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Gómez-Deza J, Nebiyou M, Alkaslasi MR, Nadal-Nicolás FM, Somasundaran P, Slavutsky AL, Ward ME, Li W, Watkins TA, Le Pichon CE. DLK-dependent axonal mitochondrial fission drives degeneration following axotomy. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.01.30.526132. [PMID: 36778383 PMCID: PMC9915495 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.30.526132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Currently there are no effective treatments for an array of neurodegenerative disorders to a large part because cell-based models fail to recapitulate disease. Here we developed a reproducible human iPSC-based model where laser axotomy causes retrograde axon degeneration leading to neuronal cell death. Time-lapse confocal imaging revealed that damage triggers an apoptotic wave of mitochondrial fission proceeding from the site of injury to the soma. We demonstrated that this apoptotic wave is locally initiated in the axon by dual leucine zipper kinase (DLK). We found that mitochondrial fission and resultant cell death are entirely dependent on phosphorylation of dynamin related protein 1 (DRP1) downstream of DLK, revealing a new mechanism by which DLK can drive apoptosis. Importantly, we show that CRISPR mediated Drp1 depletion protected mouse retinal ganglion neurons from degeneration after optic nerve crush. Our results provide a powerful platform for studying degeneration of human neurons, pinpoint key early events in damage related neural death and new focus for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Gómez-Deza
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States
| | - Matthew Nebiyou
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States
| | - Mor R Alkaslasi
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States
| | | | | | - Anastasia L Slavutsky
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States
| | - Michael E Ward
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States
| | - Wei Li
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States
| | - Trent A Watkins
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
- Department of Neurology, University of California at San Francisco
| | - Claire E Le Pichon
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States
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2
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Koirala S, Samanta S, Kar P. Identification of inhibitors for neurodegenerative diseases targeting dual leucine zipper kinase through virtual screening and molecular dynamics simulations. SAR AND QSAR IN ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 35:457-482. [PMID: 38855951 DOI: 10.1080/1062936x.2024.2363195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases lead to a gradual decline in cognitive and motor functions due to the progressive loss of neurons in the central nervous system. The role of dual leucine zipper kinase (DLK) in regulating stress responses and neuronal death pathways highlights its significance as a target against neurodegenerative diseases. The non-availability of FDA-approved drugs emphasizes a need to identify novel DLK-inhibitors. We screened NPAtlas (Natural products) and MedChemExpress (FDA-approved) libraries to identify potent ATP-competitive DLK inhibitors. ADMET analyses identified four compounds (two natural products and two FDA-approved) with favourable features. Subsequently, we performed molecular dynamics simulations to examine the binding-stability and ligand-induced conformational dynamics. Molecular mechanics Poisson Boltzmann surface area (MM-PBSA) calculations demonstrated CID139591660, dithranol, and danthron having greater affinity, while CID156581477 showed lower affinity than control sunitinib. PCA and network analysis results indicated structural and network alteration post-ligand binding. Furthermore, we identified an analogue of CID156581477 using the deep learning-based web server DeLA Drug which demonstrated a higher affinity than its parent compound and the control and identified several crucial interacting residues. Overall, our study provides significant theoretical guidance for designing potent novel DLK inhibitors and compounds that could emerge as promising drug candidates against DLK following laboratory validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Koirala
- Department of Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Indore, India
| | - S Samanta
- Department of Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Indore, India
| | - P Kar
- Department of Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Indore, India
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Zhang X, Jeong H, Niu J, Holland SM, Rotanz BN, Gordon J, Einarson MB, Childers WE, Thomas GM. Novel inhibitors of acute, axonal DLK palmitoylation are neuroprotective and avoid the deleterious side effects of cell-wide DLK inhibition. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.19.590310. [PMID: 38712276 PMCID: PMC11071345 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.19.590310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Dual leucine-zipper kinase (DLK) drives acute and chronic forms of neurodegeneration, suggesting that inhibiting DLK signaling could ameliorate diverse neuropathological conditions. However, direct inhibition of DLK's kinase domain in human patients and conditional knockout of DLK in mice both cause unintended side effects, including elevated plasma neurofilament levels, indicative of neuronal cytoskeletal disruption. Indeed, we found that a DLK kinase domain inhibitor acutely disrupted the axonal cytoskeleton and caused vesicle aggregation in cultured dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons, further cautioning against this therapeutic strategy. In seeking a more precise intervention, we found that retrograde (axon-to-soma) pro-degenerative signaling requires acute, axonal palmitoylation of DLK and hypothesized that modulating this post-translational modification might be more specifically neuroprotective than cell-wide DLK inhibition. To address this possibility, we screened >28,000 compounds using a high-content imaging assay that quantitatively evaluates DLK's palmitoylation-dependent subcellular localization. Of the 33 hits that significantly altered DLK localization in non-neuronal cells, several reduced DLK retrograde signaling and protected cultured DRG neurons from DLK-dependent neurodegeneration. Mechanistically, the two most neuroprotective compounds selectively prevent stimulus-dependent palmitoylation of axonal pools of DLK, a process crucial for DLK's recruitment to axonal vesicles. In contrast, these compounds minimally impact DLK localization and signaling in healthy neurons and avoid the cytoskeletal disruption associated with direct DLK inhibition. Importantly, our hit compounds also reduce pro-degenerative retrograde signaling in vivo, suggesting that modulating DLK's palmitoylation-dependent localization could be a novel neuroprotective strategy.
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Köster KA, Dethlefs M, Duque Escobar J, Oetjen E. Regulation of the Activity of the Dual Leucine Zipper Kinase by Distinct Mechanisms. Cells 2024; 13:333. [PMID: 38391946 PMCID: PMC10886912 DOI: 10.3390/cells13040333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The dual leucine zipper kinase (DLK) alias mitogen-activated protein 3 kinase 12 (MAP3K12) has gained much attention in recent years. DLK belongs to the mixed lineage kinases, characterized by homology to serine/threonine and tyrosine kinase, but exerts serine/threonine kinase activity. DLK has been implicated in many diseases, including several neurodegenerative diseases, glaucoma, and diabetes mellitus. As a MAP3K, it is generally assumed that DLK becomes phosphorylated and activated by upstream signals and phosphorylates and activates itself, the downstream serine/threonine MAP2K, and, ultimately, MAPK. In addition, other mechanisms such as protein-protein interactions, proteasomal degradation, dephosphorylation by various phosphatases, palmitoylation, and subcellular localization have been shown to be involved in the regulation of DLK activity or its fine-tuning. In the present review, the diverse mechanisms regulating DLK activity will be summarized to provide better insights into DLK action and, possibly, new targets to modulate DLK function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyra-Alexandra Köster
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; (K.-A.K.); (M.D.)
- DZHK Standort Hamburg, Kiel, Lübeck, Germany;
| | - Marten Dethlefs
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; (K.-A.K.); (M.D.)
- DZHK Standort Hamburg, Kiel, Lübeck, Germany;
| | - Jorge Duque Escobar
- DZHK Standort Hamburg, Kiel, Lübeck, Germany;
- University Center of Cardiovascular Science, Department of Cardiology, University Heart & Vascular Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Elke Oetjen
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; (K.-A.K.); (M.D.)
- DZHK Standort Hamburg, Kiel, Lübeck, Germany;
- Institute of Pharmacy, University of Hamburg, 20146 Hamburg, Germany
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Kim S, Quagraine Y, Singh M, Kim JH. Rab11 suppresses neuronal stress signaling by localizing Dual leucine zipper kinase to axon terminals for protein turnover. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.04.18.537392. [PMID: 37131782 PMCID: PMC10153120 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.18.537392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Dual Leucine Zipper Kinase (DLK) mediates multiple neuronal stress responses, and its expression levels are constantly suppressed to prevent excessive stress signaling. We found that Wallenda (Wnd), the Drosophila ortholog of DLK, is highly enriched in the axon terminals of Drosophila sensory neurons in vivo and that this subcellular localization is necessary for Highwire-mediated Wnd protein turnover under normal conditions. Our structure-function analysis found that Wnd palmitoylation is essential for its axon terminal localization. Palmitoylation-defective Wnd accumulated in neuronal cell bodies, exhibited dramatically increased protein expression levels, and triggered excessive neuronal stress responses. Defective intracellular transport is implicated in neurodegenerative conditions. Comprehensive dominant-negative Rab protein screening identified Rab11 as an essential factor for Wnd localization in axon terminals. Consequently, Rab11 loss-of-function increased the protein levels of Wnd and induced neuronal stress responses. Inhibiting Wnd activity significantly ameliorated neuronal loss and c-Jun N-terminal kinase signaling triggered by Rab11 loss-of-function. Taken together, these suggest that DLK proteins are constantly transported to axon terminals by Rab11 for protein turnover. Our study demonstrates how subcellular protein localization is coupled to protein turnover for neuronal stress signaling. Highlights Wnd is highly enriched in axon terminals.Wnd protein turnover by Hiw is restricted in the axon terminals.Protein palmitoylation of Wnd and Rab11 activity is essential for Wnd axonal localization. Rab11 mutations and defective Wnd palmitoylation impair Wnd protein turnover leading to increased Wnd protein levels and neuronal loss. Inhibiting Wnd activity mitigates neuronal stress response caused by Rab11 loss-of-function.
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Faquetti ML, Slappendel L, Bigonne H, Grisoni F, Schneider P, Aichinger G, Schneider G, Sturla SJ, Burden AM. Baricitinib and tofacitinib off-target profile, with a focus on Alzheimer's disease. ALZHEIMER'S & DEMENTIA (NEW YORK, N. Y.) 2024; 10:e12445. [PMID: 38528988 PMCID: PMC10962475 DOI: 10.1002/trc2.12445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors were recently identified as promising drug candidates for repurposing in Alzheimer's disease (AD) due to their capacity to suppress inflammation via modulation of JAK/STAT signaling pathways. Besides interaction with primary therapeutic targets, JAK inhibitor drugs frequently interact with unintended, often unknown, biological off-targets, leading to associated effects. Nevertheless, the relevance of JAK inhibitors' off-target interactions in the context of AD remains unclear. METHODS Putative off-targets of baricitinib and tofacitinib were predicted using a machine learning (ML) approach. After screening scientific literature, off-targets were filtered based on their relevance to AD. Targets that had not been previously identified as off-targets of baricitinib or tofacitinib were subsequently tested using biochemical or cell-based assays. From those, active concentrations were compared to bioavailable concentrations in the brain predicted by physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling. RESULTS With the aid of ML and in vitro activity assays, we identified two enzymes previously unknown to be inhibited by baricitinib, namely casein kinase 2 subunit alpha 2 (CK2-α2) and dual leucine zipper kinase (MAP3K12), both with binding constant (K d) values of 5.8 μM. Predicted maximum concentrations of baricitinib in brain tissue using PBPK modeling range from 1.3 to 23 nM, which is two to three orders of magnitude below the corresponding binding constant. CONCLUSION In this study, we extended the list of baricitinib off-targets that are potentially relevant for AD progression and predicted drug distribution in the brain. The results suggest a low likelihood of successful repurposing in AD due to low brain permeability, even at the maximum recommended daily dose. While additional research is needed to evaluate the potential impact of the off-target interaction on AD, the combined approach of ML-based target prediction, in vitro confirmation, and PBPK modeling may help prioritize drugs with a high likelihood of being effectively repurposed for AD. Highlights This study explored JAK inhibitors' off-targets in AD using a multidisciplinary approach.We combined machine learning, in vitro tests, and PBPK modelling to predict and validate new off-target interactions of tofacitinib and baricitinib in AD.Previously unknown inhibition of two enzymes (CK2-a2 and MAP3K12) by baricitinib were confirmed using in vitro experiments.Our PBPK model indicates that baricitinib low brain permeability limits AD repurposing.The proposed multidisciplinary approach optimizes drug repurposing efforts in AD research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria L. Faquetti
- Department of Chemistry and Applied BiosciencesInstitute of Pharmaceutical SciencesETH ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Laura Slappendel
- Department of Health Sciences and TechnologyInstitute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Hélène Bigonne
- Department of Health Sciences and TechnologyInstitute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Francesca Grisoni
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringInstitute for Complex Molecular SystemsEindhoven University of TechnologyEindhoventhe Netherlands
- Centre for Living TechnologiesAlliance TU/e, WUR, UU, UMC UtrechtUtrechtthe Netherlands
| | - Petra Schneider
- Department of Chemistry and Applied BiosciencesInstitute of Pharmaceutical SciencesETH ZurichZurichSwitzerland
- inSili.com LLCZurichSwitzerland
| | - Georg Aichinger
- Department of Health Sciences and TechnologyInstitute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Gisbert Schneider
- Department of Chemistry and Applied BiosciencesInstitute of Pharmaceutical SciencesETH ZurichZurichSwitzerland
- ETH Singapore SEC LtdSingaporeSingapore
| | - Shana J. Sturla
- Department of Health Sciences and TechnologyInstitute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Andrea M. Burden
- Department of Chemistry and Applied BiosciencesInstitute of Pharmaceutical SciencesETH ZurichZurichSwitzerland
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Dejanovic B, Sheng M, Hanson JE. Targeting synapse function and loss for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2024; 23:23-42. [PMID: 38012296 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-023-00823-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Synapse dysfunction and loss are hallmarks of neurodegenerative diseases that correlate with cognitive decline. However, the mechanisms and therapeutic strategies to prevent or reverse synaptic damage remain elusive. In this Review, we discuss recent advances in understanding the molecular and cellular pathways that impair synapses in neurodegenerative diseases, including the effects of protein aggregation and neuroinflammation. We also highlight emerging therapeutic approaches that aim to restore synaptic function and integrity, such as enhancing synaptic plasticity, preventing synaptotoxicity, modulating neuronal network activity and targeting immune signalling. We discuss the preclinical and clinical evidence for each strategy, as well as the challenges and opportunities for developing effective synapse-targeting therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Morgan Sheng
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jesse E Hanson
- Department of Neuroscience, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA.
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Huang G, Hucek D, Cierpicki T, Grembecka J. Applications of oxetanes in drug discovery and medicinal chemistry. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 261:115802. [PMID: 37713805 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
The compact and versatile oxetane motifs have gained significant attention in drug discovery and medicinal chemistry campaigns. This review presents an overview of the diverse applications of oxetanes in clinical and preclinical drug candidates targeting various human diseases, including cancer, viral infections, autoimmune disorders, neurodegenerative conditions, metabolic disorders, and others. Special attention is given to biologically active oxetane-containing compounds and their disease-related targets, such as kinases, epigenetic and non-epigenetic enzymes, and receptors. The review also details the effect of the oxetane motif on important properties, including aqueous solubility, lipophilicity, pKa, P-glycoprotein (P-gp) efflux, metabolic stability, conformational preferences, toxicity profiles (e.g., cytochrome P450 (CYP) suppression and human ether-a-go-go related gene (hERG) inhibition), pharmacokinetic (PK) properties, potency, and target selectivity. We anticipate that this work will provide valuable insights that can drive future discoveries of novel bioactive oxetane-containing small molecules, enabling their effective application in combating a wide range of human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guang Huang
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
| | - Devon Hucek
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Tomasz Cierpicki
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Jolanta Grembecka
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
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9
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Zuo Z, Zhang Z, Zhang S, Fan B, Li G. The Molecular Mechanisms Involved in Axonal Degeneration and Retrograde Retinal Ganglion Cell Death. DNA Cell Biol 2023; 42:653-667. [PMID: 37819746 DOI: 10.1089/dna.2023.0180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Axonal degeneration is a pathologic change common to multiple retinopathies and optic neuropathies. Various pathologic factors, such as mechanical injury, inflammation, and ischemia, can damage retinal ganglion cell (RGC) somas and axons, eventually triggering axonal degeneration and RGC death. The molecular mechanisms of somal and axonal degeneration are distinct but also overlap, and axonal degeneration can result in retrograde somal degeneration. While the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway acts as a central node in RGC axon degeneration, several newly discovered molecules, such as sterile alpha and Toll/interleukin-1 receptor motif-containing protein 1 and nicotinamide mononucleotide adenylyltransferase 2, also play a critical role in this pathological process following different types of injury. Therefore, we summarize the types of injury that cause RGC axon degeneration and retrograde RGC death and important underlying molecular mechanisms, providing a reference for the identification of targets for protecting axons and RGCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoyang Zuo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ziyuan Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Siming Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Bin Fan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Guangyu Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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10
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Le K, Soth MJ, Cross JB, Liu G, Ray WJ, Ma J, Goodwani SG, Acton PJ, Buggia-Prevot V, Akkermans O, Barker J, Conner ML, Jiang Y, Liu Z, McEwan P, Warner-Schmidt J, Xu A, Zebisch M, Heijnen CJ, Abrahams B, Jones P. Discovery of IACS-52825, a Potent and Selective DLK Inhibitor for Treatment of Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy. J Med Chem 2023. [PMID: 37436942 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a major unmet medical need with limited treatment options. Despite different mechanisms of action, diverse chemotherapeutics can cause CIPN through a converged pathway─an active axon degeneration program that engages the dual leucine zipper kinase (DLK). DLK is a neuronally enriched kinase upstream in the MAPK-JNK cascade, and while it is dormant under physiological conditions, DLK mediates a core mechanism for neuronal injury response under stress conditions, making it an attractive target for treatment of neuronal injury and neurodegenerative diseases. We have developed potent, selective, brain penetrant DLK inhibitors with excellent PK and activity in mouse models of CIPN. Lead compound IACS-52825 (22) showed strongly effective reversal of mechanical allodynia in a mouse model of CIPN and was advanced into preclinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang Le
- Institute for Applied Cancer Science (IACS), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77054, United States
| | - Michael J Soth
- Institute for Applied Cancer Science (IACS), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77054, United States
| | - Jason B Cross
- Institute for Applied Cancer Science (IACS), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77054, United States
| | - Gang Liu
- Institute for Applied Cancer Science (IACS), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77054, United States
| | - William J Ray
- Neurodegenerative Consortium (NDC), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77054, United States
| | - Jiacheng Ma
- Neurodegenerative Consortium (NDC), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77054, United States
| | - Sunil G Goodwani
- Neurodegenerative Consortium (NDC), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77054, United States
| | - Paul J Acton
- Neurodegenerative Consortium (NDC), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77054, United States
| | - Virginie Buggia-Prevot
- Neurodegenerative Consortium (NDC), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77054, United States
| | | | | | - Michael L Conner
- Institute for Applied Cancer Science (IACS), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77054, United States
| | - Yongying Jiang
- Institute for Applied Cancer Science (IACS), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77054, United States
| | - Zhen Liu
- Institute for Applied Cancer Science (IACS), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77054, United States
| | | | - Jennifer Warner-Schmidt
- Alexandria Center for Life Science, Magnolia Neurosciences Corporation, New York, New York 10016, United States
| | - Alan Xu
- Institute for Applied Cancer Science (IACS), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77054, United States
| | | | - Cobi J Heijnen
- Laboratories of Neuroimmunology, Department of Symptom Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
| | - Brett Abrahams
- Alexandria Center for Life Science, Magnolia Neurosciences Corporation, New York, New York 10016, United States
| | - Philip Jones
- Institute for Applied Cancer Science (IACS), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77054, United States
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11
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Bu H, Li Z, Lu Y, Zhuang Z, Zhen Y, Zhang L. Deciphering the multifunctional role of dual leucine zipper kinase (DLK) and its therapeutic potential in disease. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 255:115404. [PMID: 37098296 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115404] [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: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/27/2023]
Abstract
Dual leucine zipper kinase (DLK, MAP3K12), a serine/threonine protein kinase, plays a key role in neuronal development, as it regulates axon regeneration and degeneration through its downstream kinase. Importantly, DLK is closely related to the pathogenesis of numerous neurodegenerative diseases and the induction of β-cell apoptosis that leads to diabetes. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of DLK function, and then discuss the role of DLK signaling in human diseases. Furthermore, various types of small molecule inhibitors of DLK that have been published so far are described in detail in this paper, providing some strategies for the design of DLK small molecule inhibitors in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiqing Bu
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031, China
| | - Zhijia Li
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031, China
| | - Yingying Lu
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031, China
| | - Zhiyao Zhuang
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031, China
| | - Yongqi Zhen
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Lan Zhang
- Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031, China.
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12
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Craig RA, Fox BM, Hu C, Lexa KW, Osipov M, Thottumkara AP, Larhammar M, Miyamoto T, Rana A, Kane LA, Yulyaningsih E, Solanoy H, Nguyen H, Chau R, Earr T, Kajiwara Y, Fleck D, Lucas A, Haddick PCG, Takahashi RH, Tong V, Wang J, Canet MJ, Poda SB, Scearce-Levie K, Srivastava A, Sweeney ZK, Xu M, Zhang R, He J, Lei Y, Zhuo Z, de Vicente J. Discovery of Potent and Selective Dual Leucine Zipper Kinase/Leucine Zipper-Bearing Kinase Inhibitors with Neuroprotective Properties in In Vitro and In Vivo Models of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. J Med Chem 2022; 65:16290-16312. [PMID: 36469401 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
Dual leucine zipper kinase (DLK) and leucine zipper-bearing kinase (LZK) are regulators of neuronal degeneration and axon growth. Therefore, there is a considerable interest in developing DLK/LZK inhibitors for neurodegenerative diseases. Herein, we use ligand- and structure-based drug design approaches for identifying novel amino-pyrazine inhibitors of DLK/LZK. DN-1289 (14), a potent and selective dual DLK/LZK inhibitor, demonstrated excellent in vivo plasma half-life across species and is anticipated to freely penetrate the central nervous system with no brain impairment based on in vivo rodent pharmacokinetic studies and human in vitro transporter data. Proximal target engagement and disease relevant pathway biomarkers were also favorably regulated in an in vivo model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert A Craig
- Denali Therapeutics Inc., 161 Oyster Point Blvd., South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Brian M Fox
- Denali Therapeutics Inc., 161 Oyster Point Blvd., South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Cheng Hu
- Denali Therapeutics Inc., 161 Oyster Point Blvd., South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Katrina W Lexa
- Denali Therapeutics Inc., 161 Oyster Point Blvd., South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Maksim Osipov
- Denali Therapeutics Inc., 161 Oyster Point Blvd., South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Arun P Thottumkara
- Denali Therapeutics Inc., 161 Oyster Point Blvd., South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Martin Larhammar
- Denali Therapeutics Inc., 161 Oyster Point Blvd., South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Takashi Miyamoto
- Denali Therapeutics Inc., 161 Oyster Point Blvd., South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Anil Rana
- Denali Therapeutics Inc., 161 Oyster Point Blvd., South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Lesley A Kane
- Denali Therapeutics Inc., 161 Oyster Point Blvd., South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Ernie Yulyaningsih
- Denali Therapeutics Inc., 161 Oyster Point Blvd., South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Hilda Solanoy
- Denali Therapeutics Inc., 161 Oyster Point Blvd., South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Hoang Nguyen
- Denali Therapeutics Inc., 161 Oyster Point Blvd., South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Roni Chau
- Denali Therapeutics Inc., 161 Oyster Point Blvd., South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Timothy Earr
- Denali Therapeutics Inc., 161 Oyster Point Blvd., South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Yuji Kajiwara
- Denali Therapeutics Inc., 161 Oyster Point Blvd., South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Daniel Fleck
- Denali Therapeutics Inc., 161 Oyster Point Blvd., South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Anthony Lucas
- Denali Therapeutics Inc., 161 Oyster Point Blvd., South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Patrick C G Haddick
- Denali Therapeutics Inc., 161 Oyster Point Blvd., South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Ryan H Takahashi
- Denali Therapeutics Inc., 161 Oyster Point Blvd., South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Vincent Tong
- Denali Therapeutics Inc., 161 Oyster Point Blvd., South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Jing Wang
- Denali Therapeutics Inc., 161 Oyster Point Blvd., South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Mark J Canet
- Denali Therapeutics Inc., 161 Oyster Point Blvd., South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Suresh B Poda
- Denali Therapeutics Inc., 161 Oyster Point Blvd., South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Kimberly Scearce-Levie
- Denali Therapeutics Inc., 161 Oyster Point Blvd., South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Ankita Srivastava
- Denali Therapeutics Inc., 161 Oyster Point Blvd., South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Zachary K Sweeney
- Denali Therapeutics Inc., 161 Oyster Point Blvd., South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Musheng Xu
- Department of Chemistry, WuXi AppTec Co., Ltd., 168 Nanhai Road, 10th Avenue, Tianjin TEDA, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, WuXi AppTec Co., Ltd., 168 Nanhai Road, 10th Avenue, Tianjin TEDA, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Jianrong He
- Department of Chemistry, WuXi AppTec Co., Ltd., 168 Nanhai Road, 10th Avenue, Tianjin TEDA, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Yanan Lei
- Department of Chemistry, WuXi AppTec Co., Ltd., 168 Nanhai Road, 10th Avenue, Tianjin TEDA, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Zheng Zhuo
- Department of Chemistry, WuXi AppTec Co., Ltd., 168 Nanhai Road, 10th Avenue, Tianjin TEDA, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Javier de Vicente
- Denali Therapeutics Inc., 161 Oyster Point Blvd., South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
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13
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Alexandris AS, Ryu J, Rajbhandari L, Harlan R, McKenney J, Wang Y, Aja S, Graham D, Venkatesan A, Koliatsos VE. Protective effects of NAMPT or MAPK inhibitors and NaR on Wallerian degeneration of mammalian axons. Neurobiol Dis 2022; 171:105808. [PMID: 35779777 PMCID: PMC10621467 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2022.105808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Wallerian degeneration (WD) is a conserved axonal self-destruction program implicated in several neurological diseases. WD is driven by the degradation of the NAD+ synthesizing enzyme NMNAT2, the buildup of its substrate NMN, and the activation of the NAD+ degrading SARM1, eventually leading to axonal fragmentation. The regulation and amenability of these events to therapeutic interventions remain unclear. Here we explored pharmacological strategies that modulate NMN and NAD+ metabolism, namely the inhibition of the NMN-synthesizing enzyme NAMPT, activation of the nicotinic acid riboside (NaR) salvage pathway and inhibition of the NMNAT2-degrading DLK MAPK pathway in an axotomy model in vitro. Results show that NAMPT and DLK inhibition cause a significant but time-dependent delay of WD. These time-dependent effects are related to NMNAT2 degradation and changes in NMN and NAD+ levels. Supplementation of NAMPT inhibition with NaR has an enhanced effect that does not depend on timing of intervention and leads to robust protection up to 4 days. Additional DLK inhibition extends this even further to 6 days. Metabolite analyses reveal complex effects indicating that NAMPT and MAPK inhibition act by reducing NMN levels, ameliorating NAD+ loss and suppressing SARM1 activity. Finally, the axonal NAD+/NMN ratio is highly predictive of cADPR levels, extending previous cell-free evidence on the allosteric regulation of SARM1. Our findings establish a window of axon protection extending several hours following injury. Moreover, we show prolonged protection by mixed treatments combining MAPK and NAMPT inhibition that proceed via complex effects on NAD+ metabolism and inhibition of SARM1.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jiwon Ryu
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Labchan Rajbhandari
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Robert Harlan
- The Molecular Determinants Center and Core, Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, St. Petersburg, FL, USA
| | - James McKenney
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Yiqing Wang
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Susan Aja
- The Molecular Determinants Center and Core, Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, St. Petersburg, FL, USA
| | - David Graham
- The Molecular Determinants Center and Core, Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, St. Petersburg, FL, USA
| | - Arun Venkatesan
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Vassilis E Koliatsos
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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14
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Dochnal S, Merchant HY, Schinlever AR, Babnis A, Depledge DP, Wilson AC, Cliffe AR. DLK-Dependent Biphasic Reactivation of Herpes Simplex Virus Latency Established in the Absence of Antivirals. J Virol 2022; 96:e0050822. [PMID: 35608347 PMCID: PMC9215246 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00508-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the molecular mechanisms of herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) latent infection and reactivation in neurons requires the use of in vitro model systems. Establishing a quiescent infection in cultured neurons is problematic, as any infectious virus released can superinfect the cultures. Previous studies have used the viral DNA replication inhibitor acyclovir to prevent superinfection and promote latency establishment. Data from these previous models have shown that reactivation is biphasic, with an initial phase I expression of all classes of lytic genes, which occurs independently of histone demethylase activity and viral DNA replication but is dependent on the cell stress protein DLK. Here, we describe a new model system using HSV-1 Stayput-GFP, a reporter virus that is defective for cell-to-cell spread and establishes latent infections without the need for acyclovir. The establishment of a latent state requires a longer time frame than previous models using DNA replication inhibitors. This results in a decreased ability of the virus to reactivate using established inducers, and as such, a combination of reactivation triggers is required. Using this system, we demonstrate that biphasic reactivation occurs even when latency is established in the absence of acyclovir. Importantly, phase I lytic gene expression still occurs in a histone demethylase and viral DNA replication-independent manner and requires DLK activity. These data demonstrate that the two waves of viral gene expression following HSV-1 reactivation are independent of secondary infection and not unique to systems that require acyclovir to promote latency establishment. IMPORTANCE Herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) enters a latent infection in neurons and periodically reactivates. Reactivation manifests as a variety of clinical symptoms. Studying latency and reactivation in vitro is invaluable, allowing the molecular mechanisms behind both processes to be targeted by therapeutics that reduce the clinical consequences. Here, we describe a novel in vitro model system using a cell-to-cell spread-defective HSV-1, known as Stayput-GFP, which allows for the study of latency and reactivation at the single neuron level. We anticipate this new model system will be an incredibly valuable tool for studying the establishment and reactivation of HSV-1 latent infection in vitro. Using this model, we find that initial reactivation events are dependent on cellular stress kinase DLK but independent of histone demethylase activity and viral DNA replication. Our data therefore further validate the essential role of DLK in mediating a wave of lytic gene expression unique to reactivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Dochnal
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Husain Y. Merchant
- Department of Microbiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Austin R. Schinlever
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Aleksandra Babnis
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Daniel P. Depledge
- Department of Microbiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Angus C. Wilson
- Department of Microbiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Anna R. Cliffe
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
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15
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Tortosa E, Sengupta Ghosh A, Li Q, Wong WR, Hinkle T, Sandoval W, Rose CM, Hoogenraad CC. Stress-induced vesicular assemblies of dual leucine zipper kinase are signaling hubs involved in kinase activation and neurodegeneration. EMBO J 2022; 41:e110155. [PMID: 35611591 PMCID: PMC9289706 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2021110155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) drive key signaling cascades during neuronal survival and degeneration. The localization of kinases to specific subcellular compartments is a critical mechanism to locally control signaling activity and specificity upon stimulation. However, how MAPK signaling components tightly control their localization remains largely unknown. Here, we systematically analyzed the phosphorylation and membrane localization of all MAPKs expressed in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons, under control and stress conditions. We found that MAP3K12/dual leucine zipper kinase (DLK) becomes phosphorylated and palmitoylated, and it is recruited to sphingomyelin-rich vesicles upon stress. Stress-induced DLK vesicle recruitment is essential for kinase activation; blocking DLK-membrane interaction inhibits downstream signaling, while DLK recruitment to ectopic subcellular structures is sufficient to induce kinase activation. We show that the localization of DLK to newly formed vesicles is essential for local signaling. Inhibition of membrane internalization blocks DLK activation and protects against neurodegeneration in DRG neurons. These data establish vesicular assemblies as dynamically regulated platforms for DLK signaling during neuronal stress responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Tortosa
- Department of Neuroscience, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Qingling Li
- Department of Microchemistry, Proteomics and Lipidomics, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Weng Ruh Wong
- Department of Microchemistry, Proteomics and Lipidomics, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Trent Hinkle
- Department of Microchemistry, Proteomics and Lipidomics, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Wendy Sandoval
- Department of Microchemistry, Proteomics and Lipidomics, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Christopher M Rose
- Department of Microchemistry, Proteomics and Lipidomics, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
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16
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Ex Vivo Herpes Simplex Virus Reactivation Involves a Dual Leucine Zipper Kinase-Dependent Wave of Lytic Gene Expression That Is Independent of Histone Demethylase Activity and Viral Genome Synthesis. J Virol 2022; 96:e0047522. [PMID: 35604215 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00475-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) maintains a lifelong latent infection in neurons and periodically reactivates, resulting in the production of infectious virus. The exact cellular pathways that induce reactivation are not understood. In primary neuronal models of HSV latency, the cellular protein dual leucine zipper kinase (DLK) has been found to initiate a wave of viral gene expression known as phase I. Phase I occurs independently of both viral DNA replication and the activities of histone demethylase enzymes required to remove repressive heterochromatin modifications associated with the viral genome. In this study, we investigated whether phase I-like gene expression occurs in ganglia reactivated from infected mice. Using the combined trigger of explant-induced axotomy and inhibition of phosphatidylinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling, we found that HSV lytic gene expression was induced rapidly from both sensory and sympathetic neurons. Ex vivo reactivation involved a wave of viral late gene expression that occurred independently of viral genome synthesis and histone demethylase activity and preceded the detection of infectious virus. Importantly, we found that DLK was required for the initial induction of lytic gene expression. These data confirm the essential role of DLK in inducing HSV-1 gene expression from the heterochromatin-associated genome and further demonstrate that HSV-1 gene expression during reactivation occurs via mechanisms that are distinct from lytic replication. IMPORTANCE Reactivation of herpes simplex virus from a latent infection is associated with clinical disease. To develop new therapeutics that prevent reactivation, it is important to understand how viral gene expression initiates following a reactivation stimulus. Dual leucine zipper kinase (DLK) is a cellular protein that has previously been found to be required for HSV reactivation from sympathetic neurons in vitro. Here, we show that DLK is essential for reactivation from sensory ganglia isolated from infected mice. Furthermore, we show that DLK-dependent gene expression ex vivo occurs via mechanisms that are distinct from production replication, namely, lytic gene expression that is independent of viral DNA replication and histone demethylase activity. The identification of a DLK-dependent wave of lytic gene expression from sensory ganglia will ultimately permit the development of novel therapeutics that target lytic gene expression and prevent the earliest stage of reactivation.
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17
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Katz JS, Rothstein JD, Cudkowicz ME, Genge A, Oskarsson B, Hains AB, Chen C, Galanter J, Burgess BL, Cho W, Kerchner GA, Yeh FL, Ghosh AS, Cheeti S, Brooks L, Honigberg L, Couch JA, Rothenberg ME, Brunstein F, Sharma KR, van den Berg L, Berry JD, Glass JD. A Phase 1 study of GDC-0134, a dual leucine zipper kinase inhibitor, in ALS. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2022; 9:50-66. [PMID: 35014217 PMCID: PMC8791798 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.51491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Dual leucine zipper kinase (DLK), which regulates the c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase pathway involved in axon degeneration and apoptosis following neuronal injury, is a potential therapeutic target in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This first‐in‐human study investigated safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics (PK) of oral GDC‐0134, a small‐molecule DLK inhibitor. Plasma neurofilament light chain (NFL) levels were explored in GDC‐0134‐treated ALS patients and DLK conditional knockout (cKO) mice. Methods The study included placebo‐controlled, single and multiple ascending‐dose (SAD; MAD) stages, and an open‐label safety expansion (OLE) with adaptive dosing for up to 48 weeks. Results Forty‐nine patients were enrolled. GDC‐0134 (up to 1200 mg daily) was well tolerated in the SAD and MAD stages, with no serious adverse events (SAEs). In the OLE, three study drug‐related SAEs occurred: thrombocytopenia, dysesthesia (both Grade 3), and optic ischemic neuropathy (Grade 4); Grade ≤2 sensory neurological AEs led to dose reductions/discontinuations. GDC‐0134 exposure was dose‐proportional (median half‐life = 84 h). Patients showed GDC‐0134 exposure‐dependent plasma NFL elevations; DLK cKO mice also exhibited plasma NFL compared to wild‐type littermates. Interpretation This trial characterized GDC‐0134 safety and PK, but no adequately tolerated dose was identified. NFL elevations in GDC‐0134‐treated patients and DLK cKO mice raised questions about interpretation of biomarkers affected by both disease and on‐target drug effects. The safety profile of GDC‐0134 was considered unacceptable and led to discontinuation of further drug development for ALS. Further work is necessary to understand relationships between neuroprotective and potentially therapeutic effects of DLK knockout/inhibition and NFL changes in patients with ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan S Katz
- Forbes Norris MDA/ALS Research Center, California Pacific Medical Center, San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | - Merit E Cudkowicz
- Sean M. Healey and AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Angela Genge
- Montreal Neurological Institute & Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Avis B Hains
- Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Chen Chen
- Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | | | - William Cho
- Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | - Felix L Yeh
- Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | | | - Logan Brooks
- Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Lee Honigberg
- Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - James D Berry
- Neurological Clinical Research Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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18
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Fragment-based lead discovery of indazole-based compounds as AXL kinase inhibitors. Bioorg Med Chem 2021; 49:116437. [PMID: 34600239 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2021.116437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
AXL is a member of the TAM (TYRO3, AXL, MER) subfamily of receptor tyrosine kinases. It is upregulated in a variety of cancers and its overexpression is associated with poor disease prognosis and acquired drug resistance. Utilizing a fragment-based lead discovery approach, a new indazole-based AXL inhibitor was obtained. The indazole fragment hit 11, identified through a high concentration biochemical screen, was expeditiously improved to fragment 24 by screening our in-house expanded library of fragments (ELF) collection. Subsequent fragment optimization guided by docking studies provided potent inhibitor 54 with moderate exposure levels in mice. X-ray crystal structure of analog 50 complexed with the I650M mutated kinase domain of Mer revealed the key binding interactions for the scaffold. The good potency coupled with reasonable kinase selectivity, moderate in vivo exposure levels, and availability of structural information for the series makes it a suitable starting point for further optimization efforts.
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19
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Jones JH, Xin Z, Himmelbauer M, Dechantsreiter M, Enyedy I, Hedde J, Fang T, Coomaraswamy J, King KW, Murugan P, Santoro JC, Hesson T, Walther DM, Wei R, Zheng F, Marcotte DJ, Spilker K, Kumar PR, Liu Y, Gilfillan R, Gonzalez-Lopez de Turiso F. Discovery of Potent, Selective, and Brain-Penetrant Apoptosis Signal-Regulating Kinase 1 (ASK1) Inhibitors that Modulate Brain Inflammation In Vivo. J Med Chem 2021; 64:15402-15419. [PMID: 34653340 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1) is one of the key mediators of the cellular stress response that regulates inflammation and apoptosis. To probe the therapeutic value of modulating this pathway in preclinical models of neurological disease, we further optimized the profile of our previously reported inhibitor 3. This effort led to the discovery of 32, a potent (cell IC50 = 25 nM) and selective ASK1 inhibitor with suitable pharmacokinetic and brain penetration (rat Cl/Clu = 1.6/56 L/h/kg and Kp,uu = 0.46) for proof-of-pharmacology studies. Specifically, the ability of 32 to inhibit ASK1 in the central nervous system (CNS) was evaluated in a human tau transgenic (Tg4510) mouse model exhibiting elevated brain inflammation. In this study, transgenic animals treated with 32 (at 3, 10, and 30 mg/kg, BID/PO for 4 days) showed a robust reduction of inflammatory markers (e.g., IL-1β) in the cortex, thus confirming inhibition of ASK1 in the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Howard Jones
- Medicinal Chemistry, Biogen, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Zhili Xin
- Medicinal Chemistry, Biogen, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Martin Himmelbauer
- Medicinal Chemistry, Biogen, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Michael Dechantsreiter
- Medicinal Chemistry, Biogen, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Istvan Enyedy
- Medicinal Chemistry, Biogen, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Joseph Hedde
- Acute Neurology Research Unit, Biogen, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Terry Fang
- Acute Neurology Research Unit, Biogen, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Janaky Coomaraswamy
- Movement Disorders Research Unit, Biogen, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Kristopher W King
- Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Biogen, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Paramasivam Murugan
- Bioassays, Biogen, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Joseph C Santoro
- Bioassays, Biogen, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Thomas Hesson
- Bioassays, Biogen, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Dirk M Walther
- Chemical Biology and Proteomics, Biogen, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Ru Wei
- Chemical Biology and Proteomics, Biogen, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Fengmei Zheng
- Technical Development, Biogen, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Douglas J Marcotte
- Physical Biochemistry, Biogen, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Kerri Spilker
- Physical Biochemistry, Biogen, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - P Rajesh Kumar
- Physical Biochemistry, Biogen, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Ying Liu
- Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Biogen, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Rab Gilfillan
- Medicinal Chemistry, Biogen, 225 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
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20
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Suzich JB, Cuddy SR, Baidas H, Dochnal S, Ke E, Schinlever AR, Babnis A, Boutell C, Cliffe AR. PML-NB-dependent type I interferon memory results in a restricted form of HSV latency. EMBO Rep 2021; 22:e52547. [PMID: 34197022 PMCID: PMC8419685 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202152547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) establishes latent infection in long-lived neurons. During initial infection, neurons are exposed to multiple inflammatory cytokines but the effects of immune signaling on the nature of HSV latency are unknown. We show that initial infection of primary murine neurons in the presence of type I interferon (IFN) results in a form of latency that is restricted for reactivation. We also find that the subnuclear condensates, promyelocytic leukemia nuclear bodies (PML-NBs), are absent from primary sympathetic and sensory neurons but form with type I IFN treatment and persist even when IFN signaling resolves. HSV-1 genomes colocalize with PML-NBs throughout a latent infection of neurons only when type I IFN is present during initial infection. Depletion of PML prior to or following infection does not impact the establishment latency; however, it does rescue the ability of HSV to reactivate from IFN-treated neurons. This study demonstrates that viral genomes possess a memory of the IFN response during de novo infection, which results in differential subnuclear positioning and ultimately restricts the ability of genomes to reactivate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon B Suzich
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer BiologyUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVAUSA
| | - Sean R Cuddy
- Neuroscience Graduate ProgramUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVAUSA
| | - Hiam Baidas
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer BiologyUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVAUSA
| | - Sara Dochnal
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer BiologyUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVAUSA
| | - Eugene Ke
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer BiologyUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVAUSA
| | - Austin R Schinlever
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer BiologyUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVAUSA
| | - Aleksandra Babnis
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer BiologyUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVAUSA
| | - Chris Boutell
- MRC‐University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research (CVR)GlasgowUK
| | - Anna R Cliffe
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer BiologyUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVAUSA
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21
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Bassil R, Shields K, Granger K, Zein I, Ng S, Chih B. Improved modeling of human AD with an automated culturing platform for iPSC neurons, astrocytes and microglia. Nat Commun 2021; 12:5220. [PMID: 34471104 PMCID: PMC8410795 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-25344-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Advancement in human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) neuron and microglial differentiation protocols allow for disease modeling using physiologically relevant cells. However, iPSC differentiation and culturing protocols have posed challenges to maintaining consistency. Here, we generated an automated, consistent, and long-term culturing platform of human iPSC neurons, astrocytes, and microglia. Using this platform we generated a iPSC AD model using human derived cells, which showed signs of Aβ plaques, dystrophic neurites around plaques, synapse loss, dendrite retraction, axon fragmentation, phospho-Tau induction, and neuronal cell death in one model. We showed that the human iPSC microglia internalized and compacted Aβ to generate and surround the plaques, thereby conferring some neuroprotection. We investigated the mechanism of action of anti-Aβ antibodies protection and found that they protected neurons from these pathologies and were most effective before pTau induction. Taken together, these results suggest that this model can facilitate target discovery and drug development efforts. Human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) cells have been used to model disease in specific cell types. Here, the authors develop an automated long-term culturing platform of human iPSC neurons, astrocytes, and microglia and use it to model some cellular aspects of Alzheimer’s disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reina Bassil
- Department of Biochemical and Cellular Pharmacology, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA.,Division of Biological Sciences, Section of Neurobiology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Kenneth Shields
- Department of Biochemical and Cellular Pharmacology, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kevin Granger
- Department of Biochemical and Cellular Pharmacology, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ivan Zein
- Department of Biochemical and Cellular Pharmacology, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Shirley Ng
- Department of Biochemical and Cellular Pharmacology, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ben Chih
- Department of Biochemical and Cellular Pharmacology, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA. .,Department of Neuroscience, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA.
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22
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Jiang C, Fang W, Lv T, Gu Y, Lv J. Neuronal Dual Leucine Zipper Kinase Mediates Inflammatory and Nociceptive Responses in Cyclophosphamide-Induced Cystitis. J Innate Immun 2021; 13:259-268. [PMID: 34175846 DOI: 10.1159/000514545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Interstitial cystitis is associated with neurogenic inflammation and neuropathic bladder pain. Dual leucine zipper kinase (DLK) expressed in sensory neurons is implicated in neuropathic pain. We hypothesized that neuronal DLK is involved in the regulation of inflammation and nociceptive behavior in cystitis. Mice deficient in DLK in sensory neurons (cKO) were generated by crossing DLK floxed mice with mice expressing Cre recombinase under Advillin promoter. Cystitis was induced by cyclophosphamide (CYP) administration in mice. Nociceptive behavior, bladder inflammation, and pathology were assessed following cystitis induction in control and cKO mice. The role of DLK in CYP-induced cystitis was further determined by pharmacological inhibition of DLK with GNE-3511. Deletion of neuronal DLK attenuated CYP-induced pain-like nociceptive behavior and suppressed histamine release from mast cells, neuronal activation in the spinal cord, and bladder pathology. Mice deficient in neuronal DLK also showed reduced inflammation induced by CYP and reduced c-Jun activation in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG). Pharmacological inhibition of DLK with GNE-3511 recapitulated the effects of neuronal DLK depletion in CYP treatment mice. Our study suggests that DLK is a potential target for the treatment of neuropathic pain and bladder pathology associated with cystitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Jiang
- Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weilin Fang
- Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tingting Lv
- Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yinjun Gu
- Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianwei Lv
- Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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23
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Multiple signaling pathways are essential for synapse formation induced by synaptic adhesion molecules. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2000173118. [PMID: 33431662 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2000173118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Little is known about the cellular signals that organize synapse formation. To explore what signaling pathways may be involved, we employed heterologous synapse formation assays in which a synaptic adhesion molecule expressed in a nonneuronal cell induces pre- or postsynaptic specializations in cocultured neurons. We found that interfering pharmacologically with microtubules or actin filaments impaired heterologous synapse formation, whereas blocking protein synthesis had no effect. Unexpectedly, pharmacological inhibition of c-jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs), protein kinase-A (PKA), or AKT kinases also suppressed heterologous synapse formation, while inhibition of other tested signaling pathways-such as MAP kinases or protein kinase C-did not alter heterologous synapse formation. JNK and PKA inhibitors suppressed formation of both pre- and postsynaptic specializations, whereas AKT inhibitors impaired formation of post- but not presynaptic specializations. To independently test whether heterologous synapse formation depends on AKT signaling, we targeted PTEN, an enzyme that hydrolyzes phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate and thereby prevents AKT kinase activation, to postsynaptic sites by fusing PTEN to Homer1. Targeting PTEN to postsynaptic specializations impaired heterologous postsynaptic synapse formation induced by presynaptic adhesion molecules, such as neurexins and additionally decreased excitatory synapse function in cultured neurons. Taken together, our results suggest that heterologous synapse formation is driven via a multifaceted and multistage kinase network, with diverse signals organizing pre- and postsynaptic specializations.
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24
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Bensen R, Brognard J. New Therapeutic Opportunities for the Treatment of Squamous Cell Carcinomas: A Focus on Novel Driver Kinases. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:2831. [PMID: 33799513 PMCID: PMC7999493 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22062831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Squamous cell carcinomas of the lung, head and neck, esophagus, and cervix account for more than two million cases of cancer per year worldwide with very few targetable therapies available and minimal clinical improvement in the past three decades. Although these carcinomas are differentiated anatomically, their genetic landscape shares numerous common genetic alterations. Amplification of the third chromosome's distal portion (3q) is a distinguishing genetic alteration in most of these carcinomas and leads to copy-number gain and amplification of numerous oncogenic proteins. This area of the chromosome harbors known oncogenes involved in squamous cell fate decisions and differentiation, including TP63, SOX2, ECT2, and PIK3CA. Furthermore, novel targetable oncogenic kinases within this amplicon include PRKCI, PAK2, MAP3K13, and TNIK. TCGA analysis of these genes identified amplification in more than 20% of clinical squamous cell carcinoma samples, correlating with a significant decrease in overall patient survival. Alteration of these genes frequently co-occurs and is dependent on 3q-chromosome amplification. The dependency of cancer cells on these amplified kinases provides a route toward personalized medicine in squamous cell carcinoma patients through development of small-molecules targeting these kinases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - John Brognard
- Laboratory of Cell and Developmental Signaling, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA;
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25
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Pyrazole Scaffold Synthesis, Functionalization, and Applications in Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson's Disease Treatment (2011-2020). Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26051202. [PMID: 33668128 PMCID: PMC7956461 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26051202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The remarkable prevalence of pyrazole scaffolds in a versatile array of bioactive molecules ranging from apixaban, an anticoagulant used to treat and prevent blood clots and stroke, to bixafen, a pyrazole-carboxamide fungicide used to control diseases of rapeseed and cereal plants, has encouraged both medicinal and organic chemists to explore new methods in developing pyrazole-containing compounds for different applications. Although numerous synthetic strategies have been developed in the last 10 years, there has not been a comprehensive overview of synthesis and the implication of recent advances for treating neurodegenerative disease. This review first presents the advances in pyrazole scaffold synthesis and their functionalization that have been published during the last decade (2011-2020). We then narrow the focus to the application of these strategies in the development of therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases, particularly for Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD).
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26
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Duque Escobar J, Kutschenko A, Schröder S, Blume R, Köster KA, Painer C, Lemcke T, Maison W, Oetjen E. Regulation of dual leucine zipper kinase activity through its interaction with calcineurin. Cell Signal 2021; 82:109953. [PMID: 33600948 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2021.109953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Hyperglycemia enhancing the intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) contributes to dysfunction and progressive loss of beta cells and thereby to diabetes mellitus. The oxidation sensitive calcium/calmodulin dependent phosphatase calcineurin promotes pancreatic beta cell function and survival whereas the dual leucine zipper kinase (DLK) induces apoptosis. Therefore, it was studied whether calcineurin interferes with DLK action. In a beta cell line similar concentrations of H2O2 decreased calcineurin activity and activated DLK. DLK interacted via its φLxVP motif (aa 362-365) with the interface of the calcineurin subunits A and B. Mutation of the Val prevented this protein protein interaction, hinting at a distinct φLxVP motif. Indeed, mutational analysis revealed an ordered structure of DLK's φLxVP motif whereby Val mediates the interaction with calcineurin and Leu maintains an enzymatically active conformation. Overexpression of DLK wild-type but not the DLK mutant unable to bind calcineurin diminished calcineurin-induced nuclear localisation of the nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFAT), suggesting that both, DLK and NFAT compete for the substrate binding site of calcineurin. The calcineurin binding-deficient DLK mutant exhibited increased DLK activity measured as phosphorylation of the downstream c-Jun N-terminal kinase, inhibition of CRE-dependent gene transcription and induction of apoptosis. These findings show that calcineurin interacts with DLK; and inhibition of calcineurin increases DLK activity. Hence, this study demonstrates a novel mechanism regulating DLK action. These findings suggest that ROS through inhibition of calcineurin enhance DLK activity and thereby lead to beta cell dysfunction and loss and ultimately diabetes mellitus.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Duque Escobar
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; DZHK Standort Hamburg, Kiel, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Anna Kutschenko
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Str. 40, 37099 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Sabine Schröder
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Roland Blume
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Str. 40, 37099 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Kyra-Alexandra Köster
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; DZHK Standort Hamburg, Kiel, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Christina Painer
- Institute of Pharmacy, University of Hamburg, Bundesstr. 45, 20146 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Lemcke
- Institute of Pharmacy, University of Hamburg, Bundesstr. 45, 20146 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Maison
- Institute of Pharmacy, University of Hamburg, Bundesstr. 45, 20146 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Elke Oetjen
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; DZHK Standort Hamburg, Kiel, Lübeck, Germany; Department of Pharmacology, University of Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Str. 40, 37099 Göttingen, Germany; Institute of Pharmacy, University of Hamburg, Bundesstr. 45, 20146 Hamburg, Germany.
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27
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Xie Z, Yang X, Duan Y, Han J, Liao C. Small-Molecule Kinase Inhibitors for the Treatment of Nononcologic Diseases. J Med Chem 2021; 64:1283-1345. [PMID: 33481605 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Great successes have been achieved in developing small-molecule kinase inhibitors as anticancer therapeutic agents. However, kinase deregulation plays essential roles not only in cancer but also in almost all major disease areas. Accumulating evidence has revealed that kinases are promising drug targets for different diseases, including cancer, autoimmune diseases, inflammatory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, central nervous system disorders, viral infections, and malaria. Indeed, the first small-molecule kinase inhibitor for treatment of a nononcologic disease was approved in 2011 by the U.S. FDA. To date, 10 such inhibitors have been approved, and more are in clinical trials for applications other than cancer. This Perspective discusses a number of kinases and their small-molecule inhibitors for the treatment of diseases in nononcologic therapeutic fields. The opportunities and challenges in developing such inhibitors are also highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhouling Xie
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Engineering, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Yang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Engineering, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China
| | - Yajun Duan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Engineering, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China
| | - Jihong Han
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Engineering, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China
| | - Chenzhong Liao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Engineering, School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China
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28
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Cuddy SR, Schinlever AR, Dochnal S, Seegren PV, Suzich J, Kundu P, Downs TK, Farah M, Desai BN, Boutell C, Cliffe AR. Neuronal hyperexcitability is a DLK-dependent trigger of herpes simplex virus reactivation that can be induced by IL-1. eLife 2020; 9:e58037. [PMID: 33350386 PMCID: PMC7773336 DOI: 10.7554/elife.58037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) establishes a latent infection in neurons and periodically reactivates to cause disease. The stimuli that trigger HSV-1 reactivation have not been fully elucidated. We demonstrate HSV-1 reactivation from latently infected mouse neurons induced by forskolin requires neuronal excitation. Stimuli that directly induce neurons to become hyperexcitable also induced HSV-1 reactivation. Forskolin-induced reactivation was dependent on the neuronal pathway of DLK/JNK activation and included an initial wave of viral gene expression that was independent of histone demethylase activity and linked to histone phosphorylation. IL-1β is released under conditions of stress, fever and UV exposure of the epidermis; all known triggers of clinical HSV reactivation. We found that IL-1β induced histone phosphorylation and increased the excitation in sympathetic neurons. Importantly, IL-1β triggered HSV-1 reactivation, which was dependent on DLK and neuronal excitability. Thus, HSV-1 co-opts an innate immune pathway resulting from IL-1 stimulation of neurons to induce reactivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean R Cuddy
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer Biology, University of VirginiaCharlottesvilleUnited States
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of VirginiaCharlottesvilleUnited States
| | - Austin R Schinlever
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer Biology, University of VirginiaCharlottesvilleUnited States
| | - Sara Dochnal
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer Biology, University of VirginiaCharlottesvilleUnited States
| | - Philip V Seegren
- Department of Pharmacology, University of VirginiaCharlottesvilleUnited States
| | - Jon Suzich
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer Biology, University of VirginiaCharlottesvilleUnited States
| | - Parijat Kundu
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer Biology, University of VirginiaCharlottesvilleUnited States
| | - Taylor K Downs
- Department of Pharmacology, University of VirginiaCharlottesvilleUnited States
| | - Mina Farah
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer Biology, University of VirginiaCharlottesvilleUnited States
| | - Bimal N Desai
- Department of Pharmacology, University of VirginiaCharlottesvilleUnited States
| | - Chris Boutell
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research (CVR), Garscube CampusGlasgowUnited Kingdom
| | - Anna R Cliffe
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer Biology, University of VirginiaCharlottesvilleUnited States
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29
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Benn CL, Dawson LA. Clinically Precedented Protein Kinases: Rationale for Their Use in Neurodegenerative Disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2020; 12:242. [PMID: 33117143 PMCID: PMC7494159 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2020.00242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Kinases are an intensively studied drug target class in current pharmacological research as evidenced by the large number of kinase inhibitors being assessed in clinical trials. Kinase-targeted therapies have potential for treatment of a broad array of indications including central nervous system (CNS) disorders. In addition to the many variables which contribute to identification of a successful therapeutic molecule, drug discovery for CNS-related disorders also requires significant consideration of access to the target organ and specifically crossing the blood-brain barrier (BBB). To date, only a small number of kinase inhibitors have been reported that are specifically designed to be BBB permeable, which nonetheless demonstrates the potential for success. This review considers the potential for kinase inhibitors in the context of unmet medical need for neurodegenerative disease. A subset of kinases that have been the focus of clinical investigations over a 10-year period have been identified and discussed individually. For each kinase target, the data underpinning the validity of each in the context of neurodegenerative disease is critically evaluated. Selected molecules for each kinase are identified with information on modality, binding site and CNS penetrance, if known. Current clinical development in neurodegenerative disease are summarized. Collectively, the review indicates that kinase targets with sufficient rationale warrant careful design approaches with an emphasis on improving brain penetrance and selectivity.
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30
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Li DY, Chen JY, Feng DF, Chen S, Xu XK, Dang L, Liu PN. Construction of multiple bonds via a domino reaction of trifluoroacetimidoyl nitriles with in situ generated bis-nucleophiles. Chem Commun (Camb) 2020; 56:8222-8225. [PMID: 32555793 DOI: 10.1039/d0cc02398a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
A transition-metal-free double addition/double rearrangement domino reaction affording CF3-substituted pyrimidines was developed, which enables the one-pot construction of five new bonds, namely three C-C bonds and two C-N bonds. The keys to achieve this highly efficient reaction include the delicate design of the bis-nucleophiles in situ generated from the dimerization of alkyl nitriles and the use of trifluoroacetimidoyl nitriles containing C[double bond, length as m-dash]N, C[triple bond, length as m-dash]N, and CF3 groups as the reactant. The mechanistic studies by the experiments and DFT calculations reveal that the transformation involves two addition and two unprecedented rearrangement processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deng-Yuan Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Functional Materials Chemistry, Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials and School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Meilong Road 130, Shanghai 200237, China.
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31
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Jin Y, Zheng B. Multitasking: Dual Leucine Zipper-Bearing Kinases in Neuronal Development and Stress Management. Annu Rev Cell Dev Biol 2020; 35:501-521. [PMID: 31590586 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-cellbio-100617-062644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The dual leucine zipper-bearing kinase (DLK) and leucine zipper-bearing kinase (LZK) are evolutionarily conserved MAPKKKs of the mixed-lineage kinase family. Acting upstream of stress-responsive JNK and p38 MAP kinases, DLK and LZK have emerged as central players in neuronal responses to a variety of acute and traumatic injuries. Recent studies also implicate their function in astrocytes, microglia, and other nonneuronal cells, reflecting their expanding roles in the multicellular response to injury and in disease. Of particular note is the potential link of these kinases to neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. It is thus critical to understand the physiological contexts under which these kinases are activated, as well as the signal transduction mechanisms that mediate specific functional outcomes. In this review we first provide a historical overview of the biochemical and functional dissection of these kinases. We then discuss recent findings on regulating their activity to enhance cellular protection following injury and in disease, focusing on but not limited to the nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yishi Jin
- Neurobiology Section, Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA; .,Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA;
| | - Binhai Zheng
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA; .,VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California 92161, USA
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32
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Hertzler JI, Simonovitch SI, Albertson RM, Weiner AT, Nye DMR, Rolls MM. Kinetochore proteins suppress neuronal microtubule dynamics and promote dendrite regeneration. Mol Biol Cell 2020; 31:2125-2138. [PMID: 32673176 PMCID: PMC7530905 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e20-04-0237-t] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Kinetochores connect centromeric chromatin to spindle microtubules during mitosis. Neurons are postmitotic, so it was surprising to identify transcripts of structural kinetochore (KT) proteins and regulatory chromosome passenger complex (CPC) and spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) proteins in Drosophila neurons after dendrite injury. To test whether these proteins function during dendrite regeneration, postmitotic RNA interference (RNAi) was performed and dendrites or axons were removed using laser microsurgery. Reduction of KT, CPC, and SAC proteins decreased dendrite regeneration without affecting axon regeneration. To understand whether neuronal functions of these proteins rely on microtubules, we analyzed microtubule behavior in uninjured neurons. The number of growing plus, but not minus, ends increased in dendrites with reduced KT, CPC, and SAC proteins, while axonal microtubules were unaffected. Increased dendritic microtubule dynamics was independent of dual leucine zipper kinase (DLK)-mediated stress but was rescued by concurrent reduction of γ-tubulin, the core microtubule nucleation protein. Reduction of γ-tubulin also rescued dendrite regeneration in backgrounds containing kinetochore RNAi transgenes. We conclude that kinetochore proteins function postmitotically in neurons to suppress dendritic microtubule dynamics by inhibiting nucleation.
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Affiliation(s)
- James I Hertzler
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802
| | - Samantha I Simonovitch
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802
| | - Richard M Albertson
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802.,MSTP Program, Milton S. Hershey College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033
| | - Alexis T Weiner
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802
| | - Derek M R Nye
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802.,MSTP Program, Milton S. Hershey College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033
| | - Melissa M Rolls
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802
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33
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NMDARs in Cell Survival and Death: Implications in Stroke Pathogenesis and Treatment. Trends Mol Med 2020; 26:533-551. [PMID: 32470382 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2020.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Revised: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability in developed countries. N-methyl-D-aspartate glutamate receptors (NMDARs) have important roles in stroke pathology and recovery. Depending on their subtypes and locations, these NMDARs may promote either neuronal survival or death. Recently, the functions of previously overlooked NMDAR subtypes during stroke were characterized, and NMDARs expressed at different subcellular locations were found to have synergistic rather than opposing functions. Moreover, the complexity of the neuronal survival and death signaling pathways following NMDAR activation was further elucidated. In this review, we summarize the recent developments in these areas and discuss how delineating the dual roles of NMDARs in stroke has directed the development of novel neuroprotective therapeutics for stroke.
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34
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Andreone BJ, Larhammar M, Lewcock JW. Cell Death and Neurodegeneration. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2020; 12:cshperspect.a036434. [PMID: 31451511 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a036434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disease is characterized by the progressive deterioration of neuronal function caused by the degeneration of synapses, axons, and ultimately the death of nerve cells. An increased understanding of the mechanisms underlying altered cellular homeostasis and neurodegeneration is critical to the development of effective treatments for disease. Here, we review what is known about neuronal cell death and how it relates to our understanding of neurodegenerative disease pathology. First, we discuss prominent molecular signaling pathways that drive neuronal loss, and highlight the upstream cell biology underlying their activation. We then address how neuronal death may occur during disease in response to neuron intrinsic and extrinsic stressors. An improved understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying neuronal dysfunction and cell death will open up avenues for clinical intervention in a field lacking disease-modifying treatments.
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35
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Gallo KA, Ellsworth E, Stoub H, Conrad SE. Therapeutic potential of targeting mixed lineage kinases in cancer and inflammation. Pharmacol Ther 2019; 207:107457. [PMID: 31863814 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2019.107457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Dysregulation of intracellular signaling pathways is a key attribute of diseases associated with chronic inflammation, including cancer. Mitogen activated protein kinases have emerged as critical conduits of intracellular signal transmission, yet due to their ubiquitous roles in cellular processes, their direct inhibition may lead to undesired effects, thus limiting their usefulness as therapeutic targets. Mixed lineage kinases (MLKs) are mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinases (MAP3Ks) that interact with scaffolding proteins and function upstream of p38, JNK, ERK, and NF-kappaB to mediate diverse cellular signals. Studies involving gene silencing, genetically engineered mouse models, and small molecule inhibitors suggest that MLKs are critical in tumor progression as well as in inflammatory processes. Recent advances indicate that they may be useful targets in some types of cancer and in diseases driven by chronic inflammation including neurodegenerative diseases and metabolic diseases such as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. This review describes existing MLK inhibitors, the roles of MLKs in various aspects of tumor progression and in the control of inflammatory processes, and the potential for therapeutic targeting of MLKs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen A Gallo
- Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; Cell and Molecular Biology Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.
| | - Edmund Ellsworth
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Hayden Stoub
- Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Susan E Conrad
- Cell and Molecular Biology Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.
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36
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Hao Y, Waller TJ, Nye DM, Li J, Zhang Y, Hume RI, Rolls MM, Collins CA. Degeneration of Injured Axons and Dendrites Requires Restraint of a Protective JNK Signaling Pathway by the Transmembrane Protein Raw. J Neurosci 2019; 39:8457-8470. [PMID: 31492772 PMCID: PMC6807270 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0016-19.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2019] [Revised: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The degeneration of injured axons involves a self-destruction pathway whose components and mechanism are not fully understood. Here, we report a new regulator of axonal resilience. The transmembrane protein Raw is cell autonomously required for the degeneration of injured axons, dendrites, and synapses in Drosophila melanogaster In both male and female raw hypomorphic mutant or knock-down larvae, the degeneration of injured axons, dendrites, and synapses from motoneurons and sensory neurons is strongly inhibited. This protection is insensitive to reduction in the levels of the NAD+ synthesis enzyme Nmnat (nicotinamide mononucleotide adenylyl transferase), but requires the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase and the transcription factors Fos and Jun (AP-1). Although these factors were previously known to function in axonal injury signaling and regeneration, Raw's function can be genetically separated from other axonal injury responses: Raw does not modulate JNK-dependent axonal injury signaling and regenerative responses, but instead restrains a protective pathway that inhibits the degeneration of axons, dendrites, and synapses. Although protection in raw mutants requires JNK, Fos, and Jun, JNK also promotes axonal degeneration. These findings suggest the existence of multiple independent pathways that share modulation by JNK, Fos, and Jun that influence how axons respond to stress and injury.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Axonal degeneration is a major feature of neuropathies and nerve injuries and occurs via a cell autonomous self-destruction pathway whose mechanism is poorly understood. This study reports the identification of a new regulator of axonal degeneration: the transmembrane protein Raw. Raw regulates a cell autonomous nuclear signaling pathway whose yet unknown downstream effectors protect injured axons, dendrites, and synapses from degenerating. These findings imply that the susceptibility of axons to degeneration is strongly regulated in neurons. Future understanding of the cellular pathway regulated by Raw, which engages the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase and Fos and Jun transcription factors, may suggest new strategies to increase the resiliency of axons in debilitating neuropathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Hao
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-1085
| | - Thomas J Waller
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-1085
| | - Derek M Nye
- Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, and
| | - Jiaxing Li
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-1085
| | - Yanxiao Zhang
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-2218
| | - Richard I Hume
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-1085
| | - Melissa M Rolls
- Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, and
| | - Catherine A Collins
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-1085,
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The current review analyzes recent findings that suggest that axon degeneration is a druggable process in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders and a subset of traumas. RECENT FINDINGS Emerging evidence reveals that axon degeneration is an active and regulated process in the early progression of some neurodegenerative diseases and acute traumas, which is orchestrated through a combination of axon-intrinsic and somatically derived signaling events. The identification of these pathways has presented appealing drug targets whose specificity for the nervous system and phenotypes in mouse models offers significant clinical opportunity. SUMMARY As the biology of axon degeneration becomes clear, so too has the realization that the pathways driving axon degeneration overlap in part with those that drive neuronal apoptosis and, importantly, axon regeneration. Axon-specific disorders like those seen in CIPN, where injury signaling to the nucleus is not a prominent feature, have been shown to benefit from disruption of Sarm1. In injury and disease contexts, where involvement of somatic events is prominent, inhibition of the MAP Kinase DLK exhibits promise for neuroprotection. Here, however, interfering with somatic signaling may preclude the ability of an axon or a circuit to regenerate or functionally adapt following acute injuries.
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38
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Verschuuren M, Verstraelen P, García-Díaz Barriga G, Cilissen I, Coninx E, Verslegers M, Larsen PH, Nuydens R, De Vos WH. High-throughput microscopy exposes a pharmacological window in which dual leucine zipper kinase inhibition preserves neuronal network connectivity. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2019; 7:93. [PMID: 31164177 PMCID: PMC6549294 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-019-0741-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic developments for neurodegenerative disorders are redirecting their focus to the mechanisms that contribute to neuronal connectivity and the loss thereof. Using a high-throughput microscopy pipeline that integrates morphological and functional measurements, we found that inhibition of dual leucine zipper kinase (DLK) increased neuronal connectivity in primary cortical cultures. This neuroprotective effect was not only observed in basal conditions but also in cultures depleted from antioxidants and in cultures in which microtubule stability was genetically perturbed. Based on the morphofunctional connectivity signature, we further showed that the effects were limited to a specific dose and time range. Thus, our results illustrate that profiling microscopy images with deep coverage enables sensitive interrogation of neuronal connectivity and allows exposing a pharmacological window for targeted treatments. In doing so, we revealed a broad-spectrum neuroprotective effect of DLK inhibition, which may have relevance to pathological conditions that ar.e associated with compromised neuronal connectivity.
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Feng C, Thyagarajan P, Shorey M, Seebold DY, Weiner AT, Albertson RM, Rao KS, Sagasti A, Goetschius DJ, Rolls MM. Patronin-mediated minus end growth is required for dendritic microtubule polarity. J Cell Biol 2019; 218:2309-2328. [PMID: 31076454 PMCID: PMC6605808 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201810155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Revised: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Feng et al. describe persistent neuronal microtubule minus end growth that depends on the CAMSAP protein Patronin and is needed for dendritic minus-end-out polarity. Microtubule minus ends are thought to be stable in cells. Surprisingly, in Drosophila and zebrafish neurons, we observed persistent minus end growth, with runs lasting over 10 min. In Drosophila, extended minus end growth depended on Patronin, and Patronin reduction disrupted dendritic minus-end-out polarity. In fly dendrites, microtubule nucleation sites localize at dendrite branch points. Therefore, we hypothesized minus end growth might be particularly important beyond branch points. Distal dendrites have mixed polarity, and reduction of Patronin lowered the number of minus-end-out microtubules. More strikingly, extra Patronin made terminal dendrites almost completely minus-end-out, indicating low Patronin normally limits minus-end-out microtubules. To determine whether minus end growth populated new dendrites with microtubules, we analyzed dendrite development and regeneration. Minus ends extended into growing dendrites in the presence of Patronin. In sum, our data suggest that Patronin facilitates sustained microtubule minus end growth, which is critical for populating dendrites with minus-end-out microtubules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengye Feng
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
| | - Pankajam Thyagarajan
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
| | - Matthew Shorey
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
| | - Dylan Y Seebold
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
| | - Alexis T Weiner
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
| | - Richard M Albertson
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
| | - Kavitha S Rao
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
| | - Alvaro Sagasti
- Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Daniel J Goetschius
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
| | - Melissa M Rolls
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
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40
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Identification of Novel Inhibitors of DLK Palmitoylation and Signaling by High Content Screening. Sci Rep 2019; 9:3632. [PMID: 30842471 PMCID: PMC6403299 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-39968-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 02/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
After axonal insult and injury, Dual leucine-zipper kinase (DLK) conveys retrograde pro-degenerative signals to neuronal cell bodies via its downstream target c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). We recently reported that such signals critically require modification of DLK by the fatty acid palmitate, via a process called palmitoylation. Compounds that inhibit DLK palmitoylation could thus reduce neurodegeneration, but identifying such inhibitors requires a suitable assay. Here we report that DLK subcellular localization in non-neuronal cells is highly palmitoylation-dependent and can thus serve as a proxy readout to identify inhibitors of DLK palmitoylation by High Content Screening (HCS). We optimized an HCS assay based on this readout, which showed highly robust performance in a 96-well format. Using this assay we screened a library of 1200 FDA-approved compounds and found that ketoconazole, the compound that most dramatically affected DLK localization in our primary screen, dose-dependently inhibited DLK palmitoylation in follow-up biochemical assays. Moreover, ketoconazole significantly blunted phosphorylation of c-Jun in primary sensory neurons subjected to trophic deprivation, a well known model of DLK-dependent pro-degenerative signaling. Our HCS platform is thus capable of identifying novel inhibitors of DLK palmitoylation and signalling that may have considerable therapeutic potential.
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HSP90 is a chaperone for DLK and is required for axon injury signaling. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 115:E9899-E9908. [PMID: 30275300 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1805351115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Peripheral nerve injury induces a robust proregenerative program that drives axon regeneration. While many regeneration-associated genes are known, the mechanisms by which injury activates them are less well-understood. To identify such mechanisms, we performed a loss-of-function pharmacological screen in cultured adult mouse sensory neurons for proteins required to activate this program. Well-characterized inhibitors were present as injury signaling was induced but were removed before axon outgrowth to identify molecules that block induction of the program. Of 480 compounds, 35 prevented injury-induced neurite regrowth. The top hits were inhibitors to heat shock protein 90 (HSP90), a chaperone with no known role in axon injury. HSP90 inhibition blocks injury-induced activation of the proregenerative transcription factor cJun and several regeneration-associated genes. These phenotypes mimic loss of the proregenerative kinase, dual leucine zipper kinase (DLK), a critical neuronal stress sensor that drives axon degeneration, axon regeneration, and cell death. HSP90 is an atypical chaperone that promotes the stability of signaling molecules. HSP90 and DLK show two hallmarks of HSP90-client relationships: (i) HSP90 binds DLK, and (ii) HSP90 inhibition leads to rapid degradation of existing DLK protein. Moreover, HSP90 is required for DLK stability in vivo, where HSP90 inhibitor reduces DLK protein in the sciatic nerve. This phenomenon is evolutionarily conserved in Drosophila Genetic knockdown of Drosophila HSP90, Hsp83, decreases levels of Drosophila DLK, Wallenda, and blocks Wallenda-dependent synaptic terminal overgrowth and injury signaling. Our findings support the hypothesis that HSP90 chaperones DLK and is required for DLK functions, including proregenerative axon injury signaling.
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42
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Wlaschin JJ, Gluski JM, Nguyen E, Silberberg H, Thompson JH, Chesler AT, Le Pichon CE. Dual leucine zipper kinase is required for mechanical allodynia and microgliosis after nerve injury. eLife 2018; 7:33910. [PMID: 29968565 PMCID: PMC6029846 DOI: 10.7554/elife.33910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2017] [Accepted: 06/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain resulting from nerve injury can become persistent and difficult to treat but the molecular signaling responsible for its development remains poorly described. Here, we identify the neuronal stress sensor dual leucine zipper kinase (DLK; Map3k12) as a key molecule controlling the maladaptive pathways that lead to pain following injury. Genetic or pharmacological inhibition of DLK reduces mechanical hypersensitivity in a mouse model of neuropathic pain. Furthermore, DLK inhibition also prevents the spinal cord microgliosis that results from nerve injury and arises distant from the injury site. These striking phenotypes result from the control by DLK of a transcriptional program in somatosensory neurons regulating the expression of numerous genes implicated in pain pathogenesis, including the immune gene Csf1. Thus, activation of DLK is an early event, or even the master regulator, controlling a wide variety of pathways downstream of nerve injury that ultimately lead to chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josette J Wlaschin
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States
| | - Jacob M Gluski
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States
| | - Eileen Nguyen
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States
| | - Hanna Silberberg
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States
| | - James H Thompson
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States
| | - Alexander T Chesler
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States
| | - Claire E Le Pichon
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States
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43
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Siu M, Sengupta Ghosh A, Lewcock JW. Dual Leucine Zipper Kinase Inhibitors for the Treatment of Neurodegeneration. J Med Chem 2018; 61:8078-8087. [PMID: 29863360 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b00370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Dual leucine zipper kinase (DLK, MAP3K12) is an essential driver of the neuronal stress response that regulates neurodegeneration in models of acute neuronal injury and chronic neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and ALS. In this review, we provide an overview of DLK signaling mechanisms and describe selected small molecules that have been utilized to inhibit DLK kinase activity in vivo. These compounds represent valuable tools for understanding the role of DLK signaling and evaluating the potential for DLK inhibition as a therapeutic strategy to prevent neuronal degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Siu
- Genentech, Inc. , 1 DNA Way , South San Francisco , California 94080 , United States
| | | | - Joseph W Lewcock
- Denali Therapeutics , 151 Oyster Point Boulevard , South San Francisco , California 94080 , United States
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44
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Shi Y, Mader M. Brain penetrant kinase inhibitors: Learning from kinase neuroscience discovery. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2018; 28:1981-1991. [PMID: 29752185 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2018.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2018] [Revised: 05/02/2018] [Accepted: 05/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
A recent review of kinase inhibitors in clinical trials for brain cancer noted differences in the properties of these compounds relative to the mean property parameters associated with drugs marketed for CNS-associated conditions. However, many of these kinase drugs arose from opportunistic observations of brain activity, rather than design or flow schemes focused on optimizing CNS penetration. Thus, this digest examines kinase inhibitors that have been developed specifically for neurodegenerative indications such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease, and considers design, flow scheme, and the physicochemical properties associated with compounds that have demonstrated brain penetrance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Shi
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Lilly Corporate Center, Indianapolis, IN 46285, USA
| | - Mary Mader
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Lilly Corporate Center, Indianapolis, IN 46285, USA.
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45
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Le Pichon CE, Meilandt WJ, Dominguez S, Solanoy H, Lin H, Ngu H, Gogineni A, Sengupta Ghosh A, Jiang Z, Lee SH, Maloney J, Gandham VD, Pozniak CD, Wang B, Lee S, Siu M, Patel S, Modrusan Z, Liu X, Rudhard Y, Baca M, Gustafson A, Kaminker J, Carano RAD, Huang EJ, Foreman O, Weimer R, Scearce-Levie K, Lewcock JW. Loss of dual leucine zipper kinase signaling is protective in animal models of neurodegenerative disease. Sci Transl Med 2018; 9:9/403/eaag0394. [PMID: 28814543 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aag0394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2016] [Revised: 11/23/2016] [Accepted: 03/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Hallmarks of chronic neurodegenerative disease include progressive synaptic loss and neuronal cell death, yet the cellular pathways that underlie these processes remain largely undefined. We provide evidence that dual leucine zipper kinase (DLK) is an essential regulator of the progressive neurodegeneration that occurs in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease. We demonstrate that DLK/c-Jun N-terminal kinase signaling was increased in mouse models and human patients with these disorders and that genetic deletion of DLK protected against axon degeneration, neuronal loss, and functional decline in vivo. Furthermore, pharmacological inhibition of DLK activity was sufficient to attenuate the neuronal stress response and to provide functional benefit even in the presence of ongoing disease. These findings demonstrate that pathological activation of DLK is a conserved mechanism that regulates neurodegeneration and suggest that DLK inhibition may be a potential approach to treat multiple neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire E Le Pichon
- Department of Neuroscience, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - William J Meilandt
- Department of Neuroscience, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA.
| | - Sara Dominguez
- Department of Neuroscience, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Hilda Solanoy
- Department of Neuroscience, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Han Lin
- Department of Neuroscience, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Hai Ngu
- Department of Pathology, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Alvin Gogineni
- Department of Biomedical Imaging, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | | | - Zhiyu Jiang
- Department of Neuroscience, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Seung-Hye Lee
- Department of Neuroscience, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Janice Maloney
- Department of Neuroscience, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Vineela D Gandham
- Department of Biomedical Imaging, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Christine D Pozniak
- Department of Neuroscience, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Bei Wang
- Department of Neuroscience, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Sebum Lee
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Michael Siu
- Department of Discovery Chemistry, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Snahel Patel
- Department of Discovery Chemistry, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Zora Modrusan
- Department of Molecular Biology, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Xingrong Liu
- Department of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - York Rudhard
- In Vitro Pharmacology, Evotec AG, Manfred Eigen Campus, 22419 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Miriam Baca
- Department of Pathology, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Amy Gustafson
- Department of Biochemical and Cellular Pharmacology, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Josh Kaminker
- Department of Bioinformatics, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Richard A D Carano
- Department of Biomedical Imaging, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Eric J Huang
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.,Pathology Service 113B, San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, CA 94121, USA
| | - Oded Foreman
- Department of Pathology, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Robby Weimer
- Department of Biomedical Imaging, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Kimberly Scearce-Levie
- Department of Neuroscience, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Joseph W Lewcock
- Department of Neuroscience, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA.
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46
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Abstract
Receptor tyrosine kinase signalling pathways have been successfully targeted to inhibit proliferation and angiogenesis for cancer therapy. However, kinase deregulation has been firmly demonstrated to play an essential role in virtually all major disease areas. Kinase inhibitor drug discovery programmes have recently broadened their focus to include an expanded range of kinase targets and therapeutic areas. In this Review, we provide an overview of the novel targets, biological processes and disease areas that kinase-targeting small molecules are being developed against, highlight the associated challenges and assess the strategies and technologies that are enabling efficient generation of highly optimized kinase inhibitors.
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47
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Ling Z, Xie F, Gridnev ID, Terada M, Zhang W. Cu-Catalyzed switchable synthesis of functionalized pyridines and pyrroles. Chem Commun (Camb) 2018; 54:9446-9449. [DOI: 10.1039/c8cc05307c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
A switchable synthesis of functionalized pyridines and pyrroles via Cu-catalyzed cascade reactions with N-sulfonyl azadienes and alkynes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Ling
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Molecular Engineering and Chiral Drugs
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University
- Shanghai 200240
- China
| | - Fang Xie
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Molecular Engineering and Chiral Drugs
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University
- Shanghai 200240
- China
| | - Ilya D. Gridnev
- Department of Chemistry
- Graduate School of Science
- Tohoku University
- Sendai 9808578
- Japan
| | - Masahiro Terada
- Department of Chemistry
- Graduate School of Science
- Tohoku University
- Sendai 9808578
- Japan
| | - Wanbin Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Molecular Engineering and Chiral Drugs
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University
- Shanghai 200240
- China
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48
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Larhammar M, Huntwork-Rodriguez S, Rudhard Y, Sengupta-Ghosh A, Lewcock JW. The Ste20 Family Kinases MAP4K4, MINK1, and TNIK Converge to Regulate Stress-Induced JNK Signaling in Neurons. J Neurosci 2017; 37:11074-11084. [PMID: 28993483 PMCID: PMC6596808 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0905-17.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2017] [Revised: 09/13/2017] [Accepted: 10/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The c-Jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathway regulates nervous system development, axon regeneration, and neuronal degeneration after acute injury or in chronic neurodegenerative disease. Dual leucine zipper kinase (DLK) is required for stress-induced JNK signaling in neurons, yet the factors that initiate DLK/JNK pathway activity remain poorly defined. In the present study, we identify the Ste20 kinases MAP4K4, misshapen-like kinase 1 (MINK1 or MAP4K6) and TNIK Traf2- and Nck-interacting kinase (TNIK or MAP4K7), as upstream regulators of DLK/JNK signaling in neurons. Using a trophic factor withdrawal-based model of neurodegeneration in both male and female embryonic mouse dorsal root ganglion neurons, we show that MAP4K4, MINK1, and TNIK act redundantly to regulate DLK activation and downstream JNK-dependent phosphorylation of c-Jun in response to stress. Targeting MAP4K4, MINK1, and TNIK, but not any of these kinases individually, is sufficient to protect neurons potently from degeneration. Pharmacological inhibition of MAP4Ks blocks stabilization and phosphorylation of DLK within axons and subsequent retrograde translocation of the JNK signaling complex to the nucleus. These results position MAP4Ks as important regulators of the DLK/JNK signaling pathway.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Neuronal degeneration occurs in disparate circumstances: during development to refine neuronal connections, after injury to clear damaged neurons, or pathologically during disease. The dual leucine zipper kinase (DLK)/c-Jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway represents a conserved regulator of neuronal injury signaling that drives both neurodegeneration and axon regeneration, yet little is known about the factors that initiate DLK activity. Here, we uncover a novel role for a subfamily of MAP4 kinases consisting of MAP4K4, Traf2- and Nck-interacting kinase (TNIK or MAP4K7), and misshapen-like kinase 1 (MINK1 or MAP4K6) in regulating DLK/JNK signaling in neurons. Inhibition of these MAP4Ks blocks stress-induced retrograde JNK signaling and protects from neurodegeneration, suggesting that these kinases may represent attractive therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Larhammar
- Department of Neuroscience, Genentech, Inc., San Francisco, California 94080
- Denali Therapeutics Inc., South San Francisco, California 94080
| | - Sarah Huntwork-Rodriguez
- Department of Neuroscience, Genentech, Inc., San Francisco, California 94080
- Denali Therapeutics Inc., South San Francisco, California 94080
| | - York Rudhard
- In Vitro Pharmacology, Evotec AG, Manfred Eigen Campus, 22419 Hamburg, Germany, and
| | | | - Joseph W Lewcock
- Department of Neuroscience, Genentech, Inc., San Francisco, California 94080,
- Denali Therapeutics Inc., South San Francisco, California 94080
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49
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Patel S, Meilandt WJ, Erickson RI, Chen J, Deshmukh G, Estrada AA, Fuji RN, Gibbons P, Gustafson A, Harris SF, Imperio J, Liu W, Liu X, Liu Y, Lyssikatos JP, Ma C, Yin J, Lewcock JW, Siu M. Selective Inhibitors of Dual Leucine Zipper Kinase (DLK, MAP3K12) with Activity in a Model of Alzheimer's Disease. J Med Chem 2017; 60:8083-8102. [PMID: 28929759 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.7b00843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Significant data exists to suggest that dual leucine zipper kinase (DLK, MAP3K12) is a conserved regulator of neuronal degeneration following neuronal injury and in chronic neurodegenerative disease. Consequently, there is considerable interest in the identification of DLK inhibitors with a profile compatible with development for these indications. Herein, we use structure-based drug design combined with a focus on CNS drug-like properties to generate compounds with superior kinase selectivity and metabolic stability as compared to previously disclosed DLK inhibitors. These compounds, exemplified by inhibitor 14, retain excellent CNS penetration and are well tolerated following multiple days of dosing at concentrations that exceed those required for DLK inhibition in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jinhua Chen
- Department of Chemistry, WuXi AppTec Co., Ltd. , 288 Fute Zhonglu, Wai Gao Qiao Free Trade Zone, Shanghai 200131, P. R. China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Changyou Ma
- Department of Chemistry, WuXi AppTec Co., Ltd. , 288 Fute Zhonglu, Wai Gao Qiao Free Trade Zone, Shanghai 200131, P. R. China
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50
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Edwards ZC, Trotter EW, Torres-Ayuso P, Chapman P, Wood HM, Nyswaner K, Brognard J. Survival of Head and Neck Cancer Cells Relies upon LZK Kinase-Mediated Stabilization of Mutant p53. Cancer Res 2017; 77:4961-4972. [PMID: 28760853 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-17-0267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2017] [Revised: 06/14/2017] [Accepted: 07/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) includes epithelial cancers of the oral and nasal cavity, larynx, and pharynx and accounts for ∼350,000 deaths per year worldwide. Smoking-related HNSCC is associated with few targetable mutations but is defined by frequent copy-number alteration, the most common of which is gain at 3q. Critical 3q target genes have not been conclusively determined for HNSCC. Here, we present data indicating that MAP3K13 (encoding LZK) is an amplified driver gene in HNSCC. Copy-number gain at 3q resulted in increased MAP3K13 mRNA in HNSCC tumor samples and cell lines. Silencing LZK reduced cell viability and proliferation of HNSCC cells with 3q gain but not control cell lines. Inducible silencing of LZK caused near-complete loss of colony-forming ability in cells harboring 3q gain. These results were validated in vivo by evidence that LZK silencing was sufficient to reduce tumor growth in a xenograft model of HNSCC. Our results establish LZK as critical for maintaining expression of mutant stabilized p53. Cancer Res; 77(18); 4961-72. ©2017 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoe C Edwards
- Signalling Networks in Cancer Group, Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Eleanor W Trotter
- Signalling Networks in Cancer Group, Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Pedro Torres-Ayuso
- Signalling Networks in Cancer Group, Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Laboratory of Cell and Developmental Signaling, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Phil Chapman
- Computational Biology Group, Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Henry M Wood
- Leeds Institute of Cancer and Pathology, Wellcome Trust Brenner Building, St. James' University Hospital, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Katherine Nyswaner
- Laboratory of Cell and Developmental Signaling, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland
| | - John Brognard
- Signalling Networks in Cancer Group, Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom. .,Laboratory of Cell and Developmental Signaling, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland
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