Abstract 3592: Targeting SWI/SNF ATPases in enhancer-addicted human cancers

In mammalian cells, DNA is wrapped around histone octamers (collectively referred to as nucleosomes) which form a physical barrier to all DNA-based processes. The switch/sucrose non-fermentable (SWI/SNF) is a multi-subunit chromatin remodeling complex that uses energy from ATP hydrolysis to reposition or eject nucleosomes at non-coding regulatory elements, thereby enabling access to the underlying DNA for transcriptional activation. Notably, the SWI/SNF complex plays a crucial role in chromatin remodeling and is recurrently altered in over 20% of human cancers, with the revised complex in cancer cells enabling central oncogenic gene programs. Yet, no studies have assessed the therapeutic efficacy of complete SWI/SNF inactivation across human cancers. Here, we developed a proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) degrader of ATPase subunits of the SWI/SNF complex, SMARCA2 and SMARCA4. In a panel with over 90 normal and cancer cell lines from 18 different lineages, we found MYC-driven multiple myeloma and androgen receptor (AR)/forkhead box A1 (FOXA1)-positive prostate and breast cancers to be preferentially sensitive to dual SMARCA2 and SMARCA4 degradation relative to benign prostate as well as other cancer cell lines, including cancer cell lines with inactivating SMARCA4 mutations. We found complete SWI/SNF ATPase degradation to instantaneously compact the cis-regulatory elements that are bound and activated by transcription factors that drive cancer proliferation, namely MYC, IRF4, TCF3, AR, FOXA1, and ERG. This ensued in parallel untethering of these oncogenic drivers from the chromatin, with subsequent chemical decommissioning of their core enhancer circuitry and attenuation of downstream gene programs. Furthermore, using chromatin conformation assays we found SWI/SNF inactivation to disrupt super-enhancer and promoter DNA looping interactions that wire supra-physiologic expression of the MYC, AR, ERG, IRF4, and TCF3 oncogenes themselves, thereby tempering their expression in cancer cells. Treatment with the SMARCA2/4 degrader alone induced potent inhibition of tumor growth in cell line-derived xenograft models of multiple myeloma, as well as prostate cancer, and synergized with AR antagonists, inducing disease remission in several drug-resistant disease models. Notably, no major toxicities were seen in mice upon prolonged treatment with the SMARCA2/4 degrader, including no indications of thrombocytopenia, gastrointestinal goblet cell depletion, or germ cell degeneration—all being major toxicities associated with the BRD4-targeting therapeutics. To our knowledge, this study is the first preclinical proof of concept that targeted obstruction of chromatin accessibility at non-coding regulatory elements can be a potent therapeutic strategy in enhancer-addicted tumors, warranting the safety and efficacy assessments of SWI/SNF inhibitors and degraders in human clinical trials.

Citation Format: Abhijit Parolia, Lanbo Xiao, Yuanyuan Qiao, Pushpinder Bawa, Sanjana Eyunni, Eleanor Young, Rahul Mannan, Sandra E. Carson, Yu Chang, Yuping Zhang, James George, Mustapha Jaber, Fengyun Su, Rui Wang, Sanjita Sasmal, Leena Khare, Subhendu Mukerjee, Chandrasekhar AbbinenI, Kiran Aithal, Xuhong Cao, Yuzhuo Wang, Susanta Samajdar, Murali Ramachandra, Arul M. Chinnaiyan. Targeting SWI/SNF ATPases in enhancer-addicted human cancers [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 3592.

Abstract 6369: Discovery of potent, orally bioavailable, brain penetrant RAD51 inhibitor as an anti-cancer agent

Proliferating cells undergo DNA damage, and this is more pronounced in cancer cells due to their high rate of proliferation. Cancer cells are thus more dependent on the DNA damage repair pathway for their survival. Double-strand breaks (DSBs) are amongst the most severe type of DNA damage and are predominantly repaired by homologous recombination (HR) in an error-free manner. RAD51 is a pivotal recombinase for DSB repair by the HR pathway. Binding of RAD51 with BRCA2 followed by its nuclear translocation, is one of the key repair mechanisms for RAD51 mediated DSB repair. We have identified novel and potent RAD51 inhibitors disrupting the RAD51:BRCA2 interaction, which can address BRCA2 WT patient population. Upon induction of exogenous DNA damage, our compounds inhibit nuclear RAD51 foci formation and demonstrate sustained γH2AX accumulation in the nucleus, suggesting persistent DNA damage. Our orally bioavailable & brain penetrant lead compound shows anti-proliferative activity in multiple BRCA2 WT cancer cell lines across various indications, and excellent synergy when combined with PARP1 inhibitors such as Olaparib. Further, in a wound healing assay, treatment with our lead compound inhibits cell migration in a dose-dependent manner. TNBC patients with extensive brain metastasis have limited treatment options. Thus, a brain penetrant RAD51 inhibitor could provide a novel treatment option in this setting.

Citation Format: Sanjita Sasmal, Sukanya Patra, Venkatesham Boorgu, Shankar Chithaluri, Mahesh Yanamadra, Deepika Hiremath, Hemashankar Pathange, Sandeep M. Girme, Amitkumar Pawar, Rutuja Narayan Shinde, Nilanjan Samanta. Discovery of potent, orally bioavailable, brain penetrant RAD51 inhibitor as an anti-cancer agent [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 6369.

Abstract 5469: Targeting SWI/SNF ATPases in enhancer-addicted prostate cancer

The switch/sucrose non-fermentable (SWI/SNF) complex plays a crucial role in chromatin remodeling and is recurrently altered in over 20% of human cancers. Here, we developed a proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) degrader of ATPase subunits of the SWI/SNF complex, SMARCA2 and SMARCA4. Intriguingly, we found androgen receptor (AR)/forkhead box A1 (FOXA1)-positive prostate cancer to be exquisitely sensitive to dual SMARCA2 and SMARCA4 degradation relative to benign prostate as well as other cancer cell lines, including those with inactivating SMARCA4 mutations. Mechanistically, SWI/SNF inhibition rapidly compacts the cis-regulatory elements that are bound and activated by transcription factors that drive cancer proliferation, namely AR, FOXA1, ERG, and MYC. This ensues in chromatin untethering of these oncogenic drivers, chemical decommissioning of their core enhancer circuitry, and attenuation of downstream gene programs. Furthermore, we found SWI/SNF inhibition to disrupt super-enhancer and promoter DNA looping interactions that wire supra-physiologic expression of the AR, FOXA1, and MYC oncogenes, thereby tempering their expression in cancer cells. Monotherapy with the SMARCA2/4 degrader induced potent inhibition of tumor growth in cell line-derived xenograft models of prostate cancer and remarkably synergized with AR antagonists, inducing disease remission in models of castration-resistant prostate cancer. We also found the combinatorial treatment to significantly inhibit the growth of enzalutamide resistant disease using in vitro as well as patient-derived xenograft models. Notably, no major toxicities were seen in mice upon prolonged treatment with the SMARCA2/4 degrader, including no indications of thrombocytopenia, gastrointestinal goblet cell depletion, or germ cell degeneration. Taken together, these results suggest that impeding enhancer accessibility through SWI/SNF ATPase inactivation represents a novel therapeutic approach in enhancer addicted human cancers.

Citation Format: Lanbo Xiao, Abhijit Parolia, Yuanyuan Qiao, Pushpinder Bawa Pushpinder, Sanjana Eyunni, Rahul Mannan, Sandra E. Carson, Yu Chang, Xiaoju Wang, Yuping Zhang, Josh Vo, Steven Kregel, Stephanie A. Simko, Andrew D. Delekta, Mustapha Jaber, Heng Zheng, Ingrid Apel, Lisa McMurry, Fengyun Su, Rui Wang, Sylvia Wang, Sanjita Sasmal, Leena K. Satyam, Subhendu Mukherjee, Chandrasekhar AbbinenI, Kiran Aithal, Mital S. Bhakta, Jay Ghurye, Xuhong Cao, Nora M. Navone, Alexey Nesvizhskii, Rohit Mehra, Ulka Vaishampayan, Marco Blanchette, Yuzhuo Wang, Susanta Samajdar, Murali Ramachandra, Arul M. Chinnaiyan. Targeting SWI/SNF ATPases in enhancer-addicted prostate cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 5469.

Abstract 6368: Discovery of potent, orally bioavailable, SOS1 inhibitors for KRAS-driven tumors

KRAS is an oncogene implicated in a wide variety of tumors (~21% of solid tumors harbor KRAS mutations). KRAS interaction with Guanidine Exchange Factors (GEFs) is crucial for its activation, with SOS1 being the predominant GEF. SOS1 inhibition is thus expected to be an effective strategy for targeting the downstream signaling pathway, resulting in anti-proliferative activity in RAS-driven cancers. We have identified multiple potent and selective SOS1 inhibitors, demonstrating significant reduction of GEF activity in a dose-dependent manner. The lead compounds show anti-proliferative activity across a panel of WT and mutant KRAS cell lines, and are synergistic with MAPK pathway inhibitors including KRASG12C inhibitor Sotorasib. Correspondingly, significant reduction in PD biomarkers, pERK and pAKT is demonstrated in KRAS mutant cell lines. PK-PD correlation is also established in a tumor bearing mice model, with dose-dependent reduction of both pERK and pAKT. The lead compound shows good ADME properties, and is orally bioavailable, making it amenable for further in vivo profiling.

Citation Format: Sanjita Sasmal, Sukanya Patra, Venkatesham Boorgu, Mahesh Yanamadra, Ashok Ettam, Nagaraju Dunaboyina, Githavani Kummari, Ram Mohan Yengala, Balakrishna Lakhavath, Jayita Das, Satheesh Sunkanapally, Pravalika Reddy, Megha Mariam Mathew. Discovery of potent, orally bioavailable, SOS1 inhibitors for KRAS-driven tumors [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 6368.

Targeting SWI/SNF ATPases in enhancer-addicted prostate cancer

The switch/sucrose non-fermentable (SWI/SNF) complex has a crucial role in chromatin remodelling1 and is altered in over 20% of cancers2,3. Here we developed a proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC) degrader of the SWI/SNF ATPase subunits, SMARCA2 and SMARCA4, called AU-15330. Androgen receptor (AR)+ forkhead box A1 (FOXA1)+ prostate cancer cells are exquisitely sensitive to dual SMARCA2 and SMARCA4 degradation relative to normal and other cancer cell lines. SWI/SNF ATPase degradation rapidly compacts cis-regulatory elements bound by transcription factors that drive prostate cancer cell proliferation, namely AR, FOXA1, ERG and MYC, which dislodges them from chromatin, disables their core enhancer circuitry, and abolishes the downstream oncogenic gene programs. SWI/SNF ATPase degradation also disrupts super-enhancer and promoter looping interactions that wire supra-physiologic expression of the AR, FOXA1 and MYC oncogenes themselves. AU-15330 induces potent inhibition of tumour growth in xenograft models of prostate cancer and synergizes with the AR antagonist enzalutamide, even inducing disease remission in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) models without toxicity. Thus, impeding SWI/SNF-mediated enhancer accessibility represents a promising therapeutic approach for enhancer-addicted cancers.

Abstract LB117: Identification of novel SOS1-K-Ras disruptors for NSCLC and colon cancers with K-Ras mutation

KRAS along with other RAS genes represents the most prevalent oncogene in human cancers. Atypical Ras signaling has been identified in more than 30% of all human cancers with the most common being lung, colon, and pancreatic cancers. In particular, K-Ras has been identified as the most important Ras protein in cancer research, implicated in over 21% of human cancers. Current strategies drug only specific K-Ras mutants, leaving open an unmet need for new agents that can address a broader patient population. A new opportunity is emerging for the development of a therapeutic Pan Ras inhibitor by targeting the upstream guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) protein SOS (Son of sevenless). Disruption of SOS1- K-Ras mutant interaction is a good strategy to inhibit activation of mutant K-Ras. SOS1 inhibition through the protein-protein interaction (PPI) disruption assists in keeping K-Ras in the GDP inactive, rather than its active GTP-bound state. Inhibition of SOS1 results in blockade of the RAS-MEK-ERK pathway and lowering proliferation, in both WT and all mutant Ras forms. Here we discuss our approach to target SOS1 to control aberrant Ras signaling in NSCLC and colon cancers. We report the identification of novel potent SOS1-K-Ras disruptors using the SOS1-K-Ras PPI TR-FRET assay. Multiple series have been identified, with a good SAR trend. We have identified low nanomolar potent compounds that translate to modulation of p-ERK in cell based assays in K-Ras mutant cell lines. These compounds exhibited good ADME properties like solubility and metabolic stability. Further profiling of these compounds is ongoing.

Citation Format: Sanjita Sasmal, Anuradha Ramanathan, Venkatesham Boorgu. Identification of novel SOS1-K-Ras disruptors for NSCLC and colon cancers with K-Ras mutation [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr LB117.

Abstract 3844: Anti-tumor efficacy of SMARCA degraders in pre-clinical models of cancer

SMARCA2/BRM and SMARCA4/BRG1 are the mutually exclusive DNA-dependent ATPases within the SWI/SNF complexes, which function in mobilizing nucleosomes to regulate transcription, DNA replication and repair, and higher-order chromosome dynamics. SMARCA4 is mutated in a number of cancers, which generally lack targetable oncogenes. Genetic silencing studies have established a requirement of SMARCA2 for survival of tumor cells lacking SMARCA4. SMARCA4-deficient patient population represents 10%-20% of NSCLC cases, ∼5% pancreatic cancer patients and ∼10% ovarian cancer patients where SMARCA2 is overexpressed. Interestingly, SMARCA4 is highly expressed without mutation in certain tumor types, where overexpression contributes to increased proliferation and survival. SMARCA4 knockdown in these tumors leads to inhibition of proliferation and also increase sensitivity to known chemotherapeutic agents, supporting the validity of targeting SMARCA4. Although genetic silencing of SMARCA2 leads to potent anti-proliferative activity in SMARCA4-deficient cancer cell lines, pharmacological studies with a probe capable of binding to SMARCA2 and SMARCA4 bromodomain have failed to show such an anti-proliferative phenotype. These findings triggered us to evaluate chemical degradation as an alternate approach to target SMARCA2/4 altered cancers. Optimization of bifunctional molecules with binding moieties for SMARCA2/4 and E3 ligase to induce proteasome-mediated degradation resulted in the identification of selective SMARCA2 and SMARCA4 degraders. These degraders showed selectivity against other bromodomain containing proteins such as BRD4, CBP and p300 in Western blot analysis. Functional analysis of a preferential SMARCA2 degrader in a panel of cell lines indicated a potent anti-proliferative activity in the context of SMARCA4 mutation. Additionally, these compounds displayed acceptable drug-like properties including solubility, metabolic stability and pharmacokinetics in mice. Dose-dependent tumor growth inhibition was observed in a SMARCA4-deficient lung cancer xenograft model and a syngeneic model of lymphoma at well-tolerated doses. Observed efficacy was correlated with the target degradation in the tumor supporting the potential to further develop them for cancer therapy. Based on the reported vulnerability of SMARCA4-deficient cell lines of diverse tumor origin to agents targeting PARP, PI3K/AKT and EZH2, combination effects with SMARC2 degrader are being interrogated.

Citation Format: Leena Khare Satyam, Sanjita Sasmal, Manoj K. Pothuganti, Sreevidya M.R., Ashokk Ettam, Sireesha Nunna, Marla Roshaiah, Shankaraiah Chithaluru, Rangarao Pallepati, Amitkumar A. Pawar, Leela P. Narukulla, Raghunadh A. Sripathi, Suraj Tgore, Rakesh P. Nankar, Charamanna KB, Nagesh Gowda S, Kiran Aithal, Samiulla DS, Subhendu Mukherjee, Shekar Chelur, Kavitha Nellore, Girish Daginakatte, Murali Ramachandra, Susanta Samajdar. Anti-tumor efficacy of SMARCA degraders in pre-clinical models of cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 3844.

Abstract LB-258: Identification of SMARCA2/4 degraders for the treatment of SMARCA4-mutant and other cancers

The SWI/SNF complexes consist of one of two mutually exclusive DNA-dependent ATPases, BRG1/SMARCA4 or BRM/SMARCA2, together with core and accessory subunits that function in mobilizing nucleosomes to regulate transcription, DNA replication and repair, and higher-order chromosome dynamics. SMARCA2 (BRM) and SMARCA4 (BRG1), contain a bromodomain and an ATPase domain. The mammalian SWI/SNF complex functions as a tumor suppressor in many human malignancies. In addition to an essential role in pluripotency and development, genetic lesions of SWI/SNF complexes have been strongly linked to cancer development as components are mutated in many cancers. In some tumor types, mutations within the SWI/SNF complex lead to context specific vulnerabilities such as the requirement of SMARCA2 for survival of tumour cells lacking SMARCA4. This finding of SMARCA2/4 synthetic lethal relationship translates in vivo which emphasizes SMARCA2 as a promising therapeutic target for the treatment SMARCA4-mutant cancers. Moreover, the SMARCA4-deficient patient population generally lacks targetable oncogenes (such as mutant EGFR or ALK translocations), which further emphasizes the potential of developing SMARCA2 inhibitors. Previously, contrary to genetic silencing of SMARCA2 leading to potent anti-proliferative activity in SMARCA4-deficient cancer cell lines, pharmacological studies with a cell permeable probe capable of binding to SMARCA2 and SMARCA4 have failed to show such an anti-proliferative phenotype. These findings support that the ATPase domain, but not the bromodomain of SMARCA2, is the tractable therapeutic target for SMARCA4-deficient cancer. Significant hurdle in developing potent and selective ATPase inhibitors that must compete with intracellular concentrations of ATP (2-10 mM) triggered us to evaluate chemical degrader as an alternate approach. Herein we report the identification and characterization of potent SMARCA2/4 degraders. Design and SAR-based optimization of bifunctional molecules with binding moities for SMARCA2/4 and E3 ligase to induce proteosome-mediated degradation yielded compounds that potently degraded SMARCA2 alone or both SMARCA2 and SMARCA4. Selective binding to SMARCA2/4 was confirmed in biochemical assays followed by assessement of their cellular degradation potency in Western blot analysis. Selective degradation of SMARCA2/4 over other bromodomain containing protein such as BRD4 and CBP/p300 was also observed. Functional analysis of these compounds in a panel of cell lines indicated that the degradation of SMARCA2 or SMARCA2/4 resulted in potent anti-proliferative activity in selected cell lines that was not strictly dependent upon SMARCA4 status. Additionally, these compounds displayed reasonable drug-like properties including solubility, metabolic stability and pharmacokinetics in mice supporting their potential to fully evaluate the impact of SMARCA2/4 degradation and to develop them as a novel therapeutic approach.

Citation Format: Sanjita Sasmal, Leena K. Satyam, Manoj K. Pothuganti, Ashokk Ettam, Sireesha Nunna, Mohammed A. Shareef, Sreevalsam Gopinath, Subhendu Mukherjee, Murali Ramachandra, Susanta Samajdar. Identification of SMARCA2/4 degraders for the treatment of SMARCA4-mutant and other cancers [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-258.

High xylan recovery using two stage alkali pre-treatment process from high lignin biomass and its valorisation to xylooligosaccharides of low degree of polymerisation

In the present work, xylan from arecanut husk was extracted using 2 stage alkaline pretreatment process. In first step, biomass was incubated in alkali at different temperatures (25 °C, 50 °C and 65 °C), alkali concentrations (5%, 10%, 15% and 20% w/v), and incubation periods (8 h, 16 h and 24 h) and evaluated for xylan recovery. It was observed that 40-52% of available xylan could be recovered using 10% alkali when incubated for 8-24 h at 65 °C. Subsequently, the alkali pretreatment operating conditions which provided good xylan recovery were processed further using hydrothermal treatment to extract more xylan. For maximum xylan recovery (>90%), best operating conditions were identified when biomass was treated under hydrothermal treatment (1, 1.5 and 2 h) with varying incubation periods (8, 16, 24 h) and alkali concentrations (5%, 10%) using full factorial design. Incubating arecanut husk with 10% w/v NaOH, at 65 °C for a period of 8 h, followed by hydrothermal treatment at 121 °C for 1 h helped recover >94% xylan. In the next step, enzymatic hydrolysis process was optimized to recover maximum XOS (Optimized condition: 50 °C, pH 4 and 10 U enzyme dose). The hydrolysate comprised of xylobiose: 25.0 ± 1.2 g/100 g xylan (∼71% of XOS), xylotriose: 9.2 ± 0.65 g/100 g xylan (26.2% of XOS) and xylotetrose: 0.9 ± 0.04 g/100 g xylan (2% of XOS). The developed process enables to reduce alkali consumption for high recovery of xylan from biomass with relatively higher lignin content for its valorisation into a potential prebiotic oligosaccharide.

Pharmacognostical, phytochemical and pharmacological evaluation for the antipyretic effect of the seeds of Saraca asoca Roxb

OBJECTIVE

To conduct a systemic evaluation of the medicinal value of seeds which include macroscopic and microscopic characterization, physiochemical evaluation, preliminary phytochemical screening and experimental antipyretic activity.

METHODS

Saraca asoca seed was studied for pharmacognostical, phytochemical and other recommended methods for standardizations. Also, the acetone extract of the seeds was evaluated for acute toxicity study and antipyretic activity using Brewer's yeast induced pyrexia in Wistar rats at oral doses of 300 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg.

RESULTS

After phytochemical screening, the acetone extract showed the presence of saponin, tannins and flavonoids which inhibit pyrexia. The therapeutic efficacy achieved at both the dose levels of the research drug and standard drug aspirin (100 mg/kg) showed significant (P<0.01) antipyretic activity when compared to the control group. The highly significant antipyretic effect exhibited at the dose of 500 mg/kg was also found to be sustainable in nature.

CONCLUSIONS

The antipyretic effect of the acetone extract showed significant results in rats at the dose of 500 mg/kg after following the standard pharmacognostical and phytochemical methods.

Abstract 671: Identification of potent BET bromodomain inhibitors for treatment of cancer

Epigenetic mechanisms are essential for normal development and maintenance of tissue-specific gene expression. Histone lysine acetylation is one of the most abundant epigenetic modifications central to control of gene transcription. Bromodomains are the only known readers of this specific lysine acetylation code, playing an important role in transcriptional regulation of diverse cellular processes such as inflammatory gene expression, mitosis and viral/host interactions. Recently, the human BET family bromodomains which consists of BRD2, BRD3, BRD4 and BRDT has emerged as new druggable target class for the development of specific protein interaction inhibitors, enabling a novel strategy for the development of new therapies for various diseases. Here we report the identification of potent BET bromodomain inhibitors using structure based drug design principle. Multiple distinct series of compounds have been identified with low nM potency in biochemical binding assay. Crystal structures of BRD4 in complex with hit compounds have been solved to assist in optimization. The lead compounds showed very good cell based activity and favorable ADME properties. The compounds demonstrated dose dependent inhibition of c-Myc expression confirming the mechanism of action. Further optimization of these compounds and profiling in relevant pre-clinical disease models is in progress.

Citation Format: Sanjita Sasmal, Rajeev Kumar Shrimali, Chandrasekhar Abbineni, Kamala Kumari Arumalla, Anirudha Lakshminarasimhan, Karthikeyan Narasingapuram Arumugam, Nirbhay Kumar Tiwari, Narasimha K. Rao, Aravind AB, Subramanya Hosahalli. Identification of potent BET bromodomain inhibitors for treatment of cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 671. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-671

Design and optimization of quinazoline derivatives as melanin concentrating hormone receptor 1 (MCHR1) antagonists

Melanin concentrating hormone (MCH) is an important mediator of energy homeostasis and plays a role in metabolic and CNS disorders. The modeling-supported design, synthesis and multi-parameter optimization (biological activity, solubility, metabolic stability, hERG) of novel quinazoline derivatives as MCHR1 antagonists are described. The in vivo proof of principle for weight loss with a lead compound from this series is exemplified. Clusters of refined hMCHR1 homology models derived from the X-ray structure of the β2-adrenergic receptor, including extracellular loops, were developed and used to guide the design.

Facile Purification of Rare Cucurbiturils by Affinity Chromatography

A practical method for the separation and purification of cucurbituril (CB) hexamers was developed on the basis of affinity chromatography using aminopentylaminomethylated polystyrene beads. This recyclable resin, which can be used repeatedly, facilitates the general preparation of cucurbituril derivatives and compensates for the usually moderate yields and mixed products that characterize the acid-catalyzed synthesis of CB derivatives. This technique allows convenient, rapid isolation of rare substituted cucurbiturils, including hexacyclohexanocucurbit[6]uril and dodecamethylcucurbit[6]uril. [reaction: see text]

Synthesis of cyclic peptidomimetics from aldol building blocks

Aldol products (3-hydroxy acids) with an allyl-protected hydroxy group were converted to amino alcohols by Curtius rearrangement. Combination of the carboxylic acid with the amino alcohols gave the amides 10. Ring-closing metathesis led to the 12-membered lactams 12 as mixtures of E/Z-isomers. The scheme was also transferred to the solid-phase. In this case the macrolactams are formed via cyclorelease. For a pair of E/Z-isomers the solution conformation was determined by ROESY spectroscopy.