1
|
Zhao G, Zhu M, Li Y, Zhang G, Li Y. Using DNA-encoded libraries of fragments for hit discovery of challenging therapeutic targets. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2024; 19:725-740. [PMID: 38753553 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2024.2354287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The effectiveness of Fragment-based drug design (FBDD) for targeting challenging therapeutic targets has been hindered by two factors: the small library size and the complexity of the fragment-to-hit optimization process. The DNA-encoded library (DEL) technology offers a compelling and robust high-throughput selection approach to potentially address these limitations. AREA COVERED In this review, the authors propose the viewpoint that the DEL technology matches perfectly with the concept of FBDD to facilitate hit discovery. They begin by analyzing the technical limitations of FBDD from a medicinal chemistry perspective and explain why DEL may offer potential solutions to these limitations. Subsequently, they elaborate in detail on how the integration of DEL with FBDD works. In addition, they present case studies involving both de novo hit discovery and full ligand discovery, especially for challenging therapeutic targets harboring broad drug-target interfaces. EXPERT OPINION The future of DEL-based fragment discovery may be promoted by both technical advances and application scopes. From the technical aspect, expanding the chemical diversity of DEL will be essential to achieve success in fragment-based drug discovery. From the application scope side, DEL-based fragment discovery holds promise for tackling a series of challenging targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guixian Zhao
- Chongqing University FuLing Hospital, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, Innovative Drug Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Mengping Zhu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, Innovative Drug Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yangfeng Li
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, Innovative Drug Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Gong Zhang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, Innovative Drug Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yizhou Li
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, Innovative Drug Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhou Y, Shen W, Gao Y, Peng J, Li Q, Wei X, Liu S, Lam FS, Mayol-Llinàs J, Zhao G, Li G, Li Y, Sun H, Cao Y, Li X. Protein-templated ligand discovery via the selection of DNA-encoded dynamic libraries. Nat Chem 2024; 16:543-555. [PMID: 38326646 DOI: 10.1038/s41557-024-01442-y] [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] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
DNA-encoded chemical libraries (DELs) have become a powerful technology platform in drug discovery. Dual-pharmacophore DELs display two sets of small molecules at the termini of DNA duplexes, thereby enabling the identification of synergistic binders against biological targets, and have been successfully applied in fragment-based ligand discovery and affinity maturation of known ligands. However, dual-pharmacophore DELs identify separate binders that require subsequent linking to obtain the full ligands, which is often challenging. Here we report a protein-templated DEL selection approach that can identify full ligand/inhibitor structures from DNA-encoded dynamic libraries (DEDLs) without the need for subsequent fragment linking. Our approach is based on dynamic DNA hybridization and target-templated in situ ligand synthesis, and it incorporates and encodes the linker structures in the library, along with the building blocks, to be sampled by the target protein. To demonstrate the performance of this method, 4.35-million- and 3.00-million-member DEDLs with different library architectures were prepared, and hit selection was achieved against four therapeutically relevant target proteins.
Collapse
Grants
- AoE/P-705/16, 17301118, 17111319, 17303220, 17300321, 17318322, C7005-20G, C7016-22G, and 2122-7S04 Research Grants Council, University Grants Committee (RGC, UGC)
- 21877093, 22222702, and 91953119 National Science Foundation of China | National Natural Science Foundation of China-Yunnan Joint Fund (NSFC-Yunnan Joint Fund)
- Health@InnoHK Innovation and Technology Commission (ITF)
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhou
- Department of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Synthetic Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Laboratory for Synthetic Chemistry and Chemical Biology Limited, Health@InnoHK, Innovation and Technology Commission, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Wenyin Shen
- Department of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Synthetic Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ying Gao
- Department of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Synthetic Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jianzhao Peng
- Department of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Synthetic Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Qingrong Li
- Department of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Synthetic Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Xueying Wei
- Department of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Synthetic Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Shihao Liu
- Department of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Synthetic Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Fong Sang Lam
- Department of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Synthetic Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Joan Mayol-Llinàs
- Laboratory for Synthetic Chemistry and Chemical Biology Limited, Health@InnoHK, Innovation and Technology Commission, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Guixian Zhao
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Gang Li
- Institute of Systems and Physical Biology, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yizhou Li
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hongzhe Sun
- Department of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Synthetic Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
| | - Yan Cao
- School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xiaoyu Li
- Department of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Synthetic Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
- Laboratory for Synthetic Chemistry and Chemical Biology Limited, Health@InnoHK, Innovation and Technology Commission, Hong Kong SAR, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Plais L, Trachsel L, Scheuermann J. Asymmetry of Dual-Display DNA-Encoded Chemical Libraries. Bioconjug Chem 2024; 35:147-153. [PMID: 38266192 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.3c00559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
While dual-display DNA-encoded chemical libraries (DELs) are increasingly employed for ligand discovery, some of their fundamental properties have not yet been studied in-depth. Aided with fluorescence polarization experiments, we demonstrate that dual-display DELs are intrinsically asymmetrical entities, and we deduce practical guidelines to perform better-informed on-DNA hit validation from these libraries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Louise Plais
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4, CH-8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Louis Trachsel
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4, CH-8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Jörg Scheuermann
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4, CH-8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Puglioli S, Oehler S, Prati L, Scheuermann J, Bassi G, Cazzamalli S, Neri D, Favalli N. Impact of library input on the hit discovery rate in DNA-encoded chemical library selections. Chem Sci 2023; 14:12026-12033. [PMID: 37969600 PMCID: PMC10631129 DOI: 10.1039/d3sc03688j] [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: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA-encoded chemical libraries (DELs) are powerful drug discovery tools, enabling the parallel screening of millions of DNA-barcoded compounds. We investigated how the DEL input affects the hit discovery rate in DEL screenings. Evaluation of selection fingerprints revealed that the use of approximately 105 copies of each library member is required for the confident identification of nanomolar hits, using generally applicable methodologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Puglioli
- Philochem AG, R&D Department 8112 Otelfingen Switzerland
| | | | - Luca Prati
- Philochem AG, R&D Department 8112 Otelfingen Switzerland
| | - Jörg Scheuermann
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich) Zürich Switzerland
| | - Gabriele Bassi
- Philochem AG, R&D Department 8112 Otelfingen Switzerland
| | | | - Dario Neri
- Philochem AG, R&D Department 8112 Otelfingen Switzerland
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich) Zürich Switzerland
| | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Lessing A, Petrov D, Scheuermann J. Advancing small-molecule drug discovery by encoded dual-display technologies. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2023; 44:817-831. [PMID: 37739829 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2023.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
DNA-encoded chemical library technology (DECL or DEL) has become an important pillar for small-molecule drug discovery. The technology rapidly identifies small-molecule hits for relevant target proteins at low cost and with a high success rate, including ligands for targeted protein degradation (TPD). More recently, the setup of DNA- or peptide nucleic acid (PNA)-encoded chemical libraries based on the simultaneous display of ligand pairs, termed dual-display, allows for more sophisticated applications which will be reviewed herein. Both stable and dynamic dual-display DEL technologies enable innovative affinity-based selection modalities, even on and in cells. Novel methods for a seamless conversion between single- and double-stranded library formats allow for even more versatility. We present the first candidates emerging from dual-display technologies and discuss the future potential of dual-display for drug discovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alice Lessing
- ETH Zürich, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Dimitar Petrov
- ETH Zürich, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Jörg Scheuermann
- ETH Zürich, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zürich, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Cui M, Nguyen D, Gaillez MP, Heiden S, Lin W, Thompson M, Reddavide FV, Chen Q, Zhang Y. Trio-pharmacophore DNA-encoded chemical library for simultaneous selection of fragments and linkers. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1481. [PMID: 36932079 PMCID: PMC10023787 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37071-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The split-and-pool method has been widely used to synthesize chemical libraries of a large size for early drug discovery, albeit without the possibility of meaningful quality control. In contrast, a self-assembled DNA-encoded chemical library (DEL) allows us to construct an m x n-member library by mixing an m-member and an n-member pre-purified sub-library. Herein, we report a trio-pharmacophore DEL (T-DEL) of m x l x n members through assembling three pre-purified and validated sub-libraries. The middle sub-library is synthesized using DNA-templated synthesis with different reaction mechanisms and designed as a linkage connecting the fragments displayed on the flanking two sub-libraries. Despite assembling three fragments, the resulting compounds do not exceed the up-to-date standard of molecular weight regarding drug-likeness. We demonstrate the utility of T-DEL in linker optimization for known binding fragments against trypsin and carbonic anhydrase II and by de novo selections against matrix metalloprotease-2 and -9.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meiying Cui
- B CUBE, Center for Molecular Bioengineering, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | | | - Michelle Patino Gaillez
- B CUBE, Center for Molecular Bioengineering, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | | | - Weilin Lin
- B CUBE, Center for Molecular Bioengineering, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | | | | | - Qinchang Chen
- Research Institute of Intelligent Computing, Zhejiang Lab, Hangzhou, China.
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yixin Zhang
- B CUBE, Center for Molecular Bioengineering, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Dockerill M, Winssinger N. DNA-Encoded Libraries: Towards Harnessing their Full Power with Darwinian Evolution. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202215542. [PMID: 36458812 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202215542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
DNA-encoded library (DEL) technologies are transforming the drug discovery process, enabling the identification of ligands at unprecedented speed and scale. DEL makes use of libraries that are orders of magnitude larger than traditional high-throughput screens. While a DNA tag alludes to a genotype-phenotype connection that is exploitable for molecular evolution, most of the work in the field is performed with libraries where the tag serves as an amplifiable barcode but does not allow "translation" into the synthetic product it is linked to. In this Review, we cover technologies that enable the "translation" of the genetic tag into synthetic molecules, both biochemically and chemically, and explore how it can be used to harness Darwinian evolutionary pressure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Millicent Dockerill
- Department of Organic Chemistry, NCCR Chemical Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Geneva, 1211, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Winssinger
- Department of Organic Chemistry, NCCR Chemical Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Geneva, 1211, Geneva, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Gui Y, Wong CS, Zhao G, Xie C, Hou R, Li Y, Li G, Li X. Converting Double-Stranded DNA-Encoded Libraries (DELs) to Single-Stranded Libraries for More Versatile Selections. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:11491-11500. [PMID: 35415338 PMCID: PMC8992267 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c01152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
DNA-encoded library (DEL) is an efficient high-throughput screening technology platform in drug discovery and is also gaining momentum in academic research. Today, the majority of DELs are assembled and encoded with double-stranded DNA tags (dsDELs) and has been selected against numerous biological targets; however, dsDELs are not amendable to some of the recently developed selection methods, such as the cross-linking-based selection against immobilized targets and live-cell-based selections, which require DELs encoded with single-stranded DNAs (ssDELs). Herein, we present a simple method to convert dsDELs to ssDELs using exonuclease digestion without library redesign and resynthesis. We show that dsDELs could be efficiently converted to ssDELs and used for affinity-based selections either with purified proteins or on live cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuhan Gui
- Department
of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Synthetic Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road,
Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Clara Shania Wong
- Department
of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Synthetic Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road,
Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Guixian Zhao
- Chongqing
Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, School
of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science
and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Chao Xie
- Department
of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Synthetic Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road,
Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Rui Hou
- Department
of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Synthetic Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road,
Hong Kong SAR, China
- Laboratory
for Synthetic Chemistry and Chemical Biology Limited, Health@InnoHK,
Innovation and Technology Commission, Units 1503-1511, 15/F., Building 17W, Hong Kong Science and Technology
Parks, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR , China
| | - Yizhou Li
- Chongqing
Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, School
of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science
and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Gang Li
- Institute
of Systems and Physical Biology, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518118, China
| | - Xiaoyu Li
- Department
of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Synthetic Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road,
Hong Kong SAR, China
- Laboratory
for Synthetic Chemistry and Chemical Biology Limited, Health@InnoHK,
Innovation and Technology Commission, Units 1503-1511, 15/F., Building 17W, Hong Kong Science and Technology
Parks, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR , China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Li Y, Zhao G, Fan X, Li Y, Zhang G. Switchable DNA-Encoded Chemical Library: Interconversion between Double- and Single-Stranded DNA Formats. Chembiochem 2022; 23:e202200025. [PMID: 35352452 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202200025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
DNA-Encoded Chemical Library (DEL) has attracted substantial attention due to the infinite possibility for hit discovery in both pharmaceutical companies and academia. The encoding method is the initial step of DEL construction and one of the cornerstones of DEL applications. Classified by the DNA format, the existing DEL encoding strategies could be categorized into single-stranded DNA-based strategies and double-stranded DNA-based strategies. The two DEL formats have their unique advantages but are usually incompatible with each other. To address this issue, we proposed the concept of interconversion between double- and single-stranded DEL based on the "reversible covalent headpiece (RCHP)" design, which combined maximum robustness of synthesis with extraordinary flexibility of applications in distinct setups. Future opportunities in this field were also proposed to advance DEL technology to a comprehensive drug discovery platform.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yizhou Li
- Chongqing University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing College Town, Shapingba, 401331, Chongqing, CHINA
| | - Guixian Zhao
- Chongqing University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, CHINA
| | - Xiaohong Fan
- Chongqing University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, CHINA
| | - Yangfeng Li
- Chongqing University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, CHINA
| | - Gong Zhang
- Chongqing University, School of Pharmaceutical Science, CHINA
| |
Collapse
|