1
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Liang J, Lambrecht MJ, Arenzana TL, Aubert-Nicol S, Bao L, Broccatelli F, Cai J, Eidenschenk C, Everett C, Garner T, Gruber F, Haghshenas P, Huestis MP, Hsu PL, Kou P, Jakalian A, Larouche-Gauthier R, Leclerc JP, Leung DH, Martin A, Murray J, Prangley M, Rutz S, Kakiuchi-Kiyota S, Satz AL, Skelton NJ, Steffek M, Stoffler D, Sudhamsu J, Tan S, Wang J, Wang S, Wang Q, Wendorff TJ, Wichert M, Yadav A, Yu C, Wang X. Optimization of a Novel DEL Hit That Binds in the Cbl-b SH2 Domain and Blocks Substrate Binding. ACS Med Chem Lett 2024; 15:864-872. [PMID: 38894924 PMCID: PMC11181488 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.4c00068] [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: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
We were attracted to the therapeutic potential of inhibiting Casitas B-lineage lymphoma proto-oncogene-b (Cbl-b), a RING E3 ligase that plays a critical role in regulating the activation of T cells. However, given that only protein-protein interactions were involved, it was unclear whether inhibition by a small molecule would be a viable approach. After screening an ∼6 billion member DNA-encoded library (DEL) using activated Cbl-b, we identified compound 1 as a hit for which the cis-isomer (2) was confirmed by biochemical and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) assays. Our hit optimization effort was greatly accelerated when we obtained a cocrystal structure of 2 with Cbl-b, which demonstrated induced binding at the substrate binding site, namely, the Src homology-2 (SH2) domain. This was quite noteworthy given that there are few reports of small molecule inhibitors that bind to SH2 domains and block protein-protein interactions. Structure- and property-guided optimization led to compound 27, which demonstrated measurable cell activity, albeit only at high concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Liang
- Genentech,
Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Michael J. Lambrecht
- Genentech,
Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Teresita L. Arenzana
- Genentech,
Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | | | - Linda Bao
- Genentech,
Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Fabio Broccatelli
- Genentech,
Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Jianping Cai
- Roche
Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED), Roche Innovation Center
Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Celine Eidenschenk
- Genentech,
Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Christine Everett
- Genentech,
Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Thomas Garner
- Genentech,
Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Felix Gruber
- Roche
Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED), Roche Innovation Center
Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Pouyan Haghshenas
- Paraza
Pharma, 2525 Avenue Marie-Curie, Montreal, Quebec H4S 2E1, Canada
| | - Malcolm P. Huestis
- Genentech,
Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Peter L. Hsu
- Genentech,
Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Ponien Kou
- Genentech,
Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Araz Jakalian
- Paraza
Pharma, 2525 Avenue Marie-Curie, Montreal, Quebec H4S 2E1, Canada
| | | | | | - Dennis H. Leung
- Genentech,
Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Aaron Martin
- Genentech,
Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Jeremy Murray
- Genentech,
Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Madeleine Prangley
- Genentech,
Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Sascha Rutz
- Genentech,
Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | | | - Alexander Lee Satz
- Roche
Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED), Roche Innovation Center
Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nicholas J. Skelton
- Genentech,
Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Micah Steffek
- Genentech,
Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Daniel Stoffler
- Roche
Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED), Roche Innovation Center
Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jawahar Sudhamsu
- Genentech,
Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Sophia Tan
- Genentech,
Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Jian Wang
- WuXi
AppTec Co., Ltd. 288
Fute Zhong Road, Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone, Shanghai, 200131, P. R. China
| | - Shouliang Wang
- WuXi
AppTec Co., Ltd. 288
Fute Zhong Road, Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone, Shanghai, 200131, P. R. China
| | - Qiuyue Wang
- WuXi
AppTec Co., Ltd. 288
Fute Zhong Road, Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone, Shanghai, 200131, P. R. China
| | - Timothy J. Wendorff
- Genentech,
Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Moreno Wichert
- Roche
Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED), Roche Innovation Center
Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Arun Yadav
- Paraza
Pharma, 2525 Avenue Marie-Curie, Montreal, Quebec H4S 2E1, Canada
| | - Christine Yu
- Genentech,
Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Xiaojing Wang
- Genentech,
Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
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2
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Vekariya U, Toma M, Nieborowska-Skorska M, Le BV, Caron MC, Kukuyan AM, Sullivan-Reed K, Podszywalow-Bartnicka P, Chitrala KN, Atkins J, Drzewiecka M, Feng W, Chan J, Chatla S, Golovine K, Jelinek J, Sliwinski T, Ghosh J, Matlawska-Wasowska K, Chandramouly G, Nejati R, Wasik M, Sykes SM, Piwocka K, Hadzijusufovic E, Valent P, Pomerantz RT, Morton G, Childers W, Zhao H, Paietta EM, Levine RL, Tallman MS, Fernandez HF, Litzow MR, Gupta GP, Masson JY, Skorski T. DNA polymerase θ protects leukemia cells from metabolically induced DNA damage. Blood 2023; 141:2372-2389. [PMID: 36580665 PMCID: PMC10273171 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2022018428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Leukemia cells accumulate DNA damage, but altered DNA repair mechanisms protect them from apoptosis. We showed here that formaldehyde generated by serine/1-carbon cycle metabolism contributed to the accumulation of toxic DNA-protein crosslinks (DPCs) in leukemia cells, especially in driver clones harboring oncogenic tyrosine kinases (OTKs: FLT3(internal tandem duplication [ITD]), JAK2(V617F), BCR-ABL1). To counteract this effect, OTKs enhanced the expression of DNA polymerase theta (POLθ) via ERK1/2 serine/threonine kinase-dependent inhibition of c-CBL E3 ligase-mediated ubiquitination of POLθ and its proteasomal degradation. Overexpression of POLθ in OTK-positive cells resulted in the efficient repair of DPC-containing DNA double-strand breaks by POLθ-mediated end-joining. The transforming activities of OTKs and other leukemia-inducing oncogenes, especially of those causing the inhibition of BRCA1/2-mediated homologous recombination with and without concomitant inhibition of DNA-PK-dependent nonhomologous end-joining, was abrogated in Polq-/- murine bone marrow cells. Genetic and pharmacological targeting of POLθ polymerase and helicase activities revealed that both activities are promising targets in leukemia cells. Moreover, OTK inhibitors or DPC-inducing drug etoposide enhanced the antileukemia effect of POLθ inhibitor in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, we demonstrated that POLθ plays an essential role in protecting leukemia cells from metabolically induced toxic DNA lesions triggered by formaldehyde, and it can be targeted to achieve a therapeutic effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umeshkumar Vekariya
- Fels Cancer Institute for Personalized Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Monika Toma
- Fels Cancer Institute for Personalized Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Margaret Nieborowska-Skorska
- Fels Cancer Institute for Personalized Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Bac Viet Le
- Fels Cancer Institute for Personalized Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Marie-Christine Caron
- CHU de Québec Research Centre (Oncology Division) and Laval University Cancer Research Center, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Anna-Mariya Kukuyan
- Fels Cancer Institute for Personalized Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Katherine Sullivan-Reed
- Fels Cancer Institute for Personalized Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
| | | | - Kumaraswamy N. Chitrala
- Fels Cancer Institute for Personalized Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Jessica Atkins
- Fels Cancer Institute for Personalized Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Malgorzata Drzewiecka
- Fels Cancer Institute for Personalized Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Wanjuan Feng
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Joe Chan
- Fels Cancer Institute for Personalized Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Srinivas Chatla
- Fels Cancer Institute for Personalized Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Konstantin Golovine
- Fels Cancer Institute for Personalized Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
| | | | - Tomasz Sliwinski
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Jayashri Ghosh
- Fels Cancer Institute for Personalized Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
| | | | - Gurushankar Chandramouly
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Reza Nejati
- Department of Pathology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Mariusz Wasik
- Department of Pathology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Stephen M. Sykes
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Washington University at St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
| | - Katarzyna Piwocka
- Laboratory of Cytometry, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Emir Hadzijusufovic
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Hematology and Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Division of Hematology and Hemostaseology, Department of Internal Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department for Companion Animals & Horses, Clinic for Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Valent
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Hematology and Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Division of Hematology and Hemostaseology, Department of Internal Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Richard T. Pomerantz
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - George Morton
- Moulder Center for Drug Discovery, Temple University School of Pharmacy, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Wayne Childers
- Moulder Center for Drug Discovery, Temple University School of Pharmacy, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Huaqing Zhao
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Elisabeth M. Paietta
- Department of Oncology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine-Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY
| | - Ross L. Levine
- Center for Hematologic Malignancies, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Martin S. Tallman
- Center for Hematologic Malignancies, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Hugo F. Fernandez
- Moffitt Malignant Hematology & Cellular Therapy at Memorial Healthcare System, Pembroke Pines, FL
| | - Mark R. Litzow
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Gaorav P. Gupta
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Jean-Yves Masson
- CHU de Québec Research Centre (Oncology Division) and Laval University Cancer Research Center, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Tomasz Skorski
- Fels Cancer Institute for Personalized Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
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3
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Wilson BAP, Voeller D, Smith EA, Wamiru A, Goncharova EI, Liu G, Lipkowitz S, O’Keefe BR. In Vitro Ubiquitination Platform Identifies Methyl Ellipticiniums as Ubiquitin Ligase Inhibitors. SLAS DISCOVERY : ADVANCING LIFE SCIENCES R & D 2021; 26:870-884. [PMID: 33882749 PMCID: PMC9907454 DOI: 10.1177/24725552211000675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The transfer of the small protein ubiquitin to a target protein is an intricately orchestrated process called ubiquitination that results in modulation of protein function or stability. Proper regulation of ubiquitination is essential, and dysregulation of this process is implicated in several human diseases. An example of a ubiquitination cascade that is a central signaling node in important disease-associated pathways is that of CBLB [a human homolog of a viral oncogene Casitas B-lineage lymphoma (CBL) from the Cas NS-1 murine retrovirus], a RING finger ubiquitin ligase (E3) whose substrates include a number of important cell-signaling kinases. These include kinases important in immune function that act in the T cell receptor and costimulatory pathways, the Tyro/Axl/MerTK (TAM) receptor family in natural killer (NK) cells, as well as growth factor receptor kinases like epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Loss of CBLB has been shown to increase innate and adaptive antitumor immunity. This suggests that small-molecule modulation of CBLB E3 activity could enhance antitumor immunity in patients. To explore the hypothesis that enzymatic inhibition of E3s may result in modulation of disease-related signaling pathways, we established a high-throughput screen of >70,000 chemical entities for inhibition of CBLB activity. Although CBLB was chosen as a proof-of-principle target for inhibitor discovery, we demonstrate that our assay is generalizable to monitoring the activity of other ubiquitin ligases. We further extended our observed in vitro inhibition with additional cell-based models of CBLB activity. From these studies, we demonstrate that a class of natural product-based alkaloids, known as methyl ellipticiniums (MEs), is capable of inhibiting ubiquitin ligases intracellularly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brice A. P. Wilson
- Molecular Targets Program, Center for Cancer Research,
National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Donna Voeller
- Women’s Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer
Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD,
USA
| | - Emily A. Smith
- Molecular Targets Program, Center for Cancer Research,
National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, USA
- Basic Science Program, Leidos Biomedical Research,
Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Antony Wamiru
- Molecular Targets Program, Center for Cancer Research,
National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, USA
- Basic Science Program, Leidos Biomedical Research,
Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Ekaterina I. Goncharova
- Molecular Targets Program, Center for Cancer Research,
National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, USA
- Advanced Biomedical Computational Science, Frederick
National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Gang Liu
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences,
School of Medicine, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical
Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences,
Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Stanley Lipkowitz
- Women’s Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer
Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD,
USA
| | - Barry R. O’Keefe
- Molecular Targets Program, Center for Cancer Research,
National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, USA
- Natural Products Branch, Developmental Therapeutics
Program, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute,
Frederick, MD, USA
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4
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Hu LB, Hu XQ, Zhang Q, You QD, Jiang ZY. An affinity prediction approach for the ligand of E3 ligase Cbl-b and an insight into substrate binding pattern. Bioorg Med Chem 2021; 38:116130. [PMID: 33848699 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2021.116130] [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: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) are essentially fundamental to all cellular processes, so that developing small molecule inhibitors of PPIs have great significance despite representing a huge challenge. Studying PPIs with the help of peptide motifs could obtain the structural information and reference significance to reduce the difficulty in the development of small molecules. Computational methods are powerful tools to characterize peptide-protein interactions, especially molecular dynamics simulation and binding free energy calculation. Here, we established an affinity prediction model suitable for Casitas B lymphoma-b (Cbl-b) and phosphorylated motif system. According to the affinity data set of multiple truncated peptides, the force field, solvent model, and internal dielectric constant of molecular mechanics/generalized Born surface area (MM/GBSA) method were optimized. Further, we predicted the affinity of the rationally designed new sequences through this model and obtained a new 6-mer motif with a 7-fold increase in affinity and the comprehensive structure-activity relationship. Moreover, we proposed an insight of unexpected activity of the truncated 5-mer peptide and revealed the possible binding mode of the new highly active 6-mer motif by extended simulation. Our results showed that the activity enhancement of the truncated peptide was caused by the acetyl-mediated conformation change. The side chain of Arg and pTyr in the 6-mer motif co-occupied the site p1 to form numerous hydrogen bond interactions and increased hydrophobic interaction formed with Tyr266, leading to the higher affinity. The present work provided a reference to investigate the PPI of Cbl-b and phosphorylated substrates and guided the development of Cbl-b inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lv-Bin Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Xiu-Qi Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Qiong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Qi-Dong You
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Zheng-Yu Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
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5
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Synthesis of aminopyrazole analogs and their evaluation as CDK inhibitors for cancer therapy. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2018; 28:3736-3740. [PMID: 30343954 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2018.10.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2018] [Revised: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 10/14/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
We synthesized a library of aminopyrazole analogs to systematically explore the hydrophobic pocket adjacent to the hinge region and the solvent exposed region of cyclin dependent kinases. Structure-activity relationship studies identified an optimal substitution for the hydrophobic pocket and analog 24 as a potent and selective CDK2/5 inhibitor.
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6
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Neves LF, Duan J, Voelker A, Khanal A, McNally L, Steinbach-Rankins J, Ceresa BP. Preparation and optimisation of anionic liposomes for delivery of small peptides and cDNA to human corneal epithelial cells. J Microencapsul 2016; 33:391-9. [PMID: 27530524 DOI: 10.1080/02652048.2016.1202343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Drug delivery to corneal epithelial cells is challenging due to the intrinsic mechanisms that protect the eye. Here, we report a novel liposomal formulation to encapsulate and deliver a short sequence peptide into human corneal epithelial cells (hTCEpi). Using a mixture of Phosphatidylcholine/Caproylamine/Dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine (PC/CAP/DOPE), we encapsulated a fluorescent peptide, resulting in anionic liposomes with an average size of 138.8 ± 34 nm and a charge of -18.2 ± 1.3 mV. After 2 h incubation with the peptide-encapsulated liposomes, 66% of corneal epithelial (hTCEpi) cells internalised the FITC-labelled peptide, demonstrating the ability of this formulation to effectively deliver peptide to hTCEpi cells. Additionally, lipoplexes (liposomes complexed with plasmid DNA) were also able to transfect hTCEpi cells, albeit at a modest level (8% of the cells). Here, we describe this novel anionic liposomal formulation intended to enhance the delivery of small cargo molecules in situ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luís F Neves
- a Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology , University of Louisville , Louisville , KY , USA
| | - Jinghua Duan
- b Department of Bioengineering , University of Louisville , Louisville , KY , USA ;,c Centre for Predictive Medicine , University of Louisville , Louisville , KY , USA
| | - Adrienne Voelker
- a Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology , University of Louisville , Louisville , KY , USA
| | - Anil Khanal
- d Brown Cancer Centre , University of Louisville , Louisville , KY , USA
| | - Lacey McNally
- d Brown Cancer Centre , University of Louisville , Louisville , KY , USA
| | - Jill Steinbach-Rankins
- a Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology , University of Louisville , Louisville , KY , USA ;,b Department of Bioengineering , University of Louisville , Louisville , KY , USA ;,c Centre for Predictive Medicine , University of Louisville , Louisville , KY , USA
| | - Brian P Ceresa
- a Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology , University of Louisville , Louisville , KY , USA ;,d Brown Cancer Centre , University of Louisville , Louisville , KY , USA
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7
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Wu M, Sun L, Pessetto ZY, Zang Z, Xie X, Zhong L, Su Q, Zan W, Gao X, Zhao Y, Sun Y. Casitas B-Lineage Lymphoma RING Domain Inhibitors Protect Mice against High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity and Insulin Resistance. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0135916. [PMID: 26296084 PMCID: PMC4546618 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0135916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2014] [Accepted: 07/28/2015] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The casitas b-lineage lymphoma (c-Cbl) is an important adaptor protein with an intrinsic E3 ubiquitin ligase activity that interacts with E2 proteins such as UbCH7. c-Cbl plays a vital role in regulating receptor tyrosine kinase signaling. c-Cbl involves in whole-body energy homeostasis, which makes it a potential target for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity. In the present study, we have designed two parental peptides and 55 modified peptides based on the structure of UbCH7 loop L1 and L2. Thirteen of the modified peptides showed increased inhibitory activity in a fluorescence polarization-based assay. In the in vivo proof of study principle, mice treated with peptides 10, 34, 49 and 51 were protected against high-fat diet-induced obesity and insulin resistant. These inhibitors may potentially lead to new therapeutic alternatives for obesity and type 2 diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, Chengdu Medical College. Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Lin Sun
- West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Ziyan Yuan Pessetto
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Univerisity of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States of America
| | - Zhihe Zang
- Department of Pharmacy, Chengdu Medical College. Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Xingliang Xie
- Department of Pharmacy, Chengdu Medical College. Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Ling Zhong
- Department of Pharmacy, Chengdu Medical College. Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Qing Su
- Department of Pharmacy, Chengdu Medical College. Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Wang Zan
- Department of Pharmacy, Chengdu Medical College. Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Xiurong Gao
- Department of Pharmacy, Chengdu Medical College. Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Yan Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, Chengdu Medical College. Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Yiyi Sun
- Department of Pharmacy, Chengdu Medical College. Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
- * E-mail:
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8
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Liyasova MS, Ma K, Lipkowitz S. Molecular pathways: cbl proteins in tumorigenesis and antitumor immunity-opportunities for cancer treatment. Clin Cancer Res 2015; 21:1789-94. [PMID: 25477533 PMCID: PMC4401614 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-13-2490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2014] [Accepted: 11/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The Cbl proteins are a family of ubiquitin ligases (E3s) that regulate signaling through many tyrosine kinase-dependent pathways. A predominant function is to negatively regulate receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) signaling by ubiquitination of active RTKs, targeting them for trafficking to the lysosome for degradation. Also, Cbl-mediated ubiquitination can regulate signaling protein function by altered cellular localization of proteins without degradation. In addition to their role as E3s, Cbl proteins play a positive role in signaling by acting as adaptor proteins that can recruit signaling molecules to the active RTKs. Cbl-b, a second family member, negatively regulates the costimulatory pathway of CD8 T cells and also negatively regulates natural killer cell function. The different functions of Cbl proteins and their roles both in the development of cancer and the regulation of immune responses provide multiple therapeutic opportunities. Mutations in Cbl that inactivate the negative E3 function while maintaining the positive adaptor function have been described in approximately 5% of myeloid neoplasms. An improved understanding of how the signaling pathways [e.g., Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 (Flt3), PI3K, and signal transducer and activator of transcription (Stat)] are dysregulated by these mutations in Cbl has helped to identify potential targets for therapy of myeloid neoplasms. Conversely, the loss of Cbl-b leads to increased adaptive and innate antitumor immunity, suggesting that inhibiting Cbl-b may be a means to increase antitumor immunity across a wide variety of tumors. Thus, targeting the pathways regulated by Cbl proteins may provide attractive opportunities for treating cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariya S Liyasova
- Women's Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Ke Ma
- Women's Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Stanley Lipkowitz
- Women's Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland.
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9
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Rana S, Blowers EC, Natarajan A. Small molecule adenosine 5'-monophosphate activated protein kinase (AMPK) modulators and human diseases. J Med Chem 2014; 58:2-29. [PMID: 25122135 DOI: 10.1021/jm401994c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Adenosine 5'-monophosphate activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a master sensor of cellular energy status that plays a key role in the regulation of whole-body energy homeostasis. AMPK is a serine/threonine kinase that is activated by upstream kinases LKB1, CaMKKβ, and Tak1, among others. AMPK exists as αβγ trimeric complexes that are allosterically regulated by AMP, ADP, and ATP. Dysregulation of AMPK has been implicated in a number of metabolic diseases including type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity. Recent studies have associated roles of AMPK with the development of cancer and neurological disorders, making it a potential therapeutic target to treat human diseases. This review focuses on the structure and function of AMPK, its role in human diseases, and its direct substrates and provides a brief synopsis of key AMPK modulators and their relevance in human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandeep Rana
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center , Omaha, Nebraska 68198-6805, United States
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10
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Kumar EA, Chen Q, Kizhake S, Kolar C, Kang M, Chang CEA, Borgstahl GEO, Natarajan A. The paradox of conformational constraint in the design of Cbl(TKB)-binding peptides. Sci Rep 2014; 3:1639. [PMID: 23572190 PMCID: PMC3965358 DOI: 10.1038/srep01639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2013] [Accepted: 03/22/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Solving the crystal structure of Cbl(TKB) in complex with a pentapeptide, pYTPEP, revealed that the PEP region adopted a poly-L-proline type II (PPII) helix. An unnatural amino acid termed a proline-templated glutamic acid (ptE) that constrained both the backbone and sidechain to the bound conformation was synthesized and incorporated into the pYTPXP peptide. We estimated imposing structural constraints onto the backbone and sidechain of the peptide and preorganize it to the bound conformation in solution will yield nearly an order of magnitude improvement in activity. NMR studies confirmed that the ptE-containing peptide adopts the PPII conformation, however, competitive binding studies showed an order of magnitude loss of activity. Given the emphasis that is placed on imposing structural constraints, we provide an example to support the contrary. These results point to conformational flexibility at the interface, which have implications in the design of potent Cbl(TKB)-binding peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric A Kumar
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68022, United States
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11
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Xie X, Sun L, Pessetto ZY, Zhao Y, Zang Z, Zhong L, Wu M, Su Q, Gao X, Zan W, Sun Y. Development of a fluorescence polarization based high-throughput assay to identify Casitas B-lineage lymphoma RING domain regulators. PLoS One 2013; 8:e78042. [PMID: 24205080 PMCID: PMC3814989 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0078042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2013] [Accepted: 09/17/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The E3 ubiquitin protein ligase Casitas B-lineage Lymphoma (Cbl) proteins and their binding partners play an important role in regulating signal transduction pathways. It is important to utilize regulators to study the protein-protein interactions (PPIs) between these proteins. However, finding specific small-molecule regulators of PPIs remains a significant challenge due to the fact that the interfaces involved in PPIs are not well suited for effective small molecule binding. We report the development of a competitive, homogeneous, high-throughput fluorescence polarization (FP) assay to identify small molecule regulators of Cbl (RING) domain. The FP assay was used to measure binding affinities and inhibition constants of UbCH7 peptides and small molecule regulators of Cbl (RING) domains, respectively. In order to rule out promiscuous, aggregation-based inhibition, two assay conditions were developed and compared side by side. Under optimized conditions, we screened a 10,000 natural compound library in detergent-free and detergent-present (0.01% Triton X-100) systems. The results indicate that the detergent-present system is more suitable for high-throughput screens. Three potential compounds, methylprotodioscin, leonuride and catalpol, have been identified that bind to Cbl (RING) domain and interfere with the Cbl (RING)-UbCH7 protein-protein interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingliang Xie
- Department of Pharmacy, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Lin Sun
- West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Ziyan Yuan Pessetto
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Univerisity of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansasa, United States of America
| | - Yan Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Zhihe Zang
- Department of Pharmacy, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Ling Zhong
- Department of Pharmacy, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Min Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Qing Su
- Department of Pharmacy, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Xiurong Gao
- Department of Pharmacy, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Wang Zan
- Department of Pharmacy, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Yiyi Sun
- Department of Pharmacy, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
- * E-mail:
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12
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Sévère N, Marie P. [Implication of the ubiquitin ligase c-Cbl in bone formation and tumorigenesis]. Med Sci (Paris) 2012; 28:970-5. [PMID: 23171901 DOI: 10.1051/medsci/20122811016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Cbl ubiquitin ligases are important molecules that control the process of ubiquitination and degradation of proteins by the proteasome. Because this process regulates several intracellular mechanisms, alterations in Cbl activity lead to several pathologies including cancer. In bone, the c-Cbl ubiquitin ligase is known to control osteoclast activity. Our studies indicate that c-Cbl also regulates osteoblast proliferation, differentiation and survival. We recently showed that inhibition of c-Cbl activity using a c-Cbl mutant leads to promote osteoblast differentiation in mesenchymal stromal cells as a consequence of increased receptor tyrosine kinase expression. Conversely, we found that overexpression of c-Cbl leads to inhibit osteosarcoma cell proliferation and tumorigenesis through downregulation of these receptors. Thus, the use of pharmacological agents capable of modulating c-Cbl activity may be of therapeutic interest for promoting bone formation in normal bone, or to reduce tumorigenesis in primary bone cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Sévère
- Université Paris-Diderot Sorbonne Paris-Cité, Paris, France
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