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Zhao G, Zhu M, Li Y, Zhang G, Li Y. Using DNA-encoded libraries of fragments for hit discovery of challenging therapeutic targets. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2024; 19:725-740. [PMID: 38753553 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2024.2354287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The effectiveness of Fragment-based drug design (FBDD) for targeting challenging therapeutic targets has been hindered by two factors: the small library size and the complexity of the fragment-to-hit optimization process. The DNA-encoded library (DEL) technology offers a compelling and robust high-throughput selection approach to potentially address these limitations. AREA COVERED In this review, the authors propose the viewpoint that the DEL technology matches perfectly with the concept of FBDD to facilitate hit discovery. They begin by analyzing the technical limitations of FBDD from a medicinal chemistry perspective and explain why DEL may offer potential solutions to these limitations. Subsequently, they elaborate in detail on how the integration of DEL with FBDD works. In addition, they present case studies involving both de novo hit discovery and full ligand discovery, especially for challenging therapeutic targets harboring broad drug-target interfaces. EXPERT OPINION The future of DEL-based fragment discovery may be promoted by both technical advances and application scopes. From the technical aspect, expanding the chemical diversity of DEL will be essential to achieve success in fragment-based drug discovery. From the application scope side, DEL-based fragment discovery holds promise for tackling a series of challenging targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guixian Zhao
- Chongqing University FuLing Hospital, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, Innovative Drug Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Mengping Zhu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, Innovative Drug Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yangfeng Li
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, Innovative Drug Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Gong Zhang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, Innovative Drug Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yizhou Li
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, Innovative Drug Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
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2
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Zhou Y, Shen W, Gao Y, Peng J, Li Q, Wei X, Liu S, Lam FS, Mayol-Llinàs J, Zhao G, Li G, Li Y, Sun H, Cao Y, Li X. Protein-templated ligand discovery via the selection of DNA-encoded dynamic libraries. Nat Chem 2024; 16:543-555. [PMID: 38326646 DOI: 10.1038/s41557-024-01442-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
DNA-encoded chemical libraries (DELs) have become a powerful technology platform in drug discovery. Dual-pharmacophore DELs display two sets of small molecules at the termini of DNA duplexes, thereby enabling the identification of synergistic binders against biological targets, and have been successfully applied in fragment-based ligand discovery and affinity maturation of known ligands. However, dual-pharmacophore DELs identify separate binders that require subsequent linking to obtain the full ligands, which is often challenging. Here we report a protein-templated DEL selection approach that can identify full ligand/inhibitor structures from DNA-encoded dynamic libraries (DEDLs) without the need for subsequent fragment linking. Our approach is based on dynamic DNA hybridization and target-templated in situ ligand synthesis, and it incorporates and encodes the linker structures in the library, along with the building blocks, to be sampled by the target protein. To demonstrate the performance of this method, 4.35-million- and 3.00-million-member DEDLs with different library architectures were prepared, and hit selection was achieved against four therapeutically relevant target proteins.
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Grants
- AoE/P-705/16, 17301118, 17111319, 17303220, 17300321, 17318322, C7005-20G, C7016-22G, and 2122-7S04 Research Grants Council, University Grants Committee (RGC, UGC)
- 21877093, 22222702, and 91953119 National Science Foundation of China | National Natural Science Foundation of China-Yunnan Joint Fund (NSFC-Yunnan Joint Fund)
- Health@InnoHK Innovation and Technology Commission (ITF)
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhou
- Department of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Synthetic Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Laboratory for Synthetic Chemistry and Chemical Biology Limited, Health@InnoHK, Innovation and Technology Commission, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Wenyin Shen
- Department of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Synthetic Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ying Gao
- Department of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Synthetic Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jianzhao Peng
- Department of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Synthetic Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Qingrong Li
- Department of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Synthetic Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Xueying Wei
- Department of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Synthetic Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Shihao Liu
- Department of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Synthetic Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Fong Sang Lam
- Department of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Synthetic Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Joan Mayol-Llinàs
- Laboratory for Synthetic Chemistry and Chemical Biology Limited, Health@InnoHK, Innovation and Technology Commission, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Guixian Zhao
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Gang Li
- Institute of Systems and Physical Biology, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yizhou Li
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hongzhe Sun
- Department of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Synthetic Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
| | - Yan Cao
- School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xiaoyu Li
- Department of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Synthetic Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
- Laboratory for Synthetic Chemistry and Chemical Biology Limited, Health@InnoHK, Innovation and Technology Commission, Hong Kong SAR, China.
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3
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Zhang C, Liu YC, Wang D, Wang Y. Discovery of a novel ROCK2 ATP competitive inhibitor by DNA-encoded library selection. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 699:149537. [PMID: 38280309 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.149537] [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: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
Neurodegeneration disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), have garnered significant attention due to their impact on individuals and society as a whole. Understanding the mechanisms behind these disorders and developing effective therapy strategies is of utmost importance. One potential therapeutic target that has emerged is Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase 2 (ROCK2), as its accumulation and activity have been closely linked to memory loss. In this report, we present the findings of a recent discovery involving a new molecule that has the ability to competitively inhibit ROCK2 activity. This molecule was identified through the utilization of a DNA-encoded library (DEL) screening platform. Following selection against ROCK2, an off-DNA compound was synthesized and examined to ascertain its inhibitory properties, selectivity, mechanism of action, and binding mode analysis. From the screening, compound CH-2 has demonstrated an IC50 value of 28 nM against ROCK2, while exhibiting a 5-fold selectivity over ROCK1. Further analysis through molecular docking has provided insights into the specific binding modes of this compound. Our findings suggest that DEL selection offers a rapid method for identifying new inhibitors. Among these, the CH-2 compound shows promise as a potential ROCK2 inhibitor and warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenhua Zhang
- Institute for Cancer Research, School of Basic Medical Science, Health Science Center of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 76 YanTa XiLu, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
| | - Yu-Chih Liu
- TandemAI Technology Shanghai Co., Ltd., Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Depu Wang
- Med-X Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
| | - Yili Wang
- Institute for Cancer Research, School of Basic Medical Science, Health Science Center of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 76 YanTa XiLu, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China.
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4
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Puglioli S, Oehler S, Prati L, Scheuermann J, Bassi G, Cazzamalli S, Neri D, Favalli N. Impact of library input on the hit discovery rate in DNA-encoded chemical library selections. Chem Sci 2023; 14:12026-12033. [PMID: 37969600 PMCID: PMC10631129 DOI: 10.1039/d3sc03688j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA-encoded chemical libraries (DELs) are powerful drug discovery tools, enabling the parallel screening of millions of DNA-barcoded compounds. We investigated how the DEL input affects the hit discovery rate in DEL screenings. Evaluation of selection fingerprints revealed that the use of approximately 105 copies of each library member is required for the confident identification of nanomolar hits, using generally applicable methodologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Puglioli
- Philochem AG, R&D Department 8112 Otelfingen Switzerland
| | | | - Luca Prati
- Philochem AG, R&D Department 8112 Otelfingen Switzerland
| | - Jörg Scheuermann
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich) Zürich Switzerland
| | - Gabriele Bassi
- Philochem AG, R&D Department 8112 Otelfingen Switzerland
| | | | - Dario Neri
- Philochem AG, R&D Department 8112 Otelfingen Switzerland
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich) Zürich Switzerland
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5
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Shi B, Zhou Y, Li X. Recent advances in DNA-encoded dynamic libraries. RSC Chem Biol 2022; 3:407-419. [PMID: 35441147 PMCID: PMC8985084 DOI: 10.1039/d2cb00007e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The DNA-encoded chemical library (DEL) has emerged as a powerful technology platform in drug discovery and is also gaining momentum in academic research. The rapid development of DNA-/DEL-compatible chemistries has greatly expanded the chemical space accessible to DELs. DEL technology has been widely adopted in the pharmaceutical industry and a number of clinical drug candidates have been identified from DEL selections. Recent innovations have combined DELs with other legacy and emerging techniques. Among them, the DNA-encoded dynamic library (DEDL) introduces DNA encoding into the classic dynamic combinatorial libraries (DCLs) and also integrates the principle of fragment-based drug discovery (FBDD), making DEDL a novel approach with distinct features from static DELs. In this Review, we provide a summary of the recently developed DEDL methods and their applications. Future developments in DEDLs are expected to extend the application scope of DELs to complex biological systems with unique ligand-discovery capabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingbing Shi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medicine, Jining Medical University Jining Shandong 272067 P. R. China
| | - Yu Zhou
- Department of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Synthetic Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong Pokfulam Road Hong Kong SAR China
| | - Xiaoyu Li
- Department of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Synthetic Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong Pokfulam Road Hong Kong SAR China
- Laboratory for Synthetic Chemistry and Chemical Biology Limited, Health@InnoHK, Innovation and Technology Commission Units 1503-1511 15/F. Building 17W Hong Kong SAR China
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6
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Huang Y, Li Y, Li X. Strategies for developing DNA-encoded libraries beyond binding assays. Nat Chem 2022; 14:129-140. [PMID: 35121833 DOI: 10.1038/s41557-021-00877-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
DNA-encoded chemical libraries (DELs) have emerged as a powerful technology in drug discovery. The wide adoption of DELs in the pharmaceutical industry and the rapid advancements of DEL-compatible chemistry have further fuelled its development and applications. In general, a DEL has been considered as a massive binding assay to identify physical binders for individual protein targets. However, recent innovations demonstrate the capability of DELs to operate in the complex milieu of biological systems. In this Perspective, we discuss the recent progress in using DNA-encoded chemical libraries to interrogate complex biological targets and their potential to identify structures that elicit function or possess other useful properties. Future breakthroughs in these aspects are expected to catapult DEL to become a momentous technology platform not only for drug discovery but also to explore fundamental biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiran Huang
- Department of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Synthetic Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yizhou Li
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Natural Product Synthesis and Drug Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China. .,Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China.
| | - Xiaoyu Li
- Department of Chemistry and State Key Laboratory of Synthetic Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China. .,Laboratory for Synthetic Chemistry and Chemical Biology Limited, Health@InnoHK, Innovation and Technology Commission, Hong Kong SAR, China.
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7
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Plais L, Lessing A, Keller M, Martinelli A, Oehler S, Bassi G, Neri D, Scheuermann J. Universal encoding of next generation DNA-encoded chemical libraries. Chem Sci 2022; 13:967-974. [PMID: 35211261 PMCID: PMC8790773 DOI: 10.1039/d1sc05721a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA-encoded chemical libraries (DELs) are useful tools for the discovery of small molecule ligands to protein targets of pharmaceutical interest. Compared with single-pharmacophore DELs, dual-pharmacophore DELs simultaneously display two chemical moieties on both DNA strands, and allow for the construction of highly diverse and pure libraries, with a potential for targeting larger protein surfaces. Although methods for the encoding of simple, fragment-like dual-display libraries have been established, more complex libraries require a different encoding strategy. Here, we present a robust and convenient "large encoding design" (LED), which facilitates the PCR-amplification of multiple codes distributed among two partially complementary DNA strands. We experimentally implemented multiple coding regions and we compared the new DNA encoding scheme with previously reported dual-display DEL modalities in terms of amplifiability and performance in test selections against two target proteins. With the LED methodology in place, we foresee the construction and screening of DELs of unprecedented sizes and designs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Plais
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich) Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4 CH-8093 Zürich Switzerland
| | - Alice Lessing
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich) Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4 CH-8093 Zürich Switzerland
| | - Michelle Keller
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich) Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4 CH-8093 Zürich Switzerland
| | - Adriano Martinelli
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich) Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4 CH-8093 Zürich Switzerland
| | - Sebastian Oehler
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich) Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4 CH-8093 Zürich Switzerland
| | - Gabriele Bassi
- Philochem AG Libernstrasse 3 CH-8112 Otelfingen Switzerland
| | - Dario Neri
- Philochem AG Libernstrasse 3 CH-8112 Otelfingen Switzerland
| | - Jörg Scheuermann
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich) Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4 CH-8093 Zürich Switzerland
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8
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Chen Q, Zhu J. DEL Selections Against a Soluble Protein Target. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2541:155-164. [PMID: 36083554 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2545-3_19] [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] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Affinity-based DNA-encoded library (DEL) selection is considered a powerful tool for small molecule drug discovery. Such selections are a multi-round process that involves incubation of a target protein with the DEL, capture of the protein and associated DEL compounds on a solid support, separation of bound molecules from the bulk DEL that is unbound, and recovery of bound DEL molecules. Each step is of great importance in order to achieve successful selections. Here we describe the selection process against a soluble target protein in both the immobilized and in-solution modes.
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9
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Chen Q, Li Y, Lin C, Chen L, Luo H, Xia S, Liu C, Cheng X, Liu C, Li J, Dou D. OUP accepted manuscript. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:e67. [PMID: 35288754 PMCID: PMC9262588 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA-encoded library (DEL) technology is a powerful tool for small molecule identification in drug discovery, yet the reported DEL selection strategies were applied primarily on protein targets in either purified form or in cellular context. To expand the application of this technology, we employed DEL selection on an RNA target HIV-1 TAR (trans-acting responsive region), but found that the majority of signals were resulted from false positive DNA–RNA binding. We thus developed an optimized selection strategy utilizing RNA patches and competitive elution to minimize unwanted DNA binding, followed by k-mer analysis and motif search to differentiate false positive signal. This optimized strategy resulted in a very clean background in a DEL selection against Escherichia coli FMN Riboswitch, and the enriched compounds were determined with double digit nanomolar binding affinity, as well as similar potency in functional FMN competition assay. These results demonstrated the feasibility of small molecule identification against RNA targets using DEL selection. The developed experimental and computational strategy provided a promising opportunity for RNA ligand screening and expanded the application of DEL selection to a much wider context in drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Liu Chen
- HitGen Inc., Shuangliu District, Chengdu, China
| | - Hao Luo
- HitGen Inc., Shuangliu District, Chengdu, China
| | - Shuai Xia
- HitGen Inc., Shuangliu District, Chengdu, China
| | - Chuan Liu
- HitGen Inc., Shuangliu District, Chengdu, China
| | | | | | - Jin Li
- HitGen Inc., Shuangliu District, Chengdu, China
| | - Dengfeng Dou
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel: +86 28 85197385 8700;
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10
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Zhu H, Foley TL, Montgomery JI, Stanton RV. Understanding Data Noise and Uncertainty through Analysis of Replicate Samples in DNA-Encoded Library Selection. J Chem Inf Model 2021; 62:2239-2247. [PMID: 34865473 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.1c00986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
By analyzing data sets of replicate DNA-Encoded Library (DEL) selections, an approach for estimating the noise level of the experiment has been developed. Using a logarithm transformation of the number of counts associated with each compound and a subset of compounds with the highest number of counts, it is possible to assess the quality of the data through normalizing the replicates and use this same data to estimate the noise in the experiment. The noise level is seen to be dependent on sequencing depth as well as specific selection conditions. The noise estimation is independent of any cutoff used to remove low frequency compounds from the data analysis. The removal of compounds with only 1-5 read counts greatly reduces some of the challenges encountered in DEL data analysis as it can reduce the data set by greater than 100-fold without impacting the interpretation of the results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyao Zhu
- Simulation and Modelling Sciences, Pfizer Inc., Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Timothy L Foley
- Discovery Sciences, Pfizer Inc., Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | | | - Robert V Stanton
- Simulation and Modelling Sciences, Pfizer Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
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Gironda-Martínez A, Donckele EJ, Samain F, Neri D. DNA-Encoded Chemical Libraries: A Comprehensive Review with Succesful Stories and Future Challenges. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2021; 4:1265-1279. [PMID: 34423264 PMCID: PMC8369695 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.1c00118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
DNA-encoded chemical libraries (DELs) represent a versatile and powerful technology platform for the discovery of small-molecule ligands to protein targets of biological and pharmaceutical interest. DELs are collections of molecules, individually coupled to distinctive DNA tags serving as amplifiable identification barcodes. Thanks to advances in DNA-compatible reactions, selection methodologies, next-generation sequencing, and data analysis, DEL technology allows the construction and screening of libraries of unprecedented size, which has led to the discovery of highly potent ligands, some of which have progressed to clinical trials. In this Review, we present an overview of diverse approaches for the generation and screening of DEL molecular repertoires. Recent success stories are described, detailing how novel ligands were isolated from DEL screening campaigns and were further optimized by medicinal chemistry. The goal of the Review is to capture some of the most recent developments in the field, while also elaborating on future challenges to further improve DEL technology as a therapeutic discovery platform.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Florent Samain
- Philochem
AG, Libernstrasse 3, CH-8112 Otelfingen, Switzerland
| | - Dario Neri
- Department
of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss
Federal Institute of Technology, CH-8093 Zürich, Switzerland
- Philogen
S.p.A, 53100 Siena, Italy
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12
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Huang Y, Li X. Recent Advances on the Selection Methods of DNA-Encoded Libraries. Chembiochem 2021; 22:2384-2397. [PMID: 33891355 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202100144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
DNA-encoded libraries (DEL) have come of age and become a major technology platform for ligand discovery in both academia and the pharmaceutical industry. Technological maturation in the past two decades and the recent explosive developments of DEL-compatible chemistries have greatly improved the chemical diversity of DELs and fueled its applications in drug discovery. A relatively less-covered aspect of DELs is the selection method. Typically, DEL selection is considered as a binding assay and the selection is conducted with purified protein targets immobilized on a matrix, and the binders are separated from the non-binding background via physical washes. However, the recent innovations in DEL selection methods have not only expanded the target scope of DELs, but also revealed the potential of the DEL technology as a powerful tool in exploring fundamental biology. In this Review, we first cover the "classic" DEL selection methods with purified proteins on solid phase, and then we discuss the strategies to realize DEL selections in solution phase. Finally, we focus on the emerging approaches for DELs to interrogate complex biological targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiran Huang
- Department of Chemistry and the State Key Laboratory of Synthetic Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Xiaoyu Li
- Department of Chemistry and the State Key Laboratory of Synthetic Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Laboratory for Synthetic Chemistry and Chemical Biology Limited, Health@InnoHK, Innovation and Technology Commission, Units 1503-1511, 15/F., Building 17W, Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR, China
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13
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Foley TL, Burchett W, Chen Q, Flanagan ME, Kapinos B, Li X, Montgomery JI, Ratnayake AS, Zhu H, Peakman MC. Selecting Approaches for Hit Identification and Increasing Options by Building the Efficient Discovery of Actionable Chemical Matter from DNA-Encoded Libraries. SLAS DISCOVERY 2021; 26:263-280. [PMID: 33412987 DOI: 10.1177/2472555220979589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Over the past 20 years, the toolbox for discovering small-molecule therapeutic starting points has expanded considerably. Pharmaceutical researchers can now choose from technologies that, in addition to traditional high-throughput knowledge-based and diversity screening, now include the screening of fragment and fragment-like libraries, affinity selection mass spectrometry, and selection against DNA-encoded libraries (DELs). Each of these techniques has its own unique combination of advantages and limitations that makes them more, or less, suitable for different target classes or discovery objectives, such as desired mechanism of action. Layered on top of this are the constraints of the drug-hunters themselves, including budgets, timelines, and available platform capacity; each of these can play a part in dictating the hit identification strategy for a discovery program. In this article, we discuss some of the factors that we use to govern our building of a hit identification roadmap for a program and describe the increasing role that DELs are playing in our discovery strategy. Furthermore, we share our learning during our initial exploration of DEL and highlight the approaches we have evolved to maximize the value returned from DEL selections. Topics addressed include the optimization of library design and production, reagent validation, data analysis, and hit confirmation. We describe how our thinking in these areas has led us to build a DEL platform that has begun to deliver tractable matter to our global discovery portfolio.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Qiuxia Chen
- Lead Generation Unit, HitGen Inc., Chengdu, Shuangliu District, China
| | | | | | - Xianyang Li
- Lead Generation Unit, HitGen Inc., Chengdu, Shuangliu District, China
| | | | | | - Hongyao Zhu
- Simulation and Modelling Sciences, Pfizer Inc., Groton, CT, USA
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