1
|
Hochegger P, Hermann T, Dolensky J, Seebacher W, Saf R, Pferschy-Wenzig EM, Kaiser M, Mäser P, Weis R. Structure-Activity Relationships and Antiplasmodial Potencies of Novel 3,4-Disubstituted 1,2,5-Oxadiazoles. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14480. [PMID: 37833929 PMCID: PMC10572347 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914480] [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: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The 4-substituted 3-amino-1,2,5-oxadiazole 1 from the Malaria Box Project of the Medicines for Malaria Venture foundation shows very promising selectivity and in vitro activity against Plasmodium falciparum. Within the first series of new compounds, various 3-acylamino analogs were prepared. This paper now focuses on the investigation of the importance of the aromatic substituent in ring position 4. A number of new structure-activity relationships were elaborated, showing that antiplasmodial activity and selectivity strongly depend on the substitution pattern of the 4-phenyl moiety. In addition, physicochemical parameters relevant for drug development were calculated (logP and ligand efficiency) or determined experimentally (CYP3A4-inhibition and aqueous solubility). N-[4-(3-ethoxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-1,2,5-oxadiazol-3-yl]-3-methylbenzamide 51 showed high in vitro activity against the chloroquine-sensitive strain NF54 of P. falciparum (PfNF54 IC50 = 0.034 µM), resulting in a very promising selectivity index of 1526.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Hochegger
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Graz, Schubertstraße 1, A-8010 Graz, Austria; (P.H.); (J.D.); (W.S.); (R.W.)
| | - Theresa Hermann
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Graz, Schubertstraße 1, A-8010 Graz, Austria; (P.H.); (J.D.); (W.S.); (R.W.)
| | - Johanna Dolensky
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Graz, Schubertstraße 1, A-8010 Graz, Austria; (P.H.); (J.D.); (W.S.); (R.W.)
| | - Werner Seebacher
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Graz, Schubertstraße 1, A-8010 Graz, Austria; (P.H.); (J.D.); (W.S.); (R.W.)
| | - Robert Saf
- Institute for Chemistry and Technology of Materials (ICTM), Graz University of Technology, Stremayrgasse 9, A-8010 Graz, Austria;
| | - Eva-Maria Pferschy-Wenzig
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacognosy, University of Graz, Beethovenstraße 8, A-8010 Graz, Austria;
| | - Marcel Kaiser
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstraße 2, CH-4123 Allschwil, Switzerland; (M.K.); (P.M.)
- Faculty of Philosophy and Natural Sciences, University of Basel, Swiss TPH, Petersplatz 1, CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Pascal Mäser
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstraße 2, CH-4123 Allschwil, Switzerland; (M.K.); (P.M.)
- Faculty of Philosophy and Natural Sciences, University of Basel, Swiss TPH, Petersplatz 1, CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Robert Weis
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Graz, Schubertstraße 1, A-8010 Graz, Austria; (P.H.); (J.D.); (W.S.); (R.W.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Umemoto N, Imayoshi A, Kazunori T. Development of regioselective [2 + 3] cycloaddition reactions of nitrile oxides with alkenes using intramolecular reactions through oxime groups [1]. Tetrahedron 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tet.2022.132833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
|
3
|
Beshay BY, Abdellatef AA, Loksha YM, Fahmy SM, Habib NS, Bekhit AEDA, Georghiou PE, Hayakawa Y, Bekhit AA. Design and synthesis of 2-Substituted-4-benzyl-5-methylimidazoles as new potential Anti-breast cancer agents to inhibit oncogenic STAT3 functions. Bioorg Chem 2021; 113:105033. [PMID: 34089945 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2021.105033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 04/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
STAT3 signaling is known to be associated with tumorigenesis and further cancer cell-intrinsic activation of STAT3 leads to altered regulation of several oncogenic processes. Given the importance of STAT3 in cancer development and progression particularly breast cancer, it is crucial to discover new chemical entities of STAT3 inhibitor to develop anti-breast cancer drug candidates. Herein, 4-benzyl-2-benzylthio-5-methyl-1H-imidazole (2a) and 4-benzyl-5-methyl-2-[(2,6-difluorobenzyl)thio]-1H-imidazole (2d) from a group of thirty imidazole-bearing compounds showed greater STAT3 inhibition than their lead compounds VS1 and the oxadiazole derivative MD77. Within all tested compounds, ten derivatives effectively inhibited the growth of the two tested breast cancer cells with IC50 values ranging from 6.66 to 26.02 µM. In addition, the most potent derivatives 2a and 2d inhibited the oncogenic function of STAT3 as seen in the inhibition of colony formation and IL-6 production of breast cancer cell lines. Modeling studies provided evidence for the possible interactions of the synthesized compounds with the key residues of the STAT3-SH2 domain. Collectively, our present study suggests 2-substituted-4-benzyl-5-methylimidazoles are a new class of anti-cancer drug candidates to inhibit oncogenic STAT3 function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Botros Y Beshay
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Amira A Abdellatef
- Section of Host Defences, Institute of Natural Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Yasser M Loksha
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Sinai University, Al-Arish, North Sinai, Egypt
| | - Salwa M Fahmy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, 2152 Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Nargues S Habib
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, 2152 Alexandria, Egypt
| | | | - Paris E Georghiou
- Department of Chemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada
| | - Yoshihiro Hayakawa
- Section of Host Defences, Institute of Natural Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan.
| | - Adnan A Bekhit
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, 2152 Alexandria, Egypt; Pharmacy Program, Allied Health Department, College of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Bahrain, Bahrain; Cancer Nanotechnology Research Laboratory (CNRL), Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21521, Egypt.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Abstract
Incorporation of heterocycles into drug molecules can enhance physical properties and biological activity. A variety of heterocyclic groups is available to medicinal chemists, many of which have been reviewed in detail elsewhere. Oxadiazoles are a class of heterocycle containing one oxygen and two nitrogen atoms, available in three isomeric forms. While the 1,2,4- and 1,3,4-oxadiazoles have seen widespread application in medicinal chemistry, 1,2,5-oxadiazoles (furazans) are less common. This Review provides a summary of the application of furazan-containing molecules in medicinal chemistry and drug development programs from analysis of both patent and academic literature. Emphasis is placed on programs that reached clinical or preclinical stages of development. The examples provided herein describe the pharmacology and biological activity of furazan derivatives with comparative data provided where possible for other heterocyclic groups and pharmacophores commonly used in medicinal chemistry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Donald F Weaver
- Department of Fundamental Neurobiology, Krembil Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario M5T 0S8, Canada.,Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H2, Canada
| | - Mark A Reed
- Treventis Corporation, Toronto, Ontario M5T 0S8, Canada.,Department of Fundamental Neurobiology, Krembil Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario M5T 0S8, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Bystrov DM, Ananyev IV, Fershtat LL, Makhova NN. Direct Synthesis of N-(1,2,5-Oxadiazolyl)hydrazones through a Diazotization/Reduction/Condensation Cascade. J Org Chem 2020; 85:15466-15475. [PMID: 33185453 DOI: 10.1021/acs.joc.0c02243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
A straightforward synthesis of a series of previously unknown N-(1,2,5-oxadiazolyl)hydrazones through the diazotization/reduction/condensation cascade of amino-1,2,5-oxadiazoles was accomplished. The described protocol was suitable for a wide array of target hydrazones, which were prepared in good to high yields under smooth reaction conditions with very good functional group tolerance. Importantly, the presented approach unveils a direct route to in situ generation of previously inaccessible (1,2,5-oxadiazolyl)hydrazines. In addition, a first example of the ionic structure incorporating a protonated hydrazone motif linked to the 1,2,5-oxadiazole 2-oxide subunit was synthesized, indicating the stability of prepared compounds toward acid-promoted hydrolysis. Overall, this method provides a direct access to the isosteric analogues of drug candidates for treatment of various neglected diseases, thus enabling their potential application in medicinal chemistry and drug design.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dmitry M Bystrov
- N. D. Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninsky Prosp., 47, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Ivan V Ananyev
- A. N. Nesmeyanov Institute of Organoelement Compounds, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vavilova Str., 28, Moscow 119991, Russia.,Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, Stremyanny Per. 36, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Leonid L Fershtat
- N. D. Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninsky Prosp., 47, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Nina N Makhova
- N. D. Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninsky Prosp., 47, Moscow 119991, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Mori M, Stelitano G, Gelain A, Pini E, Chiarelli LR, Sammartino JC, Poli G, Tuccinardi T, Beretta G, Porta A, Bellinzoni M, Villa S, Meneghetti F. Shedding X-ray Light on the Role of Magnesium in the Activity of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Salicylate Synthase (MbtI) for Drug Design. J Med Chem 2020; 63:7066-7080. [PMID: 32530281 PMCID: PMC8008425 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c00373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
![]()
The
Mg2+-dependent Mycobacterium tuberculosis salicylate synthase (MbtI) is a key enzyme involved in the biosynthesis
of siderophores. Because iron is essential for the survival and pathogenicity
of the microorganism, this protein constitutes an attractive target
for antitubercular therapy, also considering the absence of homologous
enzymes in mammals. An extension of the structure–activity
relationships of our furan-based candidates allowed us to disclose
the most potent competitive inhibitor known to date (10, Ki = 4 μM), which also proved
effective on mycobacterial cultures. By structural studies, we characterized
its unexpected Mg2+-independent binding mode. We also investigated
the role of the Mg2+ cofactor in catalysis, analyzing the
first crystal structure of the MbtI–Mg2+–salicylate
ternary complex. Overall, these results pave the way for the development
of novel antituberculars through the rational design of improved MbtI
inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Mori
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Milano, via L. Mangiagalli 25, 20133 Milano,Italy
| | - Giovanni Stelitano
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie "Lazzaro Spallanzani", Università degli Studi di Pavia, via A. Ferrata 9, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Arianna Gelain
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Milano, via L. Mangiagalli 25, 20133 Milano,Italy
| | - Elena Pini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Milano, via L. Mangiagalli 25, 20133 Milano,Italy
| | - Laurent R Chiarelli
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie "Lazzaro Spallanzani", Università degli Studi di Pavia, via A. Ferrata 9, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - José C Sammartino
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie "Lazzaro Spallanzani", Università degli Studi di Pavia, via A. Ferrata 9, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Giulio Poli
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università di Pisa, via Bonanno Pisano 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Tiziano Tuccinardi
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università di Pisa, via Bonanno Pisano 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy.,Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Center for Biotechnology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19122, United States
| | - Giangiacomo Beretta
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Politiche Ambientali, Università degli Studi di Milano, via G. Celoria 2, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Alessio Porta
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Pavia, via T. Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Marco Bellinzoni
- Unité de Microbiologie Structurale, Institut Pasteur, CNRS, Université de Paris, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Stefania Villa
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Milano, via L. Mangiagalli 25, 20133 Milano,Italy
| | - Fiorella Meneghetti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Milano, via L. Mangiagalli 25, 20133 Milano,Italy
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Chiarelli LR, Mori M, Beretta G, Gelain A, Pini E, Sammartino JC, Stelitano G, Barlocco D, Costantino L, Lapillo M, Poli G, Caligiuri I, Rizzolio F, Bellinzoni M, Tuccinardi T, Villa S, Meneghetti F. New insight into structure-activity of furan-based salicylate synthase (MbtI) inhibitors as potential antitubercular agents. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2019; 34:823-828. [PMID: 30889995 PMCID: PMC6427685 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2019.1589462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Starting from the analysis of the hypothetical binding mode of our previous furan-based hit (I), we successfully achieved our objective to replace the nitro moiety, leading to the disclosure of a new lead exhibiting a strong activity against MbtI. Our best candidate 1 h displayed a Ki of 8.8 µM and its antimycobacterial activity (MIC99 = 250 µM) is conceivably related to mycobactin biosynthesis inhibition. These results support the hypothesis that 5-phenylfuran-2-carboxylic derivatives are a promising class of MbtI inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laurent R Chiarelli
- a Department of Biology and Biotechnology "L Spallanzani" , University of Pavia , Pavia , Italy
| | - Matteo Mori
- b Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences , University of Milano , Milano , Italy
| | - Giangiacomo Beretta
- c Department of Environmental Science and Policy , University of Milano , Milano , Italy
| | - Arianna Gelain
- b Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences , University of Milano , Milano , Italy
| | - Elena Pini
- b Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences , University of Milano , Milano , Italy
| | - Josè Camilla Sammartino
- a Department of Biology and Biotechnology "L Spallanzani" , University of Pavia , Pavia , Italy
| | - Giovanni Stelitano
- a Department of Biology and Biotechnology "L Spallanzani" , University of Pavia , Pavia , Italy
| | - Daniela Barlocco
- b Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences , University of Milano , Milano , Italy
| | - Luca Costantino
- d Department of Life Sciences , University of Modena e Reggio Emilia , Modena , Italy
| | | | - Giulio Poli
- e Department of Pharmacy , University of Pisa , Pisa , Italy
| | - Isabella Caligiuri
- f Pathology Unit, Department of Molecular Biology and Translational Research , National Cancer Institute and Center for Molecular Biomedicine , Aviano , Italy
| | - Flavio Rizzolio
- f Pathology Unit, Department of Molecular Biology and Translational Research , National Cancer Institute and Center for Molecular Biomedicine , Aviano , Italy.,g Department of Molecular Science and Nanosystems , Ca' Foscari University of Venezia , Venezia-Mestre , Italy
| | | | | | - Stefania Villa
- b Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences , University of Milano , Milano , Italy
| | - Fiorella Meneghetti
- b Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences , University of Milano , Milano , Italy
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Chiarelli LR, Mori M, Barlocco D, Beretta G, Gelain A, Pini E, Porcino M, Mori G, Stelitano G, Costantino L, Lapillo M, Bonanni D, Poli G, Tuccinardi T, Villa S, Meneghetti F. Discovery and development of novel salicylate synthase (MbtI) furanic inhibitors as antitubercular agents. Eur J Med Chem 2018; 155:754-763. [PMID: 29940465 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2018.06.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Revised: 06/05/2018] [Accepted: 06/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
We report on the virtual screening, synthesis, and biological evaluation of new furan derivatives targeting Mycobacterium tuberculosis salicylate synthase (MbtI). A receptor-based virtual screening procedure was applied to screen the Enamine database, identifying two compounds, I and III, endowed with a good enzyme inhibitory activity. Considering the most active compound I as starting point for the development of novel MbtI inhibitors, we obtained new derivatives based on the furan scaffold. Among the SAR performed on this class, compound 1a emerged as the most potent MbtI inhibitor reported to date (Ki = 5.3 μM). Moreover, compound 1a showed a promising antimycobacterial activity (MIC99 = 156 μM), which is conceivably related to mycobactin biosynthesis inhibition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laurent R Chiarelli
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie "Lazzaro Spallanzani", Università degli Studi di Pavia, via Ferrata 9, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Matteo Mori
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via L. Mangiagalli 25, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Daniela Barlocco
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via L. Mangiagalli 25, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Giangiacomo Beretta
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Politiche Ambientali, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 2, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Arianna Gelain
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via L. Mangiagalli 25, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Elena Pini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via L. Mangiagalli 25, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Marianna Porcino
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via L. Mangiagalli 25, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Giorgia Mori
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie "Lazzaro Spallanzani", Università degli Studi di Pavia, via Ferrata 9, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giovanni Stelitano
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie "Lazzaro Spallanzani", Università degli Studi di Pavia, via Ferrata 9, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Luca Costantino
- Dipartimento Scienze della Vita, Università degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia, via Campi 103, 41121, Modena, Italy
| | - Margherita Lapillo
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università di Pisa, via Bonanno 6, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Davide Bonanni
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università di Pisa, via Bonanno 6, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giulio Poli
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università di Siena, via A. Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Tiziano Tuccinardi
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università di Pisa, via Bonanno 6, 56126, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Stefania Villa
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via L. Mangiagalli 25, 20133, Milano, Italy.
| | - Fiorella Meneghetti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via L. Mangiagalli 25, 20133, Milano, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Structural Biology of STAT3 and Its Implications for Anticancer Therapies Development. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19061591. [PMID: 29843450 PMCID: PMC6032208 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19061591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2018] [Revised: 05/21/2018] [Accepted: 05/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcription factors are proteins able to bind DNA and induce the transcription of specific genes. Consequently, they play a pivotal role in multiple cellular pathways and are frequently over-expressed or dysregulated in cancer. Here, we will focus on a specific “signal transducer and activator of transcription” (STAT3) factor that is involved in several pathologies, including cancer. For long time, the mechanism by which STAT3 exerts its cellular functions has been summarized by a three steps process: (1) Protein phosphorylation by specific kinases, (2) dimerization promoted by phosphorylation, (3) activation of gene expression by the phosphorylated dimer. Consequently, most of the inhibitors reported in literature aimed at blocking phosphorylation and dimerization. However, recent observations reopened the debate and the entire functional mechanism has been revisited stimulating the scientific community to pursue new inhibition strategies. In particular, the dimerization of the unphosphorylated species has been experimentally demonstrated and specific roles proposed also for these dimers. Despite difficulties in the expression and purification of the full length STAT3, structural biology investigations allowed the determination of atomistic structures of STAT3 dimers and several protein domains. Starting from this information, computational methods have been used both to improve the understanding of the STAT3 functional mechanism and to design new inhibitors to be used as anticancer drugs. In this review, we will focus on the contribution of structural biology to understand the roles of STAT3, to design new inhibitors and to suggest new strategies of pharmacological intervention.
Collapse
|