1
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Setia N, Almuqdadi HTA, Abid M. Journey of Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) E3 ligase in PROTACs design: From VHL ligands to VHL-based degraders. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 265:116041. [PMID: 38199162 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.116041] [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: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
The scientific community has shown considerable interest in proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) in the last decade, indicating their remarkable potential as a means of achieving targeted protein degradation (TPD). Not only are PROTACs seen as valuable tools in molecular biology but their emergence as a modality for drug discovery has also garnered significant attention. PROTACs bind to E3 ligases and target proteins through respective ligands connected via a linker to induce proteasome-mediated protein degradation. The discovery of small molecule ligands for E3 ligases has led to the prevalent use of various E3 ligases in PROTAC design. Furthermore, the incorporation of different types of linkers has proven beneficial in enhancing the efficacy of PROTACs. By far more than 3300 PROTACs have been reported in the literature. Notably, Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL)-based PROTACs have surfaced as a propitious strategy for targeting proteins, even encompassing those that were previously considered non-druggable. VHL is extensively utilized as an E3 ligase in the advancement of PROTACs owing to its widespread expression in various tissues and well-documented binders. Here, we review the discovery of VHL ligands, the types of linkers employed to develop VHL-based PROTACs, and their subsequent modulation to design advanced non-conventional degraders to target various disease-causing proteins. Furthermore, we provide an overview of other E3 ligases recruited in the field of PROTAC technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nisha Setia
- Medicinal Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Biosciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi, 110025, India
| | | | - Mohammad Abid
- Medicinal Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Biosciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi, 110025, India.
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2
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Henry M, Riley CM, Hunter I, Elwood JML, Lopez-Fernandez JD, Minty L, Coe DM, McEwan IJ, Jamieson C. Synthesis and Evaluation of Small Molecule Inhibitors of the Androgen Receptor N-Terminal Domain. ACS Med Chem Lett 2023; 14:1800-1806. [PMID: 38116409 PMCID: PMC10726465 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.3c00426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The androgen receptor (AR) is central to prostate cancer pathogenesis and has been extensively validated as a drug target. However, small-molecule anti-androgen therapies remain limited due to resistance and will eventually fail to suppress tumor growth, resulting in progression to castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). The intrinsically disordered N-terminal domain (NTD) is crucial for AR transactivation and has been investigated as a suitable target in the presence of ligand binding domain mutations. A screening campaign identified biaryl isoxazole compound 7 as a weak inhibitor of the AR NTD. A library of biaryl analogues were synthesized, and their biological activities were assessed in a VCaP cell-based luciferase reporter gene assay. A structure-activity relationship (SAR) study revealed that indazole analogue 16 exhibited increased potency and favorable physicochemical properties with a benchmarked pharmacokinetic profile, providing a suitable starting point for further optimization of 16 as a CRPC therapeutic in the presence of AR mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martyn
C. Henry
- Department
of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University
of Strathclyde, 295 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G1 1XL, U.K.
| | - Christopher M. Riley
- Department
of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University
of Strathclyde, 295 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G1 1XL, U.K.
| | - Irene Hunter
- Institute
of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, U.K.
| | - Jessica M. L. Elwood
- Department
of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University
of Strathclyde, 295 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G1 1XL, U.K.
| | - J. Daniel Lopez-Fernandez
- Department
of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University
of Strathclyde, 295 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G1 1XL, U.K.
| | - Laura Minty
- Department
of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University
of Strathclyde, 295 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G1 1XL, U.K.
| | - Diane M. Coe
- Medicine
Design, GlaxoSmithKline R&D Ltd, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K.
| | - Iain J. McEwan
- Institute
of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, U.K.
| | - Craig Jamieson
- Department
of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University
of Strathclyde, 295 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G1 1XL, U.K.
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3
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Riley CM, Elwood JML, Henry MC, Hunter I, Daniel Lopez-Fernandez J, McEwan IJ, Jamieson C. Current and emerging approaches to noncompetitive AR inhibition. Med Res Rev 2023; 43:1701-1747. [PMID: 37062876 DOI: 10.1002/med.21961] [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: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
The androgen receptor (AR) has been shown to be a key determinant in the pathogenesis of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). The current standard of care therapies targets the ligand-binding domain of the receptor and can afford improvements to life expectancy often only in the order of months before resistance occurs. Emerging preclinical and clinical compounds that inhibit receptor activity via differentiated mechanisms of action which are orthogonal to current antiandrogens show promise for overcoming treatment resistance. In this review, we present an authoritative summary of molecules that noncompetitively target the AR. Emerging small molecule strategies for targeting alternative domains of the AR represent a promising area of research that shows significant potential for future therapies. The overall quality of lead candidates in the area of noncompetitive AR inhibition is discussed, and it identifies the key chemotypes and associated properties which are likely to be, or are currently, positioned to be first in human applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher M Riley
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Jessica M L Elwood
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Martyn C Henry
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Irene Hunter
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | | | - Iain J McEwan
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Craig Jamieson
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
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4
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Avgeris I, Pliatsika D, Nikolaropoulos SS, Fousteris MA. Targeting androgen receptor for prostate cancer therapy: From small molecules to PROTACs. Bioorg Chem 2022; 128:106089. [PMID: 35973305 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2022.106089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) remains a serious type of cancer for men worldwide. The majority of new PCa cases are associated with androgen receptor (AR) hyperactivity. Various AR-targeting molecules that suppress its activity have been discovered. In this review, we present the already marketed antiandrogens and a selection of structurally and chemically interesting AR-targeting compounds, from a pharmacochemical perspective. Focus has been placed on the applied design approaches, structural evolution and structure-activity relationships of the most prominent compound classes. Passing from the traditional steroidal AR antagonists to the modern AR-targeting proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs), we intend to provide a comprehensive overview on AR-targeting molecules for PCa treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Avgeris
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras, Patras GR-26500, Greece
| | - Dimanthi Pliatsika
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras, Patras GR-26500, Greece
| | - Sotiris S Nikolaropoulos
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras, Patras GR-26500, Greece
| | - Manolis A Fousteris
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras, Patras GR-26500, Greece.
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5
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Influence of Androgen Receptor Antagonist MDV3100 Therapy on Rats With Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. Int Neurourol J 2021; 25:219-228. [PMID: 34610715 PMCID: PMC8497737 DOI: 10.5213/inj.2142004.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To probe the effect and mechanism of androgen receptor antagonist MDV3100 on benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) of rats Methods BPH rat model was induced by testosterone propionate. Then antagomir-miR-21-3p or agomir-miR-21-3p was injected into rats before MDV3100 treatment. The prostate index was measured by weighing the wet weight of the rat prostate. The structural morphology of rat prostate was observed after hematoxylin & eosin staining. Immunohistochemistry was applied to evaluate the expression levels of Ki-6 and inflammatory cytokines (interleukin [IL]-6, IL-18, and tumor necrosis factor-α) in rat prostate tissues. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was utilized for assessment of miR-21-3p expression, and Western blot for the performance of the phosphorylation levels of IKKα and p65. Results Injection of testosterone propionate caused increased prostate gland hyperplasia, heightened miR-21-3p level, and activated nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway. Additionally, BPH was accompanied by inflammatory response, as evidenced by enhanced expressions of Ki-67 and inflammatory cytokines. MDV3100 exposure ameliorated BPH and suppressed miR-21-3p expression. Overexpression of miR-21-3p intensified BPH and inflammation level, while knockdown of miR-21-3p relieved BPH. The coeffect of miR-21-3p upregulation and MDV3100 subjection led to higher inflammatory response, elevated phosphorylation levels of IKKα and p65 than MDV3100 treatment alone. Conclusions Androgen receptor antagonist MDV3100 alleviates BPH and inflammatory response through miR-21-3p downregulation and NF-κB signaling pathway blockade.
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6
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Ban F, Leblanc E, Cavga AD, Huang CCF, Flory MR, Zhang F, Chang MEK, Morin H, Lallous N, Singh K, Gleave ME, Mohammed H, Rennie PS, Lack NA, Cherkasov A. Development of an Androgen Receptor Inhibitor Targeting the N-Terminal Domain of Androgen Receptor for Treatment of Castration Resistant Prostate Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:3488. [PMID: 34298700 PMCID: PMC8304761 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13143488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer patients undergoing androgen deprivation therapy almost invariably develop castration-resistant prostate cancer. Resistance can occur when mutations in the androgen receptor (AR) render anti-androgen drugs ineffective or through the expression of constitutively active splice variants lacking the androgen binding domain entirely (e.g., ARV7). In this study, we are reporting the discovery of a novel AR-NTD covalent inhibitor 1-chloro-3-[(5-([(2S)-3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl]amino)naphthalen-1-yl)amino]propan-2-ol (VPC-220010) targeting the AR-N-terminal Domain (AR-NTD). VPC-220010 inhibits AR-mediated transcription of full length and truncated variant ARV7, downregulates AR response genes, and selectively reduces the growth of both full-length AR- and truncated AR-dependent prostate cancer cell lines. We show that VPC-220010 disrupts interactions between AR and known coactivators and coregulatory proteins, such as CHD4, FOXA1, ZMIZ1, and several SWI/SNF complex proteins. Taken together, our data suggest that VPC-220010 is a promising small molecule that can be further optimized into effective AR-NTD inhibitor for the treatment of CRPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuqiang Ban
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada; (F.B.); (E.L.); (C.-C.F.H.); (F.Z.); (H.M.); (N.L.); (K.S.); (M.E.G.); (P.S.R.); (N.A.L.)
| | - Eric Leblanc
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada; (F.B.); (E.L.); (C.-C.F.H.); (F.Z.); (H.M.); (N.L.); (K.S.); (M.E.G.); (P.S.R.); (N.A.L.)
| | - Ayse Derya Cavga
- School of Medicine, Koç University, Rumelifeneri Yolu, 34450 Istanbul, Turkey;
| | - Chia-Chi Flora Huang
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada; (F.B.); (E.L.); (C.-C.F.H.); (F.Z.); (H.M.); (N.L.); (K.S.); (M.E.G.); (P.S.R.); (N.A.L.)
| | - Mark R. Flory
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 S.W. Sam Jackson Park Rd., Portland, OR 97239-3098, USA; (M.R.F.); (M.E.K.C.); (H.M.)
| | - Fan Zhang
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada; (F.B.); (E.L.); (C.-C.F.H.); (F.Z.); (H.M.); (N.L.); (K.S.); (M.E.G.); (P.S.R.); (N.A.L.)
| | - Matthew E. K. Chang
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 S.W. Sam Jackson Park Rd., Portland, OR 97239-3098, USA; (M.R.F.); (M.E.K.C.); (H.M.)
| | - Hélène Morin
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada; (F.B.); (E.L.); (C.-C.F.H.); (F.Z.); (H.M.); (N.L.); (K.S.); (M.E.G.); (P.S.R.); (N.A.L.)
| | - Nada Lallous
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada; (F.B.); (E.L.); (C.-C.F.H.); (F.Z.); (H.M.); (N.L.); (K.S.); (M.E.G.); (P.S.R.); (N.A.L.)
| | - Kriti Singh
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada; (F.B.); (E.L.); (C.-C.F.H.); (F.Z.); (H.M.); (N.L.); (K.S.); (M.E.G.); (P.S.R.); (N.A.L.)
| | - Martin E. Gleave
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada; (F.B.); (E.L.); (C.-C.F.H.); (F.Z.); (H.M.); (N.L.); (K.S.); (M.E.G.); (P.S.R.); (N.A.L.)
| | - Hisham Mohammed
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 S.W. Sam Jackson Park Rd., Portland, OR 97239-3098, USA; (M.R.F.); (M.E.K.C.); (H.M.)
| | - Paul S. Rennie
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada; (F.B.); (E.L.); (C.-C.F.H.); (F.Z.); (H.M.); (N.L.); (K.S.); (M.E.G.); (P.S.R.); (N.A.L.)
| | - Nathan A. Lack
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada; (F.B.); (E.L.); (C.-C.F.H.); (F.Z.); (H.M.); (N.L.); (K.S.); (M.E.G.); (P.S.R.); (N.A.L.)
- School of Medicine, Koç University, Rumelifeneri Yolu, 34450 Istanbul, Turkey;
- Koç University Research Centre for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Koç University, Rumelifeneri Yolu, 34450 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Artem Cherkasov
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada; (F.B.); (E.L.); (C.-C.F.H.); (F.Z.); (H.M.); (N.L.); (K.S.); (M.E.G.); (P.S.R.); (N.A.L.)
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7
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Wu H, Ren J, Zhao L, Li Z, Ye W, Yang Y, Wang J, Bian J. Identification of novel androgen receptor degrading agents to treat advanced prostate cancer. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 217:113376. [PMID: 33756125 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most common malignancies affecting men worldwide. Androgen receptor (AR) has been a target of PCa treatment for nearly six decades. AR antagonists/degraders can effectively treat PCa caused by increased AR overexpression. However, all approved AR antagonists have similar chemical structures and exhibit the same mode of action on the protein. Although initially effective, resistance to these AR antagonists usually develops. Therefore, this calls for the identification of novel chemical structures of AR antagonists to overcome the resistance. Herein, we employed the synergetic combination of virtual and experimental screening to identify a flavonoid compound which not only effectively inhibits AR transcriptional activity, but also induces the degradation of the protein. Based on this compound, we designed and synthesized a series of derivatives. We discovered that the most potent compound 10e could effectively inhibit AR transcriptional activity, and possessed a profound ability to cause degradation of both full length- and ARv7 truncated forms of human AR. Notably, 10e efficiently inhibited the growth of ARv7 dependent prostate cancer cell-lines, which are completely resistant to all current anti-androgens. Compound 10e also showed strong antitumor activity in the LNCaP (androgen dependent prostate cancer cell line) in vivo xenograft model. These results provide a foundation for the development of a new class of AR antagonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongxi Wu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Jie Ren
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Lulu Zhao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Zhiyu Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Wanli Ye
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yong Yang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Jubo Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Jinlei Bian
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
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8
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Synthesis of new hetero-arylidene-9(10H)-anthrone derivatives and their biological evaluation. Bioorg Chem 2020; 99:103849. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2020.103849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2019] [Revised: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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9
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Lu C, Brown LC, Antonarakis ES, Armstrong AJ, Luo J. Androgen receptor variant-driven prostate cancer II: advances in laboratory investigations. Prostate Cancer Prostatic Dis 2020; 23:381-397. [PMID: 32139878 PMCID: PMC7725416 DOI: 10.1038/s41391-020-0217-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2019] [Revised: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Background: The androgen receptor (AR) is a key prostate cancer drug target.
Suppression of AR signaling mediated by the full-length AR (AR-FL) is the
therapeutic goal of all existing AR-directed therapies. AR-targeting agents
impart therapeutic benefit, but lead to AR aberrations that underlie disease
progression and therapeutic resistance. Among the AR aberrations specific to
castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), AR variants (AR-Vs) have
emerged as important indicators of disease progression and therapeutic
resistance. Methods: We conducted a systemic review of the literature focusing on recent
laboratory studies on AR-Vs following our last review article published in
2016. Topics ranged from measurement and detection, molecular origin,
regulation, genomic function, and preclinical therapeutic targeting of
AR-Vs. We provide expert opinions and perspectives on these topics. Results: Transcript sequences for 22 AR-Vs have been reported in the
literature. Different AR-Vs may arise through different mechanisms, and can
be regulated by splicing factors and dictated by genomic rearrangements, but
a low-androgen environment is a prerequisite for generation of AR-Vs. The
unique transcript structures allowed development of in-situ and in-solution
measurement and detection methods, including mRNA and protein detection, in
both tissue and blood specimens. AR variant-7 (AR-V7) remains the main
measurement target and the most extensively characterized AR-V. Although
AR-V7 co-exists with AR-FL, genomic functions mediated by AR-V7 do not
require the presence of AR-FL. The distinct cistromes and transcriptional
programs directed by AR-V7 and their co-regulators are consistent with
genomic features of progressive disease in a low-androgen environment.
Preclinical development of AR-V-directed agents currently focuses on
suppression of mRNA expression and protein degradation as well as targeting
of the amino-terminal domain. Conclusions: Current literature continues to support AR-Vs as biomarkers and
therapeutic targets in prostate cancer. Laboratory investigations reveal
both challenges and opportunities in targeting AR-Vs to overcome resistance
to current AR-directed therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changxue Lu
- Department of Urology, James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Landon C Brown
- Departments of Medicine, Surgery, and Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Divisions of Medical Oncology and Urology, Duke Cancer Institute Center for Prostate and Urologic Cancers, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Emmanuel S Antonarakis
- Department of Urology, James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Departments of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Andrew J Armstrong
- Departments of Medicine, Surgery, and Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Divisions of Medical Oncology and Urology, Duke Cancer Institute Center for Prostate and Urologic Cancers, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Jun Luo
- Department of Urology, James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA. .,Departments of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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10
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Direct electrochemical oxidation of alcohols with hydrogen evolution in continuous-flow reactor. Nat Commun 2019; 10:2796. [PMID: 31243290 PMCID: PMC6594969 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-10928-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Alcohol oxidation reactions are widely used for the preparation of aldehydes and ketones. The electrolysis of alcohols to carbonyl compounds have been underutilized owing to low efficiency. Herein, we report an electrochemical oxidation of various alcohols in a continuous-flow reactor without external oxidants, base or mediators. The robust electrochemical oxidation is performed for a variety of alcohols with good functional group tolerance, high efficiency and atom economy, whereas mechanistic studies support the benzylic radical intermediate formation and hydrogen evolution. The electrochemical oxidation proves viable on diols with excellent levels of selectivity for the benzylic position.
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11
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Wang HJ, Pochampalli M, Wang LY, Zou JX, Li PS, Hsu SC, Wang BJ, Huang SH, Yang P, Yang JC, Chu CY, Hsieh CL, Sung SY, Li CF, Tepper CG, Ann DK, Gao AC, Evans CP, Izumiya Y, Chuu CP, Wang WC, Chen HW, Kung HJ. KDM8/JMJD5 as a dual coactivator of AR and PKM2 integrates AR/EZH2 network and tumor metabolism in CRPC. Oncogene 2019; 38:17-32. [PMID: 30072740 PMCID: PMC6755995 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-018-0414-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2017] [Revised: 05/19/2018] [Accepted: 06/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
During the evolution into castration or therapy resistance, prostate cancer cells reprogram the androgen responses to cope with the diminishing level of androgens, and undergo metabolic adaption to the nutritionally deprived and hypoxia conditions. AR (androgen receptor) and PKM2 (pyruvate kinase M2) have key roles in these processes. We report in this study, KDM8/JMJD5, a histone lysine demethylase/dioxygnase, exhibits a novel property as a dual coactivator of AR and PKM2 and as such, it is a potent inducer of castration and therapy resistance. Previously, we showed that KDM8 is involved in the regulation of cell cycle and tumor metabolism in breast cancer cells. Its role in prostate cancer has not been explored. Here, we show that KDM8's oncogenic properties in prostate cancer come from its direct interaction (1) with AR to affect androgen response and (2) with PKM2 to regulate tumor metabolism. The interaction with AR leads to the elevated expression of androgen response genes in androgen-deprived conditions. They include ANCCA/ATAD2 and EZH2, which are directly targeted by KDM8 and involved in sustaining the survival of the cells under hormone-deprived conditions. Notably, in enzalutamide-resistant cells, the expressions of both KDM8 and EZH2 are further elevated, so are neuroendocrine markers. Consequently, EZH2 inhibitors or KDM8 knockdown both resensitize the cells toward enzalutamide. In the cytosol, KDM8 associates with PKM2, the gatekeeper of pyruvate flux and translocates PKM2 into the nucleus, where the KDM8/PKM2 complex serves as a coactivator of HIF-1α to upregulate glycolytic genes. Using shRNA knockdown, we validate KDM8's functions as a regulator for both androgen-responsive and metabolic genes. KDM8 thus presents itself as an ideal therapeutic target for metabolic adaptation and castration-resistance of prostate cancer cells.
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MESH Headings
- ATPases Associated with Diverse Cellular Activities/physiology
- Active Transport, Cell Nucleus
- Adenocarcinoma/metabolism
- Adenocarcinoma/pathology
- Animals
- Benzamides
- Carrier Proteins/metabolism
- Cell Line, Tumor
- DNA-Binding Proteins/physiology
- Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 Protein/antagonists & inhibitors
- Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 Protein/biosynthesis
- Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 Protein/genetics
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Gene Knockdown Techniques
- Glycolysis/genetics
- Heterografts
- Histone Demethylases/biosynthesis
- Histone Demethylases/genetics
- Histone Demethylases/physiology
- Humans
- Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit/metabolism
- Male
- Membrane Proteins/metabolism
- Mice, Nude
- Neoplasm Proteins/antagonists & inhibitors
- Neoplasm Proteins/biosynthesis
- Neoplasm Proteins/genetics
- Neoplasm Proteins/physiology
- Nitriles
- Phenylthiohydantoin/analogs & derivatives
- Phenylthiohydantoin/pharmacology
- Phenylthiohydantoin/therapeutic use
- Prostatic Neoplasms, Castration-Resistant/metabolism
- Prostatic Neoplasms, Castration-Resistant/pathology
- Protein Interaction Mapping
- RNA, Small Interfering/genetics
- Receptors, Androgen/genetics
- Receptors, Androgen/metabolism
- Thyroid Hormones/metabolism
- Thyroid Hormone-Binding Proteins
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Affiliation(s)
- Hung-Jung Wang
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, 35053, Miaoli County, Taiwan.
- Institute of Molecular and Genomic Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, 35053, Miaoli County, Taiwan.
| | - Mamata Pochampalli
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, 95817, USA
| | - Ling-Yu Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, 95817, USA
| | - June X Zou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, 95817, USA
| | - Pei-Shan Li
- Institute of Molecular and Genomic Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, 35053, Miaoli County, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Chieh Hsu
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, 35053, Miaoli County, Taiwan
- Institute of Biotechnology, National Tsing-Hua University, 30035, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Bi-Juan Wang
- Institute of Cellular and System Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, 35053, Miaoli County, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Han Huang
- Institute of Cellular and System Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, 35053, Miaoli County, Taiwan
| | - Ping Yang
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, 95817, USA
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Joy C Yang
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, 95817, USA
| | - Cheng-Ying Chu
- Ph.D. Program for Translational Medicine, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Ling Hsieh
- Ph.D. Program for Translational Medicine, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Shian-Ying Sung
- Ph.D. Program for Translational Medicine, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Feng Li
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, 35053, Miaoli County, Taiwan
| | - Clifford G Tepper
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, 95817, USA
| | - David K Ann
- Ph.D. Program for Translational Medicine, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei City, Taiwan
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Allen C Gao
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, 35053, Miaoli County, Taiwan
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, 95817, USA
| | - Christopher P Evans
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, 95817, USA
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Yoshihiro Izumiya
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Chi-Pin Chuu
- Institute of Cellular and System Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, 35053, Miaoli County, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Ching Wang
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Tsing-Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Hong-Wu Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, 95817, USA
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Hsing-Jien Kung
- Institute of Molecular and Genomic Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, 35053, Miaoli County, Taiwan.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, 95817, USA.
- Institute of Biotechnology, National Tsing-Hua University, 30035, Hsinchu, Taiwan.
- Ph.D. Program for Translational Medicine, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei City, Taiwan.
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12
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Carabet LA, Lallous N, Leblanc E, Ban F, Morin H, Lawn S, Ghaidi F, Lee J, Mills IG, Gleave ME, Rennie PS, Cherkasov A. Computer-aided drug discovery of Myc-Max inhibitors as potential therapeutics for prostate cancer. Eur J Med Chem 2018; 160:108-119. [PMID: 30326371 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2018.09.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2018] [Revised: 09/06/2018] [Accepted: 09/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
While Myc is an essential regulator of growth in normal cells, it is also frequently associated with cancer progression, therapy-resistance and lethal outcomes in most human cancers. In prostate cancer (PCa), Myc transcription factors are implicated in the pathogenesis and progression of the full spectrum of PCa, from adenocarcinoma to advanced castration-resistant and neuroendocrine phenotypes. Though a high-value therapeutic target, clinically approved anti-Myc drugs have yet to be discovered. To elicit its oncogenic effects, Myc must form a heterodimer with its partner Max, which together bind DNA and activate transcription of a spectrum of target genes that promote cell growth, proliferation, metabolism, and apoptosis while blocking differentiation. In this study, we identified a binding site on the DNA-binding domain of the structurally ordered Myc-Max complex and employed a computer-aided rational drug discovery approach to identify small molecules that effectively inhibit Myc-Max functionality. A large-scale virtual screening protocol implementing structure-based methodologies was utilized to select a set of top-ranked compounds that were subsequently evaluated experimentally and characterized mechanistically for their ability to inhibit Myc-Max transcriptional activity and subsequent downstream functions, to reduce viability in PCa cell lines, disrupt protein-DNA interactions and to induce apoptosis as their mechanism of action. Among compounds identified that effectively inhibit Myc-Max activity with low to mid-micromolar range potency and no or minimal generic cytotoxicity, VPC-70067, a close analog of the previously identified Myc inhibitor 10058-F4, served as proof-of-concept that our in silico drug discovery strategy performed as expected. Compound VPC-70063, of a chemically different scaffold, was the best performer in a panel of in vitro assays, and the forerunner for future hit-to-lead optimization efforts. These findings lay a foundation for developing more potent, specific and clinically optimized Myc-Max inhibitors that may serve as promising therapeutics, alone or in combination with current anti-cancer treatments, for treatment of specific phenotypes or heterogeneous tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lavinia A Carabet
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | - Nada Lallous
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | - Eric Leblanc
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | - Fuqiang Ban
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | - Helene Morin
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | - Sam Lawn
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | - Fariba Ghaidi
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | - Joseph Lee
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | - Ian G Mills
- Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Queen's University, Belfast, United Kingdom; Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Martin E Gleave
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | - Paul S Rennie
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | - Artem Cherkasov
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6H 3Z6, Canada.
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13
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Dalal K, Morin H, Ban F, Shepherd A, Fernandez M, Tam KJ, Li H, LeBlanc E, Lack N, Prinz H, Rennie PS, Cherkasov A. Small molecule-induced degradation of the full length and V7 truncated variant forms of human androgen receptor. Eur J Med Chem 2018; 157:1164-1173. [PMID: 30193215 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2018.08.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2018] [Revised: 08/05/2018] [Accepted: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The androgen receptor (AR) is a hormone-activated transcription factor that regulates the development and progression of prostate cancer (PCa) and represents one of the most well-established drug targets. Currently clinically approved small molecule inhibitors of AR, such as enzalutamide, are built upon a common chemical scaffold that interacts with the AR by the same mechanism of action. These inhibitors eventually fail due to the emergence of drug-resistance in the form of AR mutations and expression of truncated AR splice variants (e.g. AR-V7) that are constitutively active, signalling the progression of the castration-resistant state of the disease. The urgent need therefore continues for novel classes of AR inhibitors that can overcome drug resistance, especially since AR signalling remains important even in late-stage advanced PCa. Previously, we identified a collection of 10-benzylidene-10H-anthracen-9-ones that effectively inhibit AR transcriptional activity, induce AR degradation and display some ability to block recruitment of hormones to the receptor. In the current work, we extended the analysis of the lead compounds, and used methods of both ligand- and structure-based drug design to develop a panel of novel 10-benzylidene-10H-anthracen-9-one derivatives capable of suppressing transcriptional activity and protein expression levels of both full length- and AR-V7 truncated forms of human androgen receptor. Importantly, the developed compounds efficiently inhibited the growth of AR-V7 dependent prostate cancer cell-lines which are completely resistant to all current anti-androgens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kush Dalal
- Vancouver Prostate Centre (VPC), 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6H3Z6, Canada
| | - Helene Morin
- Vancouver Prostate Centre (VPC), 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6H3Z6, Canada
| | - Fuqiang Ban
- Vancouver Prostate Centre (VPC), 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6H3Z6, Canada
| | - Ashley Shepherd
- Vancouver Prostate Centre (VPC), 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6H3Z6, Canada
| | - Michael Fernandez
- Vancouver Prostate Centre (VPC), 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6H3Z6, Canada
| | - Kevin J Tam
- Vancouver Prostate Centre (VPC), 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6H3Z6, Canada
| | - Huifang Li
- Vancouver Prostate Centre (VPC), 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6H3Z6, Canada
| | - Eric LeBlanc
- Vancouver Prostate Centre (VPC), 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6H3Z6, Canada
| | - Nathan Lack
- Vancouver Prostate Centre (VPC), 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6H3Z6, Canada
| | - Helge Prinz
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Corrensstr. 48, D-48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Paul S Rennie
- Vancouver Prostate Centre (VPC), 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6H3Z6, Canada
| | - Artem Cherkasov
- Vancouver Prostate Centre (VPC), 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6H3Z6, Canada.
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14
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Peixoto D, Figueiredo M, Malta G, Roma-Rodrigues C, Baptista PV, Fernandes AR, Barroso S, Carvalho AL, Afonso CAM, Ferreira LM, Branco PS. Synthesis, Cytotoxicity Evaluation in Human Cell Lines and in Vitro DNA Interaction of a Hetero-Arylidene-9(10H
)-Anthrone. European J Org Chem 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/ejoc.201701500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Peixoto
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, DQ, 2829-516, Caparica, Portugal; Faculdade de Ciâncias e Tecnologia; Universidade NOVA de Lisboa; 2829-516 Caparica Portugal
| | - Margarida Figueiredo
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, DQ, 2829-516, Caparica, Portugal; Faculdade de Ciâncias e Tecnologia; Universidade NOVA de Lisboa; 2829-516 Caparica Portugal
| | - Gabriela Malta
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, DQ, 2829-516, Caparica, Portugal; Faculdade de Ciâncias e Tecnologia; Universidade NOVA de Lisboa; 2829-516 Caparica Portugal
| | - Catarina Roma-Rodrigues
- UCIBIO-REQUIMTE, DCV; Faculdade de Ciâncias e Tecnologia; Universidade NOVA de Lisboa; 2829-516 Caparica Portugal
| | - Pedro V. Baptista
- UCIBIO-REQUIMTE, DCV; Faculdade de Ciâncias e Tecnologia; Universidade NOVA de Lisboa; 2829-516 Caparica Portugal
| | - Alexandra R. Fernandes
- UCIBIO-REQUIMTE, DCV; Faculdade de Ciâncias e Tecnologia; Universidade NOVA de Lisboa; 2829-516 Caparica Portugal
| | - Sónia Barroso
- UCIBIO-REQUIMTE, DQ; Faculdade de Ciâncias e Tecnologia; Universidade NOVA de Lisboa; 2829-516 Caparica Portugal
| | - Ana Luísa Carvalho
- UCIBIO-REQUIMTE, DQ; Faculdade de Ciâncias e Tecnologia; Universidade NOVA de Lisboa; 2829-516 Caparica Portugal
| | - Carlos A. M. Afonso
- iMed.ULisboa; Faculdade de Farmácia; Universidade de Lisboa; Av. Prof. Gama Pinto 1649-003 Lisboa Portugal
| | - Luisa M. Ferreira
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, DQ, 2829-516, Caparica, Portugal; Faculdade de Ciâncias e Tecnologia; Universidade NOVA de Lisboa; 2829-516 Caparica Portugal
| | - Paula S. Branco
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, DQ, 2829-516, Caparica, Portugal; Faculdade de Ciâncias e Tecnologia; Universidade NOVA de Lisboa; 2829-516 Caparica Portugal
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15
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Churcher I. Protac-Induced Protein Degradation in Drug Discovery: Breaking the Rules or Just Making New Ones? J Med Chem 2018; 61:444-452. [PMID: 29144739 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.7b01272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 298] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Targeted protein degradation, using bifunctional small molecules (Protacs) to remove specific proteins from within cells, has emerged as a novel drug discovery strategy with the potential to offer therapeutic interventions not achievable with existing approaches. In this Perspective, the brief history of the field is surveyed from a drug discovery perspective with a focus on the key advances in knowledge which have led to the definition and exemplification of protein degradation concepts and their resulting applications to medicine discovery. The approach has the potential to bring disruptive change to drug discovery; the many potential advantages and outstanding challenges which lie ahead of this technology are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian Churcher
- BenevolentBio , 40 Churchway, London NW1 1LW, U.K
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16
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Abstract
Small-molecule drug discovery has traditionally focused on occupancy of a binding site that directly affects protein function, and this approach typically precludes targeting proteins that lack such amenable sites. Furthermore, high systemic drug exposures may be needed to maintain sufficient target inhibition in vivo, increasing the risk of undesirable off-target effects. Induced protein degradation is an alternative approach that is event-driven: upon drug binding, the target protein is tagged for elimination. Emerging technologies based on proteolysis-targeting chimaeras (PROTACs) that exploit cellular quality control machinery to selectively degrade target proteins are attracting considerable attention in the pharmaceutical industry owing to the advantages they could offer over traditional small-molecule strategies. These advantages include the potential to reduce systemic drug exposure, the ability to counteract increased target protein expression that often accompanies inhibition of protein function and the potential ability to target proteins that are not currently therapeutically tractable, such as transcription factors, scaffolding and regulatory proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Craig M. Crews
- Departments of Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology; Chemistry; Pharmacology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
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17
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Xu YM, Liu MX, Grunow N, Wijeratne EMK, Paine-Murrieta G, Felder S, Kris RM, Gunatilaka AAL. Discovery of Potent 17β-Hydroxywithanolides for Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer by High-Throughput Screening of a Natural Products Library for Androgen-Induced Gene Expression Inhibitors. J Med Chem 2015; 58:6984-93. [PMID: 26305181 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.5b00867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PC) is the second most prevalent cancer among men in Western societies, and those who develop metastatic castration-resistant PC (CRPC) invariably succumb to the disease. The need for effective treatments for CRPC is a pressing concern, especially due to limited durable responses with currently employed therapies. Here, we demonstrate the successful application of a high-throughput gene-expression profiling assay directly targeting genes of the androgen receptor pathway to screen a natural products library leading to the identification of 17β-hydroxywithanolides 1-5, of which physachenolide D (5) exhibited potent and selective in vitro activity against two PC cell lines, LNCaP and PC-3. Epoxidation of 5 afforded physachenolide C (6) with higher potency and stability. Structure-activity relationships for withanolides as potential anti-PC agents are presented together with in vivo efficacy studies on compound 6, suggesting that 17β-hydroxywithanolides are promising candidates for further development as CRPC therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Ming Xu
- Natural Products Center, School of Natural Resources and the Environment, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, University of Arizona , 250 East Valencia Road, Tucson, Arizona 85706, United States
| | - Manping X Liu
- Natural Products Center, School of Natural Resources and the Environment, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, University of Arizona , 250 East Valencia Road, Tucson, Arizona 85706, United States
| | - Nathan Grunow
- NuvoGen Research LLC , P.O. Box 64326, Tucson, Arizona 85728, United States
| | - E M Kithsiri Wijeratne
- Natural Products Center, School of Natural Resources and the Environment, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, University of Arizona , 250 East Valencia Road, Tucson, Arizona 85706, United States
| | - Gillian Paine-Murrieta
- University of Arizona Cancer Center , 1515 North Campbell Avenue, Tucson, Arizona 85724, United States
| | - Stephen Felder
- NuvoGen Research LLC , P.O. Box 64326, Tucson, Arizona 85728, United States
| | - Richard M Kris
- NuvoGen Research LLC , P.O. Box 64326, Tucson, Arizona 85728, United States
| | - A A Leslie Gunatilaka
- Natural Products Center, School of Natural Resources and the Environment, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, University of Arizona , 250 East Valencia Road, Tucson, Arizona 85706, United States
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18
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Tian X, He Y, Zhou J. Progress in antiandrogen design targeting hormone binding pocket to circumvent mutation based resistance. Front Pharmacol 2015; 6:57. [PMID: 25852559 PMCID: PMC4371693 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2015.00057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2014] [Accepted: 03/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Androgen receptor (AR) plays a critical role in the development and progression of prostate cancer (PCa). Current clinically used antiandrogens such as flutamide, bicalutamide, and newly approved enzalutamide mainly target the hormone binding pocket (HBP) of AR. However, over time, drug resistance invariably develops and switches these antiandrogens from antagonist to agonist of the AR. Accumulated evidence indicates that AR mutation is an important cause for the drug resistance. This review will give an overview of the mutation based resistance of the current clinically used antiandrogens and the rational drug design to overcome the resistance, provides a promising strategy for the development of the new generation of antiandrogens targeting HBP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohong Tian
- Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, Mcgill University Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Yang He
- Immunology, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology Chinese Academy of Medical Science Beijing, China
| | - Jinming Zhou
- Immunology, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology Chinese Academy of Medical Science Beijing, China
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19
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Li H, Ban F, Dalal K, Leblanc E, Frewin K, Ma D, Adomat H, Rennie PS, Cherkasov A. Discovery of small-molecule inhibitors selectively targeting the DNA-binding domain of the human androgen receptor. J Med Chem 2014; 57:6458-67. [PMID: 25062331 DOI: 10.1021/jm500802j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The human androgen receptor (AR) is considered as a master regulator in the development and progression of prostate cancer (PCa). As resistance to clinically used anti-AR drugs remains a major challenge for the treatment of advanced PCa, there is a pressing need for new anti-AR therapeutic avenues. In this study, we identified a binding site on the DNA binding domain (DBD) of the receptor and utilized virtual screening to discover a set of micromolar hits for the target. Through further exploration of the most potent hit (1), a structural analogue (6) was identified demonstrating 10-fold improved anti-AR potency. Further optimization resulted in a more potent synthetic analogue (25) with anti-AR potency comparable to a newly FDA-approved drug Enzalutamide. Site-directed mutagenesis demonstrated that the developed inhibitors do interact with the intended target site. Importantly, the AR DBD inhibitors could effectively inhibit the growth of Enzalutamide-resistant cells as well as block the transcriptional activity of constitutively active AR splice variants, such as V7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huifang Li
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia , 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, British Columbia V6H 3Z6, Canada
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