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Xiong Y, Greschik H, Johansson C, Seifert L, Gamble V, Park KS, Fagan V, Li F, Chau I, Vedadi M, Arrowsmith CH, Brennan P, Fedorov O, Jung M, Farnie G, Liu J, Oppermann U, Schüle R, Jin J. Discovery of a Potent, Selective, and Cell-Active SPIN1 Inhibitor. J Med Chem 2024; 67:5837-5853. [PMID: 38533580 PMCID: PMC11022035 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00121] [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: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
The methyl-lysine reader protein SPIN1 plays important roles in various human diseases. However, targeting methyl-lysine reader proteins has been challenging. Very few cellularly active SPIN1 inhibitors have been developed. We previously reported that our G9a/GLP inhibitor UNC0638 weakly inhibited SPIN1. Here, we present our comprehensive structure-activity relationship study that led to the discovery of compound 11, a dual SPIN1 and G9a/GLP inhibitor, and compound 18 (MS8535), a SPIN1 selective inhibitor. We solved the cocrystal structure of SPIN1 in complex with 11, confirming that 11 occupied one of the three Tudor domains. Importantly, 18 displayed high selectivity for SPIN1 over 38 epigenetic targets, including G9a/GLP, and concentration dependently disrupted the interactions of SPIN1 and H3 in cells. Furthermore, 18 was bioavailable in mice. We also developed 19 (MS8535N), which was inactive against SPIN1, as a negative control of 18. Collectively, these compounds are useful chemical tools to study biological functions of SPIN1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Xiong
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences, Oncological Sciences and Neuroscience, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, United States
| | - Holger Greschik
- Department of Urology and Center for Clinical Research, University Freiburg Medical Center, Freiburg 79106, Germany
| | - Catrine Johansson
- Structural Genomics Consortium, Botnar Research Center, NIHR Oxford BRU, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7LD, U.K
| | - Ludwig Seifert
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Freiburg, Freiburg 79104, Germany
| | - Vicki Gamble
- Structural Genomics Consortium, Botnar Research Center, NIHR Oxford BRU, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7LD, U.K
| | - Kwang-Su Park
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences, Oncological Sciences and Neuroscience, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, United States
| | - Vincent Fagan
- Centre for Medicines Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7FZ, U.K.; Target Discovery Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7FZ, U.K
| | - Fengling Li
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Irene Chau
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Masoud Vedadi
- Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, 661 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M5G 0A3, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Cheryl H Arrowsmith
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Paul Brennan
- Centre for Medicines Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7FZ, U.K.; Target Discovery Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7FZ, U.K
| | - Oleg Fedorov
- Centre for Medicines Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7FZ, U.K.; Target Discovery Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7FZ, U.K
| | - Manfred Jung
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Freiburg, Freiburg 79104, Germany
- German Cancer Research Centre (DKFZ), Heidelberg 69120, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Freiburg 79104, Germany
| | - Gillian Farnie
- Centre for Medicines Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7FZ, U.K.; Target Discovery Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7FZ, U.K
| | - Jing Liu
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences, Oncological Sciences and Neuroscience, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, United States
| | - Udo Oppermann
- Structural Genomics Consortium, Botnar Research Center, NIHR Oxford BRU, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7LD, U.K
- Botnar Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7LD, U.K
- Oxford Translational Myeloma Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7LD, U.K
| | - Roland Schüle
- Department of Urology and Center for Clinical Research, University Freiburg Medical Center, Freiburg 79106, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Freiburg 79104, Germany
- CIBSS Centre of Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg 79106, Germany
| | - Jian Jin
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences, Oncological Sciences and Neuroscience, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, United States
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Huang X, Chen Y, Xiao Q, Shang X, Liu Y. Chemical inhibitors targeting histone methylation readers. Pharmacol Ther 2024; 256:108614. [PMID: 38401773 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2024.108614] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
Histone methylation reader domains are protein modules that recognize specific histone methylation marks, such as methylated or unmethylated lysine or arginine residues on histones. These reader proteins play crucial roles in the epigenetic regulation of gene expression, chromatin structure, and DNA damage repair. Dysregulation of these proteins has been linked to various diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and developmental disorders. Therefore, targeting these proteins with chemical inhibitors has emerged as an attractive approach for therapeutic intervention, and significant progress has been made in this area. In this review, we will summarize the development of inhibitors targeting histone methylation readers, including MBT domains, chromodomains, Tudor domains, PWWP domains, PHD fingers, and WD40 repeat domains. For each domain, we will briefly discuss its identification and biological/biochemical functions, and then focus on the discovery of inhibitors tailored to target this domain, summarizing the property and potential application of most inhibitors. We will also discuss the structural basis for the potency and selectivity of these inhibitors, which will aid in further lead generation and optimization. Finally, we will also address the challenges and strategies involved in the development of these inhibitors. It should facilitate the rational design and development of novel chemical scaffolds and new targeting strategies for histone methylation reader domains with the help of this body of data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolei Huang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Precision Diagnostics and Therapeutics Development, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, PR China
| | - Yichang Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Precision Diagnostics and Therapeutics Development, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, PR China
| | - Qin Xiao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Precision Diagnostics and Therapeutics Development, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, PR China
| | - Xinci Shang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Precision Diagnostics and Therapeutics Development, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, PR China
| | - Yanli Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Precision Diagnostics and Therapeutics Development, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, PR China.
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3
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Zhao F, Deng Y, Yang F, Yan Y, Feng F, Peng B, Gao J, Bedford MT, Li H. Molecular Basis for SPINDOC-Spindlin1 Engagement and Its Role in Transcriptional Attenuation. J Mol Biol 2024; 436:168371. [PMID: 37977297 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2023.168371] [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: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Spindlin1 is a histone reader with three Tudor-like domains and its transcriptional co-activator activity could be attenuated by SPINDOC. The first two Tudors are involved in histone methylation readout, while the function of Tudor 3 is largely unknown. Here our structural and binding studies revealed an engagement mode of SPINDOC-Spindlin1, in which a hydrophobic motif of SPINDOC, DOCpep3, stably interacts with Spindlin1 Tudor 3, and two neighboring K/R-rich motifs, DOCpep1 and DOCpep2, bind to the acidic surface of Spindlin1 Tudor 2. Although DOCpep3-Spindlin1 engagement is compatible with histone readout, an extended SPINDOC fragment containing the K/R-rich region attenuates histone or TCF4 binding by Spindlin1 due to introduced competition. This inhibitory effect is more pronounced for weaker binding targets but not for strong ones such as H3 "K4me3-K9me3" bivalent mark. Further ChIP-seq and RT-qPCR indicated that SPINDOC could promote genomic relocation of Spindlin1, thus modulate downstream gene transcription. Collectively, we revealed multivalent engagement between SPINDOC and Spindlin1, in which a hydrophobic motif acts as the primary binding site for stable SPINDOC-Spindlin1 association, while K/R-rich region modulates the target selectivity of Spindlin1 via competitive inhibition, therefore attenuating the transcriptional co-activator activity of Spindlin1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yafang Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Fen Yang
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Smithville, TX 78957, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Yan Yan
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Bioinformatics Division, Center for Synthetic and System Biology, Department of Automation, Beijing National Research Center for Information Science and Technology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Fan Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Bo Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Juntao Gao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Bioinformatics Division, Center for Synthetic and System Biology, Department of Automation, Beijing National Research Center for Information Science and Technology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
| | - Mark T Bedford
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Smithville, TX 78957, USA.
| | - Haitao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; SXMU-Tsinghua Collaborative Innovation Center for Frontier Medicine, MOE Key Laboratory of Coal Environmental Pathogenesis and Prevention, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province 030001, China; Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing 100084, China.
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Enders L, Siklos M, Borggräfe J, Gaussmann S, Koren A, Malik M, Tomek T, Schuster M, Reiniš J, Hahn E, Rukavina A, Reicher A, Casteels T, Bock C, Winter GE, Hannich JT, Sattler M, Kubicek S. Pharmacological perturbation of the phase-separating protein SMNDC1. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4504. [PMID: 37587144 PMCID: PMC10432564 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40124-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
SMNDC1 is a Tudor domain protein that recognizes di-methylated arginines and controls gene expression as an essential splicing factor. Here, we study the specific contributions of the SMNDC1 Tudor domain to protein-protein interactions, subcellular localization, and molecular function. To perturb the protein function in cells, we develop small molecule inhibitors targeting the dimethylarginine binding pocket of the SMNDC1 Tudor domain. We find that SMNDC1 localizes to phase-separated membraneless organelles that partially overlap with nuclear speckles. This condensation behavior is driven by the unstructured C-terminal region of SMNDC1, depends on RNA interaction and can be recapitulated in vitro. Inhibitors of the protein's Tudor domain drastically alter protein-protein interactions and subcellular localization, causing splicing changes for SMNDC1-dependent genes. These compounds will enable further pharmacological studies on the role of SMNDC1 in the regulation of nuclear condensates, gene regulation and cell identity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lennart Enders
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Lazarettgasse 14, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Marton Siklos
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Lazarettgasse 14, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jan Borggräfe
- Helmholtz Munich, Molecular Targets and Therapeutics Center, Institute of Structural Biology, Neuherberg, 85764, München, Germany
- Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Natural Sciences, Department of Bioscience, Bavarian NMR Center, Garching, 85748, München, Germany
| | - Stefan Gaussmann
- Helmholtz Munich, Molecular Targets and Therapeutics Center, Institute of Structural Biology, Neuherberg, 85764, München, Germany
- Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Natural Sciences, Department of Bioscience, Bavarian NMR Center, Garching, 85748, München, Germany
| | - Anna Koren
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Lazarettgasse 14, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Monika Malik
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Lazarettgasse 14, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Tatjana Tomek
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Lazarettgasse 14, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Schuster
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Lazarettgasse 14, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jiří Reiniš
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Lazarettgasse 14, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Elisa Hahn
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Lazarettgasse 14, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Andrea Rukavina
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Lazarettgasse 14, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Andreas Reicher
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Lazarettgasse 14, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Tamara Casteels
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Lazarettgasse 14, 1090, Vienna, Austria
- Sloan Kettering Institute, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Christoph Bock
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Lazarettgasse 14, 1090, Vienna, Austria
- Medical University of Vienna, Institute of Artificial Intelligence, Center for Medical Data Science, Währinger Straße 25a, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Georg E Winter
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Lazarettgasse 14, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - J Thomas Hannich
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Lazarettgasse 14, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Sattler
- Helmholtz Munich, Molecular Targets and Therapeutics Center, Institute of Structural Biology, Neuherberg, 85764, München, Germany
- Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Natural Sciences, Department of Bioscience, Bavarian NMR Center, Garching, 85748, München, Germany
| | - Stefan Kubicek
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Lazarettgasse 14, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
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Feoli A, Viviano M, Cipriano A, Milite C, Castellano S, Sbardella G. Lysine methyltransferase inhibitors: where we are now. RSC Chem Biol 2022; 3:359-406. [PMID: 35441141 PMCID: PMC8985178 DOI: 10.1039/d1cb00196e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein lysine methyltransferases constitute a large family of epigenetic writers that catalyse the transfer of a methyl group from the cofactor S-adenosyl-l-methionine to histone- and non-histone-specific substrates. Alterations in the expression and activity of these proteins have been linked to the genesis and progress of several diseases, including cancer, neurological disorders, and growing defects, hence they represent interesting targets for new therapeutic approaches. Over the past two decades, the identification of modulators of lysine methyltransferases has increased tremendously, clarifying the role of these proteins in different physio-pathological states. The aim of this review is to furnish an updated outlook about the protein lysine methyltransferases disclosed modulators, reporting their potency, their mechanism of action and their eventual use in clinical and preclinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Feoli
- Department of Pharmacy, Epigenetic Med Chem Lab, University of Salerno via Giovanni Paolo II 132 I-84084 Fisciano SA Italy +39-089-96-9602 +39-089-96-9770
| | - Monica Viviano
- Department of Pharmacy, Epigenetic Med Chem Lab, University of Salerno via Giovanni Paolo II 132 I-84084 Fisciano SA Italy +39-089-96-9602 +39-089-96-9770
| | - Alessandra Cipriano
- Department of Pharmacy, Epigenetic Med Chem Lab, University of Salerno via Giovanni Paolo II 132 I-84084 Fisciano SA Italy +39-089-96-9602 +39-089-96-9770
| | - Ciro Milite
- Department of Pharmacy, Epigenetic Med Chem Lab, University of Salerno via Giovanni Paolo II 132 I-84084 Fisciano SA Italy +39-089-96-9602 +39-089-96-9770
| | - Sabrina Castellano
- Department of Pharmacy, Epigenetic Med Chem Lab, University of Salerno via Giovanni Paolo II 132 I-84084 Fisciano SA Italy +39-089-96-9602 +39-089-96-9770
| | - Gianluca Sbardella
- Department of Pharmacy, Epigenetic Med Chem Lab, University of Salerno via Giovanni Paolo II 132 I-84084 Fisciano SA Italy +39-089-96-9602 +39-089-96-9770
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Porzberg MRB, Moesgaard L, Johansson C, Oppermann U, Kongsted J, Mecinović J. Recognition of Dimethylarginine Analogues by Tandem Tudor Domain Protein Spindlin1. Molecules 2022; 27:983. [PMID: 35164245 PMCID: PMC8838590 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27030983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic readout of the combinatorial posttranslational modification comprised of trimethyllysine and asymmetric dimethylarginine (H3K4me3R8me2a) takes place via biomolecular recognition of tandem Tudor-domain-containing protein Spindlin1. Through comparative thermodynamic data and molecular dynamics simulations, we sought to explore the binding scope of asymmetric dimethylarginine mimics by Spindlin1. Herein, we provide evidence that the biomolecular recognition of H3K4me2R8me2a is not significantly affected when R8me2a is replaced by dimethylarginine analogues, implying that the binding of K4me3 provides the major binding contribution. High-energy water molecules inside both aromatic cages of the ligand binding sites contribute to the reader-histone association upon displacement by histone peptide, with the K4me3 hydration site being lower in free energy due to a flip of Trp151.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam R. B. Porzberg
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, 5230 Odense, Denmark; (M.R.B.P.); (L.M.); (J.K.)
| | - Laust Moesgaard
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, 5230 Odense, Denmark; (M.R.B.P.); (L.M.); (J.K.)
| | - Catrine Johansson
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, NIHR Bio-Medical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7LD, UK; (C.J.); (U.O.)
| | - Udo Oppermann
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, NIHR Bio-Medical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7LD, UK; (C.J.); (U.O.)
| | - Jacob Kongsted
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, 5230 Odense, Denmark; (M.R.B.P.); (L.M.); (J.K.)
| | - Jasmin Mecinović
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, 5230 Odense, Denmark; (M.R.B.P.); (L.M.); (J.K.)
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7
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Luxenburger A, Bougen-Zhukov N, Fraser MG, Beetham H, Harris LD, Schmidt D, Cameron SA, Guilford PJ, Evans GB. Discovery of AL-GDa62 as a Potential Synthetic Lethal Lead for the Treatment of Gastric Cancer. J Med Chem 2021; 64:18114-18142. [PMID: 34878770 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Diffuse gastric cancer and lobular breast cancer are aggressive malignancies that are frequently associated with inactivating mutations in the tumor suppressor gene CDH1. Synthetic lethal (SL) vulnerabilities arising from CDH1 dysfunction represent attractive targets for drug development. Recently, SLEC-11 (1) emerged as a SL lead in E-cadherin-deficient cells. Here, we describe our efforts to optimize 1. Overall, 63 analogues were synthesized and tested for their SL activity toward isogenic mammary epithelial CDH1-deficient cells (MCF10A-CDH1-/-). Among the 26 compounds with greater cytotoxicity, AL-GDa62 (3) was four-times more potent and more selective than 1 with an EC50 ratio of 1.6. Furthermore, 3 preferentially induced apoptosis in CDH1-/- cells, and Cdh1-/- mammary and gastric organoids were significantly more sensitive to 3 at low micromolar concentrations. Thermal proteome profiling of treated MCF10A-CDH1-/- cell protein lysates revealed that 3 specifically inhibits TCOF1, ARPC5, and UBC9. In vitro, 3 inhibited SUMOylation at low micromolar concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Luxenburger
- Ferrier Research Institute, Victoria University of Wellington, 69 Gracefield Rd, Lower Hutt 5040, New Zealand
| | - Nicola Bougen-Zhukov
- Cancer Genetics Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, University of Otago, 710 Cumberland Street, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
| | - Michael G Fraser
- Ferrier Research Institute, Victoria University of Wellington, 69 Gracefield Rd, Lower Hutt 5040, New Zealand
| | - Henry Beetham
- Cancer Genetics Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, University of Otago, 710 Cumberland Street, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
| | - Lawrence D Harris
- Ferrier Research Institute, Victoria University of Wellington, 69 Gracefield Rd, Lower Hutt 5040, New Zealand
| | - Dorian Schmidt
- Institute of Pharmacy, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Gutenbergstraße 76, D-24116 Kiel, Germany
| | - Scott A Cameron
- Ferrier Research Institute, Victoria University of Wellington, 69 Gracefield Rd, Lower Hutt 5040, New Zealand
| | - Parry J Guilford
- Cancer Genetics Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, University of Otago, 710 Cumberland Street, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
| | - Gary B Evans
- Ferrier Research Institute, Victoria University of Wellington, 69 Gracefield Rd, Lower Hutt 5040, New Zealand
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8
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Li D, Guo J, Jia R. Histone code reader SPIN1 is a promising target of cancer therapy. Biochimie 2021; 191:78-86. [PMID: 34492335 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2021.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 08/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
SPIN1 is a histone methylation reader, which can epigenetically control multiple tumorigenesis-associated signaling pathways, including the Wnt, PI3K/AKT, and RET pathways. Considerable evidence has shown that SPIN1 is overexpressed in many cancers, which can promote cell proliferation, transformation, metastasis, and chemical or radiation resistance. With the growing understanding of the SPIN1 protein structure, some inhibitors have been developed to interfere with the recognition between SPIN1 and histone H3K4me3 and H3R8me2a methylation and block the oncogenic functions of SPIN1. Therefore, SPIN1 is a potential target of cancer therapy. However, the mechanism by which SPIN1-transformed cells overcome the significant mitotic spindle defects and the factors promoting SPIN1 overexpression in cancers remain unclear. In this review, we described the current understanding of the SPIN1 protein structure and its expression, functions, and regulatory mechanisms in carcinogenesis, and discussed the challenges faced in the mechanisms of SPIN1 overexpression and oncogenic functions, and the potential application of anti-SPIN1 treatment in human cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Li
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jihua Guo
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Department of Endodontics, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
| | - Rong Jia
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) & Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
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9
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Luise C, Robaa D, Sippl W. Exploring aromatic cage flexibility of the histone methyllysine reader protein Spindlin1 and its impact on binding mode prediction: an in silico study. J Comput Aided Mol Des 2021; 35:695-706. [PMID: 34081238 PMCID: PMC8213585 DOI: 10.1007/s10822-021-00391-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Some of the main challenges faced in drug discovery are pocket flexibility and binding mode prediction. In this work, we explored the aromatic cage flexibility of the histone methyllysine reader protein Spindlin1 and its impact on binding mode prediction by means of in silico approaches. We first investigated the Spindlin1 aromatic cage plasticity by analyzing the available crystal structures and through molecular dynamic simulations. Then we assessed the ability of rigid docking and flexible docking to rightly reproduce the binding mode of a known ligand into Spindlin1, as an example of a reader protein displaying flexibility in the binding pocket. The ability of induced fit docking was further probed to test if the right ligand binding mode could be obtained through flexible docking regardless of the initial protein conformation. Finally, the stability of generated docking poses was verified by molecular dynamic simulations. Accurate binding mode prediction was obtained showing that the herein reported approach is a highly promising combination of in silico methods able to rightly predict the binding mode of small molecule ligands in flexible binding pockets, such as those observed in some reader proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Luise
- Institute of Pharmacy, Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt-Mothes-Str.3, 06120, Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Dina Robaa
- Institute of Pharmacy, Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt-Mothes-Str.3, 06120, Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Sippl
- Institute of Pharmacy, Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt-Mothes-Str.3, 06120, Halle/Saale, Germany.
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Structure-Based Design, Docking and Binding Free Energy Calculations of A366 Derivatives as Spindlin1 Inhibitors. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22115910. [PMID: 34072837 PMCID: PMC8199216 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The chromatin reader protein Spindlin1 plays an important role in epigenetic regulation, through which it has been linked to several types of malignant tumors. In the current work, we report on the development of novel analogs of the previously published lead inhibitor A366. In an effort to improve the activity and explore the structure-activity relationship (SAR), a series of 21 derivatives was synthesized, tested in vitro, and investigated by means of molecular modeling tools. Docking studies and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed to analyze and rationalize the structural differences responsible for the Spindlin1 activity. The analysis of MD simulations shed light on the important interactions. Our study highlighted the main structural features that are required for Spindlin1 inhibitory activity, which include a positively charged pyrrolidine moiety embedded into the aromatic cage connected via a propyloxy linker to the 2-aminoindole core. Of the latter, the amidine group anchor the compounds into the pocket through salt bridge interactions with Asp184. Different protocols were tested to identify a fast in silico method that could help to discriminate between active and inactive compounds within the A366 series. Rescoring the docking poses with MM-GBSA calculations was successful in this regard. Because A366 is known to be a G9a inhibitor, the most active developed Spindlin1 inhibitors were also tested over G9a and GLP to verify the selectivity profile of the A366 analogs. This resulted in the discovery of diverse selective compounds, among which 1s and 1t showed Spindlin1 activity in the nanomolar range and selectivity over G9a and GLP. Finally, future design hypotheses were suggested based on our findings.
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11
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Engelberg IA, Foley CA, James LI, Frye SV. Improved methods for targeting epigenetic reader domains of acetylated and methylated lysine. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2021; 63:132-144. [PMID: 33852996 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2021.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Responsible for interpreting histone post-translational modifications, epigenetic reader proteins have emerged as novel therapeutic targets for a wide range of diseases. Chemical probes have been critical in enabling target validation studies and have led to translational advances in cancer and inflammation-related pathologies. Here, we present the most recently reported probes of reader proteins that recognize acylated and methylated lysine. We will discuss challenges associated with achieving potent antagonism of reader domains and review ongoing efforts to overcome these hurdles, focusing on targeting strategies including the use of peptidomimetic ligands, allosteric modulators, and protein degraders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle A Engelberg
- Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, United States
| | - Caroline A Foley
- Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, United States
| | - Lindsey I James
- Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, United States
| | - Stephen V Frye
- Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, United States.
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12
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The histone methyltransferase inhibitor A-366 enhances hemoglobin expression in erythroleukemia cells upon co-exposure with chemical inducers in culture. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 28:2. [PMID: 33407944 PMCID: PMC7788816 DOI: 10.1186/s40709-020-00132-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Background Erythroleukemia is caused by the uncontrolled multiplication of immature erythroid progenitor cells which fail to differentiate into erythrocytes. By directly targeting this class of malignant cells, the induction of terminal erythroid differentiation represents a vital therapeutic strategy for this disease. Erythroid differentiation involves the execution of a well-orchestrated gene expression program in which epigenetic enzymes play critical roles. In order to identify novel epigenetic mediators of differentiation, this study explores the effects of multiple, highly specific, epigenetic enzyme inhibitors, in murine and human erythroleukemia cell lines. Results We used a group of compounds designed to uniquely target the following epigenetic enzymes: G9a/GLP, EZH1/2, SMYD2, PRMT3, WDR5, SETD7, SUV420H1 and DOT1L. The majority of the probes had a negative impact on both cell proliferation and differentiation. On the contrary, one of the compounds, A-366, demonstrated the opposite effect by promoting erythroid differentiation of both cell models. A-366 is a selective inhibitor of the G9a methyltransferase and the chromatin reader Spindlin1. Investigation of the molecular mechanism of action revealed that A-366 forced cells to exit from the cell cycle, a fact that favored erythroid differentiation. Further analysis led to the identification of a group of genes that mediate the A-366 effects and include CDK2, CDK4 and CDK6. Conclusions A-366, a selective inhibitor of G9a and Spindlin1, demonstrates a compelling role in the erythroid maturation process by promoting differentiation, a fact that is highly beneficial for patients suffering from erythroleukemia. In conclusion, this data calls for further investigation towards the delivery of epigenetic drugs and especially A-366 in hematopoietic disorders.
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Abstract
Determining the three-dimensional structures of protein complexes is critically important to guide biological research. Structural models of complexes can be built using powerful integrative approaches that combine emerging technologies in mass spectrometry, molecular modeling, and protein docking; however, preparing enriched biochemical samples suitable for analysis remains a major challenge. Here we describe serial capture affinity purification (SCAP), which can be used for the study of protein interactions in live cells and, when combined with cross-linking mass spectrometry, contribute distance restraints for integrative structural modeling. This broadly applicable technology can be used to study any protein complex in human tissue culture cells. We demonstrate SCAP capabilities on a poorly characterized epigenetic protein complex with roles in human cancer. Streamlined characterization of protein complexes remains a challenge for the study of protein interaction networks. Here we describe serial capture affinity purification (SCAP), in which two separate proteins are tagged with either the HaloTag or the SNAP-tag, permitting a multistep affinity enrichment of specific protein complexes. The multifunctional capabilities of this protein-tagging system also permit in vivo validation of interactions using acceptor photobleaching Förster resonance energy transfer and fluorescence cross-correlation spectroscopy quantitative imaging. By coupling SCAP to cross-linking mass spectrometry, an integrative structural model of the complex of interest can be generated. We demonstrate this approach using the Spindlin1 and SPINDOC protein complex, culminating in a structural model with two SPINDOC molecules docked on one SPIN1 molecule. In this model, SPINDOC interacts with the SPIN1 interface previously shown to bind a lysine and arginine methylated sequence of histone H3. Our approach combines serial affinity purification, live cell imaging, and cross-linking mass spectrometry to build integrative structural models of protein complexes.
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14
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Beyer JN, Raniszewski NR, Burslem GM. Advances and Opportunities in Epigenetic Chemical Biology. Chembiochem 2020; 22:17-42. [PMID: 32786101 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202000459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Revised: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The study of epigenetics has greatly benefited from the development and application of various chemical biology approaches. In this review, we highlight the key targets for modulation and recent methods developed to enact such modulation. We discuss various chemical biology techniques to study DNA methylation and the post-translational modification of histones as well as their effect on gene expression. Additionally, we address the wealth of protein synthesis approaches to yield histones and nucleosomes bearing epigenetic modifications. Throughout, we highlight targets that present opportunities for the chemical biology community, as well as exciting new approaches that will provide additional insight into the roles of epigenetic marks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna N Beyer
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 422 Curie Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Nicole R Raniszewski
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 422 Curie Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - George M Burslem
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 422 Curie Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.,Department of Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Institute Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 422 Curie Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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15
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Reiner D, Seifert L, Deck C, Schüle R, Jung M, Stark H. Epigenetics meets GPCR: inhibition of histone H3 methyltransferase (G9a) and histamine H 3 receptor for Prader-Willi Syndrome. Sci Rep 2020; 10:13558. [PMID: 32782417 PMCID: PMC7419559 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-70523-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of epigenetic regulation is in large parts connected to cancer, but additionally, its therapeutic claim in neurological disorders has emerged. Inhibition of histone H3 lysine N-methyltransferase, especially G9a, has been recently shown to restore candidate genes from silenced parental chromosomes in the imprinting disorder Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS). In addition to this epigenetic approach, pitolisant as G-protein coupled histamine H3 receptor (H3R) antagonist has demonstrated promising therapeutic effects for Prader-Willi syndrome. To combine these pioneering principles of drug action, we aimed to identify compounds that combine both activities, guided by the pharmacophore blueprint for both targets. However, pitolisant as selective H3R inverse agonist with FDA and EMA-approval did not show the required inhibition at G9a. Pharmacological characterization of the prominent G9a inhibitor A-366, that is as well an inhibitor of the epigenetic reader protein Spindlin1, revealed its high affinity at H3R while showing subtype selectivity among subsets of the histaminergic and dopaminergic receptor families. This work moves prominent G9a ligands forward as pharmacological tools to prove for a potentially combined, symptomatic and causal, therapy in PWS by bridging the gap between drug development for G-protein coupled receptors and G9a as an epigenetic effector in a multi-targeting approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Reiner
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Heinrich Heine University Duesseldorf, Universitaetsstr. 1, 40225, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Ludwig Seifert
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Caroline Deck
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Roland Schüle
- Department of Urology, Center for Clinical Research, Medical Center, Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Manfred Jung
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Holger Stark
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Heinrich Heine University Duesseldorf, Universitaetsstr. 1, 40225, Duesseldorf, Germany.
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16
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Linhares BM, Grembecka J, Cierpicki T. Targeting epigenetic protein-protein interactions with small-molecule inhibitors. Future Med Chem 2020; 12:1305-1326. [PMID: 32551894 PMCID: PMC7421387 DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2020-0082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic protein-protein interactions (PPIs) play essential roles in regulating gene expression, and their dysregulations have been implicated in many diseases. These PPIs are comprised of reader domains recognizing post-translational modifications on histone proteins, and of scaffolding proteins that maintain integrities of epigenetic complexes. Targeting PPIs have become focuses for development of small-molecule inhibitors and anticancer therapeutics. Here we summarize efforts to develop small-molecule inhibitors targeting common epigenetic PPI domains. Potent small molecules have been reported for many domains, yet small domains that recognize methylated lysine side chains on histones are challenging in inhibitor development. We posit that the development of potent inhibitors for difficult-to-prosecute epigenetic PPIs may be achieved by interdisciplinary approaches and extensive explorations of chemical space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian M Linhares
- Biophysics Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Jolanta Grembecka
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Tomasz Cierpicki
- Biophysics Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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17
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Liu X, Zhang X, Lv D, Yuan Y, Zheng G, Zhou D. Assays and technologies for developing proteolysis targeting chimera degraders. Future Med Chem 2020; 12:1155-1179. [PMID: 32431173 PMCID: PMC7333641 DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2020-0073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Targeted protein degradation by small-molecule degraders represents an emerging mode of action in drug discovery. Proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) are small molecules that can recruit an E3 ligase and a protein of interest (POI) into proximity, leading to induced ubiquitination and degradation of the POI by the proteasome system. To date, the design and optimization of PROTACs remain empirical due to the complicated mechanism of induced protein degradation. Nevertheless, it is increasingly appreciated that profiling step-by-step along the ubiquitin-proteasome degradation pathway using biochemical and biophysical assays are essential in understanding the structure-activity relationship and facilitating the rational design of PROTACs. This review aims to summarize these assays and to discuss the potential of expanding the toolbox with other new techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingui Liu
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, 1333 Center Drive, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Xuan Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, 1333 Center Drive, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Dongwen Lv
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, 1333 Center Drive, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Yaxia Yuan
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, 1333 Center Drive, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Guangrong Zheng
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, 1333 Center Drive, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Daohong Zhou
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, 1333 Center Drive, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
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18
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Design and Construction of a Focused DNA-Encoded Library for Multivalent Chromatin Reader Proteins. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25040979. [PMID: 32098353 PMCID: PMC7070942 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25040979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Chromatin structure and function, and consequently cellular phenotype, is regulated in part by a network of chromatin-modifying enzymes that place post-translational modifications (PTMs) on histone tails. These marks serve as recruitment sites for other chromatin regulatory complexes that ‘read’ these PTMs. High-quality chemical probes that can block reader functions of proteins involved in chromatin regulation are important tools to improve our understanding of pathways involved in chromatin dynamics. Insight into the intricate system of chromatin PTMs and their context within the epigenome is also therapeutically important as misregulation of this complex system is implicated in numerous human diseases. Using computational methods, along with structure-based knowledge, we have designed and constructed a focused DNA-Encoded Library (DEL) containing approximately 60,000 compounds targeting bi-valent methyl-lysine (Kme) reader domains. Additionally, we have constructed DNA-barcoded control compounds to allow optimization of selection conditions using a model Kme reader domain. We anticipate that this target-class focused approach will serve as a new method for rapid discovery of inhibitors for multivalent chromatin reader domains.
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19
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Henderson MJ, Holbert MA, Simeonov A, Kallal LA. High-Throughput Cellular Thermal Shift Assays in Research and Drug Discovery. SLAS DISCOVERY : ADVANCING LIFE SCIENCES R & D 2020; 25:137-147. [PMID: 31566060 PMCID: PMC10915787 DOI: 10.1177/2472555219877183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Thermal shift assays (TSAs) can reveal changes in protein structure, due to a resultant change in protein thermal stability. Since proteins are often stabilized upon binding of ligand molecules, these assays can provide a readout for protein target engagement. TSA has traditionally been applied using purified proteins and more recently has been extended to study target engagement in cellular environments with the emergence of cellular thermal shift assays (CETSAs). The utility of CETSA in confirming molecular interaction with targets in a more native context, and the desire to apply this technique more broadly, has fueled the emergence of higher-throughput techniques for CETSA (HT-CETSA). Recent studies have demonstrated that HT-CETSA can be performed in standard 96-, 384-, and 1536-well microtiter plate formats using methods such as beta-galactosidase and NanoLuciferase reporters and AlphaLISA assays. HT-CETSA methods can be used to select and characterize compounds from high-throughput screens and to prioritize compounds in lead optimization by facilitating dose-response experiments. In conjunction with cellular and biochemical activity assays for targets, HT-CETSA can be a valuable addition to the suite of assays available to characterize molecules of interest. Despite the successes in implementing HT-CETSA for a diverse set of targets, caveats and challenges must also be recognized to avoid overinterpretation of results. Here, we review the current landscape of HT-CETSA and discuss the methodologies, practical considerations, challenges, and applications of this approach in research and drug discovery. Additionally, a perspective on potential future directions for the technology is presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark J Henderson
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Marc A Holbert
- Protein, Cellular, & Structural Sciences, GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, PA, USA
| | - Anton Simeonov
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Lorena A Kallal
- Screening, Profiling, and Mechanistic Biology, GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, PA, USA
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20
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Fagan V, Johansson C, Gileadi C, Monteiro O, Dunford JE, Nibhani R, Philpott M, Malzahn J, Wells G, Faram R, Cribbs AP, Halidi N, Li F, Chau I, Greschik H, Velupillai S, Allali-Hassani A, Bennett J, Christott T, Giroud C, Lewis AM, Huber KVM, Athanasou N, Bountra C, Jung M, Schüle R, Vedadi M, Arrowsmith C, Xiong Y, Jin J, Fedorov O, Farnie G, Brennan PE, Oppermann U. A Chemical Probe for Tudor Domain Protein Spindlin1 to Investigate Chromatin Function. J Med Chem 2019; 62:9008-9025. [PMID: 31550156 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b00562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Modifications of histone tails, including lysine/arginine methylation, provide the basis of a "chromatin or histone code". Proteins that contain "reader" domains can bind to these modifications and form specific effector complexes, which ultimately mediate chromatin function. The spindlin1 (SPIN1) protein contains three Tudor methyllysine/arginine reader domains and was identified as a putative oncogene and transcriptional coactivator. Here we report a SPIN1 chemical probe inhibitor with low nanomolar in vitro activity, exquisite selectivity on a panel of methyl reader and writer proteins, and with submicromolar cellular activity. X-ray crystallography showed that this Tudor domain chemical probe simultaneously engages Tudor domains 1 and 2 via a bidentate binding mode. Small molecule inhibition and siRNA knockdown of SPIN1, as well as chemoproteomic studies, identified genes which are transcriptionally regulated by SPIN1 in squamous cell carcinoma and suggest that SPIN1 may have a role in cancer related inflammation and/or cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Fagan
- Structural Genomics Consortium, Nuffield Department of Medicine , University of Oxford , OX3 7DQ Oxford , U.K
- Target Discovery Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine , University of Oxford , OX3 7FZ Oxford , U.K
| | - Catrine Johansson
- Structural Genomics Consortium, Nuffield Department of Medicine , University of Oxford , OX3 7DQ Oxford , U.K
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, NIHR Bio-medical Research Centre , University of Oxford , Oxford OX3 7LD , U.K
| | - Carina Gileadi
- Structural Genomics Consortium, Nuffield Department of Medicine , University of Oxford , OX3 7DQ Oxford , U.K
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, NIHR Bio-medical Research Centre , University of Oxford , Oxford OX3 7LD , U.K
| | - Octovia Monteiro
- Structural Genomics Consortium, Nuffield Department of Medicine , University of Oxford , OX3 7DQ Oxford , U.K
- Target Discovery Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine , University of Oxford , OX3 7FZ Oxford , U.K
| | - James E Dunford
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, NIHR Bio-medical Research Centre , University of Oxford , Oxford OX3 7LD , U.K
| | - Reshma Nibhani
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, NIHR Bio-medical Research Centre , University of Oxford , Oxford OX3 7LD , U.K
| | - Martin Philpott
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, NIHR Bio-medical Research Centre , University of Oxford , Oxford OX3 7LD , U.K
| | - Jessica Malzahn
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, NIHR Bio-medical Research Centre , University of Oxford , Oxford OX3 7LD , U.K
| | - Graham Wells
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, NIHR Bio-medical Research Centre , University of Oxford , Oxford OX3 7LD , U.K
| | - Ruth Faram
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, NIHR Bio-medical Research Centre , University of Oxford , Oxford OX3 7LD , U.K
| | - Adam P Cribbs
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, NIHR Bio-medical Research Centre , University of Oxford , Oxford OX3 7LD , U.K
| | - Nadia Halidi
- Structural Genomics Consortium, Nuffield Department of Medicine , University of Oxford , OX3 7DQ Oxford , U.K
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, NIHR Bio-medical Research Centre , University of Oxford , Oxford OX3 7LD , U.K
| | - Fengling Li
- Structural Genomics Consortium , University of Toronto , 101 College Street , Toronto , Ontario M5G 1L7 , Canada
| | - Irene Chau
- Structural Genomics Consortium , University of Toronto , 101 College Street , Toronto , Ontario M5G 1L7 , Canada
| | - Holger Greschik
- Department of Urology, Center for Clinical Research, Medical Center, Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS , University of Freiburg , D-79106 Freiburg , Germany
| | - Srikannathasan Velupillai
- Structural Genomics Consortium, Nuffield Department of Medicine , University of Oxford , OX3 7DQ Oxford , U.K
| | - Abdellah Allali-Hassani
- Structural Genomics Consortium , University of Toronto , 101 College Street , Toronto , Ontario M5G 1L7 , Canada
| | - James Bennett
- Structural Genomics Consortium, Nuffield Department of Medicine , University of Oxford , OX3 7DQ Oxford , U.K
- Target Discovery Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine , University of Oxford , OX3 7FZ Oxford , U.K
| | - Thomas Christott
- Structural Genomics Consortium, Nuffield Department of Medicine , University of Oxford , OX3 7DQ Oxford , U.K
- Target Discovery Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine , University of Oxford , OX3 7FZ Oxford , U.K
| | - Charline Giroud
- Structural Genomics Consortium, Nuffield Department of Medicine , University of Oxford , OX3 7DQ Oxford , U.K
- Target Discovery Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine , University of Oxford , OX3 7FZ Oxford , U.K
| | - Andrew M Lewis
- Structural Genomics Consortium, Nuffield Department of Medicine , University of Oxford , OX3 7DQ Oxford , U.K
- Target Discovery Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine , University of Oxford , OX3 7FZ Oxford , U.K
| | - Kilian V M Huber
- Structural Genomics Consortium, Nuffield Department of Medicine , University of Oxford , OX3 7DQ Oxford , U.K
- Target Discovery Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine , University of Oxford , OX3 7FZ Oxford , U.K
| | - Nick Athanasou
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, NIHR Bio-medical Research Centre , University of Oxford , Oxford OX3 7LD , U.K
| | - Chas Bountra
- Structural Genomics Consortium, Nuffield Department of Medicine , University of Oxford , OX3 7DQ Oxford , U.K
| | - Manfred Jung
- FRIAS-Freiburg Institute of Advanced Studies , University of Freiburg , 79104 Freiburg , Germany
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences , University of Freiburg , Albertstraße 25 , 79104 Freiburg , Germany
| | - Roland Schüle
- Department of Urology, Center for Clinical Research, Medical Center, Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS , University of Freiburg , D-79106 Freiburg , Germany
| | - Masoud Vedadi
- Structural Genomics Consortium , University of Toronto , 101 College Street , Toronto , Ontario M5G 1L7 , Canada
| | - Cheryl Arrowsmith
- Structural Genomics Consortium , University of Toronto , 101 College Street , Toronto , Ontario M5G 1L7 , Canada
| | - Yan Xiong
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences and Oncological Sciences , Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai , New York , New York 10029 , United States
| | - Jian Jin
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences and Oncological Sciences , Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai , New York , New York 10029 , United States
| | - Oleg Fedorov
- Structural Genomics Consortium, Nuffield Department of Medicine , University of Oxford , OX3 7DQ Oxford , U.K
- Target Discovery Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine , University of Oxford , OX3 7FZ Oxford , U.K
| | - Gillian Farnie
- Structural Genomics Consortium, Nuffield Department of Medicine , University of Oxford , OX3 7DQ Oxford , U.K
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, NIHR Bio-medical Research Centre , University of Oxford , Oxford OX3 7LD , U.K
| | - Paul E Brennan
- Structural Genomics Consortium, Nuffield Department of Medicine , University of Oxford , OX3 7DQ Oxford , U.K
- Target Discovery Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine , University of Oxford , OX3 7FZ Oxford , U.K
- Alzheimer's Research UK Oxford Drug Discovery Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine , University of Oxford , OX3 7FZ Oxford , U.K
| | - Udo Oppermann
- Structural Genomics Consortium, Nuffield Department of Medicine , University of Oxford , OX3 7DQ Oxford , U.K
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, NIHR Bio-medical Research Centre , University of Oxford , Oxford OX3 7LD , U.K
- FRIAS-Freiburg Institute of Advanced Studies , University of Freiburg , 79104 Freiburg , Germany
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21
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Xiong Y, Greschik H, Johansson C, Seifert L, Bacher J, Park KS, Babault N, Martini M, Fagan V, Li F, Chau I, Christott T, Dilworth D, Barsyte-Lovejoy D, Vedadi M, Arrowsmith CH, Brennan P, Fedorov O, Jung M, Farnie G, Liu J, Oppermann U, Schüle R, Jin J. Discovery of a Potent and Selective Fragment-like Inhibitor of Methyllysine Reader Protein Spindlin 1 (SPIN1). J Med Chem 2019; 62:8996-9007. [PMID: 31260300 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b00522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
By screening an epigenetic compound library, we identified that UNC0638, a highly potent inhibitor of the histone methyltransferases G9a and GLP, was a weak inhibitor of SPIN1 (spindlin 1), a methyllysine reader protein. Our optimization of this weak hit resulted in the discovery of a potent, selective, and cell-active SPIN1 inhibitor, compound 3 (MS31). Compound 3 potently inhibited binding of trimethyllysine-containing peptides to SPIN1, displayed high binding affinity, was highly selective for SPIN1 over other epigenetic readers and writers, directly engaged SPIN1 in cells, and was not toxic to nontumorigenic cells. The crystal structure of the SPIN1-compound 3 complex indicated that it selectively binds tudor domain II of SPIN1. We also designed a structurally similar but inactive compound 4 (MS31N) as a negative control. Our results have demonstrated for the first time that potent, selective, and cell-active fragment-like inhibitors can be generated by targeting a single tudor domain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Xiong
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences and Oncological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute , Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai , New York , New York 10029 , United States
| | - Holger Greschik
- Department of Urology and Center for Clinical Research , University Freiburg Medical Center , Freiburg 79106 , Germany
| | - Catrine Johansson
- Structural Genomics Consortium, Botnar Research Center, NIHR Oxford BRU , University of Oxford , Oxford OX37LD , U.K
| | - Ludwig Seifert
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences , University of Freiburg , Freiburg 79104 , Germany
| | - Johannes Bacher
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences , University of Freiburg , Freiburg 79104 , Germany
| | - Kwang-Su Park
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences and Oncological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute , Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai , New York , New York 10029 , United States
| | - Nicolas Babault
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences and Oncological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute , Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai , New York , New York 10029 , United States
| | - Michael Martini
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences and Oncological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute , Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai , New York , New York 10029 , United States
| | - Vincent Fagan
- Structural Genomics Consortium & Target Discovery Institute , University of Oxford , Oxford OX37DQ and OX37FZ, U.K
| | | | | | - Thomas Christott
- Structural Genomics Consortium & Target Discovery Institute , University of Oxford , Oxford OX37DQ and OX37FZ, U.K
| | | | | | - Masoud Vedadi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology , University of Toronto , Toronto , Ontario M5S 1A8 , Canada
| | | | - Paul Brennan
- Structural Genomics Consortium & Target Discovery Institute , University of Oxford , Oxford OX37DQ and OX37FZ, U.K
| | - Oleg Fedorov
- Structural Genomics Consortium & Target Discovery Institute , University of Oxford , Oxford OX37DQ and OX37FZ, U.K
| | - Manfred Jung
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences , University of Freiburg , Freiburg 79104 , Germany
- German Cancer Research Centre (DKFZ) , Heidelberg 69120 , Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) , Freiburg 79106 , Germany
| | - Gillian Farnie
- Structural Genomics Consortium & Target Discovery Institute , University of Oxford , Oxford OX37DQ and OX37FZ, U.K
| | - Jing Liu
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences and Oncological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute , Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai , New York , New York 10029 , United States
| | - Udo Oppermann
- Structural Genomics Consortium, Botnar Research Center, NIHR Oxford BRU , University of Oxford , Oxford OX37LD , U.K
| | - Roland Schüle
- Department of Urology and Center for Clinical Research , University Freiburg Medical Center , Freiburg 79106 , Germany
- BIOSS Centre of Biological Signalling Studies , University of Freiburg , Freiburg 79106 , Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) , Freiburg 79106 , Germany
| | - Jian Jin
- Mount Sinai Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Departments of Pharmacological Sciences and Oncological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute , Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai , New York , New York 10029 , United States
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22
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Arrowsmith CH, Schapira M. Targeting non-bromodomain chromatin readers. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2019; 26:863-869. [DOI: 10.1038/s41594-019-0290-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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23
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Monaghan L, Massett ME, Bunschoten RP, Hoose A, Pirvan PA, Liskamp RMJ, Jørgensen HG, Huang X. The Emerging Role of H3K9me3 as a Potential Therapeutic Target in Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Front Oncol 2019; 9:705. [PMID: 31428579 PMCID: PMC6687838 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.00705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Growing evidence has demonstrated that epigenetic dysregulation is a common pathological feature in human cancer cells. Global alterations in the epigenetic landscape are prevalent in malignant cells across different solid tumors including, prostate cancer, non-small-cell lung cancer, renal cell carcinoma, and in haemopoietic malignancy. In particular, DNA hypomethylation and histone hypoacetylation have been observed in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patient blasts, with histone methylation being an emerging area of study. Histone 3 lysine 9 trimethylation (H3K9me3) is a post-translational modification known to be involved in the regulation of a broad range of biological processes, including the formation of transcriptionally silent heterochromatin. Following the observation of its aberrant methylation status in hematological malignancy and several other cancer phenotypes, recent studies have associated H3K9me3 levels with patient outcome and highlighted key molecular mechanisms linking H3K9me3 profile with AML etiology in a number of large-scale meta-analysis. Consequently, the development and application of small molecule inhibitors which target the histone methyltransferases or demethylase enzymes known to participate in the oncogenic regulation of H3K9me3 in AML represents an advancing area of ongoing study. Here, we provide a comprehensive review on how this particular epigenetic mark is regulated within cells and its emerging role as a potential therapeutic target in AML, along with an update on the current research into advancing the generation of more potent and selective inhibitors against known H3K9 methyltransferases and demethylases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Monaghan
- Haemato-Oncology/Systems Medicine Group, Paul O'Gorman Leukemia Research Center, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew E. Massett
- Haemato-Oncology/Systems Medicine Group, Paul O'Gorman Leukemia Research Center, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | | | - Alex Hoose
- School of Chemistry, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Heather G. Jørgensen
- Haemato-Oncology/Systems Medicine Group, Paul O'Gorman Leukemia Research Center, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Xu Huang
- Haemato-Oncology/Systems Medicine Group, Paul O'Gorman Leukemia Research Center, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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24
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Dilworth D, Barsyte-Lovejoy D. Targeting protein methylation: from chemical tools to precision medicines. Cell Mol Life Sci 2019; 76:2967-2985. [PMID: 31104094 PMCID: PMC11105543 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03147-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The methylation of proteins is integral to the execution of many important biological functions, including cell signalling and transcriptional regulation. Protein methyltransferases (PMTs) are a large class of enzymes that carry out the addition of methyl marks to a broad range of substrates. PMTs are critical for normal cellular physiology and their dysregulation is frequently observed in human disease. As such, PMTs have emerged as promising therapeutic targets with several inhibitors now in clinical trials for oncology indications. The discovery of chemical inhibitors and antagonists of protein methylation signalling has also profoundly impacted our general understanding of PMT biology and pharmacology. In this review, we present general principles for drugging protein methyltransferases or their downstream effectors containing methyl-binding modules, as well as best-in-class examples of the compounds discovered and their impact both at the bench and in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Dilworth
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Dalia Barsyte-Lovejoy
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada.
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25
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Simhadri C, Daze KD, Douglas SF, Milosevich N, Monjas L, Dev A, Brown TM, Hirsch AKH, Wulff JE, Hof F. Rational Adaptation of L3MBTL1 Inhibitors to Create Small‐Molecule Cbx7 Antagonists. ChemMedChem 2019; 14:1444-1456. [DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201900021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2019] [Revised: 05/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Kevin D. Daze
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of Victoria Victoria BC V8P 5C2 Canada
| | - Sarah F. Douglas
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of Victoria Victoria BC V8P 5C2 Canada
| | - Natalia Milosevich
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of Victoria Victoria BC V8P 5C2 Canada
| | - Leticia Monjas
- Stratingh Institute for ChemistryUniversity of Groningen Nijenborgh 7 9747 AG Groningen The Netherlands
| | - Amarjot Dev
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of Victoria Victoria BC V8P 5C2 Canada
| | - Tyler M. Brown
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of Victoria Victoria BC V8P 5C2 Canada
| | - Anna K. H. Hirsch
- Stratingh Institute for ChemistryUniversity of Groningen Nijenborgh 7 9747 AG Groningen The Netherlands
- Present affiliation: Department for Drug Design and Optimization and Department of Pharmacy, Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research (HIPS)—Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI)Saarland University Campus Building E 8.1 66123 Saarbrücken Germany
| | - Jeremy E. Wulff
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of Victoria Victoria BC V8P 5C2 Canada
| | - Fraser Hof
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of Victoria Victoria BC V8P 5C2 Canada
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26
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Targeting lysine specific demethylase 4A (KDM4A) tandem TUDOR domain – A fragment based approach. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2018; 28:1708-1713. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2018.04.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2018] [Revised: 04/17/2018] [Accepted: 04/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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27
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Histone methylation changes are required for life cycle progression in the human parasite Schistosoma mansoni. PLoS Pathog 2018; 14:e1007066. [PMID: 29782530 PMCID: PMC5983875 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1007066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2018] [Revised: 06/01/2018] [Accepted: 04/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms and chromatin structure play an important role in development. Their impact is therefore expected to be strong in parasites with complex life cycles and multiple, strikingly different, developmental stages, i.e. developmental plasticity. Some studies have already described how the chromatin structure, through histone modifications, varies from a developmental stage to another in a few unicellular parasites. While H3K4me3 profiles remain relatively constant, H3K27 trimethylation and bivalent methylation show strong variation. Inhibitors (A366 and GSK343) of H3K27 histone methyltransferase activity in S. mansoni efficiently blocked miracidium to sporocyst transition indicating that H3K27 trimethylation is required for life cycle progression. As S. mansoni is a multicellular parasite that significantly affects both the health and economy of endemic areas, a better understanding of fluke developmental processes within the definitive host will likely highlight novel disease control strategies. Towards this goal, we also studied H4K20me1 in female cercariae and adults. In particular, we found that bivalent trimethylation of H3K4 and H3K27 at the transcription start site of genes is a landmark of the cercarial stage. In cercariae, H3K27me3 presence and strong enrichment in H4K20me1 over long regions (10–100 kb) is associated with development related genes. Here, we provide a broad overview of the chromatin structure of a metazoan parasite throughout its most important lifecycle stages. The five developmental stages studied here present distinct chromatin structures, indicating that histone methylation plays an important role during development. Hence, components of the histone methylation (and demethylation) machinery may provide suitable Schistosomiasis control targets. Schistosoma mansoni is a parasitic flatworm and causative agent of intestinal schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease affecting 67 million people worldwide. The parasite has a complex life cycle involving two consecutive obligate hosts (a poikilotherm snail and a homeotherm mammal) and two transitions between these hosts as free-swimming larvae. Here, we show that the chromatin structure of five different developmental stages is characterized by specific changes in chemical modifications of histones, basic proteins that are closely associated with DNA (trimethylation of lysines 4 and 27 and histone H3, and monomethylation of lysine 20 on histone H4). These modifications occur around protein coding genes as well as within repetitive genomic elements. A functional role for histone methylation during schistosome development was elucidated by the use of epi-drugs targeting G9a/GLP and EZH2 histone methyltransferase orthologs in S. mansoni. Our results indicate that histone methylation plays an important role during schistosome development and suggest that the enzymes responsible for maintaining these chromatin modifications are suitable targets for anti-schistosomal drugs.
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28
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Hauser AT, Robaa D, Jung M. Epigenetic small molecule modulators of histone and DNA methylation. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2018; 45:73-85. [PMID: 29579619 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2018.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2017] [Revised: 03/05/2018] [Accepted: 03/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
DNA and histone methylation belong to the key regulatory components in the epigenetic machinery, and dysregulations of these processes have been associated with various human diseases. Small molecule modulators of these epigenetic targets are highly valuable both as chemical probes to study the biological roles of the target proteins, and as potential therapeutics. Indeed, recent years have seen the discovery of chemical modulators of several epigenetic targets, some of which are already marketed drugs or undergoing clinical trials. In this review, we will focus on small molecule modulators of DNA and histone methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander-Thomas Hauser
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Freiburg, Albertstraße 25, 79104 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Dina Robaa
- Institute of Pharmacy, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Wolfgang-Langenbeck-Straße 4, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Manfred Jung
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Freiburg, Albertstraße 25, 79104 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany.
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29
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Luise C, Robaa D. Application of Virtual Screening Approaches for the Identification of Small Molecule Inhibitors of the Methyllysine Reader Protein Spindlin1. Methods Mol Biol 2018; 1824:347-370. [PMID: 30039418 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-8630-9_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Computer-based approaches represent a powerful tool which helps to identify and optimize lead structures in the process of drug discovery. Computer-aided drug design techniques (CADD) encompass a large variety of methods which are subdivided into structure-based (SBDD) and ligand-based drug design (LBDD) methods. Several approaches have been successfully used over the last three decades in different fields. Indeed also in the field of epigenetics, virtual screening (VS) studies and structure-based approaches have been applied to identify novel chemical modulators of epigenetic targets as well as to predict the binding mode of active ligands and to study the protein dynamics.In this chapter, an iterative VS approach using both SBDD and LBDD methods, which was successful in identifying Spindlin1 inhibitors, will be described. All protocol steps, starting from structure-based pharmacophore modeling, protein and database preparation along with docking and similarity search, will be explained in details.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Luise
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Martin-Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg, Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Dina Robaa
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Martin-Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg, Halle/Saale, Germany.
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30
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Schulz-Fincke J, Hau M, Barth J, Robaa D, Willmann D, Kürner A, Haas J, Greve G, Haydn T, Fulda S, Lübbert M, Lüdeke S, Berg T, Sippl W, Schüle R, Jung M. Structure-activity studies on N-Substituted tranylcypromine derivatives lead to selective inhibitors of lysine specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) and potent inducers of leukemic cell differentiation. Eur J Med Chem 2017; 144:52-67. [PMID: 29247860 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2017.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2017] [Revised: 11/28/2017] [Accepted: 12/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
FAD-dependent lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) is overexpressed or deregulated in many cancers such as AML and prostate cancer and hence is a promising anticancer target with first inhibitors in clinical trials. Clinical candidates are N-substituted derivatives of the dual LSD1-/monoamine oxidase-inhibitor tranylcypromine (2-PCPA) with a basic amine function in the N-substituent. These derivatives are selective over monoamine oxidases. So far, only very limited information on structure-activity studies about this important class of LSD1 inhibitors is published in peer reviewed journals. Here, we show that N-substituted 2-PCPA derivatives without a basic function or even a polar group are still potent inhibitors of LSD1 in vitro and effectively inhibit colony formation of leukemic cells in culture. Yet, these lipophilic inhibitors also block the structurally related monoamine oxidases (MAO-A and MAO-B), which may be of interest for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders, but this property is undesired for applications in cancer treatment. The introduction of a polar, non-basic function led to optimized structures that retain potent LSD1 inhibitors but exhibit selectivity over MAOs and are highly potent in the suppression of colony formation of cultured leukemic cells. Cellular target engagement is shown via a Cellular Thermal Shift Assay (CETSA) for LSD1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Schulz-Fincke
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Freiburg, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Freiburg, Germany; German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mirjam Hau
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jessica Barth
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Frankfurt, Germany; German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Dina Robaa
- Institute of Pharmacy, Martin-Luther-University of Halle-Wittenberg, Germany
| | - Dominica Willmann
- Department of Urology and Center for Clinical Research, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Germany
| | - Andreas Kürner
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Freiburg, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Freiburg, Germany; German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Julian Haas
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Gabriele Greve
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Germany; Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Tinka Haydn
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research in Pediatrics, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Frankfurt, Germany; German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Simone Fulda
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research in Pediatrics, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Frankfurt, Germany; German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael Lübbert
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Freiburg, Germany
| | - Steffen Lüdeke
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Tobias Berg
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Frankfurt, Germany; German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Sippl
- Institute of Pharmacy, Martin-Luther-University of Halle-Wittenberg, Germany
| | - Roland Schüle
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Freiburg, Germany; Department of Urology and Center for Clinical Research, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Germany; BIOSS Centre of Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; K-metics GmbH, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Manfred Jung
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Freiburg, Germany; K-metics GmbH, Freiburg, Germany.
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31
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Bae N, Gao M, Li X, Premkumar T, Sbardella G, Chen J, Bedford MT. A transcriptional coregulator, SPIN·DOC, attenuates the coactivator activity of Spindlin1. J Biol Chem 2017; 292:20808-20817. [PMID: 29061846 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m117.814913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2017] [Revised: 10/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Spindlin1 (SPIN1) is a transcriptional coactivator with critical functions in embryonic development and emerging roles in cancer. SPIN1 harbors three Tudor domains, two of which engage the tail of histone H3 by reading the H3-Lys-4 trimethylation and H3-Arg-8 asymmetric dimethylation marks. To gain mechanistic insight into how SPIN1 functions as a transcriptional coactivator, here we purified its interacting proteins. We identified an uncharacterized protein (C11orf84), which we renamed SPIN1 docking protein (SPIN·DOC), that directly binds SPIN1 and strongly disrupts its histone methylation reading ability, causing it to disassociate from chromatin. The Spindlin family of coactivators has five related members (SPIN1, 2A, 2B, 3, and 4), and we found that all of them bind SPIN·DOC. It has been reported previously that SPIN1 regulates gene expression in the Wnt signaling pathway by directly interacting with transcription factor 4 (TCF4). We observed here that SPIN·DOC associates with TCF4 in a SPIN1-dependent manner and dampens SPIN1 coactivator activity in TOPflash reporter assays. Furthermore, knockdown and overexpression experiments indicated that SPIN·DOC represses the expression of a number of SPIN1-regulated genes, including those encoding ribosomal RNA and the cytokine IL1B. In conclusion, we have identified SPIN·DOC as a transcriptional repressor that binds SPIN1 and masks its ability to engage the H3-Lys-4 trimethylation activation mark.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narkhyun Bae
- From the Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Smithville, Texas 78957
| | - Min Gao
- the Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, and
| | - Xu Li
- the Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, and
| | - Tolkappiyan Premkumar
- From the Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Smithville, Texas 78957
| | - Gianluca Sbardella
- the Dipartimento di Farmacia, Epigenetic Med Chem Lab, Università degli Studi di Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano (SA), Italy
| | - Junjie Chen
- the Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, and
| | - Mark T Bedford
- From the Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Smithville, Texas 78957,
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32
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Xiong Y, Wu Y, Luo S, Gao Y, Xiong Y, Chen D, Deng H, Hao W, Liu T, Li M. Development of a novel immunoassay to detect interactions with the transactivation domain of p53: application to screening of new drugs. Sci Rep 2017; 7:9185. [PMID: 28835687 PMCID: PMC5569017 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-09574-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2017] [Accepted: 07/21/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor protein p53 acts as a trans-activator that negatively regulates cell division by controlling a set of genes required for cell cycle regulation, making it a tumor suppressor in different types of tumors. Because the transcriptional activity of p53 plays an important role in the occurrence and development of tumors, reactivation of p53 transcriptional activity has been sought as a novel cancer therapeutic strategy. There is great interest in developing high-throughput assays to identify inhibitors of molecules that bind the transcription-activation domain of p53, especially for wt p53-containing tumors. In the present study, taking MDM2 as an example, a novel amplified luminescent proximity homogeneous assay (AlphaLISA) was modified from a binding competition assay to detect the interactions between the transcription-activation domain of p53 and its ligands. This assay can be adapted as a high-throughput assay for screening new inhibitors. A panel of well-known p53-MDM2 binding inhibitors was used to validate this method, and demonstrated its utility, sensitivity and robustness. In summary, we have developed a novel protein-protein interaction detection immunoassay that can be used in a high-throughput format to screen new drug candidates for reactivation of p53. This assay has been successfully validated through a series of p53-MDM2 binding inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufeng Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure, Institute of Antibody Engineering, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Yingsong Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure, Institute of Antibody Engineering, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Shuhong Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure, Institute of Antibody Engineering, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Stomatology and Medicine, Foshan University, 5 Hebin Road, Chancheng District, Foshan, Guangdong Province, 528000, P. R. China
| | - Yang Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure, Institute of Antibody Engineering, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Yujing Xiong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, 999077, Hong Kong
| | - Daxiang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure, Institute of Antibody Engineering, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Hao Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure, Institute of Antibody Engineering, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Wenbo Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure, Institute of Antibody Engineering, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China. .,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
| | - Tiancai Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure, Institute of Antibody Engineering, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China. .,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
| | - Ming Li
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure, Institute of Antibody Engineering, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China. .,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
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Teske KA, Hadden MK. Methyllysine binding domains: Structural insight and small molecule probe development. Eur J Med Chem 2017; 136:14-35. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2017.04.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2017] [Revised: 04/14/2017] [Accepted: 04/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Barnash KD, Lamb KN, James LI, Frye SV. Peptide Technologies in the Development of Chemical Tools for Chromatin-Associated Machinery. Drug Dev Res 2017. [DOI: 10.1002/ddr.21398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly D. Barnash
- Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy; University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill North Carolina 27599
| | - Kelsey N. Lamb
- Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy; University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill North Carolina 27599
| | - Lindsey I. James
- Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy; University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill North Carolina 27599
| | - Stephen V. Frye
- Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy; University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill North Carolina 27599
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Chemical modulators for epigenome reader domains as emerging epigenetic therapies for cancer and inflammation. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2017; 39:116-125. [PMID: 28689146 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2017.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2017] [Revised: 05/30/2017] [Accepted: 06/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Site-specific lysine acetylation and methylation on histones are critical post-translational modifications (PTMs) that govern ordered gene transcription in chromatin. Mis-regulation of these histone PTM-mediated processes has been shown to be associated with human diseases. Since the 2010 landmark reports of small molecules (+)-JQ1 and I-BET762 that target the acetyl-lysine 'reader' Bromodomain and Extra Terminal domain (BET) proteins, there have been relentless efforts to develop epigenetic therapy with small molecules to modulate molecular interactions of epigenome reader domain proteins with PTMs. In addition to BET, the other emerging targets include non-BET acetyl-lysine and methyl-lysine reader domains. This review covers the key chemical modulators of the aforementioned epigenome reader proteins.
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Bae N, Viviano M, Su X, Lv J, Cheng D, Sagum C, Castellano S, Bai X, Johnson C, Khalil MI, Shen J, Chen K, Li H, Sbardella G, Bedford MT. Developing Spindlin1 small-molecule inhibitors by using protein microarrays. Nat Chem Biol 2017; 13:750-756. [PMID: 28504676 PMCID: PMC5831360 DOI: 10.1038/nchembio.2377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2016] [Accepted: 02/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The discovery of inhibitors of methyl- and acetyl-binding domains has provided evidence for the 'druggability' of epigenetic effector molecules. The small-molecule probe UNC1215 prevents methyl-dependent protein-protein interactions by engaging the aromatic cage of MBT domains and, with lower affinity, Tudor domains. Using a library of tagged UNC1215 analogs, we screened a protein-domain microarray of human methyllysine effector molecules to rapidly detect compounds with new binding profiles with either increased or decreased specificity. Using this approach, we identified a compound (EML405) that acquired a novel interaction with the Tudor-domain-containing protein Spindlin1 (SPIN1). Structural studies facilitated the rational synthesis of SPIN1 inhibitors with increased selectivity (EML631-633), which engage SPIN1 in cells, block its ability to 'read' H3K4me3 marks and inhibit its transcriptional-coactivator activity. Protein microarrays can thus be used as a platform to 'target-hop' and identify small molecules that bind and compete with domain-motif interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narkhyun Bae
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Smithville, TX 78957, USA
| | - Monica Viviano
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Epigenetic Med Chem Lab, Università degli Studi di Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, I-84084 Fisciano (SA), Italy
| | - Xiaonan Su
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, Beijing, 100084, P.R. China
| | - Jie Lv
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA & Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University
| | - Donghang Cheng
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Smithville, TX 78957, USA
| | - Cari Sagum
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Smithville, TX 78957, USA
| | - Sabrina Castellano
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Epigenetic Med Chem Lab, Università degli Studi di Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, I-84084 Fisciano (SA), Italy
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università degli Studi di Salerno, Via Salvador Allende, I-84081 Baronissi (SA), Italy
| | - Xue Bai
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, Beijing, 100084, P.R. China
| | - Claire Johnson
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Smithville, TX 78957, USA
| | - Mahmoud Ibrahim Khalil
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Smithville, TX 78957, USA
- Molecular Biology Unit, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Egypt
| | - Jianjun Shen
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Smithville, TX 78957, USA
| | - Kaifu Chen
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA & Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University
| | - Haitao Li
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, Beijing, 100084, P.R. China
| | - Gianluca Sbardella
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Epigenetic Med Chem Lab, Università degli Studi di Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, I-84084 Fisciano (SA), Italy
| | - Mark T. Bedford
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Smithville, TX 78957, USA
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Epigenetic regulators including writers, erasers, and readers of chromatin marks have been implicated in numerous diseases and are therefore subject of intense academic and pharmaceutical research. While several small-molecule inhibitors targeting writers or erasers are either approved drugs or are currently being evaluated in clinical trials, the targeting of epigenetic readers has lagged behind. Proof-of-principle that epigenetic readers are also relevant drug targets was provided by landmark discoveries of selective inhibitors targeting the BET family of acetyl-lysine readers. More recently, high affinity chemical probes for non-BET acetyl- and methyl-lysine reader domains have also been developed. Areas covered: This article covers recent advances with the identification and validation of inhibitors and chemical probes targeting epigenetic reader domains. Issues related to epigenetic reader druggability, quality requirements for chemical probes, interpretation of cellular action, unexpected cross-talk, and future challenges are also discussed. Expert opinion: Chemical probes provide a powerful means to unravel biological functions of epigenetic readers and evaluate their potential as drug targets. To yield meaningful results, potency, selectivity, and cellular target engagement of chemical probes need to be stringently validated. Future chemical probes will probably need to fulfil additional criteria such as strict target specificity or the targeting of readers within protein complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holger Greschik
- a Urologische Klinik und Zentrale Klinische Forschung , Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Medizinische Fakultät, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg , Freiburg , Germany
| | - Roland Schüle
- a Urologische Klinik und Zentrale Klinische Forschung , Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Medizinische Fakultät, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg , Freiburg , Germany.,b Deutsches Konsortium für Translationale Krebsforschung, Standort Freiburg , Freiburg , Germany.,c BIOSS Centre of Biological Signalling Studies , Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg , Freiburg , Germany
| | - Thomas Günther
- a Urologische Klinik und Zentrale Klinische Forschung , Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Medizinische Fakultät, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg , Freiburg , Germany
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38
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Shanle EK, Shinsky SA, Bridgers JB, Bae N, Sagum C, Krajewski K, Rothbart SB, Bedford MT, Strahl BD. Histone peptide microarray screen of chromo and Tudor domains defines new histone lysine methylation interactions. Epigenetics Chromatin 2017; 10:12. [PMID: 28293301 PMCID: PMC5348760 DOI: 10.1186/s13072-017-0117-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2017] [Accepted: 03/01/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Histone posttranslational modifications (PTMs) function to regulate chromatin structure and function in part through the recruitment of effector proteins that harbor specialized "reader" domains. Despite efforts to elucidate reader domain-PTM interactions, the influence of neighboring PTMs and the target specificity of many reader domains is still unclear. The aim of this study was to use a high-throughput histone peptide microarray platform to interrogate 83 known and putative histone reader domains from the chromo and Tudor domain families to identify their interactions and characterize the influence of neighboring PTMs on these interactions. RESULTS Nearly a quarter of the chromo and Tudor domains screened showed interactions with histone PTMs by peptide microarray, revealing known and several novel methyllysine interactions. Specifically, we found that the CBX/HP1 chromodomains that recognize H3K9me also recognize H3K23me2/3-a poorly understood histone PTM. We also observed that, in addition to their interaction with H3K4me3, Tudor domains of the Spindlin family also recognized H4K20me3-a previously uncharacterized interaction. Several Tudor domains also showed novel interactions with H3K4me as well. CONCLUSIONS These results provide an important resource for the epigenetics and chromatin community on the interactions of many human chromo and Tudor domains. They also provide the basis for additional studies into the functional significance of the novel interactions that were discovered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin K Shanle
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Longwood University, Farmville, VA 23909 USA
| | - Stephen A Shinsky
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 USA.,Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 USA.,Roy & Diana Vagelos Laboratories, Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - Joseph B Bridgers
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 USA
| | - Narkhyun Bae
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Smithville, TX 78957 USA
| | - Cari Sagum
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Smithville, TX 78957 USA
| | - Krzysztof Krajewski
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 USA
| | - Scott B Rothbart
- Center for Epigenetics, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 USA
| | - Mark T Bedford
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Smithville, TX 78957 USA
| | - Brian D Strahl
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 USA.,Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 USA
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39
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Barnash KD, The J, Norris-Drouin JL, Cholensky SH, Worley BM, Li F, Stuckey JI, Brown PJ, Vedadi M, Arrowsmith CH, Frye SV, James LI. Discovery of Peptidomimetic Ligands of EED as Allosteric Inhibitors of PRC2. ACS COMBINATORIAL SCIENCE 2017; 19:161-172. [PMID: 28165227 DOI: 10.1021/acscombsci.6b00174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The function of EED within polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) is mediated by a complex network of protein-protein interactions. Allosteric activation of PRC2 by binding of methylated proteins to the embryonic ectoderm development (EED) aromatic cage is essential for full catalytic activity, but details of this regulation are not fully understood. EED's recognition of the product of PRC2 activity, histone H3 lysine 27 trimethylation (H3K27me3), stimulates PRC2 methyltransferase activity at adjacent nucleosomes leading to H3K27me3 propagation and, ultimately, gene repression. By coupling combinatorial chemistry and structure-based design, we optimized a low-affinity methylated jumonji, AT-rich interactive domain 2 (Jarid2) peptide to a smaller, more potent peptidomimetic ligand (Kd = 1.14 ± 0.14 μM) of the aromatic cage of EED. Our strategy illustrates the effectiveness of applying combinatorial chemistry to achieve both ligand potency and property optimization. Furthermore, the resulting ligands, UNC5114 and UNC5115, demonstrate that targeted disruption of EED's reader function can lead to allosteric inhibition of PRC2 catalytic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly D. Barnash
- Center
for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Division of Chemical
Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Juliana The
- Structural
Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Jacqueline L. Norris-Drouin
- Center
for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Division of Chemical
Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Stephanie H. Cholensky
- Center
for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Division of Chemical
Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Beau M. Worley
- Center
for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Division of Chemical
Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Fengling Li
- Structural
Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Jacob I. Stuckey
- Center
for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Division of Chemical
Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Peter J. Brown
- Structural
Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Masoud Vedadi
- Structural
Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Cheryl H. Arrowsmith
- Structural
Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada
- Princess
Margaret Cancer Centre and Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2M9, Canada
| | - Stephen V. Frye
- Center
for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Division of Chemical
Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Lindsey I. James
- Center
for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Division of Chemical
Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
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Hau M, Zenk F, Ganesan A, Iovino N, Jung M. Cellular analysis of the action of epigenetic drugs and probes. Epigenetics 2017; 12:308-322. [PMID: 28071961 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2016.1274472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Small molecule drugs and probes are important tools in drug discovery, pharmacology, and cell biology. This is of course also true for epigenetic inhibitors. Important examples for the use of established epigenetic inhibitors are the study of the mechanistic role of a certain target in a cellular setting or the modulation of a certain phenotype in an approach that aims toward therapeutic application. Alternatively, cellular testing may aim at the validation of a new epigenetic inhibitor in drug discovery approaches. Cellular and eventually animal models provide powerful tools for these different approaches but certain caveats have to be recognized and taken into account. This involves both the selectivity of the pharmacological tool as well as the specificity and the robustness of the cellular system. In this article, we present an overview of different methods that are used to profile and screen for epigenetic agents and comment on their limitations. We describe not only diverse successful case studies of screening approaches using different assay formats, but also some problematic cases, critically discussing selected applications of these systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirjam Hau
- a University of Freiburg, Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences , Freiburg , Germany
| | - Fides Zenk
- b Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics , Freiburg , Germany
| | - A Ganesan
- c School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia , Norwich NR4 7TJ , United Kingdom.,d Freiburg Institute of Advanced Studies (FRIAS), University of Freiburg , Freiburg , Germany
| | - Nicola Iovino
- b Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics , Freiburg , Germany
| | - Manfred Jung
- a University of Freiburg, Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences , Freiburg , Germany.,d Freiburg Institute of Advanced Studies (FRIAS), University of Freiburg , Freiburg , Germany
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41
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Robaa D, Wagner T, Luise C, Carlino L, McMillan J, Flaig R, Schüle R, Jung M, Sippl W. Identification and Structure-Activity Relationship Studies of Small-Molecule Inhibitors of the Methyllysine Reader Protein Spindlin1. ChemMedChem 2016; 11:2327-2338. [DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201600362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2016] [Revised: 08/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dina Robaa
- Institute of Pharmacy; Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg; Wolfgang-Langenbeck-Str. 4 06120 Halle/Saale Germany
| | - Tobias Wagner
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences; University of Freiburg; 79104 Freiburg Germany
| | - Chiara Luise
- Institute of Pharmacy; Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg; Wolfgang-Langenbeck-Str. 4 06120 Halle/Saale Germany
| | - Luca Carlino
- Institute of Pharmacy; Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg; Wolfgang-Langenbeck-Str. 4 06120 Halle/Saale Germany
| | - Joel McMillan
- Department of Urology and Center for Clinical Research; University of Freiburg Medical Center; 79106 Freiburg Germany
- Diamond Light Source Ltd.; Harwell Science & Innovation Campus Didcot Oxfordshire OX11 0DE UK
| | - Ralf Flaig
- Diamond Light Source Ltd.; Harwell Science & Innovation Campus Didcot Oxfordshire OX11 0DE UK
| | - Roland Schüle
- Department of Urology and Center for Clinical Research; University of Freiburg Medical Center; 79106 Freiburg Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ); Heidelberg Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK); Freiburg Germany
| | - Manfred Jung
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences; University of Freiburg; 79104 Freiburg Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ); Heidelberg Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK); Freiburg Germany
| | - Wolfgang Sippl
- Institute of Pharmacy; Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg; Wolfgang-Langenbeck-Str. 4 06120 Halle/Saale Germany
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42
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Morera L, Lübbert M, Jung M. Targeting histone methyltransferases and demethylases in clinical trials for cancer therapy. Clin Epigenetics 2016; 8:57. [PMID: 27222667 PMCID: PMC4877953 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-016-0223-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 279] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2016] [Accepted: 05/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The term epigenetics is defined as heritable changes in gene expression that are not due to alterations of the DNA sequence. In the last years, it has become more and more evident that dysregulated epigenetic regulatory processes have a central role in cancer onset and progression. In contrast to DNA mutations, epigenetic modifications are reversible and, hence, suitable for pharmacological interventions. Reversible histone methylation is an important process within epigenetic regulation, and the investigation of its role in cancer has led to the identification of lysine methyltransferases and demethylases as promising targets for new anticancer drugs. In this review, we describe those enzymes and their inhibitors that have already reached the first stages of clinical trials in cancer therapy, namely the histone methyltransferases DOT1L and EZH2 as well as the demethylase LSD1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludovica Morera
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Albertstraße 25, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Michael Lübbert
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Hugstetter Straße 55, 79106 Freiburg, Germany ; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Freiburg, Germany
| | - Manfred Jung
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Albertstraße 25, 79104 Freiburg, Germany ; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Freiburg, Germany
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