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Slater O, Kontoyianni M. The compromise of virtual screening and its impact on drug discovery. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2019; 14:619-637. [PMID: 31025886 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2019.1604677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Docking and structure-based virtual screening (VS) have been standard approaches in structure-based design for over two decades. However, our understanding of the limitations, potential, and strength of these techniques has enhanced, raising expectations. Areas covered: Based on a survey of reports in the past five years, we assess whether VS: (1) predicts binding poses in agreement with crystallographic data (when available); (2) is a superior screening tool, as often claimed; (3) is successful in identifying chemical scaffolds that can be starting points for subsequent lead optimization cycles. Data shows that knowledge of the target and its chemotypes in postprocessing lead to viable hits in early drug discovery endeavors. Expert opinion: VS is capable of accurate placements in the pocket for the most part, but does not consistently score screening collections accurately. What matters is capitalization on available resources to get closer to a viable lead or optimizable series. Integration of approaches, subjective hit selection guided by knowledge of the receptor or endogenous ligand, libraries driven by experimental guides, validation studies to identify the best docking/scoring that reproduces experimental findings, constraints regarding receptor-ligand interactions, thoroughly designed methodologies, and predefined cutoff scoring criteria strengthen VS's position in pharmaceutical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Slater
- a Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Southern Illinois University Edwardsville , Edwardsville , IL , USA
| | - Maria Kontoyianni
- a Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Southern Illinois University Edwardsville , Edwardsville , IL , USA
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2
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Brustikova K, Sedlak D, Kubikova J, Skuta C, Solcova K, Malik R, Bartunek P, Svoboda P. Cell-Based Reporter System for High-Throughput Screening of MicroRNA Pathway Inhibitors and Its Limitations. Front Genet 2018. [PMID: 29535760 PMCID: PMC5835079 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2018.00045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small RNAs repressing gene expression. They contribute to many physiological processes and pathologies. Consequently, strategies for manipulation of the miRNA pathway are of interest as they could provide tools for experimental or therapeutic interventions. One of such tools could be small chemical compounds identified through high-throughput screening (HTS) with reporter assays. While a number of chemical compounds have been identified in such high-throughput screens, their application potential remains elusive. Here, we report our experience with cell-based HTS of a library of 12,816 chemical compounds to identify miRNA pathway modulators. We used human HeLa and mouse NIH 3T3 cell lines with stably integrated or transiently expressed luciferase reporters repressed by endogenous miR-30 and let-7 miRNAs and identified 163 putative miRNA inhibitors. We report that compounds relieving miRNA-mediated repression via stress induction are infrequent; we have found only two compounds that reproducibly induced stress granules and relieved miRNA-targeted reporter repression. However, we have found that this assay type readily yields non-specific (miRNA-independent) stimulators of luciferase reporter activity. Furthermore, our data provide partial support for previously published miRNA pathway modulators; the most notable intersections were found among anthracyclines, dopamine derivatives, flavones, and stilbenes. Altogether, our results underscore the importance of appropriate negative controls in development of small compound inhibitors of the miRNA pathway. This particularly concerns validation strategies, which would greatly profit from assays that fundamentally differ from the routinely employed miRNA-targeted reporter assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katerina Brustikova
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - David Sedlak
- CZ-OPENSCREEN, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Jana Kubikova
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Ctibor Skuta
- CZ-OPENSCREEN, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Katerina Solcova
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Radek Malik
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Petr Bartunek
- CZ-OPENSCREEN, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Petr Svoboda
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
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3
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Ibáñez G, Calder PA, Radu C, Bhinder B, Shum D, Antczak C, Djaballah H. Evaluation of Compound Optical Interference in High-Content Screening. SLAS DISCOVERY 2017; 23:321-329. [PMID: 28467117 DOI: 10.1177/2472555217707725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Compound optical interference remains an inherent problem in chemical screening and has been well documented for biochemical assays and less so for automated microscopy-based assays. It has also been the assumption that the latter should not suffer from such interference because of the washing steps involved in the process, thus eliminating the residual nonspecific compound effects. Instead, these compounds may have no relevance to the actual target, and as such, compound optical interference contributes to a number of false-positives, resulting in a high attrition rate during subsequent follow-up studies. In this report, we analyze the outcome of a high-content screen using enhanced green fluorescent protein as a reporter in a gain-of-function cell-based assay in search of modulators of the micro RNA (miRNA) biogenesis pathway. Using a previously validated image-based biosensor, we screened a diverse library collection of ~315,000 compounds covering natural and synthetic derivatives in which 1130 positives were identified to enhance green fluorescence expression. Lateral confirmation and dose-response studies revealed that all of these compounds were the result of optical interference and not specific inhibition of miRNA biogenesis. Here, we highlight the chemical classes that are susceptible to compound optical interference and discuss their implications in automated microscopy-based assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glorymar Ibáñez
- 1 Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.,2 HTS Core Facility, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Paul A Calder
- 1 Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.,2 HTS Core Facility, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Constantin Radu
- 3 Institut Pasteur Korea, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Bhavneet Bhinder
- 2 HTS Core Facility, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.,4 Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - David Shum
- 2 HTS Core Facility, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.,3 Institut Pasteur Korea, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Christophe Antczak
- 2 HTS Core Facility, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.,5 Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Hakim Djaballah
- 2 HTS Core Facility, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.,6 Keren Therapeutics, Scarsdale, NY, USA
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4
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Approaches for the Discovery of Small Molecule Ligands Targeting microRNAs. TOPICS IN MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/7355_2017_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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5
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Blazer LL, Li F, Kennedy S, Zheng YG, Arrowsmith CH, Vedadi M. A Suite of Biochemical Assays for Screening RNA Methyltransferase BCDIN3D. SLAS DISCOVERY 2016; 22:32-39. [PMID: 27581605 DOI: 10.1177/1087057116666276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BCDIN3D is an RNA-methyltransferase that O-methylates the 5' phosphate of RNA and regulates microRNA maturation. To discover small-molecule inhibitors of BCDIN3D, a suite of biochemical assays was developed. A radiometric methyltransferase assay and fluorescence polarization-based S-adenosylmethionine and RNA displacement assays are described. In addition, differential scanning fluorimetry and surface plasmon resonance were used to characterize binding. These assays provide a comprehensive package for the development of small-molecule modulators of BCDIN3D activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Levi L Blazer
- 1 Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Fengling Li
- 1 Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Steven Kennedy
- 1 Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Yujun George Zheng
- 2 Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Cheryl H Arrowsmith
- 1 Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,3 Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Masoud Vedadi
- 1 Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,4 Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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6
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Klumpp M. Non-stoichiometric inhibition in integrated lead finding - a literature review. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2015; 11:149-62. [PMID: 26653534 DOI: 10.1517/17460441.2016.1128892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Non-stoichiometric inhibition summarizes different mechanisms by which low-molecular weight compounds can reproducibly inhibit high-throughput screening (HTS) and other lead finding assays without binding to a structurally defined site on their molecular target. This disqualifies such molecules from optimization by medicinal chemistry, and therefore their rapid elimination from screening hit lists is essential for productive and effective drug discovery. AREAS COVERED This review covers recent literature that either investigates the various mechanisms behind non-stoichiometric inhibition or suggests assays and readouts to identify them. In addition, combination of the various methods to distill promising molecules out of raw primary hit lists step-by-step is considered. Emerging technologies to demonstrate target engagement in cells are also discussed. EXPERT OPINION Over the last few years, awareness of non-stoichiometric inhibitors within screening libraries and HTS hit lists has considerably increased, not only in the pharmaceutical industry but also in the academic drug discovery community. This has resulted in a variety of methods to detect and handle such compounds. These range from in silico approaches to flag suspicious compounds, and counterassays to measure non-stoichiometric inhibition, to biophysical methods that positively demonstrate stoichiometric binding. In addition, novel technologies to verify target engagement within cells are becoming available. While still a time- and resource-consuming nuisance, non-stoichiometric inhibitors therefore do not fundamentally jeopardize the discovery of low molecular weight lead and drug candidates. Rather, they should be viewed as a manageable issue that with appropriate expertise can be overcome through integration of the above-mentioned approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Klumpp
- a Novartis Institute of Biomedical Research Basel, Novartis Pharma AG , Basel , Switzerland
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7
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Wen D, Danquah M, Chaudhary AK, Mahato RI. Small molecules targeting microRNA for cancer therapy: Promises and obstacles. J Control Release 2015; 219:237-247. [PMID: 26256260 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2015.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2015] [Revised: 07/20/2015] [Accepted: 08/04/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Aberrant expression of miRNAs is critically implicated in cancer initiation and progression. Therapeutic approaches focused on regulating miRNAs are therefore a promising approach for treating cancer. Antisense oligonucleotides, miRNA sponges, and CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing systems are being investigated as tools for regulating miRNAs. Despite the accruing insights in the use of these tools, delivery concerns have mitigated clinical application of such systems. In contrast, little attention has been given to the potential of small molecules to modulate miRNA expression for cancer therapy. In these years, many researches proved that small molecules targeting cancer-related miRNAs might have greater potential for cancer treatment. Small molecules targeting cancer related miRNAs showed significantly promising results in different cancer models. However, there are still several obstacles hindering the progress and clinical application in this area. This review discusses the development, mechanisms and application of small molecules for modulating oncogenic miRNAs (oncomiRs). Attention has also been given to screening technologies and perspectives aimed to facilitate clinical translation for small molecule-based miRNA therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Wen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 986025 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-6025, USA
| | - Michael Danquah
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chicago State University, 9501 South King Drive., Chicago, IL 60628, USA
| | - Amit Kumar Chaudhary
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 986025 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-6025, USA
| | - Ram I Mahato
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 986025 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-6025, USA.
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Abstract
The discovery of the first microRNA (miRNA) over 20 years ago has ushered in a new era in molecular biology. There are now over 2000 miRNAs that have been discovered in humans and it is believed that they collectively regulate one third of the genes in the genome. miRNAs have been linked to many human diseases and are being pursued as clinical diagnostics and as therapeutic targets. This review presents an overview of the miRNA pathway, including biogenesis routes, biological roles, and clinical approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott M Hammond
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
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9
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Jing Z, Han W, Sui X, Xie J, Pan H. Interaction of autophagy with microRNAs and their potential therapeutic implications in human cancers. Cancer Lett 2014; 356:332-8. [PMID: 25304373 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2014.09.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2014] [Revised: 09/07/2014] [Accepted: 09/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Autophagy is a tightly regulated intracellular self-digestive process involving the lysosomal degradation of cytoplasmic organelles and proteins. A number of studies have shown that autophagy is dysregulated in cancer initiation and progression, or cancer cells under various stress conditions. As a catabolic pathway conserved among eukaryotes, autophagy is regulated by the autophagy related genes and pathways. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding endogenous RNAs that may regulate almost every cellular process including autophagy. And autophagy is also involved in the regulation of miRNAs expression and homeostasis. Here we reviewed some literatures on the interaction of miRNAs with autophagy and the application of miRNAs-mediated autophagic networks as a promising target in pre-clinical cancer models. Furthermore, strategies of miRNAs delivery for miRNAs-based anti-cancer therapy will also be summarized and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao Jing
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Weidong Han
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Institute of Clinical Science, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xinbing Sui
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Institute of Clinical Science, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jiansheng Xie
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Institute of Clinical Science, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hongming Pan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Institute of Clinical Science, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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10
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Antczak C, Mahida JP, Singh C, Calder PA, Djaballah H. A high content assay to assess cellular fitness. Comb Chem High Throughput Screen 2014; 17:12-24. [PMID: 23957721 DOI: 10.2174/13862073113169990056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2013] [Revised: 08/14/2013] [Accepted: 08/15/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
A universal process in experimental biology is the use of engineered cells; more often, stably or transiently transfected cells are generated for the purpose. Therefore, it is important that cell health assessment is conducted to check for stress mediated by induction of heat shock proteins (Hsps). For this purpose, we have developed an integrated platform that would enable a direct assessment of transfection efficiency (TE) combined with cellular toxicity and stress response. We make use of automated microscopy and high content analysis to extract from the same well a multiplexed readout to assess and determine optimal chemical transfection conditions. As a proof of concept, we investigated seven commercial reagents, in a matrix of dose and time, to study transfection of an EGFP DNA plasmid into HeLa cells and their consequences on health and fitness; where we scored for cellular proliferation, EGFP positive cells, and induction of Hsp10 and Hsp70 as makers of stress responses. FuGENE HD emerged as the most optimal reagent with no apparent side effects suitable for performing microtiter based miniaturized transfection for both chemical and RNAi screening. In summary, we report on a high content assay method to assess cellular overall fitness upon chemical transfection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Hakim Djaballah
- HTS Core Facility, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA.
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11
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Shum D, Bhinder B, Djaballah H. Modulators of the microRNA biogenesis pathway via arrayed lentiviral enabled RNAi screening for drug and biomarker discovery. Comb Chem High Throughput Screen 2014; 16:791-805. [PMID: 23977983 DOI: 10.2174/1386207311301010004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2013] [Revised: 07/23/2013] [Accepted: 07/24/2013] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small endogenous and conserved non-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression. Although the first miRNA was discovered well over sixteen years ago, little is known about their biogenesis and it is only recently that we have begun to understand their scope and diversity. For this purpose, we performed an RNAi screen aimed at identifying genes involved in their biogenesis pathway with a potential use as biomarkers. Using a previously developed miRNA 21 (miR-21) EGFP-based biosensor cell based assay monitoring green fluorescence enhancements, we performed an arrayed short hairpin RNA (shRNA) screen against a lentiviral particle ready TRC1 library covering 16,039 genes in 384-well plate format, and interrogating the genome one gene at a time building a panoramic view of endogenous miRNA activity. Using the BDA method for RNAi data analysis, we nominate 497 gene candidates the knockdown of which increased the EGFP fluorescence and yielding an initial hit rate of 3.09%; of which only 22, with reported validated clones, are deemed high-confidence gene candidates. An unexpected and surprising result was that only DROSHA was identified as a hit out of the seven core essential miRNA biogenesis genes; suggesting that perhaps intracellular shRNA processing into the correct duplex may be cell dependent and with differential outcome. Biological classification revealed several major control junctions among them genes involved in transport and vesicular trafficking. In summary, we report on 22 high confidence gene candidate regulators of miRNA biogenesis with potential use in drug and biomarker discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Shum
- HTS Core Facility, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, New York 10065, USA.
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12
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Bhinder B, Antczak C, Shum D, Radu C, Mahida JP, Liu-Sullivan N, Ibanez G, Raja BS, Calder PA, Djaballah H. Chemical & RNAi screening at MSKCC: a collaborative platform to discover & repurpose drugs to fight disease. Comb Chem High Throughput Screen 2014; 17:298-318. [PMID: 24661215 DOI: 10.2174/1386207317666140323132222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2013] [Revised: 10/22/2013] [Accepted: 10/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) has implemented the creation of a full service state-of-the-art High-throughput Screening Core Facility (HTSCF) equipped with modern robotics and custom-built screening data management resources to rapidly store and query chemical and RNAi screening data outputs. The mission of the facility is to provide oncology clinicians and researchers alike with access to cost-effective HTS solutions for both chemical and RNAi screening, with an ultimate goal of novel target identification and drug discovery. HTSCF was established in 2003 to support the institution's commitment to growth in molecular pharmacology and in the realm of therapeutic agents to fight chronic diseases such as cancer. This endeavor required broad range of expertise in technology development to establish robust and innovative assays, large collections of diverse chemical and RNAi duplexes to probe specific cellular events, sophisticated compound and data handling capabilities, and a profound knowledge in assay development, hit validation, and characterization. Our goal has been to strive for constant innovation, and we strongly believe in shifting the paradigm from traditional drug discovery towards translational research now, making allowance for unmet clinical needs in patients. Our efforts towards repurposing FDA-approved drugs fructified when digoxin, identified through primary HTS, was administered in the clinic for treatment of stage Vb retinoblastoma. In summary, the overall aim of our facility is to identify novel chemical probes, to study cellular processes relevant to investigator's research interest in chemical biology and functional genomics, and to be instrumental in accelerating the process of drug discovery in academia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Hakim Djaballah
- HTS Core Facility, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, USA.
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13
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Perspectives in targeting miRNA function. Bioorg Med Chem 2013; 21:6115-8. [PMID: 23602624 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2013.03.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2013] [Revised: 03/20/2013] [Accepted: 03/21/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
First oligonucleotide analogues that inhibit miRNA function are currently investigated in clinical trials. In addition, several alternative methods are under development that may allow for controlling miRNA function by small molecules-mediated inhibiting of its biogenesis. In this perspectives article, we provide a short overview on recent developments in this field.
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14
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Bhinder B, Antczak C, Ramirez CN, Shum D, Liu-Sullivan N, Radu C, Frattini MG, Djaballah H. An arrayed genome-scale lentiviral-enabled short hairpin RNA screen identifies lethal and rescuer gene candidates. Assay Drug Dev Technol 2012. [PMID: 23198867 DOI: 10.1089/adt.2012.475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA interference technology is becoming an integral tool for target discovery and validation.; With perhaps the exception of only few studies published using arrayed short hairpin RNA (shRNA) libraries, most of the reports have been either against pooled siRNA or shRNA, or arrayed siRNA libraries. For this purpose, we have developed a workflow and performed an arrayed genome-scale shRNA lethality screen against the TRC1 library in HeLa cells. The resulting targets would be a valuable resource of candidates toward a better understanding of cellular homeostasis. Using a high-stringency hit nomination method encompassing criteria of at least three active hairpins per gene and filtered for potential off-target effects (OTEs), referred to as the Bhinder-Djaballah analysis method, we identified 1,252 lethal and 6 rescuer gene candidates, knockdown of which resulted in severe cell death or enhanced growth, respectively. Cross referencing individual hairpins with the TRC1 validated clone database, 239 of the 1,252 candidates were deemed independently validated with at least three validated clones. Through our systematic OTE analysis, we have identified 31 microRNAs (miRNAs) in lethal and 2 in rescuer genes; all having a seed heptamer mimic in the corresponding shRNA hairpins and likely cause of the OTE observed in our screen, perhaps unraveling a previously unknown plausible essentiality of these miRNAs in cellular viability. Taken together, we report on a methodology for performing large-scale arrayed shRNA screens, a comprehensive analysis method to nominate high-confidence hits, and a performance assessment of the TRC1 library highlighting the intracellular inefficiencies of shRNA processing in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhavneet Bhinder
- High-Throughput Screening Core Facility, Molecular Pharmacology and Chemistry Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
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15
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Shum D, Bhinder B, Ramirez CN, Radu C, Calder PA, Beauchamp L, Farazi T, Landthaler M, Tuschi T, Magdaleno S, Djaballah H. An arrayed RNA interference genome-wide screen identifies candidate genes involved in the MicroRNA 21 biogenesis pathway. Assay Drug Dev Technol 2012; 11:191-205. [PMID: 23153064 DOI: 10.1089/adt.2012.477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are evolutionary conserved noncoding molecules that regulate gene expression. They influence a number of diverse biological functions, such as development and differentiation. However, their dysregulation has been shown to be associated with disease states, such as cancer. Genes and pathways regulating their biogenesis remain unknown and are highly sought after. For this purpose, we have validated a multiplexed high-content assay strategy to screen for such modulators. Here, we describe its implementation that makes use of a cell-based gain-of-function reporter assay monitoring enhanced green fluorescent protein expression under the control of miRNA 21 (miR-21); combined with measures of both cell metabolic activities through the use of Alamar Blue and cell death through imaged Hoechst-stained nuclei. The strategy was validated using a panel of known genes and enabled us to successfully progress to and complete an arrayed genome-wide short interfering RNA (siRNA) screen against the Ambion Silencer Select v4.0 library containing 64,755 siRNA duplexes covering 21,565 genes. We applied a high-stringency hit analysis method, referred to as the Bhinder-Djaballah analysis method, leading to the nomination of 1,273 genes as candidate inhibitors of the miR-21 biogenesis pathway; after several iterations eliminating those genes with only one active duplex and those enriched in seed sequence mediated off-target effects. Biological classifications revealed four major control junctions among them vesicular transport via clathrin-mediated endocytosis. Altogether, our screen has uncovered a number of novel candidate regulators that are potentially good druggable targets allowing for the discovery and development of small molecules for regulating miRNA function.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Shum
- High-Throughput Screening Core Facility, Molecular Pharmacology and Chemistry Program, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, USA
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