1
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Vu K, Kar S, Goyal N, Mottamal M, Afosah DK, Al-Horani RA. Discovery of Heparin Mimetic, Potent, and Selective Inhibitors of Human Clotting Factor XIIIa. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:31105-31119. [PMID: 39035933 PMCID: PMC11256326 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.4c04518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2024] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Factor XIIIa (FXIIIa) is a cysteine transglutaminase that catalyzes the last step in the coagulation process. An anion-binding site inhibition of FXIIIa is a paradigm-shifting strategy that may offer key advantages of controlled inhibition. Such an approach is likely to lead to novel FXIIIa inhibitors that do not carry bleeding risks. We previously reported a flavonoid trimer-based allosteric inhibitor of FXIIIa with moderate potency and selectivity. To further advance this approach, we evaluated a series of 27 variably sulfonated heparin mimetics against human FXIIIa. Only 13 molecules exhibited inhibitory activity at the highest concentration tested with IC50 values of 2-286 μM. Specifically, inhibitor 16 demonstrated an IC50 value of 2.4 ± 0.5 μM in a bisubstrate, fluorescence-based trans-glutamination assay. It also demonstrated a significant selectivity over other clotting factors including thrombin, factor Xa, and factor XIa as well as other cysteine enzymes including papain and tissue transglutaminase 2. Inhibitor 16 did not affect the viability of three human cell lines at a concentration that is 5-fold its FXIIIa-IC50. The molecule had a very weak effect on the activated partial thromboplastin time of human plasma at a concentration of >700 μM, further supporting its functional selectivity. Importantly, molecule 16 inhibited FXIIIa-mediated polymerization of fibrin(ogen) in a concentration-dependent manner as shown by the gel electrophoresis experiment. Michaelis-Menten kinetics revealed that the molecule competes with the Gln-donor protein substrate, i.e., dimethylcasein, but not with the Lys-donor small substrate, i.e., dansylcadaverine. Molecular modeling studies revealed that this type of molecule likely binds to an anion-binding site comprising the basic amino acids of Lys54, Lys61, Lys73, Lys156, and Arg244 among others. Overall, our work puts forward a new anion-binding site, selective, nontoxic, sulfonated heparin mimetic FXIIIa inhibitor 16 for further development as an effective and safer anticoagulant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayla
T. Vu
- Division
of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, Louisiana 70125, United States
| | - Srabani Kar
- Division
of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, Louisiana 70125, United States
| | - Navneet Goyal
- Department
of Chemistry, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, Louisiana 70125, United States
| | - Madhusoodanan Mottamal
- Department
of Chemistry, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, Louisiana 70125, United States
| | - Daniel K. Afosah
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23219, United States
| | - Rami A. Al-Horani
- Division
of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, Louisiana 70125, United States
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2
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Abdelfadiel E, Gunta R, Villuri BK, Afosah DK, Sankaranarayanan NV, Desai UR. Designing Smaller, Synthetic, Functional Mimetics of Sulfated Glycosaminoglycans as Allosteric Modulators of Coagulation Factors. J Med Chem 2023; 66:4503-4531. [PMID: 37001055 PMCID: PMC10108365 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
Natural glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are arguably the most diverse collection of natural products. Unfortunately, this bounty of structures remains untapped. Decades of research has realized only one GAG-like synthetic, small-molecule drug, fondaparinux. This represents an abysmal output because GAGs present a frontier that few medicinal chemists, and even fewer pharmaceutical companies, dare to undertake. GAGs are heterogeneous, polymeric, polydisperse, highly water soluble, synthetically challenging, too rapidly cleared, and difficult to analyze. Additionally, GAG binding to proteins is not very selective and GAG-binding sites are shallow. This Perspective attempts to transform this negative view into a much more promising one by highlighting recent advances in GAG mimetics. The Perspective focuses on the principles used in the design/discovery of drug-like, synthetic, sulfated small molecules as allosteric modulators of coagulation factors, such as antithrombin, thrombin, and factor XIa. These principles will also aid the design/discovery of sulfated agents against cancer, inflammation, and microbial infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elsamani
I. Abdelfadiel
- Institute
for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23219, United States
| | - Rama Gunta
- Institute
for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23219, United States
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - Bharath Kumar Villuri
- Institute
for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23219, United States
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - Daniel K. Afosah
- Institute
for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23219, United States
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - Nehru Viji Sankaranarayanan
- Institute
for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23219, United States
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - Umesh R. Desai
- Institute
for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23219, United States
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
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3
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Morla S, Ravikumar O, O’Hara C, Boothello R, Vera A, Abdelfadiel EI, Fayyad R, Afosah DK, Sharon C, Fernandez L, Shah SA, Patel BB, Desai UR. Designing Synthetic, Sulfated Glycosaminoglycan Mimetics That Are Orally Bioavailable and Exhibiting In Vivo Anticancer Activity. J Med Chem 2023; 66:1321-1338. [PMID: 36634271 PMCID: PMC9884082 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Sulfated glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), or synthetic mimetics thereof, are not favorably viewed as orally bioavailable drugs owing to their high number of anionic sulfate groups. Devising an approach for oral delivery of such highly sulfated molecules would be very useful. This work presents the concept that conjugating cholesterol to synthetic sulfated GAG mimetics enables oral delivery. A focused library of sulfated GAG mimetics was synthesized and found to inhibit the growth of a colorectal cancer cell line under spheroid conditions with a wide range of potencies ( 0.8 to 46 μM). Specific analogues containing cholesterol, either alone or in combination with clinical utilized drugs, exhibited pronounced in vivo anticancer potential with intraperitoneal as well as oral administration, as assessed by ex vivo tertiary and quaternary spheroid growth, cancer stem cell (CSC) markers, and/or self-renewal factors. Overall, cholesterol derivatization of highly sulfated GAG mimetics affords an excellent approach for engineering oral activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shravan Morla
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
- Institute
for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23219, United States
| | - Ongolu Ravikumar
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
- Institute
for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23219, United States
| | - Connor O’Hara
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
- Institute
for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23219, United States
| | - Rio Boothello
- Division
of Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - Alberto Vera
- Hunter
Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia 23249, United States
| | - Elsamani I. Abdelfadiel
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
- Institute
for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23219, United States
| | - Rawan Fayyad
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
- Institute
for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23219, United States
| | - Daniel K. Afosah
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
- Institute
for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23219, United States
| | - Chetna Sharon
- Hunter
Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia 23249, United States
| | - Leopoldo Fernandez
- Hunter
Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia 23249, United States
- Massey
Cancer Center, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
- Division
of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia 23249, United States
| | - Syed Ammer Shah
- Hunter
Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia 23249, United States
- Massey
Cancer Center, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
- Division
of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia 23249, United States
| | - Bhaumik B. Patel
- Division
of Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
- Hunter
Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia 23249, United States
- Massey
Cancer Center, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - Umesh R. Desai
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
- Institute
for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23219, United States
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4
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Kellici TF, Pilka ES, Bodkin MJ. Small-molecule modulators of serine protease inhibitor proteins (serpins). Drug Discov Today 2020; 26:442-454. [PMID: 33259801 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2020.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2020] [Revised: 10/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Serine protease inhibitors (serpins) are a large family of proteins that regulate and control crucial physiological processes, such as inflammation, coagulation, thrombosis and thrombolysis, and immune responses. The extraordinary impact that these proteins have on numerous crucial pathways makes them an attractive target for drug discovery. In this review, we discuss recent advances in research on small-molecule modulators of serpins, examine their mode of action, analyse the structural data from crystallised protein-ligand complexes, and highlight the potential obstacles and possible therapeutic perspectives. The application of in silico methods for rational drug discovery is also summarised. In addition, we stress the need for continued research in this field.
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5
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Al-Horani RA, Kar S. Factor XIIIa inhibitors as potential novel drugs for venous thromboembolism. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 200:112442. [PMID: 32502864 PMCID: PMC7513741 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2020] [Revised: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Human factor XIIIa (FXIIIa) is a multifunctional transglutaminase with a significant role in hemostasis. FXIIIa catalyzes the last step in the coagulation process. It stabilizes the blood clot by cross-linking the α- and γ-chains of fibrin. It also protects the newly formed clot from plasmin-mediated fibrinolysis, primarily by cross-linking α2-antiplasmin to fibrin. Furthermore, FXIIIa is a major determinant of clot size and clot's red blood cells content. Therefore, inhibitors targeting FXIIIa have been considered to develop a new generation of anticoagulants to prevent and/or treat venous thromboembolism. Several inhibitors of FXIIIa have been discovered or designed including active site and allosteric site small molecule inhibitors as well as natural and modified polypeptides. This work reviews the structural, biochemical, and pharmacological aspects of FXIIIa inhibitors so as to advance their molecular design to become more clinically relevant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rami A Al-Horani
- Division of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA, 70125, USA.
| | - Srabani Kar
- Division of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA, 70125, USA
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6
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Morla S, Desai UR. Discovery of Sulfated Small Molecule Inhibitors of Matrix Metalloproteinase-8. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10081166. [PMID: 32784891 PMCID: PMC7465109 DOI: 10.3390/biom10081166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2020] [Revised: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Elevated matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) activity contributes to the etiology of many diseases, including atherosclerosis, pulmonary fibrosis, and sepsis. Yet, very few small molecule inhibitors of MMP-8 have been identified. We reasoned that the synthetic non-sugar mimetics of glycosaminoglycans may inhibit MMP-8 because natural glycosaminoglycans are known to modulate the functions of various MMPs. The screening a library of 58 synthetic, sulfated mimetics consisting of a dozen scaffolds led to the identification of only two scaffolds, including sulfated benzofurans and sulfated quinazolinones, as promising inhibitors of MMP-8. Interestingly, the sulfated quinazolinones displayed full antagonism of MMP-8 and sulfated benzofuran appeared to show partial antagonism. Of the two, sulfated quinazolinones exhibited a >10-fold selectivity for MMP-8 over MMP-9, a closely related metalloproteinase. Molecular modeling suggested the plausible occupancy of the S1′ pocket on MMP-8 as the distinguishing feature of the interaction. Overall, this work provides the first proof that the sulfated mimetics of glycosaminoglycans could lead to potent, selective, and catalytic activity-tunable, small molecular inhibitors of MMP-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shravan Morla
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA;
- Drug Discovery and Development, Institute for Structural Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond 23219, VA, USA
| | - Umesh R. Desai
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA;
- Drug Discovery and Development, Institute for Structural Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond 23219, VA, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +804-828-7575; Fax: +804-827-3664
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7
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Inhibitors of blood coagulation factor XIII. Anal Biochem 2020; 605:113708. [PMID: 32335064 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2020.113708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Revised: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The blood coagulation factor XIII (FXIII) plays an essential role in the stabilization of fibrin clots. This factor, belonging to the class of transglutaminases, catalyzes the final step of secondary hemostasis, i.e. the crosslinking of fibrin polymers. These crosslinks protect the clots against premature fibrinolysis. Consequently, FXIII is an interesting target for the therapeutic treatment of cardiovascular diseases. In this context, inhibitors can influence FXIII in the activation process of the enzyme itself or in its catalytic activity. To date, there is no FXIII inhibitor in medical application, but several studies have been conducted in the past. These studies provided a better understanding of FXIII and identified new lead structures for FXIII inhibitors. Next to small molecule inhibitors, the most promising candidates for the development of clinically applicable FXIII inhibitors are the peptide inhibitors tridegin and transglutaminase-inhibiting Michael acceptors (TIMAs) due to their selectivity towards activated FXIII (FXIIIa). In this review, select FXIII inhibitors and their pharmacological potential are discussed.
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8
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Calcaterra A, Mangiardi L, Delle Monache G, Quaglio D, Balducci S, Berardozzi S, Iazzetti A, Franzini R, Botta B, Ghirga F. The Pictet-Spengler Reaction Updates Its Habits. Molecules 2020; 25:E414. [PMID: 31963860 PMCID: PMC7024544 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25020414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Revised: 01/05/2020] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The Pictet-Spengler reaction (P-S) is one of the most direct, efficient, and variable synthetic method for the construction of privileged pharmacophores such as tetrahydro-isoquinolines (THIQs), tetrahydro-β-carbolines (THBCs), and polyheterocyclic frameworks. In the lustro (five-year period) following its centenary birthday, the P-S reaction did not exit the stage but it came up again on limelight with new features. This review focuses on the interesting results achieved in this period (2011-2015), analyzing the versatility of this reaction. Classic P-S was reported in the total synthesis of complex alkaloids, in combination with chiral catalysts as well as for the generation of libraries of compounds in medicinal chemistry. The P-S has been used also in tandem reactions, with the sequences including ring closing metathesis, isomerization, Michael addition, and Gold- or Brønsted acid-catalyzed N-acyliminium cyclization. Moreover, the combination of P-S reaction with Ugi multicomponent reaction has been exploited for the construction of highly complex polycyclic architectures in few steps and high yields. The P-S reaction has also been successfully employed in solid-phase synthesis, affording products with different structures, including peptidomimetics, synthetic heterocycles, and natural compounds. Finally, the enzymatic version of P-S has been reported for biosynthesis, biotransformations, and bioconjugations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Calcaterra
- Department of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs, “Department of Excellence 2018−2022”, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (L.M.); (G.D.M.); (D.Q.); (S.B.); (A.I.); (R.F.); (B.B.)
| | - Laura Mangiardi
- Department of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs, “Department of Excellence 2018−2022”, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (L.M.); (G.D.M.); (D.Q.); (S.B.); (A.I.); (R.F.); (B.B.)
- Center for Life Nano Science@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Giuliano Delle Monache
- Department of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs, “Department of Excellence 2018−2022”, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (L.M.); (G.D.M.); (D.Q.); (S.B.); (A.I.); (R.F.); (B.B.)
| | - Deborah Quaglio
- Department of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs, “Department of Excellence 2018−2022”, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (L.M.); (G.D.M.); (D.Q.); (S.B.); (A.I.); (R.F.); (B.B.)
| | - Silvia Balducci
- Department of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs, “Department of Excellence 2018−2022”, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (L.M.); (G.D.M.); (D.Q.); (S.B.); (A.I.); (R.F.); (B.B.)
| | - Simone Berardozzi
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH-Zürich, Vladimir-Prelog Weg 4, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Antonia Iazzetti
- Department of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs, “Department of Excellence 2018−2022”, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (L.M.); (G.D.M.); (D.Q.); (S.B.); (A.I.); (R.F.); (B.B.)
| | - Roberta Franzini
- Department of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs, “Department of Excellence 2018−2022”, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (L.M.); (G.D.M.); (D.Q.); (S.B.); (A.I.); (R.F.); (B.B.)
| | - Bruno Botta
- Department of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs, “Department of Excellence 2018−2022”, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (L.M.); (G.D.M.); (D.Q.); (S.B.); (A.I.); (R.F.); (B.B.)
| | - Francesca Ghirga
- Center for Life Nano Science@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy;
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9
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Afosah DK, Al-Horani RA. Sulfated Non-Saccharide Glycosaminoglycan Mimetics as Novel Drug Discovery Platform for Various Pathologies. Curr Med Chem 2020; 27:3412-3447. [PMID: 30457046 PMCID: PMC6551317 DOI: 10.2174/0929867325666181120101147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Revised: 11/06/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are very complex, natural anionic polysaccharides. They are polymers of repeating disaccharide units of uronic acid and hexosamine residues. Owing to their template-free, spatiotemporally-controlled, and enzyme-mediated biosyntheses, GAGs possess enormous polydispersity, heterogeneity, and structural diversity which often translate into multiple biological roles. It is well documented that GAGs contribute to physiological and pathological processes by binding to proteins including serine proteases, serpins, chemokines, growth factors, and microbial proteins. Despite advances in the GAG field, the GAG-protein interface remains largely unexploited by drug discovery programs. Thus, Non-Saccharide Glycosaminoglycan Mimetics (NSGMs) have been rationally developed as a novel class of sulfated molecules that modulate GAG-protein interface to promote various biological outcomes of substantial benefit to human health. In this review, we describe the chemical, biochemical, and pharmacological aspects of recently reported NSGMs and highlight their therapeutic potentials as structurally and mechanistically novel anti-coagulants, anti-cancer agents, anti-emphysema agents, and anti-viral agents. We also describe the challenges that complicate their advancement and describe ongoing efforts to overcome these challenges with the aim of advancing the novel platform of NSGMs to clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel K. Afosah
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23219
| | - Rami A. Al-Horani
- Division of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, Louisiana 70125
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10
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Kaltenbach DD, Jaishankar D, Hao M, Beer JC, Volin MV, Desai UR, Tiwari V. Sulfotransferase and Heparanase: Remodeling Engines in Promoting Virus Infection and Disease Development. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:1315. [PMID: 30555321 PMCID: PMC6282075 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.01315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
An extraordinary binding site generated in heparan sulfate (HS) structures, during its biosynthesis, provides a unique opportunity to interact with multiple protein ligands including viral proteins, and therefore adds tremendous value to this master molecule. An example of such a moiety is the sulfation at the C3 position of glucosamine residues in HS chain via 3-O sulfotransferase (3-OST) enzymes, which generates a unique virus-cell fusion receptor during herpes simplex virus (HSV) entry and spread. Emerging evidence now suggests that the unique patterns in HS sulfation assist multiple viruses in invading host cells at various steps of their life cycles. In addition, sulfated-HS structures are known to assist in invading host defense mechanisms and initiating multiple inflammatory processes; a critical event in the disease development. All these processes are detrimental for the host and therefore raise the question of how HS-sulfation is regulated. Epigenetic modulations have been shown to be implicated in these reactions during HSV infection as well as in HS modifying enzyme sulfotransferases, and therefore pose a critical component in answering it. Interestingly, heparanase (HPSE) activity is shown to be upregulated during virus infection and multiple other diseases assisting in virus replication to promote cell and tissue damage. These phenomena suggest that sulfotransferases and HPSE serve as key players in extracellular matrix remodeling and possibly generating unique signatures in a given disease. Therefore, identifying the epigenetic regulation of OST genes, and HPSE resulting in altered yet specific sulfation patterns in HS chain during virus infection, will be a significant a step toward developing potential diagnostic markers and designing novel therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominik D Kaltenbach
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Graduate Studies, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL, United States
| | - Dinesh Jaishankar
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Meng Hao
- Chicago College of Pharmacy, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL, United States
| | - Jacob C Beer
- Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL, United States
| | - Michael V Volin
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, College of Graduate Studies, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL, United States
| | - Umesh R Desai
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Vaibhav Tiwari
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, College of Graduate Studies, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL, United States
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11
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Gangji RN, Sankaranarayanan NV, Elste J, Al-Horani RA, Afosah DK, Joshi R, Tiwari V, Desai UR. Inhibition of Herpes Simplex Virus-1 Entry into Human Cells by Nonsaccharide Glycosaminoglycan Mimetics. ACS Med Chem Lett 2018; 9:797-802. [PMID: 30128070 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.7b00364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2017] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Although heparan sulfate (HS) has been implicated in facilitating entry of enveloped viruses including herpes simplex virus (HSV), small molecules that effectively compete with this abundant, cell surface macromolecule remain unknown. We reasoned that entry of HSV-1 involving its glycoprotein D (gD) binding to HS could be competitively targeted through small, synthetic, nonsaccharide glycosaminoglycan mimetics (NSGMs). Screening a library of NSGMs identified a small, distinct group that bound gD with affinities of 8-120 nM. Studies on HSV-1 entry into HeLa, HFF-1, and VK2/E6E7 cells identified inhibitors with potencies in the range of 0.4-1.0 μM. These synthetic NSGMs are likely to offer promising chemical biology probes and/or antiviral drug discovery opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahaman Navaz Gangji
- Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23219, United States
| | - Nehru Viji Sankaranarayanan
- Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23219, United States
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - James Elste
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, Illinois 60515, United States
| | - Rami A. Al-Horani
- Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23219, United States
- College of Pharmacy, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, Louisiana 70125, United States
| | - Daniel K. Afosah
- Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23219, United States
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - Rachel Joshi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - Vaibhav Tiwari
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, Illinois 60515, United States
| | - Umesh R. Desai
- Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23219, United States
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
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12
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Richard B, Swanson R, Izaguirre G, Olson ST. Cooperative Interactions of Three Hotspot Heparin Binding Residues Are Critical for Allosteric Activation of Antithrombin by Heparin. Biochemistry 2018; 57:2211-2226. [PMID: 29561141 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.8b00216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Heparin allosterically activates the anticoagulant serpin, antithrombin, by binding through a sequence-specific pentasaccharide and inducing activating conformational changes in the protein. Three basic residues of antithrombin, Lys114, Lys125, and Arg129, have been shown to be hotspots for binding the pentasaccharide, but the molecular basis for such hotspot binding has been unclear. To determine whether this results from cooperative interactions, we analyzed the effects of single, double, and triple mutations of the hotspot residues on pentasaccharide binding and activation of antithrombin. Double-mutant cycles revealed that the contribution of each residue to pentasaccharide binding energy was progressively reduced when one or both of the other residues were mutated, indicating strong coupling between each pair of residues that was dependent on the third residue and reflective of the three residues acting as a cooperative unit. Rapid kinetic studies showed that the hotspot residue mutations progressively abrogated the ability of the pentasaccharide to bind productively to native antithrombin and to conformationally activate the serpin by engaging the hotspot residues in an induced-fit interaction. Examination of the antithrombin-pentasaccharide complex structure revealed that the hotspot residues form two adjoining binding pockets for critical sulfates of the pentasaccharide that structurally link these residues. Together, these findings demonstrate that cooperative interactions of Lys114, Lys125, and Arg129 are critical for the productive induced-fit binding of the heparin pentasaccharide to antithrombin that allosterically activates the anticoagulant function of the serpin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Richard
- Center for Molecular Biology of Oral Diseases and Department of Periodontics , University of Illinois at Chicago , Chicago , Illinois 60612 , United States
| | - Richard Swanson
- Center for Molecular Biology of Oral Diseases and Department of Periodontics , University of Illinois at Chicago , Chicago , Illinois 60612 , United States
| | - Gonzalo Izaguirre
- Center for Molecular Biology of Oral Diseases and Department of Periodontics , University of Illinois at Chicago , Chicago , Illinois 60612 , United States
| | - Steven T Olson
- Center for Molecular Biology of Oral Diseases and Department of Periodontics , University of Illinois at Chicago , Chicago , Illinois 60612 , United States
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13
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Nahain AA, Ignjatovic V, Monagle P, Tsanaktsidis J, Ferro V. Heparin mimetics with anticoagulant activity. Med Res Rev 2018; 38:1582-1613. [PMID: 29446104 DOI: 10.1002/med.21489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2017] [Revised: 12/16/2017] [Accepted: 01/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Heparin, a sulfated polysaccharide belonging to the glycosaminoglycan family, has been widely used as an anticoagulant drug for decades and remains the most commonly used parenteral anticoagulant in adults and children. However, heparin has important clinical limitations and is derived from animal sources which pose significant safety and supply problems. The ever growing shortage of the raw material for heparin manufacturing may become a very significant issue in the future. These global limitations have prompted much research, especially following the recent well-publicized contamination scandal, into the development of alternative anticoagulants derived from non-animal and/or totally synthetic sources that mimic the structural features and properties of heparin. Such compounds, termed heparin mimetics, are also needed as anticoagulant materials for use in biomedical applications (e.g., stents, grafts, implants etc.). This review encompasses the development of heparin mimetics of various structural classes, including synthetic polymers and non-carbohydrate small molecules as well as sulfated oligo- and polysaccharides, and fondaparinux derivatives and conjugates, with a focus on developments in the past 10 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Al Nahain
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Vera Ignjatovic
- Haematology Research, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Paul Monagle
- Haematology Research, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Clinical Haematology, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - John Tsanaktsidis
- CSIRO Materials Science and Engineering, Clayton South, Victoria, Australia
| | - Vito Ferro
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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14
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Afosah DK, Al-Horani RA, Sankaranarayanan NV, Desai UR. Potent, Selective, Allosteric Inhibition of Human Plasmin by Sulfated Non-Saccharide Glycosaminoglycan Mimetics. J Med Chem 2017; 60:641-657. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.6b01474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel K. Afosah
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry,
and Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23219, United States
| | - Rami A. Al-Horani
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry,
and Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23219, United States
| | - Nehru Viji Sankaranarayanan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry,
and Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23219, United States
| | - Umesh R. Desai
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry,
and Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23219, United States
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15
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Al-Horani RA, Karuturi R, Lee M, Afosah DK, Desai UR. Allosteric Inhibition of Factor XIIIa. Non-Saccharide Glycosaminoglycan Mimetics, but Not Glycosaminoglycans, Exhibit Promising Inhibition Profile. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0160189. [PMID: 27467511 PMCID: PMC4965010 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0160189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2016] [Accepted: 07/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Factor XIIIa (FXIIIa) is a transglutaminase that catalyzes the last step in the coagulation process. Orthostery is the only approach that has been exploited to design FXIIIa inhibitors. Yet, allosteric inhibition of FXIIIa is a paradigm that may offer a key advantage of controlled inhibition over orthosteric inhibition. Such an approach is likely to lead to novel FXIIIa inhibitors that do not carry bleeding risks. We reasoned that targeting a collection of basic amino acid residues distant from FXIIIa’s active site by using sulfated glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) or non-saccharide GAG mimetics (NSGMs) would lead to the discovery of the first allosteric FXIIIa inhibitors. We tested a library of 22 variably sulfated GAGs and NSGMs against human FXIIIa to discover promising hits. Interestingly, although some GAGs bound to FXIIIa better than NSGMs, no GAG displayed any inhibition. An undecasulfated quercetin analog was found to inhibit FXIIIa with reasonable potency (efficacy of 98%). Michaelis-Menten kinetic studies revealed an allosteric mechanism of inhibition. Fluorescence studies confirmed close correspondence between binding affinity and inhibition potency, as expected for an allosteric process. The inhibitor was reversible and at least 9-fold- and 26-fold selective over two GAG-binding proteins factor Xa (efficacy of 71%) and thrombin, respectively, and at least 27-fold selective over a cysteine protease papain. The inhibitor also inhibited the FXIIIa-mediated polymerization of fibrin in vitro. Overall, our work presents the proof-of-principle that FXIIIa can be allosterically modulated by sulfated non-saccharide agents much smaller than GAGs, which should enable the design of selective and safe anticoagulants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rami A. Al-Horani
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry & Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Rajesh Karuturi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry & Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Michael Lee
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry & Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Daniel K. Afosah
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry & Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Umesh R. Desai
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry & Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery and Development, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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16
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Al Majid AM, Barakat A, Mabkhot YN, Al-Agamy MH. Synthesis, and characterization of a new series of sulfite and sulfate derivatives of d-Mannitol. JOURNAL OF SAUDI CHEMICAL SOCIETY 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jscs.2013.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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17
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Viveros-Ceballos JL, Ordóñez M, Sayago FJ, Jiménez AI, Cativiela C. First Synthesis of (R)- and (S)-1,2,3,4-Tetrahydroisoquinoline-3-phosphonic Acid (TicP) Using a Pictet-Spengler Reaction. European J Org Chem 2016. [DOI: 10.1002/ejoc.201600313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
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18
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Boothello RS, Sarkar A, Tran VM, Nguyen TKN, Sankaranarayanan NV, Mehta AY, Alabbas A, Brown S, Rossi A, Joice AC, Mencio CP, Quintero MV, Kuberan B, Desai UR. Chemoenzymatically prepared heparan sulfate containing rare 2-O-sulfonated glucuronic acid residues. ACS Chem Biol 2015; 10:1485-94. [PMID: 25742429 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.5b00071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The structural diversity of natural sulfated glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) presents major promise for discovery of chemical biology tools or therapeutic agents. Yet, few GAGs have been identified so far to exhibit this promise. We reasoned that a simple approach to identify such GAGs is to explore sequences containing rare residues, for example, 2-O-sulfonated glucuronic acid (GlcAp2S). Genetic algorithm-based computational docking and filtering suggested that GlcAp2S containing heparan sulfate (HS) may exhibit highly selective recognition of antithrombin, a key plasma clot regulator. HS containing only GlcAp2S and 2-N-sulfonated glucosamine residues, labeled as HS2S2S, was chemoenzymatically synthesized in just two steps and was found to preferentially bind antithrombin over heparin cofactor II, a closely related serpin. Likewise, HS2S2S directly inhibited thrombin but not factor Xa, a closely related protease. The results show that a HS containing rare GlcAp2S residues exhibits the unusual property of selective antithrombin activation and direct thrombin inhibition. More importantly, HS2S2S is also the first molecule to activate antithrombin nearly as well as the heparin pentasaccharide although being completely devoid of the critical 3-O-sulfonate group. Thus, this work shows that novel functions and mechanisms may be uncovered by studying rare GAG residues/sequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rio S. Boothello
- Institute for Structural Biology & Drug Discovery and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - Aurijit Sarkar
- Institute for Structural Biology & Drug Discovery and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | | | | | - Nehru Viji Sankaranarayanan
- Institute for Structural Biology & Drug Discovery and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - Akul Y. Mehta
- Institute for Structural Biology & Drug Discovery and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - AlHumaidi Alabbas
- Institute for Structural Biology & Drug Discovery and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Umesh R. Desai
- Institute for Structural Biology & Drug Discovery and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
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19
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Plasmin regulation through allosteric, sulfated, small molecules. Molecules 2015; 20:608-24. [PMID: 25569517 PMCID: PMC6272155 DOI: 10.3390/molecules20010608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2014] [Accepted: 12/26/2014] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Plasmin, a key serine protease, plays a major role in clot lysis and extracellular matrix remodeling. Heparin, a natural polydisperse sulfated glycosaminoglycan, is known to allosterically modulate plasmin activity. No small allosteric inhibitor of plasmin has been discovered to date. We screened an in-house library of 55 sulfated, small glycosaminoglycan mimetics based on nine distinct scaffolds and varying number and positions of sulfate groups to discover several promising hits. Of these, a pentasulfated flavonoid-quinazolinone dimer 32 was found to be the most potent sulfated small inhibitor of plasmin (IC50 = 45 μM, efficacy = 100%). Michaelis-Menten kinetic studies revealed an allosteric inhibition of plasmin by these inhibitors. Studies also indicated that the most potent inhibitors are selective for plasmin over thrombin and factor Xa, two serine proteases in coagulation cascade. Interestingly, different inhibitors exhibited different levels of efficacy (40%–100%), an observation alluding to the unique advantage offered by an allosteric process. Overall, our work presents the first small, synthetic allosteric plasmin inhibitors for further rational design.
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20
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Abstract
In nearly all cases of biological activity of sulfated GAGs, the sulfate group(s) are critical for interacting with target proteins. A growing paradigm is that appropriate small, sulfated, nonsaccharide GAG mimetics can be designed to either mimic or interfere with the biological functions of natural GAG sequences resulting in the discovery of either antagonist or agonist agents. A number of times these sulfated NSGMs can be computationally designed based on the parent GAG-protein interaction. The small sulfated NSGMs may possess considerable aromatic character so as to engineer hydrophobic, hydrogen-bonding, Coulombic or cation-pi forces in their interactions with target protein(s) resulting in higher specificity of action relative to parent GAGs. The sulfated NSGMs can be easily synthesized in one step from appropriate natural polyphenols through chemical sulfation under microwave-based conditions. We describe step-by-step procedures to perform microwave-based sulfation of several small polyphenol scaffolds so as to prepare homogenous NSGMs containing one to more than 10 sulfate groups per molecule in high yields.
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21
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Al-Horani RA, Desai UR. Recent advances on plasmin inhibitors for the treatment of fibrinolysis-related disorders. Med Res Rev 2014; 34:1168-1216. [PMID: 24659483 PMCID: PMC8788159 DOI: 10.1002/med.21315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Growing evidence suggests that plasmin is involved in a number of physiological processes in addition to its key role in fibrin cleavage. Plasmin inhibition is critical in preventing adverse consequences arising from plasmin overactivity, e.g., blood loss that may follow cardiac surgery. Aprotinin was widely used as an antifibrinolytic drug before its discontinuation in 2008. Tranexamic acid and ε-aminocaproic acid, two small molecule plasmin inhibitors, are currently used in the clinic. Several molecules have been designed utilizing covalent, but reversible, chemistry relying on reactive cyclohexanones, nitrile warheads, and reactive aldehyde peptidomimetics. Other major classes of plasmin inhibitors include the cyclic peptidomimetics and polypeptides of the Kunitz and Kazal-type. Allosteric inhibitors of plasmin have also been designed including small molecule lysine analogs that bind to plasmin's kringle domain(s) and sulfated glycosaminoglycan mimetics that bind to plasmin's catalytic domain. Plasmin inhibitors have also been explored for resolving other disease states including cell metastasis, cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and embryo implantation. This review highlights functional and structural aspects of plasmin inhibitors with the goal of advancing their design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rami A Al-Horani
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Institute for Structural Biology and Drug Discovery, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
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22
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Patel NJ, Karuturi R, Al-Horani RA, Baranwal S, Patel J, Desai UR, Patel BB. Synthetic, non-saccharide, glycosaminoglycan mimetics selectively target colon cancer stem cells. ACS Chem Biol 2014; 9:1826-33. [PMID: 24968014 PMCID: PMC4136679 DOI: 10.1021/cb500402f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Selective targeting of cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) is a paradigm-shifting approach. We hypothesized that CSCs can be targeted by interfering with functions of sulfated glycosaminoglycans, which play key roles in cancer cell growth, invasion and metastasis. We developed a tandem, dual screen strategy involving (1) assessing inhibition of monolayer versus spheroid growth and (2) assessing inhibition of primary versus secondary spheroid growth to identify G2.2, a unique sulfated nonsaccharide GAG mimetic (NSGM) from a focused library of 53 molecules, as a selective inhibitor of colon CSCs. The NSGM down-regulated several CSC markers through regulation of gene transcription, while closely related, inactive NSGMs G1.4 and G4.1 demonstrated no such changes. G2.2's effects on CSCs were mediated, in part, through induction of apoptosis and inhibition of self-renewal factors. Overall, this work presents the proof-of-principle that CSCs can be selectively targeted through novel NSGMs, which are likely to advance fundamental understanding on CSCs while also aiding development of novel therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nirmita J. Patel
- Hunter Holmes
McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia 23249, United States
| | - Rajesh Karuturi
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry and Institute for Structural Biology and Drug
Discovery, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23219, United States
| | - Rami A. Al-Horani
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry and Institute for Structural Biology and Drug
Discovery, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23219, United States
| | - Somesh Baranwal
- Hunter Holmes
McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia 23249, United States
| | - Jagrut Patel
- Hunter Holmes
McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia 23249, United States
| | - Umesh R. Desai
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry and Institute for Structural Biology and Drug
Discovery, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23219, United States
| | - Bhaumik B. Patel
- Hunter Holmes
McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia 23249, United States
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23
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Al-Horani RA, Desai UR. Designing allosteric inhibitors of factor XIa. Lessons from the interactions of sulfated pentagalloylglucopyranosides. J Med Chem 2014; 57:4805-18. [PMID: 24844380 PMCID: PMC4216218 DOI: 10.1021/jm500311e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
![]()
We recently introduced sulfated pentagalloylglucopyranoside
(SPGG)
as an allosteric inhibitor of factor XIa (FXIa) (Al-Horani et al., J. Med Chem.2013, 56, 867–87823316863). To better understand the SPGG–FXIa interaction,
we utilized eight SPGG variants and a range of biochemical techniques.
The results reveal that SPGG’s sulfation level moderately affected
FXIa inhibition potency and selectivity over thrombin and factor Xa.
Variation in the anomeric configuration did not affect potency. Interestingly,
zymogen factor XI bound SPGG with high affinity, suggesting its possible
use as an antidote. Acrylamide quenching experiments suggested that
SPGG induced significant conformational changes in the active site
of FXIa. Inhibition studies in the presence of heparin showed marginal
competition with highly sulfated SPGG variants but robust competition
with less sulfated variants. Resolution of energetic contributions
revealed that nonionic forces contribute nearly 87% of binding energy
suggesting a strong possibility of specific interaction. Overall,
the results indicate that SPGG may recognize more than one anion-binding,
allosteric site on FXIa. An SPGG molecule containing approximately
10 sulfate groups on positions 2 through 6 of the pentagalloylglucopyranosyl
scaffold may be the optimal FXIa inhibitor for further preclinical
studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rami A Al-Horani
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Institute for Structural Biology and Drug Discovery, Virginia Commonwealth University , 800 E. Leigh Street, Suite 212, Richmond, Virginia 23219, United States
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24
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Argade MD, Mehta AY, Sarkar A, Desai UR. Allosteric inhibition of human factor XIa: discovery of monosulfated benzofurans as a class of promising inhibitors. J Med Chem 2014; 57:3559-69. [PMID: 24666186 PMCID: PMC4317055 DOI: 10.1021/jm5002698] [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] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Factor
XIa (fXIa) is being recognized as a prime target for developing
safer anticoagulants. To discover synthetic, small, allosteric inhibitors
of fXIa, we screened an in-house, unique library of 65 molecules displaying
many distinct scaffolds and varying levels of sulfation. Of these,
monosulfated benzofurans were the only group of molecules found to
inhibit fXIa (∼100% efficacy) and led to the identification
of monosulfated trimer 24 (IC50 0.82 μM)
as the most potent inhibitor. Michaelis–Menten kinetics studies
revealed a classic noncompetitive mechanism of action for 24. Although monosulfated, the inhibitors did not compete with unfractionated
heparin alluding to a novel site of interaction. Fluorescence quenching
studies indicated that trimer 24 induces major conformational
changes in the active site of fXIa. Docking studies identified a site
near Lys255 on the A3 domain of fXIa as the most probable site of
binding for 24. Factor XIa devoid of the A3 domain displayed
a major defect in the inhibition potency of 24 supporting
the docking prediction. Our work presents the sulfated benzofuran
scaffold as a promising framework to develop allosteric fXIa inhibitors
that likely function through the A3 domain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malaika D Argade
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Institute for Structural Biology and Drug Discovery, Virginia Commonwealth University , Richmond, Virginia 23219, United States
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25
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The promise of sulfated synthetic small molecules as modulators of glycosaminoglycan function. Future Med Chem 2014; 5:1363-6. [PMID: 23919545 DOI: 10.4155/fmc.13.117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
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26
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de Paula FT, Frauches PQ, Pedebos C, Berger M, Gnoatto SCB, Gossmann G, Verli H, Guimarães JA, Graebin CS. Improving the Thrombin Inhibitory Activity of Glycyrrhizin, a Triterpenic Saponin, Through a Molecular Simplification of the Carbohydrate Moiety. Chem Biol Drug Des 2013; 82:756-60. [DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.12204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2013] [Revised: 06/14/2013] [Accepted: 08/12/2013] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Fernando T. de Paula
- Laboratório de Diversidade Molecular e Química Medicinal (LaDMol-QM); Departamento de Química, Instituto de Ciências Exatas; Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro; Rodovia BR-465 Km. 7 Seropédica RJ 23897-000 Brazil
| | - Petrina Q. Frauches
- Laboratório de Diversidade Molecular e Química Medicinal (LaDMol-QM); Departamento de Química, Instituto de Ciências Exatas; Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro; Rodovia BR-465 Km. 7 Seropédica RJ 23897-000 Brazil
| | - Conrado Pedebos
- Grupo de Bioinformática Estrutural; Centro de Biotecnologia; Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul; Av. Bento Gonçalves 9500, Prédios 43431 - Setor IV - Campus do Vale - P.O. Box 15005 Porto Alegre RS 91501-970 Brazil
| | - Markus Berger
- Laboratório de Bioquímica Farmacológica; Centro de Biotecnologia; Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul; Av. Bento Gonçalves 9500, Prédios 43431 - Setor IV - Campus do Vale - P.O. Box 15005 Porto Alegre RS 91501-970 Brazil
| | - Simone C. B. Gnoatto
- Laboratório de Fitoquímica; Faculdade de Farmácia; Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul; Av. Ipiranga 2752 Porto Alegre RS 90610-000 Brazil
| | - Grace Gossmann
- Laboratório de Fitoquímica; Faculdade de Farmácia; Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul; Av. Ipiranga 2752 Porto Alegre RS 90610-000 Brazil
| | - Hugo Verli
- Grupo de Bioinformática Estrutural; Centro de Biotecnologia; Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul; Av. Bento Gonçalves 9500, Prédios 43431 - Setor IV - Campus do Vale - P.O. Box 15005 Porto Alegre RS 91501-970 Brazil
| | - Jorge A. Guimarães
- Laboratório de Bioquímica Farmacológica; Centro de Biotecnologia; Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul; Av. Bento Gonçalves 9500, Prédios 43431 - Setor IV - Campus do Vale - P.O. Box 15005 Porto Alegre RS 91501-970 Brazil
| | - Cedric S. Graebin
- Laboratório de Diversidade Molecular e Química Medicinal (LaDMol-QM); Departamento de Química, Instituto de Ciências Exatas; Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro; Rodovia BR-465 Km. 7 Seropédica RJ 23897-000 Brazil
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27
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Correia-da-Silva M, Sousa E, Pinto MMM. Emerging sulfated flavonoids and other polyphenols as drugs: nature as an inspiration. Med Res Rev 2013; 34:223-79. [PMID: 23553315 DOI: 10.1002/med.21282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Nature uses sulfation of endogenous and exogenous molecules mainly to avoid potential toxicity. The growing importance of natural sulfated molecules, as modulators of a number of physiological and pathological processes, has inspired the synthesis of non-natural sulfated scaffolds. Until the 1990s, the synthesis of sulfated small molecules was almost restricted to derivatives of flavonoids and aimed mainly at structure elucidation and plant biosynthesis studies. Currently, the synthesis of this type of compounds concerns structurally diverse scaffolds and is aimed at the development of potential drugs and/or exploitation of the biological effects of sulfated metabolites. Some important hit compounds are emerging from sulfated flavonoids and other polyphenols mainly as anticoagulant and antiviral agents. When compared with polymeric macromolecules such as heparins, sulfated small molecules could be of value in therapeutics due to their hydrophobic nature that can contribute to improve the bioavailability. This review highlights the synthetic approaches that were applied to obtain monosulfated or polysulfated phenolic small molecules and compiles the diverse biological activities already reported for this type of derivatives. Toxicity and pharmacokinetic parameters of this emerging class of derivatives will also be considered, emphasizing their value for therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Correia-da-Silva
- Centro de Química Medicinal da Universidade do Porto (CEQUIMED-UP), Laboratório de Química Orgânica e Farmacêutica, Departamento de Ciências Químicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
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Karuturi R, Al-Horani RA, Mehta SC, Gailani D, Desai UR. Discovery of allosteric modulators of factor XIa by targeting hydrophobic domains adjacent to its heparin-binding site. J Med Chem 2013; 56:2415-28. [PMID: 23451707 DOI: 10.1021/jm301757v] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
To discover promising sulfated allosteric modulators (SAMs) of glycosaminoglycan-binding proteins (GBPs), such as human factor XIa (FXIa), we screened a library of 26 synthetic, sulfated quinazolin-4(3H)-ones (QAOs) resulting in the identification of six molecules that reduced the Vmax of substrate hydrolysis without influencing the KM. Mutagenesis of residues of the heparin-binding site (HBS) of FXIa introduced a nearly 5-fold loss in inhibition potency supporting recognition of an allosteric site. Fluorescence studies showed a sigmoidal binding profile indicating highly cooperative binding. Competition with a positively charged, heparin-binding polymer did not fully nullify inhibition suggesting importance of hydrophobic forces to binding. This discovery suggests the operation of a dual-element recognition process, which relies on an initial Coulombic attraction of anionic SAMs to the cationic HBS of FXIa that forms a locked complex through tight interaction with an adjacent hydrophobic patch. The dual-element strategy may be widely applicable for discovering SAMs of other GBPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajesh Karuturi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Institute for Structural Biology and Drug Discovery, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298, USA
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29
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Al-Horani RA, Ponnusamy P, Mehta AY, Gailani D, Desai UR. Sulfated pentagalloylglucoside is a potent, allosteric, and selective inhibitor of factor XIa. J Med Chem 2013; 56:867-78. [PMID: 23316863 DOI: 10.1021/jm301338q] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Inhibition of factor XIa (FXIa) is a novel paradigm for developing anticoagulants without major bleeding consequences. We present the discovery of sulfated pentagalloylglucoside (6) as a highly selective inhibitor of human FXIa. Biochemical screening of a focused library led to the identification of 6, a sulfated aromatic mimetic of heparin. Inhibitor 6 displayed a potency of 551 nM against FXIa, which was at least 200-fold more selective than other relevant enzymes. It also prevented activation of factor IX and prolonged human plasma and whole blood clotting. Inhibitor 6 reduced V(MAX) of FXIa hydrolysis of chromogenic substrate without affecting the K(M), suggesting an allosteric mechanism. Competitive studies showed that 6 bound in the heparin-binding site of FXIa. No allosteric small molecule has been discovered to date that exhibits equivalent potency against FXIa. Inhibitor 6 is expected to open up a major route to allosteric FXIa anticoagulants with clinical relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rami A Al-Horani
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Institute for Structural Biology and Drug Discovery, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23219, USA
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30
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Sidhu PS, Mosier PD, Zhou Q, Desai UR. On scaffold hopping: challenges in the discovery of sulfated small molecules as mimetics of glycosaminoglycans. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2012; 23:355-9. [PMID: 23164711 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2012.10.079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2012] [Revised: 10/04/2012] [Accepted: 10/15/2012] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The design of sulfated, small, nonsaccharide molecules as modulators of proteins is still in its infancy as standard drug discovery tools such as library of diverse sulfated molecules and in silico docking and scoring protocol have not been firmly established. Databases, such as ZINC, contain too few sulfate-containing nonsaccharide molecules, which severely limits the identification of new hits. Lack of a generally applicable protocol for scaffold hopping limits the development of sulfated small molecules as synthetic mimetics of the highly sulfated glycosaminoglycans. We explored a sequential ligand-based (LBVS) and structure-based virtual screening (SBVS) approach starting from our initial discovery of monosulfated benzofurans to discover alternative scaffolds as allosteric modulators of thrombin, a key coagulation enzyme. Screening the ZINC database containing nearly 1 million nonsulfated small molecules using a pharmacophore developed from the parent sulfated benzofurans followed by a genetic algorithm-based dual-filter docking and scoring screening identified a group of 10 promising hits, of which three top-scoring hits were synthesized. Each was found to selectively inhibit human alpha-thrombin suggesting the possibility of this approach for scaffold hopping. Michaelis-Menten kinetics showed allosteric inhibition mechanism for the best molecule and human plasma studies confirmed good anticoagulation potential as expected. Our simple sequential LBVS and SBVS approach is likely to be useful as a general strategy for identification of sulfated small molecules hits as modulators of glycosaminoglycan-protein interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Preetpal S Sidhu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Institute for Structural Biology and Drug Discovery, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23219, United States
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31
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Al-Horani RA, Mehta AY, Desai UR. Potent direct inhibitors of factor Xa based on the tetrahydroisoquinoline scaffold. Eur J Med Chem 2012; 54:771-83. [PMID: 22770607 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2012.06.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2012] [Revised: 06/12/2012] [Accepted: 06/15/2012] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Direct inhibition of coagulation factor Xa (FXa) carries significant promise for developing effective and safe anticoagulants. Although a large number of FXa inhibitors have been studied, each can be classified as either possessing a highly flexible or a rigid core scaffold. We reasoned that an intermediate level of flexibility will provide high selectivity for FXa considering that its active site is less constrained in comparison to thrombin and more constrained as compared to trypsin. We studied several core scaffolds including 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid for direct FXa inhibition. Using a genetic algorithm-based docking and scoring approach, a promising candidate 23 was identified, synthesized, and found to inhibit FXa with a K(i) of 28 μM. Optimization of derivative 23 resulted in the design of a potent dicarboxamide 47, which displayed a K(i) of 135 nM. Dicarboxamide 47 displayed at least 1852-fold selectivity for FXa inhibition over other coagulation enzymes and doubled PT and aPTT of human plasma at 17.1 μM and 20.2 μM, respectively, which are comparable to those of clinically relevant agents. Dicarboxamide 47 is expected to serve as an excellent lead for further anticoagulant discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rami A Al-Horani
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Institute for Structural Biology and Drug Discovery, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
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Electronically Rich N-Substituted Tetrahydroisoquinoline 3-Carboxylic Acid Esters: Concise Synthesis and Conformational Studies. Tetrahedron 2012; 68:2027-2040. [PMID: 22665943 DOI: 10.1016/j.tet.2012.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Recent work in our laboratory has shown that the highly substituted, electronically rich 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid (THIQ3CA) scaffold is a key building block for a novel class of promising anticoagulants (Al-Horani et al. J. Med. Chem.2011, 54, 6125-6138). The synthesis of THIQ3CA analogs, especially containing specific, electronically rich substituents, has been a challenge and essentially no efficient methods have been reported in the literature. We describe three complementary, glycine donor-based strategies for high yielding synthesis of highly substituted, electronically rich THIQ3CA esters. Three glycine donors studied herein include hydantoin 1, (±)-Boc-α-phosphonoglycine trimethyl ester 2 and (±)-Z-α-phosphonoglycine trimethyl ester 3. Although the synthesis of THIQ3CA analogs could be achieved using either of the three, an optimal, high yielding approach for the desired THIQ3CA esters was best achieved using 3 in three mild, efficient steps. Using this approach, a focused library of advanced N-arylacyl, N-arylalkyl, and bis-THIQ3CA analogs was synthesized. Variable temperature and solvent-dependent NMR chemical shift studies indicated the presence of two major conformational rotamers in 3:1 proportion for N-arylacyl-THIQ3CA analogs, which were separated by a high kinetic barrier of ~17 kcal/mol. In contrast, N-arylalkyl and bis-THIQ3CA variants displayed no rotamerism, which implicates restricted rotation around the amide bond as the origin for high-barrier conformational interconversion. This phenomenon is of major significance because structure-based drug design typically utilizes only one conformation. Overall, the work presents fundamental studies on the synthesis and conformational properties of highly substituted, electronically rich THIQ3CA analogs.
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