1
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Cazzanelli G, Vedove AD, Parolin E, D'Agostino VG, Unzue A, Nevado C, Caflisch A, Lolli G. Reevaluation of bromodomain ligands targeting BAZ2A. Protein Sci 2023; 32:e4752. [PMID: 37574751 PMCID: PMC10464297 DOI: 10.1002/pro.4752] [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: 04/22/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
BAZ2A promotes migration and invasion in prostate cancer. Two chemical probes, the specific BAZ2-ICR, and the BAZ2/BRD9 cross-reactive GSK2801, interfere with the recognition of acetylated lysines in histones by the bromodomains of BAZ2A and of its BAZ2B paralog. The two chemical probes were tested in prostate cancer cell lines with opposite androgen susceptibility. BAZ2-ICR and GSK2801 showed different cellular efficacies in accordance with their unequal selectivity profiles. Concurrent inhibition of BAZ2 and BRD9 did not reproduce the effects observed with GSK2801, indicating possible off-targets for this chemical probe. On the other hand, the single BAZ2 inhibition by BAZ2-ICR did not phenocopy genetic ablation, demonstrating that bromodomain interference is not sufficient to strongly affect BAZ2A functionality and suggesting a PROTAC-based chemical ablation as an alternative optimization strategy and a possible therapeutic approach. In this context, we also present the crystallographic structures of BAZ2A in complex with the above chemical probes. Binding poses of TP-238 and GSK4027, chemical probes for the bromodomain subfamily I, and two ligands of the CBP/EP300 bromodomains identify additional headgroups for the development of BAZ2A ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Cazzanelli
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology—CIBIOUniversity of TrentoTrentoItaly
| | - Andrea Dalle Vedove
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology—CIBIOUniversity of TrentoTrentoItaly
| | - Eleonora Parolin
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology—CIBIOUniversity of TrentoTrentoItaly
| | - Vito Giuseppe D'Agostino
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology—CIBIOUniversity of TrentoTrentoItaly
| | - Andrea Unzue
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of ZürichZürichSwitzerland
| | - Cristina Nevado
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of ZürichZürichSwitzerland
| | - Amedeo Caflisch
- Department of BiochemistryUniversity of ZürichZürichSwitzerland
| | - Graziano Lolli
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology—CIBIOUniversity of TrentoTrentoItaly
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2
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Zahid H, Costello JP, Li Y, Kimbrough JR, Actis M, Rankovic Z, Yan Q, Pomerantz WCK. Design of Class I/IV Bromodomain-Targeting Degraders for Chromatin Remodeling Complexes. ACS Chem Biol 2023; 18:1278-1293. [PMID: 37260298 PMCID: PMC10698694 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.2c00902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Targeted protein degradation is an emerging technology that can be used for modulating the activity of epigenetic protein targets. Among bromodomain-containing proteins, a number of degraders for the BET family have been developed, while non-BET bromodomains remain underexplored. Several of these proteins are subunits in chromatin remodeling complexes often associated with oncogenic roles. Here, we describe the design of class I (BPTF and CECR2) and IV (BRD9) bromodomain-targeting degraders based on two scaffolds derived from pyridazinone and pyrimidine-based heterocycles. We evaluate various exit vectors and linkers to identify analogues that demonstrate selectivity within these families. We further use an in-cell NanoBRET assay to demonstrate that these heterobifunctional molecules are cell-permeable, form ternary complexes, and can degrade nanoluciferase-bromodomain fusions. As a first example of a CECR2 degrader, we observe that our pyrimidine-based analogues degrade endogenous CECR2 while showing a smaller effect on BPTF levels. The pyridazinone-based compounds did not degrade BPTF when observed through Western blotting, further supporting a more challenging target for degradation and a goal for future optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huda Zahid
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, 207 Pleasant St. SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Jeff P Costello
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, 207 Pleasant St. SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Yao Li
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, United States
| | - Jennifer R Kimbrough
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, 207 Pleasant St. SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Marisa Actis
- Department of Chemical Biology & Therapeutics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Zoran Rankovic
- Department of Chemical Biology & Therapeutics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Qin Yan
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, United States
- Yale Cancer Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, United States
| | - William C K Pomerantz
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, 207 Pleasant St. SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota, 308 Harvard Street SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
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3
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Liang X, Cao Y, Duan Z, Wang M, Zhang N, Ding Y, Luo C, Lu N, Chen S. Discovery of new small molecule inhibitors of the BPTF bromodomain. Bioorg Chem 2023; 134:106453. [PMID: 36898211 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.106453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
Chromatin remodeling regulates many basic cellular processes, such as gene transcription, DNA repair, and programmed cell death. As the largest member of nucleosome remodeling factor (NURF), BPTF plays a vital role in the occurrence and development of cancer. Currently, BPTF bromodomain inhibitors are still in development. In this study, by conducting homogenous time-resolved fluorescence resonance energy transfer (HTRF) assay, we identified a potential, novel BPTF inhibitor scaffold Sanguinarine chloride with the IC50 value of 344.2 ± 25.1 nM. Biochemical analysis revealed that compound Sanguinarine chloride exhibited high binding affinity to the BPTF bromodomain. Molecular docking predicted the binding mode of Sanguinarine chloride and elucidated the activities of its derivatives. Moreover, Sanguinarine chloride showed a potent anti-proliferative effect in MIAPaCa-2 cells and inhibited the expression of BPTF target gene c-Myc. Taken together, Sanguinarine chloride provides a qualified chemical tool for developing potent BPTF bromodomain inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaochen Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; The Center for Chemical Biology, Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yu Cao
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China; The Center for Chemical Biology, Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Zhe Duan
- The Center for Chemical Biology, Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Mingchen Wang
- The Center for Chemical Biology, Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Naixia Zhang
- The Center for Chemical Biology, Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yiluan Ding
- The Center for Chemical Biology, Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Cheng Luo
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China; The Center for Chemical Biology, Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China; School of Life Science and Technology, Shanghai Tech University, Shanghai 200031, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Na Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Shijie Chen
- The Center for Chemical Biology, Drug Discovery and Design Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
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4
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Kalra P, Zahid H, Ayoub A, Dou Y, Pomerantz WCK. Alternative Mechanisms for DNA Engagement by BET Bromodomain-Containing Proteins. Biochemistry 2022; 61:1260-1272. [PMID: 35748495 PMCID: PMC9682295 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.2c00157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetic reader domains regulate chromatin structure and modulate gene expression through the recognition of post-translational modifications on histones. Recently, reader domains have also been found to harbor double-stranded (ds) DNA-binding activity, which is as functionally critical as histone association. Here, we explore the dsDNA recognition of the N-terminal bromodomain of the bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) protein, BRD4. Using protein-observed 19F NMR, 1H-15N HSQC NMR, electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA), and competitive-inhibition assays, we establish the binding surface of dsDNA and find it to be largely overlapping with the acetylated histone (KAc)-binding site. Rather than engaging in electrostatic contacts, we find dsDNA to interact competitively within the KAc-binding pocket. These interactions are distinct from the highly homologous BET bromodomain, BRDT. Nine additional bromodomains have also been characterized for interacting with dsDNA, including tandem BET bromodomains. Together, these studies help establish a binding model for dsDNA interactions with BRD4 bromodomains and elucidate the chromatin-recognition mechanisms of the BRD4 protein for regulating gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prakriti Kalra
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Huda Zahid
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Alex Ayoub
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Yali Dou
- Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, United States
| | - William C. K. Pomerantz
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
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5
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Lu H, Lu T, Zu S, Duan Z, Guang Y, Li Q, Ma J, Chen D, Li B, Lu W, Jiang H, Luo C, Ye D, Chen K, Lin H. Discovery of a Highly Potent CECR2 Bromodomain Inhibitor with 7H-pyrrolo[2,3-d] Pyrimidine Scaffold. Bioorg Chem 2022; 123:105768. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2022.105768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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6
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Zahid H, Buchholz CR, Singh M, Ciccone MF, Chan A, Nithianantham S, Shi K, Aihara H, Fischer M, Schönbrunn E, Dos Santos CO, Landry JW, Pomerantz WCK. New Design Rules for Developing Potent Cell-Active Inhibitors of the Nucleosome Remodeling Factor (NURF) via BPTF Bromodomain Inhibition. J Med Chem 2021; 64:13902-13917. [PMID: 34515477 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The nucleosome remodeling factor (NURF) alters chromatin accessibility through interactions with its largest subunit,the bromodomain PHD finger transcription factor BPTF. BPTF is overexpressed in several cancers and is an emerging anticancer target. Targeting the BPTF bromodomain presents a potential strategy for its inhibition and the evaluation of its functional significance; however, inhibitor development for BPTF has lagged behind those of other bromodomains. Here we describe the development of pyridazinone-based BPTF inhibitors. The lead compound, BZ1, possesses a high potency (Kd = 6.3 nM) and >350-fold selectivity over BET bromodomains. We identify an acidic triad in the binding pocket to guide future designs. We show that our inhibitors sensitize 4T1 breast cancer cells to doxorubicin but not BPTF knockdown cells, suggesting a specificity to BPTF. Given the high potency and good physicochemical properties of these inhibitors, we anticipate that they will be useful starting points for chemical tool development to explore the biological roles of BPTF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huda Zahid
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, 207 Pleasant Street SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Caroline R Buchholz
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota, 308 Harvard Street SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Manjulata Singh
- The Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - Michael F Ciccone
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, 1 Bungtown Road, Cold Spring Harbor, New York 11724, United States
| | - Alice Chan
- Drug Discovery Department, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, 12902 Magnolia Drive, Tampa, Florida 33612, United States
| | - Stanley Nithianantham
- Department of Chemical Biology & Therapeutics and Department of Structural Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Ke Shi
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, 321 Church Street SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Hideki Aihara
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, 321 Church Street SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Marcus Fischer
- Department of Chemical Biology & Therapeutics and Department of Structural Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, United States
| | - Ernst Schönbrunn
- Drug Discovery Department, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, 12902 Magnolia Drive, Tampa, Florida 33612, United States
| | - Camila O Dos Santos
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, 1 Bungtown Road, Cold Spring Harbor, New York 11724, United States
| | - Joseph W Landry
- The Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298, United States
| | - William C K Pomerantz
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, 207 Pleasant Street SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States.,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota, 308 Harvard Street SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
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7
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Lu T, Lu H, Duan Z, Wang J, Han J, Xiao S, Chen H, Jiang H, Chen Y, Yang F, Li Q, Chen D, Lin J, Li B, Jiang H, Chen K, Lu W, Lin H, Luo C. Discovery of High-Affinity Inhibitors of the BPTF Bromodomain. J Med Chem 2021; 64:12075-12088. [PMID: 34375106 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The dysfunctional bromodomain PHD finger transcription factor (BPTF) exerts a pivotal influence in the occurrence and development of many human diseases, particularly cancers. Herein, through the structural decomposition of the reported BPTF inhibitor TP-238, the effective structural fragments were synthetically modified to obtain our lead compound DC-BPi-03. DC-BPi-03 was identified as a novel BPTF-BRD inhibitor with a moderate potency (IC50 = 698.3 ± 21.0 nM). A structure-guided structure-activity relationship exploration gave rise to two BPTF inhibitors with much higher affinities, DC-BPi-07 and DC-BPi-11. Notably, DC-BPi-07 and DC-BPi-11 show selectivities 100-fold higher than those of other BRD targets. The cocrystal structures of BPTF in complex with DC-BPi-07 and DC-BPi-11 demonstrate the rationale of chemical efforts from the atomic level. Further study showed that DC-BPi-11 significantly inhibited leukemia cell proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Lu
- School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, China.,Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, Guizhou 550025, China.,School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Road, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Haibo Lu
- School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 826 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China.,The Chemical Biology Center, Drug Design and Discovery Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Zhe Duan
- The Chemical Biology Center, Drug Design and Discovery Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China.,School of Pharmacy, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Jun Wang
- The Chemical Biology Center, Drug Design and Discovery Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jie Han
- The Chemical Biology Center, Drug Design and Discovery Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Senhao Xiao
- The Chemical Biology Center, Drug Design and Discovery Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - HuanHuan Chen
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Analysis, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Hao Jiang
- The Chemical Biology Center, Drug Design and Discovery Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yu Chen
- The Chemical Biology Center, Drug Design and Discovery Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Feng Yang
- The Chemical Biology Center, Drug Design and Discovery Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Qi Li
- The Chemical Biology Center, Drug Design and Discovery Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Dongying Chen
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Analysis, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Jin Lin
- School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, China
| | - Bo Li
- The Chemical Biology Center, Drug Design and Discovery Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Hualiang Jiang
- The Chemical Biology Center, Drug Design and Discovery Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Kaixian Chen
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Road, Nanjing 210023, China.,The Chemical Biology Center, Drug Design and Discovery Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Wenchao Lu
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Hua Lin
- The Chemical Biology Center, Drug Design and Discovery Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China.,Biomedical Research Center of South China, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350117, China
| | - Cheng Luo
- School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, China.,School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Road, Nanjing 210023, China.,School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 826 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China.,The Chemical Biology Center, Drug Design and Discovery Center, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
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8
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Zahid H, Olson NM, Pomerantz WCK. Opportunity knocks for uncovering the new function of an understudied nucleosome remodeling complex member, the bromodomain PHD finger transcription factor, BPTF. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2021; 63:57-67. [PMID: 33706239 PMCID: PMC8384639 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2021.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Nucleosome remodeling provides access to genomic DNA for recruitment of the transcriptional machinery to mediate gene expression. The aberrant function of nucleosome remodeling complexes has been correlated to human cancer, making them emerging therapeutic targets. The bromodomain PHD finger transcription factor, BPTF, is the largest member of the human nucleosome remodeling factor NURF. Over the last five years, BPTF has become increasingly identified as a protumorigenic factor, prompting investigations into the molecular mechanisms associated with BPTF function. Despite a druggable bromodomain, small molecule discovery is at an early stage. Here we highlight recent investigations into the biology being discovered for BPTF, chemical biology approaches used to study its function, and small molecule inhibitors being designed as future chemical probes and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huda Zahid
- 207Pleasant St. SE, Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Noelle M Olson
- 207Pleasant St. SE, Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - William C K Pomerantz
- 207Pleasant St. SE, Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA.
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9
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Boyson SP, Gao C, Quinn K, Boyd J, Paculova H, Frietze S, Glass KC. Functional Roles of Bromodomain Proteins in Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:3606. [PMID: 34298819 PMCID: PMC8303718 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13143606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Histone acetylation is generally associated with an open chromatin configuration that facilitates many cellular processes including gene transcription, DNA repair, and DNA replication. Aberrant levels of histone lysine acetylation are associated with the development of cancer. Bromodomains represent a family of structurally well-characterized effector domains that recognize acetylated lysines in chromatin. As part of their fundamental reader activity, bromodomain-containing proteins play versatile roles in epigenetic regulation, and additional functional modules are often present in the same protein, or through the assembly of larger enzymatic complexes. Dysregulated gene expression, chromosomal translocations, and/or mutations in bromodomain-containing proteins have been correlated with poor patient outcomes in cancer. Thus, bromodomains have emerged as a highly tractable class of epigenetic targets due to their well-defined structural domains, and the increasing ease of designing or screening for molecules that modulate the reading process. Recent developments in pharmacological agents that target specific bromodomains has helped to understand the diverse mechanisms that bromodomains play with their interaction partners in a variety of chromatin processes, and provide the promise of applying bromodomain inhibitors into the clinical field of cancer treatment. In this review, we explore the expression and protein interactome profiles of bromodomain-containing proteins and discuss them in terms of functional groups. Furthermore, we highlight our current understanding of the roles of bromodomain-containing proteins in cancer, as well as emerging strategies to specifically target bromodomains, including combination therapies using bromodomain inhibitors alongside traditional therapeutic approaches designed to re-program tumorigenesis and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel P. Boyson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Colchester, VT 05446, USA;
- Department of Pharmacology, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA;
| | - Cong Gao
- Department of Biomedical and Health Sciences, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA; (C.G.); (J.B.); (H.P.)
| | - Kathleen Quinn
- Department of Pharmacology, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA;
- Department of Biomedical and Health Sciences, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA; (C.G.); (J.B.); (H.P.)
| | - Joseph Boyd
- Department of Biomedical and Health Sciences, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA; (C.G.); (J.B.); (H.P.)
| | - Hana Paculova
- Department of Biomedical and Health Sciences, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA; (C.G.); (J.B.); (H.P.)
| | - Seth Frietze
- Department of Biomedical and Health Sciences, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA; (C.G.); (J.B.); (H.P.)
- University of Vermont Cancer Center, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
| | - Karen C. Glass
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Colchester, VT 05446, USA;
- Department of Pharmacology, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA;
- University of Vermont Cancer Center, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
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10
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Xiong L, Mao X, Guo Y, Zhou Y, Chen M, Chen P, Yang S, Li L. Discovery of selective BPTF bromodomain inhibitors by screening and structure-based optimization. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2021; 545:125-131. [PMID: 33548625 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2021.01.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Bromodomain and PHD finger containing transcription factor (BPTF) is a multidomain protein that regulates the transcription of chromatin and is related to many cancers. Herein, we report the screening-based discovery of Cpd1, a compound with micromolar affinity to the BPTF bromodomain. Through structure-guided optimization, we synthesized a variety of new inhibitors. Among these compounds, Cpd8 and Cpd10 were highly potent and selective inhibitors, with KD values of 428 nM and 655 nM in ITC assays, respectively. The high activity was explained by the cocrystal structure of Cpd8 in complex with the BPTF bromodomain protein. Cpd8 and Cpd10 were able to stabilize the BPTF bromodomain protein in cells in a cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA). Cpd8 downregulated c-MYC expression in A549 cells. All experiments prove that these two compounds are potential BPTF inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Mao
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Yinping Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Yangli Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingxin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Pei Chen
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery System of Ministry of Education, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Shengyong Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Linli Li
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery System of Ministry of Education, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People's Republic of China.
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Cui H, Divakaran A, Pandey AK, Johnson JA, Zahid H, Hoell ZJ, Ellingson MO, Shi K, Aihara H, Harki DA, Pomerantz WCK. Selective N-Terminal BET Bromodomain Inhibitors by Targeting Non-Conserved Residues and Structured Water Displacement*. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021; 60:1220-1226. [PMID: 32975004 PMCID: PMC7855888 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202008625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 09/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) family proteins, BRD2-4 and T, are important drug targets; however, the biological functions of each bromodomain remain ill-defined. Chemical probes that selectively inhibit a single BET bromodomain are lacking, although pan inhibitors of the first (D1), and second (D2), bromodomain are known. Here, we develop selective BET D1 inhibitors with preferred binding to BRD4 D1. In competitive inhibition assays, we show that our lead compound is 9-33 fold selective for BRD4 D1 over the other BET bromodomains. X-ray crystallography supports a role for the selectivity based on reorganization of a non-conserved lysine and displacement of an additional structured water in the BRD4 D1 binding site relative to our prior lead. Whereas pan-D1 inhibitors displace BRD4 from MYC enhancers, BRD4 D1 inhibition in MM.1S cells is insufficient for stopping Myc expression and may lead to its upregulation. Future analysis of BRD4 D1 gene regulation may shed light on differential BET bromodomain functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huarui Cui
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, 207 Pleasant St. SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Anand Divakaran
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, 2231 6th St. SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Anil K Pandey
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, 207 Pleasant St. SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Jorden A Johnson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, 207 Pleasant St. SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Huda Zahid
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, 207 Pleasant St. SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Zachariah J Hoell
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, 207 Pleasant St. SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Mikael O Ellingson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, 207 Pleasant St. SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Ke Shi
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, 321 Church St. SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Hideki Aihara
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, 321 Church St. SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Daniel A Harki
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, 2231 6th St. SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - William C K Pomerantz
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, 207 Pleasant St. SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, 2231 6th St. SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
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12
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Cui H, Divakaran A, Pandey AK, Johnson JA, Zahid H, Hoell ZJ, Ellingson MO, Shi K, Aihara H, Harki DA, Pomerantz WCK. Selective N‐Terminal BET Bromodomain Inhibitors by Targeting Non‐Conserved Residues and Structured Water Displacement**. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202008625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Huarui Cui
- Department of Chemistry University of Minnesota-Twin Cities 207 Pleasant St. SE Minneapolis MN 55455 USA
| | - Anand Divakaran
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry University of Minnesota-Twin Cities 2231 6th St. SE Minneapolis MN 55455 USA
| | - Anil K. Pandey
- Department of Chemistry University of Minnesota-Twin Cities 207 Pleasant St. SE Minneapolis MN 55455 USA
| | - Jorden A. Johnson
- Department of Chemistry University of Minnesota-Twin Cities 207 Pleasant St. SE Minneapolis MN 55455 USA
| | - Huda Zahid
- Department of Chemistry University of Minnesota-Twin Cities 207 Pleasant St. SE Minneapolis MN 55455 USA
| | - Zachariah J. Hoell
- Department of Chemistry University of Minnesota-Twin Cities 207 Pleasant St. SE Minneapolis MN 55455 USA
| | - Mikael O. Ellingson
- Department of Chemistry University of Minnesota-Twin Cities 207 Pleasant St. SE Minneapolis MN 55455 USA
| | - Ke Shi
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics University of Minnesota-Twin Cities 321 Church St. SE Minneapolis MN 55455 USA
| | - Hideki Aihara
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics University of Minnesota-Twin Cities 321 Church St. SE Minneapolis MN 55455 USA
| | - Daniel A. Harki
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry University of Minnesota-Twin Cities 2231 6th St. SE Minneapolis MN 55455 USA
| | - William C. K. Pomerantz
- Department of Chemistry University of Minnesota-Twin Cities 207 Pleasant St. SE Minneapolis MN 55455 USA
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry University of Minnesota-Twin Cities 2231 6th St. SE Minneapolis MN 55455 USA
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Combined Protein- and Ligand-Observed NMR Workflow to Screen Fragment Cocktails against Multiple Proteins: A Case Study Using Bromodomains. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25173949. [PMID: 32872491 PMCID: PMC7504435 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25173949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
As fragment-based drug discovery has become mainstream, there has been an increase in various screening methodologies. Protein-observed 19F (PrOF) NMR and 1H CPMG NMR are two fragment screening assays that have complementary advantages. Here, we sought to combine these two NMR-based assays into a new screening workflow. This combination of protein- and ligand-observed experiments allows for a time- and resource-efficient multiplexed screen of mixtures of fragments and proteins. PrOF NMR is first used to screen mixtures against two proteins. Hit mixtures for each protein are identified then deconvoluted using 1H CPMG NMR. We demonstrate the benefit of this fragment screening method by conducting the first reported fragment screens against the bromodomains of BPTF and Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) GCN5 using 467 3D-enriched fragments. The hit rates were 6%, 5% and 4% for fragments binding BPTF, PfGCN5, and fragments binding both proteins, respectively. Select hits were characterized, revealing a broad range of affinities from low µM to mM dissociation constants. Follow-up experiments supported a low-affinity second binding site on PfGCN5. This approach can be used to bias fragment screens towards more selective hits at the onset of inhibitor development in a resource- and time-efficient manner.
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