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Makino C, Watanabe A, Kato M, Shiozawa H, Takakusa H, Nakai D, Honda T, Watanabe N. Species differences between rats and primates (humans and monkeys) in complex cleavage pathways of DS-8500a characterized by 14C-ADME studies in humans and monkeys after administration of two radiolabeled compounds and in vitro studies. Drug Metab Pharmacokinet 2022; 45:100459. [DOI: 10.1016/j.dmpk.2022.100459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Bajaj S, Jain S, Vyas P, Bawa S, Vohora D. The role of endocannabinoid pathway in the neuropathology of Alzheimer's disease: Can the inhibitors of MAGL and FAAH prove to be potential therapeutic targets against the cognitive impairment associated with Alzheimer's disease? Brain Res Bull 2021; 174:305-322. [PMID: 34217798 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2021.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive decline of cognitive function in combination with neuronal death. Current approved treatment target single dysregulated pathway instead of multiple mechanism, resulting in lack of efficacy in slowing down disease progression. The proclivity of endocannabinoid system to exert neuroprotective action and mitigate symptoms of neurodegeneration condition has received substantial interest. Growing evidence suggest the endocannabinoids (eCB) system, viz. anadamide (AEA) and arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG), as potential therapeutic targets with the ability to modify Alzheimer's pathology by targeting the inflammatory, neurodegenerative and cognitive aspects of the disease. In order to modulate endocannabinoid system, number of agents have been reported amongst which are inhibitors of the monoacylglycerol (MAGL) and fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), the enzymes that hydrolyses 2-AG and AEA respectively. However, little is known regarding the exact mechanistic signalling and their effects on pathophysiology and cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer's disease. Both MAGL and FAAH inhibitors possess fascinating properties that may offer a multi-faceted approach for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease such as potential to protect neurons from deleterious effect of amyloid-β, reducing phosphorylation of tau, reducing amyloid-β induced oxidative stress, stimulating neurotrophin to support brain intrinsic repair mechanism etc. Based on empirical evidence, MAGL and FAAH inhibitors might have potential for therapeutic efficacy against cognitive impairment associated with Alzheimer's disease. The aim of this review is to summarize the experimental studies demonstrating the polyvalent properties of MAGL or FAAH inhibitor compounds for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, and also effect of these on learning and types of memories, which together encourage to study these compounds over other therapeutics targets. Further research in this direction would enhance the molecular mechanisms and development of applicable interventions for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, which nevertheless stay as the primary unmet need.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shivanshu Bajaj
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, India
| | - Shreshta Jain
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, India
| | - Preeti Vyas
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, India
| | - Sandhya Bawa
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, India
| | - Divya Vohora
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, India.
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Prejanò M, Vidossich P, Russo N, De Vivo M, Marino T. Insights into the Catalytic Mechanism of Domains CD1 and CD2 in Histone Deacetylase 6 from Quantum Calculations. ACS Catal 2021. [DOI: 10.1021/acscatal.0c04729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mario Prejanò
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie Chimiche, Università della Calabria, Via Ponte Pietro Bucci, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Pietro Vidossich
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling and Drug Discovery, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Nino Russo
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie Chimiche, Università della Calabria, Via Ponte Pietro Bucci, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Marco De Vivo
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling and Drug Discovery, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Tiziana Marino
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie Chimiche, Università della Calabria, Via Ponte Pietro Bucci, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Cosenza, Italy
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Criscuolo E, De Sciscio ML, Fezza F, Maccarrone M. In Silico and In Vitro Analysis of Major Cannabis-Derived Compounds as Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase Inhibitors. Molecules 2020; 26:molecules26010048. [PMID: 33374180 PMCID: PMC7795171 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26010048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulated evidence suggests that enhancing the endocannabinoid (eCB) tone, in particular of anandamide (N-arachidonoylethanolamine, AEA), has therapeutic potential in many human diseases. Fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) is a membrane-bound enzyme principally responsible for the degradation of AEA, and thus it represents a relevant target to increase signaling thereof. In recent years, different synthetic and natural compounds have been developed and tested on rat FAAH, but little is known of their effect on the human enzyme. Here, we sought to investigate six major cannabis-derived compounds to compare their action on rat and human FAAHs. To this aim, we combined an in silico analysis of their binding mode and affinity, with in vitro assays of their effect on enzyme activity. This integrated approach allowed to disclose differences in efficacy towards rat and human FAAHs, and to highlight the role of key residues involved in the inhibition of both enzymes. This study suggests that the therapeutic efficacy of compounds targeted towards FAAH should be always tested in vitro on both rat and human enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuele Criscuolo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00121 Rome, Italy;
- Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Via Alvaro del Portillo 21, 00128 Rome, Italy;
| | - Maria Laura De Sciscio
- Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Via Alvaro del Portillo 21, 00128 Rome, Italy;
- Department of Chemistry “G. Ciamician”, University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Filomena Fezza
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00121 Rome, Italy;
- Correspondence: (F.F.); (M.M.)
| | - Mauro Maccarrone
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, Via Vetoio snc, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
- European Center for Brain Research/IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 54, 00143 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: (F.F.); (M.M.)
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Palermo G, Spinello A, Saha A, Magistrato A. Frontiers of metal-coordinating drug design. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2020; 16:497-511. [PMID: 33874825 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2021.1851188] [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] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: The occurrence of metal ions in biomolecules is required to exert vital cellular functions. Metal-containing biomolecules can be modulated by small-molecule inhibitors targeting their metal-moiety. As well, the discovery of cisplatin ushered the rational discovery of metal-containing-drugs. The use of both drug types exploiting metal-ligand interactions is well established to treat distinct pathologies. Therefore, characterizing and leveraging metal-coordinating drugs is a pivotal, yet challenging, part of medicinal chemistry.Area covered: Atomic-level simulations are increasingly employed to overcome the challenges met by traditional drug-discovery approaches and to complement wet-lab experiments in elucidating the mechanisms of drugs' action. Multiscale simulations, allow deciphering the mechanism of metal-binding inhibitors and metallo-containing-drugs, enabling a reliable description of metal-complexes in their biological environment. In this compendium, the authors review selected applications exploiting the metal-ligand interactions by focusing on understanding the mechanism and design of (i) inhibitors targeting iron and zinc-enzymes, and (ii) ruthenium and gold-based anticancer agents targeting the nucleosome and aquaporin protein, respectively.Expert opinion: The showcased applications exemplify the current role and the potential of atomic-level simulations and reveal how their synergic use with experiments can contribute to uncover fundamental mechanistic facets and exploit metal-ligand interactions in medicinal chemistry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Palermo
- Department of Bioengineering and Department of Chemistry, University of California Riverside, Riverside, United States
| | - Angelo Spinello
- National Research Council (CNR) of Italy, Institute of Material (IOM) @ International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), Trieste, Italy
| | - Aakash Saha
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Riverside, Riverside, United States
| | - Alessandra Magistrato
- National Research Council (CNR) of Italy, Institute of Material (IOM) @ International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), Trieste, Italy
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Synthesis, Molecular Modeling and Biological Evaluation of Metabolically Stable Analogues of the Endogenous Fatty Acid Amide Palmitoylethanolamide. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21239074. [PMID: 33260658 PMCID: PMC7730713 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21239074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) belongs to the class of N-acylethanolamine and is an endogenous lipid potentially useful in a wide range of therapeutic areas; products containing PEA are licensed for use in humans as a nutraceutical, a food supplement, or food for medical purposes for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties demonstrating efficacy and tolerability. However, the exogenously administered PEA is rapidly inactivated; in this process, fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) plays a key role both in hepatic metabolism and in intracellular degradation. So, the aim of the present study was the design and synthesis of PEA analogues that are more resistant to FAAH-mediated hydrolysis. A small library of PEA analogues was designed and tested by molecular docking and density functional theory calculations to find the more stable analogue. The computational investigation identified RePEA as the best candidate in terms of both synthetic accessibility and metabolic stability to FAAH-mediated hydrolysis. The selected compound was synthesized and assayed ex vivo to monitor FAAH-mediated hydrolysis and to confirm its anti-inflammatory properties. 1H-NMR spectroscopy performed on membrane samples containing FAAH in integral membrane protein demonstrated that RePEA is not processed by FAAH, in contrast with PEA. Moreover, RePEA retains PEA’s ability to inhibit LPS-induced cytokine release in both murine N9 microglial cells and human PMA-THP-1 cells.
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Scalvini L, Ghidini A, Lodola A, Callegari D, Rivara S, Piomelli D, Mor M. N-Acylethanolamine Acid Amidase (NAAA): Mechanism of Palmitoylethanolamide Hydrolysis Revealed by Mechanistic Simulations. ACS Catal 2020. [DOI: 10.1021/acscatal.0c02903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Scalvini
- Dipartimento di Scienze degli Alimenti e del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Parma, Parco Area delle scienze 27/A, I-43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Andrea Ghidini
- Dipartimento di Scienze degli Alimenti e del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Parma, Parco Area delle scienze 27/A, I-43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Alessio Lodola
- Dipartimento di Scienze degli Alimenti e del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Parma, Parco Area delle scienze 27/A, I-43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Donatella Callegari
- Dipartimento di Scienze degli Alimenti e del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Parma, Parco Area delle scienze 27/A, I-43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Silvia Rivara
- Dipartimento di Scienze degli Alimenti e del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Parma, Parco Area delle scienze 27/A, I-43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Daniele Piomelli
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, California 92697-4625, United States
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, California 92697-4625, United States
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of California, Irvine, California 92697-4625, United States
| | - Marco Mor
- Dipartimento di Scienze degli Alimenti e del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Parma, Parco Area delle scienze 27/A, I-43124 Parma, Italy
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Sirirak J, Lawan N, Van der Kamp MW, Harvey JN, Mulholland AJ. Benchmarking quantum mechanical methods for calculating reaction energies of reactions catalyzed by enzymes. PEERJ PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY 2020. [DOI: 10.7717/peerj-pchem.8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
To assess the accuracy of different quantum mechanical methods for biochemical modeling, the reaction energies of 20 small model reactions (chosen to represent chemical steps catalyzed by commonly studied enzymes) were calculated. The methods tested included several popular Density Functional Theory (DFT) functionals, second-order Møller Plesset perturbation theory (MP2) and its spin-component scaled variant (SCS-MP2), and coupled cluster singles and doubles and perturbative triples (CCSD(T)). Different basis sets were tested. CCSD(T)/aug-cc-pVTZ results for all 20 reactions were used to benchmark the other methods. It was found that MP2 and SCS-MP2 reaction energy calculation results are similar in quality to CCSD(T) (mean absolute error (MAE) of 1.2 and 1.3 kcal mol−1, respectively). MP2 calculations gave a large error in one case, and are more subject to basis set effects, so in general SCS-MP2 calculations are a good choice when CCSD(T) calculations are not feasible. Results with different DFT functionals were of reasonably good quality (MAEs of 2.5–5.1 kcal mol−1), whereas popular semi-empirical methods (AM1, PM3, SCC-DFTB) gave much larger errors (MAEs of 11.6–14.6 kcal mol−1). These results should be useful in guiding methodological choices and assessing the accuracy of QM/MM calculations on enzyme-catalyzed reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jitnapa Sirirak
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Silpakorn University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Narin Lawan
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | | | | | - Adrian J. Mulholland
- Centre for Computational Chemistry, School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
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Fazio D, Criscuolo E, Piccoli A, Barboni B, Fezza F, Maccarrone M. Advances in the discovery of fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibitors: what does the future hold? Expert Opin Drug Discov 2020; 15:765-778. [PMID: 32292082 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2020.1751118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) is a membrane-bound enzyme, that inactivates endogenous signaling lipids of the fatty acid amide family, including the endocannabinoid anandamide (N-arachidonoylethanolamine, AEA). The latter compound has been shown to regulate a number of important pathophysiological conditions in humans, like feeding, obesity, immune response, reproductive events, motor coordination, and neurological disorders. Hence, direct manipulation of the endocannabinoid tone is thought to have therapeutic potential. A new opportunity to develop effective drugs may arise from multi-target directed ligand (MTDL) strategies, which brings the concept that a single compound can recognize different targets involved in the cascade of pathophysiological events. AREAS COVERED This review reports the latest advances in the development of new single targeted and dual-targeted FAAH inhibitors over the past 5 years. EXPERT OPINION In recent years, several FAAH inhibitors have been synthesized and investigated, yet to date none of them has reached the market as a systemic drug. Due to the diligence of inherent redundancy and robustness in many biological networks and pathways, multitarget inhibitors present a new prospect in the pharmaceutical industry for treatment of complex diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Fazio
- Faculty of Biosciences and Technology for Food Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo , Teramo, Italy.,European Center for Brain Research/IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation , Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuele Criscuolo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome , Rome, Italy.,Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome , Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Piccoli
- Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome , Rome, Italy
| | - Barbara Barboni
- Faculty of Biosciences and Technology for Food Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo , Teramo, Italy
| | - Filomena Fezza
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome , Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Maccarrone
- European Center for Brain Research/IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation , Rome, Italy.,Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome , Rome, Italy
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Lodola A, Callegari D, Scalvini L, Rivara S, Mor M. Design and SAR Analysis of Covalent Inhibitors Driven by Hybrid QM/MM Simulations. Methods Mol Biol 2020; 2114:307-337. [PMID: 32016901 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-0282-9_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) hybrid technique is emerging as a reliable computational method to investigate and characterize chemical reactions occurring in enzymes. From a drug discovery perspective, a thorough understanding of enzyme catalysis appears pivotal to assist the design of inhibitors able to covalently bind one of the residues belonging to the enzyme catalytic machinery. Thanks to the current advances in computer power, and the availability of more efficient algorithms for QM-based simulations, the use of QM/MM methodology is becoming a viable option in the field of covalent inhibitor design. In the present review, we summarized our experience in the field of QM/MM simulations applied to drug design problems which involved the optimization of agents working on two well-known drug targets, namely fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). In this context, QM/MM simulations gave valuable information in terms of geometry (i.e., of transition states and metastable intermediates) and reaction energetics that allowed to correctly predict inhibitor binding orientation and substituent effect on enzyme inhibition. What is more, enzyme reaction modelling with QM/MM provided insights that were translated into the synthesis of new covalent inhibitor featured by a unique combination of intrinsic reactivity, on-target activity, and selectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Lodola
- Drug Design and Discovery Group, Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.
| | - Donatella Callegari
- Drug Design and Discovery Group, Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Laura Scalvini
- Drug Design and Discovery Group, Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Silvia Rivara
- Drug Design and Discovery Group, Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Marco Mor
- Drug Design and Discovery Group, Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
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Tripathi RKP. A perspective review on fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitors as potential therapeutic agents. Eur J Med Chem 2019; 188:111953. [PMID: 31945644 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.111953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) is an important enzyme creditworthy of hydrolyzing endocannabinoids and related-amidated signalling lipids, discovery of which has pioneered novel arena of pharmacological canvasses to unwrap its curative potency in various diseased circumstances. It presents contemporary basis for understanding molecules regulating and mediating inflammatory reactions, pain, anxiety, depression, and neurodegeneration. FAAH inhibitors form vital approach for discovery of therapeutic agents that are concerned with local elevation of endocannabinoids under certain stimuli, debarring adverse/unwanted secondary effects from global activation of cannabinoid receptors by exogenous cannabimimetics. During past decades, several molecules with excellent potency developed through tailor-made approaches entered into clinical trials, but none could reach market. Hence, hunt for novel, non-toxic and selective FAAH inhibitors are on horizon. This review summarizes present perception on FAAH in conjunction with its structure, mechanism of catalysis and biological functions. It also foregrounds recent development of molecules belonging to diverse chemical classes as potential FAAH inhibitors bobbing up from in-depth chemical, mechanistic and computational studies published since 2015-November 2019, focusing on their potency. This review will assist readers to obtain rationale on FAAH as potential target for addressing various disease conditions, acquiring significant knowledge on recently established inhibitor scaffolds and their development potentials. New technologies including MD-MM simulations and 3D-QSAR studies allow mechanistic characterization of enzyme. Assessment of in-vitro and in-vivo efficacy of existing FAAH inhibitors will facilitate researchers to design novel ligands utilizing modern drug design methods. The discussions will also impose precaution in decision making process, quashing possibility of late stage failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rati Kailash Prasad Tripathi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, Sushruta School of Medical and Paramedical Sciences, Assam University (A Central University), Silchar, Assam, 788011, India; Pharmaceutical Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, 221005, India.
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12
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Vanni S, Riccardi L, Palermo G, De Vivo M. Structure and Dynamics of the Acyl Chains in the Membrane Trafficking and Enzymatic Processing of Lipids. Acc Chem Res 2019; 52:3087-3096. [PMID: 31364837 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.9b00134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The regulatory chemical mechanisms of lipid trafficking and degradation are involved in many pathophysiological processes, being implicated in severe pain, inflammation, and cancer. In addition, the processing of lipids is also relevant for industrial and environmental applications. However, there is poor understanding of the chemical features that control lipid membrane trafficking and allow lipid-degrading enzymes to efficiently select and hydrolyze specific fatty acids from a complex cellular milieu of bioactive lipids. This is particularly true for lipid acyl chains, which have diverse structures that can critically affect the many complex reactions needed to elongate, desaturate, or transport fatty acids. Building upon our own contributions in this field, we will discuss how molecular simulations, integrated with experimental evidence, have revealed that the structure and dynamics of the lipid tail are actively involved in modulating membrane trafficking at cellular organelles, and enzymatic reactions at cell membranes. Further evidence comes from recent crystal structures of lipid receptors and remodeling enzymes. Taken together, these recent works have identified those structural features of the lipid acyl chain that are crucial for the regioselectivity and stereospecificity of essential desaturation reactions. In this context, we will first illustrate how atomistic and coarse-grained simulations have elucidated the structure-function relationships between the chemical composition of the lipid's acyl chains and the molecular properties of lipid bilayers. Particular emphasis will be given to the prominent chemical role of the number of double carbon-carbon bonds along the lipid acyl chain, that is, discriminating between saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated lipids. Different levels of saturation in fatty acid molecules dramatically influence the biophysical properties of lipid assemblies and their interaction with proteins. We will then discuss the processing of lipids by membrane-bound enzymes. Our focus will be on lipids such as anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol. These are the main molecules that act as neurotransmitters in the endocannabinoid system. Specifically, recent findings indicate a crucial interplay between the level of saturation of the lipid tail, its energetically and sterically favored conformations, and the hydrophobic accessory cavities in lipid-degrading enzymes, which help form catalytically active conformations of the selected substrate. This Account will emphasize how the specific chemical structure of acyl chains affects the molecular mechanisms for modulating membrane trafficking and selective hydrolysis. The results examined here show that, by using molecular simulations to investigate lipid plasticity and substrate flexibility, researchers can enrich their interpretation of experimental results about the structure-function relationships of lipids. This could positively impact chemical and biological studies in the field and ultimately support protein engineering studies and structure-based drug discovery to target lipid-processing enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Vanni
- Department of Biology, University of Fribourg, Chemin du Musée 10, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland
- Université Côte d’Azur, CNRS, IPMC, 06560 Valbonne, France
| | - Laura Riccardi
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling and Drug Discovery, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, 16163 Genoa, Italy
| | - Giulia Palermo
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Riverside, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Marco De Vivo
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling and Drug Discovery, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, 16163 Genoa, Italy
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Abstract
CRISPR-Cas9 is a bacterial immune system with exciting applications for genome editing. In spite of extensive experimental characterization, the active site chemistry of the RuvC domain-which performs DNA cleavages-has remained elusive. Its knowledge is key for structure-based engineering aimed at improving DNA cleavages. Here, we deliver an in-depth characterization by using quantum-classical (QM/MM) molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and a Gaussian accelerated MD method, coupled with bioinformatics analysis. We disclose a two-metal aided architecture in the RuvC active site, which is poised to operate DNA cleavages, in analogy with other DNA/RNA processing enzymes. The conformational dynamics of the RuvC domain further reveals that an "arginine finger" stably contacts the scissile phosphate, with the function of stabilizing the active complex. Remarkably, the formation of a catalytically competent state of the RuvC domain is only observed upon the conformational activation of the other nuclease domain of CRISPR-Cas9-i.e., the HNH domain-such allowing concerted cleavages of double stranded DNA. This structure is in agreement with the available experimental data and remarkably differs from previous models based on classical mechanics, demonstrating also that only quantum mechanical simulations can accurately describe the metal-aided active site in CRISPR-Cas9. This fully catalytic structure-in which both the HNH and RuvC domains are prone to perform DNA cleavages-constitutes a stepping-stone for understanding DNA cleavage and specificity. It calls for novel experimental verifications and offers the structural foundations for engineering efforts aimed at improving the genome editing capability of CRISPR-Cas9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Palermo
- Department of Bioengineering, Bourns College of Engineering , University of California Riverside , 900 University Avenue , Riverside , California 92521 , United States
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14
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Ligresti A, Silvestri C, Vitale RM, Martos JL, Piscitelli F, Wang JW, Allarà M, Carling RW, Luongo L, Guida F, Illiano A, Amoresano A, Maione S, Amodeo P, Woodward DF, Di Marzo V, Marino G. FAAH-Catalyzed C-C Bond Cleavage of a New Multitarget Analgesic Drug. ACS Chem Neurosci 2019; 10:424-437. [PMID: 30226747 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.8b00315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The discovery of extended catalytic versatilities is of great importance in both the chemistry and biotechnology fields. Fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) belongs to the amidase signature superfamily and is a major endocannabinoid inactivating enzyme using an atypical catalytic mechanism involving hydrolysis of amide and occasionally ester bonds. FAAH inhibitors are efficacious in experimental models of neuropathic pain, inflammation, and anxiety, among others. We report a new multitarget drug, AGN220653, containing a carboxyamide-4-oxazole moiety and endowed with efficacious analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities, which are partly due to its capability of achieving inhibition of FAAH, and subsequently increasing the tissue concentrations of the endocannabinoid anandamide. This inhibitor behaves as a noncompetitive, slowly reversible inhibitor. Autoradiography of purified FAAH incubated with AGN220653, opportunely radiolabeled, indicated covalent binding followed by fragmentation of the molecule. Molecular docking suggested a possible nucleophilic attack by FAAH-Ser241 on the carbonyl group of the carboxyamide-4-oxazole moiety, resulting in the cleavage of the C-C bond between the oxazole and the carboxyamide moieties, instead of either of the two available amide bonds. MRM-MS analyses only detected the Ser241-assisted formation of the carbamate intermediate, thus confirming the cleavage of the aforementioned C-C bond. Quantum mechanics calculations were fully consistent with this mechanism. The study exemplifies how FAAH structural features and mechanism of action may override the binding and reactivity propensities of substrates. This unpredicted mechanism could pave the way to the future development of a completely new class of amidase inhibitors, of potential use against pain, inflammation, and mood disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Ligresti
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Endocannabinoid Research Group, National Research Council of Italy, Pozzuoli 80078, Italy
| | - Cristoforo Silvestri
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Endocannabinoid Research Group, National Research Council of Italy, Pozzuoli 80078, Italy
| | - Rosa Maria Vitale
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Endocannabinoid Research Group, National Research Council of Italy, Pozzuoli 80078, Italy
| | - Jose L. Martos
- Discovery Department, Selcia Limited, Ongar CM5 0GS, United Kingdom
| | - Fabiana Piscitelli
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Endocannabinoid Research Group, National Research Council of Italy, Pozzuoli 80078, Italy
| | - Jenny W. Wang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Allergan Inc., Irvine, California 92623, United States
| | - Marco Allarà
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Endocannabinoid Research Group, National Research Council of Italy, Pozzuoli 80078, Italy
| | | | - Livio Luongo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Pharmacology Division, University of Campania, Naples 80138, Italy
| | - Francesca Guida
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Pharmacology Division, University of Campania, Naples 80138, Italy
| | - Anna Illiano
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples 80126, Italy
| | - Angela Amoresano
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples 80126, Italy
| | - Sabatino Maione
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Pharmacology Division, University of Campania, Naples 80138, Italy
| | - Pietro Amodeo
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Endocannabinoid Research Group, National Research Council of Italy, Pozzuoli 80078, Italy
| | - David F. Woodward
- Department of Biological Sciences, Allergan Inc., Irvine, California 92623, United States
| | - Vincenzo Di Marzo
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Endocannabinoid Research Group, National Research Council of Italy, Pozzuoli 80078, Italy
- Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, Universitè Laval, Quebec City G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Gennaro Marino
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples 80126, Italy
- University “Suor Orsola Benincasa”, Naples 80132, Italy
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15
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A fundamental catalytic difference between zinc and manganese dependent enzymes revealed in a bacterial isatin hydrolase. Sci Rep 2018; 8:13104. [PMID: 30166577 PMCID: PMC6117287 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-31259-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2018] [Accepted: 08/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The catalytic mechanism of the cyclic amidohydrolase isatin hydrolase depends on a catalytically active manganese in the substrate-binding pocket. The Mn2+ ion is bound by a motif also present in other metal dependent hydrolases like the bacterial kynurenine formamidase. The crystal structures of the isatin hydrolases from Labrenzia aggregata and Ralstonia solanacearum combined with activity assays allow for the identification of key determinants specific for the reaction mechanism. Active site residues central to the hydrolytic mechanism include a novel catalytic triad Asp-His-His supported by structural comparison and hybrid quantum mechanics/classical mechanics simulations. A hydrolytic mechanism for a Mn2+ dependent amidohydrolases that disfavour Zn2+ as the primary catalytically active site metal proposed here is supported by these likely cases of convergent evolution. The work illustrates a fundamental difference in the substrate-binding mode between Mn2+ dependent isatin hydrolase like enzymes in comparison with the vast number of Zn2+ dependent enzymes.
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16
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Abstract
Recent studies demonstrated that Gaussian accelerated molecular dynamics (GaMD) is a robust computational technique, which provides simultaneous unconstrained enhanced sampling and free energy calculations of biomolecules. However, the exact acceleration of biomolecular dynamics or speedup of kinetic rates in GaMD simulations and, more broadly, in enhanced sampling methods, remains a challenging task to be determined. Here, the GaMD acceleration is examined using alanine dipeptide in explicit solvent as a biomolecular model system. Relative to long conventional molecular dynamics simulation, GaMD simulations exhibited ∼36-67 times speedup for sampling of the backbone dihedral transitions. The acceleration depended on level of the GaMD boost potential. Furthermore, Kramers' rate theory was applied to estimate GaMD acceleration using simulation-derived diffusion coefficients, curvatures and barriers of free energy profiles. In most cases, the calculations also showed significant speedup of dihedral transitions in GaMD, although the GaMD acceleration factors tended to be underestimated by ∼3-96 fold. Because greater boost potential can be applied in GaMD simulations of systems with increased sizes, which potentially leads to higher acceleration, it is subject to future studies on accelerating the dynamics and recovering kinetic rates of larger biomolecules such as proteins and protein-protein/nucleic acid complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinglong Miao
- Center for Computational Biology and Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas 66047, USA
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17
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Paiva P, Sousa SF, Ramos MJ, Fernandes PA. Understanding the Catalytic Machinery and the Reaction Pathway of the Malonyl-Acetyl Transferase Domain of Human Fatty Acid Synthase. ACS Catal 2018. [DOI: 10.1021/acscatal.8b00577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Paiva
- UCIBIO@REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre s/n, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Sérgio F. Sousa
- UCIBIO@REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre s/n, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria J. Ramos
- UCIBIO@REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre s/n, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Pedro A. Fernandes
- UCIBIO@REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre s/n, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
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18
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Jongkon N, Gleeson D, Gleeson MP. Elucidation of the catalytic mechanism of 6-hydroxymethyl-7,8-dihydropterin pyrophosphokinase using QM/MM calculations. Org Biomol Chem 2018; 16:6239-6249. [DOI: 10.1039/c8ob01428k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
This account describes the application of QM/MM calculations to understand the reaction mechanism of HPPK, an important pharmacological target on the folate pathway for the treatment of diseases including anti-microbial resistance, malaria and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathjanan Jongkon
- Department of Social and Applied Science
- College of Industrial Technology
- King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok
- Bangkok 10800
- Thailand
| | - Duangkamol Gleeson
- Department of Chemistry
- Faculty of Science
- King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang
- Thailand
| | - M. Paul Gleeson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering
- Faculty of Engineering
- King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang
- Bangkok 10520
- Thailand
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19
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A water-assisted nucleophilic mechanism utilized by BphD, the meta-cleavage product hydrolase in biphenyl degradation. J Mol Graph Model 2017; 76:448-455. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmgm.2017.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2017] [Revised: 07/14/2017] [Accepted: 07/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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20
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Ortega JA, Arencibia JM, La Sala G, Borgogno M, Bauer I, Bono L, Braccia C, Armirotti A, Girotto S, Ganesan A, De Vivo M. Pharmacophore Identification and Scaffold Exploration to Discover Novel, Potent, and Chemically Stable Inhibitors of Acid Ceramidase in Melanoma Cells. J Med Chem 2017; 60:5800-5815. [PMID: 28603987 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.7b00472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Acid ceramidase (AC) hydrolyzes ceramides, which are central lipid messengers for metabolism and signaling of sphingolipids. A growing body of evidence links deregulation of sphingolipids to several diseases, including cancer. Indeed, AC expression is abnormally high in melanoma cells. AC inhibition may thus be key to treating malignant melanoma. Here, we have used a systematic scaffold exploration to design a general pharmacophore for AC inhibition. This pharmacophore comprises a 6 + 5 fused ring heterocycle linked to an aliphatic substituent via a urea moiety. We have thus identified the novel benzimidazole derivatives 10, 21, 27, and 30, which are highly potent AC inhibitors. Their chemical and metabolic stabilities are comparable or superior to those of previously reported AC inhibitors. Moreover, they are potent against endogenous AC in intact melanoma cells. These novel inhibitors merit further characterization and can serve as a promising starting point for the discovery of new antimelanoma therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose Antonio Ortega
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling & Drug Discovery, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia , Via Morego 30, 16163 Genoa, Italy
| | - Jose M Arencibia
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling & Drug Discovery, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia , Via Morego 30, 16163 Genoa, Italy
| | - Giuseppina La Sala
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling & Drug Discovery, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia , Via Morego 30, 16163 Genoa, Italy
| | - Marco Borgogno
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling & Drug Discovery, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia , Via Morego 30, 16163 Genoa, Italy
| | - Inga Bauer
- CompuNet, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia , Via Morego 30, 16163 Genoa, Italy
| | - Luca Bono
- D3-PharmaChemistry, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia , Via Morego 30, 16163 Genoa, Italy
| | - Clarissa Braccia
- D3-PharmaChemistry, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia , Via Morego 30, 16163 Genoa, Italy
| | - Andrea Armirotti
- D3-PharmaChemistry, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia , Via Morego 30, 16163 Genoa, Italy
| | - Stefania Girotto
- CompuNet, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia , Via Morego 30, 16163 Genoa, Italy
| | - Anand Ganesan
- Department of Dermatology and Biological Chemistry, University of California , 202 Sprague Hall, 92697-2400 Irvine, United States
| | - Marco De Vivo
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling & Drug Discovery, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia , Via Morego 30, 16163 Genoa, Italy.,IAS-5/INM-9 Computational Biomedicine Forschungszentrum Jülich , Wilhelm-Johnen-Straße, 52428 Jülich, Germany
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21
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Riccardi L, Arencibia JM, Bono L, Armirotti A, Girotto S, De Vivo M. Lid domain plasticity and lipid flexibility modulate enzyme specificity in human monoacylglycerol lipase. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids 2017; 1862:441-451. [PMID: 28088576 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2017.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2016] [Revised: 12/20/2016] [Accepted: 01/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Human monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) is a membrane-interacting enzyme that generates pro-inflammatory signaling molecules. For this reason, MAGL inhibition is a promising strategy to treat pain, cancer, and neuroinflammatory diseases. MAGL can hydrolyze monoacylglycerols bearing an acyl chain of different lengths and degrees of unsaturation, cleaving primarily the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol. Importantly, the enzymatic binding site of MAGL is confined by a 75-amino-acid-long, flexible cap domain, named 'lid domain', which is structurally similar to that found in several other lipases. However, it is unclear how lid domain plasticity affects catalysis in MAGL. By integrating extensive molecular dynamics simulations and free-energy calculations with mutagenesis and kinetic experiments, we here define a lid-domain-mediated mechanism for substrate selection and binding in MAGL catalysis. In particular, we clarify the key role of Phe159 and Ile179, two conserved residues within the lid domain, in regulating substrate specificity in MAGL. We conclude by proposing that other structurally related lipases may share this lid-domain-mediated mechanism for substrate specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Riccardi
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling and Drug Discovery, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy.
| | - Jose M Arencibia
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling and Drug Discovery, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy.
| | - Luca Bono
- D3-PharmaChemistry, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy.
| | - Andrea Armirotti
- D3-PharmaChemistry, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy.
| | - Stefania Girotto
- CompuNet, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy.
| | - Marco De Vivo
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling and Drug Discovery, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy; IAS-5/INM-9 Computational Biomedicine Forschungszentrum Jülich, Wilhelm-Johnen-Straße, 52428 Jülich, Germany.
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22
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Tuo W, Leleu-Chavain N, Spencer J, Sansook S, Millet R, Chavatte P. Therapeutic Potential of Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase, Monoacylglycerol Lipase, and N-Acylethanolamine Acid Amidase Inhibitors. J Med Chem 2016; 60:4-46. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.6b00538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Tuo
- Université de Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U995,
LIRIC, Lille Inflammation Research International Center, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Natascha Leleu-Chavain
- Université de Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U995,
LIRIC, Lille Inflammation Research International Center, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - John Spencer
- Department of Chemistry, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton BN1 9QJ, U.K
| | - Supojjanee Sansook
- Department of Chemistry, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton BN1 9QJ, U.K
| | - Régis Millet
- Université de Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U995,
LIRIC, Lille Inflammation Research International Center, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Philippe Chavatte
- Université de Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U995,
LIRIC, Lille Inflammation Research International Center, F-59000 Lille, France
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23
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Tuo W, Leleu-Chavain N, Barczyk A, Renault N, Lemaire L, Chavatte P, Millet R. Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of potent FAAH inhibitors. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2016; 26:2701-5. [PMID: 27117424 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2016.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2016] [Revised: 04/01/2016] [Accepted: 04/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
A new series of 3-carboxamido-5-aryl-isoxazoles was designed, synthesized and evaluated for their biological activity. Different pharmacomodulations have been explored and the lipophilicity of these compounds was assessed. Investigation of the in vitro biological activity led to the identification of 5 compounds as potent FAAH inhibitors, their good FAAH inhibition capacity is probably correlated with their suitable lipophilicity. Specifically, compound 25 showed similar inhibition potency against FAAH in comparison with URB597, one of the most potent FAAH inhibitor known to date.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Tuo
- ICPAL, Univ. Lille, Inserm, U995-LIRIC-Lille Inflammation Research International Center, 3 rue du Professeur Laguesse BP83, F-59006 Lille, France
| | - Natascha Leleu-Chavain
- ICPAL, Univ. Lille, Inserm, U995-LIRIC-Lille Inflammation Research International Center, 3 rue du Professeur Laguesse BP83, F-59006 Lille, France
| | - Amélie Barczyk
- ICPAL, Univ. Lille, Inserm, U995-LIRIC-Lille Inflammation Research International Center, 3 rue du Professeur Laguesse BP83, F-59006 Lille, France
| | - Nicolas Renault
- ICPAL, Univ. Lille, Inserm, U995-LIRIC-Lille Inflammation Research International Center, 3 rue du Professeur Laguesse BP83, F-59006 Lille, France
| | - Lucas Lemaire
- ICPAL, Univ. Lille, Inserm, U995-LIRIC-Lille Inflammation Research International Center, 3 rue du Professeur Laguesse BP83, F-59006 Lille, France
| | - Philippe Chavatte
- ICPAL, Univ. Lille, Inserm, U995-LIRIC-Lille Inflammation Research International Center, 3 rue du Professeur Laguesse BP83, F-59006 Lille, France
| | - Régis Millet
- ICPAL, Univ. Lille, Inserm, U995-LIRIC-Lille Inflammation Research International Center, 3 rue du Professeur Laguesse BP83, F-59006 Lille, France.
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24
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Palermo G, Magistrato A, Riedel T, von Erlach T, Davey CA, Dyson PJ, Rothlisberger U. Fighting Cancer with Transition Metal Complexes: From Naked DNA to Protein and Chromatin Targeting Strategies. ChemMedChem 2015; 11:1199-210. [PMID: 26634638 PMCID: PMC5063137 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201500478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Many transition metal complexes have unique physicochemical properties that can be efficiently exploited in medicinal chemistry for cancer treatment. Traditionally, double-stranded DNA has been assumed to be the main binding target; however, recent studies have shown that nucleosomal DNA as well as proteins can act as dominant molecular binding partners. This has raised new questions about the molecular determinants that govern DNA versus protein binding selectivity, and has offered new ways to rationalize their biological activity and possible side effects. To address these questions, molecular simulations at an atomistic level of detail have been used to complement, support, and rationalize experimental data. Herein we review some relevant studies-focused on platinum and ruthenium compounds-to illustrate the power of state-of-the-art molecular simulation techniques and to demonstrate how the interplay between molecular simulations and experiments can make important contributions to elucidating the target preferences of some promising transition metal anticancer agents. This contribution aims at providing relevant information that may help in the rational design of novel drug-discovery strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Palermo
- Institut des Sciences et Ingénierie Chimiques, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Alessandra Magistrato
- CNR-IOM-Democritos National Simulation Center, c/o SISSA, via Bonomea 265, 34136 Trieste, Italy
| | - Tina Riedel
- Institut des Sciences et Ingénierie Chimiques, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Thibaud von Erlach
- Institut des Sciences et Ingénierie Chimiques, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Curt A Davey
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore, 637551, Singapore
| | - Paul J Dyson
- Institut des Sciences et Ingénierie Chimiques, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Ursula Rothlisberger
- Institut des Sciences et Ingénierie Chimiques, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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25
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Palermo G, Favia AD, Convertino M, De Vivo M. The Molecular Basis for Dual Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase (FAAH)/Cyclooxygenase (COX) Inhibition. ChemMedChem 2015; 11:1252-8. [PMID: 26593700 PMCID: PMC5063142 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201500507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The design of multitarget‐directed ligands is a promising strategy for discovering innovative drugs. Here, we report a mechanistic study that clarifies key aspects of the dual inhibition of the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes by a new multitarget‐directed ligand named ARN2508 (2‐[3‐fluoro‐4‐[3‐(hexylcarbamoyloxy)phenyl]phenyl]propanoic acid). This potent dual inhibitor combines, in a single scaffold, the pharmacophoric elements often needed to block FAAH and COX, that is, a carbamate moiety and the 2‐arylpropionic acid functionality, respectively. Molecular modeling and molecular dynamics simulations suggest that ARN2508 uses a noncovalent mechanism of inhibition to block COXs, while inhibiting FAAH via the acetylation of the catalytic Ser241, in line with previous experimental evidence for covalent FAAH inhibition. This study proposes the molecular basis for the dual FAAH/COX inhibition by this novel hybrid scaffold, stimulating further experimental studies and offering new insights for the rational design of novel anti‐inflammatory agents that simultaneously act on FAAH and COX.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Palermo
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling & Drug Discovery, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, 16163, Genoa, Italy
| | - Angelo D Favia
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling & Drug Discovery, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, 16163, Genoa, Italy
| | - Marino Convertino
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling & Drug Discovery, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, 16163, Genoa, Italy
| | - Marco De Vivo
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling & Drug Discovery, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, 16163, Genoa, Italy. .,Computational Biomedicine (IAS-5/INM-9), Forschungszentrum Jülich, Wilhelm-Johnen-Straße, 52428, Jülich, Germany.
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26
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Interaction of the N-(3-Methylpyridin-2-yl)amide Derivatives of Flurbiprofen and Ibuprofen with FAAH: Enantiomeric Selectivity and Binding Mode. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0142711. [PMID: 26565710 PMCID: PMC4643906 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0142711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2015] [Accepted: 10/26/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Combined fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibition is a promising approach for pain-relief. The Flu-AM1 and Ibu-AM5 derivatives of flurbiprofen and ibuprofen retain similar COX-inhibitory properties and are more potent inhibitors of FAAH than the parent compounds. However, little is known as to the nature of their interaction with FAAH, or to the importance of their chirality. This has been explored here. Methodology/Principal Findings FAAH inhibitory activity was measured in rat brain homogenates and in lysates expressing either wild-type or FAAHT488A-mutated enzyme. Molecular modelling was undertaken using both docking and molecular dynamics. The (R)- and (S)-enantiomers of Flu-AM1 inhibited rat FAAH with similar potencies (IC50 values of 0.74 and 0.99 μM, respectively), whereas the (S)-enantiomer of Ibu-AM5 (IC50 0.59 μM) was more potent than the (R)-enantiomer (IC50 5.7 μM). Multiple inhibition experiments indicated that both (R)-Flu-AM1 and (S)-Ibu-AM5 inhibited FAAH in a manner mutually exclusive to carprofen. Computational studies indicated that the binding site for the Flu-AM1 and Ibu-AM5 enantiomers was located between the acyl chain binding channel and the membrane access channel, in a site overlapping the carprofen binding site, and showed a binding mode in line with that proposed for carprofen and other non-covalent ligands. The potency of (R)-Flu-AM1 was lower towards lysates expressing FAAH mutated at the proposed carprofen binding area than in lysates expressing wild-type FAAH. Conclusions/Significance The study provides kinetic and structural evidence that the enantiomers of Flu-AM1 and Ibu-AM5 bind in the substrate channel of FAAH. This information will be useful in aiding the design of novel dual-action FAAH: COX inhibitors.
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27
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Palermo G, Bauer I, Campomanes P, Cavalli A, Armirotti A, Girotto S, Rothlisberger U, De Vivo M. Keys to Lipid Selection in Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase Catalysis: Structural Flexibility, Gating Residues and Multiple Binding Pockets. PLoS Comput Biol 2015; 11:e1004231. [PMID: 26111155 PMCID: PMC4481349 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1004231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2015] [Accepted: 03/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) regulates the endocannabinoid system cleaving primarily the lipid messenger anandamide. FAAH has been well characterized over the years and, importantly, it represents a promising drug target to treat several diseases, including inflammatory-related diseases and cancer. But its enzymatic mechanism for lipid selection to specifically hydrolyze anandamide, rather than similar bioactive lipids, remains elusive. Here, we clarify this mechanism in FAAH, examining the role of the dynamic paddle, which is formed by the gating residues Phe432 and Trp531 at the boundary between two cavities that form the FAAH catalytic site (the “membrane-access” and the “acyl chain-binding” pockets). We integrate microsecond-long MD simulations of wild type and double mutant model systems (Phe432Ala and Trp531Ala) of FAAH, embedded in a realistic membrane/water environment, with mutagenesis and kinetic experiments. We comparatively analyze three fatty acid substrates with different hydrolysis rates (anandamide > oleamide > palmitoylethanolamide). Our findings identify FAAH’s mechanism to selectively accommodate anandamide into a multi-pocket binding site, and to properly orient the substrate in pre-reactive conformations for efficient hydrolysis that is interceded by the dynamic paddle. Our findings therefore endorse a structural framework for a lipid selection mechanism mediated by structural flexibility and gating residues between multiple binding cavities, as found in FAAH. Based on the available structural data, this exquisite catalytic strategy for substrate specificity seems to be shared by other lipid-degrading enzymes with similar enzymatic architecture. The mechanistic insights for lipid selection might assist de-novo enzyme design or drug discovery efforts. We describe a new structural enzymatic framework to regulate substrate specificity in lipid-degrading enzymes such as fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), a key enzyme for the endocannabinoid lipid signaling that hydrolyzes a variety of lipids, however with different catalytic rates. The identified novel mechanism and key features for lipid selection in FAAH are then analysed in the context of other relevant lipid-degrading enzymes. Through the integration of microsecond-long molecular dynamics simulations with mutagenesis and kinetic experiments, our study suggests that structural flexibility, gating residues and multiple cavities in one catalytic site are keys to lipid selection in the endocannabinoid system. Our results suggest that the structural framework proposed here could likely be a general enzymatic strategy of other lipid-degrading enzymes to select the preferred lipid substrate within a broad spectrum of biologically active lipids. This new, and likely general, structural framework for lipid selection in FAAH could therefore now encourage additional experimental verifications of the role of ligand and structural flexibility, as regulated by key gating residues at the boundaries of multiple cavities forming a single catalytic site, as observed in several other lipid-degrading enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Palermo
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling and Drug Discovery, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
| | - Inga Bauer
- CompuNet, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
| | - Pablo Campomanes
- Laboratory of Computational Chemistry and Biochemistry, Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Cavalli
- CompuNet, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Andrea Armirotti
- D3-PharmaChemistry, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
| | | | - Ursula Rothlisberger
- Laboratory of Computational Chemistry and Biochemistry, Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Marco De Vivo
- Laboratory of Molecular Modeling and Drug Discovery, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
- * E-mail:
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