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Sheinin R, Salomon K, Yeini E, Dulberg S, Kaminitz A, Satchi-Fainaro R, Sharan R, Madi A. interFLOW: maximum flow framework for the identification of factors mediating the signaling convergence of multiple receptors. NPJ Syst Biol Appl 2024; 10:66. [PMID: 38858414 PMCID: PMC11164912 DOI: 10.1038/s41540-024-00391-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Cell-cell crosstalk involves simultaneous interactions of multiple receptors and ligands, followed by downstream signaling cascades working through receptors converging at dominant transcription factors, which then integrate and propagate multiple signals into a cellular response. Single-cell RNAseq of multiple cell subsets isolated from a defined microenvironment provides us with a unique opportunity to learn about such interactions reflected in their gene expression levels. We developed the interFLOW framework to map the potential ligand-receptor interactions between different cell subsets based on a maximum flow computation in a network of protein-protein interactions (PPIs). The maximum flow approach further allows characterization of the intracellular downstream signal transduction from differentially expressed receptors towards dominant transcription factors, therefore, enabling the association between a set of receptors and their downstream activated pathways. Importantly, we were able to identify key transcription factors toward which the convergence of multiple receptor signaling pathways occurs. These identified factors have a unique role in the integration and propagation of signaling following specific cell-cell interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ron Sheinin
- Blavatnik School of Computer Science, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel
| | - Koren Salomon
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel
| | - Eilam Yeini
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel
| | - Shai Dulberg
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel
| | - Ayelet Kaminitz
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel
| | - Ronit Satchi-Fainaro
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel
- Sagol School of Neurosciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel
| | - Roded Sharan
- Blavatnik School of Computer Science, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel
| | - Asaf Madi
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel.
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2
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Li C, Ajmal E, Alok K, Powell K, Wadolowski S, Tambo W, Turpin J, Barthélemy E, Al-Abed Y, LeDoux D. CGRP as a potential mediator for the sexually dimorphic responses to traumatic brain injury. Biol Sex Differ 2024; 15:44. [PMID: 38816868 PMCID: PMC11138127 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-024-00619-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The outcomes of traumatic brain injury (TBI) exhibit variance contingent upon biological sex. Although female sex hormones exert neuroprotective effects, the administration of estrogen and progesterone has not yielded conclusive results. Hence, it is conceivable that additional mediators, distinct from female sex hormones, merit consideration due to their potential differential impact on TBI outcomes. Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) exhibits sexually dimorphic expression and demonstrates neuroprotective effects in acute brain injuries. In this study, we aimed to examine sex-based variations in TBI structural and functional outcomes with respect to CGRP expression. METHODS Male and female Sprague Dawley rats were exposed to controlled cortical impact to induce severe TBI, followed by interventions with and without CGRP inhibition. In the acute phase of TBI, the study centered on elucidating the influence of CGRP on oxidative stress, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) signaling in the peri-impact tissue. Subsequently, during the chronic phase of TBI, the investigation expanded to evaluate CGRP expression in relation to lesion volume, microvascular dysfunction, and white matter injury, as well as working and spatial memory, anxiety-like, and depression-like behaviors in subjects of both sexes. RESULTS Female rats exhibited elevated levels of CGRP in the peri-impact brain tissue during both baseline conditions and in the acute and chronic phases of TBI, in comparison to age-matched male counterparts. Enhanced CGRP levels in specific brain sub-regions among female rats correlated with superior structural and functional outcomes following TBI compared to their male counterparts. CGRP inhibition induced heightened oxidative stress and a reduction in the expression of Nrf2 and eNOS in both male and female rats, with the observed alteration being more pronounced in females than in males. CONCLUSIONS This study marks the inaugural identification of CGRP as a downstream mediator contributing to the sexually dimorphic response observed in TBI outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyan Li
- Translational Brain Research Laboratory, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, 350 Community Dr, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA.
- Department of Neurosurgery, North Shore University Hospital, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA.
- Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine at Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA.
- Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA.
| | - Erum Ajmal
- Translational Brain Research Laboratory, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, 350 Community Dr, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
- Division of Neurosurgery, SUNY Downstate College of Medicine, Brooklyn, NY, 11203, USA
| | - Khaled Alok
- Department of Neurosurgery, North Shore University Hospital, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | - Keren Powell
- Translational Brain Research Laboratory, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, 350 Community Dr, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
- Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | - Steven Wadolowski
- Translational Brain Research Laboratory, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, 350 Community Dr, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
- Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | - Willians Tambo
- Translational Brain Research Laboratory, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, 350 Community Dr, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
- Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine at Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
- Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | - Justin Turpin
- Department of Neurosurgery, North Shore University Hospital, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | - Ernest Barthélemy
- Division of Neurosurgery, SUNY Downstate College of Medicine, Brooklyn, NY, 11203, USA
| | - Yousef Al-Abed
- Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | - David LeDoux
- Department of Neurosurgery, North Shore University Hospital, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
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Zhao Y, Zhou YG, Chen JF. Targeting the adenosine A 2A receptor for neuroprotection and cognitive improvement in traumatic brain injury and Parkinson's disease. Chin J Traumatol 2024; 27:125-133. [PMID: 37679245 PMCID: PMC11138351 DOI: 10.1016/j.cjtee.2023.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Adenosine exerts its dual functions of homeostasis and neuromodulation in the brain by acting at mainly 2 G-protein coupled receptors, called A1 and A2A receptors. The adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR) antagonists have been clinically pursued for the last 2 decades, leading to final approval of the istradefylline, an A2AR antagonist, for the treatment of OFF-Parkinson's disease (PD) patients. The approval paves the way to develop novel therapeutic methods for A2AR antagonists to address 2 major unmet medical needs in PD and traumatic brain injury (TBI), namely neuroprotection or improving cognition. In this review, we first consider the evidence for aberrantly increased adenosine signaling in PD and TBI and the sufficiency of the increased A2AR signaling to trigger neurotoxicity and cognitive impairment. We further discuss the increasing preclinical data on the reversal of cognitive deficits in PD and TBI by A2AR antagonists through control of degenerative proteins and synaptotoxicity, and on protection against TBI and PD pathologies by A2AR antagonists through control of neuroinflammation. Moreover, we provide the supporting evidence from multiple human prospective epidemiological studies which revealed an inverse relation between the consumption of caffeine and the risk of developing PD and cognitive decline in aging population and Alzheimer's disease patients. Collectively, the convergence of clinical, epidemiological and experimental evidence supports the validity of A2AR as a new therapeutic target and facilitates the design of A2AR antagonists in clinical trials for disease-modifying and cognitive benefit in PD and TBI patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhao
- Department of Army Occupational Disease, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Research Institute of Surgery, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - Yuan-Guo Zhou
- Department of Army Occupational Disease, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Research Institute of Surgery, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - Jiang-Fan Chen
- The Molecular Neuropharmacology Laboratory and the Eye-Brain Research Center, The State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Vision Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang Province, China; Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang Province, China.
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Guo H, Chen LQ, Zou ZR, Cheng S, Hu Y, Mao L, Tian H, Mei XF. Zinc remodels mitochondrial network through SIRT3/Mfn2-dependent mitochondrial transfer in ameliorating spinal cord injury. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 968:176368. [PMID: 38316246 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a traumatic neuropathic condition that results in motor, sensory and autonomic dysfunction. Mitochondrial dysfunction caused by primary trauma is one of the critical pathogenic mechanisms. Moderate levels of zinc have antioxidant effects, promote neurogenesis and immune responses. Zinc normalises mitochondrial morphology in neurons after SCI. However, how zinc protects mitochondria within neurons is unknown. In the study, we used transwell culture, Western blot, Quantitative Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (QRT-PCR), ATP content detection, reactive oxygen species (ROS) activity assay, flow cytometry and immunostaining to investigate the relationship between zinc-treated microglia and injured neurons through animal and cell experiments. We found that zinc promotes mitochondrial transfer from microglia to neurons after SCI through Sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) regulation of Mitofusin 2 protein (Mfn2). It can rescue mitochondria in damaged neurons and inhibit oxidative stress, increase ATP levels and promote neuronal survival. Therefore, it can improve the recovery of motor function in SCI mice. In conclusion, our work reveals a potential mechanism to describe the communication between microglia and neurons after SCI, which may provide a new idea for future therapeutic approaches to SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Guo
- School of Basic Medicine, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning, China; Liaoning Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center of Medical Testing and Drug Research, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning, China.
| | - Li-Qing Chen
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning, China.
| | - Zhi-Ru Zou
- Pharmacy School, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning, China.
| | - Shuai Cheng
- School of Basic Medicine, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning, China; Liaoning Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center of Medical Testing and Drug Research, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning, China.
| | - Yu Hu
- School of Basic Medicine, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning, China.
| | - Liang Mao
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning, China.
| | - He Tian
- School of Basic Medicine, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning, China; Liaoning Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center of Medical Testing and Drug Research, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning, China.
| | - Xi-Fan Mei
- Liaoning Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center of Medical Testing and Drug Research, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning, China.
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Ahuja N, Awad K, Yang S, Dong H, Mikos A, Aswath P, Young S, Brotto M, Varanasi V. SiON x Coating Regulates Mesenchymal Stem Cell Antioxidant Capacity via Nuclear Erythroid Factor 2 Activity under Toxic Oxidative Stress Conditions. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:189. [PMID: 38397787 PMCID: PMC10885901 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13020189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Healing in compromised and complicated bone defects is often prolonged and delayed due to the lack of bioactivity of the fixation device, secondary infections, and associated oxidative stress. Here, we propose amorphous silicon oxynitride (SiONx) as a coating for the fixation devices to improve both bioactivity and bacteriostatic activity and reduce oxidative stress. We aimed to study the effect of increasing the N/O ratio in the SiONx to fine-tune the cellular activity and the antioxidant effect via the NRF2 pathway under oxidative stress conditions. The in vitro studies involved using human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to examine the effect of SiONx coatings on osteogenesis with and without toxic oxidative stress. Additionally, bacterial growth on SiONx surfaces was studied using methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonies. NRF2 siRNA transfection was performed on the hMSCs (NRF2-KD) to study the antioxidant response to silicon ions. The SiONx implant surfaces showed a >4-fold decrease in bacterial growth vs. bare titanium as a control. Increasing the N/O ratio in the SiONx implants increased the alkaline phosphatase activity >1.5 times, and the other osteogenic markers (osteocalcin, RUNX2, and Osterix) were increased >2-fold under normal conditions. Increasing the N/O ratio in SiONx enhanced the protective effects and improved cell viability against toxic oxidative stress conditions. There was a significant increase in osteocalcin activity compared to the uncoated group, along with increased antioxidant activity under oxidative stress conditions. In NRF2-KD cells, there was a stunted effect on the upregulation of antioxidant markers by silicon ions, indicating a role for NRF2. In conclusion, the SiONx coatings studied here displayed bacteriostatic properties. These materials promoted osteogenic markers under toxic oxidative stress conditions while also enhancing antioxidant NRF2 activity. These results indicate the potential of SiONx coatings to induce in vivo bone regeneration in a challenging oxidative stress environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neelam Ahuja
- Bone-Muscle Research Center, College of Nursing and Health Innovation, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76010, USA
| | - Kamal Awad
- Bone-Muscle Research Center, College of Nursing and Health Innovation, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76010, USA
- Department of Material Science and Engineering, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76010, USA
| | - Su Yang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76010, USA
| | - He Dong
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76010, USA
| | - Antonios Mikos
- Center for Engineering Complex Tissues, Center for Excellence in Tissue Engineering, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Pranesh Aswath
- Department of Material Science and Engineering, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76010, USA
| | - Simon Young
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77054, USA
| | - Marco Brotto
- Bone-Muscle Research Center, College of Nursing and Health Innovation, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76010, USA
| | - Venu Varanasi
- Bone-Muscle Research Center, College of Nursing and Health Innovation, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76010, USA
- Department of Material Science and Engineering, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76010, USA
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Zamanian MY, Soltani A, Khodarahmi Z, Alameri AA, Alwan AMR, Ramírez-Coronel AA, Obaid RF, Abosaooda M, Heidari M, Golmohammadi M, Anoush M. Targeting Nrf2 signaling pathway by quercetin in the prevention and treatment of neurological disorders: An overview and update on new developments. Fundam Clin Pharmacol 2023; 37:1050-1064. [PMID: 37259891 DOI: 10.1111/fcp.12926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurological disorders (NLDs) are widely acknowledged as a significant public health concern worldwide. Stroke, Alzheimer's disease (AD), and traumatic brain injury (TBI) are three of these disorders that have sparked major study attention. Neurological dysfunction, protein buildup, oxidation and neuronal injury, and aberrant mitochondria are all prevalent neuropathological hallmarks of these disorders. The signaling cascade of nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) shares all of them as a common target. Several studies have found that overexpression of Nrf2 is a promising treatment method in NLDs. Effective treatment of these disorders continues to be a universal concern regardless of various medicines. In order to treat a variety of neurological problems, organic remedies may provide an alternative treatment. It has been demonstrated that polyphenols like quercetin (Que) offer considerable capabilities for treating NLDs. One of Que's greatest key targets, Nrf2, has the capacity to control the production of a number of cytoprotective enzymes that exhibit neuroprotective, detoxifying, and antioxidative effects. Additionally, Que enhanced the expression of Nrf2 and inhibited alterations in the shape and death of neurons in the hippocampus. OBJECTIVE In this review, we have focused on Que's medicinal prospects as a neuroprotective drug. METHODS PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, and Google Scholar were used to search articles for this study. RESULTS The findings of this research demonstrate that (1) Que protected the blood-brain barrier via stimulating Nrf2 in animal stroke, which alleviated ischemic reperfusion and motor dysfunction. (2) By triggering the Nrf2 pathway, Que reduced the neuroinflammation and oxidative damage brought on by TBI in the cortex. (3) In an experimental model of AD, Que enhanced cognitive function by decreasing A1-4, antioxidant activity, and Nrf2 levels in the brain. CONCLUSION We discuss recent research on Que-mediated Nrf2 expression in the management of several NLDs in this paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Yasin Zamanian
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Afsaneh Soltani
- School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Khodarahmi
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | | | - Athemar M R Alwan
- Department of Radiological Techniques, Al-Mustaqbal University College, Babylon, Iraq
| | - Andrés Alexis Ramírez-Coronel
- Azogues Campus Nursing Career, Health and Behavior Research Group (HBR), Psychometry and Ethology Laboratory, Catholic University of Cuenca, Cuenca, Ecuador
- Doctorate in Psychology, University of Palermo, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics Research Group, CES University, Medellín, Colombia
| | | | - Munther Abosaooda
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics Research Group, CES University, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Mahsa Heidari
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics (IBB), University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Golmohammadi
- School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahdieh Anoush
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
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Trentini A, Hanau S, Manfrinato MC, Cacciari B. Chemical and biological versatility of pyrazolo[3,4- d]pyrimidines: one scaffold, multiple modes of action. Future Med Chem 2023; 15:2143-2148. [PMID: 37933597 DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2023-0274] [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: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Plain language summary Pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidines are chemical compounds possessing remarkable versatility and significance in both biological and chemical contexts. These compounds are composed of specific arrangements of atoms, forming a unique ring structure, which is able to form bonds in a similar way as purines do. In the realm of chemistry, pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidines showcase impressive flexibility due to their ability to easily react with various molecules, opening avenues for the creation of novel compounds with diverse properties for potential applications in medicinal chemistry. In a biological context, pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidines play a crucial role due to their interaction with proteins such as enzymes. In fact, these compounds can impact various biological processes, including cancer cell proliferation, oxidative stress and inflammation. This has led to investigations into their potential as therapeutic agents: by designing pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidines with specific biological targets in mind, new drugs can be developed for the effective treatment of a range of medical conditions. Finally, novel administration tools (e.g., nanomaterials and functionalized liposomes) are being studied as effective ways to overcome the main unwanted characteristics of pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidines (scarce solubility and off-target side effects), thereby increasing their efficacy and specificity toward cell targets. In conclusion, pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidines are fascinating molecules with a dual role in chemistry and biology. Their adaptability in chemical reactions makes them valuable building blocks for designing new compounds with diverse applications. Additionally, their interaction with biological molecules holds promise for the development of innovative medicines. Ongoing research into the properties and behaviors of these compounds could lead to significant advancements in both scientific fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Trentini
- Department of Environmental & Prevention Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari 46, Ferrara, 44121, Italy
| | - Stefania Hanau
- Department of Neuroscience & Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari 46, Ferrara, 44121, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Manfrinato
- Department of Neuroscience & Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari 46, Ferrara, 44121, Italy
| | - Barbara Cacciari
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical & Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari 46, Ferrara, 44121, Italy
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Zhao Z, Dong R, You Q, Jiang Z. Medicinal Chemistry Insights into the Development of Small-Molecule Kelch-Like ECH-Associated Protein 1-Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2-Related Factor 2 (Keap1-Nrf2) Protein-Protein Interaction Inhibitors. J Med Chem 2023. [PMID: 37441735 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
Oxidative stress has been implicated in a wide range of pathological conditions. The transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) exerts a central role in regulating the cellular defense system against oxidative and electrophilic insults. Nonelectrophilic inhibition of the protein-protein interaction (PPI) between Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) and Nrf2 has become a promising approach to activate Nrf2. Recently, multiple drug discovery strategies have facilitated the development of small-molecule Keap1-Nrf2 PPI inhibitors with potent activity and favorable drug-like properties. In this Perspective, we summarize the latest progress of small-molecule Keap1-Nrf2 PPI inhibitors from medicinal chemistry insights and discuss future prospects and challenges in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziquan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Ruitian Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Qidong You
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Zhengyu Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiang Su Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
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