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Victoria C, Schulz G, Klöhn M, Weber S, Holicki CM, Brüggemann Y, Becker M, Gerold G, Eiden M, Groschup MH, Steinmann E, Kirschning A. Halogenated Rocaglate Derivatives: Pan-antiviral Agents against Hepatitis E Virus and Emerging Viruses. J Med Chem 2024; 67:289-321. [PMID: 38127656 PMCID: PMC10788925 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
The synthesis of a library of halogenated rocaglate derivatives belonging to the flavagline class of natural products, of which silvestrol is the most prominent example, is reported. Their antiviral activity and cytotoxicity profile against a wide range of pathogenic viruses, including hepatitis E, Chikungunya, Rift Valley Fever virus and SARS-CoV-2, were determined. The incorporation of halogen substituents at positions 4', 6 and 8 was shown to have a significant effect on the antiviral activity of rocaglates, some of which even showed enhanced activity compared to CR-31-B and silvestrol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Victoria
- Institute
of Organic Chemistry, Leibniz University
Hannover, Schneiderberg
1B, 30167 Hannover, Germany
| | - Göran Schulz
- Institute
of Organic Chemistry, Leibniz University
Hannover, Schneiderberg
1B, 30167 Hannover, Germany
| | - Mara Klöhn
- Department
of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr-University
Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany
| | - Saskia Weber
- Federal
Research Institute in Animal Health (FLI), Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald, Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Cora M. Holicki
- Federal
Research Institute in Animal Health (FLI), Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald, Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Yannick Brüggemann
- Department
of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr-University
Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany
| | - Miriam Becker
- Institute
for Biochemistry and Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses
(RIZ), University of Veterinary Medicine
Hannover, Bünteweg
2, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Gisa Gerold
- Institute
for Biochemistry and Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses
(RIZ), University of Veterinary Medicine
Hannover, Bünteweg
2, 30559 Hannover, Germany
- Wallenberg
Centre for Molecular Medicine (WCMM), Umeå
University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden
- Department
of Clinical Microbiology, Virology, Umeå
University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Martin Eiden
- Federal
Research Institute in Animal Health (FLI), Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald, Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Martin H. Groschup
- Federal
Research Institute in Animal Health (FLI), Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald, Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Eike Steinmann
- Department
of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr-University
Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany
| | - Andreas Kirschning
- Institute
of Organic Chemistry, Leibniz University
Hannover, Schneiderberg
1B, 30167 Hannover, Germany
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2
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Tapescu I, Taschuk F, Pokharel SM, Zginnyk O, Ferretti M, Bailer PF, Whig K, Madden EA, Heise MT, Schultz DC, Cherry S. The RNA helicase DDX39A binds a conserved structure in chikungunya virus RNA to control infection. Mol Cell 2023; 83:4174-4189.e7. [PMID: 37949067 PMCID: PMC10722560 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2023.10.008] [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: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Alphaviruses are a large group of re-emerging arthropod-borne RNA viruses. The compact viral RNA genomes harbor diverse structures that facilitate replication. These structures can be recognized by antiviral cellular RNA-binding proteins, including DExD-box (DDX) helicases, that bind viral RNAs to control infection. The full spectrum of antiviral DDXs and the structures that are recognized remain unclear. Genetic screening identified DDX39A as antiviral against the alphavirus chikungunya virus (CHIKV) and other medically relevant alphaviruses. Upon infection, the predominantly nuclear DDX39A accumulates in the cytoplasm inhibiting alphavirus replication, independent of the canonical interferon pathway. Biochemically, DDX39A binds to CHIKV genomic RNA, interacting with the 5' conserved sequence element (5'CSE), which is essential for the antiviral activity of DDX39A. Altogether, DDX39A relocalization and binding to a conserved structural element in the alphavirus genomic RNA attenuates infection, revealing a previously unknown layer to the cellular control of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iulia Tapescu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Biochemistry and Biophysics Graduate Group, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Frances Taschuk
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Group, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Swechha M Pokharel
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Oleksandr Zginnyk
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Max Ferretti
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Peter F Bailer
- Biochemistry and Biophysics Graduate Group, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Kanupryia Whig
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Emily A Madden
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, UNC-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Mark T Heise
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, UNC-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Department of Genetics, UNC-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - David C Schultz
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Sara Cherry
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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3
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Li S, Chen JS, Li X, Bai X, Shi D. MNK, mTOR or eIF4E-selecting the best anti-tumor target for blocking translation initiation. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 260:115781. [PMID: 37669595 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Abstract
Overexpression of eIF4E is common in patients with various solid tumors and hematologic cancers. As a potential anti-cancer target, eIF4E has attracted extensive attention from researchers. At the same time, mTOR kinases inhibitors and MNK kinases inhibitors, which are directly related to regulation of eIF4E, have been rapidly developed. To explore the optimal anti-cancer targets among MNK, mTOR, and eIF4E, this review provides a detailed classification and description of the anti-cancer activities of promising compounds. In addition, the structures and activities of some dual-target inhibitors are briefly described. By analyzing the different characteristics of the inhibitors, it can be concluded that MNK1/2 and eIF4E/eIF4G interaction inhibitors are superior to mTOR inhibitors. Simultaneous inhibition of MNK and eIF4E/eIF4G interaction may be the most promising anti-cancer method for targeting translation initiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Li
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, Shandong, PR China.
| | - Jia-Shu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, Shandong, PR China.
| | - Xiangqian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, Shandong, PR China.
| | - Xiaoyi Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, Shandong, PR China.
| | - Dayong Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, Shandong, PR China.
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4
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Obermann W, Azri MFD, Konopka L, Schmidt N, Magari F, Sherman J, Silva LMR, Hermosilla C, Ludewig AH, Houhou H, Haeberlein S, Luo MY, Häcker I, Schetelig MF, Grevelding CG, Schroeder FC, Lau GSK, Taubert A, Rodriguez A, Heine A, Yeo TC, Grünweller A, Taroncher-Oldenburg G. Broad anti-pathogen potential of DEAD box RNA helicase eIF4A-targeting rocaglates. Sci Rep 2023; 13:9297. [PMID: 37291191 PMCID: PMC10250355 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-35765-6] [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: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Inhibition of eukaryotic initiation factor 4A has been proposed as a strategy to fight pathogens. Rocaglates exhibit the highest specificities among eIF4A inhibitors, but their anti-pathogenic potential has not been comprehensively assessed across eukaryotes. In silico analysis of the substitution patterns of six eIF4A1 aa residues critical to rocaglate binding, uncovered 35 variants. Molecular docking of eIF4A:RNA:rocaglate complexes, and in vitro thermal shift assays with select recombinantly expressed eIF4A variants, revealed that sensitivity correlated with low inferred binding energies and high melting temperature shifts. In vitro testing with silvestrol validated predicted resistance in Caenorhabditis elegans and Leishmania amazonensis and predicted sensitivity in Aedes sp., Schistosoma mansoni, Trypanosoma brucei, Plasmodium falciparum, and Toxoplasma gondii. Our analysis further revealed the possibility of targeting important insect, plant, animal, and human pathogens with rocaglates. Finally, our findings might help design novel synthetic rocaglate derivatives or alternative eIF4A inhibitors to fight pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wiebke Obermann
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | | | - Leonie Konopka
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Nina Schmidt
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Francesca Magari
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Julian Sherman
- Department of Microbiology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Liliana M R Silva
- Institute of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Carlos Hermosilla
- Institute of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Andreas H Ludewig
- Boyce Thompson Institute, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Hicham Houhou
- Institute of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Simone Haeberlein
- Institute of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Mona Yiting Luo
- Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Irina Häcker
- Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Marc F Schetelig
- Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Christoph G Grevelding
- Institute of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Frank C Schroeder
- Boyce Thompson Institute, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | | | - Anja Taubert
- Institute of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Ana Rodriguez
- Department of Microbiology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Andreas Heine
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Tiong Chia Yeo
- Sarawak Biodiversity Centre, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.
| | - Arnold Grünweller
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany.
| | - Gaspar Taroncher-Oldenburg
- Sarawak Biodiversity Centre, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia.
- Gaspar Taroncher Consulting, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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5
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Abdelkrim YZ, Harigua-Souiai E, Bassoumi-Jamoussi I, Barhoumi M, Banroques J, Essafi-Benkhadir K, Nilges M, Blondel A, Tanner NK, Guizani I. Enzymatic and Molecular Characterization of Anti- Leishmania Molecules That Differently Target Leishmania and Mammalian eIF4A Proteins, LieIF4A and eIF4A Mus. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27185890. [PMID: 36144626 PMCID: PMC9502374 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27185890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Previous investigations of the Leishmania infantum eIF4A-like protein (LieIF4A) as a potential drug target delivered cholestanol derivatives inhibitors. Here, we investigated the mode of action of cholesterol derivatives as a novel scaffold structure of LieIF4A inhibitors on the RNA-dependent ATPase activity of LieIF4A and its mammalian ortholog (eIF4AI). We compared their biochemical effects on RNA-dependent ATPase activities of both proteins and investigated if rocaglamide, a known inhibitor of eIF4A, could affect LieIF4A as well. Kinetic measurements were conducted at different concentrations of ATP, of the compound and in the presence of saturating whole yeast RNA concentrations. Kinetic analyses showed different ATP binding affinities for the two enzymes as well as different sensitivities to 7-α-aminocholesterol and rocaglamide. The 7-α-aminocholesterol inhibited LieIF4A with a higher binding affinity relative to cholestanol analogs. Cholesterol, another tested sterol, had no effect on the ATPase activity of LieIF4A or eIF4AI. The 7-α-aminocholesterol demonstrated an anti-Leishmania activity on L. infantum promastigotes. Additionally, docking simulations explained the importance of the double bond between C5 and C6 in 7-α-aminocholesterol and the amino group in the C7 position. In conclusion, Leishmania and mammalian eIF4A proteins appeared to interact differently with effectors, thus making LieIF4A a potential drug against leishmaniases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yosser Zina Abdelkrim
- Laboratory of Molecular Epidemiology and Experimental Pathology (LR11IPT04/LR16IPT04)/Laboratory of Epidemiology and Ecology of Parasites, Institut Pasteur de Tunis—University Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1002, Tunisia
- Université de Paris Cité & CNRS, Expression Génétique Microbienne, Institut de Biologie Physico-Chimique, 13 Rue Pierre et Marie Curie, F-75005 Paris, France
- Correspondence: (Y.Z.A.); (I.G.)
| | - Emna Harigua-Souiai
- Laboratory of Molecular Epidemiology and Experimental Pathology (LR11IPT04/LR16IPT04)/Laboratory of Epidemiology and Ecology of Parasites, Institut Pasteur de Tunis—University Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1002, Tunisia
| | - Imen Bassoumi-Jamoussi
- Laboratory of Molecular Epidemiology and Experimental Pathology (LR11IPT04/LR16IPT04)/Laboratory of Epidemiology and Ecology of Parasites, Institut Pasteur de Tunis—University Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1002, Tunisia
| | - Mourad Barhoumi
- Laboratory of Molecular Epidemiology and Experimental Pathology (LR11IPT04/LR16IPT04)/Laboratory of Epidemiology and Ecology of Parasites, Institut Pasteur de Tunis—University Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1002, Tunisia
| | - Josette Banroques
- Université de Paris Cité & CNRS, Expression Génétique Microbienne, Institut de Biologie Physico-Chimique, 13 Rue Pierre et Marie Curie, F-75005 Paris, France
- Paris Sciences and Lettres Research University, Institut de Biologie Physico-Chimique, 13 Rue Pierre et Marie Curie, F-75005 Paris, France
| | - Khadija Essafi-Benkhadir
- Laboratory of Molecular Epidemiology and Experimental Pathology (LR11IPT04/LR16IPT04)/Laboratory of Epidemiology and Ecology of Parasites, Institut Pasteur de Tunis—University Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1002, Tunisia
| | - Michael Nilges
- Structural Bioinformatics Unit, Institut Pasteur, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Arnaud Blondel
- Structural Bioinformatics Unit, Institut Pasteur, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - N. Kyle Tanner
- Université de Paris Cité & CNRS, Expression Génétique Microbienne, Institut de Biologie Physico-Chimique, 13 Rue Pierre et Marie Curie, F-75005 Paris, France
- Paris Sciences and Lettres Research University, Institut de Biologie Physico-Chimique, 13 Rue Pierre et Marie Curie, F-75005 Paris, France
| | - Ikram Guizani
- Laboratory of Molecular Epidemiology and Experimental Pathology (LR11IPT04/LR16IPT04)/Laboratory of Epidemiology and Ecology of Parasites, Institut Pasteur de Tunis—University Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1002, Tunisia
- Correspondence: (Y.Z.A.); (I.G.)
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6
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In Vitro Safety, Off-Target and Bioavailability Profile of the Antiviral Compound Silvestrol. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15091086. [PMID: 36145307 PMCID: PMC9502993 DOI: 10.3390/ph15091086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
We characterized the in vitro safety and bioavailability profile of silvestrol, a compound effective against various viruses, such as corona- and Ebolaviruses, with an EC50 value of about 5 nM. The cytotoxic profile of silvestrol was assessed in various cancer cell lines, as well as the mutagenic and genotoxic potential with Ames and micronuclei tests, respectively. To identify off-target effects, we investigated whether silvestrol modulates G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling pathways. To predict the bioavailability of silvestrol, its stability, permeability and cellular uptake were determined. Silvestrol reduced viability in a cell-type-dependent manner, mediated no off-target effects via GPCRs, had no mutagenic potential and minor genotoxic effects at 50 nM. Silvestrol did not disturb cell barrier integrity, showed low membrane permeability, was stable in liver microsomes and exhibited good cellular uptake. Efficient cellular uptake and increased cytotoxicity were observed in cell lines with a low expression level of the transport protein P-glycoprotein, the known efflux transporter of silvestrol. In conclusion, silvestrol showed low permeability but good cellular uptake and high stability. Cell-type-dependent cytotoxicity seems to be caused by the accumulation of silvestrol in cells lacking the ability to expel silvestrol due to low P-glycoprotein levels.
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7
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Praditya DF, Klöhn M, Brüggemann Y, Brown LE, Porco JA, Zhang W, Kinast V, Kirschning A, Vondran FWR, Todt D, Steinmann E. Identification of structurally re-engineered rocaglates as inhibitors against hepatitis E virus replication. Antiviral Res 2022; 204:105359. [PMID: 35728703 PMCID: PMC9731315 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2022.105359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infections are a leading cause of acute viral hepatitis in humans and pose a considerable threat to public health. Current standard of care treatment is limited to the off-label use of nucleoside-analog ribavirin (RBV) and PEGylated interferon-α, both of which are associated with significant side effects and provide limited efficacy. In the past few years, a promising natural product compound class of eukaryotic initiation factor 4A (eIF4A) inhibitors (translation initiation inhibitors), called rocaglates, were identified as antiviral agents against RNA virus infections. In the present study, we evaluated a total of 205 synthetic rocaglate derivatives from the BU-CMD compound library for their antiviral properties against HEV. At least eleven compounds showed inhibitory activities against the HEV genotype 3 (HEV-3) subgenomic replicon below 30 nM (EC50 value) as determined by Gaussia luciferase assay. Three amidino-rocaglates (ADRs) (CMLD012073, CMLD012118, and CMLD012612) possessed antiviral activity against HEV with EC50 values between 1 and 9 nM. In addition, these three selected compounds inhibited subgenomic replicons of different genotypes (HEV-1 [Sar55], wild boar HEV-3 [83-2] and human HEV-3 [p6]) in a dose-dependent manner and at low nanomolar concentrations. Furthermore, tested ADRs tend to be better tolerated in primary hepatocytes than hepatoma cancer cell lines and combination treatment of CMLD012118 with RBV and interferon-α (IFN-α) showed that CMLD012118 acts additive to RBV and IFN-α treatment. In conclusion, our results indicate that ADRs, especially CMLD012073, CMLD012118, and CMLD012612 may prove to be potential therapeutic candidates for the treatment of HEV infections and may contribute to the discovery of pan-genotypic inhibitors in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimas F Praditya
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany; Research Center for Vaccine and Drugs, The National Research and Innovation Agency, Cibinong, Indonesia.
| | - Mara Klöhn
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany.
| | - Yannick Brüggemann
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany.
| | - Lauren E Brown
- Department of Chemistry, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA; Center for Molecular Discovery (BU-CMD), Boston University, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - John A Porco
- Department of Chemistry, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA; Center for Molecular Discovery (BU-CMD), Boston University, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Wenhan Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA; Center for Molecular Discovery (BU-CMD), Boston University, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Volker Kinast
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany; Department of Medical Microbiology and Virology, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany.
| | - Andreas Kirschning
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Leibniz University Hannover, Schneiderberg 1B, 30167, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Florian W R Vondran
- ReMediES, Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hannover-Braunschweig, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Daniel Todt
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany; European Virus Bioinformatics Center (EVBC), 07743, Jena, Germany.
| | - Eike Steinmann
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany; German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), External Partner Site, Bochum, Germany.
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8
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Rocaglates as Antivirals: Comparing the Effects on Viral Resistance, Anti-Coronaviral Activity, RNA-Clamping on eIF4A and Immune Cell Toxicity. Viruses 2022; 14:v14030519. [PMID: 35336926 PMCID: PMC8950828 DOI: 10.3390/v14030519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Rocaglates are potent broad-spectrum antiviral compounds with a promising safety profile. They inhibit viral protein synthesis for different RNA viruses by clamping the 5′-UTRs of mRNAs onto the surface of the RNA helicase eIF4A. Apart from the natural rocaglate silvestrol, synthetic rocaglates like zotatifin or CR-1-31-B have been developed. Here, we compared the effects of rocaglates on viral 5′-UTR-mediated reporter gene expression and binding to an eIF4A-polypurine complex. Furthermore, we analyzed the cytotoxicity of rocaglates on several human immune cells and compared their antiviral activities in coronavirus-infected cells. Finally, the potential for developing viral resistance was evaluated by passaging human coronavirus 229E (HCoV-229E) in the presence of increasing concentrations of rocaglates in MRC-5 cells. Importantly, no decrease in rocaglate-sensitivity was observed, suggesting that virus escape mutants are unlikely to emerge if the host factor eIF4A is targeted. In summary, all three rocaglates are promising antivirals with differences in cytotoxicity against human immune cells, RNA-clamping efficiency, and antiviral activity. In detail, zotatifin showed reduced RNA-clamping efficiency and antiviral activity compared to silvestrol and CR-1-31-B, but was less cytotoxic for immune cells. Our results underline the potential of rocaglates as broad-spectrum antivirals with no indications for the emergence of escape mutations in HCoV-229E.
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9
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Greger H. Comparative phytochemistry of flavaglines (= rocaglamides), a group of highly bioactive flavolignans from Aglaia species (Meliaceae). PHYTOCHEMISTRY REVIEWS : PROCEEDINGS OF THE PHYTOCHEMICAL SOCIETY OF EUROPE 2022; 21:725-764. [PMID: 34104125 PMCID: PMC8176878 DOI: 10.1007/s11101-021-09761-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Flavaglines are formed by cycloaddition of a flavonoid nucleus with a cinnamic acid moiety representing a typical chemical character of the genus Aglaia of the family Meliaceae. Based on biosynthetic considerations 148 derivatives are grouped together into three skeletal types representing 77 cyclopenta[b]benzofurans, 61 cyclopenta[bc]benzopyrans, and 10 benzo[b]oxepines. Apart from different hydroxy, methoxy, and methylenedioxy groups of the aromatic rings, important structural variation is created by different substitutions and stereochemistries of the central cyclopentane ring. Putrescine-derived bisamides constitute important building blocks occurring as cyclic 2-aminopyrrolidines or in an open-chained form, and are involved in the formation of pyrimidinone flavaglines. Regarding the central role of cinnamic acid in the formation of the basic skeleton, rocagloic acid represents a biosynthetic precursor from which aglafoline- and rocaglamide-type cyclopentabenzofurans can be derived, while those of the rocaglaol-type are the result of decarboxylation. Broad-based comparison revealed characteristic substitution trends which contribute as chemical markers to natural delimitation and grouping of taxonomically problematic Aglaia species. A wide variety of biological activities ranges from insecticidal, antifungal, antiprotozoal, and anti-inflammatory properties, especially to pronounced anticancer and antiviral activities. The high insecticidal activity of flavaglines is comparable with that of the well-known natural insecticide azadirachtin. Comparative feeding experiments informed about structure-activity relationships and exhibited different substitutions of the cyclopentane ring essential for insecticidal activity. Parallel studies on the antiproliferative activity of flavaglines in various tumor cell lines revealed similar structural prerequisites that let expect corresponding molecular mechanisms. An important structural modification with very high cytotoxic potency was found in the benzofuran silvestrol characterized by an unusual dioxanyloxy subunit. It possessed comparable cytotoxicity to that of the natural anticancer compounds paclitaxel (Taxol®) and camptothecin without effecting normal cells. The primary effect was the inhibition of protein synthesis by binding to the translation initiation factor eIF4A, an ATP-dependent DEAD-box RNA helicase. Flavaglines were also shown to bind to prohibitins (PHB) responsible for regulation of important signaling pathways, and to inhibit the transcriptional factor HSF1 deeply involved in metabolic programming, survival, and proliferation of cancer cells. Flavaglines were shown to be not only promising anticancer agents but gained now also high expectations as agents against emerging RNA viruses like SARS-CoV-2. Targeting the helicase eIF4A with flavaglines was recently described as pan-viral strategy for minimizing the impact of future RNA virus pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harald Greger
- Chemodiversity Research Group, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Vienna, Rennweg 14, 1030 Wien, Austria
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Essegian D, Cunningham TA, Zerio CJ, Chapman E, Schatz J, Schürer SC. Molecular Dynamics Simulations Identify Tractable Lead-like Phenyl-Piperazine Scaffolds as eIF4A1 ATP-competitive Inhibitors. ACS OMEGA 2021; 6:24432-24443. [PMID: 34604625 PMCID: PMC8482399 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.1c02805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
eIF4A1 is an ATP-dependent RNA helicase whose overexpression and activity have been tightly linked to oncogenesis in a number of malignancies. An understanding of the complex kinetics and conformational changes of this translational enzyme is necessary to map out all targetable binding sites and develop novel, chemically tractable inhibitors. We herein present a comprehensive quantitative analysis of eIF4A1 conformational changes using protein-ligand docking, homology modeling, and extended molecular dynamics simulations. Through this, we report the discovery of a novel, biochemically active phenyl-piperazine pharmacophore, which is predicted to target the ATP-binding site and may serve as the starting point for medicinal chemistry optimization efforts. This is the first such report of an ATP-competitive inhibitor for eiF4A1, which is predicted to bind in the nucleotide cleft. Our novel interdisciplinary pipeline serves as a framework for future drug discovery efforts for targeting eiF4A1 and other proteins with complex kinetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek
J. Essegian
- Department
of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida 33136, United States
- Medical
Scientist Training Program, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida 33136, United States
| | - Tyler A. Cunningham
- Department
of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida 33136, United States
- Medical
Scientist Training Program, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida 33136, United States
| | - Christopher J. Zerio
- Department
of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tuscon, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Eli Chapman
- Department
of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tuscon, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Jonathan Schatz
- Sylvester
Comprehensive Cancer Center, University
of Miami Health System, Miami, Florida 33136, United States
- Department
of Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida 33136, United States
| | - Stephan C. Schürer
- Department
of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida 33136, United States
- Sylvester
Comprehensive Cancer Center, University
of Miami Health System, Miami, Florida 33136, United States
- Institute
for Data Science & Computing, University
of Miami, Miami, Florida 33136, United
States
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