1
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Wei J, Shi Q, Li B, Yang H, Liu L, Zhou R, Feng Z, Yang Z, Zhan J, Xiong XF, Huang X, Wang Y. Discovery of a Highly Potent and Selective Inhibitor Targeting Protein Lysine Methyltransferase NSD2. J Med Chem 2024. [PMID: 39230932 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/05/2024]
Abstract
The histone lysine methyltransferase NSD2 has been recognized as an attractive target for cancer treatment, due to the functional implication of its dysregulation in the initiation and progression of many cancers. Although considerable efforts have been made to develop NSD2 small-molecule inhibitors, highly potent and selective ones are still rarely available till now. Here, we report the discovery of a series of novel NSD2 inhibitors via an extensive SAR exploration of the privileged quinazoline scaffold within compound 8. The most promising compound 42 showed excellent NSD2 enzymatic inhibitory activity and good antiproliferative activity in cells. In addition, it demonstrated favorable pharmacokinetic properties and significantly inhibited the tumor growth in a RS411 tumor xenograft model with good safety. Taken together, compound 42 could be a promising NSD2 inhibitor and deserves further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianwei Wei
- Balance-Based Drug Discovery Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | | | - Bang Li
- Balance-Based Drug Discovery Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Hong Yang
- Lingang Laboratory, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Li Liu
- Balance-Based Drug Discovery Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Ruilin Zhou
- Lingang Laboratory, Shanghai 200031, China
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China
| | - Zongbo Feng
- Balance-Based Drug Discovery Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Zhenjiao Yang
- Balance-Based Drug Discovery Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Jinhong Zhan
- Balance-Based Drug Discovery Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Xiao-Feng Xiong
- Balance-Based Drug Discovery Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
- State Key Laboratory of Anti-Infective Drug Development, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Xun Huang
- Lingang Laboratory, Shanghai 200031, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Yuanxiang Wang
- Balance-Based Drug Discovery Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
- State Key Laboratory of Anti-Infective Drug Development, Guangzhou 510006, China
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2
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Kovela S, Karad S, Tatipudi VVG, Arumugam K, Somwanshi AV, Muthukumar M, Mathur A, Tester R. Synthesis of diversely substituted quinazoline-2,4(1 H,3 H)-diones by cyclization of tert-butyl (2-cyanoaryl)carbamates. Org Biomol Chem 2024; 22:6495-6499. [PMID: 39082801 DOI: 10.1039/d4ob00885e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/15/2024]
Abstract
The synthesis of diversely substituted quinazoline-2,4(1H,3H)-diones by cyclization of tert-butyl (2-cyanoaryl)carbamates using readily accessible Boc protected o-amino nitriles is reported. The reaction proceeds smoothly at room temperature using 1 equiv. of H2O2 under basic conditions. This reaction is compatible with a variety of aromatic/heteroaromatic substrates with different functional groups. This strategy can be utilized for the simplified synthesis of goshuyuamide II and an alkaloid isolated from Zanthoxylum arborescens in good yields. This method was also applied to the synthesis of quinazoline-2,4(1H,3H)-diones that are precursors of medicinally important compounds: alfuzosin, terazosin, prazosin, IAAP, doxazosin, FK 366 (zenarestat) and KF31327.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satish Kovela
- Department of Discovery Synthesis, Biocon Bristol Myers Squibb Research Centre, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560099, India.
| | - Somnath Karad
- Department of Discovery Synthesis, Biocon Bristol Myers Squibb Research Centre, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560099, India.
| | - V V Ganesh Tatipudi
- Department of Discovery Synthesis, Biocon Bristol Myers Squibb Research Centre, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560099, India.
| | - Karthikeyan Arumugam
- Department of Discovery Synthesis, Biocon Bristol Myers Squibb Research Centre, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560099, India.
| | - Atul Vijay Somwanshi
- Department of Discovery Synthesis, Biocon Bristol Myers Squibb Research Centre, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560099, India.
| | - M Muthukumar
- Department of Discovery Synthesis, Biocon Bristol Myers Squibb Research Centre, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560099, India.
| | - Arvind Mathur
- Department of Discovery Synthesis, Bristol Myers Squibb, P.O. Box 4000, Princeton, New Jersey, 08540, USA
| | - Richland Tester
- Department of Discovery Synthesis, Bristol Myers Squibb, P.O. Box 4000, Princeton, New Jersey, 08540, USA
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3
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Wang Z, Liu H. Roles of Lysine Methylation in Glucose and Lipid Metabolism: Functions, Regulatory Mechanisms, and Therapeutic Implications. Biomolecules 2024; 14:862. [PMID: 39062577 PMCID: PMC11274642 DOI: 10.3390/biom14070862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2024] [Revised: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Glucose and lipid metabolism are essential energy sources for the body. Dysregulation in these metabolic pathways is a significant risk factor for numerous acute and chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes (T2DM), Alzheimer's disease (AD), obesity, and cancer. Post-translational modifications (PTMs), which regulate protein structure, localization, function, and activity, play a crucial role in managing cellular glucose and lipid metabolism. Among these PTMs, lysine methylation stands out as a key dynamic modification vital for the epigenetic regulation of gene transcription. Emerging evidence indicates that lysine methylation significantly impacts glucose and lipid metabolism by modifying key enzymes and proteins. This review summarizes the current understanding of lysine methylation's role and regulatory mechanisms in glucose and lipid metabolism. We highlight the involvement of methyltransferases (KMTs) and demethylases (KDMs) in generating abnormal methylation signals affecting these metabolic pathways. Additionally, we discuss the chemical biology and pharmacology of KMT and KDM inhibitors and targeted protein degraders, emphasizing their clinical implications for diseases such as diabetes, obesity, neurodegenerative disorders, and cancers. This review suggests that targeting lysine methylation in glucose and lipid metabolism could be an ideal therapeutic strategy for treating these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Huadong Liu
- School of Health and Life Sciences, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao 266113, China;
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4
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Yang C, Li B, Feng Z, Li H, Yang H, Yang Z, Liu L, Shi Q, Wang H, Chen ZZ, Huang X, Wang J, Wang Y. Discovery of a Highly Potent Lysine Methyltransferases G9a/NSD2 Dual Inhibitor to Treat Solid Tumors. J Med Chem 2024. [PMID: 39008565 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
Both G9a and NSD2 have been recognized as promising therapeutic targets for cancer treatment. However, G9a inhibitors only showed moderate inhibitory activity against solid tumors and NSD2 inhibitors were limited to the treatment of hematological malignancies. Inspired by the advantages of dual-target inhibitors that show great potential in enhancing efficiency, we developed a series of highly potent G9a/NSD2 dual inhibitors to treat solid tumors. The candidate 16 demonstrated much enhanced antiproliferative activity compared to the selective G9a inhibitor 3 and NSD2 inhibitor 15. In addition, it exhibited superior potency in inhibiting colony formation, inducing cell apoptosis, and blocking cancer cell metastasis. Furthermore, it effectively inhibited the catalytic functions of both G9a and NSD2 in cells and exhibited significant antitumor efficacy in the PANC-1 xenograft model with good safety. Therefore, compound 16 as a highly potent G9a/NSD2 dual inhibitor presents an attractive anticancer drug candidate for the treatment of solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunju Yang
- Balance-Based Drug Discovery Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Bang Li
- Balance-Based Drug Discovery Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Zongbo Feng
- Balance-Based Drug Discovery Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Huaxuan Li
- Balance-Based Drug Discovery Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Hong Yang
- Lingang Laboratory, Shanghai 200031, P. R. China
| | - Zhenjiao Yang
- Balance-Based Drug Discovery Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Li Liu
- Balance-Based Drug Discovery Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Qiongyu Shi
- Lingang Laboratory, Shanghai 200031, P. R. China
| | - Hong Wang
- Balance-Based Drug Discovery Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
- State Key Laboratory of Anti-Infective Drug Development, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Zhong-Zhu Chen
- College of Pharmacy, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Targeted and Innovative Therapeutics, Chongqing University of Arts and Sciences, Chongqing 402160, China
| | - Xun Huang
- Lingang Laboratory, Shanghai 200031, P. R. China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Junjian Wang
- Balance-Based Drug Discovery Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
- State Key Laboratory of Anti-Infective Drug Development, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yuanxiang Wang
- Balance-Based Drug Discovery Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
- State Key Laboratory of Anti-Infective Drug Development, Guangzhou 510006, China
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5
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Silva-Carvalho AÉ, Filiú-Braga LDC, Bogéa GMR, de Assis AJB, Pittella-Silva F, Saldanha-Araujo F. GLP and G9a histone methyltransferases as potential therapeutic targets for lymphoid neoplasms. Cancer Cell Int 2024; 24:243. [PMID: 38997742 PMCID: PMC11249034 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-024-03441-y] [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: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Histone methyltransferases (HMTs) are enzymes that regulate histone methylation and play an important role in controlling transcription by altering the chromatin structure. Aberrant activation of HMTs has been widely reported in certain types of neoplastic cells. Among them, G9a/EHMT2 and GLP/EHMT1 are crucial for H3K9 methylation, and their dysregulation has been associated with tumor initiation and progression in different types of cancer. More recently, it has been shown that G9a and GLP appear to play a critical role in several lymphoid hematologic malignancies. Importantly, the key roles played by both enzymes in various diseases made them attractive targets for drug development. In fact, in recent years, several groups have tried to develop small molecule inhibitors targeting their epigenetic activities as potential anticancer therapeutic tools. In this review, we discuss the physiological role of GLP and G9a, their oncogenic functions in hematologic malignancies of the lymphoid lineage, and the therapeutic potential of epigenetic drugs targeting G9a/GLP for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Alan Jhones Barbosa de Assis
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology of Cancer, Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, University of Brasilia, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Fábio Pittella-Silva
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology of Cancer, Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, University of Brasilia, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Felipe Saldanha-Araujo
- Hematology and Stem Cells Laboratory, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasilia, Brazil.
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6
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Ni Y, Shi M, Liu L, Lin D, Zeng H, Ong C, Wang Y. G9a in Cancer: Mechanisms, Therapeutic Advancements, and Clinical Implications. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2175. [PMID: 38927881 PMCID: PMC11201431 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16122175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
G9a, also named EHMT2, is a histone 3 lysine 9 (H3K9) methyltransferase responsible for catalyzing H3K9 mono- and dimethylation (H3K9me1 and H3K9me2). G9a contributes to various aspects of embryonic development and tissue differentiation through epigenetic regulation. Furthermore, the aberrant expression of G9a is frequently observed in various tumors, particularly in prostate cancer, where it contributes to cancer pathogenesis and progression. This review highlights the critical role of G9a in multiple cancer-related processes, such as epigenetic dysregulation, tumor suppressor gene silencing, cancer lineage plasticity, hypoxia adaption, and cancer progression. Despite the increased research on G9a in prostate cancer, there are still significant gaps, particularly in understanding its interactions within the tumor microenvironment and its broader epigenetic effects. Furthermore, this review discusses the recent advancements in G9a inhibitors, including the development of dual-target inhibitors that target G9a along with other epigenetic factors such as EZH2 and HDAC. It aims to bring together the existing knowledge, identify gaps in the current research, and suggest future directions for research and treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuchao Ni
- Department of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China;
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada; (M.S.); (L.L.); (D.L.); (Y.W.)
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | - Mingchen Shi
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada; (M.S.); (L.L.); (D.L.); (Y.W.)
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | - Liangliang Liu
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada; (M.S.); (L.L.); (D.L.); (Y.W.)
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | - Dong Lin
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada; (M.S.); (L.L.); (D.L.); (Y.W.)
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | - Hao Zeng
- Department of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China;
| | - Christopher Ong
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada; (M.S.); (L.L.); (D.L.); (Y.W.)
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | - Yuzhuo Wang
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada; (M.S.); (L.L.); (D.L.); (Y.W.)
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada
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7
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Hassanie H, Penteado AB, de Almeida LC, Calil RL, da Silva Emery F, Costa-Lotufo LV, Trossini GHG. SETDB1 as a cancer target: challenges and perspectives in drug design. RSC Med Chem 2024; 15:1424-1451. [PMID: 38799223 PMCID: PMC11113007 DOI: 10.1039/d3md00366c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Genome stability is governed by chromatin structural dynamics, which modify DNA accessibility under the influence of intra- and inter-nucleosomal contacts, histone post-translational modifications (PTMs) and variations, besides the activity of ATP-dependent chromatin remodelers. These are the main ways by which chromatin dynamics are regulated and connected to nuclear processes, which when dysregulated can frequently be associated with most malignancies. Recently, functional crosstalk between histone modifications and chromatin remodeling has emerged as a critical regulatory method of transcriptional regulation during cell destiny choice. Therefore, improving therapeutic outcomes for patients by focusing on epigenetic targets dysregulated in malignancies should help prevent cancer cells from developing resistance to anticancer treatments. For this reason, SET domain bifurcated histone lysine methyltransferase 1 (SETDB1) has gained a lot of attention recently as a cancer target. SETDB1 is a histone lysine methyltransferase that plays an important role in marking euchromatic and heterochromatic regions. Hence, it promotes the silencing of tumor suppressor genes and contributes to carcinogenesis. Some studies revealed that SETDB1 was overexpressed in various human cancer types, which enhanced tumor growth and metastasis. Thus, SETDB1 appears to be an attractive epigenetic target for new cancer treatments. In this review, we have discussed the effects of its overexpression on the progression of tumors and the development of inhibitor drugs that specifically target this enzyme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haifa Hassanie
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Flávio da Silva Emery
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo Brazil
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8
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Velez J, Han Y, Yim H, Yang P, Deng Z, Park KS, Kabir M, Kaniskan HÜ, Xiong Y, Jin J. Discovery of the First-in-Class G9a/GLP PROTAC Degrader. J Med Chem 2024; 67:6397-6409. [PMID: 38602846 PMCID: PMC11069390 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c02394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Aberrantly expressed lysine methyltransferases G9a and GLP, which catalyze mono- and dimethylation of histone H3 lysine 9 (H3K9), have been implicated in numerous cancers. Recent studies have uncovered both catalytic and noncatalytic oncogenic functions of G9a/GLP. As such, G9a/GLP catalytic inhibitors have displayed limited anticancer activity. Here, we report the discovery of the first-in-class G9a/GLP proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) degrader 10 (MS8709), as a potential anticancer therapeutic. 10 induces G9a/GLP degradation in a concentration-, time-, and ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS)-dependent manner. Futhermore, 10 does not alter the mRNA expression of G9a/GLP and is selective for G9a/GLP over other methyltransferases. Moreover, 10 displays superior cell growth inhibition to the parent G9a/GLP inhibitor UNC0642 in prostate, leukemia, and lung cancer cells and has suitable mouse pharmacokinetic properties for in vivo efficacy studies. Overall, 10 is a valuable chemical biology tool to further investigate the functions of G9a/GLP and a potential therapeutic for treating G9a/GLP-dependent cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Velez
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Science, Oncological Science, and Neuroscience, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, United States
| | - Yulin Han
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Science, Oncological Science, and Neuroscience, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, United States
| | - Hyerin Yim
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Science, Oncological Science, and Neuroscience, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, United States
| | - Peiyi Yang
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Science, Oncological Science, and Neuroscience, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, United States
| | - Zhijie Deng
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Science, Oncological Science, and Neuroscience, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, United States
| | - Kwang-Su Park
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Science, Oncological Science, and Neuroscience, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, United States
| | - Md Kabir
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Science, Oncological Science, and Neuroscience, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, United States
| | - H Ümit Kaniskan
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Science, Oncological Science, and Neuroscience, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, United States
| | - Yan Xiong
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Science, Oncological Science, and Neuroscience, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, United States
| | - Jian Jin
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Science, Oncological Science, and Neuroscience, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, United States
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9
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Xiong Y, Greschik H, Johansson C, Seifert L, Gamble V, Park KS, Fagan V, Li F, Chau I, Vedadi M, Arrowsmith CH, Brennan P, Fedorov O, Jung M, Farnie G, Liu J, Oppermann U, Schüle R, Jin J. Discovery of a Potent, Selective, and Cell-Active SPIN1 Inhibitor. J Med Chem 2024; 67:5837-5853. [PMID: 38533580 PMCID: PMC11022035 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
The methyl-lysine reader protein SPIN1 plays important roles in various human diseases. However, targeting methyl-lysine reader proteins has been challenging. Very few cellularly active SPIN1 inhibitors have been developed. We previously reported that our G9a/GLP inhibitor UNC0638 weakly inhibited SPIN1. Here, we present our comprehensive structure-activity relationship study that led to the discovery of compound 11, a dual SPIN1 and G9a/GLP inhibitor, and compound 18 (MS8535), a SPIN1 selective inhibitor. We solved the cocrystal structure of SPIN1 in complex with 11, confirming that 11 occupied one of the three Tudor domains. Importantly, 18 displayed high selectivity for SPIN1 over 38 epigenetic targets, including G9a/GLP, and concentration dependently disrupted the interactions of SPIN1 and H3 in cells. Furthermore, 18 was bioavailable in mice. We also developed 19 (MS8535N), which was inactive against SPIN1, as a negative control of 18. Collectively, these compounds are useful chemical tools to study biological functions of SPIN1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Xiong
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences, Oncological Sciences and Neuroscience, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, United States
| | - Holger Greschik
- Department of Urology and Center for Clinical Research, University Freiburg Medical Center, Freiburg 79106, Germany
| | - Catrine Johansson
- Structural Genomics Consortium, Botnar Research Center, NIHR Oxford BRU, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7LD, U.K
| | - Ludwig Seifert
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Freiburg, Freiburg 79104, Germany
| | - Vicki Gamble
- Structural Genomics Consortium, Botnar Research Center, NIHR Oxford BRU, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7LD, U.K
| | - Kwang-Su Park
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences, Oncological Sciences and Neuroscience, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, United States
| | - Vincent Fagan
- Centre for Medicines Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7FZ, U.K.; Target Discovery Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7FZ, U.K
| | - Fengling Li
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Irene Chau
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Masoud Vedadi
- Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, 661 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M5G 0A3, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Cheryl H Arrowsmith
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Paul Brennan
- Centre for Medicines Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7FZ, U.K.; Target Discovery Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7FZ, U.K
| | - Oleg Fedorov
- Centre for Medicines Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7FZ, U.K.; Target Discovery Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7FZ, U.K
| | - Manfred Jung
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Freiburg, Freiburg 79104, Germany
- German Cancer Research Centre (DKFZ), Heidelberg 69120, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Freiburg 79104, Germany
| | - Gillian Farnie
- Centre for Medicines Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7FZ, U.K.; Target Discovery Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7FZ, U.K
| | - Jing Liu
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences, Oncological Sciences and Neuroscience, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, United States
| | - Udo Oppermann
- Structural Genomics Consortium, Botnar Research Center, NIHR Oxford BRU, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7LD, U.K
- Botnar Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7LD, U.K
- Oxford Translational Myeloma Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7LD, U.K
| | - Roland Schüle
- Department of Urology and Center for Clinical Research, University Freiburg Medical Center, Freiburg 79106, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Freiburg 79104, Germany
- CIBSS Centre of Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg 79106, Germany
| | - Jian Jin
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences, Oncological Sciences and Neuroscience, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, United States
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10
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Jana A, Naga R, Saha S, Griñán-Ferré C, Banerjee DR. Integration of ligand and structure-based pharmacophore screening for the identification of novel natural leads against Euchromatic histone lysine methyltransferase 2 (EHMT2/G9a). J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024; 42:3535-3562. [PMID: 37216299 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2213346] [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: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Herein, we report a blended ligand and structure-based pharmacophore screening approach to identify new natural leads against the Protein Lysine Methyltransferase 2 (EHMT2/G9a). The EHMT2/G9a has been associated with Cancer, Alzheimer's, and aging and is considered an emerging drug target having no clinically passed inhibitor. Purposefully, we developed the ligand-based pharmacophore (Pharmacophore-L) based on the common features of known inhibitors and the structure-based pharmacophore (Pharmacophore-S) based on the interaction profile of available crystal structures. The Pharmacophore-L and Pharmacophore-S were subjected to multiple tiers of validations and utilized in combination for the screening of total 741543 compounds coming from multiple databases. Additional layers of stringency were applied in the screening process to test drug-likeness (using Lipinski's rule, Veber's rule, SMARTS and ADMET filtration), to rule out any toxicity (TOPKAT analysis). The interaction profiles, stabilities, and comparative analysis against the reference were carried out by flexible docking, MD simulation, and MM-GBSA analysis, which finally led to three leads as potential inhibitors of G9a.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhisek Jana
- Department of Chemistry, National Institute of Technology Durgapur, Durgapur, India
| | - Rahul Naga
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Technology Durgapur, Durgapur, India
| | - Sougata Saha
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Technology Durgapur, Durgapur, India
| | - Christian Griñán-Ferré
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación en Red, Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Deb Ranjan Banerjee
- Department of Chemistry, National Institute of Technology Durgapur, Durgapur, India
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11
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Velez J, Han Y, Yim H, Yang P, Deng Z, Park KS, Kabir M, Kaniskan HÜ, Xiong Y, Jin J. Discovery of the First-in-class G9a/GLP PROTAC Degrader. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.26.582210. [PMID: 38464025 PMCID: PMC10925177 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.26.582210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Aberrantly expressed lysine methyltransferases G9a and GLP, which catalyze mono- and di-methylation of histone H3 lysine 9 (H3K9), have been implicated in numerous cancers. Recent studies have uncovered both catalytic and non-catalytic oncogenic functions of G9a/GLP. As such, G9a/GLP catalytic inhibitors have displayed limited anticancer activity. Here, we report the discovery of the first-in-class G9a/GLP proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) degrader, 10 (MS8709), as a potential anticancer therapeutic. 10 induces G9a/GLP degradation in a concentration-, time, and ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS)-dependent manner, does not alter the mRNA expression of G9a/GLP and is selective for G9a/GLP over other methyltransferases. Moreover, 10 displays superior cell growth inhibition to the parent G9a/GLP inhibitor UNC0642 in prostate, leukemia, and lung cancer cells and has suitable mouse pharmacokinetic properties for in vivo efficacy studies. Overall, 10 is a valuable chemical biology tool to further investigate the functions of G9a/GLP and a potential therapeutic for treating G9a/GLP-dependent cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Velez
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Science, Oncological Science and Neuroscience, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Yulin Han
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Science, Oncological Science and Neuroscience, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Hyerin Yim
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Science, Oncological Science and Neuroscience, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Peiyi Yang
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Science, Oncological Science and Neuroscience, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Zhijie Deng
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Science, Oncological Science and Neuroscience, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Kwang-su Park
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Science, Oncological Science and Neuroscience, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Current address: College of Pharmacy, Keimyung University, Daegu 704-701, South Korea
| | - Md Kabir
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Science, Oncological Science and Neuroscience, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - H. Ümit Kaniskan
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Science, Oncological Science and Neuroscience, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Yan Xiong
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Science, Oncological Science and Neuroscience, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Jian Jin
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Science, Oncological Science and Neuroscience, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
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12
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Li D, Peng X, Hu Z, Li S, Chen J, Pan W. Small molecules targeting selected histone methyltransferases (HMTs) for cancer treatment: Current progress and novel strategies. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 264:115982. [PMID: 38056296 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115982] [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: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Histone methyltransferases (HMTs) play a critical role in gene post-translational regulation and diverse physiological processes, and are implicated in a plethora of human diseases, especially cancer. Increasing evidences demonstrate that HMTs may serve as a potential therapeutic target for cancer treatment. Thus, the development of HMTs inhibitor have been pursued with steadily increasing interest over the past decade. However, the disadvantages such as insufficient clinical efficacy, moderate selectivity, and propensity for acquired resistance have hindered the development of conventional HMT inhibitors. New technologies and methods are imperative to enhance the anticancer activity of HMT inhibitors. In this review, we first review the structure and biological functions of the several essential HMTs, such as EZH2, G9a, PRMT5, and DOT1L. The internal relationship between these HMTs and cancer is also expounded. Next, we mainly focus on the latest progress in the development of HMT modulators encompassing dual-target inhibitors, targeted protein degraders and covalent inhibitors from perspectives such as rational design, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, and clinical status. Lastly, we also discuss the challenges and future directions for HMT-based drug discovery for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deping Li
- Department of Pharmacy, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, PR China
| | - Xiaopeng Peng
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, School of Pharmacy, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, PR China
| | - Zhihao Hu
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, School of Pharmacy, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, PR China
| | - Shuqing Li
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, School of Pharmacy, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, PR China
| | - Jianjun Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 516000, PR China.
| | - Wanyi Pan
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, School of Pharmacy, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, PR China.
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13
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Ji S, Rizk MA, Galon EM, El-Alfy ES, Mizukawa Y, Kojima M, Ikegami-Kawai M, Kaya M, Liu M, Itoh I, Xuan X. Anti-babesial activity of a series of 6,7-dimethoxyquinazoline-2,4-diamines (DMQDAs). Acta Trop 2024; 249:107069. [PMID: 37952866 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.107069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
Diminazene aceturate (DA), imidocarb dipropionate (ID), atovaquone (ATO), azithromycin (AZI), clindamycin, and quinine have been used to treat animal and human babesiosis for many years, despite their negative effects and rising indications of resistance. Thus, finding anti-babesial compounds that can either treat the infection or lower the dose of drugs given has been a primary objective. Quinazolines are one of the most important nitrogen heterocycles, with a wide range of pharmacological activities including analgesic, anti-inflammatory, sedative-hypnotic, anti-histaminic, anti-cancer, and anti-protozoan properties. The present study investigated the anti-babesial activities of twenty 6,7-dimethoxyquinazoline-2,4-diamines on Babesia spp. One candidate, 6,7-dimethoxy-N4-ethylisopropyl-N2-ethyl(pyridin-4-yl)quinazoline-2,4-diamine (SHG02), showed potent inhibition on Babesia gibsoni in vitro, as well as on B. microti and B. rodhaini in mice. Our findings indicate that the candidate compound SHG02 is promising for further development of anti-babesial drugs and provides a new structure to be explored for developing anti-Babesia therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengwei Ji
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Mohamed Abdo Rizk
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan; Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Eloiza May Galon
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Cavite State University, Indang, Cavite 4122, Philippines
| | - El-Sayed El-Alfy
- Parasitology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Yuki Mizukawa
- Synstar Japan Co., Ltd., 2-9-46 Sakaecho, Odawara, Kanagawa 250-0011, Japan
| | - Masayoshi Kojima
- Synstar Japan Co., Ltd., 2-9-46 Sakaecho, Odawara, Kanagawa 250-0011, Japan
| | - Mayumi Ikegami-Kawai
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Hoshi University, 2-4-41 Ebara, Shinagawa, Tokyo 142-8501, Japan
| | - Motohiro Kaya
- Center for Industry-University Collaboration, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Mingming Liu
- School of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang 441053, China
| | - Isamu Itoh
- Synstar Japan Co., Ltd., 2-9-46 Sakaecho, Odawara, Kanagawa 250-0011, Japan
| | - Xuenan Xuan
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan.
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14
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Feng Z, Yang C, Zhang Y, Li H, Fang W, Wang J, Nie Y, Wang CY, Liu Z, Jiang Z, Wang J, Wang Y. Structure-Based Design and Characterization of the Highly Potent and Selective Covalent Inhibitors Targeting the Lysine Methyltransferases G9a/GLP. J Med Chem 2023. [PMID: 37268593 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Protein lysine methyltransferases G9a and GLP, which catalyze mono- and di-methylation of histone H3K9 and nonhistone proteins, play important roles in diverse cellular processes. Overexpression or dysregulation of G9a and GLP has been identified in various types of cancer. Here, we report the discovery of a highly potent and selective covalent inhibitor 27 of G9a/GLP via the structure-based drug design approach following structure-activity relationship exploration and cellular potency optimization. Mass spectrometry assays and washout experiments confirmed its covalent inhibition mechanism. Compound 27 displayed improved potency in inhibiting the proliferation and colony formation of PANC-1 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines and exhibited enhanced potency in reducing the levels of H3K9me2 in cells compared to noncovalent inhibitor 26. In vivo, 27 showed significant antitumor efficacy in the PANC-1 xenograft model with good safety. These results clearly indicate that 27 is a highly potent and selective covalent inhibitor of G9a/GLP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongbo Feng
- Balance-Based Drug Discovery Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
- School of Pharmacy, Guilin Medical University, Zhiyuan Road, Lingui District, Guilin 541199, China
| | - Chunju Yang
- Balance-Based Drug Discovery Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Balance-Based Drug Discovery Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Huaxuan Li
- Balance-Based Drug Discovery Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Wei Fang
- Balance-Based Drug Discovery Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Junhua Wang
- The Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan 528000, China
| | - Yichu Nie
- Clinical Research Institute, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan 528000, China
| | - Chang-Yun Wang
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Zhiqing Liu
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Institute of Evolution & Marine Biodiversity, College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Zhimin Jiang
- School of Pharmacy, Guilin Medical University, Zhiyuan Road, Lingui District, Guilin 541199, China
| | - Junjian Wang
- Balance-Based Drug Discovery Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yuanxiang Wang
- Balance-Based Drug Discovery Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
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15
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Medicinal Chemistry of Anti-HIV-1 Latency Chemotherapeutics: Biotargets, Binding Modes and Structure-Activity Relationship Investigation. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 28:molecules28010003. [PMID: 36615199 PMCID: PMC9822059 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28010003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The existence of latent viral reservoirs (LVRs), also called latent cells, has long been an acknowledged stubborn hurdle for effective treatment of HIV-1/AIDS. This stable and heterogeneous reservoir, which mainly exists in resting memory CD4+ T cells, is not only resistant to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) but cannot be detected by the immune system, leading to rapid drug resistance and viral rebound once antiviral treatment is interrupted. Accordingly, various functional cure strategies have been proposed to combat this barrier, among which one of the widely accepted and utilized protocols is the so-called 'shock-and-kill' regimen. The protocol begins with latency-reversing agents (LRAs), either alone or in combination, to reactivate the latent HIV-1 proviruses, then eliminates them by viral cytopathic mechanisms (e.g., currently available antiviral drugs) or by the immune killing function of the immune system (e.g., NK and CD8+ T cells). In this review, we focuse on the currently explored small molecular LRAs, with emphasis on their mechanism-directed drug targets, binding modes and structure-relationship activity (SAR) profiles, aiming to provide safer and more effective remedies for treating HIV-1 infection.
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16
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Bellver-Sanchis A, Singh Choudhary B, Companys-Alemany J, Sukanya, Ávila-López PA, Martínez Rodríguez AL, Brea Floriani JM, Malik R, Pallàs M, Pérez B, Griñán-Ferré C. Structure-Based Virtual Screening and in vitro and in vivo Analyses Revealed Potent Methyltransferase G9a Inhibitors as Prospective Anti-Alzheimer's Agents. ChemMedChem 2022; 17:e202200002. [PMID: 35413149 PMCID: PMC9401600 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202200002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
G9a is a lysine methyltransferase able to di-methylate lysine 9 of histone H3, promoting the repression of genes involved in learning and memory. Novel strategies based on synthesizing epigenetic drugs could regulate gene expression through histone post-translational modifications and effectively treat neurodegenerative diseases, like Alzheimer's disease (AD). Here, potential G9a inhibitors were identified using a structure-based virtual screening against G9a, followed by in vitro and in vivo screenings. First, screening methods with the AD transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans strain CL2006, showed that the toxicity/function range was safe and recovered age-dependent paralysis. Likewise, we demonstrated that the best candidates direct target G9a by reducing H3 K9me2 in the CL2006 strain. Further characterization of these compounds involved the assessment of the blood-brain barrier-permeability and impact on amyloid-β aggregation, showing promising results. Thus, we present a G9a inhibitor candidate, F, with a novel and potent structure, providing both leads in G9a inhibitor design and demonstrating their participation in reducing AD pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aina Bellver-Sanchis
- Pharmacology Section, Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Institute of Neuroscience, Universitat de Barcelona (NeuroUB), Av. Joan XXIII 27-31, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Bhanwar Singh Choudhary
- Department of Pharmacy, Central University of Rajasthan, Bandarsindari, Ajmer, 305817, India
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Quality Assurance, Shree S. K. Patel College of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Ganpat University, Mehsana, Gujarat, 384012, India
| | - Júlia Companys-Alemany
- Pharmacology Section, Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Institute of Neuroscience, Universitat de Barcelona (NeuroUB), Av. Joan XXIII 27-31, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sukanya
- Department of Pharmacy, Central University of Rajasthan, Bandarsindari, Ajmer, 305817, India
| | - Pedro A Ávila-López
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Antón Leandro Martínez Rodríguez
- Centro de Investigación en Medicina Molecular y Enfermedades Crónicas (CIMUS), Departamento de Farmacología, Farmacia y Tecnología Farmacéutica, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, 15782, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Jose Manuel Brea Floriani
- Centro de Investigación en Medicina Molecular y Enfermedades Crónicas (CIMUS), Departamento de Farmacología, Farmacia y Tecnología Farmacéutica, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, 15782, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Ruchi Malik
- Department of Pharmacy, Central University of Rajasthan, Bandarsindari, Ajmer, 305817, India
| | - Mercè Pallàs
- Pharmacology Section, Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Institute of Neuroscience, Universitat de Barcelona (NeuroUB), Av. Joan XXIII 27-31, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Belén Pérez
- Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutic and Toxicology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Christian Griñán-Ferré
- Pharmacology Section, Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Institute of Neuroscience, Universitat de Barcelona (NeuroUB), Av. Joan XXIII 27-31, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
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17
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Park KS, Xiong Y, Yim H, Velez J, Babault N, Kumar P, Liu J, Jin J. Discovery of the First-in-Class G9a/GLP Covalent Inhibitors. J Med Chem 2022; 65:10506-10522. [PMID: 35763668 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The highly homologous protein lysine methyltransferases G9a and GLP, which catalyze mono- and dimethylation of histone H3 lysine 9 (H3K9), have been implicated in various human diseases. To investigate functions of G9a and GLP in human diseases, we and others reported several noncovalent reversible small-molecule inhibitors of G9a and GLP. Here, we report the discovery of the first-in-class G9a/GLP covalent irreversible inhibitors, 1 and 8 (MS8511), by targeting a cysteine residue at the substrate binding site. We characterized these covalent inhibitors in enzymatic, mass spectrometry based and cellular assays and using X-ray crystallography. Compared to the noncovalent G9a/GLP inhibitor UNC0642, covalent inhibitor 8 displayed improved potency in enzymatic and cellular assays. Interestingly, compound 8 also displayed potential kinetic preference for covalently modifying G9a over GLP. Collectively, compound 8 could be a useful chemical tool for studying the functional roles of G9a and GLP by covalently modifying and inhibiting these methyltransferases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwang-Su Park
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences, Oncological Sciences and Neuroscience, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, United States
| | - Yan Xiong
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences, Oncological Sciences and Neuroscience, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, United States
| | - Hyerin Yim
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences, Oncological Sciences and Neuroscience, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, United States
| | - Julia Velez
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences, Oncological Sciences and Neuroscience, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, United States
| | - Nicolas Babault
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences, Oncological Sciences and Neuroscience, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, United States
| | - Prashasti Kumar
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences, Oncological Sciences and Neuroscience, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, United States
| | - Jing Liu
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences, Oncological Sciences and Neuroscience, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, United States
| | - Jian Jin
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences, Oncological Sciences and Neuroscience, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, United States
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18
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Ang GCK, Gupta A, Surana U, Yap SXL, Taneja R. Potential Therapeutics Targeting Upstream Regulators and Interactors of EHMT1/2. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:2855. [PMID: 35740522 PMCID: PMC9221123 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14122855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Euchromatin histone lysine methyltransferases (EHMTs) are epigenetic regulators responsible for silencing gene transcription by catalyzing H3K9 dimethylation. Dysregulation of EHMT1/2 has been reported in multiple cancers and is associated with poor clinical outcomes. Although substantial insights have been gleaned into the downstream targets and pathways regulated by EHMT1/2, few studies have uncovered mechanisms responsible for their dysregulated expression. Moreover, EHMT1/2 interacting partners, which can influence their function and, therefore, the expression of target genes, have not been extensively explored. As none of the currently available EHMT inhibitors have made it past clinical trials, understanding upstream regulators and EHMT protein complexes may provide unique insights into novel therapeutic avenues in EHMT-overexpressing cancers. Here, we review our current understanding of the regulators and interacting partners of EHMTs. We also discuss available therapeutic drugs that target the upstream regulators and binding partners of EHMTs and could potentially modulate EHMT function in cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gareth Chin Khye Ang
- Healthy Longevity Translational Research Program, Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117593, Singapore; (G.C.K.A.); (A.G.)
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117593, Singapore;
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research A*STAR, 61 Biopolis Drive, Singapore 138673, Singapore
| | - Amogh Gupta
- Healthy Longevity Translational Research Program, Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117593, Singapore; (G.C.K.A.); (A.G.)
| | - Uttam Surana
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117593, Singapore;
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research A*STAR, 61 Biopolis Drive, Singapore 138673, Singapore
| | - Shirlyn Xue Ling Yap
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119228, Singapore;
| | - Reshma Taneja
- Healthy Longevity Translational Research Program, Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117593, Singapore; (G.C.K.A.); (A.G.)
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19
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Feoli A, Viviano M, Cipriano A, Milite C, Castellano S, Sbardella G. Lysine methyltransferase inhibitors: where we are now. RSC Chem Biol 2022; 3:359-406. [PMID: 35441141 PMCID: PMC8985178 DOI: 10.1039/d1cb00196e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein lysine methyltransferases constitute a large family of epigenetic writers that catalyse the transfer of a methyl group from the cofactor S-adenosyl-l-methionine to histone- and non-histone-specific substrates. Alterations in the expression and activity of these proteins have been linked to the genesis and progress of several diseases, including cancer, neurological disorders, and growing defects, hence they represent interesting targets for new therapeutic approaches. Over the past two decades, the identification of modulators of lysine methyltransferases has increased tremendously, clarifying the role of these proteins in different physio-pathological states. The aim of this review is to furnish an updated outlook about the protein lysine methyltransferases disclosed modulators, reporting their potency, their mechanism of action and their eventual use in clinical and preclinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Feoli
- Department of Pharmacy, Epigenetic Med Chem Lab, University of Salerno via Giovanni Paolo II 132 I-84084 Fisciano SA Italy +39-089-96-9602 +39-089-96-9770
| | - Monica Viviano
- Department of Pharmacy, Epigenetic Med Chem Lab, University of Salerno via Giovanni Paolo II 132 I-84084 Fisciano SA Italy +39-089-96-9602 +39-089-96-9770
| | - Alessandra Cipriano
- Department of Pharmacy, Epigenetic Med Chem Lab, University of Salerno via Giovanni Paolo II 132 I-84084 Fisciano SA Italy +39-089-96-9602 +39-089-96-9770
| | - Ciro Milite
- Department of Pharmacy, Epigenetic Med Chem Lab, University of Salerno via Giovanni Paolo II 132 I-84084 Fisciano SA Italy +39-089-96-9602 +39-089-96-9770
| | - Sabrina Castellano
- Department of Pharmacy, Epigenetic Med Chem Lab, University of Salerno via Giovanni Paolo II 132 I-84084 Fisciano SA Italy +39-089-96-9602 +39-089-96-9770
| | - Gianluca Sbardella
- Department of Pharmacy, Epigenetic Med Chem Lab, University of Salerno via Giovanni Paolo II 132 I-84084 Fisciano SA Italy +39-089-96-9602 +39-089-96-9770
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20
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Menna M, Fiorentino F, Marrocco B, Lucidi A, Tomassi S, Cilli D, Romanenghi M, Cassandri M, Pomella S, Pezzella M, Del Bufalo D, Zeya Ansari MS, Tomašević N, Mladenović M, Viviano M, Sbardella G, Rota R, Trisciuoglio D, Minucci S, Mattevi A, Rotili D, Mai A. Novel non-covalent LSD1 inhibitors endowed with anticancer effects in leukemia and solid tumor cellular models. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 237:114410. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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21
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Szewc M, Radzikowska-Bűchner E, Wdowiak P, Kozak J, Kuszta P, Niezabitowska E, Matysiak J, Kubiński K, Masłyk M. MSCs as Tumor-Specific Vectors for the Delivery of Anticancer Agents-A Potential Therapeutic Strategy in Cancer Diseases: Perspectives for Quinazoline Derivatives. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:2745. [PMID: 35269887 PMCID: PMC8911180 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are considered to be a powerful tool in the treatment of various diseases. Scientists are particularly interested in the possibility of using MSCs in cancer therapy. The research carried out so far has shown that MSCs possess both potential pro-oncogenic and anti-oncogenic properties. It has been confirmed that MSCs can regulate tumor cell growth through a paracrine mechanism, and molecules secreted by MSCs can promote or block a variety of signaling pathways. These findings may be crucial in the development of new MSC-based cell therapeutic strategies. The abilities of MSCs such as tumor tropism, deep migration and immune evasion have evoked considerable interest in their use as tumor-specific vectors for small-molecule anticancer agents. Studies have shown that MSCs can be successfully loaded with chemotherapeutic drugs such as gemcitabine and paclitaxel, and can release them at the site of primary and metastatic neoplasms. The inhibitory effect of MSCs loaded with anti-cancer agents on the proliferation of cancer cells has also been observed. However, not all known chemotherapeutic agents can be used in this approach, mainly due to their cytotoxicity towards MSCs and insufficient loading and release capacity. Quinazoline derivatives appear to be an attractive choice for this therapeutic solution due to their biological and pharmacological properties. There are several quinazolines that have been approved for clinical use as anticancer drugs by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It gives hope that the synthesis of new quinazoline derivatives and the development of methods of their application may contribute to the establishment of highly effective therapies for oncological patients. However, a deeper understanding of interactions between MSCs and tumor cells, and the exploration of the possibilities of using quinazoline derivatives in MSC-based therapy is necessary to achieve this goal. The aim of this review is to discuss the prospects for using MSC-based cell therapy in cancer treatment and the potential use of quinazolines in this procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Szewc
- Department of Human Anatomy, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland; (P.W.); (J.K.); (P.K.)
| | - Elżbieta Radzikowska-Bűchner
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Maxillary Surgery, Central Clinical Hospital MSWiA, 02-507 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Paulina Wdowiak
- Department of Human Anatomy, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland; (P.W.); (J.K.); (P.K.)
| | - Joanna Kozak
- Department of Human Anatomy, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland; (P.W.); (J.K.); (P.K.)
| | - Piotr Kuszta
- Department of Human Anatomy, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland; (P.W.); (J.K.); (P.K.)
| | - Ewa Niezabitowska
- Department of Urology and Urological Oncology, Multidisciplinary Hospital in Lublin, 20-400 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Joanna Matysiak
- Department of Chemistry, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, 20-950 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Konrad Kubiński
- Department of Molecular Biology, The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, 20-708 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Maciej Masłyk
- Department of Molecular Biology, The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, 20-708 Lublin, Poland;
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22
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Zheng H, Dai Q, Yuan Z, Fan T, Zhang C, Liu Z, Chu B, Sun Q, Chen Y, Jiang Y. Quinazoline-based hydroxamic acid derivatives as dual histone methylation and deacetylation inhibitors for potential anticancer agents. Bioorg Med Chem 2022; 53:116524. [PMID: 34847495 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2021.116524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is a common malignant disease with complex signaling networks, which means it is unmanageable to cancer therapy by using single classical targeted drug. Recently, dual- or multitarget drugs have emerged as a promising option for cancer therapies. Although many multifunctional compounds targeting HDAC have been validated, as far as we know, there is no molecule targeting GLP and HDAC synchronously. In the present work, we designed and synthesized a series of quinazoline-based hydroxamic acid derivatives as dual GLP and HDAC inhibitors. These hybrid compounds showed potent enzymatic inhibitory activities against GLP and HDAC1/6 with IC50 values in the nanomolar range of less than 190 nM. Furthermore, most of our compounds displayed significant broad spectrum cytotoxic activities apart from D3 and D8 against all the tested cancer cells with IC50 values less than 50 μM. D1, D6 and D7 showed more potent cytotoxic activities than D2, D4 and D5 in those cancer cells. Especially, compound D7 showed potent inhibitory potency activity against both GLP and HDAC1/6 with IC50 values of 1.3, 89, 13 nM. Besides, D7 exhibited the most potent antiproliferative activity against all the tested cancer cells. Further evaluations indicated that D7 could inhibit the methylation and deacetylation of H3K9 on protein level. Moreover, D7 could induce cancer cell apoptosis, G0/G1 cell cycle arrest, and partly block migration and invasion. All these thorough evaluations warranted D7 as a promising lead compound worth further optimization and development for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoting Zheng
- Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, PR China; National & Local United Engineering Lab for Personalized Anti-tumor Drugs, The State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, PR China
| | - Qiuzi Dai
- Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, PR China; National & Local United Engineering Lab for Personalized Anti-tumor Drugs, The State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, PR China
| | - Zigao Yuan
- National & Local United Engineering Lab for Personalized Anti-tumor Drugs, The State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, PR China; National & Local United Engineering Lab for Personalized Anti-tumor Drugs, Shenzhen Kivita Innovative Drug Discovery Institute, The Graduate School at Shenzhen, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, PR China
| | - Tingting Fan
- National & Local United Engineering Lab for Personalized Anti-tumor Drugs, The State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, PR China
| | - Cunlong Zhang
- National & Local United Engineering Lab for Personalized Anti-tumor Drugs, Shenzhen Kivita Innovative Drug Discovery Institute, The Graduate School at Shenzhen, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, PR China
| | - Zijian Liu
- National & Local United Engineering Lab for Personalized Anti-tumor Drugs, Shenzhen Kivita Innovative Drug Discovery Institute, The Graduate School at Shenzhen, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, PR China
| | - Bizhu Chu
- Institute of Biomedical Health Technology and Engineering, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, PR China
| | - Qinsheng Sun
- National & Local United Engineering Lab for Personalized Anti-tumor Drugs, The State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, PR China; National & Local United Engineering Lab for Personalized Anti-tumor Drugs, Shenzhen Kivita Innovative Drug Discovery Institute, The Graduate School at Shenzhen, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, PR China; School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, 100084 Beijing, PR China
| | - Yan Chen
- National & Local United Engineering Lab for Personalized Anti-tumor Drugs, The State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, PR China; National & Local United Engineering Lab for Personalized Anti-tumor Drugs, Shenzhen Kivita Innovative Drug Discovery Institute, The Graduate School at Shenzhen, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, PR China; School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, 100084 Beijing, PR China.
| | - Yuyang Jiang
- National & Local United Engineering Lab for Personalized Anti-tumor Drugs, The State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, PR China; Institute of Biomedical Health Technology and Engineering, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, PR China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, PR China.
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23
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Poulard C, Noureddine LM, Pruvost L, Le Romancer M. Structure, Activity, and Function of the Protein Lysine Methyltransferase G9a. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11101082. [PMID: 34685453 PMCID: PMC8541646 DOI: 10.3390/life11101082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
G9a is a lysine methyltransferase catalyzing the majority of histone H3 mono- and dimethylation at Lys-9 (H3K9), responsible for transcriptional repression events in euchromatin. G9a has been shown to methylate various lysine residues of non-histone proteins and acts as a coactivator for several transcription factors. This review will provide an overview of the structural features of G9a and its paralog called G9a-like protein (GLP), explore the biochemical features of G9a, and describe its post-translational modifications and the specific inhibitors available to target its catalytic activity. Aside from its role on histone substrates, the review will highlight some non-histone targets of G9a, in order gain insight into their role in specific cellular mechanisms. Indeed, G9a was largely described to be involved in embryonic development, hypoxia, and DNA repair. Finally, the involvement of G9a in cancer biology will be presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Coralie Poulard
- Cancer Research Cancer of Lyon, Université de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France; (L.M.N.); (L.P.); (M.L.R.)
- Inserm U1052, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France
- CNRS UMR5286, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France
- Correspondence:
| | - Lara M. Noureddine
- Cancer Research Cancer of Lyon, Université de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France; (L.M.N.); (L.P.); (M.L.R.)
- Inserm U1052, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France
- CNRS UMR5286, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Molecular Immunology, Faculty of Sciences, Lebanese University, Hadat-Beirut 90565, Lebanon
| | - Ludivine Pruvost
- Cancer Research Cancer of Lyon, Université de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France; (L.M.N.); (L.P.); (M.L.R.)
- Inserm U1052, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France
- CNRS UMR5286, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France
| | - Muriel Le Romancer
- Cancer Research Cancer of Lyon, Université de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France; (L.M.N.); (L.P.); (M.L.R.)
- Inserm U1052, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France
- CNRS UMR5286, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France
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24
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Trager MH, Sah B, Chen Z, Liu L. Control of Breast Cancer Pathogenesis by Histone Methylation and the Hairless Histone Demethylase. Endocrinology 2021; 162:6259332. [PMID: 33928351 PMCID: PMC8237996 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqab088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer is a highly heterogeneous disease, encompassing many subtypes that have distinct origins, behaviors, and prognoses. Although traditionally seen as a genetic disease, breast cancer is now also known to involve epigenetic abnormalities. Epigenetic regulators, such as DNA methyltransferases and histone-modifying enzymes, play essential roles in gene regulation and cancer development. Dysregulation of epigenetic regulator activity has been causally linked with breast cancer pathogenesis. Hairless (HR) encodes a 130-kDa transcription factor that is essential for development and tissue homeostasis. Its role in transcription regulation is partly mediated by its interaction with multiple nuclear receptors, including thyroid hormone receptor, retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptors, and vitamin D receptor. HR has been studied primarily in epidermal development and homeostasis. Hr-mutant mice are highly susceptible to ultraviolet- or carcinogen-induced skin tumors. Besides its putative tumor suppressor function in skin, loss of HR function has also been implicated in increased leukemia susceptibility and promotes the growth of melanoma and brain cancer cells. HR has also been demonstrated to function as a histone H3 lysine 9 demethylase. Recent genomics studies have identified HR mutations in a variety of human cancers, including breast cancer. The anticancer function and mechanism of action by HR in mammary tissue remains to be investigated. Here, we review the emerging role of HR, its histone demethylase activity and histone methylation in breast cancer development, and potential for epigenetic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan H Trager
- Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York 10032, USA
| | - Bindeshwar Sah
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, Minnesota 55912, USA
| | - Zhongming Chen
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, Minnesota 55912, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55912, USA
| | - Liang Liu
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, Minnesota 55912, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55912, USA
- Correspondence: Liang Liu, PhD, The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN, 55912, USA.
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25
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Cuartas V, Aragón-Muriel A, Liscano Y, Polo-Cerón D, Crespo-Ortiz MDP, Quiroga J, Abonia R, Insuasty B. Anticancer activity of pyrimidodiazepines based on 2-chloro-4-anilinoquinazoline: synthesis, DNA binding and molecular docking. RSC Adv 2021; 11:23310-23329. [PMID: 35479808 PMCID: PMC9036565 DOI: 10.1039/d1ra03509f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Multidrug resistance to chemotherapy is a critical health problem associated with mutation of the therapeutic target. Therefore, the development of anticancer agents remains a challenge to overcome cancer cell resistance. Herein, a new series of quinazoline-based pyrimidodiazepines 16a-g were synthesized by the cyclocondensation reaction of 2-chloro-4-anilinoquinazoline-chalcones 14a-g with 2,4,5,6-tetraaminopyrimidine. All quinazoline derivatives 14a-g and 16a-g were selected by the U.S. National Cancer Institute (NCI) for testing their anticancer activity against 60 cancer cell lines of different panels of human tumors. Among the tested compounds, quinazoline-chalcone 14g displayed high antiproliferative activity with GI50 values between 0.622-1.81 μM against K-562 (leukemia), RPMI-8226 (leukemia), HCT-116 (colon cancer) LOX IMVI (melanoma), and MCF7 (breast cancer) cancer cell lines. Additionally, the pyrimidodiazepines 16a and 16c exhibited high cytostatic (TGI) and cytotoxic activity (LC50), where 16c showed high cytotoxic activity, which was 10.0-fold higher than the standard anticancer agent adriamycin/doxorubicin against ten cancer cell lines. COMPARE analysis revealed that 16c may possess a mechanism of action through DNA binding that is similar to that of CCNU (lomustine). DNA binding studies indicated that 14g and 16c interact with the calf thymus DNA by intercalation and groove binding, respectively. Compounds 14g, 16c and 16a displayed strong binding affinities to DNA, EGFR and VEGFR-2 receptors. None of the active compounds showed cytotoxicity against human red blood cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviana Cuartas
- Heterocyclic Compounds Research Group, Department of Chemistry, Universidad del Valle A.A. 25360 Cali Colombia +57-2339-3248 +57-315-484-6665.,Center for Bioinformatics and Photonics-CIBioFI A.A. 25360 Cali Colombia
| | - Alberto Aragón-Muriel
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Catálisis y Procesos (LICAP), Departamento de Química, Universidad del Valle Cali 760001 Colombia
| | - Yamil Liscano
- Grupo de Investigación en Química y Biotecnología (QUIBIO), Universidad Santiago de Cali Cali 760035 Colombia
| | - Dorian Polo-Cerón
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Catálisis y Procesos (LICAP), Departamento de Química, Universidad del Valle Cali 760001 Colombia
| | - Maria Del Pilar Crespo-Ortiz
- Grupo de Biotecnología e Infecciones Bacterianas, Departamento de Microbiología, Universidad del Valle Cali 760043 Colombia
| | - Jairo Quiroga
- Heterocyclic Compounds Research Group, Department of Chemistry, Universidad del Valle A.A. 25360 Cali Colombia +57-2339-3248 +57-315-484-6665
| | - Rodrigo Abonia
- Heterocyclic Compounds Research Group, Department of Chemistry, Universidad del Valle A.A. 25360 Cali Colombia +57-2339-3248 +57-315-484-6665
| | - Braulio Insuasty
- Heterocyclic Compounds Research Group, Department of Chemistry, Universidad del Valle A.A. 25360 Cali Colombia +57-2339-3248 +57-315-484-6665.,Center for Bioinformatics and Photonics-CIBioFI A.A. 25360 Cali Colombia
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26
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Quinlan RBA, Brennan PE. Chemogenomics for drug discovery: clinical molecules from open access chemical probes. RSC Chem Biol 2021; 2:759-795. [PMID: 34458810 PMCID: PMC8341094 DOI: 10.1039/d1cb00016k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years chemical probes have proved valuable tools for the validation of disease-modifying targets, facilitating investigation of target function, safety, and translation. Whilst probes and drugs often differ in their properties, there is a belief that chemical probes are useful for translational studies and can accelerate the drug discovery process by providing a starting point for small molecule drugs. This review seeks to describe clinical candidates that have been inspired by, or derived from, chemical probes, and the process behind their development. By focusing primarily on examples of probes developed by the Structural Genomics Consortium, we examine a variety of epigenetic modulators along with other classes of probe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert B A Quinlan
- Target Discovery Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford Old Road Campus Oxford OX3 7FZ UK
| | - Paul E Brennan
- Target Discovery Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford Old Road Campus Oxford OX3 7FZ UK
- Alzheimer's Research (UK) Oxford Drug Discovery Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford Oxford OX3 7FZ UK
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27
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Lauria A, La Monica G, Bono A, Martorana A. Quinoline anticancer agents active on DNA and DNA-interacting proteins: From classical to emerging therapeutic targets. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 220:113555. [PMID: 34052677 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Quinoline is one of the most important and versatile nitrogen heterocycles embodied in several biologically active molecules. Within the numerous quinolines developed as antiproliferative agents, this review is focused on compounds interfering with DNA structure or with proteins/enzymes involved in the regulation of double helix functional processes. In this light, a special focus is given to the quinoline compounds, acting with classical/well-known mechanisms of action (DNA intercalators or Topoisomerase inhibitors). In particular, the quinoline drugs amsacrine and camptothecin (CPT) have been studied as key lead compounds for the development of new agents with improved PK and tolerability properties. Moreover, notable attention has been paid to the quinoline molecules, which are able to interfere with emerging targets involved in cancer progression, as G-quadruplexes or the epigenetic ones (e.g.: histone deacetylase, DNA and histones methyltransferase). The antiproliferative and the enzymatic inhibition data of the reviewed compounds have been analyzed. Furthermore, concerning the SAR (structure-activity relationship) aspects, the most recurrent ligand-protein interactions are summarized, underling the structural requirements for each kind of mechanism of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonino Lauria
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Technologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche "STEBICEF" - University of Palermo, Via Archirafi - 32, 90123, Palermo, Italy
| | - Gabriele La Monica
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Technologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche "STEBICEF" - University of Palermo, Via Archirafi - 32, 90123, Palermo, Italy
| | - Alessia Bono
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Technologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche "STEBICEF" - University of Palermo, Via Archirafi - 32, 90123, Palermo, Italy
| | - Annamaria Martorana
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Technologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche "STEBICEF" - University of Palermo, Via Archirafi - 32, 90123, Palermo, Italy.
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28
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Chandar Charles MR, Li MC, Hsieh HP, Coumar MS. Mimicking H3 Substrate Arginine in the Design of G9a Lysine Methyltransferase Inhibitors for Cancer Therapy: A Computational Study for Structure-Based Drug Design. ACS OMEGA 2021; 6:6100-6111. [PMID: 33718701 PMCID: PMC7948220 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.0c04710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
G9a protein methyltransferase is a potential epigenetic drug target in different cancers and other disease conditions overexpressing the enzyme. G9a is responsible for the H3K9 dimethylation mark, which epigenetically regulates gene expression. Arg8 and Lys9 of the H3 substrate peptide are the two crucial residues for substrate-specific recognition and methylation. Several substrate competitive inhibitors are reported for the potent inhibition of G9a by incorporating lysine mimic groups in the inhibitor design. In this study, we explored the concept of arginine mimic strategy. The hydrophobic segment of the reported inhibitors BIX-01294 and UNC0638 was replaced by a guanidine moiety (side-chain moiety of arginine). The newly substituted guanidine moieties of the inhibitors were positioned similar to the Arg8 of the substrate peptide in molecular docking. Additionally, improved reactivity of the guanidine-substituted inhibitors was observed in density functional theory studies. Molecular dynamics, molecular mechanics Poisson-Boltzmann surface area binding free energy, linear interaction energy, and potential mean force calculated from steered molecular dynamics simulations of the newly designed analogues show enhanced conformational stability and improved H-bond potential and binding affinity toward the target G9a. Moreover, the presence of both lysine and arginine mimics together shows a drastic increase in the binding affinity of the inhibitor towards G9a. Hence, we propose incorporating a guanidine group to imitate the substrate arginine's side chain in the inhibitor design to improve the potency of G9a inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Ramya Chandar Charles
- Centre
for Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Pondicherry University, Kalapet, Puducherry 605014, India
| | - Mu-Chun Li
- Institute
of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, 35 Keyan Road, Zhunan, Miaoli
County, Taiwan 350, ROC
- Department
of Chemistry, National Tsing Hua University, No. 101, Section 2, Kuang-Fu Road, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan
| | - Hsing-Pang Hsieh
- Institute
of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, 35 Keyan Road, Zhunan, Miaoli
County, Taiwan 350, ROC
- Department
of Chemistry, National Tsing Hua University, No. 101, Section 2, Kuang-Fu Road, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan
- Biomedical
Translation Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan
| | - Mohane Selvaraj Coumar
- Centre
for Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Pondicherry University, Kalapet, Puducherry 605014, India
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Yarla NS, Pathuri G, Gali H, Terzyan S, Panneerselvam J, Chandrakesan P, Scotti MT, Houchen C, Madka V, Rao CV. Discovery and Development of a Novel mPGES-1/5-LOX Dual Inhibitor LFA-9 for Prevention and Treatment of Chronic Inflammatory Diseases. J Inflamm Res 2021; 13:1261-1278. [PMID: 33408499 PMCID: PMC7781011 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s286110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 selective inhibitors, have been explored for prevention and treatment of several inflammatory chronic conditions including arthritis, and cancer. However, the long-term use of these drugs is associated with gastrointestinal, renal, and cardiovascular side effects. Later, COX/5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) dual inhibitors (eg, licofelone) have been developed but did not enter into the market from the clinical trails due to COX-1/2 inhibition-associated side effects. Hence, targeting microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 (mPGES-1) and 5-LOX can be an ideal approach while sparing COX-1/2 activities for development of the next generation of anti-inflammatory drugs with better efficacy and safety. Materials and Methods In silico (molecular modelling) studies were used to design a mPGES-1/5-LOX dual inhibitory and COX-1/2 sparing lead molecule licofelone analogue-9 (LFA-9) by modifying the pharmacophore of licofelone. In vitro cell-free enzymatic (mPGES-1, 5-LOX, COX-1/2) assays using fluorometric/colorimetric methods and cell-based assays (LPS-induced PGE2, LTB4, and PGI2 productions from macrophages) using ELISA technique, isothermal calorimetry, and circular dichroism techniques were performed to determine the mPGES-1/5-LOX inhibitory efficacy and selectivity. Anti-inflammatory efficacy of LFA-9 was evaluated using a carrageenan (inflammogen)-induced rat paw edema model. Infiltration/expression of CD68 immune cells and TNF-α in paw tissues were evaluated using confocal microscope and immunoblot analysis. Anti-cancer effect of LFA-9 was evaluated using colon spheroids in vitro. Results LFA-9 inhibited mPGES-1/5-LOX and their products PGE2 and LTB4, spared COX-1/2 and its product PGI2. LFA-9 bound strongly with human mPGES-1/5-LOX enzymes and induced changes in their secondary structure, thereby inhibited their enzymatic activities. LFA-9 inhibited carrageenan-induced inflammation (70.4%) in rats and suppressed CD68 immune cell infiltration (P ≤ 0.0001) and TNF-α expression. LFA-9 suppressed colon tumor stemness (60.2%) in vitro through inhibition of PGE2 (82%) levels. Conclusion Overall study results suggest that LFA-9 is a mPGES-1/5-LOX dual inhibitor and showed anti-inflammatory and colorectal cancer preventive activities, and warranted detailed studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nagendra Sastri Yarla
- Center for Cancer Prevention and Drug Development, Hem-Onc Section, Department of Medicine, Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Gopal Pathuri
- Center for Cancer Prevention and Drug Development, Hem-Onc Section, Department of Medicine, Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA.,College of Pharmacy, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Hariprasad Gali
- College of Pharmacy, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Simon Terzyan
- Laboratory of Biomolecular Structure and Function; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Janani Panneerselvam
- Center for Cancer Prevention and Drug Development, Hem-Onc Section, Department of Medicine, Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Parthasarathy Chandrakesan
- Division of Digestive Diseases and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Marcus Tullius Scotti
- Laboratory of Cheminformatics, Program of Natural and Synthetic Bioactive Products (PgPNSB), Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, PB, Brazil
| | - Courtney Houchen
- Division of Digestive Diseases and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Venkateshwar Madka
- Center for Cancer Prevention and Drug Development, Hem-Onc Section, Department of Medicine, Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Chinthalapally V Rao
- Center for Cancer Prevention and Drug Development, Hem-Onc Section, Department of Medicine, Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA.,VA Medical Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
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Jan S, Dar MI, Wani R, Sandey J, Mushtaq I, Lateef S, Syed SH. Targeting EHMT2/ G9a for cancer therapy: Progress and perspective. Eur J Pharmacol 2020; 893:173827. [PMID: 33347828 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2020.173827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 12/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Euchromatic histone lysine methyltransferase-2, also known as G9a, is a ubiquitously expressed SET domain-containing histone lysine methyltransferase linked with both facultative and constitutive heterochromatin formation and transcriptional repression. It is an essential developmental gene and reported to play role in embryonic development, establishment of proviral silencing in ES cells, tumor cell growth, metastasis, T-cell immune response, cocaine induced neural plasticity and cognition and adaptive behavior. It is mainly responsible for carrying out mono, di and tri methylation of histone H3K9 in euchromatin. G9a levels are elevated in many cancers and its selective inhibition is known to reduce the cell growth and induce autophagy, apoptosis and senescence. We carried out a thorough search of online literature databases including Pubmed, Scopus, Journal websites, Clinical trials etc to gather the maximum possible information related to the G9a. The main messages from the cited papers are presented in a systematic manner. Chemical structures were drawn by Chemdraw software. In this review, we shed light on current understanding of structure and biological activity of G9a, the molecular events directing its targeting to genomic regions and its post-translational modification. Finally, we discuss the current strategies to target G9a in different cancers and evaluate the available compounds and agents used to inhibit G9a functions. The review provides the present status and future directions of research in targeting G9a and provides the basis to persuade the development of novel strategies to target G9a -related effects in cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suraya Jan
- CSIR, Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Sanatnagar, 190005, Srinagar, Kashmir, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Mohd Ishaq Dar
- CSIR, Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Sanatnagar, 190005, Srinagar, Kashmir, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Rubiada Wani
- CSIR, Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Sanatnagar, 190005, Srinagar, Kashmir, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Jagjeet Sandey
- CSIR, Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Sanatnagar, 190005, Srinagar, Kashmir, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Iqra Mushtaq
- CSIR, Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Sanatnagar, 190005, Srinagar, Kashmir, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Sammar Lateef
- CSIR, Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Sanatnagar, 190005, Srinagar, Kashmir, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Sajad Hussain Syed
- CSIR, Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Sanatnagar, 190005, Srinagar, Kashmir, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India.
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Pal S, Paul B, Bandopadhyay P, Preethy N, Sarkar D, Rahaman O, Goon S, Roy S, Ganguly D, Talukdar A. Synthesis and characterization of new potent TLR7 antagonists based on analysis of the binding mode using biomolecular simulations. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 210:112978. [PMID: 33189437 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Aberrant activation of the endosomal Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) has been implicated in myriad autoimmune diseases and is an established therapeutic target in such conditions. Development of diverse TLR7 antagonists is mainly accomplished through random screening. To correlate human TLR7 (hTLR7) antagonistic activity with the structural features in different chemotypes, we derived a hypothetical binding model based on molecular docking analysis along with molecular dynamics (MD) simulations study. The binding hypothesis revealed different pockets, grooves and a central cavity where ligand-receptor interaction with specific residues through hydrophobic and hydrogen bond interactions take place, which correlate with TLR7 antagonistic activity thus paving the way for rational design using varied chemotypes. Based on the structural insight thus gained, TLR7 antagonists with quinazoline were designed to understand the effect of engagement of these pockets as well as boundaries of the chemical space associated with them. The newly synthesized most potent hTLR7 antagonist, i.e. compound 63, showed IC50 value of 1.03 ± 0.05 μM and was validated by performing primary assay in human plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC) (IC50pDC: 1.42 μM). The biological validation of the synthesized molecules was performed in TLR7-reporter HEK293 cells as well as in human plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs). Our study provides a rational design approach thus facilitating further development of novel small molecule hTLR7 antagonists based on different chemical scaffolds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sourav Pal
- Department of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4 Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Kolkata, 700032, WB, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Barnali Paul
- Department of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4 Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Kolkata, 700032, WB, India
| | - Purbita Bandopadhyay
- IICB-Translational Research Unit of Excellence, Department of Cancer Biology and Inflammatory Disorders, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, CN6, Sector V, Salt Lake, Kolkata, 700091, WB, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Nagothy Preethy
- Department of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4 Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Kolkata, 700032, WB, India
| | - Dipika Sarkar
- Department of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4 Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Kolkata, 700032, WB, India
| | - Oindrila Rahaman
- IICB-Translational Research Unit of Excellence, Department of Cancer Biology and Inflammatory Disorders, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, CN6, Sector V, Salt Lake, Kolkata, 700091, WB, India
| | - Sunny Goon
- Department of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4 Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Kolkata, 700032, WB, India
| | - Swarnali Roy
- Department of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4 Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Kolkata, 700032, WB, India
| | - Dipyaman Ganguly
- IICB-Translational Research Unit of Excellence, Department of Cancer Biology and Inflammatory Disorders, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, CN6, Sector V, Salt Lake, Kolkata, 700091, WB, India
| | - Arindam Talukdar
- Department of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, 4 Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Kolkata, 700032, WB, India.
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Saha B, Parks RJ. Identification of human adenovirus replication inhibitors from a library of small molecules targeting cellular epigenetic regulators. Virology 2020; 555:102-110. [PMID: 33032802 PMCID: PMC7382930 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2020.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Human adenovirus (HAdV) can cause severe disease in certain at-risk populations such as newborns, young children, the elderly and individuals with a compromised immune system. Unfortunately, no FDA-approved antiviraldrug is currently available for the treatment of HAdV infections. Within the nucleus of infected cells, the HAdV genome associates with histones and forms a chromatin-like structure during early infection, and viral gene expression appears to be regulated by cellular epigenetic processes. Thus, one potential therapeutic strategy to combat HAdV disease may be to target the cellular proteins involved in modifying the viral nucleoprotein structure and facilitating HAdV gene expression and replication. We have screened a panel of small molecules that modulate the activity of epigenetic regulatory proteins for compounds affecting HAdV gene expression. Several of the compounds, specifically chaetocin, gemcitabine and lestaurtinib, reduced HAdV recovery by 100- to 1000-fold, while showing limited effects on cell health, suggesting that these compounds may indeed be promising as anti-HAdV therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bratati Saha
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Robin J Parks
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Department of Medicine, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
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33
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Identification of novel quinoline inhibitor for EHMT2/G9a through virtual screening. Biochimie 2020; 168:220-230. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2019.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Gu M, Toh TB, Hooi L, Lim JJ, Zhang X, Chow EKH. Nanodiamond-Mediated Delivery of a G9a Inhibitor for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Therapy. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2019; 11:45427-45441. [PMID: 31718136 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.9b16323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer with high mortality but limited therapeutic options. Epigenetic regulations including DNA methylation and histone modification control gene expressions and play a crucial role during tumorigenesis. G9a, also known as EHMT2 (euchromatic histone-lysine N-methyltransferase 2), is a histone methyltransferase predominantly responsible for dimethylation of histone H3 lysine 9 (H3K9). G9a has been shown to play a key role in promoting tumor progression. Recent studies have identified that G9a is a critical mediator of HCC pathogenesis. UNC0646 is a G9a inhibitor that has shown potent in vitro efficacy. However, due to its water insolubility, the in vivo efficacy of UNC0646 is not satisfactory. In this study, nanodiamonds (NDs) were utilized as a drug delivery platform to improve in vivo delivery of this small-molecule inhibitor. Our results showed that ND-UNC0646 complexes could be rapidly synthesized by physical adsorption, meanwhile possessing favorable drug delivery properties and was able to improve the dispersibility of UNC0646 in water, therefore making it amenable for intravenous administration. The release profile of UNC0646 from ND-UNC0646 was demonstrated to be pH-responsive. Moreover, ND-UNC0646 maintained the biological functionality of UNC0646, with higher efficacy in reducing H3K9 methylation as well as enhanced invasion suppressive effects. Most importantly, increased in vivo efficacy was demonstrated using an orthotopic HCC mouse model, which paves the way of translating this small-molecule inhibitor toward HCC treatment. Our work demonstrates the potential of NDs in the clinical application for HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengjie Gu
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine , National University of Singapore , 117600 , Singapore
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore , National University of Singapore , 117599 , Singapore
| | - Tan Boon Toh
- The N.1 Institute for Health , National University of Singapore , 117456 , Singapore
| | - Lissa Hooi
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore , National University of Singapore , 117599 , Singapore
| | - Jhin Jieh Lim
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore , National University of Singapore , 117599 , Singapore
| | - Xiyun Zhang
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore , National University of Singapore , 117599 , Singapore
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine , National University of Singapore , 119228 , Singapore
| | - Edward Kai-Hua Chow
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine , National University of Singapore , 117600 , Singapore
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore , National University of Singapore , 117599 , Singapore
- The N.1 Institute for Health , National University of Singapore , 117456 , Singapore
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35
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Ferreira de Freitas R, Ivanochko D, Schapira M. Methyltransferase Inhibitors: Competing with, or Exploiting the Bound Cofactor. Molecules 2019; 24:E4492. [PMID: 31817960 PMCID: PMC6943651 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24244492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Revised: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein methyltransferases (PMTs) are enzymes involved in epigenetic mechanisms, DNA repair, and other cellular machineries critical to cellular identity and function, and are an important target class in chemical biology and drug discovery. Central to the enzymatic reaction is the transfer of a methyl group from the cofactor S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) to a substrate protein. Here we review how the essentiality of SAM for catalysis is exploited by chemical inhibitors. Occupying the cofactor binding pocket to compete with SAM can be hindered by the hydrophilic nature of this site, but structural studies of compounds now in the clinic revealed that inhibitors could either occupy juxtaposed pockets to overlap minimally, but sufficiently with the bound cofactor, or induce large conformational remodeling leading to a more druggable binding site. Rather than competing with the cofactor, other inhibitors compete with the substrate and rely on bound SAM, either to allosterically stabilize the substrate binding site, or for direct SAM-inhibitor interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renato Ferreira de Freitas
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC, Rua Arcturus 3, São Bernardo do Campo, SP 09606-070, Brazil
| | - Danton Ivanochko
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, MaRS Centre, South Tower, 101 College St., Suite 700, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada
| | - Matthieu Schapira
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, MaRS Centre, South Tower, 101 College St., Suite 700, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
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Soumyanarayanan U, Ramanujulu PM, Mustafa N, Haider S, Fang Nee AH, Tong JX, Tan KS, Chng WJ, Dymock BW. Discovery of a potent histone deacetylase (HDAC) 3/6 selective dual inhibitor. Eur J Med Chem 2019; 184:111755. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.111755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2019] [Revised: 10/02/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Leenders R, Zijlmans R, van Bree B, van de Sande M, Trivarelli F, Damen E, Wegert A, Müller D, Ehlert JE, Feger D, Heidemann-Dinger C, Kubbutat M, Schächtele C, Lenstra DC, Mecinović J, Müller G. Novel SAR for quinazoline inhibitors of EHMT1 and EHMT2. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2019; 29:2516-2524. [PMID: 31350126 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2019.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2018] [Revised: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Detailed structure activity relationship of two series of quinazoline EHMT1/EHMT2 inhibitors (UNC0224 and UNC0638) have been elaborated. New and active alternatives are presented for the ubiquitous substitution patterns found in literature for the linker to the lysine mimicking region and the lysine mimic itself. These findings could allow for advancing EHMT1/EHMT2 inhibitors of that type beyond tool compounds by fine-tuning physicochemical properties making these inhibitors more drug-like. .
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruben Leenders
- Mercachem BV, Kerkenbos 1013, 6546 BB Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Remco Zijlmans
- Mercachem BV, Kerkenbos 1013, 6546 BB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Bart van Bree
- Mercachem BV, Kerkenbos 1013, 6546 BB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Eddy Damen
- Mercachem BV, Kerkenbos 1013, 6546 BB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Anita Wegert
- Mercachem BV, Kerkenbos 1013, 6546 BB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Daniel Müller
- ProQinase GmbH, Breisacher Strasse 117, 19106 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Jan Erik Ehlert
- ProQinase GmbH, Breisacher Strasse 117, 19106 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Daniel Feger
- ProQinase GmbH, Breisacher Strasse 117, 19106 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | | | - Michael Kubbutat
- ProQinase GmbH, Breisacher Strasse 117, 19106 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | | | - Danny C Lenstra
- Radboud University, Institute for Molecules and Materials, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jasmin Mecinović
- Radboud University, Institute for Molecules and Materials, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Gerhard Müller
- Gotham Therapeutics, 430 East 29th Street, New York, NY 10016, USA
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Cao H, Li L, Yang D, Zeng L, Yewei X, Yu B, Liao G, Chen J. Recent progress in histone methyltransferase (G9a) inhibitors as anticancer agents. Eur J Med Chem 2019; 179:537-546. [PMID: 31276898 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.06.072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2019] [Revised: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetics is the study of heritable changes in gene expression without changing the DNA sequence - a change in phenotype without a change in genotype. Epigenetic abnormalities can lead to serious diseases such as cancer in organisms. Histone methylation is one of the several manifestations of epigenetics, and requires specific enzymes to catalyze, for example, G9a, which is a histone methyl transferase. G9a catalyzes the methylation of histone 3 lysine 9 (H3K9) and histone 3 lysine 27 (H3K27). In addition, G9a also plays an essential role in DNA replication, damage and repair, and gene expression by regulating DNA methylation. Moreover, G9a has been found to be overexpressed in many tumor cells and is associated with the occurrence and development of tumors. Because of its unique characteristics, G9a has become a very promising target for anti-cancer agents. Over the last decade, dozens of G9a inhibitors have been discovered as potential anticancer therapeutic agents. In this review, we summarize and classify current G9a inhibitors, the challenges and future direction are also discussed in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Cao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Ling Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Deying Yang
- Joint Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine of the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Liming Zeng
- Joint Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine of the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Xie Yewei
- Joint Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine of the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Bin Yu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
| | - Guochao Liao
- Joint Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine of the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Jianjun Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
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Abstract
The epigenetic control of gene expression could be affected by addition and/or removal of post-translational modifications such as phosphorylation, acetylation and methylation of histone proteins, as well as methylation of DNA (5-methylation on cytosines). Misregulation of these modifications is associated with altered gene expression, resulting in various disease conditions. G9a belongs to the protein lysine methyltransferases that specifically methylates the K9 residue of histone H3, leading to suppression of several tumor suppressor genes. In this review, G9a functions, role in various diseases, structural biology aspects for inhibitor design, structure-activity relationship among the reported inhibitors are discussed which could aid in the design and development of potent G9a inhibitors for cancer treatment in the future.
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Milite C, Feoli A, Horton JR, Rescigno D, Cipriano A, Pisapia V, Viviano M, Pepe G, Amendola G, Novellino E, Cosconati S, Cheng X, Castellano S, Sbardella G. Discovery of a Novel Chemotype of Histone Lysine Methyltransferase EHMT1/2 (GLP/G9a) Inhibitors: Rational Design, Synthesis, Biological Evaluation, and Co-crystal Structure. J Med Chem 2019; 62:2666-2689. [PMID: 30753076 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b02008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Since the discovery of compound BIX01294 over 10 years ago, only a very limited number of nonquinazoline inhibitors of H3K9-specific methyltransferases G9a and G9a-like protein (GLP) have been reported. Herein, we report the identification of a novel chemotype for G9a/GLP inhibitors, based on the underinvestigated 2-alkyl-5-amino- and 2-aryl-5-amino-substituted 3 H-benzo[ e][1,4]diazepine scaffold. Our research efforts resulted in the identification 12a (EML741), which not only maintained the high in vitro and cellular potency of its quinazoline counterpart, but also displayed improved inhibitory potency against DNA methyltransferase 1, improved selectivity against other methyltransferases, low cell toxicity, and improved apparent permeability values in both parallel artificial membrane permeability assay (PAMPA) and blood-brain barrier-specific PAMPA, and therefore might potentially be a better candidate for animal studies. Finally, the co-crystal structure of GLP in complex with 12a provides the basis for the further development of benzodiazepine-based G9a/GLP inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - John R Horton
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology , The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center , Houston , Texas 77030 , United States
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Giorgio Amendola
- DiSTABiF , University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli" , Via Vivaldi 43 , 81100 Caserta , Italy
| | - Ettore Novellino
- Department of Pharmacy , University Federico II of Naples , Via D. Montesano 49 , 80131 Naples , Italy
| | - Sandro Cosconati
- DiSTABiF , University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli" , Via Vivaldi 43 , 81100 Caserta , Italy
| | - Xiaodong Cheng
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology , The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center , Houston , Texas 77030 , United States
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Herrera-Vázquez FS, Hernández-Luis F, Medina Franco JL. Quinazolines as inhibitors of chromatin-associated proteins in histones. Med Chem Res 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s00044-019-02300-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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Singh PK. Histone methyl transferases: A class of epigenetic opportunities to counter uncontrolled cell proliferation. Eur J Med Chem 2019; 166:351-368. [PMID: 30735901 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.01.069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Revised: 01/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
With each newly disclosed resistance mechanism, management of cancer with previously established targets have become a "failure" oriented approach. Molecular targets such as kinases did initially provide a ray of hope against cancer but with decades of struggle between novel therapeutic agents and more sophisticated resistance mechanisms, they seem to have saturated as anti-cancer targets. Now, with more exhaustive molecular recognition techniques and approaches, epigenetic targets have accessed the centre stage as anti-cancer targets. Accordingly, several classes of epigenetic enzymes are being studied for this role and histone methyltransferases form one such class. They include a class of epigenetic enzymes which transfer methyl group from histone proteins and maintain genetic homeostasis. In cancer, several reports have deduced upregulation of different members of this family according to the tumor environment, establishing them as one of the novel anti-cancer targets. This compilation provides an updated information on several members of histone methyltransferases family as epigenetic targets for developing novel anti-cancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pankaj Kumar Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Research, Punjabi University, Patiala, Punjab, 147002, India.
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43
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Bouchut A, Rotili D, Pierrot C, Valente S, Lafitte S, Schultz J, Hoglund U, Mazzone R, Lucidi A, Fabrizi G, Pechalrieu D, Arimondo PB, Skinner-Adams TS, Chua MJ, Andrews KT, Mai A, Khalife J. Identification of novel quinazoline derivatives as potent antiplasmodial agents. Eur J Med Chem 2019; 161:277-291. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2018.10.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2018] [Revised: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 10/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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Ramsaywack S, Bos A, Vogels CM, Gray CA, Westcott SA. Preliminary investigations into the synthesis and antimicrobial activities of boron-containing capsaicinoids. CAN J CHEM 2018. [DOI: 10.1139/cjc-2018-0193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
This preliminary study reports on the synthesis of two new boron-capsaicin derivatives containing either a short or long chain aliphatic tail group using an iridium catalyzed hydroboration reaction with pinacolborane. The boronate ester groups reside on the terminal position of the tail group and are necessary for the bioactivity of these compounds. Indeed, both compounds showed considerable activity against two Gram-positive bacteria, including Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus. Vancomycin is considered the last resort medication for the treatment of septicemia, and new antibacterial agents that can treat sepsis are of paramount importance. The more lipophilic boron compound with the longer aliphatic chain also showed antifungal activity against Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharwatie Ramsaywack
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mount Allison University, Sackville, NB E4L 1G8, Canada
| | - Allyson Bos
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of New Brunswick, Saint John, NB E2L 4L5, Canada
| | - Christopher M. Vogels
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mount Allison University, Sackville, NB E4L 1G8, Canada
| | - Christopher A. Gray
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of New Brunswick, Saint John, NB E2L 4L5, Canada
- Department of Chemistry, University of New Brunswick, Saint John, NB E2L 4L5, Canada
| | - Stephen A. Westcott
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mount Allison University, Sackville, NB E4L 1G8, Canada
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45
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Ramya Chandar Charles M, Hsieh HP, Selvaraj Coumar M. Delineating the active site architecture of G9a lysine methyltransferase through substrate and inhibitor binding mode analysis: a molecular dynamics study. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2018; 37:2581-2592. [PMID: 30047835 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2018.1491422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Mono- and di-methylation of the H3K9 residue in the histone tail by G9a lysine methyltransferase is associated with transcriptional suppression of genes. Here, we use molecular dynamics simulation and free energy calculations of five different modified/mutated G9a substrate peptides to elucidate the rationale behind the substrate binding to G9a. We also investigated the binding energy contribution based architecture of the active site of G9a to understand substrate and inhibitor binding. Wild-type peptide (H3K9) shows better binding affinity than mono- and di-methylated lysine (K9) and other modified peptides (K9A and R8A). Arg8 of the substrate peptide is crucial for determining the degree of conformational freedom/stability of the wild-type substrate peptide, as well as binding to G9a. Our results also suggest that the G9a active site is segregated into energy rich and low regions, and the energy rich region alone is used by the inhibitors for binding. These insights into the active site architecture should be taken into consideration in virtual screening experiments designed to discover novel inhibitors for G9a. In particular, compounds that could interact with the six residues of G9a - Asp1074, Asp1083, Leu1086, Asp1088, Tyr1154 and Phe1158 - should be preferentially tested in G9a inhibition biological assays. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hsing-Pang Hsieh
- b Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan , Taiwan , ROC
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46
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Activity-guided development of potent and selective toll-like receptor 9 antagonists. Eur J Med Chem 2018; 159:187-205. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2018.09.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2018] [Revised: 09/24/2018] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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47
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Moustakim M, Felce SL, Zaarour N, Farnie G, McCann FE, Brennan PE. Target Identification Using Chemical Probes. Methods Enzymol 2018; 610:27-58. [PMID: 30390803 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2018.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Chemical probes are small molecules with potency and selectivity for a single or small number of protein targets. A good chemical probe engages its target intracellularly and is accompanied by a chemically similar, but inactive molecule to be used as a negative control in cellular phenotypic screening. The utility of these chemical probes is ultimately governed by how well they are developed and characterized. Chemical probes either as single entities, or in chemical probes sets are being increasingly used to interrogate the biological relevance of a target in a disease model. This chapter lays out the core properties of chemical probes, summarizes the seminal and emerging techniques used to demonstrate robust intracellular target engagement. Translation of target engagement assays to disease-relevant phenotypic assays using primary patient-derived cells and tissues is also reviewed. Two examples of epigenetic chemical probe discovery and utility are presented whereby target engagement pointed to novel disease associations elucidated from poorly understood protein targets. Finally, a number of examples are discussed whereby chemical probe sets, or "chemogenomic libraries" are used to illuminate new target-disease links which may represent future directions for chemical probe utility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moses Moustakim
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Nuffield Department of Medicine, Target Discovery Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Suet Ling Felce
- Nuffield Department of Orthopedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, Botnar Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Nancy Zaarour
- Nuffield Department of Orthopedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, Botnar Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Gillian Farnie
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Nuffield Department of Orthopedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, Botnar Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.
| | - Fiona E McCann
- Nuffield Department of Orthopedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, Botnar Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.
| | - Paul E Brennan
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Nuffield Department of Medicine, Target Discovery Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Nuffield Department of Medicine, Alzheimer's Research UK Oxford Drug Discovery Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.
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Chen J, Lin X, Park KJ, Lee KR, Park HJ. Identification of protoberberine alkaloids as novel histone methyltransferase G9a inhibitors by structure-based virtual screening. J Comput Aided Mol Des 2018; 32:917-928. [DOI: 10.1007/s10822-018-0156-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Accepted: 08/29/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Hirano T, Mori S, Kagechika H. Recent Advances in Chemical Tools for the Regulation and Study of Protein Lysine Methyltransferases. CHEM REC 2018; 18:1745-1759. [DOI: 10.1002/tcr.201800034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tomoya Hirano
- Institute of Biomaterials and BioengineeringTokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), 2-3-10 Kanda-Surugadai, Chiyoda-ku Tokyo 101-0062 Japan
| | - Shuichi Mori
- Institute of Biomaterials and BioengineeringTokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), 2-3-10 Kanda-Surugadai, Chiyoda-ku Tokyo 101-0062 Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Kagechika
- Institute of Biomaterials and BioengineeringTokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), 2-3-10 Kanda-Surugadai, Chiyoda-ku Tokyo 101-0062 Japan
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50
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Rabal O, San José-Enériz E, Agirre X, Sánchez-Arias JA, Vilas-Zornoza A, Ugarte A, de Miguel I, Miranda E, Garate L, Fraga M, Santamarina P, Fernandez Perez R, Ordoñez R, Sáez E, Roa S, García-Barchino MJ, Martínez-Climent JA, Liu Y, Wu W, Xu M, Prosper F, Oyarzabal J. Discovery of Reversible DNA Methyltransferase and Lysine Methyltransferase G9a Inhibitors with Antitumoral in Vivo Efficacy. J Med Chem 2018; 61:6518-6545. [PMID: 29953809 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.7b01926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Using knowledge- and structure-based approaches, we designed and synthesized reversible chemical probes that simultaneously inhibit the activity of two epigenetic targets, histone 3 lysine 9 methyltransferase (G9a) and DNA methyltransferases (DNMT), at nanomolar ranges. Enzymatic competition assays confirmed our design strategy: substrate competitive inhibitors. Next, an initial exploration around our hit 11 was pursued to identify an adequate tool compound for in vivo testing. In vitro treatment of different hematological neoplasia cell lines led to the identification of molecules with clear antiproliferative efficacies (GI50 values in the nanomolar range). On the basis of epigenetic functional cellular responses (levels of lysine 9 methylation and 5-methylcytosine), an acceptable therapeutic window (around 1 log unit) and a suitable pharmacokinetic profile, 12 was selected for in vivo proof-of-concept ( Nat. Commun. 2017 , 8 , 15424 ). Herein, 12 achieved a significant in vivo efficacy: 70% overall tumor growth inhibition of a human acute myeloid leukemia (AML) xenograft in a mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Mario Fraga
- Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology Research Center (CINN-CSIC) , Universidad de Oviedo-Principado de Asturias , Avenida de la Vega, 4-6 , 33940 El Entrego , Spain
| | - Pablo Santamarina
- Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology Research Center (CINN-CSIC) , Universidad de Oviedo-Principado de Asturias , Avenida de la Vega, 4-6 , 33940 El Entrego , Spain
| | - Raul Fernandez Perez
- Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology Research Center (CINN-CSIC) , Universidad de Oviedo-Principado de Asturias , Avenida de la Vega, 4-6 , 33940 El Entrego , Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Yingying Liu
- WuXi Apptec (Tianjin) Co. Ltd., TEDA , No. 111 HuangHai Road, Fourth Avenue , Tianjin 300456 , PR China
| | - Wei Wu
- WuXi Apptec (Tianjin) Co. Ltd., TEDA , No. 111 HuangHai Road, Fourth Avenue , Tianjin 300456 , PR China
| | - Musheng Xu
- WuXi Apptec (Tianjin) Co. Ltd., TEDA , No. 111 HuangHai Road, Fourth Avenue , Tianjin 300456 , PR China
| | - Felipe Prosper
- Departmento de Hematología, Clinica Universidad de Navarra , University of Navarra , Avenida Pio XII 36 , E-31008 Pamplona , Spain
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