on how to catapult us toward the systematic discovery of RNA-targeted medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda L. Garner
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry,
College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, 1600 Huron Parkway, NCRC B520, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
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27
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McCluskey G, Lamb S, Mason S, NicFhirleinn G, Douglas I, Tirupathi S, Morrison KE, McConville J. Risdiplam for the treatment of adults with spinal muscular atrophy: Experience of the Northern Ireland neuromuscular service. Muscle Nerve 2023; 67:157-161. [PMID: 36382958 DOI: 10.1002/mus.27755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION/AIMS Risdiplam is the newest available treatment for patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). There is little information on its use in adults. We present the clinical experience of adults with SMA treated with risdiplam through the Early Access to Medicines Scheme (EAMS) in Northern Ireland. METHODS All adults with Type 2 SMA attending the regional neuromuscular clinic were offered risdiplam treatment. Patients had assessments of respiratory function, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Quality of Life Measure for People with Slowly Progressive and Genetic Neuromuscular Disease (QOLM), and Egen Klassifikation 2 (EK2) every 3 mo and the Revised Upper Limb Module for SMA (RULM) at baseline and 6 mo. All assessments other than the RULM were carried out virtually. RESULTS Six of seven patients who were offered risdiplam consented to treatment through the EAMS (five female, one male, mean age 33.7 y). It was generally well tolerated other than skin photosensitivity in all patients. All patients remained on therapy at 9 mo. All reported meaningful improvements in overall strength, sense of wellbeing, and speech quality. There was no change in respiratory function, daytime hypersomnolence, or upper limb function (all p > .05). There was improvement in the QOLM (p = .027) and EK2 (p = .009). DISCUSSION Our study raises hopes that risdiplam may be efficacious in adults; however, more systematic studies in larger cohorts are needed before drawing any definitive conclusions. This study also demonstrated the feasibility of virtual assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gavin McCluskey
- Department of Neurology, Belfast City Hospital, Belfast, UK.,Northern Ireland Centre for Stratified Medicine, Altnagelvin Hospital Campus, Ulster University, Derry, UK
| | - Siobhan Lamb
- Department of Neurology, Belfast City Hospital, Belfast, UK
| | - Sarah Mason
- Department of Neurology, Belfast City Hospital, Belfast, UK
| | - Grainne NicFhirleinn
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children, Belfast, UK
| | - Isobel Douglas
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children, Belfast, UK
| | - Sandya Tirupathi
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children, Belfast, UK
| | - Karen E Morrison
- Department of Neurology, Belfast City Hospital, Belfast, UK.,Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
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28
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Haga CL, Phinney DG. Strategies for targeting RNA with small molecule drugs. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2023; 18:135-147. [PMID: 35934990 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2022.2111414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Historically, therapeutic treatment of disease has been restricted to targeting proteins. Of the approximately 20,000 translated human proteins, approximately 1600 are associated with diseases. Strikingly, less than 15% of disease-associated proteins are predicted or known to be 'druggable.' While the concept and narrative of protein druggability continue to evolve with the development of novel technological and pharmacological advances, most of the human proteome remains undrugged. Recent genomic studies indicate that less than 2% of the human genome encodes for proteins, and while as much as 75% of the genome is transcribed, RNA has largely been ignored as a druggable target for therapeutic interventions. AREAS COVERED This review delineates the theory and techniques involved in the development of small molecule inhibitors of RNAs from brute force, high-throughput screening technologies to de novo molecular design using computational machine and deep learning. We will also highlight the potential pitfalls and limitations of targeting RNA with small molecules. EXPERT OPINION Although significant advances have recently been made in developing systems to identify small molecule inhibitors of RNAs, many challenges remain. Focusing on RNA structure and ligand binding sites may help bring drugging RNA in line with traditional protein drug targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher L Haga
- Department of Molecular Medicine, UF Scripps Biomedical Research, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | - Donald G Phinney
- Department of Molecular Medicine, UF Scripps Biomedical Research, Jupiter, FL, USA
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29
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Alves CRR, Ha LL, Yaworski R, Lazzarotto CR, Christie KA, Reilly A, Beauvais A, Doll RM, de la Cruz D, Maguire CA, Swoboda KJ, Tsai SQ, Kothary R, Kleinstiver BP. Base editing as a genetic treatment for spinal muscular atrophy. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.20.524978. [PMID: 36711797 PMCID: PMC9882371 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.20.524978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a devastating neuromuscular disease caused by mutations in the SMN1 gene. Despite the development of various therapies, outcomes can remain suboptimal in SMA infants and the duration of such therapies are uncertain. SMN2 is a paralogous gene that mainly differs from SMN1 by a C•G-to-T•A transition in exon 7, resulting in the skipping of exon 7 in most SMN2 transcripts and production of only low levels of survival motor neuron (SMN) protein. Genome editing technologies targeted to the SMN2 exon 7 mutation could offer a therapeutic strategy to restore SMN protein expression to normal levels irrespective of the patient SMN1 mutation. Here, we optimized a base editing approach to precisely edit SMN2, reverting the exon 7 mutation via an A•T-to-G•C base edit. We tested a range of different adenosine base editors (ABEs) and Cas9 enzymes, resulting in up to 99% intended editing in SMA patient-derived fibroblasts with concomitant increases in SMN2 exon 7 transcript expression and SMN protein levels. We generated and characterized ABEs fused to high-fidelity Cas9 variants which reduced potential off-target editing. Delivery of these optimized ABEs via dual adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors resulted in precise SMN2 editing in vivo in an SMA mouse model. This base editing approach to correct SMN2 should provide a long-lasting genetic treatment for SMA with advantages compared to current nucleic acid, small molecule, or exogenous gene replacement therapies. More broadly, our work highlights the potential of PAMless SpRY base editors to install edits efficiently and safely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiano R. R. Alves
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Leillani L. Ha
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rebecca Yaworski
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, University of Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Cicera R. Lazzarotto
- Department of Hematology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Kathleen A. Christie
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Aoife Reilly
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, University of Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Ariane Beauvais
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, University of Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Roman M. Doll
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Molecular Biosciences/Cancer Biology Program, Heidelberg University and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Demitri de la Cruz
- Molecular Neurogenetics Unit, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA
- Program in Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Casey A. Maguire
- Molecular Neurogenetics Unit, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA
- Program in Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kathryn J. Swoboda
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Shengdar Q. Tsai
- Department of Hematology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Rashmi Kothary
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, University of Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Benjamin P. Kleinstiver
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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30
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Love SL, Emerson JD, Koide K, Hoskins AA. Pre-mRNA splicing-associated diseases and therapies. RNA Biol 2023; 20:525-538. [PMID: 37528617 PMCID: PMC10399480 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2023.2239601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Precursor mRNA (pre-mRNA) splicing is an essential step in human gene expression and is carried out by a large macromolecular machine called the spliceosome. Given the spliceosome's role in shaping the cellular transcriptome, it is not surprising that mutations in the splicing machinery can result in a range of human diseases and disorders (spliceosomopathies). This review serves as an introduction into the main features of the pre-mRNA splicing machinery in humans and how changes in the function of its components can lead to diseases ranging from blindness to cancers. Recently, several drugs have been developed that interact directly with this machinery to change splicing outcomes at either the single gene or transcriptome-scale. We discuss the mechanism of action of several drugs that perturb splicing in unique ways. Finally, we speculate on what the future may hold in the emerging area of spliceosomopathies and spliceosome-targeted treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sierra L. Love
- Genetics Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Joseph D. Emerson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Kazunori Koide
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Aaron A. Hoskins
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
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31
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Hassan HA, Fahmy NA, El-Bagoury NM, Eissa NR, Sharaf-Eldin WE, Issa MY, Zaki MS, Essawi ML. MLPA analysis for molecular diagnosis of spinal muscular atrophy and correlation of 5q13.2 genes with disease phenotype in Egyptian patients. EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL HUMAN GENETICS 2022. [DOI: 10.1186/s43042-022-00373-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive neuromuscular disease representing the most prevalent monogenic cause of infant mortality. It results from the loss of SMN1 gene, but retention of its paralog SMN2 whose copy number can modulate the disease severity and guide the therapeutic regimen.
Methods
For SMA molecular analysis, 236 unrelated Egyptian patients were enrolled at our institution. The Multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification analysis (MLPA) was applied to investigate the main genetic defect in the enrolled patients (SMN1 loss) and to determine a possible genotype–phenotype correlation between the copy number of other genes in the SMN locus (5q13.2) and disease severity in Egyptian patients with SMA. A small cohort of healthy subjects (n = 57) was also included to investigate the possible differences in the distributions of SMN2 and NAIP genes between patients and healthy individuals.
Results
Disease diagnosis was confirmed in only 148 patients (62.7%) highlighting the clinical overlapping of the disease and emphasizing the importance of molecular diagnosis. In patients with homozygous SMN1 loss, the disease was mediated by gene deletion and conversion in 135 (91.2%) and 13 (8.8%) patients, respectively. In the study cohort, SMN2 and NAIP copy numbers were inversely correlated with disease severity. However, no significant association was detected between GTF2H2A and SERF1B copy numbers and patient phenotype. Significant differences were demonstrated in the copy numbers of SMN2 and NAIP between SMA patients and healthy subjects.
Conclusion
Molecular analysis of SMA is essential for disease diagnosis. Consistent with previous studies on other populations, there is a close relationship between SMN2 and NAIP copy numbers and clinical phenotype. Additionally, potential differences in these two genes distributions are existing between patients and healthy subjects. National program for carrier screening should be established as a preventive disease strategy. On the other hand, neonatal testing would provide accurate estimation for disease incidence.
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Bridging the Gap With Clinical Pharmacology in Innovative Rare Disease Treatment Modalities: Targeting DNA to RNA to Protein. J Clin Pharmacol 2022; 62 Suppl 2:S95-S109. [DOI: 10.1002/jcph.2172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
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Felder S, Sagné C, Benedetti E, Micouin L. Small-Molecule 3D Ligand for RNA Recognition: Tuning Selectivity through Scaffold Hopping. ACS Chem Biol 2022; 17:3069-3076. [PMID: 36314850 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.2c00171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Targeting RNAs with small molecules is considered the next frontier for drug discovery. In this context, the development of compounds capable of binding RNA structural motifs of low complexity with high affinity and selectivity would greatly expand the number of targets of potential therapeutic value. In this study, we demonstrate that tuning the three-dimensional shape of promiscuous nucleic acid binders is a valuable strategy for the design of new selective RNA ligands. Indeed, starting from a known cyanine, the simple replacement of a phenyl ring with a [2.2]paracyclophane moiety led to a new compound able to discriminate between nucleic acids showing different structural characteristics with a marked affinity and selectivity for an octahairpin loop RNA sequence. This shape modification also affected the in cellulo behavior of the cyanine. These results suggest that scaffold hopping is a valuable strategy to improve the selectivity of RNA/small-molecule interactions and highlight the need to explore a new chemical space for the design of selective RNA ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Felder
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Laboratoire de Chimie et de Biochimie Pharmacologiques et Toxicologiques, F-75006 Paris, France
| | - Corinne Sagné
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Saints-Pères Paris Institute for the Neurosciences, F-75006 Paris, France
| | - Erica Benedetti
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Laboratoire de Chimie et de Biochimie Pharmacologiques et Toxicologiques, F-75006 Paris, France
| | - Laurent Micouin
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Laboratoire de Chimie et de Biochimie Pharmacologiques et Toxicologiques, F-75006 Paris, France
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Day JW, Howell K, Place A, Long K, Rossello J, Kertesz N, Nomikos G. Advances and limitations for the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy. BMC Pediatr 2022; 22:632. [PMID: 36329412 PMCID: PMC9632131 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-022-03671-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (5q-SMA; SMA), a genetic neuromuscular condition affecting spinal motor neurons, is caused by defects in both copies of the SMN1 gene that produces survival motor neuron (SMN) protein. The highly homologous SMN2 gene primarily expresses a rapidly degraded isoform of SMN protein that causes anterior horn cell degeneration, progressive motor neuron loss, skeletal muscle atrophy and weakness. Severe cases result in limited mobility and ventilatory insufficiency. Untreated SMA is the leading genetic cause of death in young children. Recently, three therapeutics that increase SMN protein levels in patients with SMA have provided incremental improvements in motor function and developmental milestones and prevented the worsening of SMA symptoms. While the therapeutic approaches with Spinraza®, Zolgensma®, and Evrysdi® have a clinically significant impact, they are not curative. For many patients, there remains a significant disease burden. A potential combination therapy under development for SMA targets myostatin, a negative regulator of muscle mass and strength. Myostatin inhibition in animal models increases muscle mass and function. Apitegromab is an investigational, fully human, monoclonal antibody that specifically binds to proforms of myostatin, promyostatin and latent myostatin, thereby inhibiting myostatin activation. A recently completed phase 2 trial demonstrated the potential clinical benefit of apitegromab by improving or stabilizing motor function in patients with Type 2 and Type 3 SMA and providing positive proof-of-concept for myostatin inhibition as a target for managing SMA. The primary goal of this manuscript is to orient physicians to the evolving landscape of SMA treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- John W Day
- Department of Neurology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Kelly Howell
- Spinal Muscular Atrophy Foundation, New York, NY, USA
| | | | | | - Jose Rossello
- Scholar Rock, Inc, 301 Binney St, Cambridge, MA, USA
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35
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Barthel T, Wollenhaupt J, Lima GMA, Wahl MC, Weiss MS. Large-Scale Crystallographic Fragment Screening Expedites Compound Optimization and Identifies Putative Protein-Protein Interaction Sites. J Med Chem 2022; 65:14630-14641. [PMID: 36260741 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The identification of starting points for compound development is one of the key steps in early-stage drug discovery. Information-rich techniques such as crystallographic fragment screening can potentially increase the efficiency of this step by providing the structural information of the binding mode of the ligands in addition to the mere binding information. Here, we present the crystallographic screening of our 1000-plus-compound F2X-Universal Library against the complex of the yeast spliceosomal Prp8 RNaseH-like domain and the snRNP assembly factor Aar2. The observed 269 hits are distributed over 10 distinct binding sites on the surface of the protein-protein complex. Our work shows that hit clusters from large-scale crystallographic fragment screening campaigns identify known interaction sites with other proteins and suggest putative additional interaction sites. Furthermore, the inherent binding pose validation within the hit clusters may accelerate downstream compound optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatjana Barthel
- Macromolecular Crystallography, Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin, Albert-Einstein-Straße 15, 12489 Berlin, Germany
| | - Jan Wollenhaupt
- Macromolecular Crystallography, Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin, Albert-Einstein-Straße 15, 12489 Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Markus C Wahl
- Macromolecular Crystallography, Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin, Albert-Einstein-Straße 15, 12489 Berlin, Germany.,Laboratory of Structural Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Takustraße 6, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Manfred S Weiss
- Macromolecular Crystallography, Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin, Albert-Einstein-Straße 15, 12489 Berlin, Germany
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36
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Kallert E, Fischer TR, Schneider S, Grimm M, Helm M, Kersten C. Protein-Based Virtual Screening Tools Applied for RNA-Ligand Docking Identify New Binders of the preQ 1-Riboswitch. J Chem Inf Model 2022; 62:4134-4148. [PMID: 35994617 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.2c00751] [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
Targeting RNA with small molecules is an emerging field. While several ligands for different RNA targets are reported, structure-based virtual screenings (VSs) against RNAs are still rare. Here, we elucidated the general capabilities of protein-based docking programs to reproduce native binding modes of small-molecule RNA ligands and to discriminate known binders from decoys by the scoring function. The programs were found to perform similar compared to the RNA-based docking tool rDOCK, and the challenges faced during docking, namely, protomer and tautomer selection, target dynamics, and explicit solvent, do not largely differ from challenges in conventional protein-ligand docking. A prospective VS with the Bacillus subtilis preQ1-riboswitch aptamer domain performed with FRED, HYBRID, and FlexX followed by microscale thermophoresis assays identified six active compounds out of 23 tested VS hits with potencies between 29.5 nM and 11.0 μM. The hits were selected not solely based on their docking score but for resembling key interactions of the native ligand. Therefore, this study demonstrates the general feasibility to perform structure-based VSs against RNA targets, while at the same time it highlights pitfalls and their potential solutions when executing RNA-ligand docking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Kallert
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Staudingerweg 5, Mainz 55128, Germany
| | - Tim R Fischer
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Staudingerweg 5, Mainz 55128, Germany
| | - Simon Schneider
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Staudingerweg 5, Mainz 55128, Germany
| | - Maike Grimm
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Staudingerweg 5, Mainz 55128, Germany
| | - Mark Helm
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Staudingerweg 5, Mainz 55128, Germany
| | - Christian Kersten
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Staudingerweg 5, Mainz 55128, Germany
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Flick AC, Leverett CA, Ding HX, McInturff EL, Fink SJ, Mahapatra S, Carney DW, Lindsey EA, DeForest JC, France SP, Berritt S, Bigi-Botterill SV, Gibson TS, Watson RB, Liu Y, O'Donnell CJ. Synthetic Approaches to the New Drugs Approved During 2020. J Med Chem 2022; 65:9607-9661. [PMID: 35833579 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
New drugs introduced to the market are privileged structures that have affinities for biological targets implicated in human diseases and conditions. These new chemical entities (NCEs), particularly small molecules and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), provide insight into molecular recognition and simultaneously function as leads for the design of future medicines. This Review is part of a continuing series presenting the most likely process-scale synthetic approaches to 44 new chemical entities approved for the first time anywhere in the world during 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew C Flick
- Takeda Pharmaceuticals, 9625 Towne Centre Drive, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Carolyn A Leverett
- Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, Groton Laboratories, 445 Eastern Point Road, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Hong X Ding
- Pharmacodia (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Beijing 100085, China
| | - Emma L McInturff
- Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, Groton Laboratories, 445 Eastern Point Road, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Sarah J Fink
- Takeda Pharmaceuticals, 125 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Subham Mahapatra
- Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, Groton Laboratories, 445 Eastern Point Road, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Daniel W Carney
- Takeda Pharmaceuticals, 9625 Towne Centre Drive, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Erick A Lindsey
- Takeda Pharmaceuticals, 9625 Towne Centre Drive, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Jacob C DeForest
- Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, La Jolla Laboratories, 10777 Science Center Drive, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Scott P France
- Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, Groton Laboratories, 445 Eastern Point Road, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Simon Berritt
- Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, Groton Laboratories, 445 Eastern Point Road, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | | | - Tony S Gibson
- Takeda Pharmaceuticals, 9625 Towne Centre Drive, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Rebecca B Watson
- Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, La Jolla Laboratories, 10777 Science Center Drive, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Yiyang Liu
- Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, Groton Laboratories, 445 Eastern Point Road, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Christopher J O'Donnell
- Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, Groton Laboratories, 445 Eastern Point Road, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
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38
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G R, Mitra A, Pk V. Predicting functional riboSNitches in the context of alternative splicing. Gene X 2022; 837:146694. [PMID: 35738445 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2022.146694] [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: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
RNAs are the major regulators of gene expression, and their secondary structures play crucial roles at different levels. RiboSNitches are disease-associated SNPs that cause changes in the pre-mRNA secondary structural ensemble. Several riboSNitches have been detected in the 5' and 3' untranslated regions and lncRNA. Although cases of secondary structural elements playing a regulatory role in alternative splicing are known, regions specific to splicing events, such as splice junctions have not received much attention. We tested splice-site mutations for their efficiency in disrupting the secondary structure and hypothesized that these could play a crucial role in alternative splicing. Multiple riboSNitch prediction methods were applied to obtain overlapping results that are potentially more reliable. Putative riboSNitches were identified from aberrant 5' and 3' splice site mutations, cancer-causing somatic mutations, and genes that harbor the regulatory RNA secondary structural elements. Our workflow for predicting riboSNitches associated with alternative splicing is novel and paves the way for subsequent experimental validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramya G
- Center for Computational Natural Sciences and Bioinformatics, International Institute of Information Technology, Gachibowli, Hyderabad, Telangana 500032, India.
| | - Abhijit Mitra
- Center for Computational Natural Sciences and Bioinformatics, International Institute of Information Technology, Gachibowli, Hyderabad, Telangana 500032, India.
| | - Vinod Pk
- Center for Computational Natural Sciences and Bioinformatics, International Institute of Information Technology, Gachibowli, Hyderabad, Telangana 500032, India.
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39
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Patel N, Abulwerdi F, Fatehi F, Manfield IW, Le Grice S, Schneekloth JS, Twarock R, Stockley PG. Dysregulation of Hepatitis B Virus Nucleocapsid Assembly in vitro by RNA-binding Small Ligands. J Mol Biol 2022; 434:167557. [PMID: 35341740 PMCID: PMC7612645 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2022.167557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
RNA sequences/motifs dispersed across the genome of Hepatitis B Virus regulate formation of nucleocapsid-like particles (NCPs) by core protein (Cp) in vitro, in an epsilon/polymerase-independent fashion. These multiple RNA Packaging Signals (PSs) can each form stem-loops encompassing a Cp-recognition motif, -RGAG-, in their loops. Drug-like molecules that bind the most important of these PS sites for NCP assembly regulation with nanomolar affinities, were identified by screening an immobilized ligand library with a fluorescently-labelled, RNA oligonucleotide encompassing this sequence. Sixty-six of these "hits", with affinities ranging from low nanomolar to high micromolar, were purchased as non-immobilized versions. Their affinities for PSs and effects on NCP assembly were determined in vitro by Surface Plasmon Resonance. High-affinity ligand binding is dependent on the presence of an -RGAG- motif within the loop of the PS, consistent with ligand cross-binding between PS sites. Simple structure-activity relationships show that it is also dependent on the presence of specific functional groups in these ligands. Some compounds are potent inhibitors of in vitro NCP assembly at nanomolar concentrations. Despite appropriate logP values, these ligands do not inhibit HBV replication in cell culture. However, modelling confirms the potential of using PS-binding ligands to target NCP assembly as a novel anti-viral strategy. This also allows for computational exploration of potential synergic effects between anti-viral ligands directed at distinct molecular targets in vivo. HBV PS-regulated assembly can be dysregulated by novel small molecule RNA-binding ligands opening a novel target for developing directly-acting anti-virals against this major pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikesh Patel
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK. https://twitter.com/FBSResearch
| | - Fardokht Abulwerdi
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702-1201, United States
| | - Farzad Fatehi
- Department of Mathematics, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK; York Cross-disciplinary Centre for Systems Analysis, University of York, York, YO10 5GE, UK
| | - Iain W Manfield
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Stuart Le Grice
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702-1201, United States
| | - John S Schneekloth
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702-1201, United States
| | - Reidun Twarock
- Department of Mathematics, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK; York Cross-disciplinary Centre for Systems Analysis, University of York, York, YO10 5GE, UK; Department of Biology, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Peter G Stockley
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK. https://twitter.com/AstburyCentre
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40
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Tran TPA, Poulet S, Pernak M, Rayar A, Azoulay S, Di Giorgio A, Duca M. Development of 2-deoxystreptamine-nucleobase conjugates for the inhibition of oncogenic miRNA production. RSC Med Chem 2022; 13:311-319. [PMID: 35434630 PMCID: PMC8942232 DOI: 10.1039/d1md00345c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The discovery of new original scaffolds for selective RNA targeting is one of the main challenges of current medicinal chemistry since therapeutically relevant RNAs represent potential targets for a number of pathologies. Recent efforts have been devoted to the search for RNA ligands targeting the biogenesis of oncogenic miRNAs whose overexpression has been directly linked to the development of various cancers. In this work, we developed a new series of RNA ligands for the targeting of oncogenic miRNA biogenesis based on the 2-deoxystreptamine scaffold. The latter is part of the aminoglycoside neomycin and is known to play an essential role in the RNA interaction of this class of RNA binders. 2-deoxystreptamine was thus conjugated to natural and artificial nucleobases to obtain new binders of the oncogenic miR-372 precursor (pre-miR-372). We identified some conjugates exhibiting a similar biological activity to previously synthesized neomycin analogs and studied their mode of binding with the target pre-miR-372.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sylvain Poulet
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, Institut de Chimie de Nice (ICN) Nice France
| | - Mélanie Pernak
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, Institut de Chimie de Nice (ICN) Nice France
| | - Anita Rayar
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, Institut de Chimie de Nice (ICN) Nice France
| | - Stéphane Azoulay
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, Institut de Chimie de Nice (ICN) Nice France
| | - Audrey Di Giorgio
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, Institut de Chimie de Nice (ICN) Nice France
| | - Maria Duca
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, Institut de Chimie de Nice (ICN) Nice France
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41
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Nagano K, Kamimura T, Kawai G. Interaction between a fluoroquinolone derivative and RNAs with a single bulge. J Biochem 2022; 171:239-244. [PMID: 34791286 DOI: 10.1093/jb/mvab124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Interaction analysis between small molecules and RNA as well as structure determination of RNA-small molecule complexes will be the clues to search for compounds that bind to specific mRNA or non-coding RNA in drug discovery. In this study, the RNA-binding ability of a fluoroquinolone derivative, KG022, was examined against single-residue bulge-containing hairpin RNAs as RNA models. Nuclear magnetic resonance analysis indicated that KG022 interacts with the RNAs in the vicinity of the bulge residue, with preferring C and G as the bulge residues. The solution structures of the RNA-KG022 complexes showed that the KG022 binds to the RNAs at the bulge-out regions. Each substituent in KG022 interacts with specific position of RNAs around the bulge-out region probably contributing the specificity of the binding. This work provides a novel member for the RNA-targeted small molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konami Nagano
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Graduate School of Engineering, Chiba Institute of Technology, Chiba 275-0016, Japan
| | | | - Gota Kawai
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Graduate School of Engineering, Chiba Institute of Technology, Chiba 275-0016, Japan
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