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Clark F, Robb GR, Cole DJ, Michel J. Automated Adaptive Absolute Binding Free Energy Calculations. J Chem Theory Comput 2024. [PMID: 39254715 PMCID: PMC11428140 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jctc.4c00806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/11/2024]
Abstract
Alchemical absolute binding free energy (ABFE) calculations have substantial potential in drug discovery, but are often prohibitively computationally expensive. To unlock their potential, efficient automated ABFE workflows are required to reduce both computational cost and human intervention. We present a fully automated ABFE workflow based on the automated selection of λ windows, the ensemble-based detection of equilibration, and the adaptive allocation of sampling time based on inter-replicate statistics. We find that the automated selection of intermediate states with consistent overlap is rapid, robust, and simple to implement. Robust detection of equilibration is achieved with a paired t-test between the free energy estimates at initial and final portions of a an ensemble of runs. We determine reasonable default parameters for all algorithms and show that the full workflow produces equivalent results to a nonadaptive scheme over a variety of test systems, while often accelerating equilibration. Our complete workflow is implemented in the open-source package A3FE (https://github.com/michellab/a3fe).
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Affiliation(s)
- Finlay Clark
- EaStCHEM School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh, David Brewster Road, Edinburgh EH9 3FJ, United Kingdom
| | - Graeme R Robb
- Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB4 0WG, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel J Cole
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, United Kingdom
| | - Julien Michel
- EaStCHEM School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh, David Brewster Road, Edinburgh EH9 3FJ, United Kingdom
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2
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Yang W, Wang J, Zhao L, Chen J. Insights into the Interaction Mechanisms of Peptide and Non-Peptide Inhibitors with MDM2 Using Gaussian-Accelerated Molecular Dynamics Simulations and Deep Learning. Molecules 2024; 29:3377. [PMID: 39064955 PMCID: PMC11279683 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29143377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2024] [Revised: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Inhibiting MDM2-p53 interaction is considered an efficient mode of cancer treatment. In our current study, Gaussian-accelerated molecular dynamics (GaMD), deep learning (DL), and binding free energy calculations were combined together to probe the binding mechanism of non-peptide inhibitors K23 and 0Y7 and peptide ones PDI6W and PDI to MDM2. The GaMD trajectory-based DL approach successfully identified significant functional domains, predominantly located at the helixes α2 and α2', as well as the β-strands and loops between α2 and α2'. The post-processing analysis of the GaMD simulations indicated that inhibitor binding highly influences the structural flexibility and collective motions of MDM2. Calculations of molecular mechanics-generalized Born surface area (MM-GBSA) and solvated interaction energy (SIE) not only suggest that the ranking of the calculated binding free energies is in agreement with that of the experimental results, but also verify that van der Walls interactions are the primary forces responsible for inhibitor-MDM2 binding. Our findings also indicate that peptide inhibitors yield more interaction contacts with MDM2 compared to non-peptide inhibitors. Principal component analysis (PCA) and free energy landscape (FEL) analysis indicated that the piperidinone inhibitor 0Y7 shows the most pronounced impact on the free energy profiles of MDM2, with the piperidinone inhibitor demonstrating higher fluctuation amplitudes along primary eigenvectors. The hot spots of MDM2 revealed by residue-based free energy estimation provide target sites for drug design toward MDM2. This study is expected to provide useful theoretical aid for the development of selective inhibitors of MDM2 family members.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanchun Yang
- School of Science, Shandong Jiaotong University, Jinan 250357, China; (J.W.); (L.Z.)
| | | | | | - Jianzhong Chen
- School of Science, Shandong Jiaotong University, Jinan 250357, China; (J.W.); (L.Z.)
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3
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Dewis LI, Rudrakshula M, Williams C, Chiarparin E, Myers EL, Butts CP, Aggarwal VK. Conformationally Controlled sp 3 -Hydrocarbon-Based α-Helix Mimetics. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202301209. [PMID: 37017133 PMCID: PMC10953326 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202301209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2023]
Abstract
With over 60 % of protein-protein interfaces featuring an α-helix, the use of α-helix mimetics as inhibitors of these interactions is a prevalent therapeutic strategy. However, methods to control the conformation of mimetics, thus enabling maximum efficacy, can be restrictive. Alternatively, conformation can be controlled through the introduction of destabilizing syn-pentane interactions. This tactic, which is often adopted by Nature, is not a common feature of lead optimization owing to the significant synthetic effort required. Through assembly-line synthesis with NMR and computational analysis, we have shown that alternating syn-anti configured contiguously substituted hydrocarbons, by avoiding syn-pentane interactions, adopt well-defined conformations that present functional groups in an arrangement that mimics the α-helix. The design of a p53 mimetic that binds to Mdm2 with moderate to good affinity, demonstrates the therapeutic promise of these scaffolds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia I. Dewis
- School of ChemistryUniversity of BristolCantock's CloseBristolBS8 1TSUK
| | | | | | | | - Eddie L. Myers
- School of ChemistryUniversity of BristolCantock's CloseBristolBS8 1TSUK
- School of Biological and Chemical SciencesUniversity of GalwayUniversity RoadGalwayIreland
| | - Craig P. Butts
- School of ChemistryUniversity of BristolCantock's CloseBristolBS8 1TSUK
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4
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Recent advances in the pharmacological targeting of ubiquitin-regulating enzymes in cancer. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2022; 132:213-229. [PMID: 35184940 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2022.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
As a post-translational modification that has pivotal roles in protein degradation, ubiquitination ensures that intracellular proteins act in a precise spatial and temporal manner to regulate diversified cellular processes. Perturbation of the ubiquitin system contributes directly to the onset and progression of a wide variety of diseases, including various subtypes of cancer. This highly regulated system has been for years an active research area for drug discovery that is exemplified by several approved drugs. In this review, we will provide an update of the main breakthrough scientific discoveries that have been leading the clinical development of ubiquitin-targeting therapies in the last decade, with a special focus on E1 and E3 modulators. We will further discuss the unique challenges of identifying new potential therapeutic targets within this ubiquitous and highly complex machinery, based on available crystallographic structures, and explore chemical approaches by which these challenges might be met.
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5
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Mendoza-Martinez C, Papadourakis M, Llabrés S, Gupta AA, Barlow PN, Michel J. Energetics of a protein disorder-order transition in small molecule recognition. Chem Sci 2022; 13:5220-5229. [PMID: 35655546 PMCID: PMC9093188 DOI: 10.1039/d2sc00028h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Many proteins recognise other proteins via mechanisms that involve the folding of intrinsically disordered regions upon complex formation. Here we investigate how the selectivity of a drug-like small molecule arises from its modulation of a protein disorder-to-order transition. Binding of the compound AM-7209 has been reported to confer order upon an intrinsically disordered ‘lid’ region of the oncoprotein MDM2. Calorimetric measurements revealed that truncation of the lid region of MDM2 increases the apparent dissociation constant of AM-7209 250-fold. By contrast, lid truncation has little effect on the binding of the ligand Nutlin-3a. Insights into these differential binding energetics were obtained via a complete thermodynamic analysis that featured adaptive absolute alchemical free energy of binding calculations with enhanced-sampling molecular dynamics simulations. The simulations reveal that in apo MDM2 the ordered lid state is energetically disfavoured. AM-7209, but not Nutlin-3a, shows a significant energetic preference for ordered lid conformations, thus shifting the balance towards ordering of the lid in the AM-7209/MDM2 complex. The methodology reported herein should facilitate broader targeting of intrinsically disordered regions in medicinal chemistry. Molecular simulations and biophysical measurements elucidate why the ligand AM-7209 orders a disordered region of the protein MDM2 on binding. This work expands strategies available to medicinal chemists for targeting disordered proteins.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Cesar Mendoza-Martinez
- EaStCHEM School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh David Brewster Road Edinburgh EH9 3FJ UK
| | - Michail Papadourakis
- EaStCHEM School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh David Brewster Road Edinburgh EH9 3FJ UK
| | - Salomé Llabrés
- EaStCHEM School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh David Brewster Road Edinburgh EH9 3FJ UK
| | - Arun A Gupta
- EaStCHEM School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh David Brewster Road Edinburgh EH9 3FJ UK
| | - Paul N Barlow
- EaStCHEM School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh David Brewster Road Edinburgh EH9 3FJ UK
| | - Julien Michel
- EaStCHEM School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh David Brewster Road Edinburgh EH9 3FJ UK
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6
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Ren Y, Wu S, Chen S, Burdette JE, Cheng X, Kinghorn AD. Interaction of (+)-Strebloside and Its Derivatives with Na +/K +-ATPase and Other Targets. Molecules 2021; 26:5675. [PMID: 34577146 PMCID: PMC8467840 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26185675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Docking profiles for (+)-strebloside, a cytotoxic cardiac glycoside identified from Streblus asper, and some of its derivatives and Na+/K+-ATPase have been investigated. In addition, binding between (+)-strebloside and its aglycone, strophanthidin, and several of their other molecular targets, including FIH-1, HDAC, KEAP1 and MDM2 (negative regulators of Nrf2 and p53, respectively), NF-κB, and PI3K and Akt1, have been inspected and compared with those for digoxin and its aglycone, digoxigenin. The results showed that (+)-strebloside, digoxin, and their aglycones bind to KEAP1 and MDM2, while (+)-strebloside, strophanthidin, and digoxigenin dock to the active pocket of PI3K, and (+)-strebloside and digoxin interact with FIH-1. Thus, these cardiac glycosides could directly target HIF-1, Nrf2, and p53 protein-protein interactions, Na+/K+-ATPase, and PI3K to mediate their antitumor activity. Overall, (+)-strebloside seems more promising than digoxin for the development of potential anticancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulin Ren
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (Y.R.); (S.W.); (S.C.)
| | - Sijin Wu
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (Y.R.); (S.W.); (S.C.)
| | - Sijie Chen
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (Y.R.); (S.W.); (S.C.)
| | - Joanna E. Burdette
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA;
| | - Xiaolin Cheng
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (Y.R.); (S.W.); (S.C.)
| | - A. Douglas Kinghorn
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (Y.R.); (S.W.); (S.C.)
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7
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Aydin G, Paksoy MN, Orhan MD, Avsar T, Yurtsever M, Durdagi S. Proposing novel MDM2 inhibitors: Combined physics-driven high-throughput virtual screening and in vitro studies. Chem Biol Drug Des 2021; 96:684-700. [PMID: 32691963 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.13694] [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: 02/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The mouse double minute 2 (MDM2) protein acts as a negative regulator of the p53 tumor suppressor. It directly binds to the N terminus of p53 and promotes p53 ubiquitination and degradation. Since the most common p53-suppressing mechanisms involve the MDM2, proposing novel inhibitors has been the focus of many in silico and also experimental studies. Thus, here we screened around 500,000 small organic molecules from Enamine database at the binding pocket of this oncogenic target. The screening was achieved systematically with starting from the high-throughput virtual screening method followed by more sophisticated docking approaches. The initial high number of screened molecules was reduced to 100 hits which then were studied extensively for their therapeutic activity and pharmacokinetic properties using binary QSAR models. The structural and dynamical profiles of the selected molecules at the binding pocket of the target were studied thoroughly by all-atom molecular dynamics simulations. The free energy of the binding of the hit molecules was estimated by the MM/GBSA method. Based on docking simulations, binary QSAR model results, and free energy calculations, 11 compounds (E1-E11) were selected for in vitro studies. HUVEC vascular endothelium, colon cancer, and breast cancer cell lines were used for testing the binding affinities of the identified hits and for further cellular effects on human cancer cell. Based on in vitro studies, six compounds (E1, E2, E5, E6, E9, and E11) in breast cancer cell lines and six compounds (E1, E2, E5, E6, E8, and E10) in colon cancer cell lines were found as active. Our results showed that these compounds inhibit proliferation and lead to apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gulsah Aydin
- Traditional and Complementary Medicine Application and Research Center, School of Medicine, Duzce University, Duzce, Turkey.,Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Istanbul Technical University, Istanbul, Turkey.,Computational Biology and Molecular Simulations Laboratory, Department of Biophysics, School of Medicine, Bahcesehir University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Maide Nur Paksoy
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, Bahcesehir University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Müge Didem Orhan
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, Bahcesehir University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Timucin Avsar
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, Bahcesehir University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mine Yurtsever
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Istanbul Technical University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Serdar Durdagi
- Computational Biology and Molecular Simulations Laboratory, Department of Biophysics, School of Medicine, Bahcesehir University, Istanbul, Turkey
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8
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Ueda T, Tamura T, Kawano M, Shiono K, Hobor F, Wilson AJ, Hamachi I. Enhanced Suppression of a Protein–Protein Interaction in Cells Using Small-Molecule Covalent Inhibitors Based on an N-Acyl-N-alkyl Sulfonamide Warhead. J Am Chem Soc 2021; 143:4766-4774. [DOI: 10.1021/jacs.1c00703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tsuyoshi Ueda
- Department of Synthetic Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Katsura, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 615-8510, Japan
| | - Tomonori Tamura
- Department of Synthetic Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Katsura, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 615-8510, Japan
| | - Masaharu Kawano
- Department of Synthetic Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Katsura, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 615-8510, Japan
| | - Keiya Shiono
- Department of Synthetic Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Katsura, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 615-8510, Japan
| | | | | | - Itaru Hamachi
- Department of Synthetic Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Katsura, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 615-8510, Japan
- ERATO (Exploratory Research for Advanced Technology, JST), Sanbancho, Chiyodaku, Tokyo, 102-0075, Japan
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9
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Novel 1,2,4-triazole derivatives as apoptotic inducers targeting p53: Synthesis and antiproliferative activity. Bioorg Chem 2020; 105:104369. [PMID: 33091670 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2020.104369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2020] [Revised: 09/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
A series of novel thiazolo[3,2-b][1,2,4]-triazoles 3a-n has been synthesized and evaluated in vitro as potential antiproliferative. Compounds 3b-d exhibited significant antiproliferative activity. Compound 3b was the most potent with Mean GI50 1.37 µM comparing to doxorubicin (GI50 1.13 µM). The transcription effects of 3b, 3c and 3d on the p53 were assessed and compared with the reference doxorubicin. The results revealed an increase of 15-27 in p53 level compared to the test cells and that p53 protein level of 3b, 3c and 3d was significantly inductive (1419, 571 and 787 pg/mL, respectively) in relation to doxorubicin (1263 pg/mL). The docking study of the new compounds 3a-n revealed high binding scores for the new compounds toward p53 binding domain in MDM2. The docking analyses revealed the highest affinities for compounds 3b-d which induced p53 activity in MCF-7 cancer cells. Compound 3b which exhibited the highest antiproliferative activity and induced the highest increase in p53 level in MCF-7 cells showed also the highest affinity to MDM2.
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10
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Recent Synthetic Approaches towards Small Molecule Reactivators of p53. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10040635. [PMID: 32326087 PMCID: PMC7226499 DOI: 10.3390/biom10040635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor suppressor protein p53 is often called "the genome guardian" and controls the cell cycle and the integrity of DNA, as well as other important cellular functions. Its main function is to trigger the process of apoptosis in tumor cells, and approximately 50% of all cancers are related to the inactivation of the p53 protein through mutations in the TP53 gene. Due to the association of mutant p53 with cancer therapy resistance, different forms of restoration of p53 have been subject of intense research in recent years. In this sense, this review focus on the main currently adopted approaches for activation and reactivation of p53 tumor suppressor function, focusing on the synthetic approaches that are involved in the development and preparation of such small molecules.
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11
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Simulation of MDM2 N-terminal domain conformational lability in the presence of imidazoline based inhibitors of MDM2-p53 protein–protein interaction. J Comput Aided Mol Des 2019; 34:55-70. [DOI: 10.1007/s10822-019-00260-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2018] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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12
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Hitting on the move: Targeting intrinsically disordered protein states of the MDM2-p53 interaction. Eur J Med Chem 2019; 182:111588. [PMID: 31421630 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.111588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Revised: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 08/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Intrinsically disordered proteins are an emerging class of proteins without a folded structure and currently disorder-based drug targeting remains a challenge. p53 is the principal regulator of cell division and growth whereas MDM2 consists its main negative regulator. The MDM2-p53 recognition is a dynamic and multistage process that amongst other, employs the dissociation of a transient α-helical N-terminal ''lid'' segment of MDM2 from the proximity of the p53-complementary interface. Several small molecule inhibitors have been reported to inhibit the formation of the p53-MDM2 complex with the vast majority mimicking the p53 residues Phe19, Trp23 and Leu26. Recently, we have described the transit from the 3-point to 4-point pharmacophore model stabilizing this intrinsically disordered N-terminus by increasing the binding affinity by a factor of 3. Therefore, we performed a thorough SAR analysis, including chiral separation of key compound which was evaluated by FP and 2D NMR. Finally, p53-specific anti-cancer activity towards p53-wild-type cancer cells was observed for several representative compounds.
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13
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Wu L, Hu Y, He Y, Xia Y, Lu H, Cao Z, Yi X, Wang J. Dual-channel surface plasmon resonance monitoring of intracellular levels of the p53-MDM2 complex and caspase-3 induced by MDM2 antagonist Nutlin-3. Analyst 2019; 144:3959-3966. [PMID: 31134974 DOI: 10.1039/c9an00301k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
MDM2 can mediate the degradation of tumor suppressor p53 through an autoregulatory feedback loop, in which MDM2 abolishes wild-type p53 function and accelerates malignant transformation. However, the incorporation of MDM2 antagonist Nutlin-3 could reactivate the transcriptional activity of p53, up-regulate caspase-3, and induce apoptosis. In this work, the simultaneous and label-free monitoring of p53-MDM2 complex and caspase-3 levels in cancer cells before and after Nutlin-3 treatment was conducted using dual-channel surface plasmon resonance (SPR). The p53-MDM2 complex was captured in one fluidic channel covered with consensus double-stranded (ds)-DNA, while the other channel was pre-immobilized with caspase-3-specific biotinylated DEVD-containing peptides. To amplify the SPR signals, the attachment of streptavidin (SA)-conjugated anti-MDM2 antibody in both channels was achieved. The signal diversity before and after Nutlin-3 treatment is indicative of the difference in the levels of the intracellular p53-MDM2 complex and caspase-3. The limit of detection for p53-MDM2 and caspase-3 down to 4.54 pM and 0.03 ng mL-1, respectively, was attained. Upon treatment with Nutlin-3, MCF-7 cancer cells with wild-type p53 showed decreased expression of the p53-MDM2 complex and an increased caspase-3 level, while MDA-MB-231 cancer cells with mutant p53 exhibited an elevated caspase-3 level and unchanged p53-MDM2 complex expression. The apoptosis of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cancer cells upon Nutlin-3 treatment follows a p53-dependent and a p53-independent pathway, respectively. The proposed method is sensitive, selective and label-free, holding great promise for assaying intracellular p53-MDM2 complex and caspase-3 levels and differentiating Nutlin-3-mediated p53-dependent or p53-independent apoptotic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Wu
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410083, P. R China.
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14
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Wang X, Magdziarz P, Enriquez E, Zhao W, Quan C, Darabedian N, Momand J, Zhou F. Surface plasmon resonance and cytotoxicity assays of drug efficacies predicted computationally to inhibit p53/MDM2 interaction. Anal Biochem 2019; 569:53-58. [PMID: 30721669 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2019.01.012] [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: 09/02/2018] [Revised: 10/17/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Docking on the p53-binding site of murine double minute 2 (MDM2) by small molecules restores p53's tumor-suppressor function. We previously assessed 3244 FDA-approved drugs via "computational conformer selection" for inhibiting MDM2 and p53 interaction. Here, we developed a surface plasmon resonance method to experimentally confirm the inhibitory effects of the known MDM2 inhibitor, nutlin-3a, and two drug candidates predicted by our computational method. This p53/MDM2 interaction displayed a dosage-dependent weakening when MDM2 is pre-mixed with drug candidates. The inhibition efficiency order is nutlin-3a (IC50 = 97 nM) > bepridil (206 nM) > azelastine (307 nM). Furthermore, we verified their anti-proliferation effects on SJSA-1 (wild-type p53 and overexpressed MDM2), SW480 (mutated p53), and SaOs-2 (deleted p53) cancer cell lines. The inhibitory order towards SJSA-1 cell line is nutlin-3a (IC50 = 0.8 μM) > bepridil (23 μM) > azelastine (25 μM). Our experimental results are in line with the computational prediction, and the higher IC50 values from the cell-based assays are due to the requirement of higher drug concentrations to penetrate cell membranes. The anti-proliferation effects of bepridil and azelastine on the cell lines with mutated and deleted p53 implied some p53-independent anti-proliferation effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoying Wang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410083, PR China
| | - Patrycja Magdziarz
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, California State University, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90032, USA
| | - Ernest Enriquez
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, California State University, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90032, USA
| | - Wang Zhao
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, California State University, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90032, USA
| | - Chris Quan
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, California State University, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90032, USA
| | - Narek Darabedian
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, California State University, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90032, USA
| | - Jamil Momand
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, California State University, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90032, USA.
| | - Feimeng Zhou
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, California State University, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90032, USA.
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15
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Polshakov VI, Batuev EA, Mantsyzov AB. NMR screening and studies of target–ligand interactions. RUSSIAN CHEMICAL REVIEWS 2019. [DOI: 10.1070/rcr4836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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16
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Wu L, He Y, Hu Y, Lu H, Cao Z, Yi X, Wang J. Real-time surface plasmon resonance monitoring of site-specific phosphorylation of p53 protein and its interaction with MDM2 protein. Analyst 2019; 144:6033-6040. [DOI: 10.1039/c9an01121h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Real-time monitoring of site-specific phosphorylation of p53 protein and its binding to MDM2 is conducted using dual-channel surface plasmon resonance (SPR).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Wu
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
- Central South University
- Changsha
- P. R. China 410083
| | - Yuhan He
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
- Central South University
- Changsha
- P. R. China 410083
| | - Yuqing Hu
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
- Central South University
- Changsha
- P. R. China 410083
| | - Hanwen Lu
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
- Central South University
- Changsha
- P. R. China 410083
| | - Zhong Cao
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Materials Protection for Electric Power and Transportation
- School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering
- Changsha University of Science and Technology
- Changsha
- P. R. China 410114
| | - Xinyao Yi
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
- Central South University
- Changsha
- P. R. China 410083
| | - Jianxiu Wang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
- Central South University
- Changsha
- P. R. China 410083
- Key Laboratory of Hunan Province for Water Environment and Agriculture Product Safety
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17
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Caenepeel S, Brown SP, Belmontes B, Moody G, Keegan KS, Chui D, Whittington DA, Huang X, Poppe L, Cheng AC, Cardozo M, Houze J, Li Y, Lucas B, Paras NA, Wang X, Taygerly JP, Vimolratana M, Zancanella M, Zhu L, Cajulis E, Osgood T, Sun J, Damon L, Egan RK, Greninger P, McClanaghan JD, Gong J, Moujalled D, Pomilio G, Beltran P, Benes CH, Roberts AW, Huang DC, Wei A, Canon J, Coxon A, Hughes PE. AMG 176, a Selective MCL1 Inhibitor, is Effective in Hematological Cancer Models Alone and in Combination with Established Therapies. Cancer Discov 2018; 8:1582-1597. [DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-18-0387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 178] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Revised: 08/29/2018] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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18
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Wu L, Tang H, Hu S, Xia Y, Lu Z, Fan Y, Wang Z, Yi X, Zhou F, Wang J. Sensitive and simultaneous surface plasmon resonance detection of free and p53-bound MDM2 proteins from human sarcomas. Analyst 2018; 143:2029-2034. [PMID: 29637949 DOI: 10.1039/c7an01918a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Murine double minute 2 (MDM2) is an oncoprotein mediating the degradation of the tumor suppressor p53 protein. The physiological levels of MDM2 protein are closely related to malignant transformation and tumor growth. In this work, the simultaneous and label-free determination of free and p53-bound MDM2 proteins from sarcoma tissue extracts was conducted using a dual-channel surface plasmon resonance (SPR) instrument. Free MDM2 protein was measured in one fluidic channel covered with the consensus double-stranded (ds)-DNA/p53 conjugate, while MDM2 bound to p53 was captured by the consensus ds-DNA immobilized onto the other channel. To achieve higher sensitivity and to confirm specificity, an MDM2-specific monoclonal antibody (2A10) was used to recognize both the free and p53-bound MDM2 proteins. The resultant method afforded a detection limit of 0.55 pM of MDM2. The amenability of the method to the analysis of free and p53-bound MDM2 proteins was demonstrated for normal and sarcoma tissue extracts from three patients. Our data reveal that both free and total MDM2 (free and bound forms combined) proteins from sarcoma tissue extracts are of much higher concentrations than those from normal tissue extracts and the p53-bound MDM2 protein only constitutes a small fraction of the total MDM2 concentration. In comparison with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), the proposed method possesses higher sensitivity, is more cost-effective, and is capable of determining free and p53-bound MDM2 proteins in clinical samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Wu
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410083, P. R. China.
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19
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The NMR2 Method to Determine Rapidly the Structure of the Binding Pocket of a Protein–Ligand Complex with High Accuracy. MAGNETOCHEMISTRY 2018. [DOI: 10.3390/magnetochemistry4010012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Structural characterization of complexes is crucial for a better understanding of biological processes and structure-based drug design. However, many protein–ligand structures are not solvable by X-ray crystallography, for example those with low affinity binders or dynamic binding sites. Such complexes are usually targeted by solution-state NMR spectroscopy. Unfortunately, structure calculation by NMR is very time consuming since all atoms in the complex need to be assigned to their respective chemical shifts. To circumvent this problem, we recently developed the Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Molecular Replacement (NMR2) method. NMR2 very quickly provides the complex structure of a binding pocket as measured by solution-state NMR. NMR2 circumvents the assignment of the protein by using previously determined structures and therefore speeds up the whole process from a couple of months to a couple of days. Here, we recall the main aspects of the method, show how to apply it, discuss its advantages over other methods and outline its limitations and future directions.
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20
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Yadahalli S, Li J, Lane DP, Gosavi S, Verma CS. Characterizing the conformational landscape of MDM2-binding p53 peptides using Molecular Dynamics simulations. Sci Rep 2017; 7:15600. [PMID: 29142290 PMCID: PMC5688104 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-15930-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Accepted: 11/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The conformational landscapes of p53 peptide variants and phage derived peptide (12/1) variants, all known to bind to MDM2, are studied using hamiltonian replica exchange molecular dynamics simulations. Complementing earlier observations, the current study suggests that the p53 peptides largely follow the ‘conformational selection’ paradigm in their recognition of and complexation by MDM2 while the 12/1 peptides likely undergo some element of conformational selection but are mostly driven by ‘binding induced folding’. This hypothesis is further supported by pulling simulations that pull the peptides away from their bound states with MDM2. This data extends the earlier mechanisms proposed to rationalize the entropically driven binding of the p53 set and the enthalpically driven binding of the 12/1 set. Using our hypothesis, we suggest mutations to the 12/1 peptide that increase its helicity in simulations and may, in turn, shift the binding towards conformational selection. In summary, understanding the conformational landscapes of the MDM2-binding peptides may suggest new peptide designs with bespoke binding mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shilpa Yadahalli
- Simons Centre for the Study of Living Machines, National Centre for Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Bellary Road, Bangalore, 560065, India.,Bioinformatics Institute, A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research), 30 Biopolis Street, #07-01 Matrix, Singapore, 138671, Singapore.,Manipal University, Madhav Nagar, Manipal, 576104, India.,p53 Laboratory, A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research), 8A Biomedical Grove, #06-04/05 Neuros/Immunos, Singapore, 138648, Singapore
| | - Jianguo Li
- Bioinformatics Institute, A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research), 30 Biopolis Street, #07-01 Matrix, Singapore, 138671, Singapore.,Singapore Eye Research Institute, 11 Third Hospital Avenue, #06-00, Singapore, 168751, Singapore
| | - David P Lane
- p53 Laboratory, A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research), 8A Biomedical Grove, #06-04/05 Neuros/Immunos, Singapore, 138648, Singapore
| | - Shachi Gosavi
- Simons Centre for the Study of Living Machines, National Centre for Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Bellary Road, Bangalore, 560065, India
| | - Chandra S Verma
- Bioinformatics Institute, A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research), 30 Biopolis Street, #07-01 Matrix, Singapore, 138671, Singapore. .,Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 16 Science Drive 4, Singapore, 11758, Singapore. .,School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore, 637551, Singapore.
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21
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Proapoptotic modification of substituted isoindolinones as MDM2-p53 inhibitors. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2017; 27:5197-5202. [PMID: 29089230 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2017.10.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2017] [Revised: 10/18/2017] [Accepted: 10/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
A series of novel amino acid ester derivatives of 2,3-substituted isoindolinones was synthesized and evaluated for p53-mediated apoptotic activity. The rationale for augmentation of the target activity of 2,3-substituted isoindolinones was based on the introduction of new fragments in the structure of the inhibitor that would provide additional binding sites in the hydrophobic cavity of MDM2. To select for the anticipated modifications we employed molecular docking. Synthesized molecules were evaluated for their ability to induce apoptosis in two cancer cell lines and their derivatives with different status of p53 (colorectal HCT116 and osteosarcoma U2OS cells) by Annexin V staining. The target activity was estimated using high-content imaging system Operetta. Valine and phenylglycine ester derivatives were identified as potentially active MDM2-p53 inhibitors.
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22
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Twarda-Clapa A, Krzanik S, Kubica K, Guzik K, Labuzek B, Neochoritis CG, Khoury K, Kowalska K, Czub M, Dubin G, Dömling A, Skalniak L, Holak TA. 1,4,5-Trisubstituted Imidazole-Based p53–MDM2/MDMX Antagonists with Aliphatic Linkers for Conjugation with Biological Carriers. J Med Chem 2017; 60:4234-4244. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.7b00104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Twarda-Clapa
- Faculty
of Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Cracow, Poland
| | - Sylwia Krzanik
- Faculty
of Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Cracow, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Kubica
- Faculty
of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, Ingardena 3, 30-060 Cracow, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Guzik
- Faculty
of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, Ingardena 3, 30-060 Cracow, Poland
| | - Beata Labuzek
- Faculty
of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, Ingardena 3, 30-060 Cracow, Poland
| | - Constantinos G. Neochoritis
- Department
of Drug Design, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9700 AD Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Kareem Khoury
- Department
of Drug Design, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9700 AD Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Kaja Kowalska
- Max Plank Institute for Biochemistry, Am Klopferspitz 18, 82152 Martinsried, Germany
| | - Miroslawa Czub
- Faculty
of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, Ingardena 3, 30-060 Cracow, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Dubin
- Faculty
of Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Cracow, Poland
- Malopolska
Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7a, 30-387 Cracow, Poland
| | - Alexander Dömling
- Department
of Drug Design, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9700 AD Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Lukasz Skalniak
- Faculty
of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, Ingardena 3, 30-060 Cracow, Poland
| | - Tad A. Holak
- Faculty
of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, Ingardena 3, 30-060 Cracow, Poland
- Max Plank Institute for Biochemistry, Am Klopferspitz 18, 82152 Martinsried, Germany
- Malopolska
Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7a, 30-387 Cracow, Poland
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23
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Wang S, Zhao Y, Aguilar A, Bernard D, Yang CY. Targeting the MDM2-p53 Protein-Protein Interaction for New Cancer Therapy: Progress and Challenges. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2017; 7:cshperspect.a026245. [PMID: 28270530 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a026245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 202] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
MDM2 is a primary cellular inhibitor of p53. It inhibits p53 function by multiple mechanisms, each of which, however, is mediated by their direct interaction. It has been proposed that small-molecule inhibitors designed to block the MDM2-p53 interaction may be effective in the treatment of human cancer retaining wild-type p53 by reactivating the p53 tumor suppressor function. Through nearly two decades of intense efforts, a number of structurally distinct, highly potent, nonpeptide, small-molecule inhibitors of the MDM2-p53 interaction (MDM2 inhibitors) have been successfully designed and developed, and at least seven such compounds have now been advanced into human clinical trials as new anticancer drugs. This review offers a perspective on the design and development of MDM2 small-molecule inhibitors and discusses early clinical data for some of the MDM2 small-molecule inhibitors and future challenges for the successful clinical development of MDM2 inhibitors for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaomeng Wang
- University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center and Departments of Internal Medicine, Pharmacology, and Medicinal Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
| | - Yujun Zhao
- University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center and Departments of Internal Medicine, Pharmacology, and Medicinal Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
| | - Angelo Aguilar
- University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center and Departments of Internal Medicine, Pharmacology, and Medicinal Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
| | - Denzil Bernard
- University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center and Departments of Internal Medicine, Pharmacology, and Medicinal Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
| | - Chao-Yie Yang
- University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center and Departments of Internal Medicine, Pharmacology, and Medicinal Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
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24
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Application of the ATTRACT Coarse-Grained Docking and Atomistic Refinement for Predicting Peptide-Protein Interactions. Methods Mol Biol 2017. [PMID: 28236233 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-6798-8_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
Abstract
Peptide-protein interactions are abundant in the cell and form an important part of the interactome. Large-scale modeling of peptide-protein complexes requires a fully blind approach; i.e., simultaneously predicting the peptide-binding site and the peptide conformation to high accuracy. Here, we present one of the first fully blind peptide-protein docking protocols, pepATTRACT. It combines a coarse-grained ensemble docking search of the entire protein surface with two stages of atomistic flexible refinement. pepATTRACT yields high-quality predictions for 70 % of the cases when tested on a large benchmark of peptide-protein complexes. This performance in fully blind mode is similar to state-of-the-art local docking approaches that use information on the location of the binding site. Limiting the search to the peptide-binding region, the resulting pepATTRACT-local approach further improves the performance. Docking scripts for pepATTRACT and pepATTRACT-local can be generated via a web interface at www.attract.ph.tum.de/peptide.html . Here, we explain how to set up a docking run with the pepATTRACT web interface and demonstrate its usage by an application on binding of disordered regions from tumor suppressor p53 to a partner protein.
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25
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Ma XP, Zhu JF, Wu SY, Chen CH, Zou N, Liang C, Su GF, Mo DL. Cycloaddition of Fluorenone N-Aryl Nitrones with Methylenecyclopropanes and Sequential 1,3-Rearrangement: An Entry to Synthesis of Spirofluorenylpiperidin-4-ones. J Org Chem 2016; 82:502-511. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.joc.6b02544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Pan Ma
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, Ministry of Science and Technology of China; School of Chemistry & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangxi Normal University, 15 Yu Cai Road, Guilin 541004, China
| | - Jie-Feng Zhu
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, Ministry of Science and Technology of China; School of Chemistry & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangxi Normal University, 15 Yu Cai Road, Guilin 541004, China
| | - Si-Yi Wu
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, Ministry of Science and Technology of China; School of Chemistry & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangxi Normal University, 15 Yu Cai Road, Guilin 541004, China
| | - Chun-Hua Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, Ministry of Science and Technology of China; School of Chemistry & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangxi Normal University, 15 Yu Cai Road, Guilin 541004, China
| | - Ning Zou
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, Ministry of Science and Technology of China; School of Chemistry & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangxi Normal University, 15 Yu Cai Road, Guilin 541004, China
| | - Cui Liang
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, Ministry of Science and Technology of China; School of Chemistry & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangxi Normal University, 15 Yu Cai Road, Guilin 541004, China
| | - Gui-Fa Su
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, Ministry of Science and Technology of China; School of Chemistry & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangxi Normal University, 15 Yu Cai Road, Guilin 541004, China
| | - Dong-Liang Mo
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, Ministry of Science and Technology of China; School of Chemistry & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangxi Normal University, 15 Yu Cai Road, Guilin 541004, China
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26
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Surmiak E, Twarda-Clapa A, Zak KM, Musielak B, Tomala MD, Kubica K, Grudnik P, Madej M, Jablonski M, Potempa J, Kalinowska-Tluscik J, Dömling A, Dubin G, Holak TA. A Unique Mdm2-Binding Mode of the 3-Pyrrolin-2-one- and 2-Furanone-Based Antagonists of the p53-Mdm2 Interaction. ACS Chem Biol 2016; 11:3310-3318. [PMID: 27709883 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.6b00596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The p53 pathway is inactivated in almost all types of cancer by mutations in the p53 encoding gene or overexpression of the p53 negative regulators, Mdm2 and/or Mdmx. Restoration of the p53 function by inhibition of the p53-Mdm2/Mdmx interaction opens up a prospect for a nongenotoxic anticancer therapy. Here, we present the syntheses, activities, and crystal structures of two novel classes of Mdm2-p53 inhibitors that are based on the 3-pyrrolin-2-one and 2-furanone scaffolds. The structures of the complexes formed by these inhibitors and Mdm2 reveal the dimeric protein molecular organization that has not been observed in the small-molecule/Mdm2 complexes described until now. In particular, the 6-chloroindole group does not occupy the usual Trp-23 pocket of Mdm2 but instead is engaged in dimerization. This entirely unique binding mode of the compounds opens new possibilities for optimization of the Mdm2-p53 interaction inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Surmiak
- Faculty
of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, Ingardena 3, 30-060 Krakow, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Twarda-Clapa
- Faculty
of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Krakow, Poland
- Malopolska
Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7a, 30-387 Krakow, Poland
| | - Krzysztof M. Zak
- Faculty
of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Krakow, Poland
- Malopolska
Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7a, 30-387 Krakow, Poland
| | - Bogdan Musielak
- Faculty
of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, Ingardena 3, 30-060 Krakow, Poland
| | - Marcin D. Tomala
- Faculty
of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, Ingardena 3, 30-060 Krakow, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Kubica
- Faculty
of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, Ingardena 3, 30-060 Krakow, Poland
| | - Przemyslaw Grudnik
- Faculty
of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Krakow, Poland
| | - Mariusz Madej
- Faculty
of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Krakow, Poland
- Malopolska
Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7a, 30-387 Krakow, Poland
| | - Mateusz Jablonski
- Faculty
of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, Ingardena 3, 30-060 Krakow, Poland
| | - Jan Potempa
- Faculty
of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Krakow, Poland
- Malopolska
Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7a, 30-387 Krakow, Poland
| | | | - Alexander Dömling
- Faculty
of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Department of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, 9713AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Grzegorz Dubin
- Faculty
of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Krakow, Poland
- Malopolska
Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7a, 30-387 Krakow, Poland
| | - Tad A. Holak
- Faculty
of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, Ingardena 3, 30-060 Krakow, Poland
- Malopolska
Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7a, 30-387 Krakow, Poland
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27
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Bahramali G, Goliaei B, Minuchehr Z, Marashi SA. A network biology approach to understanding the importance of chameleon proteins in human physiology and pathology. Amino Acids 2016; 49:303-315. [DOI: 10.1007/s00726-016-2361-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2016] [Accepted: 11/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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28
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Surmiak E, Neochoritis CG, Musielak B, Twarda-Clapa A, Kurpiewska K, Dubin G, Camacho C, Holak TA, Dömling A. Rational design and synthesis of 1,5-disubstituted tetrazoles as potent inhibitors of the MDM2-p53 interaction. Eur J Med Chem 2016; 126:384-407. [PMID: 27907876 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2016.11.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2016] [Revised: 11/10/2016] [Accepted: 11/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Using the computational pharmacophore-based ANCHOR.QUERY platform a new scaffold was discovered. Potent compounds evolved inhibiting the protein-protein interaction p53-MDM2. An extensive SAR study was performed based on our four-point pharmacophore model, yielding derivatives with affinity to MDM2 in the nanomolar range. Their binding affinity with MDM2 was evaluated using both fluorescence polarization (FP) assay and 2D-NMR-HSQC experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Surmiak
- Department of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, Ingardena 3, 30-060 Krakow, Poland
| | - Constantinos G Neochoritis
- Department of Pharmacy, Drug Design Department, University of Groningen, 9713AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Bogdan Musielak
- Department of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, Ingardena 3, 30-060 Krakow, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Twarda-Clapa
- Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Krakow, Poland; Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7a, 30-387 Krakow, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Kurpiewska
- Department of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, Ingardena 3, 30-060 Krakow, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Dubin
- Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Krakow, Poland; Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7a, 30-387 Krakow, Poland
| | - Carlos Camacho
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, 3501 Fifth Avenue, Biomedical Science Tower 3, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Tad A Holak
- Department of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, Ingardena 3, 30-060 Krakow, Poland; Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7a, 30-387 Krakow, Poland
| | - Alexander Dömling
- Department of Pharmacy, Drug Design Department, University of Groningen, 9713AV Groningen, The Netherlands.
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29
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Kojima K, Ishizawa J, Andreeff M. Pharmacological activation of wild-type p53 in the therapy of leukemia. Exp Hematol 2016; 44:791-798. [PMID: 27327543 DOI: 10.1016/j.exphem.2016.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2016] [Accepted: 05/26/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The tumor suppressor p53 is inactivated by mutations in the majority of human solid tumors. Conversely, p53 mutations are rare in leukemias and are only observed in a small fraction of the patient population, predominately in patients with complex karyotype acute myeloid leukemia or hypodiploid acute lymphoblastic leukemia. However, the loss of p53 function in leukemic cells is often caused by abnormalities in p53-regulatory proteins, including overexpression of MDM2/MDMX, deletion of CDKN2A/ARF, and alterations in ATM. For example, MDM2 inhibits p53-mediated transcription, promotes its nuclear export, and induces proteasome-dependent degradation. The MDM2 homolog MDMX is another direct regulator of p53 that inhibits p53-mediated transcription. Several small-molecule inhibitors and stapled peptides targeting MDM2 and MDMX have been developed and have recently entered clinical trials. The clinical trial results of the first clinically used MDM2 inhibitor, RG7112, illustrated promising p53 activation and apoptosis induction in leukemia cells as proof of concept. Side effects of RG7112 were most prominent in suppression of thrombopoiesis and gastrointestinal symptoms in leukemia patients. Predictive biomarkers for response to MDM2 inhibitors have been proposed, but they require further validation both in vitro and in vivo so that the accumulated knowledge concerning pathological p53 dysregulation in leukemia and novel molecular-targeted strategies to overcome this dysregulation can be translated safely and efficiently into novel clinical therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kensuke Kojima
- Department of Hematology, Respiratory Medicine and Oncology, Division of Medicine, Saga University, Saga, Japan; Section of Molecular Hematology and Therapy, Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Jo Ishizawa
- Section of Molecular Hematology and Therapy, Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Michael Andreeff
- Section of Molecular Hematology and Therapy, Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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30
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Joerger AC, Fersht AR. The p53 Pathway: Origins, Inactivation in Cancer, and Emerging Therapeutic Approaches. Annu Rev Biochem 2016; 85:375-404. [DOI: 10.1146/annurev-biochem-060815-014710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 363] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Andreas C. Joerger
- Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge CB2 0QH, United Kingdom
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany;
| | - Alan R. Fersht
- Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge CB2 0QH, United Kingdom
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31
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Chemical Variations on the p53 Reactivation Theme. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2016; 9:ph9020025. [PMID: 27187415 PMCID: PMC4932543 DOI: 10.3390/ph9020025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2016] [Revised: 05/06/2016] [Accepted: 05/09/2016] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Among the tumor suppressor genes, p53 is one of the most studied. It is widely regarded as the "guardian of the genome", playing a major role in carcinogenesis. In fact, direct inactivation of the TP53 gene occurs in more than 50% of malignancies, and in tumors that retain wild-type p53 status, its function is usually inactivated by overexpression of negative regulators (e.g., MDM2 and MDMX). Hence, restoring p53 function in cancer cells represents a valuable anticancer approach. In this review, we will present an updated overview of the most relevant small molecules developed to restore p53 function in cancer cells through inhibition of the p53-MDMs interaction, or direct targeting of wild-type p53 or mutated p53. In addition, optimization approaches used for the development of small molecules that have entered clinical trials will be presented.
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32
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Daniele S, La Pietra V, Barresi E, Di Maro S, Da Pozzo E, Robello M, La Motta C, Cosconati S, Taliani S, Marinelli L, Novellino E, Martini C, Da Settimo F. Lead Optimization of 2-Phenylindolylglyoxylyldipeptide Murine Double Minute (MDM)2/Translocator Protein (TSPO) Dual Inhibitors for the Treatment of Gliomas. J Med Chem 2016; 59:4526-38. [PMID: 27050782 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.5b01767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
In glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), translocator protein (TSPO) and murine double minute (MDM)2/p53 complex represent two druggable targets. We recently reported the first dual binder 3 possessing a higher anticancer effect in GBM cells than the standards PK11195 1 or Nutlin-3 2 singularly applied. Herein, through a structure-activity relationship study, we developed derivatives 4-10 with improved potencies toward both TSPO and MDM2. As a result, compound 9: (i) reactivated the p53 functionality; (ii) inhibited the viability of two human GBM cells; (iii) impaired the proliferation of glioma cancer stem cells (CSCs), more resistant to chemotherapeutics and responsible of GBM recurrence; (iv) sensitized GBM cells and CSCs to the activity of temozolomide; (v) directed its effects preferentially toward tumor cells with respect to healthy ones. Thus, 9 may represent a promising cytotoxic agent, which is worthy of being further developed for a therapeutic approach against GBM, where the downstream p53 signaling is intact and TSPO is overexpressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Daniele
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa , Pisa 56126, Italy
| | - Valeria La Pietra
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II , Via Montesano 49, Naples 80131, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Marco Robello
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa , Pisa 56126, Italy
| | | | | | - Sabrina Taliani
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa , Pisa 56126, Italy
| | - Luciana Marinelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II , Via Montesano 49, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Ettore Novellino
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II , Via Montesano 49, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Claudia Martini
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa , Pisa 56126, Italy
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33
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Estrada-Ortiz N, Neochoritis CG, Dömling A. How To Design a Successful p53-MDM2/X Interaction Inhibitor: A Thorough Overview Based on Crystal Structures. ChemMedChem 2016; 11:757-72. [PMID: 26676832 PMCID: PMC4838565 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201500487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2015] [Revised: 11/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
A recent therapeutic strategy in oncology is based on blocking the protein-protein interaction between the murine double minute (MDM) homologues MDM2/X and the tumor-suppressor protein p53. Inhibiting the binding between wild-type (WT) p53 and its negative regulators MDM2 and/or MDMX has become an important target in oncology to restore the antitumor activity of p53, the so-called guardian of our genome. Interestingly, based on the multiple disclosed compound classes and structural analysis of small-molecule-MDM2 adducts, the p53-MDM2 complex is perhaps the best studied and most targeted protein-protein interaction. Several classes of small molecules have been identified as potent, selective, and efficient inhibitors of the p53-MDM2/X interaction, and many co-crystal structures with the protein are available. Herein we review the properties as well as preclinical and clinical studies of these small molecules and peptides, categorized by scaffold type. A particular emphasis is made on crystallographic structures and the observed binding modes of these compounds, including conserved water molecules present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Estrada-Ortiz
- Department of Drug Design, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9700 AD, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Constantinos G Neochoritis
- Department of Drug Design, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9700 AD, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Alexander Dömling
- Department of Drug Design, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9700 AD, Groningen, The Netherlands.
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34
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Orts J, Wälti MA, Marsh M, Vera L, Gossert AD, Güntert P, Riek R. NMR-Based Determination of the 3D Structure of the Ligand-Protein Interaction Site without Protein Resonance Assignment. J Am Chem Soc 2016; 138:4393-400. [PMID: 26943491 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.5b12391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Molecular replacement in X-ray crystallography is the prime method for establishing structure-activity relationships of pharmaceutically relevant molecules. Such an approach is not available for NMR. Here, we establish a comparable method, called NMR molecular replacement (NMR(2)). The method requires experimentally measured ligand intramolecular NOEs and ligand-protein intermolecular NOEs as well as a previously known receptor structure or model. Our findings demonstrate that NMR(2) may open a new avenue for the fast and robust determination of the interaction site of ligand-protein complexes at atomic resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Orts
- ETH Zürich , Laboratory of Physical Chemistry, HCI F217, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 2, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Marielle Aulikki Wälti
- ETH Zürich , Laboratory of Physical Chemistry, HCI F217, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 2, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - May Marsh
- Swiss Light Source, Paul Scherrer Institute , CH-5232 Villigen, Switzerland
| | - Laura Vera
- Swiss Light Source, Paul Scherrer Institute , CH-5232 Villigen, Switzerland
| | - Alvar D Gossert
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Novartis AG , CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Peter Güntert
- ETH Zürich , Laboratory of Physical Chemistry, HCI F217, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 2, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland.,Institute of Biophysical Chemistry, Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance, and Frankfurt Institute of Advanced Studies, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main , Frankfurt am Main 60323, Germany
| | - Roland Riek
- ETH Zürich , Laboratory of Physical Chemistry, HCI F217, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 2, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
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35
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Abstract
Potent and selective small-molecule inhibitors of the p53-MDM2 interaction intended for the treatment of p53 wild-type tumors have been designed and optimized in a number of chemical series. This review details recent disclosures of compounds in advanced optimization and features key series that have given rise to clinical trial candidates. The structure-activity relationships for inhibitor classes are discussed with reference to x-ray structures, and common structural features are identified.
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36
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Grace CR, Ban D, Min J, Mayasundari A, Min L, Finch KE, Griffiths L, Bharatham N, Bashford D, Kiplin Guy R, Dyer MA, Kriwacki RW. Monitoring Ligand-Induced Protein Ordering in Drug Discovery. J Mol Biol 2016; 428:1290-1303. [PMID: 26812210 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2016.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2015] [Revised: 01/15/2016] [Accepted: 01/18/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
While the gene for p53 is mutated in many human cancers causing loss of function, many others maintain a wild-type gene but exhibit reduced p53 tumor suppressor activity through overexpression of the negative regulators, Mdm2 and/or MdmX. For the latter mechanism of loss of function, the activity of endogenous p53 can be restored through inhibition of Mdm2 or MdmX with small molecules. We previously reported a series of compounds based upon the Nutlin-3 chemical scaffold that bind to both MdmX and Mdm2 [Vara, B. A. et al. (2014) Organocatalytic, diastereo- and enantioselective synthesis of nonsymmetric cis-stilbene diamines: A platform for the preparation of single-enantiomer cis-imidazolines for protein-protein inhibition. J. Org. Chem. 79, 6913-6938]. Here we present the first solution structures based on data from NMR spectroscopy for MdmX in complex with four of these compounds and compare them with the MdmX:p53 complex. A p53-derived peptide binds with high affinity (Kd value of 150nM) and causes the formation of an extensive network of hydrogen bonds within MdmX; this constitutes the induction of order within MdmX through ligand binding. In contrast, the compounds bind more weakly (Kd values from 600nM to 12μM) and induce an incomplete hydrogen bond network within MdmX. Despite relatively weak binding, the four compounds activated p53 and induced p21(Cip1) expression in retinoblastoma cell lines that overexpress MdmX, suggesting that they specifically target MdmX and/or Mdm2. Our results document structure-activity relationships for lead-like small molecules targeting MdmX and suggest a strategy for their further optimization in the future by using NMR spectroscopy to monitor small-molecule-induced protein order as manifested through hydrogen bond formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christy R Grace
- Department of Structural Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - David Ban
- Department of Structural Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Jaeki Min
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Anand Mayasundari
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Lie Min
- Department of Structural Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Kristin E Finch
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, USA; Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Lyra Griffiths
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Nagakumar Bharatham
- Department of Structural Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Donald Bashford
- Department of Structural Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - R Kiplin Guy
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Michael A Dyer
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Richard W Kriwacki
- Department of Structural Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, USA; Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Memphis, TN 38105, USA.
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37
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Pettersson M, Quant M, Min J, Iconaru L, Kriwacki RW, Waddell MB, Guy RK, Luthman K, Grøtli M. Design, Synthesis and Evaluation of 2,5-Diketopiperazines as Inhibitors of the MDM2-p53 Interaction. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0137867. [PMID: 26427060 PMCID: PMC4591261 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0137867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2015] [Accepted: 08/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor p53 is the main tumour suppressor in cells and many cancer types have p53 mutations resulting in a loss of its function. In tumours that retain wild-type p53 function, p53 activity is down-regulated by MDM2 (human murine double minute 2) via a direct protein-protein interaction. We have designed and synthesised two series of 2,5-diketopiperazines as inhibitors of the MDM2-p53 interaction. The first set was designed to directly mimic the α-helical region of the p53 peptide, containing key residues in the i, i+4 and i+7 positions of a natural α-helix. Conformational analysis indicated that 1,3,6-trisubstituted 2,5-diketopiperazines were able to place substituents in the same spatial orientation as an α-helix template. The key step of the synthesis involved the cyclisation of substituted dipeptides. The other set of tetrasubstituted 2,5-diketopiperazines were designed based on structure-based docking studies and the Ugi multicomponent reaction was used for the synthesis. This latter set comprised the most potent inhibitors which displayed micromolar IC50-values in a biochemical fluorescence polarisation assay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariell Pettersson
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, 412 96, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Maria Quant
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, 412 96, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jaeki Min
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, Tennessee, 38105, United States of America
| | - Luigi Iconaru
- Department of Structural Biology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, Tennessee, 38105, United States of America
| | - Richard W. Kriwacki
- Department of Structural Biology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, Tennessee, 38105, United States of America
| | - M. Brett Waddell
- Molecular Interaction Analysis Shared Resource, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, Tennessee, 38105, United States of America
| | - R. Kiplin Guy
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, Tennessee, 38105, United States of America
| | - Kristina Luthman
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, 412 96, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Morten Grøtli
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, 412 96, Gothenburg, Sweden
- * E-mail:
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38
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Targeting disordered proteins with small molecules using entropy. Trends Biochem Sci 2015; 40:491-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2015.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2015] [Revised: 07/06/2015] [Accepted: 07/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Bueren-Calabuig JA, Michel J. Elucidation of Ligand-Dependent Modulation of Disorder-Order Transitions in the Oncoprotein MDM2. PLoS Comput Biol 2015; 11:e1004282. [PMID: 26046940 PMCID: PMC4457491 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1004282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2014] [Accepted: 04/13/2015] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Numerous biomolecular interactions involve unstructured protein regions, but how to exploit such interactions to enhance the affinity of a lead molecule in the context of rational drug design remains uncertain. Here clarification was sought for cases where interactions of different ligands with the same disordered protein region yield qualitatively different results. Specifically, conformational ensembles for the disordered lid region of the N-terminal domain of the oncoprotein MDM2 in the presence of different ligands were computed by means of a novel combination of accelerated molecular dynamics, umbrella sampling, and variational free energy profile methodologies. The resulting conformational ensembles for MDM2, free and bound to p53 TAD (17-29) peptide identify lid states compatible with previous NMR measurements. Remarkably, the MDM2 lid region is shown to adopt distinct conformational states in the presence of different small-molecule ligands. Detailed analyses of small-molecule bound ensembles reveal that the ca. 25-fold affinity improvement of the piperidinone family of inhibitors for MDM2 constructs that include the full lid correlates with interactions between ligand hydrophobic groups and the C-terminal lid region that is already partially ordered in apo MDM2. By contrast, Nutlin or benzodiazepinedione inhibitors, that bind with similar affinity to full lid and lid-truncated MDM2 constructs, interact additionally through their solubilizing groups with N-terminal lid residues that are more disordered in apo MDM2. Life as we know it depends on interactions between proteins. There is substantial evidence that many interactions between proteins involve very flexible protein regions. These disordered regions may undergo disorder/order transitions upon forming an interaction with another protein. Many successful approaches to medicinal chemistry are based on mimicking the interactions of biological molecules with man-made small molecules. However how drug-like small-molecules may modulate protein disorder is currently poorly understood, largely because it is difficult to measure in details this type of interaction with experimental methods. Here we have used computer simulations to resolve with great details the process by which different small-molecules modulate the flexibility of a disordered region of the protein MDM2. This protein is overexpressed in many cancers and small-molecules that recognize MDM2 have been developed over the last decade as possible novel anti-cancer agents. We show that the flexible MDM2 “lid” region adopts different conformational states in the presence of different small-molecules. Our results suggest why some classes of small-molecules form favorable interactions with the lid region, whereas others do not. These findings may prove crucial to develop new and more effective MDM2 inhibitors, and more generally to help drug designers target disordered proteins regions with small-molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Julien Michel
- EaStCHEM School of Chemistry, the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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40
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Pettersson M, Bliman D, Jacobsson J, Nilsson JR, Min J, Iconaru L, Guy RK, Kriwacki RW, Andréasson J, Grøtli M. 8-Triazolylpurines: Towards Fluorescent Inhibitors of the MDM2/p53 Interaction. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0124423. [PMID: 25942498 PMCID: PMC4420247 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0124423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2014] [Accepted: 03/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Small molecule nonpeptidic mimics of α-helices are widely recognised as protein-protein interaction (PPIs) inhibitors. Protein-protein interactions mediate virtually all important regulatory pathways in a cell, and the ability to control and modulate PPIs is therefore of great significance to basic biology, where controlled disruption of protein networks is key to understanding network connectivity and function. We have designed and synthesised two series of 2,6,9-substituted 8-triazolylpurines as α-helix mimetics. The first series was designed based on low energy conformations but did not display any biological activity in a biochemical fluorescence polarisation assay targeting MDM2/p53. Although solution NMR conformation studies demonstrated that such molecules could mimic the topography of an α-helix, docking studies indicated that the same compounds were not optimal as inhibitors for the MDM2/p53 interaction. A new series of 8-triazolylpurines was designed based on a combination of docking studies and analysis of recently published inhibitors. The best compound displayed low micromolar inhibitory activity towards MDM2/p53 in a biochemical fluorescence polarisation assay. In order to evaluate the applicability of these compounds as biologically active and intrinsically fluorescent probes, their absorption/emission properties were measured. The compounds display fluorescent properties with quantum yields up to 50%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariell Pettersson
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - David Bliman
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jimmy Jacobsson
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jesper R. Nilsson
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering/Chemistry and Biochemistry, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jaeki Min
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Luigi Iconaru
- Department of Structural Biology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - R. Kiplin Guy
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Richard W. Kriwacki
- Department of Structural Biology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Joakim Andréasson
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering/Chemistry and Biochemistry, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Morten Grøtli
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- * E-mail:
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41
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The FTMap family of web servers for determining and characterizing ligand-binding hot spots of proteins. Nat Protoc 2015; 10:733-55. [PMID: 25855957 DOI: 10.1038/nprot.2015.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 411] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
FTMap is a computational mapping server that identifies binding hot spots of macromolecules-i.e., regions of the surface with major contributions to the ligand-binding free energy. To use FTMap, users submit a protein, DNA or RNA structure in PDB (Protein Data Bank) format. FTMap samples billions of positions of small organic molecules used as probes, and it scores the probe poses using a detailed energy expression. Regions that bind clusters of multiple probe types identify the binding hot spots in good agreement with experimental data. FTMap serves as the basis for other servers, namely FTSite, which is used to predict ligand-binding sites, FTFlex, which is used to account for side chain flexibility, FTMap/param, used to parameterize additional probes and FTDyn, for mapping ensembles of protein structures. Applications include determining the druggability of proteins, identifying ligand moieties that are most important for binding, finding the most bound-like conformation in ensembles of unliganded protein structures and providing input for fragment-based drug design. FTMap is more accurate than classical mapping methods such as GRID and MCSS, and it is much faster than the more-recent approaches to protein mapping based on mixed molecular dynamics. By using 16 probe molecules, the FTMap server finds the hot spots of an average-size protein in <1 h. As FTFlex performs mapping for all low-energy conformers of side chains in the binding site, its completion time is proportionately longer.
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42
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Liu L, Bernard D, Wang S. Case Study: discovery of inhibitors of the MDM2-p53 protein-protein interaction. Methods Mol Biol 2015; 1278:567-585. [PMID: 25859977 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-2425-7_38] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The p53 protein, a tumor suppressor, is inactivated in many human cancers through mutations or by its interaction with an oncoprotein, MDM2. Blocking the MDM2-p53 protein-protein interaction has the effect of activating wild-type p53 and has been pursued as a novel anticancer strategy. Small-molecule inhibitors of the MDM2-p53 interaction have been discovered through various approaches, and a number of them have progressed into clinical trials for cancer treatment. Here, we describe the methods and techniques used in the discovery of small-molecule inhibitors of the MDM2-p53 interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liu Liu
- Comprehensive Cancer Center and Departments of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, 1500 E. Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
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43
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Joshi P, Vendruscolo M. Druggability of Intrinsically Disordered Proteins. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2015; 870:383-400. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-20164-1_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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44
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Qin L, Yang F, Zhou C, Chen Y, Zhang H, Su Z. Efficient reactivation of p53 in cancer cells by a dual MdmX/Mdm2 inhibitor. J Am Chem Soc 2014; 136:18023-33. [PMID: 25453499 DOI: 10.1021/ja509223m] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The aberrant interaction between p53 and Mdm2/MdmX is an attractive target for cancer drug discovery because the overexpression of Mdm2 and/or MdmX ultimately impairs the function of p53 in approximately half of all human cancers. Recent studies have shown that inhibition of both Mdm2 and MdmX is more efficient than that of a single target in promoting cellular apoptosis in cancers. In this study, we demonstrate that a dual small-molecule antagonist of Mdm2/MdmX can efficiently reactivate the p53 pathway in model cancer cells overexpressing MdmX and/or Mdm2. The dual antagonist was rationally designed based on segmental mutational analysis of the N-terminal domain of MdmX and the crystal structure of the N-terminal domain of Mdm2 in complex with nutlin-3a (an Mdm2-specific inhibitor). The current work establishes a small molecule therapeutic candidate that targets cancers overexpressing Mdm2 and/or MdmX.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingyun Qin
- Department of Biotechnology and Collaborative Innovation Center for Industrial Fermentation, Hubei University of Technology , Wuhan 430068, China
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45
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Zhao Y, Aguilar A, Bernard D, Wang S. Small-molecule inhibitors of the MDM2-p53 protein-protein interaction (MDM2 Inhibitors) in clinical trials for cancer treatment. J Med Chem 2014; 58:1038-52. [PMID: 25396320 PMCID: PMC4329994 DOI: 10.1021/jm501092z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 337] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
![]()
Design of small-molecule inhibitors
(MDM2 inhibitors) to block
the MDM2–p53 protein–protein interaction has been pursued
as a new cancer therapeutic strategy. In recent years, potent, selective,
and efficacious MDM2 inhibitors have been successfully obtained and
seven such compounds have been advanced into early phase clinical
trials for the treatment of human cancers. Here, we review the design,
synthesis, properties, preclinical, and clinical studies of these
clinical-stage MDM2 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujun Zhao
- University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center and Departments of Internal Medicine, Pharmacology, and Medicinal Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
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46
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Bohnuud T, Kozakov D, Vajda S. Evidence of conformational selection driving the formation of ligand binding sites in protein-protein interfaces. PLoS Comput Biol 2014; 10:e1003872. [PMID: 25275445 PMCID: PMC4183424 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1003872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2014] [Accepted: 08/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Many protein-protein interactions (PPIs) are compelling targets for drug discovery, and in a number of cases can be disrupted by small molecules. The main goal of this study is to examine the mechanism of binding site formation in the interface region of proteins that are PPI targets by comparing ligand-free and ligand-bound structures. To avoid any potential bias, we focus on ensembles of ligand-free protein conformations obtained by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques and deposited in the Protein Data Bank, rather than on ensembles specifically generated for this study. The measures used for structure comparison are based on detecting binding hot spots, i.e., protein regions that are major contributors to the binding free energy. The main tool of the analysis is computational solvent mapping, which explores the surface of proteins by docking a large number of small “probe” molecules. Although we consider conformational ensembles obtained by NMR techniques, the analysis is independent of the method used for generating the structures. Finding the energetically most important regions, mapping can identify binding site residues using ligand-free models based on NMR data. In addition, the method selects conformations that are similar to some peptide-bound or ligand-bound structure in terms of the properties of the binding site. This agrees with the conformational selection model of molecular recognition, which assumes such pre-existing conformations. The analysis also shows the maximum level of similarity between unbound and bound states that is achieved without any influence from a ligand. Further shift toward the bound structure assumes protein-peptide or protein-ligand interactions, either selecting higher energy conformations that are not part of the NMR ensemble, or leading to induced fit. Thus, forming the sites in protein-protein interfaces that bind peptides and can be targeted by small ligands always includes conformational selection, although other recognition mechanisms may also be involved. Many protein-protein interfaces (PPIs) are biologically compelling drug targets. Disrupting the interaction between two large proteins by a small inhibitor requires forming a high affinity binding site in the interface that generally can bind both peptides and drug-like compounds. Here we investigate whether such sites are induced by peptide or ligand binding, or already exist in the unbound state. The analysis requires comparing ligand-free and ligand-bound structures. To avoid any potential bias, we study ensembles of ligand-free protein conformations obtained by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) rather than generated by simulations. The analysis is based on computational solvent mapping, which explores the surface of the target protein by docking a large number of small “probe” molecules. Results show that ensembles of ligand-free models always include conformations that are fairly similar to some peptide-bound or ligand-bound structure in terms of the properties of the binding site. The analysis also identifies the models that are the most similar to a bound state, and shows the maximum level of similarity that is achieved without any influence from a ligand. While forming the binding site may require a combination of recognition mechanisms, there is preference for the spontaneous formation of bound-like structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanggis Bohnuud
- Program in Bioinformatics, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Dima Kozakov
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Sandor Vajda
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America; Department of Chemistry, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
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Abstract
In this issue of Structure, Bista and colleagues report that inhibitors of the MDM2/p53 interaction can be designed to interact with a transiently folded α-helical segment of the MDM2 lid region. This suggests that targeting transient protein states in PPI inhibitor design could be a promising strategy to improve affinity and/or selectivity profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias R Bauer
- Laboratory for Molecular Design and Pharmaceutical Biophysics, Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, Eberhard Karls University Tuebingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
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48
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Uversky VN, Davé V, Iakoucheva LM, Malaney P, Metallo SJ, Pathak RR, Joerger AC. Pathological unfoldomics of uncontrolled chaos: intrinsically disordered proteins and human diseases. Chem Rev 2014; 114:6844-79. [PMID: 24830552 PMCID: PMC4100540 DOI: 10.1021/cr400713r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 196] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir N. Uversky
- Department of Molecular Medicine and USF Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Research Institute University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33612, United States
- Institute for Biological Instrumentation, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290 Pushchino, Moscow Region, Russia
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 22254, Saudi Arabia
| | - Vrushank Davé
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology , Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33612, United States
- Department of Molecular Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida 33612, United States
| | - Lilia M. Iakoucheva
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Prerna Malaney
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology , Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33612, United States
| | - Steven J. Metallo
- Department of Chemistry, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia 20057, United States
| | - Ravi Ramesh Pathak
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology , Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33612, United States
| | - Andreas C. Joerger
- Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge CB2 0QH, United Kingdom
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Lao BB, Drew K, Guarracino DA, Brewer TF, Heindel DW, Bonneau R, Arora PS. Rational design of topographical helix mimics as potent inhibitors of protein-protein interactions. J Am Chem Soc 2014; 136:7877-88. [PMID: 24972345 PMCID: PMC4353027 DOI: 10.1021/ja502310r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
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Protein–protein
interactions encompass large surface areas, but
often a handful of key residues dominate the binding energy landscape.
Rationally designed small molecule scaffolds that reproduce the relative
positioning and disposition of important binding residues, termed
“hotspot residues”, have been shown to successfully
inhibit specific protein complexes. Although this strategy has led
to development of novel synthetic inhibitors of protein complexes,
often direct mimicry of natural amino acid residues does not lead
to potent inhibitors. Experimental screening of focused compound libraries
is used to further optimize inhibitors but the number of possible
designs that can be efficiently synthesized and experimentally tested
in academic settings is limited. We have applied the principles of
computational protein design to optimization of nonpeptidic helix
mimics as ligands for protein complexes. We describe the development
of computational tools to design helix mimetics from canonical and
noncanonical residue libraries and their application to two therapeutically
important protein–protein interactions: p53-MDM2 and p300-HIF1α.
The overall study provides a streamlined approach for discovering
potent peptidomimetic inhibitors of protein–protein interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brooke Bullock Lao
- Department of Chemistry and ‡Departments of Biology and Computer Science, New York University , New York, New York 10003, United States
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Apoptosis therapy in cancer: the first single-molecule co-activating p53 and the translocator protein in glioblastoma. Sci Rep 2014; 4:4749. [PMID: 24756113 PMCID: PMC3996484 DOI: 10.1038/srep04749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2013] [Accepted: 04/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
In the complex scenario of cancer, treatment with compounds targeting multiple cell pathways has been emerging. In Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM), p53 and Translocator Protein (TSPO), both acting as apoptosis inducers, represent two attractive intracellular targets. On this basis, novel indolylglyoxylyldipeptides, rationally designed to activate TSPO and p53, were synthesized and biologically characterized. The new compounds were able to bind TSPO and to reactivate p53 functionality, through the dissociation from its physiological inhibitor, murine double minute 2 (MDM2). In GBM cells, the new molecules caused Δψm dissipation and inhibition of cell viability. These effects resulted significantly higher with respect to those elicited by the single target reference standards applied alone, and coherent with the synergism resulting from the simultaneous activation of TSPO and p53. Taken together, these results suggest that TSPO/MDM2 dual-target ligands could represent a new attractive multi-modal opportunity for anti-cancer strategy in GBM.
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