1
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Al-Qadhi MA, Yahya TAA, El-Nassan HB. Recent Advances in the Discovery of CK2 Inhibitors. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:20702-20719. [PMID: 38764653 PMCID: PMC11097362 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c10478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
CK2 is a vital enzyme that phosphorylates a large number of substrates and thereby controls many processes in the body. Its upregulation was reported in many cancer types. Inhibitors of CK2 might have anticancer activity, and two compounds are currently under clinical trials. However, both compounds are ATP-competitive inhibitors that may have off-target side effects. The development of allosteric and dual inhibitors can overcome this drawback. These inhibitors showed higher selectivity and specificity for the CK2 enzyme compared to the ATP-competitive inhibitors. The present review summarizes the efforts exerted in the last five years in the design of CK2 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa A. Al-Qadhi
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Sana’a University, 18084 Sana’a, Yemen
| | - Tawfeek A. A. Yahya
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Sana’a University, 18084 Sana’a,Yemen
| | - Hala B. El-Nassan
- Pharmaceutical
Organic Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo 11562, Egypt
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2
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Chen Y, Wang Y, Wang J, Zhou Z, Cao S, Zhang J. Strategies of Targeting CK2 in Drug Discovery: Challenges, Opportunities, and Emerging Prospects. J Med Chem 2023; 66:2257-2281. [PMID: 36745746 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
CK2 (casein kinase 2) is a serine/threonine protein kinase that is ubiquitous in eukaryotic cells and plays important roles in a variety of cellular functions, including cell growth, apoptosis, circadian rhythms, DNA damage repair, transcription, and translation. CK2 is involved in cancer pathogenesis and the occurrence of many diseases. Therefore, targeting CK2 is a promising therapeutic strategy. Although many CK2-specific small-molecule inhibitors have been developed, only CX-4945 has progressed to clinical trials. In recent years, novel CK2 inhibitors have gradually become a research hotspot, which is expected to overcome the limitations of traditional inhibitors. Herein, we summarize the structure, biological functions, and disease relevance of CK2 and emphatically analyze the structure-activity relationship (SAR) and binding modes of small-molecule CK2 inhibitors. We also discuss the latest progress of novel strategies, providing insights into new drugs targeting CK2 for clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijia Chen
- Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China.,College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610064, China
| | - Yuxi Wang
- Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China.,Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China.,Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Jiaxing Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee 38163, United States
| | - Zhilan Zhou
- Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Shu Cao
- West China School of Stomatology Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610064, China
| | - Jifa Zhang
- Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China.,Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China.,Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
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3
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Atkinson EL, Iegre J, D'Amore C, Brear P, Salvi M, Hyvönen M, Spring DR. Development of small cyclic peptides targeting the CK2α/β interface. Chem Commun (Camb) 2022; 58:4791-4794. [PMID: 35343996 PMCID: PMC9004346 DOI: 10.1039/d2cc00707j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
In this work, an iterative cycle of enzymatic assays, X-ray crystallography, molecular modelling and cellular assays were used to develop a functionalisable chemical probe for the CK2α/β PPI. The lead peptide, P8C9, successfully binds to CK2α at the PPI site, is easily synthesisable and functionalisable, highly stable in serum and small enough to accommodate further optimisation. Development of a small CK2α/β protein–protein interaction-inhibiting peptide, which is easily synthesisable and functionalisable, with good enzymatic and cellular activity.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor L Atkinson
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, CB2 1EW, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Jessica Iegre
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, CB2 1EW, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Claudio D'Amore
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.
| | - Paul Brear
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, CB2 1GA, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Mauro Salvi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.
| | - Marko Hyvönen
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, CB2 1GA, Cambridge, UK.
| | - David R Spring
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, CB2 1EW, Cambridge, UK.
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4
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Iegre J, Atkinson EL, Brear PD, Cooper BM, Hyvönen M, Spring DR. Chemical probes targeting the kinase CK2: a journey outside the catalytic box. Org Biomol Chem 2021; 19:4380-4396. [PMID: 34037044 DOI: 10.1039/d1ob00257k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
CK2 is a protein kinase that plays important roles in many physio-pathological cellular processes. As such, the development of chemical probes for CK2 has received increasing attention in the past decade with more than 40 lead compounds developed. In this review, we aim to provide the reader with a comprehensive overview of the chemical probes acting outside the highly-conserved ATP-site developed to date. Such probes belong to different classes of molecules spanning from small molecules to peptides, act with a range of mechanisms of action and some of them present themselves as promising tools to investigate the biology of CK2 and therefore develop therapeutics for many disease areas including cancer and COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Iegre
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK.
| | - Eleanor L Atkinson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK.
| | - Paul D Brear
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, 80 Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1GA, UK
| | - Bethany M Cooper
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK.
| | - Marko Hyvönen
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, 80 Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1GA, UK
| | - David R Spring
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK.
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5
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Borgo C, D'Amore C, Cesaro L, Sarno S, Pinna LA, Ruzzene M, Salvi M. How can a traffic light properly work if it is always green? The paradox of CK2 signaling. Crit Rev Biochem Mol Biol 2021; 56:321-359. [PMID: 33843388 DOI: 10.1080/10409238.2021.1908951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
CK2 is a constitutively active protein kinase that assuring a constant level of phosphorylation to its numerous substrates supports many of the most important biological functions. Nevertheless, its activity has to be controlled and adjusted in order to cope with the varying needs of a cell, and several examples of a fine-tune regulation of its activity have been described. More importantly, aberrant regulation of this enzyme may have pathological consequences, e.g. in cancer, chronic inflammation, neurodegeneration, and viral infection. Our review aims at summarizing our current knowledge about CK2 regulation. In the first part, we have considered the most important stimuli shown to affect protein kinase CK2 activity/expression. In the second part, we focus on the molecular mechanisms by which CK2 can be regulated, discussing controversial aspects and future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Borgo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Claudio D'Amore
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Luca Cesaro
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Stefania Sarno
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Lorenzo A Pinna
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.,CNR Institute of Neurosciences, Padova, Italy
| | - Maria Ruzzene
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.,CNR Institute of Neurosciences, Padova, Italy
| | - Mauro Salvi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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6
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Lindenblatt D, Nickelsen A, Applegate VM, Jose J, Niefind K. Structural and Mechanistic Basis of the Inhibitory Potency of Selected 2-Aminothiazole Compounds on Protein Kinase CK2. J Med Chem 2020; 63:7766-7772. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c00587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dirk Lindenblatt
- Department für Chemie, Institut für Biochemie, Universität zu Köln, Zülpicher Str. 47, D-50674 Köln, Germany
| | - Anna Nickelsen
- Institut für Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, PharmaCampus, Corrensstr. 48, D-48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Violetta M. Applegate
- Department für Chemie, Institut für Biochemie, Universität zu Köln, Zülpicher Str. 47, D-50674 Köln, Germany
| | - Joachim Jose
- Institut für Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, PharmaCampus, Corrensstr. 48, D-48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Karsten Niefind
- Department für Chemie, Institut für Biochemie, Universität zu Köln, Zülpicher Str. 47, D-50674 Köln, Germany
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7
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Pietsch M, Viht K, Schnitzler A, Ekambaram R, Steinkrüger M, Enkvist E, Nienberg C, Nickelsen A, Lauwers M, Jose J, Uri A, Niefind K. Unexpected CK2β-antagonistic functionality of bisubstrate inhibitors targeting protein kinase CK2. Bioorg Chem 2020; 96:103608. [PMID: 32058103 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2020.103608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Protein kinase CK2, a heterotetrameric holoenzyme composed of two catalytic chains (CK2α) attached to a homodimer of regulatory subunits (CK2β), is a target for drug development for cancer therapy. Here, we describe the tetraiodobenzimidazole derivative ARC-3140, a bisubstrate inhibitor addressing the ATP site and the substrate-binding site of CK2 with extraordinary affinity (Ki = 84 pM). In a crystal structure of ARC-3140 in complex with CK2α, three copies of the inhibitor are visible, one of them at the CK2β interface of CK2α. Subsequent interaction studies based on microscale thermophoresis and fluorescence anisotropy changes revealed a significant impact of ARC-3140 and of its tetrabromo equivalent ARC-1502 on the CK2α/CK2β interaction. A structural inspection revealed that ARC-3140, unlike CK2β antagonists described so far, interferes with both sub-interfaces of the bipartite CK2α/CK2β interaction. Thus, ARC-3140 is a lead for the further development of highly effective compounds perturbating the quaternary structure of the CK2α2β2 holoenzyme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Pietsch
- Institut II für Pharmakologie, Zentrum für Pharmakologie, Medizinische Fakultät, Universität zu Köln, Gleueler Str. 24, D-50931 Köln, Germany
| | - Kaido Viht
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Tartu, 14A Ravila St., 50411 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Alexander Schnitzler
- Institut für Biochemie, Department für Chemie, Universität zu Köln, Zülpicher Str. 47, D-50674 Köln, Germany
| | - Ramesh Ekambaram
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Tartu, 14A Ravila St., 50411 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Michaela Steinkrüger
- Institut II für Pharmakologie, Zentrum für Pharmakologie, Medizinische Fakultät, Universität zu Köln, Gleueler Str. 24, D-50931 Köln, Germany
| | - Erki Enkvist
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Tartu, 14A Ravila St., 50411 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Christian Nienberg
- Institut für Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, PharmaCampus, Corrensstr. 48, D-48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Anna Nickelsen
- Institut für Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, PharmaCampus, Corrensstr. 48, D-48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Miriam Lauwers
- Institut II für Pharmakologie, Zentrum für Pharmakologie, Medizinische Fakultät, Universität zu Köln, Gleueler Str. 24, D-50931 Köln, Germany
| | - Joachim Jose
- Institut für Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, PharmaCampus, Corrensstr. 48, D-48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Asko Uri
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Tartu, 14A Ravila St., 50411 Tartu, Estonia.
| | - Karsten Niefind
- Institut für Biochemie, Department für Chemie, Universität zu Köln, Zülpicher Str. 47, D-50674 Köln, Germany.
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8
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El-Kardocy A, Mostafa YA, Mohamed NG, Abo-Zeid MN, Hassan NA, Hetta HF, Abdel-Aal ABM. CK2 inhibition, lipophilicity and anticancer activity of new N1versus N2-substituted tetrabromobenzotriazole regioisomers. NEW J CHEM 2020. [DOI: 10.1039/d0nj01194k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Both the type and position of polar group substitutions in polybrominated benzotriazoles dramatically change their lipophilicity, kinase inhibition and anticancer activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed El-Kardocy
- Student Research Unit
- Faculty of Pharmacy
- Assiut University
- Assiut 71526
- Egypt
| | - Yaser A. Mostafa
- Department of Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy
- Assiut University
- Assiut 71526
- Egypt
| | - Noha G. Mohamed
- Student Research Unit
- Faculty of Pharmacy
- Assiut University
- Assiut 71526
- Egypt
| | - Mohammad Nabil Abo-Zeid
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analytical Chemistry
- Faculty of Pharmacy
- Assiut University
- Assiut 71526
- Egypt
| | - Nivin A. Hassan
- Cancer Biology Department
- South Egypt Cancer Institute, Assiut University
- Assiut
- Egypt
| | - Helal F. Hetta
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology
- Faculty of Medicine
- Assiut University
- Assiut
- Egypt
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9
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Kufareva I, Bestgen B, Brear P, Prudent R, Laudet B, Moucadel V, Ettaoussi M, Sautel CF, Krimm I, Engel M, Filhol O, Borgne ML, Lomberget T, Cochet C, Abagyan R. Discovery of holoenzyme-disrupting chemicals as substrate-selective CK2 inhibitors. Sci Rep 2019; 9:15893. [PMID: 31685885 PMCID: PMC6828666 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-52141-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
CK2 is a constitutively active protein kinase overexpressed in numerous malignancies. Interaction between CK2α and CK2β subunits is essential for substrate selectivity. The CK2α/CK2β interface has been previously targeted by peptides to achieve functional effects; however, no small molecules modulators were identified due to pocket flexibility and open shape. Here we generated numerous plausible conformations of the interface using the fumigation modeling protocol, and virtually screened a compound library to discover compound 1 that suppressed CK2α/CK2β interaction in vitro and inhibited CK2 in a substrate-selective manner. Orthogonal SPR, crystallography, and NMR experiments demonstrated that 4 and 6, improved analogs of 1, bind to CK2α as predicted. Both inhibitors alter CK2 activity in cells through inhibition of CK2 holoenzyme formation. Treatment with 6 suppressed MDA-MB231 triple negative breast cancer cell growth and induced apoptosis. Altogether, our findings exemplify an innovative computational-experimental approach and identify novel non-peptidic inhibitors of CK2 subunit interface disclosing substrate-selective functional effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Kufareva
- University of California, San Diego, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Benoit Bestgen
- Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Faculté de Pharmacie - ISPB, EA 4446 Bioactive Molecules and Medicinal Chemistry, 8 avenue Rockefeller, F-69373, Lyon, cedex 8, France.,Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Saarland University, Campus C2.3, D-66123, Saarbrücken, Germany.,Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U1036, CEA, BCI Laboratory, IRIG, F-38000, Grenoble, France.,Ecrins Therapeutics, 5 Avenue du Grand Sablon, 38700, La Tronche, France
| | - Paul Brear
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, 80 Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1GA, UK
| | - Renaud Prudent
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U1036, CEA, BCI Laboratory, IRIG, F-38000, Grenoble, France.,Cellipse MINATEC, 7 Parvis Louis Néel, 38000, Grenoble, cedex 9, France
| | - Béatrice Laudet
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U1036, CEA, BCI Laboratory, IRIG, F-38000, Grenoble, France.,CHU Toulouse, Emergency Department, F-31000, Toulouse, France
| | - Virginie Moucadel
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U1036, CEA, BCI Laboratory, IRIG, F-38000, Grenoble, France.,BioMérieux SA, Centre Christophe Mérieux, 5 rue des Berges, 38024, Grenoble, cedex 1, France
| | - Mohamed Ettaoussi
- Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Faculté de Pharmacie - ISPB, EA 4446 Bioactive Molecules and Medicinal Chemistry, 8 avenue Rockefeller, F-69373, Lyon, cedex 8, France
| | - Celine F Sautel
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U1036, CEA, BCI Laboratory, IRIG, F-38000, Grenoble, France.,DERMADIS, 218 avenue Marie Curie, 74160, Archamps, France
| | - Isabelle Krimm
- Centre de RMN à Très Hauts Champs, Université de Lyon, CNRS, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, ENS, 5 rue de la Doua, F-69100, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Matthias Engel
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Saarland University, Campus C2.3, D-66123, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Odile Filhol
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U1036, CEA, BCI Laboratory, IRIG, F-38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Marc Le Borgne
- Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Faculté de Pharmacie - ISPB, EA 4446 Bioactive Molecules and Medicinal Chemistry, 8 avenue Rockefeller, F-69373, Lyon, cedex 8, France
| | - Thierry Lomberget
- Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Faculté de Pharmacie - ISPB, EA 4446 Bioactive Molecules and Medicinal Chemistry, 8 avenue Rockefeller, F-69373, Lyon, cedex 8, France
| | - Claude Cochet
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U1036, CEA, BCI Laboratory, IRIG, F-38000, Grenoble, France.
| | - Ruben Abagyan
- University of California, San Diego, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
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10
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Iegre J, Brear P, Baker DJ, Tan YS, Atkinson EL, Sore HF, O' Donovan DH, Verma CS, Hyvönen M, Spring DR. Efficient development of stable and highly functionalised peptides targeting the CK2α/CK2β protein-protein interaction. Chem Sci 2019; 10:5056-5063. [PMID: 31183056 PMCID: PMC6530537 DOI: 10.1039/c9sc00798a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The discovery of new Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) modulators is currently limited by the difficulties associated with the design and synthesis of selective small molecule inhibitors. Peptides are a potential solution for disrupting PPIs; however, they typically suffer from poor stability in vivo and limited tissue penetration hampering their wide spread use as new chemical biology tools and potential therapeutics. In this work, a combination of CuAAC chemistry, molecular modelling, X-ray crystallography, and biological validation allowed us to develop highly functionalised peptide PPI inhibitors of the protein CK2. The lead peptide, CAM7117, prevents the formation of the holoenzyme assembly in vitro, slows down proliferation, induces apoptosis in cancer cells and is stable in human serum. CAM7117 could aid the development of novel CK2 inhibitors acting at the interface and help to fully understand the intracellular pathways involving CK2. Importantly, the approach adopted herein could be applied to many PPI targets and has the potential to ease the study of PPIs by efficiently providing access to functionalised peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Iegre
- Department of Chemistry , University of Cambridge , Lensfield Road , CB2 1EW , Cambridge , UK .
| | - Paul Brear
- Department of Biochemistry , University of Cambridge , Tennis Court Road , CB2 1GA , Cambridge , UK .
| | - David J Baker
- Discovery Sciences , IMED Biotech Unit , AstraZeneca , Cambridge , UK
| | - Yaw Sing Tan
- Bioinformatics Institute , Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR) , 30 Biopolis Street, #07-01 Matrix , Singapore 138671
| | - Eleanor L Atkinson
- Department of Chemistry , University of Cambridge , Lensfield Road , CB2 1EW , Cambridge , UK .
| | - Hannah F Sore
- Department of Chemistry , University of Cambridge , Lensfield Road , CB2 1EW , Cambridge , UK .
| | | | - Chandra S Verma
- Bioinformatics Institute , Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR) , 30 Biopolis Street, #07-01 Matrix , Singapore 138671
- Department of Biological Sciences , National University of Singapore , 14 Science Drive 4 , Singapore 117543
- School of Biological Sciences , Nanyang Technological University , 60 Nanyang Drive , Singapore 637551
| | - Marko Hyvönen
- Department of Biochemistry , University of Cambridge , Tennis Court Road , CB2 1GA , Cambridge , UK .
| | - David R Spring
- Department of Chemistry , University of Cambridge , Lensfield Road , CB2 1EW , Cambridge , UK .
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11
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Lindenblatt D, Horn M, Götz C, Niefind K, Neundorf I, Pietsch M. Design of CK2β-Mimicking Peptides as Tools To Study the CK2α/CK2β Interaction in Cancer Cells. ChemMedChem 2019; 14:833-841. [PMID: 30786177 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201800786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The ubiquitously expressed Ser/Thr kinase CK2 is a key regulator in a variety of key processes in normal and malignant cells. Due to its distinctive anti-apoptotic and tumor-driving properties, elevated levels of CK2 have frequently been found in tumors of different origin. In recent years, development of CK2 inhibitors has largely been focused on ATP-competitive compounds; however, targeting the CK2α/CK2β interface has emerged as a further concept that might avoid selectivity issues. To address the CK2 subunit interaction site, we have synthesized halogenated CK2β-mimicking cyclic peptides modified with the cell-penetrating peptide sC18 to mediate cellular uptake. We investigated the binding of the resulting chimeric peptides to recombinant human CK2α using a recently developed fluorescence anisotropy assay. The iodinated peptide sC18-I-Pc was identified as a potent CK2α ligand (Ki =0.622 μm). It was internalized in cells to a high extent and exhibited significant cytotoxicity toward cancerous HeLa cells (IC50 =37 μm) in contrast to non-cancerous HEK-293 cells. The attractive features and functionalities of sC18-I-Pc offer the opportunity for further improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dirk Lindenblatt
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Cologne, Zülpicher Straße 47, 50674, Cologne, Germany
| | - Mareike Horn
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Cologne, Zülpicher Straße 47, 50674, Cologne, Germany
| | - Claudia Götz
- Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Saarland University, Kirrberger Str., Building 44, 66421, Homburg, Germany
| | - Karsten Niefind
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Cologne, Zülpicher Straße 47, 50674, Cologne, Germany
| | - Ines Neundorf
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Cologne, Zülpicher Straße 47, 50674, Cologne, Germany
| | - Markus Pietsch
- Institute II of Pharmacology, Center of Pharmacology, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Gleueler Str. 24, 50931, Cologne, Germany
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12
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Bestgen B, Kufareva I, Seetoh W, Abell C, Hartmann RW, Abagyan R, Le Borgne M, Filhol O, Cochet C, Lomberget T, Engel M. 2-Aminothiazole Derivatives as Selective Allosteric Modulators of the Protein Kinase CK2. 2. Structure-Based Optimization and Investigation of Effects Specific to the Allosteric Mode of Action. J Med Chem 2019; 62:1817-1836. [PMID: 30689946 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b01765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Protein CK2 has gained much interest as an anticancer drug target in the past decade. We had previously described the identification of a new allosteric site on the catalytic α-subunit, along with first small molecule ligands based on the 4-(4-phenylthiazol-2-ylamino)benzoic acid scaffold. In the present work, structure optimizations guided by a binding model led to the identification of the lead compound 2-hydroxy-4-((4-(naphthalen-2-yl)thiazol-2-yl)amino)benzoic acid (27), showing a submicromolar potency against purified CK2α (IC50 = 0.6 μM). Furthermore, 27 induced apoptosis and cell death in 786-O renal cell carcinoma cells (EC50 = 5 μM) and inhibited STAT3 activation even more potently than the ATP-competitive drug candidate CX-4945 (EC50 of 1.6 μM vs 5.3 μM). Notably, the potencies of our allosteric ligands to inhibit CK2 varied depending on the individual substrate. Altogether, the novel allosteric pocket was proved a druggable site, offering an excellent perspective to develop efficient and selective allosteric CK2 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benoît Bestgen
- Université de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, Faculté de Pharmacie, ISPB, EA 4446 Bioactive Molecules and Medicinal Chemistry, SFR Santé Lyon-Est CNRS UMS3453, INSERM US7, 69373 Lyon Cedex 8, France.,Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry , Saarland University , Campus C2.3, 66123 Saarbrücken , Germany.,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale , U1036, 38000 Grenoble , France.,Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique, Institute of Life Sciences Research and Technologies, Biology of Cancer and Infection, 38000 Grenoble , France.,Unité Mixte de Recherche-S1036 , University of Grenoble Alpes , 38000 Grenoble , France
| | - Irina Kufareva
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences , University of California, San Diego , La Jolla , California 92093 , United States
| | - Weiguang Seetoh
- Department of Chemistry , University of Cambridge , Lensfield Road , Cambridge CB2 1EW , U.K
| | - Chris Abell
- Department of Chemistry , University of Cambridge , Lensfield Road , Cambridge CB2 1EW , U.K
| | - Rolf W Hartmann
- Department of Drug Design and Optimization , Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS) , Campus C2.3, 66123 Saarbrücken , Germany
| | - Ruben Abagyan
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences , University of California, San Diego , La Jolla , California 92093 , United States
| | - Marc Le Borgne
- Université de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, Faculté de Pharmacie, ISPB, EA 4446 Bioactive Molecules and Medicinal Chemistry, SFR Santé Lyon-Est CNRS UMS3453, INSERM US7, 69373 Lyon Cedex 8, France
| | - Odile Filhol
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale , U1036, 38000 Grenoble , France.,Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique, Institute of Life Sciences Research and Technologies, Biology of Cancer and Infection, 38000 Grenoble , France.,Unité Mixte de Recherche-S1036 , University of Grenoble Alpes , 38000 Grenoble , France
| | - Claude Cochet
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale , U1036, 38000 Grenoble , France.,Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique, Institute of Life Sciences Research and Technologies, Biology of Cancer and Infection, 38000 Grenoble , France.,Unité Mixte de Recherche-S1036 , University of Grenoble Alpes , 38000 Grenoble , France
| | - Thierry Lomberget
- Université de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, Faculté de Pharmacie, ISPB, EA 4446 Bioactive Molecules and Medicinal Chemistry, SFR Santé Lyon-Est CNRS UMS3453, INSERM US7, 69373 Lyon Cedex 8, France
| | - Matthias Engel
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry , Saarland University , Campus C2.3, 66123 Saarbrücken , Germany
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Tang S, Zhang N, Zhou Y, Cortopassi WA, Jacobson MP, Zhao LJ, Zhong RG. Structure-based Discovery of Novel CK2α-Binding Cyclic Peptides with Anti-cancer Activity. Mol Inform 2018; 38:e1800089. [PMID: 30307134 DOI: 10.1002/minf.201800089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2018] [Accepted: 09/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Protein kinase CK2 is considered as an emerging target in cancer therapy, and recent efforts have been made to develop its ATP-competitive inhibitors, but achieving selectivity with respect to related kinases remains challenging because of the highly conserved ATP-binding pocket of kinases. Non-ATP competitive inhibitors might solve this challenge; one such strategy is to identify compounds that target the CK2α/CK2β interface as CK2 holoenzyme antagonists. Here we improved the binding affinity to CK2α and cell-based anti-cancer activity of a CK2β-derived cyclic peptide (Pc) by combining structure-based computational design with experimental evaluation. By analyzing molecular dynamics simulations of Pc bound to CK2α, a series of Pc-derived peptides was rationally designed and synthesized to evaluate their binding affinity to CK2α, as well as anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects against HepG2 cancer cell line. One amino acid substitutions on Pc, I192F, exhibited over 10-fold improvement in the predicted binding affinity to CK2α when compared to Pc, and a cell-permeable version, I192F-Tat, also demonstrated more potent anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects against HepG2 compared to Pc. A second modification of Pc, H193W, also led to more potent cell-based activity, despite having weaker binding affinity (∼5×) to CK2α. The discovery of the I192F and H193W peptides provides new insights for further optimization of CK2 antagonist candidates as anti-cancer leads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Tang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental & Viral Oncology, College of Life Science and Bioengineering, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, 100124, China
| | - Na Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental & Viral Oncology, College of Life Science and Bioengineering, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, 100124, China
| | - Yue Zhou
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental & Viral Oncology, College of Life Science and Bioengineering, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, 100124, China
| | - Wilian A Cortopassi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, California, 94143, United States
| | - Matthew P Jacobson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, California, 94143, United States
| | - Li-Jiao Zhao
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental & Viral Oncology, College of Life Science and Bioengineering, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, 100124, China
| | - Ru-Gang Zhong
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental & Viral Oncology, College of Life Science and Bioengineering, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, 100124, China
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14
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An Updated View on an Emerging Target: Selected Papers from the 8th International Conference on Protein Kinase CK2. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2017; 10:ph10020033. [PMID: 28333082 PMCID: PMC5490390 DOI: 10.3390/ph10020033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2017] [Revised: 03/21/2017] [Accepted: 03/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
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