1
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Jalencas X, Berg H, Espeland LO, Sreeramulu S, Kinnen F, Richter C, Georgiou C, Yadrykhinsky V, Specker E, Jaudzems K, Miletić T, Harmel R, Gribbon P, Schwalbe H, Brenk R, Jirgensons A, Zaliani A, Mestres J. Design, quality and validation of the EU-OPENSCREEN fragment library poised to a high-throughput screening collection. RSC Med Chem 2024; 15:1176-1188. [PMID: 38665834 PMCID: PMC11042166 DOI: 10.1039/d3md00724c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The EU-OPENSCREEN (EU-OS) European Research Infrastructure Consortium (ERIC) is a multinational, not-for-profit initiative that integrates high-capacity screening platforms and chemistry groups across Europe to facilitate research in chemical biology and early drug discovery. Over the years, the EU-OS has assembled a high-throughput screening compound collection, the European Chemical Biology Library (ECBL), that contains approximately 100 000 commercially available small molecules and a growing number of thousands of academic compounds crowdsourced through our network of European and non-European chemists. As an extension of the ECBL, here we describe the computational design, quality control and use case screenings of the European Fragment Screening Library (EFSL) composed of 1056 mini and small chemical fragments selected from a substructure analysis of the ECBL. Access to the EFSL is open to researchers from both academia and industry. Using EFSL, eight fragment screening campaigns using different structural and biophysical methods have successfully identified fragment hits in the last two years. As one of the highlighted projects for antibiotics, we describe the screening by Bio-Layer Interferometry (BLI) of the EFSL, the identification of a 35 μM fragment hit targeting the beta-ketoacyl-ACP synthase 2 (FabF), its binding confirmation to the protein by X-ray crystallography (PDB 8PJ0), its subsequent rapid exploration of its surrounding chemical space through hit-picking of ECBL compounds that contain the fragment hit as a core substructure, and the final binding confirmation of two follow-up hits by X-ray crystallography (PDB 8R0I and 8R1V).
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Affiliation(s)
- Xavier Jalencas
- Research Group on Systems Pharmacology, Research Program on Biomedical Informatics (GRIB), IMIM Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute Parc de Recerca Biomèdica (PRBB), Doctor Aiguader 88 08003 Barcelona Spain
| | - Hannes Berg
- Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Institute for Organic Chemistry Max-von-Laue-Str. 7 60438 Frankfurt/M Germany
- Chemical Biology, Goethe University Max-von-Laue-Str. 7 60438 Frankfurt/M Germany
| | - Ludvik Olai Espeland
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen Jonas Lies Vei 91 5020 Bergen Norway
- Department of Chemistry, University of Bergen Allégaten 41 5007 Bergen Norway
| | - Sridhar Sreeramulu
- Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Institute for Organic Chemistry Max-von-Laue-Str. 7 60438 Frankfurt/M Germany
- Chemical Biology, Goethe University Max-von-Laue-Str. 7 60438 Frankfurt/M Germany
| | - Franziska Kinnen
- Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Institute for Organic Chemistry Max-von-Laue-Str. 7 60438 Frankfurt/M Germany
- Chemical Biology, Goethe University Max-von-Laue-Str. 7 60438 Frankfurt/M Germany
| | - Christian Richter
- Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Institute for Organic Chemistry Max-von-Laue-Str. 7 60438 Frankfurt/M Germany
- Chemical Biology, Goethe University Max-von-Laue-Str. 7 60438 Frankfurt/M Germany
| | - Charis Georgiou
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen Jonas Lies Vei 91 5020 Bergen Norway
| | | | - Edgar Specker
- EU-OPENSCREEN ERIC Robert-Rössle Straße 10 13125 Berlin Germany
| | - Kristaps Jaudzems
- Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis Aizkraules 21 Riga LV-1006 Latvia
| | - Tanja Miletić
- EU-OPENSCREEN ERIC Robert-Rössle Straße 10 13125 Berlin Germany
| | - Robert Harmel
- EU-OPENSCREEN ERIC Robert-Rössle Straße 10 13125 Berlin Germany
| | - Phil Gribbon
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology (ITMP) Schnackenburgallee 114 22525 Hamburg Germany
- Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence for Immune-Mediated Diseases (CIMD) Theodor Stern Kai 7 60590 Frankfurt Germany
| | - Harald Schwalbe
- Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Institute for Organic Chemistry Max-von-Laue-Str. 7 60438 Frankfurt/M Germany
- Chemical Biology, Goethe University Max-von-Laue-Str. 7 60438 Frankfurt/M Germany
- Instruct-ERIC Oxford House, Parkway Court, John Smith Drive Oxford OX4 2JY UK
| | - Ruth Brenk
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen Jonas Lies Vei 91 5020 Bergen Norway
- Computational Biology Unit, University of Bergen Thormøhlensgate 55 5008 Bergen Norway
| | - Aigars Jirgensons
- Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis Aizkraules 21 Riga LV-1006 Latvia
| | - Andrea Zaliani
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology (ITMP) Schnackenburgallee 114 22525 Hamburg Germany
- Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence for Immune-Mediated Diseases (CIMD) Theodor Stern Kai 7 60590 Frankfurt Germany
| | - Jordi Mestres
- Research Group on Systems Pharmacology, Research Program on Biomedical Informatics (GRIB), IMIM Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute Parc de Recerca Biomèdica (PRBB), Doctor Aiguader 88 08003 Barcelona Spain
- Institut de Quimica Computacional i Catalisi, Facultat de Ciencies, Universitat de Girona Maria Aurelia Capmany 69 17003 Girona Catalonia Spain
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Schuck B, Brenk R. On the hunt for metalloenzyme inhibitors: Investigating the presence of metal-coordinating compounds in screening libraries and chemical spaces. Arch Pharm (Weinheim) 2024; 357:e2300648. [PMID: 38279543 DOI: 10.1002/ardp.202300648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
Metalloenzymes play vital roles in various biological processes, requiring the search for inhibitors to develop treatment options for diverse diseases. While compound library screening is a conventional approach, the exploration of virtual chemical spaces housing trillions of compounds has emerged as an alternative strategy. In this study, we investigated the suitability of selected screening libraries and chemical spaces for discovering inhibitors of metalloenzymes featuring common ions (Mg2+, Mn2+, and Zn2+). First, metal-coordinating groups from ligands interacting with ions in the Protein Data Bank were extracted. Subsequently, the prevalence of these groups in two focused screening libraries (Life Chemicals' chelator library, comprising 6,428 compounds, and Otava's chelator fragment library, with 1,784 fragments) as well as two chemical spaces (GalaXi and REAL space, containing billions of virtual products) was investigated. In total, 1,223 metal-coordinating groups were identified, with about a quarter of these groups found within the examined libraries and spaces. Our results indicate that these can serve as valuable starting points for drug discovery targeting metalloenzymes. In addition, this study suggests ways to improve libraries and spaces for better success in finding potential inhibitors for metalloenzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruna Schuck
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Ruth Brenk
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Computational Biology Unit, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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3
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Gartan P, Khorsand F, Mizar P, Vahokovski JI, Cervantes LF, Haug BE, Brenk R, Brooks CL, Reuter N. Investigating Polypharmacology through Targeting Known Human Neutrophil Elastase Inhibitors to Proteinase 3. J Chem Inf Model 2024; 64:621-626. [PMID: 38276895 PMCID: PMC10865350 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.3c01949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Using a combination of multisite λ-dynamics (MSλD) together with in vitro IC50 assays, we evaluated the polypharmacological potential of a scaffold currently in clinical trials for inhibition of human neutrophil elastase (HNE), targeting cardiopulmonary disease, for efficacious inhibition of Proteinase 3 (PR3), a related neutrophil serine proteinase. The affinities we observe suggest that the dihydropyrimidinone scaffold can serve as a suitable starting point for the establishment of polypharmacologically targeting both enzymes and enhancing the potential for treatments addressing diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parveen Gartan
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Bergen, Bergen 5020, Norway
- Computational
Biology Unit, University of Bergen, Bergen 5020, Norway
| | - Fahimeh Khorsand
- Department
of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen 5020, Norway
| | - Pushpak Mizar
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Bergen, Bergen 5020, Norway
| | - Juha Ilmari Vahokovski
- Core
Facility for Biophysics, Structural Biology, and Screening, Department
of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen 5020, Norway
| | - Luis F. Cervantes
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Bengt Erik Haug
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Bergen, Bergen 5020, Norway
- Centre for
Pharmacy, University of Bergen, Bergen 5020, Norway
| | - Ruth Brenk
- Department
of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen 5020, Norway
| | - Charles L. Brooks
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Biophysics
Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Nathalie Reuter
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Bergen, Bergen 5020, Norway
- Computational
Biology Unit, University of Bergen, Bergen 5020, Norway
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Patil SS, Panchal V, Røstbø T, Romanyuk S, Hollås H, Brenk R, Grindheim AK, Vedeler A. RNA-binding is an ancient trait of the Annexin family. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1161588. [PMID: 37397259 PMCID: PMC10311354 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1161588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The regulation of intracellular functions in mammalian cells involves close coordination of cellular processes. During recent years it has become evident that the sorting, trafficking and distribution of transport vesicles and mRNA granules/complexes are closely coordinated to ensure effective simultaneous handling of all components required for a specific function, thereby minimizing the use of cellular energy. Identification of proteins acting at the crossroads of such coordinated transport events will ultimately provide mechanistic details of the processes. Annexins are multifunctional proteins involved in a variety of cellular processes associated with Ca2+-regulation and lipid binding, linked to the operation of both the endocytic and exocytic pathways. Furthermore, certain Annexins have been implicated in the regulation of mRNA transport and translation. Since Annexin A2 binds specific mRNAs via its core structure and is also present in mRNP complexes, we speculated whether direct association with RNA could be a common property of the mammalian Annexin family sharing a highly similar core structure. Methods and results: Therefore, we performed spot blot and UV-crosslinking experiments to assess the mRNA binding abilities of the different Annexins, using annexin A2 and c-myc 3'UTRs as well as c-myc 5'UTR as baits. We supplemented the data with immunoblot detection of selected Annexins in mRNP complexes derived from the neuroendocrine rat PC12 cells. Furthermore, biolayer interferometry was used to determine the KD of selected Annexin-RNA interactions, which indicated distinct affinities. Amongst these Annexins, Annexin A13 and the core structures of Annexin A7, Annexin A11 bind c-myc 3'UTR with KDs in the nanomolar range. Of the selected Annexins, only Annexin A2 binds the c-myc 5'UTR indicating some selectivity. Discussion: The oldest members of the mammalian Annexin family share the ability to associate with RNA, suggesting that RNA-binding is an ancient trait of this protein family. Thus, the combined RNA- and lipid-binding properties of the Annexins make them attractive candidates to participate in coordinated long-distance transport of membrane vesicles and mRNAs regulated by Ca2+. The present screening results can thus pave the way for studies of the multifunctional Annexins in a novel cellular context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudarshan S. Patil
- Neurotargeting Group, Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Vipul Panchal
- Biorecognition Unit, Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Trude Røstbø
- Neurotargeting Group, Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Sofya Romanyuk
- Neurotargeting Group, Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Hanne Hollås
- Neurotargeting Group, Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Ruth Brenk
- Biorecognition Unit, Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Ann Kari Grindheim
- Neurotargeting Group, Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Anni Vedeler
- Neurotargeting Group, Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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Yadrykhins'ky V, Georgiou C, Brenk R. Crystal structure of Pseudomonas aeruginosa FabB C161A, a template for structure-based design for new antibiotics. F1000Res 2022; 10. [PMID: 35136566 PMCID: PMC8804906 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.74018.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: FabB (3-oxoacyl-[acyl-carrier-protein] synthase 1) is part of the fatty acid synthesis II pathway found in bacteria and a potential target for antibiotics. The enzyme catalyses the Claisen condensation of malonyl-ACP (acyl carrier protein) with acyl-ACP via an acyl-enzyme intermediate. Here, we report the crystal structure of the intermediate-mimicking
Pseudomonas aeruginosa FabB (
PaFabB) C161A variant. Methods: His-tagged
PaFabB C161A was expressed in
E. coli Rosetta DE3 pLysS cells, cleaved by TEV protease and purified using affinity and size exclusion chromatography. Commercial screens were used to identify suitable crystallization conditions which were subsequently improved to obtain well diffracting crystals. Results: We developed a robust and efficient system for recombinant expression of
PaFabB C161A. Conditions to obtain well diffracting crystals were established. The crystal structure of
PaFabB C161A was solved by molecular replacement at 1.3 Å resolution. Binding site comparison between
PaFabB and
PaFabF revealed a conserved malonyl binding site but differences in the fatty acid binding channel. Conclusions: The
PaFabB C161A crystal structure can be used as a template to facilitate the design of FabB inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Charis Georgiou
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, 5020, Norway
| | - Ruth Brenk
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, 5020, Norway
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6
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Espeland LO, Georgiou C, Klein R, Bhukya H, Haug BE, Underhaug J, Mainkar PS, Brenk R. An Experimental Toolbox for Structure-Based Hit Discovery for P. aeruginosa FabF, a Promising Target for Antibiotics. ChemMedChem 2021; 16:2715-2726. [PMID: 34189850 PMCID: PMC8518799 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202100302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
FabF (3-oxoacyl-[acyl-carrier-protein] synthase 2), which catalyses the rate limiting condensation reaction in the fatty acid synthesis II pathway, is an attractive target for new antibiotics. Here, we focus on FabF from P. aeruginosa (PaFabF) as antibiotics against this pathogen are urgently needed. To facilitate exploration of this target we have set up an experimental toolbox consisting of binding assays using bio-layer interferometry (BLI) as well as saturation transfer difference (STD) and WaterLOGSY NMR in addition to robust conditions for structure determination. The suitability of the toolbox to support structure-based design of FabF inhibitors was demonstrated through the validation of hits obtained from virtual screening. Screening a library of almost 5 million compounds resulted in 6 compounds for which binding into the malonyl-binding site of FabF was shown. For one of the hits, the crystal structure in complex with PaFabF was determined. Based on the obtained binding mode, analogues were designed and synthesised, but affinity could not be improved. This work has laid the foundation for structure-based exploration of PaFabF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludvik Olai Espeland
- Department of BiomedicineUniversity of BergenJonas Lies Vei 915020BergenNorway
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of BergenAllégaten 415007BergenNorway
| | - Charis Georgiou
- Department of BiomedicineUniversity of BergenJonas Lies Vei 915020BergenNorway
| | - Raphael Klein
- Department of BiomedicineUniversity of BergenJonas Lies Vei 915020BergenNorway
- Institute of Pharmacy and BiochemistryJohannes Gutenberg UniversityStaudingerweg 555128MainzGermany
| | - Hemalatha Bhukya
- Department of Organic Synthesis & Process ChemistryCSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical TechnologyTarnakaHyderabad500007India
| | - Bengt Erik Haug
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of BergenAllégaten 415007BergenNorway
| | - Jarl Underhaug
- Department of ChemistryUniversity of BergenAllégaten 415007BergenNorway
| | - Prathama S. Mainkar
- Department of Organic Synthesis & Process ChemistryCSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical TechnologyTarnakaHyderabad500007India
| | - Ruth Brenk
- Department of BiomedicineUniversity of BergenJonas Lies Vei 915020BergenNorway
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Abstract
Rapid development within the fields of both fragment-based drug discovery (FBDD) and medicinal targeting of RNA provides possibilities for combining technologies and methods in novel ways. This review provides an overview of fragment-based screening (FBS) against RNA targets, including a discussion of the most recently used screening and hit validation methods such as NMR spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography, and virtual screening methods. A discussion of fragment library design based on research from small-molecule RNA binders provides an overview on both the currently limited guidelines within RNA-targeting fragment library design, and future possibilities. Finally, future perspectives are provided on screening and hit validation methods not yet used in combination with both fragment screening and RNA targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasper P Lundquist
- Center for Nanomedicine and Theranostics, Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet 207, 2800, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Vipul Panchal
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Jonas Lies vei 91, 5020, Bergen, Norway
| | - Charlotte H Gotfredsen
- NMR Center ⋅ DTU, Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet 207, 2800, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Ruth Brenk
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Jonas Lies vei 91, 5020, Bergen, Norway
| | - Mads H Clausen
- Center for Nanomedicine and Theranostics, Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet 207, 2800, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
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Abstract
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RNA is an emerging
target for drug discovery. However, like for
proteins, not all RNA binding sites are equally suited to be addressed
with conventional drug-like ligands. To this end, we have developed
the structure-based druggability predictor DrugPred_RNA to identify
druggable RNA binding sites. Due to the paucity of annotated RNA binding
sites, the predictor was trained on protein pockets, albeit using
only descriptors that can be calculated for both RNA and protein binding
sites. DrugPred_RNA performed well in discriminating druggable from
less druggable binding sites for the protein set and delivered predictions
for selected RNA binding sites that agreed with manual assignment.
In addition, most drug-like ligands contained in an RNA test set were
found in pockets predicted to be druggable, further adding confidence
to the performance of DrugPred_RNA. The method is robust against conformational
and sequence changes in the binding sites and can contribute to direct
drug discovery efforts for RNA targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Illimar Hugo Rekand
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Jonas Lies Vei, 5020 Bergen, Norway
| | - Ruth Brenk
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Jonas Lies Vei, 5020 Bergen, Norway
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Abstract
Riboswitches reside in the untranslated region of RNA and regulate genes involved in the biosynthesis of essential metabolites through binding of small molecules. Since their discovery at the beginning of this century, riboswitches have been regarded as potential antibacterial targets. Using fragment screening, high-throughput screening and rational ligand design guided by X-ray crystallography, lead compounds against various riboswitches have been identified. Here, we review the current status and suitability of the thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP), flavin mononucleotide (FMN), glmS, guanine, and other riboswitches as antibacterial targets and discuss them in a biological context. Further, we highlight challenges in riboswitch drug discovery and emphasis the need to develop riboswitch specific high-throughput screening methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vipul Panchal
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Jonas Lies vei 91, 5020 Bergen, Norway
| | - Ruth Brenk
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Jonas Lies vei 91, 5020 Bergen, Norway
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10
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Kersten C, Fleischer E, Kehrein J, Borek C, Jaenicke E, Sotriffer C, Brenk R. How To Design Selective Ligands for Highly Conserved Binding Sites: A Case Study Using N-Myristoyltransferases as a Model System. J Med Chem 2019; 63:2095-2113. [PMID: 31423787 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b00586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
A model system of two related enzymes with conserved binding sites, namely N-myristoyltransferase from two different organisms, was studied to decipher the driving forces that lead to selective inhibition in such cases. Using a combination of computational and experimental tools, two different selectivity-determining features were identified. For some ligands, a change in side-chain flexibility appears to be responsible for selective inhibition. Remarkably, this was observed for residues orienting their side chains away from the ligands. For other ligands, selectivity is caused by interfering with a water molecule that binds more strongly to the off-target than to the target. On the basis of this finding, a virtual screen for selective compounds was conducted, resulting in three hit compounds with the desired selectivity profile. This study delivers a guideline on how to assess selectivity-determining features in proteins with conserved binding sites and to translate this knowledge into the design of selective inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Kersten
- Institute of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, Staudingerweg 5, 55128 Mainz, Germany.,Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Jonas Lies vei 91, 5020 Bergen, Norway
| | - Edmond Fleischer
- Institute of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, Staudingerweg 5, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Josef Kehrein
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Jonas Lies vei 91, 5020 Bergen, Norway.,Institute of Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Borek
- Institute of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, Staudingerweg 5, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Elmar Jaenicke
- Institute of Molecular Biophysics, Johannes Gutenberg University, Jakob-Welder-Weg 26, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Christoph Sotriffer
- Institute of Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Ruth Brenk
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Jonas Lies vei 91, 5020 Bergen, Norway
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Irsheid L, Wehler T, Borek C, Kiefer W, Brenk R, Ortiz-Soto ME, Seibel J, Schirmeister T. Identification of a potential allosteric site of Golgi α-mannosidase II using computer-aided drug design. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0216132. [PMID: 31067280 PMCID: PMC6505943 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0216132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Golgi α-mannosidase II (GMII) is a glycoside hydrolase playing a crucial role in the N-glycosylation pathway. In various tumour cell lines, the distribution of N-linked sugars on the cell surface is modified and correlates with the progression of tumour metastasis. GMII therefore is a possible molecular target for anticancer agents. Here, we describe the identification of a non-competitive GMII inhibitor using computer-aided drug design methods including identification of a possible allosteric binding site, pharmacophore search and virtual screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Irsheid
- Institute of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Thomas Wehler
- Institute of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Christoph Borek
- Institute of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Werner Kiefer
- Institute of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Ruth Brenk
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | | | - Jürgen Seibel
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Tanja Schirmeister
- Institute of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany
- * E-mail:
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Klein R, Linciano P, Celenza G, Bellio P, Papaioannou S, Blazquez J, Cendron L, Brenk R, Tondi D. In silico identification and experimental validation of hits active against KPC-2 β-lactamase. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0203241. [PMID: 30496182 PMCID: PMC6264499 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0203241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial resistance has become a worldwide concern, particularly after the emergence of resistant strains overproducing carbapenemases. Among these, the KPC-2 carbapenemase represents a significant clinical challenge, being characterized by a broad substrate spectrum that includes aminothiazoleoxime and cephalosporins such as cefotaxime. Moreover, strains harboring KPC-type β-lactamases are often reported as resistant to available β-lactamase inhibitors (clavulanic acid, tazobactam and sulbactam). Therefore, the identification of novel non β-lactam KPC-2 inhibitors is strongly necessary to maintain treatment options. This study explored novel, non-covalent inhibitors active against KPC-2, as putative hit candidates. We performed a structure-based in silico screening of commercially available compounds for non-β-lactam KPC-2 inhibitors. Thirty-two commercially available high-scoring, fragment-like hits were selected for in vitro validation and their activity and mechanism of action vs the target was experimentally evaluated using recombinant KPC-2. N-(3-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)phenyl)-3-fluorobenzamide (11a), in light of its ligand efficiency (LE = 0.28 kcal/mol/non-hydrogen atom) and chemistry, was selected as hit to be directed to chemical optimization to improve potency vs the enzyme and explore structural requirement for inhibition in KPC-2 binding site. Further, the compounds were evaluated against clinical strains overexpressing KPC-2 and the most promising compound reduced the MIC of the β-lactam antibiotic meropenem by four-fold.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphael Klein
- Institute of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Pasquale Linciano
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Celenza
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche Applicate e Biotecnologie, Università dell’Aquila,L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Pierangelo Bellio
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche Applicate e Biotecnologie, Università dell’Aquila,L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Sofia Papaioannou
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Jesus Blazquez
- Department of Microbial Biotechnology, National Center for Biotechnology, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Campus de la Universidad Autonoma-Cantoblanco, Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Cendron
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Ruth Brenk
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- * E-mail: (DT); (RB)
| | - Donatella Tondi
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- * E-mail: (DT); (RB)
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13
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Harrison JR, Brand S, Smith V, Robinson DA, Thompson S, Smith A, Davies K, Mok N, Torrie LS, Collie I, Hallyburton I, Norval S, Simeons FRC, Stojanovski L, Frearson JA, Brenk R, Wyatt PG, Gilbert IH, Read KD. A Molecular Hybridization Approach for the Design of Potent, Highly Selective, and Brain-Penetrant N-Myristoyltransferase Inhibitors. J Med Chem 2018; 61:8374-8389. [PMID: 30207721 PMCID: PMC6167002 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b00884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Crystallography has guided the hybridization of two series of Trypanosoma brucei N-myristoyltransferase (NMT) inhibitors, leading to a novel highly selective series. The effect of combining the selectivity enhancing elements from two pharmacophores is shown to be additive and has led to compounds that have greater than 1000-fold selectivity for TbNMT vs HsNMT. Further optimization of the hybrid series has identified compounds with significant trypanocidal activity capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier. By using CF-1 mdr1a deficient mice, we were able to demonstrate full cures in vivo in a mouse model of stage 2 African sleeping sickness. This and previous work provides very strong validation for NMT as a drug target for human African trypanosomiasis in both the peripheral and central nervous system stages of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin R Harrison
- Drug Discovery Unit, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, School of Life Sciences , University of Dundee , Dundee , DD1 5EH , United Kingdom
| | - Stephen Brand
- Drug Discovery Unit, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, School of Life Sciences , University of Dundee , Dundee , DD1 5EH , United Kingdom
| | - Victoria Smith
- Drug Discovery Unit, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, School of Life Sciences , University of Dundee , Dundee , DD1 5EH , United Kingdom
| | - David A Robinson
- Drug Discovery Unit, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, School of Life Sciences , University of Dundee , Dundee , DD1 5EH , United Kingdom
| | - Stephen Thompson
- Drug Discovery Unit, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, School of Life Sciences , University of Dundee , Dundee , DD1 5EH , United Kingdom
| | - Alasdair Smith
- Drug Discovery Unit, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, School of Life Sciences , University of Dundee , Dundee , DD1 5EH , United Kingdom
| | - Kenneth Davies
- Drug Discovery Unit, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, School of Life Sciences , University of Dundee , Dundee , DD1 5EH , United Kingdom
| | - Ngai Mok
- Drug Discovery Unit, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, School of Life Sciences , University of Dundee , Dundee , DD1 5EH , United Kingdom
| | - Leah S Torrie
- Drug Discovery Unit, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, School of Life Sciences , University of Dundee , Dundee , DD1 5EH , United Kingdom
| | - Iain Collie
- Drug Discovery Unit, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, School of Life Sciences , University of Dundee , Dundee , DD1 5EH , United Kingdom
| | - Irene Hallyburton
- Drug Discovery Unit, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, School of Life Sciences , University of Dundee , Dundee , DD1 5EH , United Kingdom
| | - Suzanne Norval
- Drug Discovery Unit, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, School of Life Sciences , University of Dundee , Dundee , DD1 5EH , United Kingdom
| | - Frederick R C Simeons
- Drug Discovery Unit, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, School of Life Sciences , University of Dundee , Dundee , DD1 5EH , United Kingdom
| | - Laste Stojanovski
- Drug Discovery Unit, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, School of Life Sciences , University of Dundee , Dundee , DD1 5EH , United Kingdom
| | - Julie A Frearson
- Drug Discovery Unit, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, School of Life Sciences , University of Dundee , Dundee , DD1 5EH , United Kingdom
| | - Ruth Brenk
- Drug Discovery Unit, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, School of Life Sciences , University of Dundee , Dundee , DD1 5EH , United Kingdom
| | - Paul G Wyatt
- Drug Discovery Unit, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, School of Life Sciences , University of Dundee , Dundee , DD1 5EH , United Kingdom
| | - Ian H Gilbert
- Drug Discovery Unit, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, School of Life Sciences , University of Dundee , Dundee , DD1 5EH , United Kingdom
| | - Kevin D Read
- Drug Discovery Unit, Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, School of Life Sciences , University of Dundee , Dundee , DD1 5EH , United Kingdom
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14
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Bayliss T, Robinson DA, Smith VC, Brand S, McElroy SP, Torrie LS, Mpamhanga C, Norval S, Stojanovski L, Brenk R, Frearson JA, Read KD, Gilbert IH, Wyatt PG. Design and Synthesis of Brain Penetrant Trypanocidal N-Myristoyltransferase Inhibitors. J Med Chem 2017; 60:9790-9806. [PMID: 29125744 PMCID: PMC5734605 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.7b01255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
N-Myristoyltransferase (NMT) represents a promising drug target within the parasitic protozoa Trypanosoma brucei (T. brucei), the causative agent for human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) or sleeping sickness. We have previously validated T. brucei NMT as a promising druggable target for the treatment of HAT in both stages 1 and 2 of the disease. We report on the use of the previously reported DDD85646 (1) as a starting point for the design of a class of potent, brain penetrant inhibitors of T. brucei NMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracy Bayliss
- Drug Discovery Unit, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee , Sir James Black Centre, Dundee DD1 5EH, U.K
| | - David A Robinson
- Drug Discovery Unit, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee , Sir James Black Centre, Dundee DD1 5EH, U.K
| | - Victoria C Smith
- Drug Discovery Unit, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee , Sir James Black Centre, Dundee DD1 5EH, U.K
| | - Stephen Brand
- Drug Discovery Unit, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee , Sir James Black Centre, Dundee DD1 5EH, U.K
| | - Stuart P McElroy
- Drug Discovery Unit, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee , Sir James Black Centre, Dundee DD1 5EH, U.K
| | - Leah S Torrie
- Drug Discovery Unit, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee , Sir James Black Centre, Dundee DD1 5EH, U.K
| | - Chido Mpamhanga
- Drug Discovery Unit, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee , Sir James Black Centre, Dundee DD1 5EH, U.K
| | - Suzanne Norval
- Drug Discovery Unit, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee , Sir James Black Centre, Dundee DD1 5EH, U.K
| | - Laste Stojanovski
- Drug Discovery Unit, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee , Sir James Black Centre, Dundee DD1 5EH, U.K
| | - Ruth Brenk
- Drug Discovery Unit, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee , Sir James Black Centre, Dundee DD1 5EH, U.K
| | - Julie A Frearson
- Drug Discovery Unit, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee , Sir James Black Centre, Dundee DD1 5EH, U.K
| | - Kevin D Read
- Drug Discovery Unit, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee , Sir James Black Centre, Dundee DD1 5EH, U.K
| | - Ian H Gilbert
- Drug Discovery Unit, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee , Sir James Black Centre, Dundee DD1 5EH, U.K
| | - Paul G Wyatt
- Drug Discovery Unit, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee , Sir James Black Centre, Dundee DD1 5EH, U.K
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15
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Spinks D, Smith V, Thompson S, Robinson DA, Luksch T, Smith A, Torrie LS, McElroy S, Stojanovski L, Norval S, Collie IT, Hallyburton I, Rao B, Brand S, Brenk R, Frearson JA, Read KD, Wyatt PG, Gilbert IH. Cover Picture: Development of Small-Molecule Trypanosoma brucei N-Myristoyltransferase Inhibitors: Discovery and Optimisation of a Novel Binding Mode (ChemMedChem 11/2015). ChemMedChem 2015. [DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201500397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Spinks
- Drug Discovery Unit; College of Life Sciences; University of Dundee; Sir James Black Centre Dundee DD1 5EH UK
| | - Victoria Smith
- Drug Discovery Unit; College of Life Sciences; University of Dundee; Sir James Black Centre Dundee DD1 5EH UK
| | - Stephen Thompson
- Drug Discovery Unit; College of Life Sciences; University of Dundee; Sir James Black Centre Dundee DD1 5EH UK
| | - David A. Robinson
- Drug Discovery Unit; College of Life Sciences; University of Dundee; Sir James Black Centre Dundee DD1 5EH UK
| | - Torsten Luksch
- Drug Discovery Unit; College of Life Sciences; University of Dundee; Sir James Black Centre Dundee DD1 5EH UK
| | - Alasdair Smith
- Drug Discovery Unit; College of Life Sciences; University of Dundee; Sir James Black Centre Dundee DD1 5EH UK
| | - Leah S. Torrie
- Drug Discovery Unit; College of Life Sciences; University of Dundee; Sir James Black Centre Dundee DD1 5EH UK
| | - Stuart McElroy
- Drug Discovery Unit; College of Life Sciences; University of Dundee; Sir James Black Centre Dundee DD1 5EH UK
| | - Laste Stojanovski
- Drug Discovery Unit; College of Life Sciences; University of Dundee; Sir James Black Centre Dundee DD1 5EH UK
| | - Suzanne Norval
- Drug Discovery Unit; College of Life Sciences; University of Dundee; Sir James Black Centre Dundee DD1 5EH UK
| | - Iain T. Collie
- Drug Discovery Unit; College of Life Sciences; University of Dundee; Sir James Black Centre Dundee DD1 5EH UK
| | - Irene Hallyburton
- Drug Discovery Unit; College of Life Sciences; University of Dundee; Sir James Black Centre Dundee DD1 5EH UK
| | - Bhavya Rao
- Drug Discovery Unit; College of Life Sciences; University of Dundee; Sir James Black Centre Dundee DD1 5EH UK
| | - Stephen Brand
- Drug Discovery Unit; College of Life Sciences; University of Dundee; Sir James Black Centre Dundee DD1 5EH UK
| | - Ruth Brenk
- Drug Discovery Unit; College of Life Sciences; University of Dundee; Sir James Black Centre Dundee DD1 5EH UK
| | - Julie A. Frearson
- Drug Discovery Unit; College of Life Sciences; University of Dundee; Sir James Black Centre Dundee DD1 5EH UK
| | - Kevin D. Read
- Drug Discovery Unit; College of Life Sciences; University of Dundee; Sir James Black Centre Dundee DD1 5EH UK
| | - Paul G. Wyatt
- Drug Discovery Unit; College of Life Sciences; University of Dundee; Sir James Black Centre Dundee DD1 5EH UK
| | - Ian H. Gilbert
- Drug Discovery Unit; College of Life Sciences; University of Dundee; Sir James Black Centre Dundee DD1 5EH UK
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16
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Spinks D, Smith V, Thompson S, Robinson DA, Luksch T, Smith A, Torrie LS, McElroy S, Stojanovski L, Norval S, Collie IT, Hallyburton I, Rao B, Brand S, Brenk R, Frearson JA, Read KD, Wyatt PG, Gilbert IH. Development of Small-Molecule Trypanosoma brucei N-Myristoyltransferase Inhibitors: Discovery and Optimisation of a Novel Binding Mode. ChemMedChem 2015; 10:1821-36. [PMID: 26395087 PMCID: PMC4648043 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201500301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The enzyme N-myristoyltransferase (NMT) from Trypanosoma brucei has been validated both chemically and biologically as a potential drug target for human African trypanosomiasis. We previously reported the development of some very potent compounds based around a pyrazole sulfonamide series, derived from a high-throughput screen. Herein we describe work around thiazolidinone and benzomorpholine scaffolds that were also identified in the screen. An X-ray crystal structure of the thiazolidinone hit in Leishmania major NMT showed the compound bound in the previously reported active site, utilising a novel binding mode. This provides potential for further optimisation. The benzomorpholinone was also found to bind in a similar region. Using an X-ray crystallography/structure-based design approach, the benzomorpholinone series was further optimised, increasing activity against T. brucei NMT by >1000-fold. A series of trypanocidal compounds were identified with suitable in vitro DMPK properties, including CNS exposure for further development. Further work is required to increase selectivity over the human NMT isoform and activity against T. brucei.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Spinks
- Drug Discovery Unit, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Sir James Black Centre, Dundee, DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Victoria Smith
- Drug Discovery Unit, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Sir James Black Centre, Dundee, DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Stephen Thompson
- Drug Discovery Unit, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Sir James Black Centre, Dundee, DD1 5EH, UK
| | - David A Robinson
- Drug Discovery Unit, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Sir James Black Centre, Dundee, DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Torsten Luksch
- Drug Discovery Unit, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Sir James Black Centre, Dundee, DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Alasdair Smith
- Drug Discovery Unit, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Sir James Black Centre, Dundee, DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Leah S Torrie
- Drug Discovery Unit, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Sir James Black Centre, Dundee, DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Stuart McElroy
- Drug Discovery Unit, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Sir James Black Centre, Dundee, DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Laste Stojanovski
- Drug Discovery Unit, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Sir James Black Centre, Dundee, DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Suzanne Norval
- Drug Discovery Unit, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Sir James Black Centre, Dundee, DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Iain T Collie
- Drug Discovery Unit, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Sir James Black Centre, Dundee, DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Irene Hallyburton
- Drug Discovery Unit, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Sir James Black Centre, Dundee, DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Bhavya Rao
- Drug Discovery Unit, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Sir James Black Centre, Dundee, DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Stephen Brand
- Drug Discovery Unit, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Sir James Black Centre, Dundee, DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Ruth Brenk
- Drug Discovery Unit, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Sir James Black Centre, Dundee, DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Julie A Frearson
- Drug Discovery Unit, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Sir James Black Centre, Dundee, DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Kevin D Read
- Drug Discovery Unit, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Sir James Black Centre, Dundee, DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Paul G Wyatt
- Drug Discovery Unit, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Sir James Black Centre, Dundee, DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Ian H Gilbert
- Drug Discovery Unit, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Sir James Black Centre, Dundee, DD1 5EH, UK.
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17
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Sarkar A, Brenk R. To Hit or Not to Hit, That Is the Question - Genome-wide Structure-Based Druggability Predictions for Pseudomonas aeruginosa Proteins. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0137279. [PMID: 26360059 PMCID: PMC4567284 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0137279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2015] [Accepted: 07/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a Gram-negative bacterium known to cause opportunistic infections in immune-compromised or immunosuppressed individuals that often prove fatal. New drugs to combat this organism are therefore sought after. To this end, we subjected the gene products of predicted perturbative genes to structure-based druggability predictions using DrugPred. Making this approach suitable for large-scale predictions required the introduction of new methods for calculation of descriptors, development of a workflow to identify suitable pockets in homologous proteins and establishment of criteria to obtain valid druggability predictions based on homologs. We were able to identify 29 perturbative proteins of P. aeruginosa that may contain druggable pockets, including some of them with no or no drug-like inhibitors deposited in ChEMBL. These proteins form promising novel targets for drug discovery against P. aeruginosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurijit Sarkar
- Division of Biological Chemistry & Drug Discovery, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Ruth Brenk
- Division of Biological Chemistry & Drug Discovery, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee, United Kingdom
- Institut für Pharmazie und Biochemie, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, Mainz, Germany
- University of Bergen, Department for Biomedicine, Bergen, Norway
- * E-mail:
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18
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Baum B, Lecker LSM, Zoltner M, Jaenicke E, Schnell R, Hunter WN, Brenk R. Structures of Pseudomonas aeruginosa β-ketoacyl-(acyl-carrier-protein) synthase II (FabF) and a C164Q mutant provide templates for antibacterial drug discovery and identify a buried potassium ion and a ligand-binding site that is an artefact of the crystal form. Acta Crystallogr F Struct Biol Commun 2015; 71:1020-6. [PMID: 26249693 PMCID: PMC4528935 DOI: 10.1107/s2053230x15010614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2015] [Accepted: 06/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Three crystal structures of recombinant P. aeruginosa FabF are reported: the apoenzyme, an active-site mutant and a complex with a fragment of a natural product inhibitor. The characterization provides reagents and new information to support antibacterial drug discovery. Bacterial infections remain a serious health concern, in particular causing life-threatening infections of hospitalized and immunocompromised patients. The situation is exacerbated by the rise in antibacterial drug resistance, and new treatments are urgently sought. In this endeavour, accurate structures of molecular targets can support early-stage drug discovery. Here, crystal structures, in three distinct forms, of recombinant Pseudomonas aeruginosa β-ketoacyl-(acyl-carrier-protein) synthase II (FabF) are presented. This enzyme, which is involved in fatty-acid biosynthesis, has been validated by genetic and chemical means as an antibiotic target in Gram-positive bacteria and represents a potential target in Gram-negative bacteria. The structures of apo FabF, of a C164Q mutant in which the binding site is altered to resemble the substrate-bound state and of a complex with 3-(benzoylamino)-2-hydroxybenzoic acid are reported. This compound mimics aspects of a known natural product inhibitor, platensimycin, and surprisingly was observed binding outside the active site, interacting with a symmetry-related molecule. An unusual feature is a completely buried potassium-binding site that was identified in all three structures. Comparisons suggest that this may represent a conserved structural feature of FabF relevant to fold stability. The new structures provide templates for structure-based ligand design and, together with the protocols and reagents, may underpin a target-based drug-discovery project for urgently needed antibacterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernhard Baum
- Institut für Pharmazie und Biochemie, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität, Staudinger Weg 5, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Laura S M Lecker
- Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 4EH, Scotland
| | - Martin Zoltner
- Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 4EH, Scotland
| | - Elmar Jaenicke
- Institut für Molekulare Biophysik, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität, Jakob Welder Weg 26, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Robert Schnell
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, 17 177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - William N Hunter
- Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 4EH, Scotland
| | - Ruth Brenk
- Institut für Pharmazie und Biochemie, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität, Staudinger Weg 5, 55128 Mainz, Germany
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19
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Zeino M, Brenk R, Gruber L, Zehl M, Urban E, Kopp B, Efferth T. Cytotoxicity of cardiotonic steroids in sensitive and multidrug-resistant leukemia cells and the link with Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2015; 150:97-111. [PMID: 25797029 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2015.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2014] [Revised: 03/04/2015] [Accepted: 03/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cardiotonic steroids have long been in clinical use for treatment of heart failure and are now emerging as promising agents in various diseases, especially cancer. Their main target is Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase, a membrane protein involved in cellular ion homeostasis. Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase has been implicated in cancer biology by affecting several cellular events and signaling pathways in both sensitive and drug-resistant cancer cells. Hence, we investigated the cytotoxic activities of 66 cardiotonic steroids and cardiotonic steroid derivatives in sensitive CCRF-CEM and multidrug-resistant CEM/ADR5000 leukemia cells. Data were then subjected to quantitative structure-activity relationship analysis (QSAR) and molecular docking into Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase, which both indicated a possible differential expression of the pump in the mentioned cell lines. This finding was confirmed by western blotting, intracellular potassium labeling and next generation sequencing which showed that Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase was less expressed in multidrug-resistant than in sensitive cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maen Zeino
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Ruth Brenk
- Department of Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Lisa Gruber
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Martin Zehl
- Department of Pharmacognosy, University of Vienna, Althanstraße 14, 1090 Vienna, Austria; Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Vienna, Althanstraße 14, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Ernst Urban
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Vienna, Althanstraße 14, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Brigitte Kopp
- Department of Pharmacognosy, University of Vienna, Althanstraße 14, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Efferth
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany.
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20
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Saeed MEM, Kadioglu O, Seo EJ, Greten HJ, Brenk R, Efferth T. Quantitative structure-activity relationship and molecular docking of artemisinin derivatives to vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1. Anticancer Res 2015; 35:1929-1934. [PMID: 25862844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM The antimalarial drug artemisinin has been shown to exert anticancer activity through anti-angiogenic effects. For further drug development, it may be useful to have derivatives with improved anti-angiogenic properties. MATERIAL AND METHODS We performed molecular docking of 52 artemisinin derivatives to vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFR1, VEGFR2), and VEGFA ligand using Autodock4 and AutodockTools-1.5.7.rc1 using the Lamarckian genetic algorithm. Quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) analyses of the compounds prepared by Corina Molecular Networks were performed using the Molecular Operating Environment MOE 2012.10. RESULTS A statistically significant inverse relationship was obtained between in silico binding energies to VEGFR1 and anti-angiogenic activity in vivo of a test-set of artemisinin derivatives (R=-0.843; p=0.035). This served as a control experiment to validate molecular docking predicting anti-angiogenc effects. Furthermore, 52 artemisinin derivatives were docked to VEGFR1 and in selected examples also to VEGFR2 and VEGFA. Higher binding affinities were calculated for receptors than for the ligand. The best binding affinities to VEGFR1 were found for an artemisinin dimer, 10-dihydroartemisinyl-2-propylpentanoate, and dihydroartemisinin α-hemisuccinate sodium salt. QSAR analyses revealed significant relationships between VEGFR1 binding energies and defined molecular descriptors of 35 artemisinins assigned to the training set (R=0.0848, p<0.0001) and 17 derivatives assigned to the test set (R=0.761, p<0.001). CONCLUSION Molecular docking and QSAR calculations can be used to identify novel artemisinin derivatives with anti-angiogenic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed E M Saeed
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Onat Kadioglu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Ean-Jeong Seo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Henry Johannes Greten
- Biomedical Sciences Institute Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal Heidelberg School of Chinese Medicine, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ruth Brenk
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Thomas Efferth
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
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21
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Brand S, Norcross NR, Thompson S, Harrison JR, Smith VC, Robinson DA, Torrie LS, McElroy SP, Hallyburton I, Norval S, Scullion P, Stojanovski L, Simeons FRC, van Aalten D, Frearson JA, Brenk R, Fairlamb AH, Ferguson MAJ, Wyatt PG, Gilbert IH, Read KD. Lead optimization of a pyrazole sulfonamide series of Trypanosoma brucei N-myristoyltransferase inhibitors: identification and evaluation of CNS penetrant compounds as potential treatments for stage 2 human African trypanosomiasis. J Med Chem 2014; 57:9855-69. [PMID: 25412409 PMCID: PMC4269550 DOI: 10.1021/jm500809c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
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Trypanosoma bruceiN-myristoyltransferase
(TbNMT) is an attractive therapeutic
target for the treatment of human African trypanosomiasis (HAT). From
previous studies, we identified pyrazole sulfonamide, DDD85646 (1), a potent inhibitor of TbNMT. Although
this compound represents an excellent lead, poor central nervous system
(CNS) exposure restricts its use to the hemolymphatic form (stage
1) of the disease. With a clear clinical need for new drug treatments
for HAT that address both the hemolymphatic and CNS stages of the
disease, a chemistry campaign was initiated to address the shortfalls
of this series. This paper describes modifications to the pyrazole
sulfonamides which markedly improved blood–brain barrier permeability,
achieved by reducing polar surface area and capping the sulfonamide.
Moreover, replacing the core aromatic with a flexible linker significantly
improved selectivity. This led to the discovery of DDD100097 (40) which demonstrated partial efficacy in a stage 2 (CNS)
mouse model of HAT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Brand
- Drug Discovery Unit, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee , Sir James Black Centre, Dundee DD1 5EH, U.K
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22
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Urich R, Grimaldi R, Luksch T, Frearson JA, Brenk R, Wyatt PG. The design and synthesis of potent and selective inhibitors of Trypanosoma brucei glycogen synthase kinase 3 for the treatment of human african trypanosomiasis. J Med Chem 2014; 57:7536-49. [PMID: 25198388 PMCID: PMC4175002 DOI: 10.1021/jm500239b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) is a genetically validated drug target for human African trypanosomiasis (HAT), also called African sleeping sickness. We report the synthesis and biological evaluation of aminopyrazole derivatives as Trypanosoma brucei GSK3 short inhibitors. Low nanomolar inhibitors, which had high selectivity over the off-target human CDK2 and good selectivity over human GSK3β enzyme, have been prepared. These potent kinase inhibitors demonstrated low micromolar levels of inhibition of the Trypanosoma brucei brucei parasite grown in culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Urich
- Drug Discovery Unit, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee , Sir James Black Centre, Dow Street, Dundee DD1 5EH, U.K
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23
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Abstract
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Analyzing
the chemical space coverage in commercial fragment screening collections
revealed the overlap between bioactive medicinal chemistry substructures
and rule-of-three compliant fragments is only ∼25%. We recommend
including these fragments in fragment screening libraries to maximize
confidence in discovering hit matter within known bioactive chemical
space, while incorporation of nonoverlapping substructures could offer
novel hits in screening libraries. Using principal component analysis,
polar and three-dimensional substructures display a higher-than-average
enrichment of bioactive compounds, indicating increasing representation
of these substructures may be beneficial in fragment screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Yi Mok
- Cancer Research UK Cancer Therapeutics Unit, Division of Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research , 15 Cotswold Road, Sutton, Surrey SM2 5NG, United Kingdom
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24
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Abstract
Structure-based virtual screening exploits the 3D structure of the target as a template for the discovery of new ligands. It is a key method for hit discovery and was originally developed for protein targets. Recently, this method has also been applied to RNA targets. This chapter gives an overview of this method and its application in the context of ligand discovery for RNA. In addition, it describes in detail how to conduct virtual screening for RNA targets, making use of software that is free for noncommercial use. Some advice on how to avoid common pitfalls in virtual screening is also given.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Daldrop
- Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
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25
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Woodland A, Grimaldi R, Luksch T, Cleghorn LAT, Ojo KK, Van Voorhis WC, Brenk R, Frearson JA, Gilbert IH, Wyatt PG. Back Cover: From On-Target to Off-Target Activity: Identification and Optimisation of Trypanosoma bruceiGSK3 Inhibitors and Their Characterisation as Anti- Trypanosoma bruceiDrug Discovery Lead Molecules (ChemMedChem 7/2013). ChemMedChem 2013. [DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201390029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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26
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Woodland A, Grimaldi R, Luksch T, Cleghorn LAT, Ojo KK, Van Voorhis WC, Brenk R, Frearson JA, Gilbert IH, Wyatt PG. From on-target to off-target activity: identification and optimisation of Trypanosoma brucei GSK3 inhibitors and their characterisation as anti-Trypanosoma brucei drug discovery lead molecules. ChemMedChem 2013; 8:1127-37. [PMID: 23776181 PMCID: PMC3728731 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201300072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2013] [Revised: 05/15/2013] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) is a life-threatening disease with approximately 30 000–40 000 new cases each year. Trypanosoma brucei protein kinase GSK3 short (TbGSK3) is required for parasite growth and survival. Herein we report a screen of a focused kinase library against T. brucei GSK3. From this we identified a series of several highly ligand-efficient TbGSK3 inhibitors. Following the hit validation process, we optimised a series of diaminothiazoles, identifying low-nanomolar inhibitors of TbGSK3 that are potent in vitro inhibitors of T. brucei proliferation. We show that the TbGSK3 pharmacophore overlaps with that of one or more additional molecular targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Woodland
- Drug Discovery Unit (DDU), Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Sir James Black Centre, DD1 5EH, UK
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27
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Urich R, Wishart G, Kiczun M, Richters A, Tidten-Luksch N, Rauh D, Sherborne B, Wyatt PG, Brenk R. De novo design of protein kinase inhibitors by in silico identification of hinge region-binding fragments. ACS Chem Biol 2013; 8:1044-52. [PMID: 23534475 PMCID: PMC3833278 DOI: 10.1021/cb300729y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
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Protein kinases constitute an attractive
family of enzyme targets
with high relevance to cell and disease biology. Small molecule inhibitors
are powerful tools to dissect and elucidate the function of kinases
in chemical biology research and to serve as potential starting points
for drug discovery. However, the discovery and development of novel
inhibitors remains challenging. Here, we describe a structure-based de novo design approach that generates novel, hinge-binding
fragments that are synthetically feasible and can be elaborated to
small molecule libraries. Starting from commercially available compounds,
core fragments were extracted, filtered for pharmacophoric properties
compatible with hinge-region binding, and docked into a panel of protein
kinases. Fragments with a high consensus score were subsequently short-listed
for synthesis. Application of this strategy led to a number of core
fragments with no previously reported activity against kinases. Small
libraries around the core fragments were synthesized, and representative
compounds were tested against a large panel of protein kinases and
subjected to co-crystallization experiments. Each of the tested compounds
was active against at least one kinase, but not all kinases in the
panel were inhibited. A number of compounds showed high ligand efficiencies
for therapeutically relevant kinases; among them were MAPKAP-K3, SRPK1,
SGK1, TAK1, and GCK for which only few inhibitors are reported in
the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Urich
- Drug Discovery Unit (DDU), Division
of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Sir James Black Centre, DD1 5EH,
U.K
| | - Grant Wishart
- Department of Chemistry, MSD, Newhouse, Lanarkshire, ML1 5SH, U.K
| | - Michael Kiczun
- Department of Chemistry, MSD, Newhouse, Lanarkshire, ML1 5SH, U.K
| | - André Richters
- Fakultät Chemie - Chemische
Biologie, Technische Universität Dortmund, Otto-Hahn-Straße 6, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Naomi Tidten-Luksch
- Drug Discovery Unit (DDU), Division
of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Sir James Black Centre, DD1 5EH,
U.K
| | - Daniel Rauh
- Fakultät Chemie - Chemische
Biologie, Technische Universität Dortmund, Otto-Hahn-Straße 6, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Brad Sherborne
- Department of Chemistry, MSD, Newhouse, Lanarkshire, ML1 5SH, U.K
| | - Paul G. Wyatt
- Drug Discovery Unit (DDU), Division
of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Sir James Black Centre, DD1 5EH,
U.K
| | - Ruth Brenk
- Institut für Pharmazie
und Biochemie, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, Staudinger Weg 5, 55128 Mainz, Germany
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28
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Mok NY, Maxe S, Brenk R. Locating sweet spots for screening hits and evaluating pan-assay interference filters from the performance analysis of two lead-like libraries. J Chem Inf Model 2013; 53:534-44. [PMID: 23451880 PMCID: PMC3739413 DOI: 10.1021/ci300382f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
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The efficiency of automated compound
screening is heavily influenced
by the design and the quality of the screening libraries used. We
recently reported on the assembly of one diverse and one target-focused
lead-like screening library. Using data from 15 enzyme-based screenings
conducted using these libraries, their performance was investigated.
Both libraries delivered screening hits across a range of targets,
with the hits distributed across the entire chemical space represented
by both libraries. On closer inspection, however, hit distribution
was uneven across the chemical space, with enrichments observed in
octants characterized by compounds at the higher end of the molecular
weight and lipophilicity spectrum for lead-like compounds, while polar
and sp3-carbon atom rich compounds were underrepresented
among the screening hits. Based on these observations, we propose
that screening libraries should not be evenly distributed in lead-like
chemical space but be enriched in polar, aliphatic compounds. In conjunction
with variable concentration screening, this could lead to more balanced
hit rates across the chemical space and screening hits of higher ligand
efficiency will be captured. Apart from chemical diversity, both screening
libraries were shown to be clean from any pan-assay interference (PAINS)
behavior. Even though some compounds were flagged to contain PAINS
structural motifs, some of these motifs were demonstrated to be less
problematic than previously suggested. To maximize the diversity of
the chemical space sampled in a screening campaign, we therefore consider
it justifiable to retain compounds containing PAINS structural motifs
that were apparently clean in this analysis when assembling screening
libraries.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Yi Mok
- Drug Discovery Unit, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee , Dow Street, Dundee DD1 5EH, U.K
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29
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Alphey MS, Pirrie L, Torrie LS, Boulkeroua WA, Gardiner M, Sarkar A, Maringer M, Oehlmann W, Brenk R, Scherman MS, McNeil M, Rejzek M, Field RA, Singh M, Gray D, Westwood NJ, Naismith JH. Allosteric competitive inhibitors of the glucose-1-phosphate thymidylyltransferase (RmlA) from Pseudomonas aeruginosa. ACS Chem Biol 2013; 8:387-96. [PMID: 23138692 DOI: 10.1021/cb300426u] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Glucose-1-phosphate thymidylyltransferase (RmlA) catalyzes the condensation of glucose-1-phosphate (G1P) with deoxy-thymidine triphosphate (dTTP) to yield dTDP-d-glucose and pyrophosphate. This is the first step in the l-rhamnose biosynthetic pathway. l-Rhamnose is an important component of the cell wall of many microorganisms, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Here we describe the first nanomolar inhibitors of P. aeruginosa RmlA. These thymine analogues were identified by high-throughput screening and subsequently optimized by a combination of protein crystallography, in silico screening, and synthetic chemistry. Some of the inhibitors show inhibitory activity against M. tuberculosis. The inhibitors do not bind at the active site of RmlA but bind at a second site remote from the active site. Despite this, the compounds act as competitive inhibitors of G1P but with high cooperativity. This novel behavior was probed by structural analysis, which suggests that the inhibitors work by preventing RmlA from undergoing the conformational change key to its ordered bi-bi mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magnus S. Alphey
- Biomedical Sciences Research
Complex, University of St. Andrews, St.
Andrews KY16 9ST, U.K
| | - Lisa Pirrie
- Biomedical Sciences Research
Complex, University of St. Andrews, St.
Andrews KY16 9ST, U.K
- School of Chemistry, University of St. Andrews and EaStCHEM, St. Andrews
KY16 9ST, U.K
| | - Leah S. Torrie
- Biological
Chemistry and Drug
Discovery, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, U.K
| | | | - Mary Gardiner
- Biological
Chemistry and Drug
Discovery, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, U.K
| | - Aurijit Sarkar
- Biological
Chemistry and Drug
Discovery, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, U.K
| | - Marko Maringer
- mfd Diagnostics GmbH, Mikroforum Ring 5, 55234 Wendelsheim, Germany
| | - Wulf Oehlmann
- Lionex GmbH, Salzdahlumer Str. 196, 38126 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Ruth Brenk
- Biological
Chemistry and Drug
Discovery, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, U.K
| | - Michael S. Scherman
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology
and Pathology, Colorado State University, 1682 Campus Delivery, Ft. Collins, Colorado 80523-1682, United
States
| | - Michael McNeil
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology
and Pathology, Colorado State University, 1682 Campus Delivery, Ft. Collins, Colorado 80523-1682, United
States
| | - Martin Rejzek
- Department of Biological
Chemistry, John Innes Centre, Norwich NR4
7UH, U.K
| | - Robert A. Field
- Department of Biological
Chemistry, John Innes Centre, Norwich NR4
7UH, U.K
| | - Mahavir Singh
- Lionex GmbH, Salzdahlumer Str. 196, 38126 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - David Gray
- Biological
Chemistry and Drug
Discovery, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, U.K
| | - Nicholas J. Westwood
- Biomedical Sciences Research
Complex, University of St. Andrews, St.
Andrews KY16 9ST, U.K
- School of Chemistry, University of St. Andrews and EaStCHEM, St. Andrews
KY16 9ST, U.K
| | - James H. Naismith
- Biomedical Sciences Research
Complex, University of St. Andrews, St.
Andrews KY16 9ST, U.K
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30
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31
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Tidten-Luksch N, Grimaldi R, Torrie LS, Frearson JA, Hunter WN, Brenk R. IspE inhibitors identified by a combination of in silico and in vitro high-throughput screening. PLoS One 2012; 7:e35792. [PMID: 22563402 PMCID: PMC3340893 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0035792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2012] [Accepted: 03/22/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
CDP-ME kinase (IspE) contributes to the non-mevalonate or deoxy-xylulose phosphate (DOXP) pathway for isoprenoid precursor biosynthesis found in many species of bacteria and apicomplexan parasites. IspE has been shown to be essential by genetic methods and since it is absent from humans it constitutes a promising target for antimicrobial drug development. Using in silico screening directed against the substrate binding site and in vitro high-throughput screening directed against both, the substrate and co-factor binding sites, non-substrate-like IspE inhibitors have been discovered and structure-activity relationships were derived. The best inhibitors in each series have high ligand efficiencies and favourable physico-chemical properties rendering them promising starting points for drug discovery. Putative binding modes of the ligands were suggested which are consistent with established structure-activity relationships. The applied screening methods were complementary in discovering hit compounds, and a comparison of both approaches highlights their strengths and weaknesses. It is noteworthy that compounds identified by virtual screening methods provided the controls for the biochemical screens.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - William N. Hunter
- Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (WNH); (RB)
| | - Ruth Brenk
- Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (WNH); (RB)
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32
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Brand S, Cleghorn LAT, McElroy SP, Robinson DA, Smith VC, Hallyburton I, Harrison JR, Norcross NR, Spinks D, Bayliss T, Norval S, Stojanovski L, Torrie LS, Frearson JA, Brenk R, Fairlamb AH, Ferguson MAJ, Read KD, Wyatt PG, Gilbert IH. Discovery of a novel class of orally active trypanocidal N-myristoyltransferase inhibitors. J Med Chem 2011; 55:140-52. [PMID: 22148754 PMCID: PMC3256935 DOI: 10.1021/jm201091t] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
N-Myristoyltransferase (NMT) represents a promising drug target for human African trypanosomiasis (HAT), which is caused by the parasitic protozoa Trypanosoma brucei. We report the optimization of a high throughput screening hit (1) to give a lead molecule DDD85646 (63), which has potent activity against the enzyme (IC(50) = 2 nM) and T. brucei (EC(50) = 2 nM) in culture. The compound has good oral pharmacokinetics and cures rodent models of peripheral HAT infection. This compound provides an excellent tool for validation of T. brucei NMT as a drug target for HAT as well as a valuable lead for further optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Brand
- Drug Discovery Unit, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Sir James Black Centre, Dundee, DD1 5EH, U.K
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33
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Krasowski A, Muthas D, Sarkar A, Schmitt S, Brenk R. DrugPred: a structure-based approach to predict protein druggability developed using an extensive nonredundant data set. J Chem Inf Model 2011; 51:2829-42. [PMID: 21995295 DOI: 10.1021/ci200266d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Judging if a protein is able to bind orally available molecules with high affinity, i.e. if a protein is druggable, is an important step in target assessment. In order to derive a structure-based method to predict protein druggability, a comprehensive, nonredundant data set containing crystal structures of 71 druggable and 44 less druggable proteins was compiled by literature search and data mining. This data set was subsequently used to train a structure-based druggability predictor (DrugPred) using partial least-squares projection to latent structures discriminant analysis (PLS-DA). DrugPred performed well in discriminating druggable from less druggable binding sites for both internal and external predictions. The method is robust against conformational changes in the binding site and outperforms previously published methods. The superior performance of DrugPred is likely due to the size and composition of the training set which, in contrast to most previously developed methods, only contains cavities that have evolved to bind a natural ligand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Krasowski
- College of Life Sciences, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, University of Dundee, Dow St, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
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34
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Abstract
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The ChEMBL database was mined to efficiently assemble an ion channel-focused screening library. The compiled library consists of 3241 compounds representing 123 templates across nine ion channel categories. Compounds in the screening library are annotated with their respective ion channel category to facilitate back-tracing of prospective molecular targets from phenotypic screening results. The established workflow is adaptable to the construction of focused screening libraries for other therapeutic target classes with diverse recognition motifs.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Yi Mok
- Drug Discovery Unit, College of Life Sciences, Sir James Black Centre, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
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35
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Cappel D, Wahlström R, Brenk R, Sotriffer CA. Probing the Dynamic Nature of Water Molecules and Their Influences on Ligand Binding in a Model Binding Site. J Chem Inf Model 2011; 51:2581-94. [DOI: 10.1021/ci200052j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Cappel
- Institute of Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, Julius-Maximilians University Würzburg, Am Hubland, D-97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Rickard Wahlström
- College of Life Sciences, Division of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, James Black Centre, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee DD1 5EH, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Ruth Brenk
- College of Life Sciences, Division of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, James Black Centre, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee DD1 5EH, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Christoph A. Sotriffer
- Institute of Pharmacy and Food Chemistry, Julius-Maximilians University Würzburg, Am Hubland, D-97074 Würzburg, Germany
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36
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Cleghorn LAT, Woodland A, Collie IT, Torrie LS, Norcross N, Luksch T, Mpamhanga C, Walker RG, Mottram JC, Brenk R, Frearson JA, Gilbert IH, Wyatt PG. Identification of inhibitors of the Leishmania cdc2-related protein kinase CRK3. ChemMedChem 2011; 6:2214-24. [PMID: 21913331 PMCID: PMC3272345 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201100344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2011] [Revised: 08/16/2011] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
New drugs are urgently needed for the treatment of tropical parasitic diseases such as leishmaniasis and human African trypanosomiasis (HAT). This work involved a high-throughput screen of a focussed kinase set of ∼3400 compounds to identify potent and parasite-selective inhibitors of an enzymatic Leishmania CRK3–cyclin 6 complex. The aim of this study is to provide chemical validation that Leishmania CRK3–CYC6 is a drug target. Eight hit series were identified, of which four were followed up. The optimisation of these series using classical SAR studies afforded low-nanomolar CRK3 inhibitors with significant selectivity over the closely related human cyclin dependent kinase CDK2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura A T Cleghorn
- Drug Discovery Unit, College of Life Sciences, James Black Centre, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 5EH, UK
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37
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Smith VC, Cleghorn LAT, Woodland A, Spinks D, Hallyburton I, Collie IT, Mok NY, Norval S, Brenk R, Fairlamb AH, Frearson JA, Read KD, Gilbert IH, Wyatt PG. Optimisation of the anti-Trypanosoma brucei activity of the opioid agonist U50488. ChemMedChem 2011; 6:1832-40. [PMID: 21834094 PMCID: PMC3229842 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201100278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2011] [Revised: 07/18/2011] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Screening of the Sigma–Aldrich Library of Pharmacologically Active Compounds (LOPAC) against cultured Trypanosoma brucei, the causative agent of African sleeping sickness, resulted in the identification of a number of compounds with selective antiproliferative activity over mammalian cells. These included (+)-(1R,2R)-U50488, a weak opioid agonist with an EC50 value of 59 nm as determined in our T. brucei in vitro assay reported previously. This paper describes the modification of key structural elements of U50488 to investigate structure–activity relationships (SAR) and to optimise the antiproliferative activity and pharmacokinetic properties of this compound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria C Smith
- Drug Discovery Unit, College of Life Sciences, James Black Centre, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 5EH, Scotland, UK
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38
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Daldrop P, Reyes FE, Robinson DA, Hammond CM, Lilley DM, Batey RT, Brenk R. Novel ligands for a purine riboswitch discovered by RNA-ligand docking. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 18:324-35. [PMID: 21439477 PMCID: PMC3119931 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2010.12.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2010] [Revised: 12/02/2010] [Accepted: 12/29/2010] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The increasing number of RNA crystal structures enables a structure-based approach to the discovery of new RNA-binding ligands. To develop the poorly explored area of RNA-ligand docking, we have conducted a virtual screening exercise for a purine riboswitch to probe the strengths and weaknesses of RNA-ligand docking. Using a standard protein-ligand docking program with only minor modifications, four new ligands with binding affinities in the micromolar range were identified, including two compounds based on molecular scaffolds not resembling known ligands. RNA-ligand docking performed comparably to protein-ligand docking indicating that this approach is a promising option to explore the wealth of RNA structures for structure-based ligand design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Daldrop
- Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
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39
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Spinks D, Ong HB, Mpamhanga CP, Shanks EJ, Robinson DA, Collie IT, Read KD, Frearson JA, Wyatt PG, Brenk R, Fairlamb AH, Gilbert IH. Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of novel inhibitors of Trypanosoma brucei pteridine reductase 1. ChemMedChem 2011; 6:302-8. [PMID: 21275054 PMCID: PMC3047710 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201000450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2010] [Revised: 11/25/2010] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Genetic studies indicate that the enzyme pteridine reductase 1 (PTR1) is essential for the survival of the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma brucei. Herein, we describe the development and optimisation of a novel series of PTR1 inhibitors, based on benzo[d]imidazol-2-amine derivatives. Data are reported on 33 compounds. This series was initially discovered by a virtual screening campaign (J. Med. Chem., 2009, 52, 4454). The inhibitors adopted an alternative binding mode to those of the natural ligands, biopterin and dihydrobiopterin, and classical inhibitors, such as methotrexate. Using both rational medicinal chemistry and structure-based approaches, we were able to derive compounds with potent activity against T. brucei PTR1 (K(i)(app)=7 nM), which had high selectivity over both human and T. brucei dihydrofolate reductase. Unfortunately, these compounds displayed weak activity against the parasites. Kinetic studies and analysis indicate that the main reason for the lack of cell potency is due to the compounds having insufficient potency against the enzyme, which can be seen from the low K(m) to K(i) ratio (K(m)=25 nM and K(i)=2.3 nM, respectively).
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Spinks
- Drug Discovery Unit, Division of Biological Chemistry & Drug Discovery, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Sir James Black Centre, Dundee, Scotland, DD1 5EH, UK
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40
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Walton JGA, Jones DC, Kiuru P, Durie AJ, Westwood NJ, Fairlamb AH, Spinks D, Ong HB, Mpamhanga CP, Shanks EJ, Robinson DA, Collie IT, Read KD, Frearson JA, Wyatt PG, Brenk R, Fairlamb AH, Gilbert IH, Ruda GF, Nguyen C, Ziemkowski P, Felczak K, Kasinathan G, Musso-Buendia A, Sund C, Zhou XX, Kaiser M, Ruiz-Pérez LM, Brun R, Kulikowski T, Johansson NG, González-Pacanowska D, Gilbert IH. Cover Picture: Synthesis and Evaluation of Indatraline-Based Inhibitors for Trypanothione Reductase / Design, Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Novel Inhibitors of Trypanosoma brucei Pteridine Reductase 1 / Modified 5′-Trityl Nucleosides as Inhibitor. ChemMedChem 2011. [DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201190000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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41
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Ruda GF, Campbell G, Alibu VP, Barrett MP, Brenk R, Gilbert IH. Virtual fragment screening for novel inhibitors of 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase. Bioorg Med Chem 2010; 18:5056-62. [PMID: 20598892 PMCID: PMC2939770 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2010.05.077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2010] [Accepted: 05/27/2010] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The enzyme 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase is a potential drug target for the parasitic protozoan Trypanosoma brucei, the causative organism of human African trypanosomiasis. This enzyme has a polar active site to accommodate the phosphate, hydroxyl and carboxylate groups of the substrate, 6-phosphogluconate. A virtual fragment screen was undertaken of the enzyme to discover starting points for the development of inhibitors which are likely to have appropriate physicochemical properties for an orally bioavailable compound. A virtual screening library was developed, consisting of compounds with functional groups that could mimic the phosphate group of the substrate, but which have a higher pKa. Following docking, hits were clustered and appropriate compounds purchased and assayed against the enzyme. Three fragments were identified that had IC50 values in the low micromolar range and good ligand efficiencies. Based on these initial hits, analogues were procured and further active compounds were identified. Some of the fragments identified represent potential starting points for a medicinal chemistry programme to develop potent drug-like inhibitors of the enzyme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gian Filippo Ruda
- Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Sir James Black Centre, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
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42
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Frearson JA, Brand S, McElroy SP, Cleghorn LAT, Smid O, Stojanovski L, Price HP, Guther MLS, Torrie LS, Robinson DA, Hallyburton I, Mpamhanga CP, Brannigan JA, Wilkinson AJ, Hodgkinson M, Hui R, Qiu W, Raimi OG, van Aalten DMF, Brenk R, Gilbert IH, Read KD, Fairlamb AH, Ferguson MAJ, Smith DF, Wyatt PG. N-myristoyltransferase inhibitors as new leads to treat sleeping sickness. Nature 2010; 464:728-32. [PMID: 20360736 PMCID: PMC2917743 DOI: 10.1038/nature08893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 221] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2009] [Accepted: 02/10/2010] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
African sleeping sickness or human African trypanosomiasis, caused by Trypanosoma brucei spp., is responsible for approximately 30,000 deaths each year. Available treatments for this disease are poor, with unacceptable efficacy and safety profiles, particularly in the late stage of the disease when the parasite has infected the central nervous system. Here we report the validation of a molecular target and the discovery of associated lead compounds with the potential to address this lack of suitable treatments. Inhibition of this target-T. brucei N-myristoyltransferase-leads to rapid killing of trypanosomes both in vitro and in vivo and cures trypanosomiasis in mice. These high-affinity inhibitors bind into the peptide substrate pocket of the enzyme and inhibit protein N-myristoylation in trypanosomes. The compounds identified have promising pharmaceutical properties and represent an opportunity to develop oral drugs to treat this devastating disease. Our studies validate T. brucei N-myristoyltransferase as a promising therapeutic target for human African trypanosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie A Frearson
- Drug Discovery Unit, Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
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43
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Mpamhanga CP, Spinks D, Tulloch LB, Shanks EJ, Robinson DA, Collie IT, Fairlamb AH, Wyatt PG, Frearson JA, Hunter WN, Gilbert IH, Brenk R. One scaffold, three binding modes: novel and selective pteridine reductase 1 inhibitors derived from fragment hits discovered by virtual screening. J Med Chem 2009; 52:4454-65. [PMID: 19527033 PMCID: PMC2966039 DOI: 10.1021/jm900414x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The enzyme pteridine reductase 1 (PTR1) is a potential target for new compounds to treat human African trypanosomiasis. A virtual screening campaign for fragments inhibiting PTR1 was carried out. Two novel chemical series were identified containing aminobenzothiazole and aminobenzimidazole scaffolds, respectively. One of the hits (2-amino-6-chloro-benzimidazole) was subjected to crystal structure analysis and a high resolution crystal structure in complex with PTR1 was obtained, confirming the predicted binding mode. However, the crystal structures of two analogues (2-amino-benzimidazole and 1-(3,4-dichloro-benzyl)-2-amino-benzimidazole) in complex with PTR1 revealed two alternative binding modes. In these complexes, previously unobserved protein movements and water-mediated protein-ligand contacts occurred, which prohibited a correct prediction of the binding modes. On the basis of the alternative binding mode of 1-(3,4-dichloro-benzyl)-2-amino-benzimidazole, derivatives were designed and selective PTR1 inhibitors with low nanomolar potency and favorable physicochemical properties were obtained.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ruth Brenk
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. Phone +44 1302 386230. E-mail:
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44
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Ramsden NL, Buetow L, Dawson A, Kemp LA, Ulaganathan V, Brenk R, Klebe G, Hunter WN. A structure-based approach to ligand discovery for 2C-methyl-D-erythritol-2,4-cyclodiphosphate synthase: a target for antimicrobial therapy. J Med Chem 2009; 52:2531-42. [PMID: 19320487 PMCID: PMC2669732 DOI: 10.1021/jm801475n] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
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The nonmevalonate route to isoprenoid biosynthesis is essential in Gram-negative bacteria and apicomplexan parasites. The enzymes of this pathway are absent from mammals, contributing to their appeal as chemotherapeutic targets. One enzyme, 2C-methyl-d-erythritol-2,4-cyclodiphosphate synthase (IspF), has been validated as a target by genetic approaches in bacteria. Virtual screening against Escherichia coli IspF (EcIspF) was performed by combining a hierarchical filtering methodology with molecular docking. Docked compounds were inspected and 10 selected for experimental validation. A surface plasmon resonance assay was developed and two weak ligands identified. Crystal structures of EcIspF complexes were determined to support rational ligand development. Cytosine analogues and Zn2+-binding moieties were characterized. One of the putative Zn2+-binding compounds gave the lowest measured KD to date (1.92 ± 0.18 μM). These data provide a framework for the development of IspF inhibitors to generate lead compounds of therapeutic potential against microbial pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola L Ramsden
- Division of Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee, DD1 5EH, Scotland, United Kingdom
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45
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Engeholm M, de Jager M, Flaus A, Brenk R, van Noort J, Owen-Hughes T. Nucleosomes can invade DNA territories occupied by their neighbors. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2009; 16:151-8. [PMID: 19182801 PMCID: PMC2675935 DOI: 10.1038/nsmb.1551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2008] [Accepted: 01/02/2009] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Nucleosomes are the fundamental subunits of eukaryotic chromatin. They are not static entities, but can undergo a number of dynamic transitions, including spontaneous repositioning along DNA. As nucleosomes are spaced close together within genomes, it is likely that on occasion they approach each other and may even collide. Here we have used a dinucleosomal model system to show that the 147-base-pair (bp) DNA territories of two nucleosomes can overlap extensively. In the situation of an overlap by 44 bp or 54 bp, one histone dimer is lost and the resulting complex can condense to form a compact single particle. We propose a pathway in which adjacent nucleosomes promote DNA unraveling as they approach each other and that this permits their 147-bp territories to overlap, and we suggest that these events may represent early steps in a pathway for nucleosome removal via collision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maik Engeholm
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Gene Regulation and Expression, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 5EH, UK
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46
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Lucas-Lopez C, Allingham JS, Lebl T, Lawson CPAT, Brenk R, Sellers JR, Rayment I, Westwood NJ. The small molecule tool (S)-(-)-blebbistatin: novel insights of relevance to myosin inhibitor design. Org Biomol Chem 2008; 6:2076-84. [PMID: 18528569 DOI: 10.1039/b801223g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The small molecule blebbistatin is now a front line tool in the study of myosin function. Chemical modification of the tricyclic core of blebbistatin could deliver the next generation of myosin inhibitors and to help address this we report here on the impact of structural changes in the methyl-substituted aromatic ring of blebbistatin on its biological activity. Chemical methods for the preparation of isomeric methyl-containing analogues are reported and a series of co-crystal structures are used to rationalise the observed variations in their biological activity. These studies further support the view that the previously identified binding mode of blebbistatin to Dictyostelium discoideum myosin II is of relevance to its mode of action. A discussion of the role that these observations have on planning the synthesis of focused libraries of blebbistatin analogues is also provided including an assessment of possibilities by computational methods. These studies are ultimately directed at the development of novel myosin inhibitors with improved affinity and different selectivity profiles from blebbistatin itself.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Lucas-Lopez
- School of Chemistry and the Centre for Biomolecular Sciences, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, Fife, UK
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47
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Brenk R, Schipani A, James D, Krasowski A, Gilbert IH, Frearson J, Wyatt PG. Lessons learnt from assembling screening libraries for drug discovery for neglected diseases. ChemMedChem 2008; 3:435-44. [PMID: 18064617 PMCID: PMC2628535 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.200700139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 317] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2007] [Revised: 09/21/2007] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
To enable the establishment of a drug discovery operation for neglected diseases, out of 2.3 million commercially available compounds 222 552 compounds were selected for an in silico library, 57 438 for a diverse general screening library, and 1 697 compounds for a focused kinase set. Compiling these libraries required a robust strategy for compound selection. Rules for unwanted groups were defined and selection criteria to enrich for lead-like compounds which facilitate straightforward structure-activity relationship exploration were established. Further, a literature and patent review was undertaken to extract key recognition elements of kinase inhibitors ("core fragments") to assemble a focused library for hit discovery for kinases. Computational and experimental characterisation of the general screening library revealed that the selected compounds 1) span a broad range of lead-like space, 2) show a high degree of structural integrity and purity, and 3) demonstrate appropriate solubility for the purposes of biochemical screening. The implications of this study for compound selection, especially in an academic environment with limited resources, are considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Brenk
- University of Dundee, College of Life Sciences, James Black Centre, Dow Street, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK.
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48
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Stengl B, Meyer EA, Heine A, Brenk R, Diederich F, Klebe G. Crystal Structures of tRNA-guanine Transglycosylase (TGT) in Complex with Novel and Potent Inhibitors Unravel Pronounced Induced-fit Adaptations and Suggest Dimer Formation Upon Substrate Binding. J Mol Biol 2007; 370:492-511. [PMID: 17524419 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2007.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2006] [Revised: 03/30/2007] [Accepted: 04/03/2007] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The bacterial tRNA-guanine transglycosylase (TGT) is a tRNA modifying enzyme catalyzing the exchange of guanine 34 by the modified base preQ1. The enzyme is involved in the infection pathway of Shigella, causing bacterial dysentery. As no crystal structure of the Shigella enzyme is available the homologous Zymomonas mobilis TGT was used for structure-based drug design resulting in new, potent, lin-benzoguanine-based inhibitors. Thorough kinetic studies show size-dependent inhibition of these compounds resulting in either a competitive or non-competitive blocking of the base exchange reaction in the low micromolar range. Four crystal structures of TGT-inhibitor complexes were determined with a resolution of 1.58-2.1 A. These structures give insight into the structural flexibility of TGT necessary to perform catalysis. In three of the structures molecular rearrangements are observed that match with conformational changes also noticed upon tRNA substrate binding. Several water molecules are involved in these rearrangement processes. Two of them demonstrate the structural and catalytic importance of water molecules during TGT base exchange reaction. In the fourth crystal structure the inhibitor unexpectedly interferes with protein contact formation and crystal packing. In all presently known TGT crystal structures the enzyme forms tightly associated homodimers internally related by crystallographic symmetry. Upon binding of the fourth inhibitor the dimer interface, however, becomes partially disordered. This result prompted further analyses to investigate the relevance of dimer formation for the functional protein. Consultation of the available TGT structures and sequences from different species revealed structural and functional conservation across the contacting residues. This suggests that bacterial and eukaryotic TGT could possibly act as homodimers in catalysis. It is hypothesized that one unit of the dimer performs the catalytic reaction whereas the second is required to recognize and properly orient the bound tRNA for the catalytic reaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernhard Stengl
- Institut für Pharmazeutische Chemie, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marbacher Weg 6, 35032 Marburg, Germany
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49
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Urbaniak MD, Tabudravu JN, Msaki A, Matera KM, Brenk R, Jaspars M, Ferguson MAJ. Identification of novel inhibitors of UDP-Glc 4′-epimerase, a validated drug target for african sleeping sickness. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2006; 16:5744-7. [PMID: 16962325 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2006.08.091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2006] [Revised: 08/22/2006] [Accepted: 08/23/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Novel inhibitors of Trypanosoma brucei and mammalian UDP-Glc 4'-epimerase were identified by screening a small library of natural products and commercially available drug-like molecules. The inhibitors possess low micromolar potency against the T. brucei and human enzymes in vitro, display a degree of selectivity between the two enzymes, and are cytotoxic to cultured T. brucei and mammalian cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D Urbaniak
- Division of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, Scotland, UK
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50
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Brenk R, Klebe G. “Hot Spot” Analysis of Protein‐binding Sites as a Prerequisite for Structure‐based Virtual Screening and Lead Optimization. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006. [DOI: 10.1002/3527609164.ch8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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