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Zhu W, Liu C, Xi K, Li A, Shen LA, Li Y, Jia M, He Y, Chen G, Liu C, Chen Y, Chen K, Sun F, Zhang D, Duan C, Wang H, Wang D, Zhao Y, Meng X, Zhu D. Discovery of Novel 1-Phenylpiperidine Urea-Containing Derivatives Inhibiting β-Catenin/BCL9 Interaction and Exerting Antitumor Efficacy through the Activation of Antigen Presentation of cDC1 Cells. J Med Chem 2024; 67:12485-12520. [PMID: 38912577 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c02079] [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: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
Aberrant activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling is associated with tumor development, and blocking β-catenin/BCL9 is a novel strategy for oncogenic Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Herein, we presented two novel β-catenin variations and exposed conformational dynamics in several β-catenin crystal structures at the BCL9 binding site. Furthermore, we identified a class of novel urea-containing compounds targeting β-catenin/BCL9 interaction. Notably, the binding modalities of inhibitors were greatly affected by the conformational dynamics of β-catenin. Among them, 28 had a strong affinity for β-catenin (Kd = 82 nM), the most potent inhibitor reported. In addition, 13 and 35 not only activate T cells but also promote the antigen presentation of cDC1, showing robust antitumor efficacy in the CT26 model. Collectively, our study demonstrated a series of potent small-molecule inhibitors targeting β-catenin/BCL9, which can enhance antigen presentation and activate cDC1 cells, delivering a potential strategy for boosting innate and adaptive immunity to overcome immunotherapy resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhua Zhu
- Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
- Yangtze Delta Drug Advanced Research Institute and Yangtze Delta Pharmaceutical College, Nantong 226133, China
| | - Cuiting Liu
- Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
- Yangtze Delta Drug Advanced Research Institute and Yangtze Delta Pharmaceutical College, Nantong 226133, China
| | - Kang Xi
- Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
- Yangtze Delta Drug Advanced Research Institute and Yangtze Delta Pharmaceutical College, Nantong 226133, China
| | - Anqi Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Li-An Shen
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Yana Li
- Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
- Yangtze Delta Drug Advanced Research Institute and Yangtze Delta Pharmaceutical College, Nantong 226133, China
| | - Miaomiao Jia
- Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
- Yangtze Delta Drug Advanced Research Institute and Yangtze Delta Pharmaceutical College, Nantong 226133, China
| | - Yangbo He
- Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
- Yangtze Delta Drug Advanced Research Institute and Yangtze Delta Pharmaceutical College, Nantong 226133, China
| | - Gang Chen
- Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
- Yangtze Delta Drug Advanced Research Institute and Yangtze Delta Pharmaceutical College, Nantong 226133, China
| | - Chenglong Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Yangqiang Chen
- Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
- Yangtze Delta Drug Advanced Research Institute and Yangtze Delta Pharmaceutical College, Nantong 226133, China
| | - Kai Chen
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Fan Sun
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Daizhou Zhang
- Shandong Academy of Pharmaceutical Science, Jinan 250101, China
| | - Chonggang Duan
- Shandong Academy of Pharmaceutical Science, Jinan 250101, China
| | - Heng Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | | | - Yujun Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research and Small-Molecule Drug Research Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Rd., Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xiangjing Meng
- Shandong Academy of Pharmaceutical Science, Jinan 250101, China
| | - Di Zhu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 201210, China
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Gupta S, Kashyap M, Bansal Y, Bansal G. In silico insights into design of novel VEGFR-2 inhibitors: SMILES-based QSAR modelling, and docking studies on substituted benzo-fused heteronuclear derivatives. SAR AND QSAR IN ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 35:265-284. [PMID: 38591137 DOI: 10.1080/1062936x.2024.2332203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Eight QSAR models (M1-M8) were developed from a dataset of 118 benzo-fused heteronuclear derivatives targeting VEGFR-2 by Monte Carlo optimization method of CORALSEA 2023 software. Models were generated with hybrid optimal descriptors using both SMILES and Graphs with zero- and first-order Morgan extended connectivity index from a training set of 103 derivatives. All statistical parameters for model validation were within the prescribed limits, establishing the models to be robust and of excellent quality. Among all models, split-2 of M5 was the best-fit as reflected by r v a lidation 2 , Q v a lidation 2 and MAE . Mechanistic interpretation of this model assisted the identification of structural descriptors as promoters and hinderers for VEGFR-2 inhibition. These descriptors were utilized to design novel VEGFR-2 inhibitors (YS01-YS07) by bringing modifications in compound MS90 in the dataset. Docking of all designed compounds, MS90 and sorafenib with VEGFR-2 binding site revealed favourable binding interactions. Docking score of YS07 was higher than that of MS90 and sorafenib. Molecular dynamics simulation study revealed sustained interactions of YS07 with key amino acids of VEGFR-2 at a run time of 100 ns. This study concludes the development of a best fit QSAR model which can assist the design of new anticancer agents targeting VEGFR-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Gupta
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Research, Punjabi University, Patiala, India
| | - M Kashyap
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Research, Punjabi University, Patiala, India
| | - Y Bansal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Research, Punjabi University, Patiala, India
| | - G Bansal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Research, Punjabi University, Patiala, India
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Elbouhi M, Ouabane M, Tabti K, Badaoui H, Abdessadak O, El Alaouy MA, Elkamel K, Lakhlifi T, Sbai A, Ajana MA, Bouachrine M. Computational evaluation of 1,2,3-triazole-based VEGFR-2 inhibitors: anti-angiogenesis potential and pharmacokinetic assessment. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024:1-11. [PMID: 38193897 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2301686] [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: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its cell surface receptor, as well as the human VEGFR-2 domain kinase, are some of the signaling pathways that have received the most attention in this field. This study aimed to identify novel molecules as VEGFR-2 inhibitors using 3D-QSAR modeling based on 1,2,3-triazole. Docking studies and dynamic simulations were performed to analyze novel interactions with the inhibitors and validate the molecular docking, dynamic simulations, and ADMET analyses. The optimized CoMSIA/SEH model showed good statistical results, and molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations demonstrated stability of M3 ligand with the receptor and provided insight into ligand-receptor interactions. The newly developed compounds performed well in ADMET evaluations and showed promising results using Lipinski's rule of five, suggesting that the molecule M3 could be a useful anti-angiogenesis agent. In conclusion, this study provides insights into the structure-activity relationship of VEGFR-2 inhibitors and identifies M3 as a potential new anti-angiogenesis drug. The methodology used in this study can be applied to other similar drug targets to discover new and potent inhibitors.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mhamed Elbouhi
- Molecular Chemistry and Natural Substances Laboratory (MCNSL), Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Moulay Ismail University, Meknes, Morocco
| | - Mohamed Ouabane
- Molecular Chemistry and Natural Substances Laboratory (MCNSL), Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Moulay Ismail University, Meknes, Morocco
| | - Kamal Tabti
- Molecular Chemistry and Natural Substances Laboratory (MCNSL), Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Moulay Ismail University, Meknes, Morocco
| | - Hassan Badaoui
- Molecular Chemistry and Natural Substances Laboratory (MCNSL), Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Moulay Ismail University, Meknes, Morocco
| | - Oumayma Abdessadak
- Molecular Chemistry and Natural Substances Laboratory (MCNSL), Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Moulay Ismail University, Meknes, Morocco
| | - Moulay Ahfid El Alaouy
- Molecular Chemistry and Natural Substances Laboratory (MCNSL), Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Moulay Ismail University, Meknes, Morocco
| | - Khalid Elkamel
- Molecular Chemistry and Natural Substances Laboratory (MCNSL), Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Moulay Ismail University, Meknes, Morocco
| | - Tahar Lakhlifi
- Molecular Chemistry and Natural Substances Laboratory (MCNSL), Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Moulay Ismail University, Meknes, Morocco
| | - Abdelouahid Sbai
- Molecular Chemistry and Natural Substances Laboratory (MCNSL), Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Moulay Ismail University, Meknes, Morocco
| | - Mohammed Aziz Ajana
- Molecular Chemistry and Natural Substances Laboratory (MCNSL), Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Moulay Ismail University, Meknes, Morocco
| | - Mohammed Bouachrine
- Molecular Chemistry and Natural Substances Laboratory (MCNSL), Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Moulay Ismail University, Meknes, Morocco
- Higher School of Technology (EST Khenifra), Sultan Moulay Slimane University, Beni-Mellal, Morocco
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Yousef RG, Eissa IH, Elkady H, Eldehna WM, Mehany ABM, Nabeeh A, Ibrahim IM, Elwan A, El-Zahabi MA. New nicotinamide derivatives as potential anticancer agents targeting VEGFR-2: design, synthesis, in vitro, and in silico studies. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023:1-18. [PMID: 38100580 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2294170] [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: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Herin, new nicotinamide candidates were designed and synthesized as VEGFR-2 inhibitors. In vitro antiproliferative activities were assessed against MCF-7, HepG-2 and HCT-116 cancer cell lines. The top cytotoxic members 15a, 15b, 16, 18a, and 18b were estimated against their selected target (VEGFR-2). Further mechanistic tests were studied for the most potent cytotoxic candidate 18a, these studies revealed the ability of compound 18a to hinder the progression of HCT-116 cells at S and Pre-G1phases besides boosting early and late apoptosis. Also compound 18a was found to significantly decrease the levels immunomodulatory proteins TNF-α and IL-6 while showing a four-fold rise in an apoptotic marker caspase-3 when compared to control cells. The therapeutic index of the designed derivatives was evaluated by computational ADMET and toxicity calculations as well as their potentiality to occupy the VEGFR-2 active site was signposted by molecular docking assessments. Finally, molecular dynamic simulation studies of compound 18a-VEGFR-2 complex indicated the high steadiness of compound 18a in the VEGFR-2 active site. This study presents compound 18a as a lead candidate that can be optimized to get a strong VEGFR-2 inhibitor.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reda G Yousef
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ibrahim H Eissa
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hazem Elkady
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Wagdy M Eldehna
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh, Egypt
| | - Ahmed B M Mehany
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Nabeeh
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Ibrahim M Ibrahim
- Biophysics Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Alaa Elwan
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Ayman El-Zahabi
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
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