1
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Dev A, Vachher M, Prasad CP. β-catenin inhibitors in cancer therapeutics: intricacies and way forward. Bioengineered 2023; 14:2251696. [PMID: 37655825 PMCID: PMC10478749 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2023.2251696] [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: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
β-catenin is an evolutionary conserved, quintessential, multifaceted protein that plays vital roles in cellular homeostasis, embryonic development, organogenesis, stem cell maintenance, cell proliferation, migration, differentiation, apoptosis, and pathogenesis of various human diseases including cancer. β-catenin manifests both signaling and adhesive features. It acts as a pivotal player in intracellular signaling as a component of versatile WNT signaling cascade involved in embryonic development, homeostasis as well as in carcinogenesis. It is also involved in Ca2+ dependent cell adhesion via interaction with E-cadherin at the adherens junctions. Aberrant β-catenin expression and its nuclear accumulation promote the transcription of various oncogenes including c-Myc and cyclinD1, thereby contributing to tumor initiation, development, and progression. β-catenin's expression is closely regulated at various levels including its stability, sub-cellular localization, as well as transcriptional activity. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of regulation of β-catenin and its atypical expression will provide researchers not only the novel insights into the pathogenesis and progression of cancer but also will help in deciphering new therapeutic avenues. In the present review, we have summarized the dual functions of β-catenin, its role in signaling, associated mutations as well as its role in carcinogenesis and tumor progression of various cancers. Additionally, we have discussed the challenges associated with targeting β-catenin molecule with the presently available drugs and suggested the possible way forward in designing new therapeutic alternatives against this oncogene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arundhathi Dev
- Department of Medical Oncology (Laboratory), DR BRAIRCH, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Meenakshi Vachher
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Home Economics, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Chandra Prakash Prasad
- Department of Medical Oncology (Laboratory), DR BRAIRCH, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
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2
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Nalli M, Di Magno L, Wen Y, Liu X, D’Ambrosio M, Puxeddu M, Parisi A, Sebastiani J, Sorato A, Coluccia A, Ripa S, Di Pastena F, Capelli D, Montanari R, Masci D, Urbani A, Naro C, Sette C, Orlando V, D’Angelo S, Biagioni S, Bigogno C, Dondio G, Pastore A, Stornaiuolo M, Canettieri G, Liu T, Silvestri R, La Regina G. Novel N-(Heterocyclylphenyl)benzensulfonamide Sharing an Unreported Binding Site with T-Cell Factor 4 at the β-Catenin Armadillo Repeats Domain as an Anticancer Agent. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2023; 6:1087-1103. [PMID: 37470018 PMCID: PMC10353061 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.3c00092] [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: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Despite intensive efforts, no inhibitors of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway have been approved so far for the clinical treatment of cancer. We synthesized novel N-(heterocyclylphenyl)benzenesulfonamides as β-catenin inhibitors. Compounds 5-10 showed strong inhibition of the luciferase activity. Compounds 5 and 6 inhibited the MDA-MB-231, HCC1806, and HCC1937 TNBC cells. Compound 9 induced in vitro cell death in SW480 and HCT116 cells and in vivo tumorigenicity of a human colorectal cancer line HCT116. In a co-immunoprecipitation study in HCT116 cells transfected with Myc-tagged T-cell factor 4 (Tcf-4), compound 9 abrogated the association between β-catenin and Tcf-4. The crystallographic analysis of the β-catenin Armadillo repeats domain revealed that compound 9 and Tcf-4 share a common binding site within the hotspot binding region close to Lys508. To our knowledge, compound 9 is the first small molecule ligand of this region to be reported. These results highlight the potential of this novel class of β-catenin inhibitors as anticancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Nalli
- Laboratory
affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia—Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti,
Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Di Magno
- Laboratory
affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia—Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti,
Department of Molecular Medicine Sapienza, University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, I-00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Yichao Wen
- Shanghai
Geriatric Institute of Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 365 South Xiangyang Road, 200031 Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Liu
- Department
of Dermatology, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese
and Western Medicine, Shanghai University
of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 200437 Shanghai, China
| | - Michele D’Ambrosio
- Laboratory
affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia—Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti,
Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Michela Puxeddu
- Laboratory
affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia—Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti,
Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Anastasia Parisi
- Laboratory
affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia—Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti,
Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Jessica Sebastiani
- Laboratory
affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia—Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti,
Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Sorato
- Laboratory
affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia—Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti,
Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Coluccia
- Laboratory
affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia—Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti,
Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Ripa
- Laboratory
affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia—Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti,
Department of Molecular Medicine Sapienza, University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, I-00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Fiorella Di Pastena
- Laboratory
affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia—Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti,
Department of Molecular Medicine Sapienza, University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, I-00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Davide Capelli
- CNR—Institute
of Crystallography, Via
Salaria—km 29.300, Monterotondo, 00015 Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Montanari
- CNR—Institute
of Crystallography, Via
Salaria—km 29.300, Monterotondo, 00015 Rome, Italy
| | - Domiziana Masci
- Department
of Basic Biotechnological Sciences, Intensivological and Perioperative
Clinics, Catholic University of the Sacred
Heart, Largo Francesco
Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Urbani
- Department
of Basic Biotechnological Sciences, Intensivological and Perioperative
Clinics, Catholic University of the Sacred
Heart, Largo Francesco
Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Naro
- Department
of Basic Biotechnological Sciences, Intensivological and Perioperative
Clinics, Catholic University of the Sacred
Heart, Largo Francesco
Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
- GSTeP-Organoids
Research Core Facility, Fondazione Policlinico
Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Sette
- Department
of Basic Biotechnological Sciences, Intensivological and Perioperative
Clinics, Catholic University of the Sacred
Heart, Largo Francesco
Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
- GSTeP-Organoids
Research Core Facility, Fondazione Policlinico
Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Viviana Orlando
- Department
of Biology and Biotechnologies “Charles Darwin”, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Sara D’Angelo
- Department
of Biology and Biotechnologies “Charles Darwin”, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Stefano Biagioni
- Department
of Biology and Biotechnologies “Charles Darwin”, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Chiara Bigogno
- Aphad
SrL, Via della Resistenza
65, 20090 Buccinasco, Italy
| | - Giulio Dondio
- Aphad
SrL, Via della Resistenza
65, 20090 Buccinasco, Italy
| | - Arianna Pastore
- Department
of Pharmacy, University of Naples “Federico
II”, Via Domenico
Montesano, 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Mariano Stornaiuolo
- Department
of Pharmacy, University of Naples “Federico
II”, Via Domenico
Montesano, 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Gianluca Canettieri
- Laboratory
affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia—Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti,
Department of Molecular Medicine Sapienza, University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, I-00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Te Liu
- Shanghai
Geriatric Institute of Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 365 South Xiangyang Road, 200031 Shanghai, China
| | - Romano Silvestri
- Laboratory
affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia—Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti,
Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe La Regina
- Laboratory
affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia—Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti,
Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
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3
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Zhang H, Liu C, Zhu D, Zhang Q, Li J. Medicinal Chemistry Strategies for the Development of Inhibitors Disrupting β-Catenin's Interactions with Its Nuclear Partners. J Med Chem 2023; 66:1-31. [PMID: 36583662 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Dysregulation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is strongly associated with various aspects of cancer, including tumor initiation, proliferation, and metastasis as well as antitumor immunity, and presents a promising opportunity for cancer therapy. Wnt/β-catenin signaling activation increases nuclear dephosphorylated β-catenin levels, resulting in β-catenin binding to TCF and additional cotranscription factors, such as BCL9, CBP, and p300. Therefore, directly disrupting β-catenin's interactions with these nuclear partners holds promise for the effective and selective suppression of the aberrant activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Herein, we summarize recent advances in biochemical techniques and medicinal chemistry strategies used to identify potent peptide-based and small-molecule inhibitors that directly disrupt β-catenin's interactions with its nuclear binding partners. We discuss the challenges involved in developing drug-like inhibitors that target the interactions of β-catenin and its nuclear binding partner into therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China.,Novel Technology Center of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry Co., Ltd., China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Chenglong Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Di Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China.,Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 201100, China
| | - Qingwei Zhang
- Novel Technology Center of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry Co., Ltd., China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jianqi Li
- Novel Technology Center of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry Co., Ltd., China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai 201203, China
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4
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Yang P, Zhu Y, Zheng Q, Meng S, Wu Y, Shuai W, Sun Q, Wang G. Recent advances of β-catenin small molecule inhibitors for cancer therapy: Current development and future perspectives. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 243:114789. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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5
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Nalli M, Masci D, Urbani A, La Regina G, Silvestri R. Emerging Direct Targeting β-Catenin Agents. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27227735. [PMID: 36431838 PMCID: PMC9698307 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27227735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant accumulation of β-catenin in the cell nucleus as a result of deregulation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway is found in various types of cancer. Direct β-catenin targeting agents are being researched despite obstacles; however, specific β-catenin drugs for clinical treatments have not been approved so far. We focused on direct β-catenin targeting of potential therapeutic value as anticancer agents. This review provides recent advances on small molecule β-catenin agents. Structure-activity relationships and biological activities of reported inhibitors are discussed. This work provides useful knowledge in the discovery of β-catenin agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Nalli
- Laboratory Affiliated with the Institute Pasteur Italy—Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Domiziana Masci
- Department of Basic Biotechnological Sciences, Intensivological and Perioperative Clinics, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Urbani
- Department of Basic Biotechnological Sciences, Intensivological and Perioperative Clinics, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe La Regina
- Laboratory Affiliated with the Institute Pasteur Italy—Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Romano Silvestri
- Laboratory Affiliated with the Institute Pasteur Italy—Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence:
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6
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Koelman EMR, Yeste-Vázquez A, Grossmann TN. Targeting the interaction of β-catenin and TCF/LEF transcription factors to inhibit oncogenic Wnt signaling. Bioorg Med Chem 2022; 70:116920. [PMID: 35841828 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2022.116920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is crucially involved in embryonic development, stem cell maintenance and tissue renewal. Hyperactivation of this pathway is associated with the development and progression of various types of cancers. The transcriptional coactivator β-catenin represents a pivotal component of the pathway and its interaction with transcription factors of the TCF/LEF family is central to pathway activation. Inhibition of this crucial protein-protein interaction via direct targeting of β-catenin is considered a promising strategy for the inactivation of oncogenic Wnt signaling. This review summarizes advances in the development of Wnt antagonists that have been shown to directly bind β-catenin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma M R Koelman
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, NL, The Netherlands
| | - Alejandro Yeste-Vázquez
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, NL, The Netherlands; Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, NL, The Netherlands
| | - Tom N Grossmann
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, NL, The Netherlands; Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, NL, The Netherlands.
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7
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Kell SR, Wang Z, Ji H. Fragment hopping protocol for the design of small-molecule protein-protein interaction inhibitors. Bioorg Med Chem 2022; 69:116879. [PMID: 35749838 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2022.116879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Fragment-based ligand discovery (FBLD) is one of the most successful approaches to designing small-molecule protein-protein interaction (PPI) inhibitors. The incorporation of computational tools to FBLD allows the exploration of chemical space in a time- and cost-efficient manner. Herein, a computational protocol for the development of small-molecule PPI inhibitors using fragment hopping, a fragment-based de novo design approach, is described and a case study is presented to illustrate the efficiency of this protocol. Fragment hopping facilitates the design of PPI inhibitors from scratch solely based on key binding features in the PPI complex structure. This approach is an open system that enables the inclusion of different state-of-the-art programs and softwares to improve its performances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelby R Kell
- Drug Discovery Department, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, United States; Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, United States
| | - Zhen Wang
- Drug Discovery Department, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, United States; Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, United States
| | - Haitao Ji
- Drug Discovery Department, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, United States; Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, United States.
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8
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McCoy MA, Spicer D, Wells N, Hoogewijs K, Fiedler M, Baud MGJ. Biophysical Survey of Small-Molecule β-Catenin Inhibitors: A Cautionary Tale. J Med Chem 2022; 65:7246-7261. [PMID: 35581674 PMCID: PMC9150122 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
![]()
The canonical Wingless-related
integration site signaling pathway
plays a critical role in human physiology, and its dysregulation can
lead to an array of diseases. β-Catenin is a multifunctional
protein within this pathway and an attractive yet challenging therapeutic
target, most notably in oncology. This has stimulated the search for
potent small-molecule inhibitors binding directly to the β-catenin
surface to inhibit its protein–protein interactions and downstream
signaling. Here, we provide an account of the claimed (and some putative)
small-molecule ligands of β-catenin from the literature. Through
in silico analysis, we show that most of these molecules contain promiscuous
chemical substructures notorious for interfering with screening assays.
Finally, and in line with this analysis, we demonstrate using orthogonal
biophysical techniques that none of the examined small molecules bind
at the surface of β-catenin. While shedding doubts on their
reported mode of action, this study also reaffirms β-catenin
as a prominent target in drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A McCoy
- School of Chemistry, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, U.K
| | - Dominique Spicer
- School of Chemistry, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, U.K
| | - Neil Wells
- School of Chemistry, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, U.K
| | - Kurt Hoogewijs
- National University of Ireland, University Road, Galway H91 TK33, Ireland
| | - Marc Fiedler
- Medical Research Council, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge CB2 0QH, U.K
| | - Matthias G J Baud
- School of Chemistry, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, U.K
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9
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Singh A, Kumar P, Sarvagalla S, Bharadwaj T, Nayak N, Coumar MS, Giri R, Garg N. Functional inhibition of c-Myc using novel inhibitors identified through “hot spot” targeting. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:101898. [PMID: 35378126 PMCID: PMC9065629 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.101898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein–protein interactions drive various biological processes in healthy as well as disease states. The transcription factor c-Myc plays a crucial role in maintaining cellular homeostasis, and its deregulated expression is linked to various human cancers; therefore, it can be considered a viable target for cancer therapeutics. However, the structural heterogeneity of c-Myc due to its disordered nature poses a major challenge to drug discovery. In the present study, we used an in silico alanine scanning mutagenesis approach to identify “hot spot” residues within the c-Myc/Myc-associated factor X interface, which is highly disordered and has not yet been systematically analyzed for potential small molecule binding sites. We then used the information gained from this analysis to screen potential inhibitors using a conformation ensemble approach. The fluorescence-based biophysical experiments showed that the identified hit molecules displayed noncovalent interactions with these hot spot residues, and further cell-based experiments showed substantial in vitro potency against diverse c-Myc-expressing cancer/stem cells by deregulating c-Myc activity. These biophysical and computational studies demonstrated stable binding of the hit compounds with the disordered c-Myc protein. Collectively, our data indicated effective drug targeting of the disordered c-Myc protein via the determination of hot spot residues in the c-Myc/Myc-associated factor X heterodimer.
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10
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Cui J, Chen H, Zhang K, Li X. Targeting the Wnt signaling pathway for breast cancer bone metastasis therapy. J Mol Med (Berl) 2021; 100:373-384. [PMID: 34821953 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-021-02159-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Osteolytic bone destruction is found in approximately 60% of advanced breast cancer patients. With the pathogenesis of bone metastasis being unclear, traditional antiresorptive therapeutic strategies might not be ideal for treatment. The Wnt pathway is a highly organized cascade involved in multiple stages of cancer bone metastasis, and Wnt-targeted therapeutic strategies have shown promise in achieving favorable outcomes. In this review, we summarize the current progress of pharmacological Wnt modulators against breast cancer bone metastasis, discuss emerging therapeutic strategies based on Wnt pathway-related targets for bone therapy, and highlight opportunities to better harness the Wnt pathway for bone metastasis therapeutics to further reveal the implications of the Wnt pathway in bone metastasis pathology and provide new ideas for the development of Wnt-based intervention strategies against breast cancer bone metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyao Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Haoran Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Kaiwen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Xin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China.
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11
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Shi C, Yang EJ, Tao S, Ren G, Mou PK, Shim JS. Natural products targeting cancer cell dependency. J Antibiot (Tokyo) 2021; 74:677-686. [PMID: 34163025 DOI: 10.1038/s41429-021-00438-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Precision cancer medicine is a tailored treatment approach for individual cancer patients with different genomic characteristics. Mutated or hyperactive oncogenes have served as main drug targets in current precision cancer medicine, while defective or inactivated tumor suppressors in general have not been considered as druggable targets. Synthetic lethality is one of very few approaches that enable to target defective tumor suppressors with pharmacological agents. Synthetic lethality exploits cancer cell dependency on a protein or pathway, which arises when the function of a tumor suppressor is defective. This approach has been proven to be effective in clinical settings since the successful clinical introduction of BRCA-PARP synthetic lethality for the treatment of breast and ovarian cancer with defective BRCA. Subsequently, large-scale screenings with RNAi, CRISPR/Cas9-sgRNAs, and chemical libraries have been applied to identify synthetic lethal partners of tumor suppressors. Natural products are an important source for the discovery of pharmacologically active small molecules. However, little effort has been made in the discovery of synthetic lethal small molecules from natural products. This review introduces recent advances in the discovery of natural products targeting cancer cell dependency and discusses potentials of natural products in the precision cancer medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changxiang Shi
- Cancer Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
| | - Eun Ju Yang
- Cancer Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
| | - Shishi Tao
- Cancer Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
| | - Guowen Ren
- Cancer Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
| | - Pui Kei Mou
- Cancer Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
| | - Joong Sup Shim
- Cancer Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau SAR, China. .,MoE Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau SAR, China.
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12
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Blosser SL, Sawyer N, Maksimovic I, Ghosh B, Arora PS. Covalent and Noncovalent Targeting of the Tcf4/β-Catenin Strand Interface with β-Hairpin Mimics. ACS Chem Biol 2021; 16:1518-1525. [PMID: 34286954 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.1c00389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
β-Strands are a fundamental component of protein structure, and these extended peptide regions serve as binding epitopes for numerous protein-protein complexes. However, synthetic mimics that capture the conformation of these epitopes and inhibit selected protein-protein interactions are rare. Here we describe covalent and noncovalent β-hairpin mimics of an extended strand region mediating the Tcf4/β-catenin interaction. Our efforts afford a rationally designed lead for an underexplored region of β-catenin, which has been the subject of numerous ligand discovery campaigns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah L. Blosser
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, 100 Washington Square East, New York, New York 10003, United States
| | - Nicholas Sawyer
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, 100 Washington Square East, New York, New York 10003, United States
| | - Igor Maksimovic
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, 100 Washington Square East, New York, New York 10003, United States
| | - Brahma Ghosh
- Discovery Chemistry, Janssen Research and Development, LLC, Spring House, Pennsylvania 19477, United States
| | - Paramjit S. Arora
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, 100 Washington Square East, New York, New York 10003, United States
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13
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Low JL, Du W, Gocha T, Oguz G, Zhang X, Chen MW, Masirevic S, Yim DGR, Tan IBH, Ramasamy A, Fan H, DasGupta R. Molecular docking-aided identification of small molecule inhibitors targeting β-catenin-TCF4 interaction. iScience 2021; 24:102544. [PMID: 34142050 PMCID: PMC8184503 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.102544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Here we report a molecular docking-based approach to identify small molecules that can target the β-catenin (β-cat)-TCF4 protein-protein interaction (PPI), a key effector complex for nuclear Wnt signaling activity. Specifically, we developed and optimized a computational model of β-cat using publicly available β-cat protein crystal structures, and existing β-cat-TCF4 interaction inhibitors as the training set. Using our computational model to an in silico screen predicted 27 compounds as good binders to β-cat, of which 3 were identified to be effective against a Wnt-responsive luciferase reporter. In vitro functional validation experiments revealed GB1874 as an inhibitor of the Wnt pathway that targets the β-cat-TCF4 PPI. GB1874 also affected the proliferation and stemness of Wnt-addicted colorectal cancer (CRC) cells in vitro. Encouragingly, GB1874 inhibited the growth of CRC tumor xenografts in vivo, thus demonstrating its potential for further development into therapeutics against Wnt-associated cancer indications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joo-Leng Low
- Laboratory of Precision Oncology and Cancer Evolution, Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A∗STAR), Singapore 138672, Singapore
| | - Weina Du
- Structure-Based Ligand Discovery and Design, Bioinformatics Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A∗STAR), Singapore 138671, Singapore
| | - Tenzin Gocha
- Laboratory of Precision Oncology and Cancer Evolution, Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A∗STAR), Singapore 138672, Singapore
| | - Gokce Oguz
- Bioinformatics Consulting and Training Platform, Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A∗STAR), Singapore 138672, Singapore
| | - Xiaoqian Zhang
- Laboratory of Precision Oncology and Cancer Evolution, Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A∗STAR), Singapore 138672, Singapore
| | - Ming Wei Chen
- Biomolecular Interactions Platform, School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore 637551, Singapore
| | - Srdan Masirevic
- Structure-Based Ligand Discovery and Design, Bioinformatics Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A∗STAR), Singapore 138671, Singapore
| | - Daniel Guo Rong Yim
- Laboratory of Precision Oncology and Cancer Evolution, Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A∗STAR), Singapore 138672, Singapore
| | - Iain Bee Huat Tan
- Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS), Singapore 169610, Singapore
- Laboratory of Applied Cancer Genomics, Genome Institute of Singapore, Singapore 138672, Singapore
- Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore
| | - Adaikalavan Ramasamy
- Bioinformatics Consulting and Training Platform, Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A∗STAR), Singapore 138672, Singapore
| | - Hao Fan
- Structure-Based Ligand Discovery and Design, Bioinformatics Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A∗STAR), Singapore 138671, Singapore
| | - Ramanuj DasGupta
- Laboratory of Precision Oncology and Cancer Evolution, Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A∗STAR), Singapore 138672, Singapore
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14
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Wendt M, Bellavita R, Gerber A, Efrém NL, van Ramshorst T, Pearce NM, Davey PRJ, Everard I, Vazquez-Chantada M, Chiarparin E, Grieco P, Hennig S, Grossmann TN. Bicyclic β-Sheet Mimetics that Target the Transcriptional Coactivator β-Catenin and Inhibit Wnt Signaling. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021; 60:13937-13944. [PMID: 33783110 PMCID: PMC8252567 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202102082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Protein complexes are defined by the three-dimensional structure of participating binding partners. Knowledge about these structures can facilitate the design of peptidomimetics which have been applied for example, as inhibitors of protein-protein interactions (PPIs). Even though β-sheets participate widely in PPIs, they have only rarely served as the basis for peptidomimetic PPI inhibitors, in particular when addressing intracellular targets. Here, we present the structure-based design of β-sheet mimetics targeting the intracellular protein β-catenin, a central component of the Wnt signaling pathway. Based on a protein binding partner of β-catenin, a macrocyclic peptide was designed and its crystal structure in complex with β-catenin obtained. Using this structure, we designed a library of bicyclic β-sheet mimetics employing a late-stage diversification strategy. Several mimetics were identified that compete with transcription factor binding to β-catenin and inhibit Wnt signaling in cells. The presented design strategy can support the development of inhibitors for other β-sheet-mediated PPIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathias Wendt
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rosa Bellavita
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Alan Gerber
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nina-Louisa Efrém
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Thirza van Ramshorst
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nicholas M Pearce
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Paul R J Davey
- Medicinal Chemistry, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Isabel Everard
- Mechanistic Biology and Profiling, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | | | | | - Paolo Grieco
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Sven Hennig
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tom N Grossmann
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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15
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Wendt M, Bellavita R, Gerber A, Efrém N, Ramshorst T, Pearce NM, Davey PRJ, Everard I, Vazquez‐Chantada M, Chiarparin E, Grieco P, Hennig S, Grossmann TN. Bicyclic β‐Sheet Mimetics that Target the Transcriptional Coactivator β‐Catenin and Inhibit Wnt Signaling. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202102082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mathias Wendt
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences VU University Amsterdam Amsterdam The Netherlands
| | - Rosa Bellavita
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences VU University Amsterdam Amsterdam The Netherlands
- Department of Pharmacy University of Naples Federico II Naples Italy
| | - Alan Gerber
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences VU University Amsterdam Amsterdam The Netherlands
| | - Nina‐Louisa Efrém
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences VU University Amsterdam Amsterdam The Netherlands
| | - Thirza Ramshorst
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences VU University Amsterdam Amsterdam The Netherlands
| | - Nicholas M. Pearce
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences VU University Amsterdam Amsterdam The Netherlands
| | | | - Isabel Everard
- Mechanistic Biology and Profiling Discovery Sciences, R&D AstraZeneca Cambridge UK
| | | | | | - Paolo Grieco
- Department of Pharmacy University of Naples Federico II Naples Italy
| | - Sven Hennig
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences VU University Amsterdam Amsterdam The Netherlands
| | - Tom N. Grossmann
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences VU University Amsterdam Amsterdam The Netherlands
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16
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Liu Z, Wang P, Wold EA, Song Q, Zhao C, Wang C, Zhou J. Small-Molecule Inhibitors Targeting the Canonical WNT Signaling Pathway for the Treatment of Cancer. J Med Chem 2021; 64:4257-4288. [PMID: 33822624 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Canonical WNT signaling is an important developmental pathway that has attracted increased attention for anticancer drug discovery. From the production and secretion of WNT ligands, their binding to membrane receptors, and the β-catenin destruction complex to the expansive β-catenin transcriptional complex, multiple components have been investigated as drug targets to modulate WNT signaling. Significant progress in developing WNT inhibitors such as porcupine inhibitors, tankyrase inhibitors, β-catenin/coactivators, protein-protein interaction inhibitors, casein kinase modulators, DVL inhibitors, and dCTPP1 inhibitors has been made, with several candidates (e.g., LGK-974, PRI-724, and ETC-159) in human clinical trials. Herein we summarize recent progress in the drug discovery and development of small-molecule inhibitors targeting the canonical WNT pathway, focusing on their specific target proteins, in vitro and in vivo activities, physicochemical properties, and therapeutic potential. The relevant opportunities and challenges toward maintaining the balance between efficacy and toxicity in effectively targeting this pathway are also highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqing Liu
- Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, College of Food Science and Technology, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Pingyuan Wang
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - Eric A Wold
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - Qiaoling Song
- Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, College of Food Science and Technology, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Chenyang Zhao
- Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, College of Food Science and Technology, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Changyun Wang
- Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, College of Food Science and Technology, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Jia Zhou
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
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17
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Wang Z, Li Z, Ji H. Direct targeting of β-catenin in the Wnt signaling pathway: Current progress and perspectives. Med Res Rev 2021; 41:2109-2129. [PMID: 33475177 DOI: 10.1002/med.21787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2020] [Revised: 08/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Aberrant activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling circuit is associated with cancer recurrence and relapse, cancer invasion and metastasis, and cancer immune evasion. Direct targeting of β-catenin, the central hub in this signaling pathway, is a promising strategy to suppress the hyperactive β-catenin signaling but has proven to be highly challenging. Substantial efforts have been made to discover compounds that bind with β-catenin, block β-catenin-mediated protein-protein interactions, and suppress β-catenin signaling. Herein, we characterize potential small-molecule binding sites in β-catenin, summarize bioactive small molecules that directly target β-catenin, and review structure-based inhibitor optimization, structure-activity relationship, and biological activities of reported inhibitors. This knowledge will benefit future inhibitor development and β-catenin-related drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Wang
- Department of Drug Discovery, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Zilu Li
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Haitao Ji
- Department of Drug Discovery, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida, USA.,Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
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18
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Development of structure-based pharmacophore to target the β-catenin-TCF protein–protein interaction. Med Chem Res 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s00044-020-02693-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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19
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Phull MS, Jadav SS, Gundla R, Mainkar PS. A perspective on medicinal chemistry approaches towards adenomatous polyposis coli and Wnt signal based colorectal cancer inhibitors. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 212:113149. [PMID: 33445154 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.113149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the major causes of carcinogenic mortality in numbers only after lung and breast cancers. The mutations in adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene leads to formation of colorectal polyps in the colonic region and which develop as a malignant tumour upon coalition with patient related risk factors. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) of APC with Asef (A Rac specific guanine nucleotide exchange factor) overwhelms the patient's conditions by rapidly spreading in the entire colorectal region. Most mutations in APC gene occur in mutated cluster region (MCR), where it specifically binds with the cytosolic β-catenin to regulate the Wnt signalling pathway required for CRC cell adhesion, invasion, progression, differentiation and stemness in initial cell cycle phages. The current broad spectrum perspective is attempted to elaborate the sources of identification, development of selective APC inhibitors by targeting emopamil-binding protein (EBP) & dehydrocholesterol reductase-7 & 24 (DHCR-7 & 24); APC-Asef, β-catenin/APC, Wnt/β-catenin, β-catenin/TCF4 PPI inhibitors with other vital Wnt signal cellular proteins and APC/Pol-β interface of colorectal cancer. In this context, this perspective would serve as a platform for design of new medicinal agents by targeting cellular essential components which could accelerate anti-colorectal potential candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manjinder Singh Phull
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science, GITAM (Deemed to Be University), Hyderabad, 502329, Telangana, India
| | - Surender Singh Jadav
- Department of Organic Synthesis & Process Chemistry, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Tarnaka, Hyderabad, 500007, Telangana, India
| | - Rambabu Gundla
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science, GITAM (Deemed to Be University), Hyderabad, 502329, Telangana, India
| | - Prathama S Mainkar
- Department of Organic Synthesis & Process Chemistry, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Tarnaka, Hyderabad, 500007, Telangana, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, Utter Pradesh, India.
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20
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Targeting the β-catenin signaling for cancer therapy. Pharmacol Res 2020; 160:104794. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.104794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Revised: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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21
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A Nucleotide Analog Prevents Colitis-Associated Cancer via Beta-Catenin Independently of Inflammation and Autophagy. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2020; 11:33-53. [PMID: 32497793 PMCID: PMC7593585 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2020.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Revised: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Chronic bowel inflammation increases the risk of colon cancer; colitis-associated cancer (CAC). Thiopurine treatments are associated with a reduction in dysplasia and CAC in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Abnormal Wnt/β-catenin signalling is characteristic of >90% of colorectal cancers. Immunosuppression by thiopurines is via Rac1 GTPase, which also affects Wnt/β-catenin signalling. Autophagy is implicated in colonic tumors, and topical delivery of the thiopurine thioguanine (TG) is known to alleviate colitis and augment autophagy. This study investigated the effects of TG in a murine model of CAC and potential mechanisms. METHODS Colonic dysplasia was induced by exposure to azoxymethane (AOM) and dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) in wild-type (WT) mice and mice harboring intestinal epithelial cell-specific deletion of autophagy related 7 gene (Atg7ΔIEC). TG or vehicle was administered intrarectally, and the effect on tumor burden and β-catenin activity was assessed. The mechanisms of action of TG were investigated in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS TG ameliorated DSS colitis in wild-type but not Atg7ΔIEC mice, demonstrating that anti-inflammatory effects of locally delivered TG are autophagy-dependent. However, TG inhibited CAC in both wild-type and Atg7ΔIEC mice. This was associated with decreased β-catenin activation/nuclear translocation demonstrating that TG's inhibition of tumorigenesis occurred independently of anti-inflammatory and pro-autophagic actions. These results were confirmed in cell lines, and the dependency on Rac1 GTPase was demonstrated by siRNA knockdown and overexpression of constitutively active Rac1. CONCLUSIONS Our findings provide evidence for a new mechanism that could be exploited to improve CAC chemoprophylactic approaches.
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22
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Han S, Sang Y, Wu Y, Tao Y, Pannecouque C, De Clercq E, Zhuang C, Chen FE. Fragment hopping-based discovery of novel sulfinylacetamide-diarylpyrimidines (DAPYs) as HIV-1 nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors. Eur J Med Chem 2019; 185:111874. [PMID: 31735575 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.111874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2019] [Revised: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The fragment hopping approach is widely applied in drug development. A series of diarylpyrimidines (DAPYs) were obtained by hopping the thioacetamide scaffold to novel human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) to address the cytotoxicity issue of Etravirine and Rilpivirine. Although the new compounds (11a-l) in the first-round optimization possessed less potent anti-viral activity, they showed much lower cytotoxicity. Further optimization on the sulfur led to the sulfinylacetamide-DAPYs exhibiting improved anti-viral activity and a higher selectivity index especially toward the K103N mutant strain. The most potent compound 12a displayed EC50 values of 0.0249 μM against WT and 0.0104 μM against the K103N mutant strain, low cytotoxicity (CC50 > 221 μM) and a high selectivity index (SI WT > 8873, SI K103N > 21186). In addition, this compound showed a favorable in vitro microsomal stability across species. Computational study predicted the binding models of these potent compounds with HIV-1 reverse transcriptase thus providing further insights for new developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Han
- Engineering Center of Catalysis and Synthesis for Chiral Molecules, Department of Chemistry, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, People's Republic of China; Shanghai Engineering Center of Industrial Asymmetric Catalysis for Chiral Drugs, Shanghai, 200433, People's Republic of China
| | - Yali Sang
- Engineering Center of Catalysis and Synthesis for Chiral Molecules, Department of Chemistry, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, People's Republic of China; Shanghai Engineering Center of Industrial Asymmetric Catalysis for Chiral Drugs, Shanghai, 200433, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Wu
- Engineering Center of Catalysis and Synthesis for Chiral Molecules, Department of Chemistry, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, People's Republic of China; Shanghai Engineering Center of Industrial Asymmetric Catalysis for Chiral Drugs, Shanghai, 200433, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan Tao
- Engineering Center of Catalysis and Synthesis for Chiral Molecules, Department of Chemistry, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, People's Republic of China; Shanghai Engineering Center of Industrial Asymmetric Catalysis for Chiral Drugs, Shanghai, 200433, People's Republic of China
| | | | - Erik De Clercq
- Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Chunlin Zhuang
- Engineering Center of Catalysis and Synthesis for Chiral Molecules, Department of Chemistry, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, People's Republic of China; Shanghai Engineering Center of Industrial Asymmetric Catalysis for Chiral Drugs, Shanghai, 200433, People's Republic of China.
| | - Fen-Er Chen
- Engineering Center of Catalysis and Synthesis for Chiral Molecules, Department of Chemistry, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, People's Republic of China; Shanghai Engineering Center of Industrial Asymmetric Catalysis for Chiral Drugs, Shanghai, 200433, People's Republic of China.
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23
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Miller MS, Douglass J, Hwang MS, Skora AD, Murphy M, Papadopoulos N, Kinzler KW, Vogelstein B, Zhou S, Gabelli SB. An engineered antibody fragment targeting mutant β-catenin via major histocompatibility complex I neoantigen presentation. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:19322-19334. [PMID: 31690625 PMCID: PMC6916501 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra119.010251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2019] [Revised: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in CTNNB1, the gene encoding β-catenin, are common in colon and liver cancers, the most frequent mutation affecting Ser-45 in β-catenin. Peptides derived from WT β-catenin have previously been shown to be presented on the cell surface as part of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I, suggesting an opportunity for targeting this common driver gene mutation with antibody-based therapies. Here, crystal structures of both the WT and S45F mutant peptide bound to HLA-A*03:01 at 2.20 and 2.45 Å resolutions, respectively, confirmed the accessibility of the phenylalanine residue for antibody recognition. Phage display was then used to identify single-chain variable fragment clones that selectively bind the S45F mutant peptide presented in HLA-A*03:01 and have minimal WT or other off-target binding. Following the initial characterization of five clones, we selected a single clone, E10, for further investigation. We developed a computational model of the binding of E10 to the mutant peptide-bound HLA-A3, incorporating data from affinity maturation as initial validation. In the future, our model may be used to design clones with maintained specificity and higher affinity. Such derivatives could be adapted into either cell-based (CAR-T) or protein-based (bispecific T-cell engagers) therapies to target cancer cells harboring the S45F mutation in CTNNB1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle S Miller
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287
| | - Jacqueline Douglass
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287
| | - Michael S Hwang
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287
| | - Andrew D Skora
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287
| | - Michael Murphy
- GE Healthcare Life Sciences, Marlborough, Massachusetts 01752
| | - Nickolas Papadopoulos
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287
| | - Kenneth W Kinzler
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287
| | - Bert Vogelstein
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287
| | - Shibin Zhou
- Ludwig Center, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287
| | - Sandra B Gabelli
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287 .,Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287.,Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
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24
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Wang Z, Zhang M, Wang J, Ji H. Optimization of Peptidomimetics as Selective Inhibitors for the β-Catenin/T-Cell Factor Protein-Protein Interaction. J Med Chem 2019; 62:3617-3635. [PMID: 30856332 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b00147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The β-catenin/T-cell factor (Tcf) protein-protein interaction (PPI) plays a critical role in the β-catenin signaling pathway which is hyperactivated in many cancers and fibroses. Based on compound 1, which was designed to target the Tcf4 G13ANDE17 binding site of β-catenin, extensive structure-activity relationship studies have been conducted. As a result, compounds 53 and 57 were found to disrupt the β-catenin/Tcf PPI with the Ki values of 0.64 and 0.44 μM, respectively, and exhibit good selectivity for β-catenin/Tcf over β-catenin/E-cadherin and β-catenin/adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) PPIs. The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2 H-tetrazolium (MTS) cell viability assays revealed that 56, the ethyl ester of 53, was more potent than 53 in inhibiting viability of most of the Wnt/β-catenin hyperactive cancer cells. Further cell-based studies indicated that 56 disrupted the β-catenin/Tcf PPI without affecting the β-catenin/E-cadherin and β-catenin/APC PPIs, suppressed transactivation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in dose-dependent manners, and inhibited migration and invasiveness of Wnt/β-catenin-dependent cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Wang
- Drug Discovery Department , H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute , Tampa , Florida 33612-9497 , United States
| | - Min Zhang
- Drug Discovery Department , H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute , Tampa , Florida 33612-9497 , United States
| | - Jin Wang
- Drug Discovery Department , H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute , Tampa , Florida 33612-9497 , United States
| | - Haitao Ji
- Drug Discovery Department , H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute , Tampa , Florida 33612-9497 , United States.,Departments of Oncologic Sciences and Chemistry , University of South Florida , Tampa , Florida 33620-9497 , United States
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25
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Abstract
Tetrazole derivatives are a prime class of heterocycles, very important to medicinal chemistry and drug design due to not only their bioisosterism to carboxylic acid and amide moieties but also to their metabolic stability and other beneficial physicochemical properties. Although more than 20 FDA-approved drugs contain 1 H- or 2 H-tetrazole substituents, their exact binding mode, structural biology, 3D conformations, and in general their chemical behavior is not fully understood. Importantly, multicomponent reaction (MCR) chemistry offers convergent access to multiple tetrazole scaffolds providing the three important elements of novelty, diversity, and complexity, yet MCR pathways to tetrazoles are far from completely explored. Here, we review the use of multicomponent reactions for the preparation of substituted tetrazole derivatives. We highlight specific applications and general trends holding therein and discuss synthetic approaches and their value by analyzing scope and limitations, and also enlighten their receptor binding mode. Finally, we estimated the prospects of further research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constantinos G. Neochoritis
- Drug Design Group, Department of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9700 AD Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ting Zhao
- Drug Design Group, Department of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9700 AD Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Alexander Dömling
- Drug Design Group, Department of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9700 AD Groningen, The Netherlands
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26
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Cui C, Zhou X, Zhang W, Qu Y, Ke X. Is β-Catenin a Druggable Target for Cancer Therapy? Trends Biochem Sci 2018; 43:623-634. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2018.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2018] [Revised: 06/02/2018] [Accepted: 06/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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27
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Koolaji N, Rawling T, Bourget K, Murray M. Carboxylate Analogues of Aryl-Urea-Substituted Fatty Acids That Target the Mitochondria in MDA-MB-231 Breast Cancer Cells to Promote Cell Death. ChemMedChem 2018; 13:1036-1043. [DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201800018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2018] [Revised: 03/19/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Nooshin Koolaji
- Discipline of Pharmacology; School of Medical Sciences, Sydney Medical School; The University of Sydney; Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Tristan Rawling
- School of Mathematics and Physical Sciences; Faculty of Science; The University of Technology Sydney; Ultimo New South Wales Australia
| | - Kirsi Bourget
- Discipline of Pharmacology; School of Medical Sciences, Sydney Medical School; The University of Sydney; Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Michael Murray
- Discipline of Pharmacology; School of Medical Sciences, Sydney Medical School; The University of Sydney; Sydney New South Wales Australia
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28
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Shin WH, Christoffer CW, Kihara D. In silico structure-based approaches to discover protein-protein interaction-targeting drugs. Methods 2017; 131:22-32. [PMID: 28802714 PMCID: PMC5683929 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2017.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2017] [Revised: 08/08/2017] [Accepted: 08/08/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
A core concept behind modern drug discovery is finding a small molecule that modulates a function of a target protein. This concept has been successfully applied since the mid-1970s. However, the efficiency of drug discovery is decreasing because the druggable target space in the human proteome is limited. Recently, protein-protein interaction (PPI) has been identified asan emerging target space for drug discovery. PPI plays a pivotal role in biological pathways including diseases. Current human interactome research suggests that the number of PPIs is between 130,000 and 650,000, and only a small number of them have been targeted as drug targets. For traditional drug targets, in silico structure-based methods have been successful in many cases. However, their performance suffers on PPI interfaces because PPI interfaces are different in five major aspects: From a geometric standpoint, they have relatively large interface regions, flat geometry, and the interface surface shape tends to fluctuate upon binding. Also, their interactions are dominated by hydrophobic atoms, which is different from traditional binding-pocket-targeted drugs. Finally, PPI targets usually lack natural molecules that bind to the target PPI interface. Here, we first summarize characteristics of PPI interfaces and their known binders. Then, we will review existing in silico structure-based approaches for discovering small molecules that bind to PPI interfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Woong-Hee Shin
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | | | - Daisuke Kihara
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; Department of Computer Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.
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29
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Yan M, Li G, An J. Discovery of small molecule inhibitors of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway by targeting β-catenin/Tcf4 interactions. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2017; 242:1185-1197. [PMID: 28474989 DOI: 10.1177/1535370217708198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway typically shows aberrant activation in various cancer cells, especially colorectal cancer cells. This signaling pathway regulates the expression of a variety of tumor-related proteins, including c-myc and cyclin D1, and plays essential roles in tumorigenesis and in the development of many cancers. Small molecules that block the interactions between β-catenin and Tcf4, a downstream stage of activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, could efficiently cut off this signal transduction and thereby act as a novel class of anticancer drugs. This paper reviews the currently reported inhibitors that target β-catenin/Tcf4 interactions, focusing on the discovery approaches taken in the design of these inhibitors and their bioactivities. A brief perspective is then shared on the future discovery and development of this class of inhibitors. Impact statement This mini-review summarized the current knowledge of inhibitors of interactions of beta-catenin/Tcf4 published to date according to their discovery approaches, and discussed their in vitro and in vivo activities, selectivities, and pharmacokinetic properties. Several reviews presently available now in this field describe modulators of the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway, but are generally focused on the bioactivities of these inhibitors. By contrast, this review focused on the drug discovery approaches taken in identifying these types of inhibitors and provided our perspective on further strategies for future drug discoveries. This review also integrated many recently published and important works on highly selective inhibitors as well as rational drug design. We believe that the findings and strategies summarized in this review have broad implications and will be of interest throughout the biochemical and pharmaceutical research community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maocai Yan
- 1 School of Pharmacy, Jining Medical University, Rizhao, Shandong 276800, P. R. China
| | - Guanqun Li
- 2 Upstate Medical University, State University of New York, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
| | - Jing An
- 3 Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
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30
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Rubio-Presa R, Fernández-Rodríguez MA, Pedrosa MR, Arnáiz FJ, Sanz R. Molybdenum-Catalyzed Deoxygenation of Heteroaromatic N-
Oxides and Hydroxides using Pinacol as Reducing Agent. Adv Synth Catal 2017. [DOI: 10.1002/adsc.201700071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Rubén Rubio-Presa
- Departamento de Química; Facultad de Ciencias; Universidad de Burgos; Pza. Misael Bañuelos, s/n 09001 Burgos Spain
| | | | - María R. Pedrosa
- Departamento de Química; Facultad de Ciencias; Universidad de Burgos; Pza. Misael Bañuelos, s/n 09001 Burgos Spain
| | - Francisco J. Arnáiz
- Departamento de Química; Facultad de Ciencias; Universidad de Burgos; Pza. Misael Bañuelos, s/n 09001 Burgos Spain
| | - Roberto Sanz
- Departamento de Química; Facultad de Ciencias; Universidad de Burgos; Pza. Misael Bañuelos, s/n 09001 Burgos Spain
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31
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Li X, You C, Yang Y, Wang F, Li S, Lv H, Zhang X. Rhodium-catalyzed enantioselective hydrogenation of α-amino acrylonitriles: an efficient approach to synthesizing chiral α-amino nitriles. Chem Commun (Camb) 2017; 53:1313-1316. [DOI: 10.1039/c6cc09662j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
An efficient asymmetric hydrogenation of α-amino acrylonitriles has been achieved, affording chiral α-amino nitriles in excellent yields and enantioselectivities regardless of the cis–trans configuration of α-amino acrylonitriles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuxiu Li
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences
- Wuhan University
- Wuhan
- P. R. China
| | - Cai You
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences
- Wuhan University
- Wuhan
- P. R. China
| | - Yusheng Yang
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences
- Wuhan University
- Wuhan
- P. R. China
| | - Fangyuan Wang
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences
- Wuhan University
- Wuhan
- P. R. China
| | - Shuailong Li
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences
- Wuhan University
- Wuhan
- P. R. China
| | - Hui Lv
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences
- Wuhan University
- Wuhan
- P. R. China
| | - Xumu Zhang
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences
- Wuhan University
- Wuhan
- P. R. China
- Department of Chemistry
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32
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Zinzalla G. A New Way Forward in Cancer Drug Discovery: Inhibiting the SWI/SNF Chromatin Remodelling Complex. Chembiochem 2016; 17:677-82. [PMID: 26684344 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.201500565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in subunits of the SWI/SNF chromatin remodelling complex are found in 20 % of human cancers. At face value, this would appear to indicate that this multiprotein complex is a potent tumour suppressor. However, it has recently emerged that some mutations in the SWI/SNF complex can have a gain-of-function effect and that in other tumours, such as pancreatic cancer, leukaemia, and breast cancer, the wild-type complex is used to drive cancer. Thus, paradoxically, this "tumour suppressor" has become an attractive target for developing anticancer agents. The SWI/SNF complex makes several protein-protein interactions both within the complex and with a wide range of transcription factors, and targeting these protein-protein interactions is emerging as the best approach to modulating the activity of the complex selectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Zinzalla
- Microbiology, Tumour and Cell Biology (MTC), and Science for Life Laboratory (SciLifeLab), Karolinska Institutet, Tomtebodavägen 23A, Stockholm, 171 65, Sweden.
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33
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Gurung AB, Bhattacharjee A, Ajmal Ali M, Al-Hemaid F, Lee J. Binding of small molecules at interface of protein-protein complex - A newer approach to rational drug design. Saudi J Biol Sci 2016; 24:379-388. [PMID: 28149177 PMCID: PMC5272936 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2016.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2015] [Revised: 11/03/2015] [Accepted: 01/03/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein–protein interaction is a vital process which drives many important physiological processes in the cell and has also been implicated in several diseases. Though the protein–protein interaction network is quite complex but understanding its interacting partners using both in silico as well as molecular biology techniques can provide better insights for targeting such interactions. Targeting protein–protein interaction with small molecules is a challenging task because of druggability issues. Nevertheless, several studies on the kinetics as well as thermodynamic properties of protein–protein interactions have immensely contributed toward better understanding of the affinity of these complexes. But, more recent studies on hot spots and interface residues have opened up new avenues in the drug discovery process. This approach has been used in the design of hot spot based modulators targeting protein–protein interaction with the objective of normalizing such interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- A B Gurung
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, North Eastern Hill University, Shillong 793022, Meghalaya, India
| | - A Bhattacharjee
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, North Eastern Hill University, Shillong 793022, Meghalaya, India
| | - M Ajmal Ali
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - F Al-Hemaid
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Joongku Lee
- Department of Environment and Forest Resources, Chungnam National University, 99 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
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34
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Small-molecule inhibitors of Wnt signaling pathway: towards novel anticancer therapeutics. Future Med Chem 2015; 7:2485-505. [PMID: 26670195 DOI: 10.4155/fmc.15.159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Wnt signaling pathway involves secreted glycoproteins that bind to the Frizzled family receptors to activate intracellular signal transduction events that regulate cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell migration and many critical aspects of developmental biology. DISCUSSION Aberrant Wnt signaling underlies a wide range of pathologies in humans including tumor initiation, tumor growth, cell senescence, cell death, differentiation and metastasis. The inhibition of Wnt signaling offers a novel approach for anticancer therapeutics. CONCLUSION Focusing on recent developments, we reviewed the small-molecule inhibitors targeting various components of Wnt signaling pathways and the progress from the discovery of lead compounds to highly potent inhibitors with significant therapeutic potential.
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35
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Hoggard LR, Zhang Y, Zhang M, Panic V, Wisniewski JA, Ji H. Rational design of selective small-molecule inhibitors for β-catenin/B-cell lymphoma 9 protein-protein interactions. J Am Chem Soc 2015; 137:12249-60. [PMID: 26352795 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.5b04988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Selective inhibition of α-helix-mediated protein-protein interactions (PPIs) with small organic molecules provides great potential for the discovery of chemical probes and therapeutic agents. Protein Data Bank data mining using the HippDB database indicated that (1) the side chains of hydrophobic projecting hot spots at positions i, i + 3, and i + 7 of an α-helix had few orientations when interacting with the second protein and (2) the hot spot pockets of PPI complexes had different sizes, shapes, and chemical groups when interacting with the same hydrophobic projecting hot spots of α-helix. On the basis of these observations, a small organic molecule, 4'-fluoro-N-phenyl-[1,1'-biphenyl]-3-carboxamide, was designed as a generic scaffold that itself directly mimics the binding mode of the side chains of hydrophobic projecting hot spots at positions i, i + 3, and i + 7 of an α-helix. Convenient decoration of this generic scaffold led to the selective disruption of α-helix-mediated PPIs. A series of small-molecule inhibitors selective for β-catenin/B-cell lymphoma 9 (BCL9) over β-catenin/cadherin PPIs was designed and synthesized. The binding mode of new inhibitors was characterized by site-directed mutagenesis and structure-activity relationship studies. This new class of inhibitors can selectively disrupt β-catenin/BCL9 over β-catenin/cadherin PPIs, suppress the transactivation of canonical Wnt signaling, downregulate the expression of Wnt target genes, and inhibit the growth of Wnt/β-catenin-dependent cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Logan R Hoggard
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Cell and Genome Science, University of Utah , Salt Lake City, Utah 84112-0850, United States
| | - Yongqiang Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Cell and Genome Science, University of Utah , Salt Lake City, Utah 84112-0850, United States
| | - Min Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Cell and Genome Science, University of Utah , Salt Lake City, Utah 84112-0850, United States
| | - Vanja Panic
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Cell and Genome Science, University of Utah , Salt Lake City, Utah 84112-0850, United States
| | - John A Wisniewski
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Cell and Genome Science, University of Utah , Salt Lake City, Utah 84112-0850, United States
| | - Haitao Ji
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Cell and Genome Science, University of Utah , Salt Lake City, Utah 84112-0850, United States
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36
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Sheng C, Dong G, Miao Z, Zhang W, Wang W. State-of-the-art strategies for targeting protein-protein interactions by small-molecule inhibitors. Chem Soc Rev 2015; 44:8238-59. [PMID: 26248294 DOI: 10.1039/c5cs00252d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Targeting protein-protein interactions (PPIs) has emerged as a viable approach in modern drug discovery. However, the identification of small molecules enabling us to effectively interrupt their interactions presents significant challenges. In the recent past, significant advances have been made in the development of new biological and chemical strategies to facilitate the discovery process of small-molecule PPI inhibitors. This review aims to highlight the state-of-the-art technologies and the achievements made recently in this field. The "hot spots" of PPIs have been proved to be critical for small molecules to bind. Three strategies including screening, designing, and synthetic approaches have been explored for discovering PPI inhibitors by targeting the "hot spots". Although the classic high throughput screening approach can be used, fragment screening, fragment-based drug design and newly improved virtual screening are demonstrated to be more effective in the discovery of PPI inhibitors. In addition to screening approaches, design strategies including anchor-based and small molecule mimetics of secondary structures involved in PPIs have become powerful tools as well. Finally, constructing new chemically spaced libraries with high diversity and complexity is becoming an important area of interest for PPI inhibitors. The successful cases from the recent five year studies are used to illustrate how these approaches are implemented to uncover and optimize small molecule PPI inhibitors and notably some of them have become promising therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunquan Sheng
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, 325 Guohe Road, Shanghai 200433, P. R. China.
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37
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Catrow JL, Zhang Y, Zhang M, Ji H. Discovery of Selective Small-Molecule Inhibitors for the β-Catenin/T-Cell Factor Protein-Protein Interaction through the Optimization of the Acyl Hydrazone Moiety. J Med Chem 2015; 58:4678-92. [PMID: 25985283 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.5b00223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Acyl hydrazone is an important functional group for the discovery of bioactive small molecules. This functional group is also recognized as a pan assay interference structure. In this study, a new small-molecule inhibitor for the β-catenin/Tcf protein-protein interaction (PPI), ZINC02092166, was identified through AlphaScreen and FP assays. This compound contains an acyl hydrazone group and exhibits higher inhibitory activities in cell-based assays than biochemical assays. Inhibitor optimization resulted in chemically stable derivatives that disrupt the β-catenin/Tcf PPI. The binding mode of new inhibitors was characterized by site-directed mutagenesis and structure-activity relationship studies. This series of inhibitors with a new scaffold exhibits dual selectivity for β-catenin/Tcf over β-catenin/cadherin and β-catenin/APC PPIs. One derivative of this series suppresses canonical Wnt signaling, downregulates the expression of Wnt target genes, and inhibits the growth of cancer cells. This compound represents a solid starting point for the development of potent and selective β-catenin/Tcf inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Leon Catrow
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Cell and Genome Science, University of Utah, 315 South 1400 East, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112-0850, United States
| | - Yongqiang Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Cell and Genome Science, University of Utah, 315 South 1400 East, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112-0850, United States
| | - Min Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Cell and Genome Science, University of Utah, 315 South 1400 East, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112-0850, United States
| | - Haitao Ji
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Cell and Genome Science, University of Utah, 315 South 1400 East, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112-0850, United States
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38
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Abstract
Fragment hopping is a fragment-based approach to designing biologically active small molecules. The key of this approach is the determination of the minimal pharmacophoric elements in the three-dimensional space. Based on the derived minimal pharmacophoric elements, new fragments with different chemotypes can be generated and positioned to the active site of the target protein. Herein, we detail a protocol for performing fragment hopping. This approach can not only explore a wide chemical space to produce new ligands with novel scaffolds but also characterize and utilize the delicate differences in the active sites between isofunctional proteins to produce new ligands with high target selectivity/specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin B Teuscher
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Cell and Genome Science, University of Utah, 315 South 1400 East, Salt Lake City, Utah, 84112-0850, USA
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39
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Milroy LG, Grossmann TN, Hennig S, Brunsveld L, Ottmann C. Modulators of Protein–Protein Interactions. Chem Rev 2014; 114:4695-748. [DOI: 10.1021/cr400698c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 352] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Lech-Gustav Milroy
- Laboratory
of Chemical Biology and Institute of Complex Molecular Systems, Department
of Biomedical Engineering, Technische Universiteit Eindhoven, Den Dolech
2, 5612 AZ Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Tom N. Grossmann
- Chemical Genomics Centre of the Max Planck Society, Otto-Hahn Straße 15, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
- Department
of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Technical University Dortmund, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 6, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Sven Hennig
- Chemical Genomics Centre of the Max Planck Society, Otto-Hahn Straße 15, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Luc Brunsveld
- Laboratory
of Chemical Biology and Institute of Complex Molecular Systems, Department
of Biomedical Engineering, Technische Universiteit Eindhoven, Den Dolech
2, 5612 AZ Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Christian Ottmann
- Laboratory
of Chemical Biology and Institute of Complex Molecular Systems, Department
of Biomedical Engineering, Technische Universiteit Eindhoven, Den Dolech
2, 5612 AZ Eindhoven, The Netherlands
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40
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Guo W, Wisniewski JA, Ji H. Hot spot-based design of small-molecule inhibitors for protein-protein interactions. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2014; 24:2546-54. [PMID: 24751445 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2014.03.095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2014] [Revised: 03/26/2014] [Accepted: 03/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) are important targets for the development of chemical probes and therapeutic agents. From the initial discovery of the existence of hot spots at PPI interfaces, it has been proposed that hot spots might provide the key for developing small-molecule PPI inhibitors. However, there has been no review on the ways in which the knowledge of hot spots can be used to achieve inhibitor design, nor critical examination of successful examples. This Digest discusses the characteristics of hot spots and the identification of druggable hot spot pockets. An analysis of four examples of hot spot-based design reveals the importance of this strategy in discovering potent and selective PPI inhibitors. A general procedure for hot spot-based design of PPI inhibitors is outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxing Guo
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Cell and Genome Science, University of Utah, 315 South 1400 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84112-0850, USA
| | - John A Wisniewski
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Cell and Genome Science, University of Utah, 315 South 1400 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84112-0850, USA
| | - Haitao Ji
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Cell and Genome Science, University of Utah, 315 South 1400 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84112-0850, USA.
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41
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Huang Z, Zhang M, Burton SD, Katsakhyan LN, Ji H. Targeting the Tcf4 G13ANDE17 binding site to selectively disrupt β-catenin/T-cell factor protein-protein interactions. ACS Chem Biol 2014; 9:193-201. [PMID: 24191653 DOI: 10.1021/cb400795x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Selective disruption of protein-protein interactions by small molecules is important for probing the structure and dynamic aspects of cellular network. It can also provide new therapeutic targets. β-Catenin of the canonical Wnt signaling pathway uses the same positively charged groove to bind with T-cell factor (Tcf), cadherin, and adenomatous polysis coli (APC). The extravagant formation of β-catenin/Tcf interactions drives the initiation and progression of many cancers and fibroses, while β-catenin/cadherin and β-catenin/APC interactions are essential for cell-cell adhesion and β-catenin degradation. In this study, a selective binding site that can differentiate β-catenin/Tcf, β-catenin/cadherin, and β-catenin/APC interactions was identified by alanine scanning and biochemical assays. A new peptidomimetic strategy that incorporates SiteMap and multiple-copy simultaneous search was used to design selective small-molecule inhibitors for β-catenin/Tcf interactions. A potent inhibitor was discovered to bind with β-catenin and completely disrupt β-catenin/Tcf interactions. It also exhibits dual selectivity for β-catenin/Tcf over β-catenin/cadherin and β-catenin/APC interactions in both biochemical and cell-based assays. This study provides a proof of concept for designing selective inhibitors for β-catenin/Tcf interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Huang
- Department
of Chemistry,
Center for Cell and Genome Science, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112−0850, United States
| | - Min Zhang
- Department
of Chemistry,
Center for Cell and Genome Science, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112−0850, United States
| | - Shawn D. Burton
- Department
of Chemistry,
Center for Cell and Genome Science, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112−0850, United States
| | - Levon N. Katsakhyan
- Department
of Chemistry,
Center for Cell and Genome Science, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112−0850, United States
| | - Haitao Ji
- Department
of Chemistry,
Center for Cell and Genome Science, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112−0850, United States
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42
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Zhang M, Catrow JL, Ji H. High-Throughput Selectivity Assays for Small-Molecule Inhibitors of β-Catenin/T-Cell Factor Protein-Protein Interactions. ACS Med Chem Lett 2013; 4:306-11. [PMID: 24900664 DOI: 10.1021/ml300367f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2012] [Accepted: 01/07/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Two homogeneous high-throughput assays, AlphaScreen and fluorescence polarization, were established to quantify inhibitor selectivity between different protein-protein complexes. As a first case study, they have been successfully applied to the key protein-protein interactions in the downstream sites of the canonical Wnt signaling pathway. The aberrant formation of the β-catenin/T-cell factor (Tcf) complex is the major driving force for many cancers and fibroses. Crystallographic and biochemical studies reveal that the binding modes of Tcf, E-cadherin, and adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) to β-catenin are identical and mutually exclusive. In the present study, two highly sensitive and robust assays were established to quantitatively evaluate inhibitor selectivity between β-catenin/Tcf, β-catenin/E-cadherin, and β-catenin/APC interactions. A pilot screen demonstrated the feasibility of the assays and yielded four hits for the disruption of β-catenin/Tcf interactions. A potent and dual-selective β-catenin/Tcf inhibitor was identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Zhang
- Department
of Chemistry, Center for Cell and Genome
Science, University of Utah, Salt Lake
City, Utah 84112-0850, United States
| | - J. Leon Catrow
- Department
of Chemistry, Center for Cell and Genome
Science, University of Utah, Salt Lake
City, Utah 84112-0850, United States
| | - Haitao Ji
- Department
of Chemistry, Center for Cell and Genome
Science, University of Utah, Salt Lake
City, Utah 84112-0850, United States
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