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Huang H, Jones LH. Covalent drug discovery using sulfur(VI) fluoride exchange warheads. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2023:1-11. [PMID: 37243622 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2023.2218642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Covalent drug discovery has traditionally focused on targeting cysteine, but the amino acid is often absent in protein binding sites. This review makes the case to move beyond cysteine labeling using sulfur (VI) fluoride exchange (SuFEx) chemistry to expand the druggable proteome. AREAS COVERED Recent advances in SuFEx medicinal chemistry and chemical biology are described, which have enabled the development of covalent chemical probes that site-selectively engage amino acid residues (including tyrosine, lysine, histidine, serine, and threonine) in binding pockets. Areas covered include chemoproteomic mapping of the targetable proteome, structure-based design of covalent inhibitors and molecular glues, metabolic stability profiling, and synthetic methodologies that have expedited the delivery of SuFEx modulators. EXPERT OPINION Despite recent innovations in SuFEx medicinal chemistry, focused preclinical research is required to ensure the field moves from early chemical probe discovery to the delivery of transformational covalent drug candidates. The authors believe that covalent drug candidates designed to engage residues beyond cysteine using sulfonyl exchange warheads will likely enter clinical trials in the coming years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huang Huang
- Center for Protein Degradation, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lyn H Jones
- Center for Protein Degradation, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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2
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Swartzel JC, Bond MJ, Pintado-Urbanc AP, Daftary M, Krone MW, Douglas T, Carder EJ, Zimmer JT, Maeda T, Simon MD, Crews CM. Targeted Degradation of mRNA Decapping Enzyme DcpS by a VHL-Recruiting PROTAC. ACS Chem Biol 2022; 17:1789-1798. [PMID: 35749470 PMCID: PMC10367122 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.2c00145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The RNA decapping scavenger protein, DcpS, has recently been identified as a dependency in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The potent DcpS inhibitor RG3039 attenuates AML cell viability, and shRNA knockdown of DcpS is also antiproliferative. Importantly, DcpS was found to be non-essential in normal human hematopoietic cells, which opens a therapeutic window for AML treatment by DcpS modulation. Considering this strong DcpS dependence in AML cell lines, we explored PROTAC-mediated degradation as an alternative strategy to modulate DcpS activity. Herein, we report the development of JCS-1, a PROTAC exhibiting effective degradation of DcpS at nanomolar concentrations. JCS-1 non-covalently binds DcpS with a RG3039-based warhead and recruits the E3 ligase VHL, which induces potent, rapid, and sustained DcpS degradation in several AML cell lines. JCS-1 serves as a chemical biology tool to interrogate DcpS degradation and associated changes in RNA processes in different cellular contexts, which may be an attractive strategy for the treatment of AML and other DcpS-dependent genetic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jake C Swartzel
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
| | - Michael J Bond
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
| | - Andreas P Pintado-Urbanc
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States.,Institute for Biomolecular Design and Discovery, Yale University, West Haven, Connecticut 06516, United States
| | - Mehana Daftary
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
| | - Mackenzie W Krone
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Yale University, 260 Whitney Avenue, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
| | - Todd Douglas
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Yale University, 260 Whitney Avenue, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
| | - Evan J Carder
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Yale University, 260 Whitney Avenue, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
| | - Joshua T Zimmer
- Institute for Biomolecular Design and Discovery, Yale University, West Haven, Connecticut 06516, United States.,Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
| | - Takahiro Maeda
- Division of Precision Medicine, Kyushu University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Matthew D Simon
- Institute for Biomolecular Design and Discovery, Yale University, West Haven, Connecticut 06516, United States.,Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
| | - Craig M Crews
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States.,Department of Pharmacology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States.,Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Yale University, 260 Whitney Avenue, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
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Reedich EJ, Kalski M, Armijo N, Cox GA, DiDonato CJ. Spinal motor neuron loss occurs through a p53-and-p21-independent mechanism in the Smn 2B/- mouse model of spinal muscular atrophy. Exp Neurol 2020; 337:113587. [PMID: 33382987 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2020.113587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 12/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a pediatric neuromuscular disease caused by genetic deficiency of the survival motor neuron (SMN) protein. Pathological hallmarks of SMA are spinal motor neuron loss and skeletal muscle atrophy. The molecular mechanisms that elicit and drive preferential motor neuron degeneration and death in SMA remain unclear. Transcriptomic studies consistently report p53 pathway activation in motor neurons and spinal cord tissue of SMA mice. Recent work has identified p53 as an inducer of spinal motor neuron loss in severe Δ7 SMA mice. Additionally, the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor P21 (Cdkn1a), an inducer of cell cycle arrest and mediator of skeletal muscle atrophy, is consistently increased in motor neurons, spinal cords, and other tissues of various SMA models. p21 is a p53 transcriptional target but can be independently induced by cellular stressors. To ascertain whether p53 and p21 signaling pathways mediate spinal motor neuron death in milder SMA mice, and how they affect the overall SMA phenotype, we introduced Trp53 and P21 null alleles onto the Smn2B/- background. We found that p53 and p21 depletion did not modulate the timing or degree of Smn2B/- motor neuron loss as evaluated using electrophysiological and immunohistochemical methods. Moreover, we determined that Trp53 and P21 knockout differentially affected Smn2B/- mouse lifespan: p53 ablation impaired survival while p21 ablation extended survival through Smn-independent mechanisms. These results demonstrate that p53 and p21 are not primary drivers of spinal motor neuron death in Smn2B/- mice, a milder SMA mouse model, as motor neuron loss is not alleviated by their ablation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily J Reedich
- Human Molecular Genetics and Physiology Program, Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital, Chicago, IL, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Martin Kalski
- Human Molecular Genetics and Physiology Program, Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Nicholas Armijo
- Human Molecular Genetics and Physiology Program, Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Gregory A Cox
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, USA; Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, University of Maine, Orono, ME, USA
| | - Christine J DiDonato
- Human Molecular Genetics and Physiology Program, Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital, Chicago, IL, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.
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4
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Angelbello AJ, Chen JL, Disney MD. Small molecule targeting of RNA structures in neurological disorders. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2020; 1471:57-71. [PMID: 30964958 PMCID: PMC6785366 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.14051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2018] [Revised: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Aberrant RNA structure and function operate in neurological disease progression and severity. As RNA contributes to disease pathology in a complex fashion, that is, via various mechanisms, it has become an attractive therapeutic target for small molecules and oligonucleotides. In this review, we discuss the identification of RNA structures that cause or contribute to neurological diseases as well as recent progress toward the development of small molecules that target them, including small molecule modulators of pre-mRNA splicing and RNA repeat expansions that cause microsatellite disorders such as Huntington's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The use of oligonucleotide-based modalities is also discussed. There are key differences between small molecule and oligonucleotide targeting of RNA. The former targets RNA structure, while the latter prefers unstructured regions. Thus, some targets will be preferentially targeted by oligonucleotides and others by small molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jonathan L Chen
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, Florida
| | - Matthew D Disney
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, Florida
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Swalley SE. Expanding therapeutic opportunities for neurodegenerative diseases: A perspective on the important role of phenotypic screening. Bioorg Med Chem 2020; 28:115239. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2019.115239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Revised: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/24/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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Wadman RI, van der Pol WL, Bosboom WMJ, Asselman F, van den Berg LH, Iannaccone ST, Vrancken AFJE. Drug treatment for spinal muscular atrophy types II and III. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2020; 1:CD006282. [PMID: 32006461 PMCID: PMC6995983 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd006282.pub5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is caused by a homozygous deletion of the survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene on chromosome 5, or a heterozygous deletion in combination with a (point) mutation in the second SMN1 allele. This results in degeneration of anterior horn cells, which leads to progressive muscle weakness. Children with SMA type II do not develop the ability to walk without support and have a shortened life expectancy, whereas children with SMA type III develop the ability to walk and have a normal life expectancy. This is an update of a review first published in 2009 and previously updated in 2011. OBJECTIVES To evaluate if drug treatment is able to slow or arrest the disease progression of SMA types II and III, and to assess if such therapy can be given safely. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Neuromuscular Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, and ISI Web of Science conference proceedings in October 2018. In October 2018, we also searched two trials registries to identify unpublished trials. SELECTION CRITERIA We sought all randomised or quasi-randomised trials that examined the efficacy of drug treatment for SMA types II and III. Participants had to fulfil the clinical criteria and have a homozygous deletion or hemizygous deletion in combination with a point mutation in the second allele of the SMN1 gene (5q11.2-13.2) confirmed by genetic analysis. The primary outcome measure was change in disability score within one year after the onset of treatment. Secondary outcome measures within one year after the onset of treatment were change in muscle strength, ability to stand or walk, change in quality of life, time from the start of treatment until death or full-time ventilation and adverse events attributable to treatment during the trial period. Treatment strategies involving SMN1-replacement with viral vectors are out of the scope of this review, but a summary is given in Appendix 1. Drug treatment for SMA type I is the topic of a separate Cochrane Review. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We followed standard Cochrane methodology. MAIN RESULTS The review authors found 10 randomised, placebo-controlled trials of treatments for SMA types II and III for inclusion in this review, with 717 participants. We added four of the trials at this update. The trials investigated creatine (55 participants), gabapentin (84 participants), hydroxyurea (57 participants), nusinersen (126 participants), olesoxime (165 participants), phenylbutyrate (107 participants), somatotropin (20 participants), thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) (nine participants), valproic acid (33 participants), and combination therapy with valproic acid and acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) (61 participants). Treatment duration was from three to 24 months. None of the studies investigated the same treatment and none was completely free of bias. All studies had adequate blinding, sequence generation and reporting of primary outcomes. Based on moderate-certainty evidence, intrathecal nusinersen improved motor function (disability) in children with SMA type II, with a 3.7-point improvement in the nusinersen group on the Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale Expanded (HFMSE; range of possible scores 0 to 66), compared to a 1.9-point decline on the HFMSE in the sham procedure group (P < 0.01; n = 126). On all motor function scales used, higher scores indicate better function. Based on moderate-certainty evidence from two studies, the following interventions had no clinically important effect on motor function scores in SMA types II or III (or both) in comparison to placebo: creatine (median change 1 higher, 95% confidence interval (CI) -1 to 2; on the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM), scale 0 to 264; n = 40); and combination therapy with valproic acid and carnitine (mean difference (MD) 0.64, 95% CI -1.1 to 2.38; on the Modified Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale (MHFMS), scale 0 to 40; n = 61). Based on low-certainty evidence from other single studies, the following interventions had no clinically important effect on motor function scores in SMA types II or III (or both) in comparison to placebo: gabapentin (median change 0 in the gabapentin group and -2 in the placebo group on the SMA Functional Rating Scale (SMAFRS), scale 0 to 50; n = 66); hydroxyurea (MD -1.88, 95% CI -3.89 to 0.13 on the GMFM, scale 0 to 264; n = 57), phenylbutyrate (MD -0.13, 95% CI -0.84 to 0.58 on the Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale (HFMS) scale 0 to 40; n = 90) and monotherapy of valproic acid (MD 0.06, 95% CI -1.32 to 1.44 on SMAFRS, scale 0 to 50; n = 31). Very low-certainty evidence suggested that the following interventions had little or no effect on motor function: olesoxime (MD 2, 95% -0.25 to 4.25 on the Motor Function Measure (MFM) D1 + D2, scale 0 to 75; n = 160) and somatotropin (median change at 3 months 0.25 higher, 95% CI -1 to 2.5 on the HFMSE, scale 0 to 66; n = 19). One small TRH trial did not report effects on motor function and the certainty of evidence for other outcomes from this trial were low or very low. Results of nine completed trials investigating 4-aminopyridine, acetyl-L-carnitine, CK-2127107, hydroxyurea, pyridostigmine, riluzole, RO6885247/RG7800, salbutamol and valproic acid were awaited and not available for analysis at the time of writing. Various trials and studies investigating treatment strategies other than nusinersen (e.g. SMN2-augmentation by small molecules), are currently ongoing. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Nusinersen improves motor function in SMA type II, based on moderate-certainty evidence. Creatine, gabapentin, hydroxyurea, phenylbutyrate, valproic acid and the combination of valproic acid and ALC probably have no clinically important effect on motor function in SMA types II or III (or both) based on low-certainty evidence, and olesoxime and somatropin may also have little to no clinically important effect but evidence was of very low-certainty. One trial of TRH did not measure motor function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renske I Wadman
- University Medical Center Utrecht, Brain Center Rudolf MagnusDepartment of NeurologyHeidelberglaan 100UtrechtNetherlands3584 CX
| | - W Ludo van der Pol
- University Medical Center Utrecht, Brain Center Rudolf MagnusDepartment of NeurologyHeidelberglaan 100UtrechtNetherlands3584 CX
| | - Wendy MJ Bosboom
- Onze Lieve Vrouwe Gasthuis locatie WestDepartment of NeurologyAmsterdamNetherlands
| | - Fay‐Lynn Asselman
- University Medical Center Utrecht, Brain Center Rudolf MagnusDepartment of NeurologyHeidelberglaan 100UtrechtNetherlands3584 CX
| | - Leonard H van den Berg
- University Medical Center Utrecht, Brain Center Rudolf MagnusDepartment of NeurologyHeidelberglaan 100UtrechtNetherlands3584 CX
| | - Susan T Iannaccone
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDepartment of Pediatrics5323 Harry Hines BoulevardDallasTexasUSA75390
| | - Alexander FJE Vrancken
- University Medical Center Utrecht, Brain Center Rudolf MagnusDepartment of NeurologyHeidelberglaan 100UtrechtNetherlands3584 CX
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7
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Jones LH, Kelly JW. Structure-based design and analysis of SuFEx chemical probes. RSC Med Chem 2020; 11:10-17. [PMID: 33479601 DOI: 10.1039/c9md00542k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The discerning reactivity of sulfur(vi)-fluoride exchange (SuFEx) chemistry has enabled the context-specific labeling of protein binding sites by chemical probes that incorporate these versatile warheads. Emerging information from protein-probe structures and proteomic mapping experiments is helping advance our understanding of the protein microenvironment that dictates the reactivity of targetable amino acid residues. This review explores these new findings that should influence the future rational design of SuFEx probes for a multitude of applications in chemical biology and drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lyn H Jones
- Center for Protein Degradation , Dana-Farber Cancer Institute , 360 Longwood Avenue , Boston , MA 02215 , USA .
| | - Jeffery W Kelly
- Departments of Chemistry and Molecular Medicine , The Scripps Research Institute , La Jolla , CA , USA
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Wadman RI, van der Pol WL, Bosboom WMJ, Asselman F, van den Berg LH, Iannaccone ST, Vrancken AFJE. Drug treatment for spinal muscular atrophy type I. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2019; 12:CD006281. [PMID: 31825542 PMCID: PMC6905354 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd006281.pub5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is caused by a homozygous deletion of the survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene on chromosome 5, or a heterozygous deletion in combination with a point mutation in the second SMN1 allele. This results in degeneration of anterior horn cells, which leads to progressive muscle weakness. By definition, children with SMA type I are never able to sit without support and usually die or become ventilator dependent before the age of two years. There have until very recently been no drug treatments to influence the course of SMA. We undertook this updated review to evaluate new evidence on emerging treatments for SMA type I. The review was first published in 2009 and previously updated in 2011. OBJECTIVES To assess the efficacy and safety of any drug therapy designed to slow or arrest progression of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type I. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Neuromuscular Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, and ISI Web of Science conference proceedings in October 2018. We also searched two trials registries to identify unpublished trials (October 2018). SELECTION CRITERIA We sought all randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-RCTs that examined the efficacy of drug treatment for SMA type I. Included participants had to fulfil clinical criteria and have a genetically confirmed deletion or mutation of the SMN1 gene (5q11.2-13.2). The primary outcome measure was age at death or full-time ventilation. Secondary outcome measures were acquisition of motor milestones, i.e. head control, rolling, sitting or standing, motor milestone response on disability scores within one year after the onset of treatment, and adverse events and serious adverse events attributable to treatment during the trial period. Treatment strategies involving SMN1 gene replacement with viral vectors are out of the scope of this review. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We followed standard Cochrane methodology. MAIN RESULTS We identified two RCTs: one trial of intrathecal nusinersen in comparison to a sham (control) procedure in 121 randomised infants with SMA type I, which was newly included at this update, and one small trial comparing riluzole treatment to placebo in 10 children with SMA type I. The RCT of intrathecally-injected nusinersen was stopped early for efficacy (based on a predefined Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination-Section 2 (HINE-2) response). At the interim analyses after 183 days of treatment, 41% (21/51) of nusinersen-treated infants showed a predefined improvement on HINE-2, compared to 0% (0/27) of participants in the control group. This trial was largely at low risk of bias. Final analyses (ranging from 6 months to 13 months of treatment), showed that fewer participants died or required full-time ventilation (defined as more than 16 hours daily for 21 days or more) in the nusinersen-treated group than the control group (hazard ratio (HR) 0.53, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.32 to 0.89; N = 121; a 47% lower risk; moderate-certainty evidence). A proportion of infants in the nusinersen group and none of 37 infants in the control group achieved motor milestones: 37/73 nusinersen-treated infants (51%) achieved a motor milestone response on HINE-2 (risk ratio (RR) 38.51, 95% CI 2.43 to 610.14; N = 110; moderate-certainty evidence); 16/73 achieved head control (RR 16.95, 95% CI 1.04 to 274.84; moderate-certainty evidence); 6/73 achieved independent sitting (RR 6.68, 95% CI 0.39 to 115.38; moderate-certainty evidence); 7/73 achieved rolling over (RR 7.70, 95% CI 0.45 to 131.29); and 1/73 achieved standing (RR 1.54, 95% CI 0.06 to 36.92; moderate-certainty evidence). Seventy-one per cent of nusinersen-treated infants versus 3% of infants in the control group were responders on the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Infant Test of Neuromuscular Disorders (CHOP INTEND) measure of motor disability (RR 26.36, 95% CI 3.79 to 183.18; N = 110; moderate-certainty evidence). Adverse events and serious adverse events occurred in the majority of infants but were no more frequent in the nusinersen-treated group than the control group (RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.92 to 1.05 and RR 0.70, 95% CI 0.55 to 0.89, respectively; N = 121; moderate-certainty evidence). In the riluzole trial, three of seven children treated with riluzole were still alive at the ages of 30, 48, and 64 months, whereas all three children in the placebo group died. None of the children in the riluzole or placebo group developed the ability to sit, which was the only milestone reported. There were no adverse effects. The certainty of the evidence for all measured outcomes from this study was very low, because the study was too small to detect or rule out an effect, and had serious limitations, including baseline differences. This trial was stopped prematurely because the pharmaceutical company withdrew funding. Various trials and studies investigating treatment strategies other than nusinersen, such as SMN2 augmentation by small molecules, are ongoing. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Based on the very limited evidence currently available regarding drug treatments for SMA type 1, intrathecal nusinersen probably prolongs ventilation-free and overall survival in infants with SMA type I. It is also probable that a greater proportion of infants treated with nusinersen than with a sham procedure achieve motor milestones and can be classed as responders to treatment on clinical assessments (HINE-2 and CHOP INTEND). The proportion of children experiencing adverse events and serious adverse events on nusinersen is no higher with nusinersen treatment than with a sham procedure, based on evidence of moderate certainty. It is uncertain whether riluzole has any effect in patients with SMA type I, based on the limited available evidence. Future trials could provide more high-certainty, longer-term evidence to confirm this result, or focus on comparing new treatments to nusinersen or evaluate them as an add-on therapy to nusinersen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renske I Wadman
- University Medical Center Utrecht, Brain Center Rudolf MagnusDepartment of NeurologyHeidelberglaan 100UtrechtNetherlands3584 CX
| | - W Ludo van der Pol
- University Medical Center Utrecht, Brain Center Rudolf MagnusDepartment of NeurologyHeidelberglaan 100UtrechtNetherlands3584 CX
| | - Wendy MJ Bosboom
- Onze Lieve Vrouwe Gasthuis locatie WestDepartment of NeurologyAmsterdamNetherlands
| | - Fay‐Lynn Asselman
- University Medical Center Utrecht, Brain Center Rudolf MagnusDepartment of NeurologyHeidelberglaan 100UtrechtNetherlands3584 CX
| | - Leonard H van den Berg
- University Medical Center Utrecht, Brain Center Rudolf MagnusDepartment of NeurologyHeidelberglaan 100UtrechtNetherlands3584 CX
| | - Susan T Iannaccone
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDepartment of Pediatrics5323 Harry Hines BoulevardDallasTexasUSA75390
| | - Alexander FJE Vrancken
- University Medical Center Utrecht, Brain Center Rudolf MagnusDepartment of NeurologyHeidelberglaan 100UtrechtNetherlands3584 CX
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Quinlan KA, Reedich EJ, Arnold WD, Puritz AC, Cavarsan CF, Heckman CJ, DiDonato CJ. Hyperexcitability precedes motoneuron loss in the Smn2B/- mouse model of spinal muscular atrophy. J Neurophysiol 2019; 122:1297-1311. [PMID: 31365319 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00652.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal motoneuron dysfunction and loss are pathological hallmarks of the neuromuscular disease spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Changes in motoneuron physiological function precede cell death, but how these alterations vary with disease severity and motoneuron maturational state is unknown. To address this question, we assessed the electrophysiology and morphology of spinal motoneurons of presymptomatic Smn2B/- mice older than 1 wk of age and tracked the timing of motor unit loss in this model using motor unit number estimation (MUNE). In contrast to other commonly used SMA mouse models, Smn2B/- mice exhibit more typical postnatal development until postnatal day (P)11 or 12 and have longer survival (~3 wk of age). We demonstrate that Smn2B/- motoneuron hyperexcitability, marked by hyperpolarization of the threshold voltage for action potential firing, was present at P9-10 and preceded the loss of motor units. Using MUNE studies, we determined that motor unit loss in this mouse model occurred 2 wk after birth. Smn2B/- motoneurons were also larger in size, which may reflect compensatory changes taking place during postnatal development. This work suggests that motoneuron hyperexcitability, marked by a reduced threshold for action potential firing, is a pathological change preceding motoneuron loss that is common to multiple models of severe SMA with different motoneuron maturational states. Our results indicate voltage-gated sodium channel activity may be altered in the disease process.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Changes in spinal motoneuron physiologic function precede cell death in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), but how they vary with maturational state and disease severity remains unknown. This study characterized motoneuron and neuromuscular electrophysiology from the Smn2B/- model of SMA. Motoneurons were hyperexcitable at postnatal day (P)9-10, and specific electrophysiological changes in Smn2B/- motoneurons preceded functional motor unit loss at P14, as determined by motor unit number estimation studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- K A Quinlan
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island.,George and Anne Ryan Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island.,Department of Physiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - E J Reedich
- Department of Physiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois.,Department of Pediatrics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois.,Human Molecular Genetics Program, Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital, Chicago, Illinois
| | - W D Arnold
- Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio.,Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio.,Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio.,Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio
| | - A C Puritz
- Department of Physiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - C F Cavarsan
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island.,George and Anne Ryan Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island
| | - C J Heckman
- Department of Physiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois.,Department of Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois.,Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - C J DiDonato
- Department of Pediatrics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois.,Human Molecular Genetics Program, Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital, Chicago, Illinois
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10
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Wan B, Feng P, Guan Z, Sheng L, Liu Z, Hua Y. A severe mouse model of spinal muscular atrophy develops early systemic inflammation. Hum Mol Genet 2019; 27:4061-4076. [PMID: 30137324 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddy300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2018] [Accepted: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a fatal genetic disease, mainly affecting children. A number of recent studies show, aside from lower motor neuron degeneration and atrophy of skeletal muscles, widespread defects present in the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral non-neuronal cell types of SMA patients and mouse models, particularly of severe forms. However, molecular mechanisms underlying the multi-organ manifestations of SMA were hardly understood. Here, using histology, flow cytometry and gene expression analysis in both messenger RNA and protein levels in various tissues, we found that a severe SMA mouse model develops systemic inflammation in early symptomatic stages. SMA mice had an enhanced intestinal permeability, resulting in microbial invasion into the circulatory system. Expression of proinflammatory cytokines was increased in all tissues and the acute phase response in the liver was activated. Systemic inflammation further mobilized glucocorticoid signaling and in turn led to dysregulation of a large set of genes, including robust upregulation of FAM107A in the spinal cord, increased expression of which has been implicated in neurodegeneration. Moreover, we show that lipopolysaccharide challenge markedly suppressed survival of motor neuron 2 exon 7 splicing in all examined peripheral and CNS tissues, resulting in global survival of motor neuron level reduction. Therefore, we identified a novel pathological mechanism in a severe SMA mouse model, which affects phenotypic severity through multiple paths and should contribute to progression of broad neuronal and non-neuronal defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Wan
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, Department of Neurology and Suzhou Clinical Research Center of Neurological Disease, Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China.,Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Pengchao Feng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, Department of Neurology and Suzhou Clinical Research Center of Neurological Disease, Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China.,Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zeyuan Guan
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, Department of Neurology and Suzhou Clinical Research Center of Neurological Disease, Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China.,Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lei Sheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, Department of Neurology and Suzhou Clinical Research Center of Neurological Disease, Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China.,Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhiyong Liu
- School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X), Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yimin Hua
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, Department of Neurology and Suzhou Clinical Research Center of Neurological Disease, Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China.,Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
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11
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Jones LH, Xu H, Fadeyi OO. Quantifying drug-target engagement in live cells using sulfonyl fluoride chemical probes. Methods Enzymol 2019; 622:201-220. [PMID: 31155053 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2019.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Phenotypic screening in disease-relevant models identifies small molecule hits with desirable efficacy but often with unknown modes of action. Target identification and validation are integral to successful biomedical research. Technologies are required to validate the biological target (or targets) through which a pharmacological agent is proposed to exert its effects. This work details the rational structure-based design, synthetic preparation and cell-based application of a clickable sulfonyl fluoride chemical probe to directly report on the mechanism of a series of compounds previously discovered in a reporter gene assay. Quantification of drug-target occupancy in living human primary cells enabled a deeper understanding of the molecular pharmacology of the chemotype. The technology described herein should be of broad interest to those involved in chemical biology research and the drug discovery endeavor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lyn H Jones
- Jnana Therapeutics, Boston, MA, United States.
| | - Hua Xu
- Pfizer Inc, Medicine Design, Cambridge, MA, United States
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12
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Canestrari E, Paroo Z. Ribonucleases as Drug Targets. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2018; 39:855-866. [PMID: 30144949 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2018.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Revised: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Across disease indications, there is immediate need for new drug targets. Target scarcity is reflected in a growing number of same-target drugs of marginal clinical value. Advances in RNA mechanisms of disease are revealing a windfall of targets for nucleic acids therapeutics. However, nucleic acids remain limited as pharmaceutical agents. Because enzymes are predominant drug targets, ribonucleases represent an established target class to capitalize on RNA mechanisms of disease. Analysis of the human proteome identified 122 ribonucleases. This small ribonucleome mediates the biosynthetic and catabolic processing of a large transcriptome. Thus, ribonucleases represent critical signaling targets. Similar to kinases, proteases, and epigenetic enzymes, ribonucleases are rational targets for development of therapies with novel mechanisms, expanding treatment options for improved patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuele Canestrari
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Zain Paroo
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
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13
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Gopalsamy A, Narayanan A, Liu S, Parikh MD, Kyne RE, Fadeyi O, Tones MA, Cherry JJ, Nabhan JF, LaRosa G, Petersen DN, Menard C, Foley TL, Noell S, Ren Y, Loria PM, Maglich-Goodwin J, Rong H, Jones LH. Design of Potent mRNA Decapping Scavenger Enzyme (DcpS) Inhibitors with Improved Physicochemical Properties To Investigate the Mechanism of Therapeutic Benefit in Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). J Med Chem 2017; 60:3094-3108. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.7b00124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ariamala Gopalsamy
- Medicine
Design and ‡Rare Disease Research Unit, #Pharmacokinetics and Drug Metabolism, Pfizer, 610 Main Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Medicine Design and †Primary Pharmacology Group, Pfizer, Eastern Point Road, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Arjun Narayanan
- Medicine
Design and ‡Rare Disease Research Unit, #Pharmacokinetics and Drug Metabolism, Pfizer, 610 Main Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Medicine Design and †Primary Pharmacology Group, Pfizer, Eastern Point Road, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Shenping Liu
- Medicine
Design and ‡Rare Disease Research Unit, #Pharmacokinetics and Drug Metabolism, Pfizer, 610 Main Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Medicine Design and †Primary Pharmacology Group, Pfizer, Eastern Point Road, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Mihir D. Parikh
- Medicine
Design and ‡Rare Disease Research Unit, #Pharmacokinetics and Drug Metabolism, Pfizer, 610 Main Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Medicine Design and †Primary Pharmacology Group, Pfizer, Eastern Point Road, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Robert E. Kyne
- Medicine
Design and ‡Rare Disease Research Unit, #Pharmacokinetics and Drug Metabolism, Pfizer, 610 Main Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Medicine Design and †Primary Pharmacology Group, Pfizer, Eastern Point Road, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Olugbeminiyi Fadeyi
- Medicine
Design and ‡Rare Disease Research Unit, #Pharmacokinetics and Drug Metabolism, Pfizer, 610 Main Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Medicine Design and †Primary Pharmacology Group, Pfizer, Eastern Point Road, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Michael A. Tones
- Medicine
Design and ‡Rare Disease Research Unit, #Pharmacokinetics and Drug Metabolism, Pfizer, 610 Main Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Medicine Design and †Primary Pharmacology Group, Pfizer, Eastern Point Road, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Jonathan J. Cherry
- Medicine
Design and ‡Rare Disease Research Unit, #Pharmacokinetics and Drug Metabolism, Pfizer, 610 Main Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Medicine Design and †Primary Pharmacology Group, Pfizer, Eastern Point Road, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Joseph F. Nabhan
- Medicine
Design and ‡Rare Disease Research Unit, #Pharmacokinetics and Drug Metabolism, Pfizer, 610 Main Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Medicine Design and †Primary Pharmacology Group, Pfizer, Eastern Point Road, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Gregory LaRosa
- Medicine
Design and ‡Rare Disease Research Unit, #Pharmacokinetics and Drug Metabolism, Pfizer, 610 Main Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Medicine Design and †Primary Pharmacology Group, Pfizer, Eastern Point Road, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Donna N. Petersen
- Medicine
Design and ‡Rare Disease Research Unit, #Pharmacokinetics and Drug Metabolism, Pfizer, 610 Main Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Medicine Design and †Primary Pharmacology Group, Pfizer, Eastern Point Road, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Carol Menard
- Medicine
Design and ‡Rare Disease Research Unit, #Pharmacokinetics and Drug Metabolism, Pfizer, 610 Main Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Medicine Design and †Primary Pharmacology Group, Pfizer, Eastern Point Road, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Timothy L. Foley
- Medicine
Design and ‡Rare Disease Research Unit, #Pharmacokinetics and Drug Metabolism, Pfizer, 610 Main Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Medicine Design and †Primary Pharmacology Group, Pfizer, Eastern Point Road, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Stephen Noell
- Medicine
Design and ‡Rare Disease Research Unit, #Pharmacokinetics and Drug Metabolism, Pfizer, 610 Main Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Medicine Design and †Primary Pharmacology Group, Pfizer, Eastern Point Road, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Yong Ren
- Medicine
Design and ‡Rare Disease Research Unit, #Pharmacokinetics and Drug Metabolism, Pfizer, 610 Main Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Medicine Design and †Primary Pharmacology Group, Pfizer, Eastern Point Road, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Paula M. Loria
- Medicine
Design and ‡Rare Disease Research Unit, #Pharmacokinetics and Drug Metabolism, Pfizer, 610 Main Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Medicine Design and †Primary Pharmacology Group, Pfizer, Eastern Point Road, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Jodi Maglich-Goodwin
- Medicine
Design and ‡Rare Disease Research Unit, #Pharmacokinetics and Drug Metabolism, Pfizer, 610 Main Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Medicine Design and †Primary Pharmacology Group, Pfizer, Eastern Point Road, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Haojing Rong
- Medicine
Design and ‡Rare Disease Research Unit, #Pharmacokinetics and Drug Metabolism, Pfizer, 610 Main Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Medicine Design and †Primary Pharmacology Group, Pfizer, Eastern Point Road, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Lyn H. Jones
- Medicine
Design and ‡Rare Disease Research Unit, #Pharmacokinetics and Drug Metabolism, Pfizer, 610 Main Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Medicine Design and †Primary Pharmacology Group, Pfizer, Eastern Point Road, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
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