1
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Xia J, Zhao H, Edmondson JL, Koss B, Zhan F. Role of NEK2 in tumorigenesis and tumor progression. Trends Mol Med 2024:S1471-4914(24)00212-0. [PMID: 39181803 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2024.07.013] [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: 04/28/2024] [Revised: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
Never in mitosis A (NIMA)-related kinase 2 (NEK2) is a serine/threonine kinase found in the nucleus and cytoplasm throughout the cell cycle. NEK2 is overexpressed in many cancers and is a biomarker of poor prognosis. Factors contributing to NEK2 elevation in cancer cells include oncogenic transcription factors, decreased ubiquitination, DNA methylation, and the circular RNA (circRNA)/long noncoding RNA (lncRNA)-miRNA axis. NEK2 overexpression produces chromosomal instability and aneuploidy, thereby enhancing cancer progression and suppressing antitumor immunity, which highlights the prominence of NEK2 in tumorigenesis and tumor progression. Small-molecule inhibitors targeting NEK2 have demonstrated promising therapeutic potential in vitro and in vivo across various cancer types. This review outlines the regulatory mechanisms of NEK2 expression, emphasizes its functional roles in cancer initiation and progression, and highlights the anticancer properties of NEK2 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiliang Xia
- Hunan Engineering Research Center for Early Diagnosis and Treatment of Liver Cancer, Cancer Research Institute, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Changshengxi Road 28, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, China.
| | - Hongyan Zhao
- Hunan Engineering Research Center for Early Diagnosis and Treatment of Liver Cancer, Cancer Research Institute, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Changshengxi Road 28, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, China
| | - Jacob L Edmondson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Brian Koss
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Fenghuang Zhan
- Myeloma Center, Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA.
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2
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Hillebrand L, Liang XJ, Serafim RAM, Gehringer M. Emerging and Re-emerging Warheads for Targeted Covalent Inhibitors: An Update. J Med Chem 2024; 67:7668-7758. [PMID: 38711345 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Covalent inhibitors and other types of covalent modalities have seen a revival in the past two decades, with a variety of new targeted covalent drugs having been approved in recent years. A key feature of such molecules is an intrinsically reactive group, typically a weak electrophile, which enables the irreversible or reversible formation of a covalent bond with a specific amino acid of the target protein. This reactive group, often called the "warhead", is a critical determinant of the ligand's activity, selectivity, and general biological properties. In 2019, we summarized emerging and re-emerging warhead chemistries to target cysteine and other amino acids (Gehringer, M.; Laufer, S. A. J. Med. Chem. 2019, 62, 5673-5724; DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b01153). Since then, the field has rapidly evolved. Here we discuss the progress on covalent warheads made since our last Perspective and their application in medicinal chemistry and chemical biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Hillebrand
- Department of Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Xiaojun Julia Liang
- Department of Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image-Guided & Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies", University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ricardo A M Serafim
- Department of Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Matthias Gehringer
- Department of Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image-Guided & Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies", University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
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3
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Barabutis N, Akhter MS. Involvement of NEK2 and NEK9 in LPS - induced endothelial barrier dysfunction. Microvasc Res 2024; 152:104651. [PMID: 38176677 PMCID: PMC10872235 DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2023.104651] [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: 12/02/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Endothelial hyperpermeability is the hallmark of severe lung injury, including acute respiratory distress syndrome. Despite the fact that Never In Mitosis A (NIMA)-related kinase 2 (NEK2) and NEK9 mediate fundamental cellular processes, our knowledge on their role in barrier function is limited. Herein we show that NEK2 and NEK9 inhibition suppresses LPS-induced paracellular hyperpermeability and myosin light chain 2 activation in endothelial cells. Moreover, the expression levels of both kinases were elevated in inflamed mouse lungs. Based on those findings, we raise the possibility that NEK2 and NEK9 may serve as novel therapeutic targets in lung inflammatory disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nektarios Barabutis
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana Monroe, Monroe, LA 71201, USA.
| | - Mohammad S Akhter
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana Monroe, Monroe, LA 71201, USA
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4
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Bhuiyan AI, Choi AH, Ghoshal S, Adiele UA, Dana D, Choi JY, Fath KR, Talele TT, Pathak SK. Identification of a novel spirocyclic Nek2 inhibitor using high throughput virtual screening. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2023; 88:129288. [PMID: 37094724 PMCID: PMC10246433 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2023.129288] [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: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Abstract
NIMA Related Kinase 2 (Nek2) kinase is an attractive target for the development of therapeutic agents for several types of highly invasive cancers. Despite this, no small molecule inhibitor has advanced to the late clinical stages thus far. In this work, we have identified a novel spirocyclic inhibitor (V8) of Nek2 kinase, utilizing a high-throughput virtual screening (HTVS) approach. Using recombinant Nek2 enzyme assays, we show that V8 can inhibit Nek2 kinase activity (IC50 = 2.4 ± 0.2 µM) by binding to the enzyme's ATP pocket. The inhibition is selective, reversible and is not time dependent. To understand the key chemotype features responsible for Nek2 inhibition, a detailed structure-activity relationships (SAR) was performed. Using molecular models of the energy-minimized structures of Nek2-inhibitory complexes, we identify key hydrogen-bonding interactions, including two from the hinge-binding region, likely responsible for the observed affinity. Finally, using cell-based studies, we show that V8 attenuates (a) pAkt/PI3 Kinase signaling in a dose-dependent manner, and (b) proliferative and migratory phenotypes of highly aggressive human MDA-MB-231 breast and A549 lung cancer cell lines. Thus, V8 is an important novel lead compound for the development of highly potent and selective Nek2 inhibitory agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashif I Bhuiyan
- Queens College of The City University of New York, Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, 65-30 Kissena Blvd, Flushing, NY 11367, USA; Chemistry Doctoral Program, The Graduate Center of The City University of New York, 365 5th Ave, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Athena H Choi
- Brooklyn Technical High School, 29 Fort Greene Place, Brooklyn, NY 11217, USA
| | - Sarbani Ghoshal
- Queensborough Community College of the City University of New York, 222-02 56(th) Avenue, Bayside, NY 11364, USA
| | - Ugochi A Adiele
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY 11439, USA
| | - Dibyendu Dana
- Queens College of The City University of New York, Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, 65-30 Kissena Blvd, Flushing, NY 11367, USA
| | - Jun Yong Choi
- Queens College of The City University of New York, Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, 65-30 Kissena Blvd, Flushing, NY 11367, USA; Chemistry Doctoral Program, The Graduate Center of The City University of New York, 365 5th Ave, New York, NY 10016, USA; Biochemistry Doctoral Program, The Graduate Center of The City University of New York, 365 5th Ave, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Karl R Fath
- Queens College of The City University of New York, Department of Biology, 65-30 Kissena Blvd, Flushing, NY 11367, USA; Biochemistry Doctoral Program, The Graduate Center of The City University of New York, 365 5th Ave, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Tanaji T Talele
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY 11439, USA
| | - Sanjai K Pathak
- Queens College of The City University of New York, Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, 65-30 Kissena Blvd, Flushing, NY 11367, USA; Chemistry Doctoral Program, The Graduate Center of The City University of New York, 365 5th Ave, New York, NY 10016, USA; Biochemistry Doctoral Program, The Graduate Center of The City University of New York, 365 5th Ave, New York, NY 10016, USA.
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5
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Systematic Exploration of Privileged Warheads for Covalent Kinase Drug Discovery. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15111322. [PMID: 36355497 PMCID: PMC9695834 DOI: 10.3390/ph15111322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Kinase-targeted drug discovery for cancer therapy has advanced significantly in the last three decades. Currently, diverse kinase inhibitors or degraders have been reported, such as allosteric inhibitors, covalent inhibitors, macrocyclic inhibitors, and PROTAC degraders. Out of these, covalent kinase inhibitors (CKIs) have been attracting attention due to their enhanced selectivity and exceptionally strong affinity. Eight covalent kinase drugs have been FDA-approved thus far. Here, we review current developments in CKIs. We explore the characteristics of the CKIs: the features of nucleophilic amino acids and the preferences of electrophilic warheads. We provide systematic insights into privileged warheads for repurposing to other kinase targets. Finally, we discuss trends in CKI development across the whole proteome.
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Li D, Lu J, Zhang Q, Zhou Y, Li L, Zhu H, Li T. Insights into an NEk2 inhibitory profile of nitidine chloride by molecular docking and biological evaluation. BMC Chem 2022; 16:75. [PMID: 36210464 PMCID: PMC9549606 DOI: 10.1186/s13065-022-00870-6] [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: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Deregulation of NEK2(NIMA-related serine/threonine 2) confers chemotherapeutic resistance to apoptosis and is closely correlated with poor prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Here, we find that nanoparticles are prepared through hemisynthesis from natural nitidine chloride (NC) with enhanced antitumor activity. Nitidine chloride nanoparticle (TPGS-FA/NC) treatment show good therapy effect in Li-7 hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Additionally, molecular docking technologies are aimed at NEK2 protein (PDB ID: 6SGD) to analyze the detailed binding interactions with the potent target. NC participates in interactions with Asp159 residue. These studies advance the understanding of the modification of nitidine chloride substituent and provide useful drug design information for liver cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danni Li
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangxi Key Laboratory for Polysaccharide Materials and Modifications, Guangxi Minzu University, No.158, Da Xue Xi street, Xixiangtang District, Nanning, 530006, Guangxi, China.
| | - Jiahao Lu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangxi Key Laboratory for Polysaccharide Materials and Modifications, Guangxi Minzu University, No.158, Da Xue Xi street, Xixiangtang District, Nanning, 530006, Guangxi, China
| | - Qiying Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangxi Key Laboratory for Polysaccharide Materials and Modifications, Guangxi Minzu University, No.158, Da Xue Xi street, Xixiangtang District, Nanning, 530006, Guangxi, China
| | - Yuzhu Zhou
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangxi Key Laboratory for Polysaccharide Materials and Modifications, Guangxi Minzu University, No.158, Da Xue Xi street, Xixiangtang District, Nanning, 530006, Guangxi, China
| | - Long Li
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangxi Key Laboratory for Polysaccharide Materials and Modifications, Guangxi Minzu University, No.158, Da Xue Xi street, Xixiangtang District, Nanning, 530006, Guangxi, China
| | - Hua Zhu
- College of Pharmacy, Guangxi University for Chinese Medicine, No.13, Wu He street, Qingxiu District, Nanning, 530200, Guangxi, China
| | - Tong Li
- College of Pharmacy, Guangxi University for Chinese Medicine, No.13, Wu He street, Qingxiu District, Nanning, 530200, Guangxi, China
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7
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An insight into the rational design of recent purine-based scaffolds in targeting various cancer pathways. J Mol Struct 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2022.134308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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8
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Huang X, Zhang G, Tang T, Gao X, Liang T. One shoot, three birds: Targeting NEK2 orchestrates chemoradiotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy in cancer treatment. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2022; 1877:188696. [PMID: 35157980 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2022.188696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Combinational therapy has improved the cancer therapeutic landscape but is associated with a concomitant increase in adverse side reactions. Emerging evidence proposes that targeting one core target with multiple critical roles in tumors can achieve combined anti-tumor effects. This review focuses on NEK2, a member of serine/threonine kinases, with broad sequence identity to the mitotic regulator NIMA of the filamentous fungus Aspergillus nidulans. Elevated expression of NEK2 was initially found to promote tumorigeneses through abnormal regulation of the cell cycle. Subsequent studies report that NEK2 is overexpressed in a broad spectrum of tumor types and is associated with tumor progression and therapeutic resistance. Intriguingly, NEK2 has recently been revealed to mediate tumor immune escape by stabilizing the expression of PD-L1. Targeting NEK2 is thus becoming a promising approach for cancer treatment by orchestrating chemoradiotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. It represents a novel strategy for inducing combined anti-cancer effects using a mono-agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Huang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang, China; Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang, China; Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang, China; The Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang, China; Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Gang Zhang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang, China; Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang, China; Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang, China; The Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang, China; Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Tianyu Tang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang, China; Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang, China; Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang, China; The Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang, China; Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiang Gao
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang, China; Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang, China; Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang, China; The Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang, China; Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Tingbo Liang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang, China; Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang, China; Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang, China; The Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang, China; Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China.
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9
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Dana D, Das T, Choi A, Bhuiyan AI, Das TK, Talele TT, Pathak SK. Nek2 Kinase Signaling in Malaria, Bone, Immune and Kidney Disorders to Metastatic Cancers and Drug Resistance: Progress on Nek2 Inhibitor Development. Molecules 2022; 27:347. [PMID: 35056661 PMCID: PMC8779408 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27020347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell cycle kinases represent an important component of the cell machinery that controls signal transduction involved in cell proliferation, growth, and differentiation. Nek2 is a mitotic Ser/Thr kinase that localizes predominantly to centrosomes and kinetochores and orchestrates centrosome disjunction and faithful chromosomal segregation. Its activity is tightly regulated during the cell cycle with the help of other kinases and phosphatases and via proteasomal degradation. Increased levels of Nek2 kinase can promote centrosome amplification (CA), mitotic defects, chromosome instability (CIN), tumor growth, and cancer metastasis. While it remains a highly attractive target for the development of anti-cancer therapeutics, several new roles of the Nek2 enzyme have recently emerged: these include drug resistance, bone, ciliopathies, immune and kidney diseases, and parasitic diseases such as malaria. Therefore, Nek2 is at the interface of multiple cellular processes and can influence numerous cellular signaling networks. Herein, we provide a critical overview of Nek2 kinase biology and discuss the signaling roles it plays in both normal and diseased human physiology. While the majority of research efforts over the last two decades have focused on the roles of Nek2 kinase in tumor development and cancer metastasis, the signaling mechanisms involving the key players associated with several other notable human diseases are highlighted here. We summarize the efforts made so far to develop Nek2 inhibitory small molecules, illustrate their action modalities, and provide our opinion on the future of Nek2-targeted therapeutics. It is anticipated that the functional inhibition of Nek2 kinase will be a key strategy going forward in drug development, with applications across multiple human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dibyendu Dana
- Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, Queens College of the City University of New York, 65-30 Kissena Blvd., Flushing, NY 11367, USA; (D.D.); (T.D.); (A.C.); (A.I.B.)
- KemPharm Inc., 2200 Kraft Drive, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA
| | - Tuhin Das
- Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, Queens College of the City University of New York, 65-30 Kissena Blvd., Flushing, NY 11367, USA; (D.D.); (T.D.); (A.C.); (A.I.B.)
| | - Athena Choi
- Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, Queens College of the City University of New York, 65-30 Kissena Blvd., Flushing, NY 11367, USA; (D.D.); (T.D.); (A.C.); (A.I.B.)
- Brooklyn Technical High School, 29 Fort Greene Pl, Brooklyn, NY 11217, USA
| | - Ashif I. Bhuiyan
- Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, Queens College of the City University of New York, 65-30 Kissena Blvd., Flushing, NY 11367, USA; (D.D.); (T.D.); (A.C.); (A.I.B.)
- Chemistry Doctoral Program, The Graduate Center of the City University of New York, 365 5th Ave, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Tirtha K. Das
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA;
- Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Department of Pediatrics, Department of Genetics and Genomic Science, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Tanaji T. Talele
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John’s University, 8000 Utopia Parkway, Queens, NY 11439, USA;
| | - Sanjai K. Pathak
- Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, Queens College of the City University of New York, 65-30 Kissena Blvd., Flushing, NY 11367, USA; (D.D.); (T.D.); (A.C.); (A.I.B.)
- Chemistry Doctoral Program, The Graduate Center of the City University of New York, 365 5th Ave, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Biochemistry Doctoral Program, The Graduate Center of the City University of New York, 365 5th Ave, New York, NY 10016, USA
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10
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Sharma P, LaRosa C, Antwi J, Govindarajan R, Werbovetz KA. Imidazoles as Potential Anticancer Agents: An Update on Recent Studies. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26144213. [PMID: 34299488 PMCID: PMC8307698 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26144213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Nitrogen-containing heterocyclic rings are common structural components of marketed drugs. Among these heterocycles, imidazole/fused imidazole rings are present in a wide range of bioactive compounds. The unique properties of such structures, including high polarity and the ability to participate in hydrogen bonding and coordination chemistry, allow them to interact with a wide range of biomolecules, and imidazole-/fused imidazole-containing compounds are reported to have a broad spectrum of biological activities. This review summarizes recent reports of imidazole/fused imidazole derivatives as anticancer agents appearing in the peer-reviewed literature from 2018 through 2020. Such molecules have been shown to modulate various targets, including microtubules, tyrosine and serine-threonine kinases, histone deacetylases, p53-Murine Double Minute 2 (MDM2) protein, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), G-quadraplexes, and other targets. Imidazole-containing compounds that display anticancer activity by unknown/undefined mechanisms are also described, as well as key features of structure-activity relationships. This review is intended to provide an overview of recent advances in imidazole-based anticancer drug discovery and development, as well as inspire the design and synthesis of new anticancer molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pankaj Sharma
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (P.S.); (C.L.)
| | - Chris LaRosa
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (P.S.); (C.L.)
| | - Janet Antwi
- Division of Mathematics, Computer & Natural Sciences Division, Ohio Dominican University, Columbus, OH 43219, USA;
| | - Rajgopal Govindarajan
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA;
| | - Karl A. Werbovetz
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (P.S.); (C.L.)
- Correspondence:
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