1
|
Gazzillo E, Colarusso E, Giordano A, Chini MG, Potenza M, Hofstetter RK, Iorizzi M, Werz O, Lauro G, Bifulco G. Repositioning of Small Molecules through the Inverse Virtual Screening in silico Tool: Case of Benzothiazole-Based Inhibitors of Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase (sEH). Chempluschem 2024:e202400234. [PMID: 38753468 DOI: 10.1002/cplu.202400234] [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: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Computational techniques accelerate drug discovery by identifying bioactive compounds for specific targets, optimizing molecules with moderate activity, or facilitating the repositioning of inactive items onto new targets. Among them, the Inverse Virtual Screening (IVS) approach is aimed at the evaluation of one or a small set of molecules against a panel of targets for addressing target identification. In this work, a focused library of benzothiazole-based compounds was re-investigated by IVS. Four items, originally synthesized and tested on bromodomain-containing protein 9 (BRD9) but yielding poor binding, were critically re-analyzed, disclosing only a partial fit with 3D structure-based pharmacophore models, which, in the meanwhile, were developed for this target. Afterwards, these compounds were re-evaluated through IVS on a panel of proteins involved in inflammation and cancer, identifying soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) as a putative interacting target. Three items were subsequently confirmed as able to interfere with sEH activity, leading to inhibition percentages spanning from 70 % up to 30 % when tested at 10 μM. Finally, one benzothiazole-based compound emerged as the most promising inhibitor featuring an IC50 in the low micromolar range (IC50=6.62±0.13 μM). Our data confirm IVS as a predictive tool for accelerating the target identification and repositioning processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erica Gazzillo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, Fisciano, 84084, Italy
- PhD Program in Drug Discovery and Development, Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, Fisciano, 84084, Italy
| | - Ester Colarusso
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, Fisciano, 84084, Italy
| | - Assunta Giordano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, Fisciano, 84084, Italy
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry (ICB), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Via Campi Flegrei 34, Pozzuoli, I-80078, Italy
| | - Maria Giovanna Chini
- Department of Biosciences and Territory, University of Molise, C.da Fonte Lappone, Pesche, 86090, Italy
| | - Marianna Potenza
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, Fisciano, 84084, Italy
| | - Robert Klaus Hofstetter
- Department of Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, Friedrich Schiller University, Philosophenweg 14, Jena, 07743, Germany
| | - Maria Iorizzi
- Department of Biosciences and Territory, University of Molise, C.da Fonte Lappone, Pesche, 86090, Italy
| | - Oliver Werz
- Department of Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, Friedrich Schiller University, Philosophenweg 14, Jena, 07743, Germany
| | - Gianluigi Lauro
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, Fisciano, 84084, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Bifulco
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, Fisciano, 84084, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Katchborian-Neto A, Nicácio KDJ, Cruz JC, Bueno PCP, Murgu M, Dias DF, Soares MG, Paula ACC, Chagas-Paula DA. Bioprospecting-based untargeted metabolomics identifies alkaloids as potential anti-inflammatory bioactive markers of Ocotea species (Lauraceae). PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 120:155060. [PMID: 37717309 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.155060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Species within the Ocotea genus (Lauraceae), have demonstrated an interesting profile of bioactivities. Renowned for their diverse morphology and intricate specialized metabolite composition, Ocotea species have re-emerged as compelling candidates for bioprospecting in drug discovery research. However, it is a genus insufficiently studied, particularly regarding anti-inflammatory activity. PURPOSE To investigate the anti-inflammatory activity of Ocotea spp. extracts and determine the major markers in this genus. METHODS Extracts of 60 different Ocotea spp. were analysed by an ex vivo anti-inflammatory assay in human whole blood. The experiment estimates the prostaglandin E2 levels, which is one of the main mediators of the inflammatory cascade, responsible for the classical symptoms of fever, pain, and other common effects of the inflammatory process. Untargeted metabolomics analysis through liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry was performed, along with statistical analysis, to investigate which Ocotea metabolites are correlated with their anti-inflammatory activity. RESULTS The anti-inflammatory screening indicated that 49 out of 60 Ocotea spp. extracts exhibited significant inhibition of PGE2 release compared to the vehicle (p < 0.05). Furthermore, 10 of these extracts showed statistical similarity to the reference drugs. The bioactive markers were accurately identified using multivariate statistics combined with a fold change (> 1.5) and adjusted false discovery rate analysis as unknown compounds and alkaloids, with a majority of aporphine and benzylisoquinolines. These alkaloids were annotated with an increased level of confidence since MSE spectra were compared with comprehensive databases. CONCLUSION This study represents the first bioprospecting report revealing the anti-inflammatory potential of several Ocotea spp. The determination of their anti-inflammatory markers could contribute to drug discovery and the chemical knowledge of the Ocotea genus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Albert Katchborian-Neto
- Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Alfenas (UNIFAL), 37130-001, Alfenas, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Karen de Jesus Nicácio
- Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Mato Grosso (UFMT), 78060-900, Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil
| | - Jonas C Cruz
- Department of Chemistry, University of São Paulo (USP), 14040-901, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Paula Carolina Pires Bueno
- Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Alfenas (UNIFAL), 37130-001, Alfenas, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Leibniz Institute of Vegetable and Ornamental Crops (IGZ), Theodor-Echtermeyer-Weg 1, 14979 Großbeeren, Germany
| | - Michael Murgu
- Waters Corporation, Alameda Tocantins 125, 27th floor, Alphaville, 06455-020, Barueri, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Danielle F Dias
- Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Alfenas (UNIFAL), 37130-001, Alfenas, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Marisi G Soares
- Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Alfenas (UNIFAL), 37130-001, Alfenas, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Ana C C Paula
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Juiz de Fora (UFJF), 36036-900, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Daniela A Chagas-Paula
- Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Alfenas (UNIFAL), 37130-001, Alfenas, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Moussa N, Dayoub N. Exploring the role of COX-2 in Alzheimer's disease: Potential therapeutic implications of COX-2 inhibitors. Saudi Pharm J 2023; 31:101729. [PMID: 37638222 PMCID: PMC10448476 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2023.101729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
This review highlights the potential role of cyclooxygenase-2 enzyme (COX-2) in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and the potential therapeutic use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in the management of AD. In addition to COX-2 enzymes role in inflammation, the formation of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain, the review emphasizes that COXs-2 have a crucial role in normal synaptic activity and plasticity, and have a relationship with acetylcholine, tau protein, and beta-amyloid (Aβ) which are the main causes of Alzheimer's disease. Furthermore, the review points out that COX-2 enzymes have a relationship with kinase enzymes, including Cyclin Dependent Kinase 5 (CDK5) and Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3β (GSK3β), which are known to play a role in tau phosphorylation and are strongly associated with Alzheimer's disease. Therefore, the use of drugs like NSAIDs may be a hopeful approach for managing AD. However, results from studies examining the effectiveness of NSAIDs in treating AD have been mixed and further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms by which COX-2 and NSAIDs may be involved in the development and progression of AD and to identify new therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Moussa
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Drug Control, University of Manara, Latakia, Syria
| | - Ninar Dayoub
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of AL Andalus for Medical Science, Tartus, Syria
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Huang Q, Lai T, Wang Q, Luo L. mPGES-1 Inhibitor Discovery Based on Computer-Aided Screening: Pharmacophore Models, Molecular Docking, ADMET, and MD Simulations. Molecules 2023; 28:6059. [PMID: 37630311 PMCID: PMC10458489 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28166059] [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: 07/02/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
mPGES-1 is an enzyme, which, when activated by inflammatory factors, can cause prostaglandin E synthesis. Traditional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are capable of inhibiting prostaglandin production, yet they can also cause gastrointestinal reactions and coagulation disorders. mPGES-1, the enzyme at the conclusion of prostaglandin production, does not cause any adverse reactions when inhibited. Numerous studies have demonstrated that mPGES-1 is more abundant in cancerous cells than in healthy cells, indicating that decreasing the expression of mPGES-1 could be a potential therapeutic strategy for cancer. Consequently, the invention of mPGES-1 inhibitors presents a fresh avenue for the treatment of inflammation and cancer. Incorporating a database of TCM compounds, we collected a batch of compounds that had an inhibitory effect on mPGES-1 and possessed IC50 value. Firstly, a pharmacophore model was constructed, and the TCM database was screened, and the compounds with score cut-off values of more than 1 were retained. Then, the compounds retained after being screened via the pharmacodynamic model were screened for docking at the mPGES-1 binding site, followed by high-throughput virtual screening [HTVS] and standard precision [SP] and super-precision [XP] docking, and the compounds in the top 20% of the XP docking score were selected to calculate the total free binding energy of MM-GBSA. The best ten compounds were chosen by comparing their score against the reference ligand 4U9 and the MM-GBSA_dG_Bind score. ADMET analysis resulted in the selection of ten compounds, three of which had desirable medicinal properties. Finally, the binding energy of the target protein mPGES-1 and the candidate ligand compound was analyzed using a 100 ns molecular dynamics simulation of the reference ligand 4U9 and three selected compounds. After a gradual screening study and analysis, we identified a structure that is superior to the reference ligand 4U9 in all aspects, namely compound 15643. Taken together, the results of this study reveal a structure that can be used to inhibit mPGES-1 compound 15643, thereby providing a new option for anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiqi Huang
- The First Clinical College, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang 524023, China; (Q.H.); (T.L.)
| | - Tianli Lai
- The First Clinical College, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang 524023, China; (Q.H.); (T.L.)
| | - Qu Wang
- The Marine Biomedical Research Institute, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang 524023, China;
| | - Lianxiang Luo
- The Marine Biomedical Research Institute, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang 524023, China;
- The Marine Biomedical Research Institute of Guangdong Zhanjiang, Zhanjiang 524023, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Huang G, Cierpicki T, Grembecka J. 2-Aminobenzothiazoles in anticancer drug design and discovery. Bioorg Chem 2023; 135:106477. [PMID: 36989736 PMCID: PMC10718064 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.106477] [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] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is one of the major causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Substantial research efforts have been made to develop new chemical entities with improved anticancer efficacy. 2-Aminobenzothiazole is an important class of heterocycles containing one sulfur and two nitrogen atoms, which is associated with a broad spectrum of medical and pharmacological activities, including antitumor, antibacterial, antimalarial, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral activities. In recent years, an extraordinary collection of potent and low-toxicity 2-aminobenzothiazole compounds have been discovered as new anticancer agents. Herein, we provide a comprehensive review of this class of compounds based on their activities against tumor-related proteins, including tyrosine kinases (CSF1R, EGFR, VEGFR-2, FAK, and MET), serine/threonine kinases (Aurora, CDK, CK, RAF, and DYRK2), PI3K kinase, BCL-XL, HSP90, mutant p53 protein, DNA topoisomerase, HDAC, NSD1, LSD1, FTO, mPGES-1, SCD, hCA IX/XII, and CXCR. In addition, the anticancer potentials of 2-aminobenzothiazole-derived chelators and metal complexes are also described here. Moreover, the design strategies, mechanism of actions, structure-activity relationships (SAR) and more advanced stages of pre-clinical development of 2-aminobenzothiazoles as new anticancer agents are extensively reviewed in this article. Finally, the examples that 2-aminobenzothiazoles showcase an advantage over other heterocyclic systems are also highlighted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guang Huang
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
| | - Tomasz Cierpicki
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Jolanta Grembecka
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Babaoglu ZY, Kilic D. Virtual screening, molecular simulations and bioassays: Discovering novel microsomal prostaglandin E Synthase-1 (mPGES-1) inhibitors. Comput Biol Med 2023; 155:106616. [PMID: 36780799 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2023.106616] [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: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 (mPGES-1) is an inducible prostaglandin E synthase expressed following exposure to pro-inflammatory stimuli. The mPGES-1 enzyme represents a new target for the therapeutic treatment of acute and chronic inflammatory disorders and cancer. In the present study, compounds from the ZINC15 database with an indole scaffold were docked at the mPGES-1 binding site using Glide (high-throughput virtual screening [HTVS], standard precision [SP] and extra precision [XP]), and the stabilities of the complexes were determined by molecular simulation studies. Following HTVS, the top 10% compounds were retained and further screened by SP. Again, the top 10% of these compounds were retained. Finally, the Glide XP scores of the compounds were determined, 20% were analyzed, and the Prime MM-GBSA total free binding energies of the compounds were calculated. The molecular simulations (100 ns) of the reference ligand, LVJ, and the two best-scoring compounds were performed with the Desmond program to analyze the dynamics of the target protein-ligand complexes. In human lung cells treated with the hit compounds, cell viability by colorimetric method and PGE2 levels by immunoassay method were determined. These in vitro experiments demonstrated that the two indole-containing hit compounds are potential novel inhibitors of mPGES-1 and are, therefore, potential therapeutic agents for cancer/inflammation therapies. Moreover, the compounds are promising lead mPGES-1 inhibitors for novel molecule design.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Deryanur Kilic
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Atatürk University, Erzurum, Turkey.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Potenza M, Giordano A, Chini MG, Saviano A, Kretzer C, Raucci F, Russo M, Lauro G, Terracciano S, Bruno I, Iorizzi M, Hofstetter RK, Pace S, Maione F, Werz O, Bifulco G. Identification of 2-Aminoacyl-1,3,4-thiadiazoles as Prostaglandin E 2 and Leukotriene Biosynthesis Inhibitors. ACS Med Chem Lett 2022; 14:26-34. [PMID: 36655121 PMCID: PMC9841589 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.2c00343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The application of a multi-step scientific workflow revealed an unprecedented class of PGE2/leukotriene biosynthesis inhibitors with in vivo activity. Specifically, starting from a combinatorial virtual library of ∼4.2 × 105 molecules, a small set of compounds was identified for the synthesis. Among these, four novel 2-aminoacyl-1,3,4-thiadiazole derivatives (3, 6, 7, and 9) displayed marked anti-inflammatory properties in vitro by strongly inhibiting PGE2 biosynthesis, with IC50 values in the nanomolar range. The hit compounds also efficiently interfered with leukotriene biosynthesis in cell-based systems and modulated IL-6 and PGE2 biosynthesis in a lipopolysaccharide-stimulated J774A.1 macrophage cell line. The most promising compound 3 showed prominent in vivo anti-inflammatory activity in a mouse model, with efficacy comparable to that of dexamethasone, attenuating zymosan-induced leukocyte migration in mouse peritoneum with considerable modulation of the levels of typical pro-/anti-inflammatory cytokines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Potenza
- Department
of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, 84084, Fisciano, Italy,The
FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Via Adamello 16, 20139 Milan, Italy
| | - Assunta Giordano
- Department
of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, 84084, Fisciano, Italy,Institute
of Biomolecular Chemistry (ICB), Consiglio
Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Via Campi Flegrei 34, Pozzuoli, 80078 Napoli, Italy
| | - Maria G. Chini
- Department
of Biosciences and Territory, University
of Molise, Contrada Fonte Lappone, Pesche, 86090 Isernia, Italy
| | - Anella Saviano
- ImmunoPharmaLab,
Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Christian Kretzer
- Department
of Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Philosophenweg 14, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Federica Raucci
- ImmunoPharmaLab,
Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Marina Russo
- ImmunoPharmaLab,
Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Lauro
- Department
of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, 84084, Fisciano, Italy
| | - Stefania Terracciano
- Department
of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, 84084, Fisciano, Italy
| | - Ines Bruno
- Department
of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, 84084, Fisciano, Italy
| | - Maria Iorizzi
- Department
of Biosciences and Territory, University
of Molise, Contrada Fonte Lappone, Pesche, 86090 Isernia, Italy
| | - Robert K. Hofstetter
- Department
of Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Philosophenweg 14, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Simona Pace
- Department
of Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Philosophenweg 14, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Francesco Maione
- ImmunoPharmaLab,
Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Oliver Werz
- Department
of Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Philosophenweg 14, 07743 Jena, Germany,
| | - Giuseppe Bifulco
- Department
of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, via Giovanni Paolo II, 132, 84084, Fisciano, Italy,
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Repositioning of Quinazolinedione-Based Compounds on Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase (sEH) through 3D Structure-Based Pharmacophore Model-Driven Investigation. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27123866. [PMID: 35744994 PMCID: PMC9228872 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27123866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The development of new bioactive compounds represents one of the main purposes of the drug discovery process. Various tools can be employed to identify new drug candidates against pharmacologically relevant biological targets, and the search for new approaches and methodologies often represents a critical issue. In this context, in silico drug repositioning procedures are required even more in order to re-evaluate compounds that already showed poor biological results against a specific biological target. 3D structure-based pharmacophoric models, usually built for specific targets to accelerate the identification of new promising compounds, can be employed for drug repositioning campaigns as well. In this work, an in-house library of 190 synthesized compounds was re-evaluated using a 3D structure-based pharmacophoric model developed on soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH). Among the analyzed compounds, a small set of quinazolinedione-based molecules, originally selected from a virtual combinatorial library and showing poor results when preliminarily investigated against heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90), was successfully repositioned against sEH, accounting the related built 3D structure-based pharmacophoric model. The promising results here obtained highlight the reliability of this computational workflow for accelerating the drug discovery/repositioning processes.
Collapse
|
9
|
Santos Nascimento IJD, de Aquino TM, da Silva Júnior EF. Computer-Aided Drug Design of Anti-inflammatory Agents Targeting Microsomal Prostaglandin E2 Synthase-1 (mPGES-1). Curr Med Chem 2022; 29:5397-5419. [PMID: 35301943 DOI: 10.2174/0929867329666220317122948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Inflammation is a natural process in response to external stimuli associated with organism protection. However, this reaction could be exaggerated, leading to severe damages related to physiopathological processes, such as rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, diabetes, allergies, infections, among others. Inflammation is mainly characterized by pain, increased temperature, flushing, and edema, which can be controlled using anti-inflammatory drugs. In this context, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) inhibition has been targeted for designing new compounds with anti-inflammatory properties. It is a bioactive lipid overproduced during an inflammatory process, in which its increased production is carried out mainly by COX-1, COX-2, and microsomal prostaglandin E2 synthase-1 (mPGES-1). Recently, studies have demonstrated that mPGES-1 inhibition is a safe strategy to develop anti-inflammatory agents, which could protect against pain, acute inflammation, arthritis, autoimmune diseases, and different types of cancers. To decrease production costs and increase the probability of discovering active substances, computer-aided drug design (CADD) approaches have been increasingly used for designing new inhibitors. Thus, this review will cover all aspects involving high-throughput virtual screening, molecular docking, dynamics, fragment-based drug design, quantitative structure-activity relationship in seeking new promising mPGES-1 inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Igor José Dos Santos Nascimento
- Laboratory of Synthesis and Research in Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió, Brazil.
- Department of Pharmacy, Estácio of Alagoas College, Maceió, Brazil
| | - Thiago Mendonça de Aquino
- Laboratory of Synthesis and Research in Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió, Brazil.
- Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió, Brazil
| | - Edeildo Ferreira da Silva Júnior
- Laboratory of Synthesis and Research in Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió, Brazil.
- Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
N-Acylated and N-Alkylated 2-Aminobenzothiazoles Are Novel Agents That Suppress the Generation of Prostaglandin E2. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12020267. [PMID: 35204768 PMCID: PMC8961538 DOI: 10.3390/biom12020267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The quest for novel agents to regulate the generation of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is of high importance because this eicosanoid is a key player in inflammatory diseases. We synthesized a series of N-acylated and N-alkylated 2-aminobenzothiazoles and related heterocycles (benzoxazoles and benzimidazoles) and evaluated their ability to suppress the cytokine-stimulated generation of PGE2 in rat mesangial cells. 2-Aminobenzothiazoles, either acylated by the 3-(naphthalen-2-yl)propanoyl moiety (GK510) or N-alkylated by a chain carrying a naphthalene (GK543) or a phenyl moiety (GK562) at a distance of three carbon atoms, stand out in inhibiting PGE2 generation, with EC50 values ranging from 118 nM to 177 nM. Both GK510 and GK543 exhibit in vivo anti-inflammatory activity greater than that of indomethacin. Thus, N-acylated or N-alkylated 2-aminobenzothiazoles are novel leads for the regulation of PGE2 formation.
Collapse
|
11
|
Structure-based screening for the discovery of 1,2,4-oxadiazoles as promising hits for the development of new anti-inflammatory agents interfering with eicosanoid biosynthesis pathways. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 224:113693. [PMID: 34315041 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The multiple inhibition of biological targets involved in pro-inflammatory eicosanoid biosynthesis represents an innovative strategy for treating inflammatory disorders in light of higher efficacy and safety. Herein, following a multidisciplinary protocol involving virtual combinatorial screening, chemical synthesis, and in vitro and in vivo validation of the biological activities, we report the identification of 1,2,4-oxadiazole-based eicosanoid biosynthesis multi-target inhibitors. The multidisciplinary scientific approach led to the identification of three 1,2,4-oxadiazole hits (compounds 1, 2 and 5), all endowed with IC50 values in the low micromolar range, acting as 5-lipoxygenase-activating protein (FLAP) antagonists (compounds 1 and 2), and as a multi-target inhibitor (compound 5) of arachidonic acid cascade enzymes, namely cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1), 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) and microsomal prostaglandin E2 synthase-1 (mPGES-1). Moreover, our in vivo results demonstrate that compound 5 is able to attenuate leukocyte migration in a model of zymosan-induced peritonitis and to modulate the production of IL-1β and TNF-α. These results are of interest for further expanding the chemical diversity around the 1,2,4-oxadiazole central core, enabling the identification of novel anti-inflammatory agents characterized by a favorable pharmacological profile and considering that moderate interference with multiple targets might have advantages in re-adjusting homeostasis.
Collapse
|
12
|
Di Micco S, Terracciano S, Ruggiero D, Potenza M, Vaccaro MC, Fischer K, Werz O, Bruno I, Bifulco G. Identification of 2-(thiophen-2-yl)acetic Acid-Based Lead Compound for mPGES-1 Inhibition. Front Chem 2021; 9:676631. [PMID: 34046398 PMCID: PMC8144515 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2021.676631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We report the implementation of our in silico/synthesis pipeline by targeting the glutathione-dependent enzyme mPGES-1, a valuable macromolecular target in both cancer therapy and inflammation therapy. Specifically, by using a virtual fragment screening approach of aromatic bromides, straightforwardly modifiable by the Suzuki-Miyaura reaction, we identified 3-phenylpropanoic acid and 2-(thiophen-2-yl)acetic acid to be suitable chemical platforms to develop tighter mPGES-1 inhibitors. Among these, compounds 1c and 2c showed selective inhibitory activity against mPGES-1 in the low micromolar range in accordance with molecular modeling calculations. Moreover, 1c and 2c exhibited interesting IC50 values on A549 cell lines compared to CAY10526, selected as reference compound. The most promising compound 2c induced the cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase at 24 h of exposure, whereas at 48 and 72 h, it caused an increase of subG0/G1 fraction, suggesting an apoptosis/necrosis effect.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simone Di Micco
- European Biomedical Research Institute of Salerno (EBRIS), Salerno, Italy
| | | | - Dafne Ruggiero
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, University degli Studi di Salerno, Fisciano, Italy
| | - Marianna Potenza
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, University degli Studi di Salerno, Fisciano, Italy
| | - Maria C Vaccaro
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, University degli Studi di Salerno, Fisciano, Italy
| | - Katrin Fischer
- Institute of Pharmacy, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Oliver Werz
- Institute of Pharmacy, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Ines Bruno
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, University degli Studi di Salerno, Fisciano, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Bifulco
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, University degli Studi di Salerno, Fisciano, Italy
| |
Collapse
|