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Xu X, Luo S, Zhao X, Tang B, Zhang E, Liu J, Duan L. Computational analysis of PD-L1 dimerization mechanism induced by small molecules and potential dynamical properties. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 265:130921. [PMID: 38492688 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.130921] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
The design of small molecule inhibitors that target the programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) is a forefront issue in immune checkpoint blocking therapy. Small-molecule inhibitors have been shown to exert therapeutic effects by inducing dimerization of the PD-L1 protein, however, the specific mechanisms underlying this dimerization process remain largely unexplored. Furthermore, there is a notable lack of comparative studies examining the binding modes of structurally diverse inhibitors. In view of the research gaps, this work employed molecular dynamics simulations to meticulously examine the interactions between two distinct types of inhibitors and PD-L1 in both monomeric and dimeric forms, and predicted the dimerization mechanism. The results revealed that inhibitors initially bind to a PD-L1 monomer, subsequently attracting another monomer to form a dimer. Notably, symmetric inhibitors observed superior binding efficiency compared to other inhibitors. Key residues, including Ile54, Tyr56, Met115 and Tyr123 played a leading role in binding. Structurally, symmetric inhibitors were capable of thoroughly engaging the binding pocket, promoting a more symmetrical formation of PD-L1 dimers. Furthermore, symmetric inhibitors formed more extensive hydrophobic interactions with protein residues. The insights garnered from this research are expected to significantly contribute to the rational design and optimization of small molecule inhibitors targeting PD-L1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaole Xu
- School of Physics and Electronics, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Song Luo
- School of Physics and Electronics, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Xiaoyu Zhao
- School of Physics and Electronics, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Bolin Tang
- School of Physics and Electronics, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Enhao Zhang
- School of Physics and Electronics, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Jinxin Liu
- School of Physics and Electronics, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Lili Duan
- School of Physics and Electronics, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China.
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2
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Lai R, Lin Z, Yang C, Hai L, Yang Z, Guo L, Nie R, Wu Y. Novel berberine derivatives as p300 histone acetyltransferase inhibitors in combination treatment for breast cancer. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 266:116116. [PMID: 38215590 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.116116] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
Adenoviral E1A binding protein p300 (EP300 or p300) and its similar paralog, cyclic-AMP response element binding protein (CBP), are important histone acetyltransferases (HAT) and transcriptional co-activators in epigenetics, participating in numerous cellular pathways including proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. The overexpression or dysregulation of p300/CBP is closely related to oncology-relevant disease. The inhibition of p300 HAT has been found to be a potential drug target. Berberine has been reported to show anticancer activity and synergistic effect in combination with some of the clinical anticancer drugs via modulation of various pathways. Here, the present study sought to discover more chemotypes of berberine derivatives as p300 HAT inhibitors and to examine the combination of these novel analogues with doxorubicin for the treatment of breast cancer. A series of novel berberine derivatives with modifications of A/B/D rings of berberine have been designed, synthesized and screened. Compound 7b was found to exhibit inhibitory potency against p300 HAT with IC50 values of 1.51 μM. Western blotting proved that 7b decreased H3K27Ac and interfered with the expression of oncology-relevant protein in MCF-7 cells. Further bioactive evaluation showed that combination of compound 7b with doxorubicin could significantly inhibit tumor growth and invasion in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruizhi Lai
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Zhiqian Lin
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Chunyan Yang
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Li Hai
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China; Central Nervous System Drug Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, 646100, China
| | - Zhongzhen Yang
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Li Guo
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Ruifang Nie
- Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250000, China.
| | - Yong Wu
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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3
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Chen S, Yang Y, Yuan Y, Bo Liu. Targeting PIM kinases in cancer therapy: An update on pharmacological small-molecule inhibitors. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 264:116016. [PMID: 38071792 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.116016] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
PIM kinases, a serine/threonine kinase family with three isoforms, has been well-known to participate in multiple physiological processes by phosphorylating various downstream targets. Accumulating evidence has recently unveiled that aberrant upregulation of PIM kinases (PIM1, PIM2, and PIM3) are closely associated with tumor cell proliferation, migration, survival, and even resistance. Inhibiting or silencing of PIM kinases has been reported have remarkable antitumor effects, such as anti-proliferation, pro-apoptosis and resensitivity, indicating the therapeutic potential of PIM kinases as potential druggable targets in many types of human cancers. More recently, several pharmacological small-molecule inhibitors have been preclinically and clinically evaluated and showed their therapeutic potential; however, none of them has been approved for clinical application so far. Thus, in this perspective, we focus on summarizing the oncogenic roles of PIM kinases, key signaling network, and pharmacological small-molecule inhibitors, which will provide a new clue on discovering more candidate antitumor drugs targeting PIM kinases in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siwei Chen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yushang Yang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yong Yuan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Bo Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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Chen L, Zheng X, Liu W, Sun Y, Zhao S, Tian L, Tian W, Xue F, Kang C, Wang Y. Compound AC1Q3QWB upregulates CDKN1A and SOX17 by interrupting the HOTAIR-EZH2 interaction and enhances the efficacy of tazemetostat in endometrial cancer. Cancer Lett 2023; 578:216445. [PMID: 37866545 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216445] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
Endometrial cancer (EC) is a common malignancy of the female reproductive system, with an escalating incidence. Recurrent/metastatic EC presents a poor prognosis. The interaction between the long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) HOTAIR and the polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) induces abnormal silencing of tumor suppressor genes, exerting a pivotal role in tumorigenesis. We have previously discovered AC1Q3QWB (AQB), a small-molecule compound targeting HOTAIR-EZH2 interaction. In the present study, we unveil that AQB selectively hampers the interaction between HOTAIR and EZH2 within EC cells, thus reversing the epigenetic suppression of tumor suppressor genes. Furthermore, our findings demonstrate AQB's synergistic effect with tazemetostat (TAZ), an EZH2 inhibitor, significantly boosting the expression of CDKN1A and SOX17. This, in turn, induces cell cycle arrest and impedes EC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. In vivo experiments further validate AQB's potential by enhancing TAZ's anti-tumor efficacy at lower doses. Our results advocate AQB, a recently discovered small-molecule inhibitor, as a promising agent against EC cells. When combined with TAZ, it offers a novel therapeutic strategy for EC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingli Chen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Health and Eugenics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Xingyu Zheng
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Health and Eugenics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Wenlu Liu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Health and Eugenics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Yiqing Sun
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Health and Eugenics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Shuangshuang Zhao
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Health and Eugenics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Lina Tian
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Health and Eugenics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Wenyan Tian
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Health and Eugenics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Fengxia Xue
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Health and Eugenics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, China.
| | - Chunsheng Kang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Lab of Neuro-oncology, Tianjin Neurological Institute, Tianjin, 300052, China.
| | - Yingmei Wang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Health and Eugenics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, China.
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5
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Li X, Song Y. Structure and function of SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 main proteases and their inhibition: A comprehensive review. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 260:115772. [PMID: 37659195 PMCID: PMC10529944 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [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: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV) identified in 2003 infected ∼8000 people in 26 countries with 800 deaths, which was soon contained and eradicated by syndromic surveillance and enhanced quarantine. A closely related coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19 identified in 2019, has been dramatically more contagious and catastrophic. It has infected and caused various flu-like symptoms of billions of people in >200 countries, including >6 million people died of or with the virus. Despite the availability of several vaccines and antiviral drugs against SARS-CoV-2, finding new therapeutics is needed because of viral evolution and a possible emerging coronavirus in the future. The main protease (Mpro) of these coronaviruses plays important roles in their life cycle and is essential for the viral replication. This article represents a comprehensive review of the function, structure and inhibition of SARS-CoV and -CoV-2 Mpro, including structure-activity relationships, protein-inhibitor interactions and clinical trial status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA; Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
| | - Yongcheng Song
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA; Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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6
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Cheung J, Remiszewski S, Chiang LW, Ahmad E, Pal M, Rahman SA, Nikolovska-Coleska Z, Chan GC. Inhibition of SIRT2 promotes death of human cytomegalovirus-infected peripheral blood monocytes via apoptosis and necroptosis. Antiviral Res 2023; 217:105698. [PMID: 37562606 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2023.105698] [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: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Peripheral blood monocytes are the cells predominantly responsible for systemic dissemination of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients. HCMV establishes a silent/quiescent infection in monocytes, which is defined by the lack of viral replication and lytic gene expression. The absence of replication shields the virus within infected monocytes from the current available antiviral drugs that are designed to suppress active replication. Our previous work has shown that HCMV stimulates a noncanonical phosphorylation of Akt and the subsequent upregulation of a distinct subset of prosurvival proteins in normally short-lived monocytes. In this study, we found that SIRT2 activity is required for the unique activation profile of Akt induced within HCMV-infected monocytes. Importantly, both therapeutic and prophylactic treatment with a novel SIRT2 inhibitor, FLS-379, promoted death of infected monocytes via both the apoptotic and necroptotic cell death pathways. Mechanistically, SIRT2 inhibition reduced expression of Mcl-1, an Akt-dependent antiapoptotic Bcl-2 family member, and enhanced activation of MLKL, the executioner kinase of necroptosis. We have previously reported HCMV to block necroptosis by stimulating cellular autophagy. Here, we additionally demonstrate that inhibition of SIRT2 suppressed Akt-dependent HCMV-induced autophagy leading to necroptosis of infected monocytes. Overall, our data show that SIRT2 inhibition can simultaneously promote death of quiescently infected monocytes by two distinct death pathways, apoptosis and necroptosis, which may be vital for limiting viral dissemination to peripheral organs in immunosuppressed patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Cheung
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA
| | - Stacy Remiszewski
- Evrys Bio, LLC, Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center, Doylestown, PA, 18902, USA
| | - Lillian W Chiang
- Evrys Bio, LLC, Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center, Doylestown, PA, 18902, USA
| | - Ejaz Ahmad
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Mohan Pal
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Sm Ashikur Rahman
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Zaneta Nikolovska-Coleska
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA; Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Gary C Chan
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA.
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7
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Zhang X, Chen X, Lu L, Fang Q, Liu C, Lin Z. Identification of small-molecule inhibitors of human MUS81-EME1/2 by FRET-based high-throughput screening. Bioorg Med Chem 2023; 90:117383. [PMID: 37352577 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2023.117383] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
The MUS81-EME1/2 structure-specific endonucleases play a crucial role in the processing of stalled replication forks and recombination intermediates, and have been recognized as an attractive drug target to potentiate the anti-cancer efficacy of DNA-damaging agents. Currently, no bioactive small-molecule inhibitors of MUS81 are available. Here, we performed a high-throughput small-molecule inhibitors screening, using the FRET-based DNA cleavage assay. From 7920 compounds, we identified dyngo-4a as a potent inhibitor of MUS81 complexes. Dyngo-4a effectively inhibits the endonuclease activities of both MUS81-EME1 and MUS81-EME2 complexes, with IC50 values of 0.57 μM and 2.90 μM, respectively. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) assays reveal that dyngo-4a directly binds to MUS81 complexes (KD ∼ 0.61 μM) and prevents them from binding to DNA substrates. In HeLa cells, dyngo-4a significantly suppresses bleomycin-triggered H2AX serine 139 phosphorylation (γH2AX). Together, our results demonstrate that dyngo-4a is a potent MUS81 inhibitor, which could be further developed as a potentially valuable chemical tool to explore more physiological roles of MUS81 in the cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Zhang
- College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, China
| | - Xuening Chen
- College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, China
| | - Lian Lu
- College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, China
| | - Qianqian Fang
- College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, China
| | - Chun Liu
- College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, China
| | - Zhonghui Lin
- College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, China; Key Laboratory of Marine Enzyme Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, China.
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8
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Zeng J, Li M, Zhao Q, Chen M, Zhao L, Wei S, Yang H, Zhao Y, Wang A, Shen J, Du F, Chen Y, Deng S, Wang F, Zhang Z, Li Z, Wang T, Wang S, Xiao Z, Wu X. Small molecule inhibitors of RORγt for Th17 regulation in inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. J Pharm Anal 2023; 13:545-562. [PMID: 37440911 PMCID: PMC10334362 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpha.2023.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
As a ligand-dependent transcription factor, retinoid-associated orphan receptor γt (RORγt) that controls T helper (Th) 17 cell differentiation and interleukin (IL)-17 expression plays a critical role in the progression of several inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. An emerging novel approach to the therapy of these diseases thus involves controlling the transcriptional capacity of RORγt to decrease Th17 cell development and IL-17 production. Several RORγt inhibitors including both antagonists and inverse agonists have been discovered to regulate the transcriptional activity of RORγt by binding to orthosteric- or allosteric-binding sites in the ligand-binding domain. Some of small-molecule inhibitors have entered clinical evaluations. Therefore, in current review, the role of RORγt in Th17 regulation and Th17-related inflammatory and autoimmune diseases was highlighted. Notably, the recently developed RORγt inhibitors were summarized, with an emphasis on their optimization from lead compounds, efficacy, toxicity, mechanisms of action, and clinical trials. The limitations of current development in this area were also discussed to facilitate future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiuping Zeng
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
- Cell Therapy & Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
| | - Mingxing Li
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
- Cell Therapy & Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
| | - Qianyun Zhao
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
- Cell Therapy & Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
| | - Meijuan Chen
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
| | - Long Zhao
- Department of Spleen and Stomach Diseases, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
| | - Shulin Wei
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
- Cell Therapy & Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
| | - Huan Yang
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
- Cell Therapy & Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
| | - Yueshui Zhao
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
- Cell Therapy & Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
| | - Anqi Wang
- School of Medicine, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610106, China
| | - Jing Shen
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
- Cell Therapy & Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
| | - Fukuan Du
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
- Cell Therapy & Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
- Cell Therapy & Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
| | - Shuai Deng
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
- Cell Therapy & Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
- South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
| | - Fang Wang
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
- Cell Therapy & Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
| | - Zhuo Zhang
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
- Cell Therapy & Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
| | - Zhi Li
- Department of Spleen and Stomach Diseases, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
| | - Tiangang Wang
- Department of Spleen and Stomach Diseases, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
| | - Shengpeng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, 999078, China
| | - Zhangang Xiao
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
| | - Xu Wu
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, 999078, China
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9
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Hwang J, Haacke N, Borgelt L, Qiu X, Gasper R, Wu P. Rational design and evaluation of 2-((pyrrol-2-yl)methylene)thiophen-4-ones as RNase L inhibitors. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 256:115439. [PMID: 37201427 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115439] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Ribonuclease L (RNase L) plays a crucial role in an antiviral pathway of interferon-induced innate immunity by degrading RNAs to prevent viral replication. Modulating RNase L activity thus mediates the innate immune responses and inflammation. Although a few small molecule-based RNase L modulators have been reported, only limited molecules have been mechanistically investigated. This study explored the strategy of RNase L targeting by using a structure-based rational design approach and evaluated the RNase L-binding and inhibitory activities of the yielded 2-((pyrrol-2-yl)methylene)thiophen-4-ones, which exhibited improved inhibitory effect as determined by in vitro FRET and gel-based RNA cleavage assay. A further structural optimization study yielded selected thiophenones that showed >30-fold more potent inhibitory activity than that of sunitinib, the approved kinase inhibitor with reported RNase L inhibitory activity. The binding mode with RNase L for the resulting thiophenones was analyzed by using docking analysis. Furthermore, the obtained 2-((pyrrol-2-yl)methylene)thiophen-4-ones exhibited efficient inhibition of RNA degradation in cellular rRNA cleavage assay. The newly designed thiophenones are the most potent synthetic RNase L inhibitors reported to date and the results revealed in our study lay the foundation for the development of future RNase L-modulating small molecules with new scaffold and improved potency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jimin Hwang
- Chemical Genomics Centre, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, Dortmund, 44227, Germany; Department of Chemical Biology, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, Dortmund, 44227, Germany; Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund University, Dortmund, 44227, Germany
| | - Neele Haacke
- Chemical Genomics Centre, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, Dortmund, 44227, Germany; Department of Chemical Biology, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, Dortmund, 44227, Germany; Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund University, Dortmund, 44227, Germany
| | - Lydia Borgelt
- Chemical Genomics Centre, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, Dortmund, 44227, Germany; Department of Chemical Biology, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, Dortmund, 44227, Germany; Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund University, Dortmund, 44227, Germany
| | - Xiaqiu Qiu
- Chemical Genomics Centre, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, Dortmund, 44227, Germany; Department of Chemical Biology, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, Dortmund, 44227, Germany; Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund University, Dortmund, 44227, Germany
| | - Raphael Gasper
- Crystallography and Biophysics Unit, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, Dortmund, 44227, Germany
| | - Peng Wu
- Chemical Genomics Centre, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, Dortmund, 44227, Germany; Department of Chemical Biology, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, Dortmund, 44227, Germany.
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10
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Jin X, Hou X, Wang X, Zhang M, Chen J, Song M, Zhang J, Zheng H, Chang W, Lou H. Characterization of an allosteric inhibitor of fungal-specific C-24 sterol methyltransferase to treat Candida albicans infections. Cell Chem Biol 2023; 30:553-568.e7. [PMID: 37160123 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2023.04.010] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Filamentation is an important virulence factor of the pathogenic fungus Candida albicans. The abolition of Candida albicans hyphal formation by disrupting sterol synthesis is an important concept for the development of antifungal drugs with high safety. Here, we conduct a high-throughput screen using a C. albicans strain expressing green fluorescent protein-labeled Dpp3 to identify anti-hypha agents by interfering with ergosterol synthesis. The antipyrine derivative H55 is characterized to have minimal cytotoxicity and potent inhibition of C. albicans hyphal formation in multiple cultural conditions. H55 monotherapy exhibits therapeutic efficacy in mouse models of azole-resistant candidiasis. H55 treatment increases the accumulation of zymosterol, the substrate of C-24 sterol methyltransferase (Erg6). The results of enzyme assays, photoaffinity labeling, molecular simulation, mutagenesis, and cellular thermal shift assays support H55 as an allosteric inhibitor of Erg6. Collectively, H55, an inhibitor of the fungal-specific enzyme Erg6, holds potential to treat C. albicans infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueyang Jin
- Department of Natural Product Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xuben Hou
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xue Wang
- Department of Natural Product Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Ming Zhang
- Institute of Medical Science, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jinyao Chen
- Department of Natural Product Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Minghui Song
- Department of Natural Product Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Jiaozhen Zhang
- Department of Natural Product Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Hongbo Zheng
- Department of Natural Product Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Wenqiang Chang
- Department of Natural Product Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China.
| | - Hongxiang Lou
- Department of Natural Product Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China.
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11
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Zhang LY, Tan Y, Luo XJ, Wu JF, Ni YR. The roles of ETS transcription factors in liver fibrosis. Hum Cell 2023; 36:528-539. [PMID: 36547849 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-022-00848-5] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
E26 transformation specific or E twenty-six (ETS) protein family consists of 28 transcription factors, five of which, named ETS1/2, PU.1, ERG and EHF, are known to involve in the development of liver fibrosis, and are expected to become diagnostic markers or therapeutic targets of liver fibrosis. In recent years, some small molecule inhibitors of ETS protein family have been discovered, which might open up a new path for the liver fibrosis therapy targeting ETS. This article reviews the research progress of ETS family members in the development liver fibrosis as well as their prospect of clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Ye Zhang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
- College of Basic Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
- Institute of Organ Fibrosis and Targeted Drug Delivery, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Yong Tan
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
- College of Basic Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
- Institute of Organ Fibrosis and Targeted Drug Delivery, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Xiao-Jie Luo
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
- College of Basic Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
- Institute of Organ Fibrosis and Targeted Drug Delivery, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Jiang-Feng Wu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China.
- College of Basic Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China.
- Institute of Organ Fibrosis and Targeted Drug Delivery, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China.
| | - Yi-Ran Ni
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China.
- College of Basic Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China.
- Institute of Organ Fibrosis and Targeted Drug Delivery, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China.
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12
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Sevim Nalkiran H, Akcora Yildiz D, Saydam F, Guzel AI, Nalkiran I. Targeting the anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C) enhanced antiproliferative and apoptotic response in bladder cancer. Saudi J Biol Sci 2023; 30:103564. [PMID: 36794046 PMCID: PMC9923226 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2023.103564] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Improving the chemotherapy sensitivity of bladder cancer is a current clinical challenge. It is critical to seek out effective combination therapies that include low doses of cisplatin due to its dose-limiting toxicity. This study aims to investigate the cytotoxic effects of the combination therapy including proTAME, a small molecule inhibitor, targeting Cdc-20 and to determine the expression levels of several APC/C pathway-related genes that may play a role in the chemotherapy response of RT-4 (bladder cancer) and ARPE-19 (normal epithelial) cells. The IC20 and IC50 values were determined by MTS assay. The expression levels of apoptosis-associated (Bax and Bcl-2) and APC/C-associated (Cdc-20, Cyclin-B1, Securin, and Cdh-1) genes were assessed by qRT-PCR. Cell colonization ability and apoptosis were examined by clonogenic survival experiment and Annexin V/PI staining, respectively. Low-dose combination therapy showed a superior inhibition effect on RT-4 cells by increasing cell death and inhibiting colony formation. Triple-agent combination therapy further increased the percentage of late apoptotic and necrotic cells compared to the doublet-therapy with gemcitabine and cisplatin. ProTAME-containing combination therapies resulted in an elevation in Bax/Bcl-2 ratio in RT-4 cells, while a significant decrease was observed in proTAME-treated ARPE-19 cells. Cdc-20 expression in proTAME combined treatment groups were found to be decreased compared to their control groups. Low-dose triple-agent combination induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis in RT-4 cells effectively. It is essential to evaluate the role of APC/C pathway-associated potential biomarkers as therapeutic targets and define new combination therapy regimens to achieve improved tolerability in bladder cancer patients in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hatice Sevim Nalkiran
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Recep Tayyip Erdogan University, Rize, Turkey,Corresponding author at: Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Recep Tayyip Erdogan University, Islampasa, 53100 Rize, Turkey.
| | - Dilara Akcora Yildiz
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, Burdur, Turkey
| | - Faruk Saydam
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Recep Tayyip Erdogan University, Rize, Turkey
| | - Ali Irfan Guzel
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Bilecik Seyh Edebali University, Bilecik, Turkey
| | - Ihsan Nalkiran
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Recep Tayyip Erdogan University, Rize, Turkey
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13
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Fu J, Zhang J, Chen X, Liu Z, Yang X, He Z, Hao Y, Liu B, Yao D. ATPase family AAA domain-containing protein 2 (ATAD2): From an epigenetic modulator to cancer therapeutic target. Theranostics 2023; 13:787-809. [PMID: 36632213 PMCID: PMC9830439 DOI: 10.7150/thno.78840] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
ATPase family AAA domain-containing protein 2 (ATAD2) has been widely reported to be a new emerging oncogene that is closely associated with epigenetic modifications in human cancers. As a coactivator of transcription factors, ATAD2 can participate in epigenetic modifications and regulate the expression of downstream oncogenes or tumor suppressors, which may be supported by the enhancer of zeste homologue 2. Moreover, the dominant structure (AAA + ATPase and bromine domains) can make ATAD2 a potential therapeutic target in cancer, and some relevant small-molecule inhibitors, such as GSK8814 and AZ13824374, have also been discovered. Thus, in this review, we focus on summarizing the structural features and biological functions of ATAD2 from an epigenetic modulator to a cancer therapeutic target, and further discuss the existing small-molecule inhibitors targeting ATAD2 to improve potential cancer therapy. Together, these inspiring findings would shed new light on ATAD2 as a promising druggable target in cancer and provide a clue on the development of candidate anticancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahui Fu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen, 518118, China.,State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jin Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Xiya Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen, 518118, China.,School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Zhiying Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen, 518118, China.,School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Xuetao Yang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen, 518118, China
| | - Zhendan He
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen, 518118, China
| | - Yue Hao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China.,✉ Corresponding authors: E-mail addresses: (Yue Hao); (Bo Liu), or (Dahong Yao). Tel./Fax. (+86)-28-85164063
| | - Bo Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.,✉ Corresponding authors: E-mail addresses: (Yue Hao); (Bo Liu), or (Dahong Yao). Tel./Fax. (+86)-28-85164063
| | - Dahong Yao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen, 518118, China.,✉ Corresponding authors: E-mail addresses: (Yue Hao); (Bo Liu), or (Dahong Yao). Tel./Fax. (+86)-28-85164063
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14
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Rautenberg S, Keller M, Leser C, Chen CC, Bracher F, Grimm C. Expanding the Toolbox: Novel Modulators of Endolysosomal Cation Channels. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2023; 278:249-276. [PMID: 35902436 DOI: 10.1007/164_2022_605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
Functional characterization of endolysosomal ion channels is challenging due to their intracellular location. With recent advances in endolysosomal patch clamp technology, it has become possible to directly measure ion channel currents across endolysosomal membranes. Members of the transient receptor potential (TRP) cation channel family, namely the endolysosomal TRPML channels (TRPML1-3), also called mucolipins, as well as the distantly related two-pore channels (TPCs) have recently been characterized in more detail with endolysosomal patch clamp techniques. However, answers to many physiological questions require work in intact cells or animal models. One major obstacle thereby is that the known endogenous ligands of TRPMLs and TPCs are anionic in nature and thus impermeable for cell membranes. Microinjection, on the other hand, is technically demanding. There is also a risk of losing essential co-factors for channel activation or inhibition in isolated preparations. Therefore, lipophilic, membrane-permeable small-molecule activators and inhibitors for TRPMLs and TPCs are urgently needed. Here, we describe and discuss the currently available small-molecule modulators of TRPMLs and TPCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Rautenberg
- Department of Pharmacy - Center for Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Marco Keller
- Department of Pharmacy - Center for Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Charlotte Leser
- Department of Pharmacy - Center for Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Cheng-Chang Chen
- Department of Pharmacy - Center for Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Franz Bracher
- Department of Pharmacy - Center for Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany.
| | - Christian Grimm
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical Faculty, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany.
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15
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Xu J, Zhang L, Li N, Dai J, Zhang R, Yao F, Zhou S, Wu Z, Zhou H, Zhou L, Li Q, Wang X, Liu C. Etomidate elicits anti-tumor capacity by disrupting the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Lett 2023; 552:215970. [PMID: 36265652 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2022.215970] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading malignancy of the digestive system, especially in China. Although radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and transarterial chemoembolization have achieved tremendous success, surgical resection remains the primary treatment for HCC patients. Recent studies have shown that intravenous anesthetic drugs may affect the malignant behaviors of tumor cells, ultimately leading to differences in the postoperative prognosis of patients. Etomidate is one of the most widely used intravenous anesthetic drugs for the induction and maintenance of anesthesia in tumor patients undergoing surgery. However, the effects and underlying mechanisms of etomidate on HCC cells have not yet been characterized. Our study indicated that etomidate significantly impedes the malignant progression of HCC cells. Mechanistically, etomidate inhibits phosphorylation and, ultimately, the activity of Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) by competing with ATP for binding to the ATP-binding pocket of JAK2. Thus, it suppresses the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway in HCC cells to exert its anti-tumor efficacy. Herein, we provide preclinical evidence that etomidate is the optimal choice for surgical treatment of HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiali Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Liren Zhang
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University; Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation (Nanjing Medical University), Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Nana Li
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Jingjing Dai
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ruizhi Zhang
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University; Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation (Nanjing Medical University), Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Feifan Yao
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University; Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation (Nanjing Medical University), Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Suiqing Zhou
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University; Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation (Nanjing Medical University), Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zifeng Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Huixuan Zhou
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Ling Zhou
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Qing Li
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University; Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation (Nanjing Medical University), Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Xuehao Wang
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University; Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation (Nanjing Medical University), Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Cunming Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China.
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16
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Sun C, Cheng Y, Liu X, Wang G, Min W, Wang X, Yuan K, Hou Y, Li J, Zhang H, Dong H, Wang L, Lou C, Sun Y, Yu X, Deng H, Xiao Y, Yang P. Novel phthalimides regulating PD-1/PD-L1 interaction as potential immunotherapy agents. Acta Pharm Sin B 2022; 12:4446-4457. [PMID: 36561991 PMCID: PMC9764071 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2022.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [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: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Programmed cell death 1(PD-1)/programmed cell death ligand 1(PD-L1) have emerged as one of the most promising immune checkpoint targets for cancer immunotherapy. Despite the inherent advantages of small-molecule inhibitors over antibodies, the discovery of small-molecule inhibitors has fallen behind that of antibody drugs. Based on docking studies between small molecule inhibitor and PD-L1 protein, changing the chemical linker of inhibitor from a flexible chain to an aromatic ring may improve its binding capacity to PD-L1 protein, which was not reported before. A series of novel phthalimide derivatives from structure-based rational design was synthesized. P39 was identified as the best inhibitor with promising activity, which not only inhibited PD-1/PD-L1 interaction (IC50 = 8.9 nmol/L), but also enhanced killing efficacy of immune cells on cancer cells. Co-crystal data demonstrated that P39 induced the dimerization of PD-L1 proteins, thereby blocking the binding of PD-1/PD-L1. Moreover, P39 exhibited a favorable safety profile with a LD50 > 5000 mg/kg and showed significant in vivo antitumor activity through promoting CD8+ T cell activation. All these data suggest that P39 acts as a promising small chemical inhibitor against the PD-1/PD-L1 axis and has the potential to improve the immunotherapy efficacy of T-cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengliang Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Yao Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China,Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Xiaojia Liu
- Beijing Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Gefei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Wenjian Min
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Xiao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Kai Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Yi Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Jiaxing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Haolin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Haojie Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Liping Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Chenguang Lou
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, 5230 Odense, Denmark
| | - Yanze Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Xinmiao Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Hongbin Deng
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China,Corresponding authors.
| | - Yibei Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China,Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China,Corresponding authors.
| | - Peng Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China,Corresponding authors.
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17
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Yuan X, Jiang H, Fu D, Robida A, Rajanayake K, Yuan H, Wen B, Sun D, Watch BT, Chinnaswamy K, Stuckey JA, Paczesny S, Rech JC, Yang CY. Structure-Activity relationship of 1-(Furan-2ylmethyl)Pyrrolidine-Based Stimulation-2 (ST2) inhibitors for treating graft versus host disease. Bioorg Med Chem 2022; 71:116942. [PMID: 35930851 PMCID: PMC9451522 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2022.116942] [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: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
An elevated plasma level of soluble ST2 (sST2) is a risk biomarker for graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and death in patients receiving hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). sST2 functions as a trap for IL-33 and amplifies the pro-inflammatory type 1 and 17 response while suppressing the tolerogenic type 2 and regulatory T cells activation during GVHD development. We previously identified small-molecule ST2 inhibitors particularly iST2-1 that reduces plasma sST2 levels and improved survival in two animal models. Here, we reported the structure-activity relationship of the furanylmethylpyrrolidine-based ST2 inhibitors based on iST2-1. Based on the biochemical AlphaLISA assay, we improved the activity of iST2-1 by 6-fold (∼6 μM in IC50 values) in the inhibition of ST2/IL-33 and confirmed the activities of the compounds in a cellular reporter assay. To determine the inhibition of the alloreactivity in vitro, we used the mixed lymphocyte reaction assay to demonstrate that our ST2 inhibitors decreased CD4+ and CD8+ T cells proliferation and increased Treg population. The data presented in this work are critical to the development of ST2 inhibitors in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinrui Yuan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Hua Jiang
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Denggang Fu
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Aaron Robida
- Life Sciences Institute, Departments of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Krishani Rajanayake
- Rogel Cancer Center, Departments of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States; Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Departments of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Hebao Yuan
- Rogel Cancer Center, Departments of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States; Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Departments of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Bo Wen
- Rogel Cancer Center, Departments of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States; Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Departments of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Duxin Sun
- Rogel Cancer Center, Departments of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States; Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Departments of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Brennan T Watch
- Michigan Center for Therapeutic Innovation, Departments of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Krishnapriya Chinnaswamy
- Life Sciences Institute, Departments of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States; Rogel Cancer Center, Departments of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Jeanne A Stuckey
- Life Sciences Institute, Departments of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States; Rogel Cancer Center, Departments of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Sophie Paczesny
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Jason C Rech
- Michigan Center for Therapeutic Innovation, Departments of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States.
| | - Chao-Yie Yang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States.
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18
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Dai L, Lu L, Zhang X, Wu J, Li J, Lin Z. Identification of small-molecule inhibitors of the DNA repair proteins RuvAB from Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Bioorg Med Chem 2022; 73:117022. [PMID: 36155320 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2022.117022] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The Holliday junction (HJ) branch migrator RuvAB complex plays a fundamental role during homologous recombination and DNA damage repair, and therefore, is an attractive target for the treatment of bacterial pathogens. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa, Pa) is one of the most common clinical opportunistic bacterial pathogens, which can cause a series of life-threatening acute or chronic infections. Here, we performed a high throughput small-molecule screening targeting PaRuvAB using the FRET-based HJ branch migration assay. We identified that corilagin, bardoxolone methyl (BM) and 10-(6'-plastoquinonyl) decyltriphenylphosphonium (SKQ1) could efficiently inhibit the branch migration activity of PaRuvAB, with IC50 values of 0.40 ± 0.04 μM, 0.38 ± 0.05 μM and 4.64 ± 0.27 μM, respectively. Further biochemical and molecular docking analyses demonstrated that corilagin directly bound to PaRuvB at the ATPase domain, and thus prevented ATP hydrolysis. In contrast, BM and SKQ1 acted through blocking the interactions between PaRuvA and HJ DNA. Finally, these compounds were shown to increase the susceptibility of P. aeruginosa to UV-C irradiation. Our work, for the first time, reports the small-molecule inhibitors of RuvA and RuvB from any species, providing valuable chemical tools to dissect the functional role of each individual protein in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Dai
- College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, China
| | - Lian Lu
- College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, China
| | - Xu Zhang
- College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, China
| | - Juhong Wu
- College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, China
| | - Jinyu Li
- College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, China
| | - Zhonghui Lin
- College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, China.
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19
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Nie S, Wu F, Wu J, Li X, Zhou C, Yao Y, Song Y. Structure-activity relationship and antitumor activity of 1,4-pyrazine-containing inhibitors of histone acetyltransferases P300/CBP. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 237:114407. [PMID: 35512565 PMCID: PMC9165588 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Acetylation of histone lysine residues by histone acetyltransferase (HAT) p300 and its paralog CBP play important roles in gene regulation in health and diseases. The HAT domain of p300/CBP has been found to be a potential drug target for cancer. Compound screening followed by structure-activity relationship studies yielded a novel series of 1,4-pyrazine-containing inhibitors of p300/CBP HAT with their IC50s as low as 1.4 μM. Enzyme kinetics and other studies support the most potent compound 29 is a competitive inhibitor of p300 HAT against the substrate histone. It exhibited a high selectivity for p300 and CBP, with negligible activity on other classes of HATs in human. Compound 29 inhibited cellular acetylation of several histone lysine residues and showed strong activity against proliferation of a panel of solid and blood cancer cells. These results indicate it is a novel pharmacological lead for drug development targeting these cancers as well as a useful chemical probe for biological studies of p300/CBP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenyou Nie
- Department of Pharmacology & Chemical Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Fangrui Wu
- Department of Pharmacology & Chemical Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Jingyu Wu
- Department of Pharmacology & Chemical Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Pharmacology & Chemical Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Chao Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology & Chemical Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Yuan Yao
- Department of Pharmacology & Chemical Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Yongcheng Song
- Department of Pharmacology & Chemical Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA; Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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20
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Peery R, Cui Q, Kyei-Baffour K, Josephraj S, Huang C, Dong Z, Dai M, Zhang JT, Liu JY. A novel survivin dimerization inhibitor without a labile hydrazone linker induces spontaneous apoptosis and synergizes with docetaxel in prostate cancer cells. Bioorg Med Chem 2022; 65:116761. [PMID: 35504208 PMCID: PMC9148172 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2022.116761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Survivin, a member of the inhibitor of apoptosis protein family, exists as a homodimer and is aberrantly upregulated in a wide spectrum of cancers. It was thought to be an ideal target due to its lack of expression in most adult normal tissues and importance in cancer cell survival. However, it has been challenging to target survivin due to its "undruggable" nature. We previously attempted to target its dimerization domain with a hypothesis that inhibiting survivin dimerization would promote its degradation in proteasome, which led to identification of a lead small-molecule inhibitor, LQZ-7F. LQZ-7F consists of a flat tetracyclic aromatic core with labile hydrazone linking a 1,2,5-oxadiazole moiety. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that LQZ-7F could be developed as a prodrug because the labile hydrazone linker could be hydrolyzed, releasing the tetracyclic aromatic core. To this end, we synthesized the tetracyclic aromatic core (LQZ-7F1) using reported procedure and tested LQZ-7F1 for its biological activities. Here we show that LQZ-7F1 has a significantly improved potency with submicromolar IC50's and induces spontaneous apoptosis in prostate cancer cells. It also more effectively inhibits survivin dimerization and induces survivin degradation in a proteasome-dependent manner than LQZ-7F. We also show that the combination of LQZ-7F1 and docetaxel have strong synergism in inhibiting prostate cancer cell survival. Together, we conclude that the hydrazone linker with the oxadiazole tail is dispensable for survivin inhibition and the survivin dimerization inhibitor, LQZ-7F, may be developed as a prodrug for prostate cancer treatment and to overcome docetaxel resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Peery
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Qingbin Cui
- Department of Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH, United States
| | - Kwaku Kyei-Baffour
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Sophia Josephraj
- Department of Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH, United States
| | - Caoqinglong Huang
- Department of Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH, United States
| | - Zizheng Dong
- Department of Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH, United States
| | - Mingji Dai
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States, Corresponding authors at: Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, 720 Clinic Drive, West Lafayette, IN 47907, United States (M. Dai). Department of Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, 3000 Arlington Ave., Toledo, OH 43614, United States (J.-T. Zhang). Department of Medicine, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, 3000 Arlington Ave., Toledo, OH 43614, United States (J.-Y. Liu). (M. Dai), (J.-T. Zhang), (J.-Y. Liu)
| | - Jian-Ting Zhang
- Department of Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH, United States, Corresponding authors at: Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, 720 Clinic Drive, West Lafayette, IN 47907, United States (M. Dai). Department of Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, 3000 Arlington Ave., Toledo, OH 43614, United States (J.-T. Zhang). Department of Medicine, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, 3000 Arlington Ave., Toledo, OH 43614, United States (J.-Y. Liu). (M. Dai), (J.-T. Zhang), (J.-Y. Liu)
| | - Jing-Yuan Liu
- Department of Medicine, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH, United States, Corresponding authors at: Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, 720 Clinic Drive, West Lafayette, IN 47907, United States (M. Dai). Department of Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, 3000 Arlington Ave., Toledo, OH 43614, United States (J.-T. Zhang). Department of Medicine, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, 3000 Arlington Ave., Toledo, OH 43614, United States (J.-Y. Liu). (M. Dai), (J.-T. Zhang), (J.-Y. Liu)
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21
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Qi S, Guan X, Zhang J, Yu D, Yu X, Li Q, Yin W, Cheng XD, Zhang W, Qin JJ. Targeting E2 ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme UbcH5c by small molecule inhibitor suppresses pancreatic cancer growth and metastasis. Mol Cancer 2022; 21:70. [PMID: 35272681 PMCID: PMC8908661 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-022-01538-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [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: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal cancers worldwide. The IAPs function as E3 ubiquitin ligases and contribute to pancreatic cancer initiation, progression, and metastasis. Although IAP-targeted therapies have been developed and shown anticancer efficacy in preclinical settings, none of them has been approved yet. METHODS Transcriptome data from public datasets were used to analyze the correlation of IAPs and E2s, and the biological function of E2 UbcH5c in pancreatic cancer. A structure-based virtual screen was used to identify UbcH5c inhibitor, and surface plasmon resonance analysis and cellular thermal shift assays were employed to evaluate the binding affinity. The anticancer activities were demonstrated through in vitro and in vivo assays, while the related mechanisms were explored through transcriptomic and proteomic analyses and confirmed by western blot, immunofluorescence, and qRT-PCR. RESULTS UbcH5c is positively correlated with the expression of IAPs in pancreatic cancer. We further found that UbcH5c is overexpressed and associated with a poor prognosis in pancreatic cancer. We identified a small-molecule UbcH5c inhibitor, termed DHPO, which directly bound to UbcH5c protein. DHPO inhibited cell viability and colony formation, induced apoptosis, and suppressed migration and invasion of pancreatic cancer cells in vitro. The compound inhibited UbcH5c-mediated IκBα degradation and NF-κB activation, which is critical for its anticancer activity. Furthermore, DHPO suppressed the tumor growth and metastasis in two orthotopic pancreatic tumor mouse models. CONCLUSIONS These results indicated that inhibiting UbcH5c is a novel and effective strategy for treating pancreatic cancer and DHPO represents a new class of UbcH5c inhibitor and may be further developed as an anti-pancreatic cancer therapeutic agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simin Qi
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, Zhejiang, China
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Xiaoqing Guan
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jia Zhang
- Shanxi Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, 030012, China
| | - Dehua Yu
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, Zhejiang, China
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Xuefei Yu
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qinglin Li
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wenjuan Yin
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiang-Dong Cheng
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Weidong Zhang
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China.
| | - Jiang-Jiang Qin
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, Zhejiang, China.
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China.
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22
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Liu Z, Yin Y, Wang Z, Xie L, Deng P, Wang D, Ji N, Zhao H, Han X, Chen Q, Chung CH, Bai D, Zhao X. RANKL inhibition halts lesion progression and promotes bone remineralization in mice with fibrous dysplasia. Bone 2022; 156:116301. [PMID: 34952228 DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2021.116301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Fibrous dysplasia (FD) is a rare bone disease caused by GNAS mutation in skeletal stem cells, typically originating from and worsening in childhood. Till now, no cure for FD exists despite the well-recognized etiology. Studies have demonstrated that osteoclastogenesis hyperactivity is caused by elevated RANKL expression, making RANKL inhibition a potential therapy. Although a human monoclonal anti-RANKL antibody, denosumab, has been used in FD patients, the effects and mechanisms of RANKL inhibition for FD treatment require assessment. Denosumab is expensive and can only be injected. Therefore, formulating an oral-administered, cost-effective medicine is encouraged. In the current study, we evaluated the effects of a small-molecule RANKL inhibitor, AS2676293, on a transgenic FD mouse model. AS2676293 effectively suppressed osteoclastogenesis and halted FD progression. The pre-existing bone defects were primarily replaced by newly formed mineralized bone after two weeks of AS2676293 administration. The potent RANKL inhibitory effect and easier route of delivery make AS2676293 a promising target therapy of FD. Results from our study suggested that RANKL inhibition is effective in halting FD progression and promoting bone remineralization, which could benefit the patients with early onset of FD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongyu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yijia Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Zheng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Liang Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Peng Deng
- Laboratory of Molecular Signaling, Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, School of Dentistry, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Donghui Wang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300130, China
| | - Ning Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Hang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xianglong Han
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Qianming Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Chun-Hsi Chung
- Department of Orthodontics, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Ding Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
| | - Xuefeng Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
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23
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Zhang J, Yu G, Yang Y, Wang Y, Guo M, Yin Q, Yan C, Tian J, Fu F, Wang H. A small-molecule inhibitor of MDMX suppresses cervical cancer cells via the inhibition of E6-E6AP-p53 axis. Pharmacol Res 2022; 177:106128. [PMID: 35150860 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Dysfunction of p53 is observed in many malignant tumors, which is related to cancer susceptibility. In cervical cancer, p53 is primarily degradated through the complex of high-risk human papillomaviruses (HPV) oncoprotein E6 and E6-associated protein (E6AP) ubiquitin ligase. What is less clear is the mechanism and role of murine double minute X (MDMX) in cervical carcinogenesis due to the inactive status of murine double minute 2 (MDM2). In the current study, XI-011 (NSC146109), a small-molecule inhibitor of MDMX, showed robust anti-proliferation activity against several cervical cancer cell lines. XI-011 promoted apoptosis of cervical cancer cells via stabilizing p53 and activating its transcription activity. Moreover, XI-011 inhibited the growth of xenograft tumor in HeLa tumor-bearing mice, as well as enhanced the cytotoxic activity of cisplatin both in vitro and in vivo. Interestingly, MDMX co-locolized with E6AP and seems to be a novel binding partner of E6AP to promote p53 ubiquitination. In conclusion, this work revealed a novel mechanism of ubiquitin-dependent p53 degredation via MDMX-E6AP axis in cervical carcinogenesis, and offered the first evidence that MDMX could be a viable drug target for the treatment of cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingwen Zhang
- Key laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evalution (Yantai University), Ministry of Education; Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai university, Yantai, China
| | - Guohua Yu
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Medical College of Qingdao University, Yantai, China
| | - Yanting Yang
- Key laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evalution (Yantai University), Ministry of Education; Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai university, Yantai, China
| | - Yingjie Wang
- Key laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evalution (Yantai University), Ministry of Education; Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai university, Yantai, China
| | - Mengqi Guo
- Key laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evalution (Yantai University), Ministry of Education; Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai university, Yantai, China
| | - Qikun Yin
- Key laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evalution (Yantai University), Ministry of Education; Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai university, Yantai, China; Bohai Rim Advanced Research Institute for Drug Discovery, Yantai, China
| | - Chunhong Yan
- GRU Cancer Center, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Jingwei Tian
- Key laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evalution (Yantai University), Ministry of Education; Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai university, Yantai, China
| | - Fenghua Fu
- Key laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evalution (Yantai University), Ministry of Education; Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai university, Yantai, China.
| | - Hongbo Wang
- Key laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evalution (Yantai University), Ministry of Education; Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai university, Yantai, China.
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24
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Lin TE, Chao MW, HuangFu WC, Tu HJ, Peng ZX, Su CJ, Sung TY, Hsieh JH, Lee CC, Yang CR, Pan SL, Hsu KC. Identification and analysis of a selective DYRK1A inhibitor. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 146:112580. [PMID: 34968920 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The dysregulation of DYRK1A is implicated in many diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and neurodegenerative diseases. Alzheimer's disease is one of the most common neurodegenerative disease and has elevated interest in DYRK1A research. Overexpression of DYRK1A has been linked to the formation of tau aggregates. Currently, an effective therapeutic treatment that targets DYRK1A is lacking. A specific small-molecule inhibitor would further our understanding of the physiological role of DYRK1A in neurodegenerative diseases and could be presented as a possible therapeutic option. In this study, we identified pharmacological interactions within the DYRK1A active site and performed a structure-based virtual screening approach to identify a selective small-molecule inhibitor. Several compounds were selected in silico for enzymatic and cellular assays, yielding a novel inhibitor. A structure-activity relationship analysis was performed to identify areas of interactions for the compounds selected in this study. When tested in vitro, reduction of DYRK1A dependent phosphorylation of tau was observed for active compounds. The active compounds also improved tau turbidity, suggesting that these compounds could alleviate aberrant tau aggregation. Testing the active compound against a panel of kinases across the kinome revealed greater selectivity towards DYRK1A. Our study demonstrates a serviceable protocol that identified a novel and selective DYRK1A inhibitor with potential for further study in tau-related pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tony Eight Lin
- Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Master Program in Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Min-Wu Chao
- Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Chun HuangFu
- Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Ph.D. Program for Cancer Molecular Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Ph.D. Program in Drug Discovery and Development Industry, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; TMU Research Center of Cancer Translational Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Huang-Ju Tu
- Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Zhao-Xiang Peng
- Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Jou Su
- Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Ying Sung
- Biomedical Translation Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jui-Hua Hsieh
- Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Cheng-Chung Lee
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan; The Ph.D. Program for Translational Medicine, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Ron Yang
- School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shiow-Lin Pan
- Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Ph.D. Program for Cancer Molecular Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Ph.D. Program in Drug Discovery and Development Industry, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; TMU Research Center of Cancer Translational Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; TMU Research Center of Drug Discovery, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kai-Cheng Hsu
- Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Ph.D. Program for Cancer Molecular Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Ph.D. Program in Drug Discovery and Development Industry, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; TMU Research Center of Cancer Translational Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; TMU Research Center of Drug Discovery, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Cancer Center, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Choi M, Kim AK, Ham Y, Lee JY, Kim D, Yang A, Jo MJ, Yoon E, Heo JN, Han SB, Ki MH, Lee KS, Cho S. Aristolactam BIII, a naturally derived DYRK1A inhibitor, rescues Down syndrome-related phenotypes. Phytomedicine 2021; 92:153695. [PMID: 34500300 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2021.153695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dual-specificity tyrosine phosphorylation-regulated kinase 1A (DYRK1A) is a significant pathogenic factor in Down syndrome (DS), wherein DYRK1A is overexpressed by 1.5-fold because of trisomy of human chromosome 21. Thus, DYRK1A inhibition is considered a therapeutic strategy to modify the disease. PURPOSE This study aims to identify a novel DYRK1A inhibitor and validate its therapeutic potential in DS-related pathological conditions. STUDY DESIGN In order to identify a novel DYRK1A inhibitor, we carried out two-step screening: a structure-based virtual screening of > 300,000 chemical library (first step) and cell-based nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFAT)-response element (RE) promoter assay (second step). Primary hits were evaluated for their DYRK1A inhibitory activity using in vitro kinase assay and Tau phosphorylation in mammalian cells. Confirmed hit was further evaluated in pathological conditions including DYRK1A-overexpressing fibroblasts, flies, and mice. RESULTS We identified aristolactam BIII, a natural product derived from herbal plants, as a novel DYRK1A inhibitor. It potently inhibited the kinase activity of DYRK1A in vitro (IC50 = 9.67 nM) and effectively suppressed DYRK1A-mediated hyperphosphorylation of Tau in mammalian cells. Aristolactam BIII rescued the proliferative defects of DYRK1A transgenic (TG) mouse-derived fibroblasts and neurological and phenotypic defects of DS-like Drosophila models. Oral administration of aristolactam BIII acutely suppressed Tau hyperphosphorylation in the brain of DYRK1A TG mice. In the open field test, aristolactam BIII significantly ameliorated the exploratory behavioral deficit of DYRK1A TG mice. CONCLUSION Our work revealed that aristolactam BIII as a novel DYRK1A inhibitor rescues DS phenotypes in cells and in vivo and suggested its therapeutic potential for the treatment of DYRK1A-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miri Choi
- Natural Medicine Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), 30 Yeongudanji-ro, Ochang-eup, Cheongwon-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungbuk 28116, Republic of Korea; College of Pharmacy, Chungbuk National University, 30-1 Yeonje-ri, Osong-eup, Heungduk-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungbuk 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Ae-Kyeong Kim
- Bionanotechnology Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngwook Ham
- Natural Medicine Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), 30 Yeongudanji-ro, Ochang-eup, Cheongwon-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungbuk 28116, Republic of Korea; Department of Biomolecular Science, KRIBB School of Bioscience, Korea University of Science and Technology, 217, Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Joo-Youn Lee
- Therapeutics and Biotechnology Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, 141 Gajeong-ro, Jang-dong, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea
| | - Daeyong Kim
- Natural Medicine Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), 30 Yeongudanji-ro, Ochang-eup, Cheongwon-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungbuk 28116, Republic of Korea; Department of Biomolecular Science, KRIBB School of Bioscience, Korea University of Science and Technology, 217, Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Ansook Yang
- Natural Medicine Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), 30 Yeongudanji-ro, Ochang-eup, Cheongwon-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungbuk 28116, Republic of Korea; College of Pharmacy, Chungbuk National University, 30-1 Yeonje-ri, Osong-eup, Heungduk-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungbuk 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Ju Jo
- Natural Medicine Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), 30 Yeongudanji-ro, Ochang-eup, Cheongwon-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungbuk 28116, Republic of Korea; College of Pharmacy, Chungbuk National University, 30-1 Yeonje-ri, Osong-eup, Heungduk-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungbuk 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunyoung Yoon
- Therapeutics and Biotechnology Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, 141 Gajeong-ro, Jang-dong, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Nyoung Heo
- Therapeutics and Biotechnology Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, 141 Gajeong-ro, Jang-dong, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Bae Han
- College of Pharmacy, Chungbuk National University, 30-1 Yeonje-ri, Osong-eup, Heungduk-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungbuk 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Hyo Ki
- Center Research Institute, Samjin Pharm. Co., Ltd., 16, Daewangpangyo-ro 712 beon-gil, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi 13488, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyu-Sun Lee
- Bionanotechnology Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, 125 Gwahak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Sungchan Cho
- Natural Medicine Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), 30 Yeongudanji-ro, Ochang-eup, Cheongwon-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungbuk 28116, Republic of Korea; Department of Biomolecular Science, KRIBB School of Bioscience, Korea University of Science and Technology, 217, Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea.
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Wu F, Nie S, Yao Y, Huo T, Li X, Wu X, Zhao J, Lin YL, Zhang Y, Mo Q, Song Y. Small-molecule inhibitor of AF9/ENL-DOT1L/AF4/AFF4 interactions suppresses malignant gene expression and tumor growth. Theranostics 2021; 11:8172-8184. [PMID: 34373735 PMCID: PMC8344022 DOI: 10.7150/thno.56737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Chromosome translocations involving mixed lineage leukemia (MLL) gene cause acute leukemia with a poor prognosis. MLL is frequently fused with transcription cofactors AF4 (~35%), AF9 (25%) or its paralog ENL (10%). The AHD domain of AF9/ENL binds to AF4, its paralog AFF4, or histone-H3 lysine-79 (H3K79) methyltransferase DOT1L. Formation of AF9/ENL/AF4/AFF4-containing super elongation complexes (SEC) and the catalytic activity of DOT1L are essential for MLL-rearranged leukemia. Protein-protein interactions (PPI) between AF9/ENL and DOT1L/AF4/AFF4 are therefore a potential drug target. Methods: Compound screening followed by medicinal chemistry was used to find inhibitors of such PPIs, which were examined for their biological activities against MLL-rearranged leukemia and other cancer cells. Results: Compound-1 was identified to be a novel small-molecule inhibitor of the AF9/ENL-DOT1L/AF4/AFF4 interaction with IC50s of 0.9-3.5 µM. Pharmacological inhibition of the PPIs significantly reduced SEC and DOT1L-mediated H3K79 methylation in the leukemia cells. Gene profiling shows compound-1 significantly suppressed the gene signatures related to onco-MLL, DOT1L, HoxA9 and Myc. It selectively inhibited proliferation of onco-MLL- or Myc-driven cancer cells and induced cell differentiation and apoptosis. Compound-1 exhibited strong antitumor activity in a mouse model of MLL-rearranged leukemia. Conclusions: The AF9/ENL-DOT1L/AF4/AFF4 interactions are validated to be an anticancer target and compound-1 is a useful in vivo probe for biological studies as well as a pharmacological lead for further drug development.
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Zhang F, Lin Y, Min W, Hou Y, Yuan K, Wang J, Yang P. Computational discovery, structural optimization and biological evaluation of novel inhibitors targeting transient receptor potential vanilloid type 3 (TRPV3). Bioorg Chem 2021; 114:105093. [PMID: 34182309 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2021.105093] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Transient receptor potential vanilloid type 3 (TRPV3) is a Ca2+ permeable nonselective cation channel and expressed abundantly in skin keratinocytes. TRPV3 emerges as an attractive target for treatment of pruritic, inflammatory, pain and skin-related diseases. However, only a few reports of TRPV3 inhibitors exist at present besides some patents. Therefore, TRPV3 research has always been fraught with challenges. Through a combination of virtual screening and biological evaluation, compound P1 (10 μM) was identified as a top hit with 34.5% inhibitory effect on 2-APB (1 mM)-evoked currents of mTRPV3-WT. Further structural optimization provided the inhibitor PC5 with the best activity (IC50 = 2.63 ± 0.28 μM), and point mutation assays indicated that amino acids V629 and F633 are crucial for the binding of PC5 and TRPV3. In summary, these newly discovered inhibitors could serve as promising lead compounds for the development of TRPV3 inhibitors in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Yiyu Lin
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Wenjian Min
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Yi Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Kai Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Jin Wang
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China.
| | - Peng Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China.
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Fattakhova E, Hofer J, DiFlumeri J, Cobb M, Dando T, Romisher Z, Wellington J, Oravic M, Radnoff M, Patil SP. Identification of the FDA-Approved Drug Pyrvinium as a Small-Molecule Inhibitor of the PD-1/PD-L1 Interaction. ChemMedChem 2021; 16:2769-2774. [PMID: 34117723 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202100264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade involving inhibition of the PD-1/PD-L1 interaction has provided unprecedented clinical benefits in treating a variety of tumors. To date, a total of six antibodies that bind to either PD-1 or PD-L1 protein and in turn inhibit the PD-1/PD-L1 interaction have received clinical approvals. Despite being highly effective, these expensive large biotherapeutics possess several inherent pharmacokinetic limitations that can be successfully overcome through the use of low-molecular-weight inhibitors. One such promising approach involves small-molecule induced dimerization and sequestration of PD-L1, leading to effective PD-1/PD-L1 inhibition. Herein, we present the discovery of such potential bioactive PD-L1 dimerizers through a structure- and ligand-based screening of a focused library of approved and investigational drugs worldwide. Pyrvinium, an FDA-approved anthelmintic drug, showed the highest activity in our study with IC50 value of ∼29.66 μM. It is noteworthy that Pyrvinium, being an approved drug, may prove especially suitable as a good starting point for further medicinal chemistry efforts, leading to design and development of even more potent structural analogs as selective PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors. Furthermore, the adopted integrated virtual screening protocol may prove useful in screening other larger databases of lead- and drug-like molecules for hit identification in the domain of small-molecule PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Fattakhova
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Widener University, Chester, PA 19013, USA
| | - Jeremy Hofer
- Department of Computer Science, Widener University, Chester, PA 19013, USA
| | - Juliette DiFlumeri
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Widener University, Chester, PA 19013, USA
| | - Madison Cobb
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Widener University, Chester, PA 19013, USA
| | - Timothy Dando
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Widener University, Chester, PA 19013, USA
| | - Zachary Romisher
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Widener University, Chester, PA 19013, USA
| | - Justin Wellington
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Widener University, Chester, PA 19013, USA
| | - Michael Oravic
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Widener University, Chester, PA 19013, USA
| | - Madison Radnoff
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Widener University, Chester, PA 19013, USA
| | - Sachin P Patil
- NanoBio Laboratory, Widener University, Chester, PA 19013, USA
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Huang SF, Wang YL, Chen JJ, Huang YB, Tai SB, Chung CL, Chen CL. Garcimultiflorone K from Garcinia multiflora attenuates hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis by suppressing transforming growth factor-β signaling. Phytomedicine 2021; 84:153502. [PMID: 33647775 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2021.153502] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transforming growth factor‑β (TGF-β) signaling is a crucial inducer of tissue fibrosis and extracellular matrix accumulation and a vital suppressor of epithelial cell proliferation and cancer metastasis. The nature of this multifunctional cytokine has prompted the development of TGF-β signaling inhibitors as therapeutic agents. Our research group has recently isolated the polyprenylated polycyclic acylphloroglucinol garcimultiflorone K (GMK) from the stems of Garcinia multiflora; GMK exhibits antiangiogenic activity in endothelial cells. PURPOSE In the current study, we aimed to explore the antitumor effect and detailed mechanisms of Garcimultiflorone K in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. METHODS Cell proliferation and viability were evaluated using the MTT assay. The migratory ability of HepG2 cells was measured using wound healing assays. The inhibitory effect of GMK against the nuclear translocation of Smad by TGF-β was assessed through immunofluorescence staining and Western blotting. To investigate TGF-β-dependent gene expression profiles upon GMK stimulation, RNA transcript levels were determined using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The effects of GMK in Smad2-driven transcriptomic activities were studied using a reporter gene assay. Protein levels were detected using Western blotting. RESULTS Our data revealed that GMK inhibited TGF-β-induced cellular responses, including Smad protein phosphorylation, cell migration, and extracellular matrix production, during epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Mechanistic studies further demonstrated that GMK suppressed TGF-β signaling by downregulating TGF-β receptor II (TβRII). CONCLUSION These findings elucidate that TβRII expression in hepatic cells can be specifically suppressed by GMK to attenuate metastasis and the disease-promoting effects of EMT, representing a therapeutic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Fang Huang
- Department of Medicine Chest, Kaohsiung Armed Forces General Hospital, Kaohsiung 80284, Taiwan ROC
| | - Yu-Lun Wang
- Department of Biological Sciences, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung 80424, Taiwan ROC
| | - Jih-Jung Chen
- Faculty of Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, National Yang-Ming Chiao-Tung University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan ROC; Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40402, Taiwan ROC
| | - Yaw-Bin Huang
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan ROC
| | - Shun-Ban Tai
- Department of Biological Sciences, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung 80424, Taiwan ROC; Division of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, Department of Internal Medicine, Zuoying Branch of Kaohsiung Armed Forces General Hospital, Kaohsiung 81342, Taiwan ROC
| | - Chih-Ling Chung
- Department of Biological Sciences, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung 80424, Taiwan ROC
| | - Chun-Lin Chen
- Department of Biological Sciences, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung 80424, Taiwan ROC; Department of Biotechnology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan ROC; Graduate Institute of Natural Products, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan ROC.
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Zhu P, Zhang J, Yang Y, Wang L, Zhou J, Zhang H. Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of isoxazole-containing biphenyl derivatives as small-molecule inhibitors targeting the programmed cell death-1/ programmed cell death-ligand 1 immune checkpoint. Mol Divers 2021; 26:245-264. [PMID: 33786726 DOI: 10.1007/s11030-021-10208-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies targeting the programmed cell death-1/ programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) immune checkpoint have achieved enormous success in cancer immunotherapy. But the antibody-based immunotherapies carry a number of unavoidable deficiencies such as poor pharmacokinetic properties and immunogenicity. Small-molecule PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors offer the superiority of complementarity with monoclonal antibodies and represent an appealing alternative. A novel series of isoxazole-containing biphenyl compounds were designed, synthesized and evaluated as PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in this paper. The structure-activity relationship of the novel synthesized compounds indicated that the ring-closure strategy of introducing isoxazole could be employed and the 3-cyanobenzyl group was significant for the inhibitory activity against the PD-1/PD-L1 protein-protein interactions. Molecular docking studies were performed to help understand the binding mode of the small-molecule inhibitor with the PD-L1 dimer. In particular, compound II-12 was a promising anti-PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor with the IC50 value of 23.0 nM, providing valuable information for future drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peiyu Zhu
- Center of Drug Discovery, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Disease, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Center of Drug Discovery, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Disease, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Yifei Yang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Lixun Wang
- Center of Drug Discovery, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Disease, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinpei Zhou
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China.
| | - Huibin Zhang
- Center of Drug Discovery, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Disease, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China.
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Bouwer MF, Hamilton KE, Jonker PB, Kuiper SR, Louters LL, Looyenga BD. NMS-873 functions as a dual inhibitor of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. Biochimie 2021; 185:33-42. [PMID: 33727138 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2021.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Small-molecule inhibitors of enzyme function are critical tools for the study of cell biological processes and for treatment of human disease. Identifying inhibitors with suitable specificity and selectivity for single enzymes, however, remains a challenge. In this study we describe our serendipitous discovery that NMS-873, a compound that was previously identified as a highly selective allosteric inhibitor of the ATPase valosin-containing protein (VCP/p97), rapidly induces aerobic fermentation in cultured human and mouse cells. Our further investigation uncovered an unexpected off-target effect of NMS-873 on mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, specifically as a dual inhibitor of Complex I and ATP synthase. This work points to the need for caution regarding the interpretation of cell survival data associated with NMS-873 treatment and indicates that cellular toxicity associated with its use may be caused by both VCP/p97-dependent and VCP/p97-independent mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miranda F Bouwer
- Calvin University, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, 1726 Knollcrest Circle SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49546, USA
| | - Kathryn E Hamilton
- Calvin University, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, 1726 Knollcrest Circle SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49546, USA
| | - Patrick B Jonker
- Calvin University, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, 1726 Knollcrest Circle SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49546, USA
| | - Sam R Kuiper
- Calvin University, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, 1726 Knollcrest Circle SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49546, USA
| | - Larry L Louters
- Calvin University, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, 1726 Knollcrest Circle SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49546, USA
| | - Brendan D Looyenga
- Calvin University, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, 1726 Knollcrest Circle SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49546, USA.
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Jiang T, Wang G, Liu Y, Feng L, Wang M, Liu J, Chen Y, Ouyang L. Development of small-molecule tropomyosin receptor kinase (TRK) inhibitors for NTRK fusion cancers. Acta Pharm Sin B 2021; 11:355-372. [PMID: 33643817 PMCID: PMC7893124 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2020.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [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: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Tropomyosin receptor kinase A, B and C (TRKA, TRKB and TRKC), which are well-known members of the cell surface receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) family, are encoded by the neurotrophic receptor tyrosine kinase 1, 2 and 3 (NTRK1, NTRK2 and NTRK3) genes, respectively. TRKs can regulate cell proliferation, differentiation and even apoptosis through the RAS/MAPKs, PI3K/AKT and PLCγ pathways. Gene fusions involving NTRK act as oncogenic drivers of a broad diversity of adult and pediatric tumors, and TRKs have become promising antitumor targets. Therefore, achieving a comprehensive understanding of TRKs and relevant TRK inhibitors should be urgently pursued for the further development of novel TRK inhibitors for potential clinical applications. This review focuses on summarizing the biological functions of TRKs and NTRK fusion proteins, the development of small-molecule TRK inhibitors with different chemotypes and their activity and selectivity, and the potential therapeutic applications of these inhibitors for future cancer drug discovery efforts.
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Key Words
- AFAP1, actin filament-associated protein 1
- AML, acute myeloid leukemia
- ARHGEF2, Rho/Rac guanine nucleotide exchange factor 2
- BCAN, brevican
- BDNF, brain-derived neurotrophic factor
- BTBD1, BTB (POZ) domain containing 1
- CDK-2, cyclin-dependent kinase 2
- CR, complete response
- CRC, colorectal cancer
- CTCs, sequencing of circulating tumor cells
- DFG, Asp-Phe-Gly
- DOR, durable objective responses
- ETV6, ETS translocation variant 6
- EWG, electron-withdrawing group
- FDA, U.S. Food and Drug Administration
- FISH, fluorescence in situ hybridization
- GBM, glioblastoma multiforme
- HNSCC, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
- HTS, high-throughput screening
- ICC, intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
- IG-C2, Ig-like C2 type I
- LMNA, lamin A/C
- MASC, mammary analogue secretory carcinoma
- MPRIP, myosin phosphatase Rho interacting protein
- NACC2, NACC family member 2
- NCCN, National Comprehensive Cancer Network
- NFASC, neurofascin
- NGF, nerve growth factor
- NGS, next-generation sequencing of tumor tissue
- NSCLC, non-small cell lung cancer
- NT3, neurotrophin-3
- NTRK fusion cancer
- NTRK, neurotrophic receptor tyrosine kinase
- Neurotrophic receptor tyrosine kinase fusions
- OAK, osteoarthritis of the knee
- ORR, overall response rate
- PAN3, poly(A) nuclease 3
- PPL, periplakin
- PROTAC proteolysis targeting chimera, QKI
- RABGTPase activating protein 1-like, RFWD2
- RTK, receptor tyrosine kinase
- SAR, structure–activity relationship
- SBC, secretory breast carcinoma
- SCYL3, SCY1 like pseudokinase 3
- SQSTM1, sequestosome 1
- Small-molecule inhibitor
- TFG, TRK-fused gene
- TP53, tumor protein P53
- TPM3, tropomyosin 3
- TPR, translocated promoter region
- TRIM24, tripartite motif containing 24
- TRK, tropomyosin receptor kinase
- Tropomyosin receptor kinase
- VCL, vinculin
- VEGFR2, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2
- quaking I protein, RABGAP1L
- ring finger and WD repeat domain 2, E3 ubiquitin protein ligase
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Guan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Lu Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Meng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jie Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center and Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Liang Ouyang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
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Huang CY, Chung CL, Hu TH, Chen JJ, Liu PF, Chen CL. Recent progress in TGF-β inhibitors for cancer therapy. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 134:111046. [PMID: 33341049 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.111046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is a multifunctional cytokine that is involved in proliferation, metastasis, and many other important processes in malignancy. Inhibitors targeting TGF-β have been considered by pharmaceutical companies for cancer therapy, and some of them are in clinical trial now. Unfortunately, several of these programs have recently been relinquished, and most companies that remain in the contest are progressing slowly and cautiously. This review summarizes the TGF-β signal transduction pathway, its roles in oncogenesis and fibrotic diseases, and advancements in antibodies and small-molecule inhibitors of TGF-β.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Yi Huang
- Department of Biological Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 80424, Taiwan, ROC; Department of Pathology, Kaohsiung Armed Forces General Hospital, Kaohsiung 80284, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Chih-Ling Chung
- Department of Biological Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 80424, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Tsung-Hui Hu
- Division of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Jih-Jung Chen
- Faculty of Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan, ROC; Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Feng Liu
- Department of Biomedical Science and Environmental Biology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan ROC
| | - Chun-Lin Chen
- Department of Biological Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 80424, Taiwan, ROC; Department of Biotechnology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan ROC; Graduate Institute of Natural Products, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan ROC.
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Zhao R, Fu L, Yuan Z, Liu Y, Zhang K, Chen Y, Wang L, Sun D, Chen L, Liu B, Zhang L. Discovery of a novel small-molecule inhibitor of Fam20C that induces apoptosis and inhibits migration in triple negative breast cancer. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 210:113088. [PMID: 33316691 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.113088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The family with sequence similarity 20, member C (Fam20C), a Golgi casein kinase, has been recently regarded as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). Lacking enzyme activity center has been becoming an obstacle to the development of small-molecule inhibitors of Fam20C. Herein, we combined in silico high-throughput screening with chemical synthesis methods to obtain a new small-molecule Fam20C inhibitor 3r, which exhibited desired anti-proliferative activities against MDA-MB-231 cells and also inhibited migration. Subsequently, the enzymatic assay, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were carried out for validating that 3r could bind to Fam20C. In addition, 3r was found to induce apoptosis via the mitochondrial pathway in MDA-MB-231 cells as well as to inhibit cell migration. Moreover, we demonstrated that 3r inhibited tumor growth in vivo and thereby having a good therapeutic potential on TNBC. Taken together, these results suggest that 3r may be a novel Fam20C inhibitor with anti-proliferative and apoptosis-inducing activities, which would shed light on discovering more small-molecule drugs for the future TNBC therapy.
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Abstract
As a naturally occurring class of gene regulators, microRNAs (miRNAs) have attracted much attention as promising targets for therapeutic development. However, RNAs including miRNAs have long been considered undruggable, and most efforts have been devoted to using synthetic oligonucleotides to regulate miRNAs. Encouragingly, recent findings have revealed that miRNAs can also be drugged with small molecules that directly target miRNAs. In this review paper, we give a summary of recently emerged small-molecule inhibitors (SMIs) and small-molecule degraders (SMDs) for miRNAs. SMIs are small molecules that directly bind to miRNAs to inhibit their biogenesis, and SMDs are bifunctional small molecules that upon binding to miRNAs induce miRNA degradation. Strategies for discovering SMIs and developing SMDs were summarized. Applications of SMIs and SMDs in miRNA inhibition and cancer therapy were also introduced. Overall, SMIs and SMDs introduced here have high potency and specificity in miRNA inhibition. We envision that these small molecules will pave the way for developing novel therapeutics toward miRNAs that were previously considered undruggable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dejun Liu
- The Yancheng Clinical College of Xuzhou Medical University, Yancheng, 224001, China
| | - Xinqiang Wan
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Yancheng City No.1 People's Hospital, Yancheng, 224001, China
| | - Xiangxiang Shan
- Department of Geraeology, Yancheng City No.1 People's Hospital, Yancheng, 224001, China
| | - Rengen Fan
- Department of General Surgery, Yancheng City No.1 People's Hospital, Yancheng, 224001, China.
| | - Wenzhang Zha
- Department of General Surgery, Yancheng City No.1 People's Hospital, Yancheng, 224001, China.
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Zhang T, Qu R, Chan S, Lai M, Tong L, Feng F, Chen H, Song T, Song P, Bai G, Liu Y, Wang Y, Li Y, Su Y, Shen Y, Sun Y, Chen Y, Geng M, Ding K, Ding J, Xie H. Discovery of a novel third-generation EGFR inhibitor and identification of a potential combination strategy to overcome resistance. Mol Cancer 2020; 19:90. [PMID: 32404161 PMCID: PMC7218543 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-020-01202-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [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: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with activating EGFR mutations initially respond to first-generation EGFR inhibitors; however, the efficacy of these drugs is limited by acquired resistance driven by the EGFR T790M mutation. The discovery of third-generation EGFR inhibitors overcoming EGFR T790M and their new resistance mechanisms have attracted much attention. METHODS We examined the antitumor activities and potential resistance mechanism of a novel EGFR third-generation inhibitor in vitro and in vivo using ELISA, SRB assay, immunoblotting, flow cytometric analysis, kinase array, qRT-PCR and tumor xenograft models. The clinical effect on a patient was evaluated by computed tomography scan. RESULTS We identified compound ASK120067 as a novel inhibitor of EGFR T790M, with selectivity over EGFR WT. ASK120067 exhibited potent anti-proliferation activity in tumor cells harboring EGFR T790M (NCI-H1975) and sensitizing mutations (PC-9 and HCC827) while showed moderate or weak inhibition in cells expressing EGFR WT. Oral administration of ASK120067 induced tumor regression in NSCLC xenograft models and in a PDX model harboring EGFR T790M. The treatment of one patient with advanced EGFR T790M-positive NSCLC was described as proof of principle. Moreover, we found that hyperphosphorylation of Ack1 and the subsequent activation of antiapoptotic signaling via the AKT pathway contributed to ASK120067 resistance. Concomitant targeting of EGFR and Ack1 effectively overrode the acquired resistance of ASK120067 both in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSIONS Our results idenfity ASK120067 as a promising third-generation EGFR inhibitor and reveal for the first time that Ack1 activation as a novel resistance mechanism to EGFR inhibitors that guide to potential combination strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Zhang
- Division of Antitumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai, 201203 China
| | - Rong Qu
- Division of Antitumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai, 201203 China
| | - Shingpan Chan
- International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Chinese Ministry of Education (MOE), Guangzhou City Key Laboratory of Precision Chemistry Drug Development, School of Pharmacy, Jinan University, No. 601 Huangpu Avenue West, Guangzhou, 510632 China
| | - Mengzhen Lai
- Division of Antitumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai, 201203 China
- School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 826 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai, 201203 China
| | - Linjiang Tong
- Division of Antitumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai, 201203 China
| | - Fang Feng
- Division of Antitumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai, 201203 China
| | - Hongyu Chen
- Jiangsu Aosaikang Pharmaceutical Co.Ltd (ASK pharm), 699 Kejian Road, Nanjing, 211112 China
| | - Tingting Song
- Jiangsu Aosaikang Pharmaceutical Co.Ltd (ASK pharm), 699 Kejian Road, Nanjing, 211112 China
| | - Peiran Song
- Division of Antitumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai, 201203 China
| | - Gang Bai
- Division of Antitumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai, 201203 China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049 China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 393 Middle Huaxia Road, Shanghai, 201210 China
| | - Yingqiang Liu
- Division of Antitumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai, 201203 China
- School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 826 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai, 201203 China
| | - Yanan Wang
- Division of Antitumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai, 201203 China
| | - Yan Li
- Division of Antitumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai, 201203 China
| | - Yi Su
- Division of Antitumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai, 201203 China
| | - Yanyan Shen
- Division of Antitumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai, 201203 China
| | - Yiming Sun
- Division of Antitumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai, 201203 China
| | - Yi Chen
- Division of Antitumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai, 201203 China
| | - Meiyu Geng
- Division of Antitumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai, 201203 China
| | - Ke Ding
- International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Chinese Ministry of Education (MOE), Guangzhou City Key Laboratory of Precision Chemistry Drug Development, School of Pharmacy, Jinan University, No. 601 Huangpu Avenue West, Guangzhou, 510632 China
| | - Jian Ding
- Division of Antitumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai, 201203 China
| | - Hua Xie
- Division of Antitumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai, 201203 China
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Hou Z, Min W, Zhang R, Niu A, Li Y, Cao L, Han J, Luo C, Yang P, Ding H. Lead discovery, chemical optimization, and biological evaluation studies of novel histone methyltransferase SET7 small-molecule inhibitors. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2020; 30:127061. [PMID: 32173197 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2020.127061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Revised: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The post-translational modifications of histones, including histone methylation and demethylation, control the expression switch of multiple genes. SET domain-containing lysine methyltransferase 7 (SET7) is the only methyltransferase, which can specifically monomethylate lysine-4 of histone H3 (H3K4me1) and play critical roles in various diseases, including breast cancer, hepatitis C virus (HCV), atherosclerotic vascular disease, diabetes, prostate cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, and obesity. However, several known SET7 inhibitors exhibit weak activity or poor selectivity. Therefore, the development of novel SET7 inhibitors is highly desirable and of great clinical value. In this study, we identified 2-79 as a new hit compound by structure-based virtual screening and further AlphaLISA-based biochemical evaluation. Via chemical optimization, the synthesized compound DC21 was confirmed as a potent SET7 inhibitor with an IC50 value of 15.93 μM. The interaction between DC21 and SET7 was also validated through SPR experiment. Especially, DC21 retarded proliferation of MCF7 cells with an IC50 value of 25.84 μM in cellular level. In addition, DC21 has good selectivity for several other epigenetic targets, such as SUV39H1, G9a, NSD1, DOT1L and MOF. DC21 can serve as a lead compound to develop more potential SET7 inhibitors and as a chemical probe for SET7 biological function studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeng Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19 Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Wenjian Min
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China
| | - Rukang Zhang
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Ao Niu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yuanqing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19 Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Liyuan Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jie Han
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19 Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Cheng Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19 Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Peng Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China.
| | - Hong Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai 201203, China; State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
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Ezaki R, Hirose F, Furusawa S, Horiuchi H. An improved protocol for stable and efficient culturing of chicken primordial germ cells using small-molecule inhibitors. Cytotechnology 2020; 72:397-405. [PMID: 32114635 DOI: 10.1007/s10616-020-00385-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
At present, the most reliable method for creating genetically modified chickens is the modification of the DNA sequence of primordial germ cells (PGCs). However, during embryogenesis, only a small number of chicken PGCs can be obtained. Therefore, in vitro PGC culturing is necessary to obtain sufficient cells for further genetic engineering. Previously reported PGC culturing methods lack versatility. We report here a new protocol for stable and efficient culturing of chicken PGCs using small-molecule inhibitors. The growth rate of PGCs was investigated following the addition of three small-molecule inhibitors, including blebbistatin, into the culture medium. Chicken PGC survival and proliferation rates increased after the addition of small-molecule inhibitors, compared with the untreated control. Blebbistatin was shown to be the most effective inducer of PGC growth. Long-term culturing of PGCs with blebbistatin maintained the morphology of typical PGCs, and these cells expressed marker proteins such as chicken vasa homolog (CVH) and NANOG. Additionally, PGCs transfected with a fluorescent protein gene were shown to migrate into the gonads of the recipient embryo, and progeny derived from PGCs cultured by this method were efficiently obtained. These results demonstrate that small-molecule inhibitors represent a useful tool for stable and efficient chicken PGC culturing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryo Ezaki
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Graduate School of Biosphere Science, Academy of Biological and Life Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-4-4 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima, 739-8528, Japan
| | - Fumiya Hirose
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Graduate School of Biosphere Science, Academy of Biological and Life Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-4-4 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima, 739-8528, Japan
| | - Shuichi Furusawa
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Graduate School of Biosphere Science, Academy of Biological and Life Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-4-4 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima, 739-8528, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Horiuchi
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Graduate School of Biosphere Science, Academy of Biological and Life Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-4-4 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima, 739-8528, Japan.
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Dong Y, Li Y, Zhang C, Chen H, Liu L, Chen S. Effects of SW033291 on the myogenesis of muscle-derived stem cells and muscle regeneration. Stem Cell Res Ther 2020; 11:76. [PMID: 32085799 PMCID: PMC7035785 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-020-1574-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2019] [Revised: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The unmet medical needs in repairing large muscle defects promote the development of tissue regeneration strategy. The use of bioactive molecules in combination with biomaterial scaffold has become an area of great interest. SW033291, a small-molecule inhibitor targeting 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (15-PDGH) and subsequently elevating the production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), has been proved to accelerate the recovery and potentiate the regeneration of multiple tissues including the bone, liver, and colon. The limited understanding of the potential therapeutic effects on myogenesis motivated us to investigate the role of SW033291 in regulating muscle-derived stem cell (MDSC) myogenic differentiation and MDSC-mediated muscle regeneration. Methods The characteristics of rat MDSCs, including cell-specific markers and myogenic differentiation potential, were determined. MDSCs were incubated with SW033291 to evaluate PGE2 production and cytotoxicity. The effects of SW033291 on MDSC myogenic differentiation were assessed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), western blot, and immunocytochemistry. The fibrin gel containing MDSCs and SW033291 was used for muscle regeneration in a tibialis anterior muscle defect model. Results Our data demonstrated that MDSCs were well-tolerated to SW033291 and treatment with SW033291 significantly promoted the production of PGE2 by MDSCs. In vitro analysis showed that SW033291 enhanced the myogenic differentiation and myotube formation by upregulating a series of myogenic markers. Additionally, the activation of PI3K/Akt pathway was involved in the mechanism underlying these promotive effects. Then, in situ casting of fibrin gel containing MDSCs and SW033291 was used to repair the tibialis anterior muscle defect; the addition of SW033291 significantly promoted myofiber formation within the defect region with mild immune response, less fibrosis, and sufficient vascularization. Conclusion SW033291 acted as a positive regulator of MDSC myogenic differentiation, and incorporating the compound with MDSCs in fibrin gel could serve as an effective method to repair large skeletal muscle defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanqiang Dong
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan Li
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Chuan Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Haibin Chen
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Lijia Liu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
| | - Simeng Chen
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
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Wang H, Chen M, Sang X, You X, Wang Y, Paterson IC, Hong W, Yang X. Development of small molecule inhibitors targeting TGF-β ligand and receptor: Structures, mechanism, preclinical studies and clinical usage. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 191:112154. [PMID: 32092587 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2019] [Revised: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is a member of a superfamily of pleiotropic proteins that regulate multiple cellular processes such as growth, development and differentiation. Following binding to type I and II TGF-β serine/threonine kinase receptors, TGF-β activates downstream signaling cascades involving both SMAD-dependent and -independent pathways. Aberrant TGF-β signaling is associated with a variety of diseases, such as fibrosis, cardiovascular disease and cancer. Hence, the TGF-β signaling pathway is recognized as a potential drug target. Various organic molecules have been designed and developed as TGF-β signaling pathway inhibitors and they function by either down-regulating the expression of TGF-β or by inhibiting the kinase activities of the TGF-β receptors. In this review, we discuss the current status of research regarding organic molecules as TGF-β inhibitors, focusing on the biological functions and the binding poses of compounds that are in the market or in the clinical or pre-clinical phases of development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Minzu University of China, Beijing, 100081, China; Key Laboratory of Ethnomedicine (Minzu University of China), Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Meiling Chen
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, North Minzu University, Yinchuan, 750021, China; Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering and Technology, State Ethnic Affairs Commission, North Minzu University, Yinchuan, 750021, China
| | - Xiaohong Sang
- Laboratory of Pharmacology/Beijing Key Laboratory of Antimicrobial Agents, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Xuefu You
- Laboratory of Pharmacology/Beijing Key Laboratory of Antimicrobial Agents, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Yucheng Wang
- Laboratory of Pharmacology/Beijing Key Laboratory of Antimicrobial Agents, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Ian C Paterson
- Department of Oral and Craniofacial Sciences and Oral Cancer Research and Coordinating Centre, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Wei Hong
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, North Minzu University, Yinchuan, 750021, China; Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering and Technology, State Ethnic Affairs Commission, North Minzu University, Yinchuan, 750021, China.
| | - Xinyi Yang
- Laboratory of Pharmacology/Beijing Key Laboratory of Antimicrobial Agents, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China.
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Wang X, Chen X, Zhang X, Su C, Yang M, He W, Du Y, Si S, Wang L, Hong B. A small-molecule inhibitor of PCSK9 transcription ameliorates atherosclerosis through the modulation of FoxO1/3 and HNF1α. EBioMedicine 2020; 52:102650. [PMID: 32058941 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2020.102650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Revised: 12/26/2019] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is a secreted protein that down-regulates hepatic low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) by binding and shuttling LDLR to lysosomes for degradation. The development of therapy that inhibits PCSK9 has attracted considerable attention for the management of cardiovascular disease risk. However, only monoclonal antibodies of PCSK9 have reached the clinic use. Oral administration of small-molecule transcriptional inhibitors has the potential to become a therapeutic option. Methods Here, we developed a cell-based small molecule screening platform to identify transcriptional inhibitors of PCSK9. Through high-throughput screening and a series of evaluation, we found several active compounds. After detailed investigation on the pharmacological effect and molecular mechanistic characterization, 7030B-C5 was identified as a potential small-molecule PCSK9 inhibitor. Findings Our data showed that 7030B-C5 down-regulated PCSK9 expression and increased the total cellular LDLR protein and its mediated LDL-C uptake by HepG2 cells. In both C57BL/6 J and ApoE KO mice, oral administration of 7030B-C5 reduced hepatic and plasma PCSK9 level and increased hepatic LDLR expression. Most importantly, 7030B-C5 inhibited lesions in en face aortas and aortic root in ApoE KO mice with a slight amelioration of lipid profiles. We further provide evidences suggesting that transcriptional regulation of PCSK9 by 7030B-C5 mostly depend on the transcriptional factor HNF1α and FoxO3. Furthermore, FoxO1 was found to play an important role in 7030B-C5 mediated integration of hepatic glucose and lipid metabolism. Interpretation 7030B-C5 with potential suppressive effect of PCSK9 expression may serve as a promising lead compound for drug development of cholesterol/glucose homeostasis and cardiovascular disease therapy. Fund This work was supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (81473214, 81402929, and 81621064), the Drug Innovation Major Project of China (2018ZX09711001-003-006, 2018ZX09711001-007 and 2018ZX09735001-002), CAMS Innovation Fund for Medical Sciences (2016-I2M-2-002, 2016-I2M-1-011 and 2017-I2M-1-008), Beijing Natural Science Foundation (7162129).
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Zhou H, Lu J, Yang CY, Sun Y, Wang S. Targeting DCN1-UBC12 Protein-Protein Interaction for Regulation of Neddylation Pathway. Adv Exp Med Biol 2020; 1217:349-362. [PMID: 31898237 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-15-1025-0_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Protein neddylation is one type of posttranslational modifications that regulates the activity of the substrate proteins. Neddylation modification is catalyzed by NEDD8-activating enzyme (NAE, E1), NEDD8-conjugating enzyme (E2), and NEDD8 ligase (E3) to attach NEDD8, an ubiquitin-like molecule, to a lysine residue of a substrate protein. The best known neddylation substrates are cullin family members, which are scaffold components of cullin-RING ligases (CRLs), and cullin neddylation is required for activation of CRLs. In mammalian cells, there are one E1, two E2s (UBC12/UBE2M and UBE2F), and over a dozen E3s. MLN4924, the first-in-class small-molecule inhibitor of NAE, blocks the entire neddylation modification to inactivate activity of all CRLs. MLN4924 is currently in the Phase I/II clinical trials for anticancer application.In the last few years, targeting protein-protein interactions of the neddylation complexes has been pursued as a potential strategy to selectively inhibit the activity of individual CRL. Analysis of the co-crystal structures of DCN1, a co-E3 for neddylation, and its binding partners UBC12 (a neddylation E2) suggested that it may be amenable for the design of potent, small-molecule inhibitors. In this chapter, we will review the discovery of small-molecule inhibitors that block the interactions of DCN1 with UBC12 (hereafter called DCN1 inhibitors) from a number of laboratories, including ours, leading to selective inactivation of CRL-1 and/or CRL-3. We will also discuss potential therapeutic applications of these small-molecule inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haibin Zhou
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jianfeng Lu
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Chao-Yie Yang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, The University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Yi Sun
- Division of Radiation and Cancer Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Shaomeng Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA. .,Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA. .,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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Vergote I, Heitz F, Buderath P, Powell M, Sehouli J, Lee CM, Hamilton A, Fiorica J, Moore KN, Teneriello M, Golden L, Zhang W, Pitou C, Bell R, Campbell R, Farrington DL, Bell-McGuinn K, Wenham RM. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 1b/2 study of ralimetinib, a p38 MAPK inhibitor, plus gemcitabine and carboplatin versus gemcitabine and carboplatin for women with recurrent platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer. Gynecol Oncol 2019; 156:23-31. [PMID: 31791552 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2019.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Revised: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This phase 1b/2 clinical trial (NCT01663857) evaluated the efficacy of ralimetinib in combination with gemcitabine (G) and carboplatin (C), followed by maintenance ralimetinib, for patients with recurrent platinum-sensitive epithelial ovarian cancer. METHODS Phase 1b was to determine the recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D) of ralimetinib administered Q12H on Days 1-10 (q21d) in combination with G (1000 mg/m2, Days 3 and 10) and C (AUC 4, Day 3) for six cycles. In phase 2, patients were randomized double-blind 1:1 to ralimetinib (R)+GC or placebo (P)+GC, for six cycles, followed by ralimetinib 300 mg Q12H or placebo on Days 1-14, q28d. RESULTS 118 patients received at least one dose of ralimetinib or placebo; eight in phase 1b and 110 in phase 2 (R+GC, N = 58; P+GC, N = 52). The RP2D for R+GC was 200 mg Q12H. The study met its primary objective of a statistically significant difference in PFS (median: R+GC, 10.3 mo vs. P+GC, 7.9 mo; hazard ratio [HR] = 0.773, P = 0.2464, against a two-sided false positive rate of 0.4). Secondary objectives were not statistically significant for median overall survival (R+GC, 29.2 mo vs. P+GC, 25.1 mo; HR = 0.827, P = 0.4686) or overall response rate (R+GC 46.6% vs. P+GC, 46.2%; P = 0.9667). The safety profile of R+GC therapy was mainly consistent with safety of the chemotherapy backbone alone. Grade 3/4 elevated alanine aminotransferase was more common in the ralimetinib arm. CONCLUSIONS Addition of ralimetinib to GC resulted in a modest improvement in PFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignace Vergote
- University Hospital Leuven, Leuven Cancer Institute, Gynaecological Oncology, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Florian Heitz
- Kliniken Essen-Mitte, Evangelische Huyssenstiftung, Essen, Germany; Charité Campus Virchow Klinikum / Department of Gynecology and Oncological Surgery, Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | - Jalid Sehouli
- Charité Campus Virchow Klinikum / Department of Gynecology and Oncological Surgery, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Anne Hamilton
- Royal Women's Hospital/ Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Parkville, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Kathleen N Moore
- Stephenson Cancer Center at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA/Sarah Cannon Research Institute, Nashville, TN, USA
| | | | - Lisa Golden
- Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Wei Zhang
- Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Celine Pitou
- Eli Lilly and Company, Erl Wood, Windlesham, Surrey, UK
| | - Robert Bell
- Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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Xu Y, Song S, Wang Z, Ajani JA. The role of hedgehog signaling in gastric cancer: molecular mechanisms, clinical potential, and perspective. Cell Commun Signal 2019; 17:157. [PMID: 31775795 PMCID: PMC6882007 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-019-0479-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [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: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with advanced gastric cancer usually have a poor prognosis and limited therapeutic options. Overcoming this challenge requires novel targets and effective drugs. The Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway plays a crucial role in the development of the gastrointestinal tract and maintenance of the physiologic function of the stomach. Aberrantly activated Hh signaling is implicated in carcinogenesis as well as maintenance of cancer stem cells. Somatic mutations in the components of Hh signaling (PTCH1 and SMO) have been shown to be a major cause of basal cell carcinoma, and dozens of Hh inhibitors have been developed. To date, two inhibitors (GDC-0449 and LDE225) have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat basal cell carcinoma and medulloblastoma. Here, we review the role of the Hh signaling in the carcinogenesis and progression of gastric cancer and summarize recent findings on Hh inhibitors in gastric cancer. Hedgehog signaling is often aberrantly activated and plays an important role during inflammation and carcinogenesis of gastric epithelial cells. Further study of the precise mechanisms of Hh signaling in this disease is needed for the validation of therapeutic targets and evaluation of the clinical utility of Hh inhibitors for gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Xu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Unit 426, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX, 77030-4009, USA.,Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, First Hospital of China Medical University, 155 North Nanjing Street, Shenyang, 110001, People's Republic of China
| | - Shumei Song
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Unit 426, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX, 77030-4009, USA.
| | - Zhenning Wang
- Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, First Hospital of China Medical University, 155 North Nanjing Street, Shenyang, 110001, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jaffer A Ajani
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Unit 426, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX, 77030-4009, USA.
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Abstract
Poly-ADP-ribose polymerases (also known as ADP-ribosyltransferases or ARTDs) are a family of 17 enzymes in humans that catalyze the reversible posttranslational modification known as ADP-ribosylation. PARPs are implicated in diverse cellular processes, from DNA repair to the unfolded protein response. Small-molecule inhibitors of PARPs have improved our understanding of PARP-mediated biology and, in some cases, have emerged as promising treatments for cancers and other human diseases. However these advancements are hindered, in part, by a poor understanding of inhibitor selectivity across the PARP family. Here, we describe a simple, sensitive, and generalizable plate assay to test the potency and selectivity of small molecules against several PARP enzymes in vitro. In principle, this assay can be extended to all active PARPs, providing a convenient and direct comparison of inhibitors across the entire PARP enzyme family.
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Li Y, Cifuentes-Pagano E, DeVallance ER, de Jesus DS, Sahoo S, Meijles DN, Koes D, Camacho CJ, Ross M, St Croix C, Pagano PJ. NADPH oxidase 2 inhibitors CPP11G and CPP11H attenuate endothelial cell inflammation & vessel dysfunction and restore mouse hind-limb flow. Redox Biol 2019; 22:101143. [PMID: 30897521 PMCID: PMC6435978 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2019.101143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [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: 12/07/2018] [Revised: 02/05/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
First described as essential to the phagocytic activity of leukocytes, Nox2-derived ROS have emerged as mediators of a range of cellular and tissue responses across species from salubrious to deleterious consequences. Knowledge of their role in inflammation is limited, however. We postulated that TNFα-induced endothelial reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and pro-inflammatory signaling would be ameliorated by targeting Nox2. Herein, we in silico-modelled two first-in-class Nox2 inhibitors developed in our laboratory, explored their cellular mechanism of action and tested their efficacy in in vitro and mouse in vivo models of inflammation. Our data show that these inhibitors (CPP11G and CPP11H) disrupted canonical Nox2 organizing factor, p47phox, translocation to Nox2 in the plasma membrane; and abolished ROS production, markedly attenuated stress-responsive MAPK signaling and downstream AP-1 and NFκB nuclear translocation in human cells. Consequently, cell adhesion molecule expression and monocyte adherence were significantly inhibited by both inhibitors. In vivo, TNFα-induced ROS and inflammation were ameliorated by targeted Nox2 inhibition, which, in turn, improved hind-limb blood flow. These studies identify a proximal role for Nox2 in propagated inflammatory signaling and support therapeutic value of Nox2 inhibitors in inflammatory disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Li
- Vascular Medicine Institute, USA; Department of Pharmacology & Chemical Biology, USA
| | - E Cifuentes-Pagano
- Vascular Medicine Institute, USA; Department of Pharmacology & Chemical Biology, USA
| | - E R DeVallance
- Vascular Medicine Institute, USA; Department of Pharmacology & Chemical Biology, USA
| | - D S de Jesus
- Vascular Medicine Institute, USA; Department of Pharmacology & Chemical Biology, USA
| | - S Sahoo
- Vascular Medicine Institute, USA; Department of Pharmacology & Chemical Biology, USA
| | | | - D Koes
- Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, USA
| | - C J Camacho
- Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, USA
| | - M Ross
- Center for Biologic Imaging, University of Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - C St Croix
- Center for Biologic Imaging, University of Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - P J Pagano
- Vascular Medicine Institute, USA; Department of Pharmacology & Chemical Biology, USA.
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Abstract
More than any other organ, the heart is particularly sensitive to gene expression deregulation, often leading in the long run to impaired contractile performances and excessive fibrosis deposition progressing to heart failure. Recent investigations provide evidences that the protein phosphatases (PPs), as their counterpart protein kinases, are important regulators of cardiac physiology and development. Two main groups, the protein serine/threonine phosphatases and the protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs), constitute the PPs family. Here, we provide an overview of the role of PTP subfamily in the development of the heart and in cardiac pathophysiology. Based on recent in silico studies, we highlight the importance of PTPs as therapeutic targets for the development of new drugs to restore PTPs signaling in the early and late events of heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fallou Wade
- Cardiovascular Research Program, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, PO Box 3354, Riyadh, 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Karim Belhaj
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Al-Faisal University, Riyadh, 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Coralie Poizat
- Cardiovascular Research Program, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, PO Box 3354, Riyadh, 11211, Saudi Arabia. .,Biology Department, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, 92182, USA.
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Suzuki D, Pinto F, Senoo M. Promotion of Human Epidermal Keratinocyte Expansion in Feeder Cell Co-culture. Methods Mol Biol 2019; 1993:15-31. [PMID: 31148075 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-9473-1_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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Co-culture of human epidermal keratinocytes with mouse 3T3-J2 feeder cells, developed by Green and colleagues, has been used worldwide to generate skin autografts since the early 1980s. In addition, co-culture with 3T3-J2 cells has served as a fundamental tool in skin stem cell biology as it allows the evaluation of self-renewal capacity of epidermal stem cells. This chapter describes a recent improvement in the Green method to promote further the expansion of human epidermal keratinocytes utilizing a small-molecule inhibitor of TGF-β signaling. This new protocol enables more rapid expansion of human epidermal keratinocytes in co-culture with not only 3T3-J2 cells but also other feeder cells including human dermal fibroblasts and human preadipocytes, two major alternatives to 3T3-J2 cells, with a long-term goal of developing customized skin autografts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisuke Suzuki
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Filipa Pinto
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Makoto Senoo
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
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Wang M, Liu Y, Cheng Y, Wei Y, Wei X. Immune checkpoint blockade and its combination therapy with small-molecule inhibitors for cancer treatment. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer. 2019;1871:199-224. [PMID: 30605718 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2018.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2018] [Revised: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/14/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Initially understood for its physiological maintenance of self-tolerance, the immune checkpoint molecule has recently been recognized as a promising anti-cancer target. There has been considerable interest in the biology and the action mechanism of the immune checkpoint therapy, and their incorporation with other therapeutic regimens. Recently the small-molecule inhibitor (SMI) has been identified as an attractive combination partner for immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and is becoming a novel direction for the field of combination drug design. In this review, we provide a systematic discussion of the biology and function of major immune checkpoint molecules, and their interactions with corresponding targeting agents. With both preclinical studies and clinical trials, we especially highlight the ICI + SMI combination, with its recent advances as well as its application challenges.
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Haucke V, Krauß M. Identifying Small-Molecule Inhibitors of the Clathrin Terminal Domain. Methods Mol Biol 2018; 1847:51-64. [PMID: 30129009 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-8719-1_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
Abstract
Clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME) is a universal and evolutionarily conserved process that enables the internalization of numerous cargo proteins, including receptors for nutrients and signaling molecules, as well as synaptic vesicle reformation. Multiple genetic and chemical approaches have been developed to interfere with this process. However, many of these tools do not selectively block CME, for example by targeting components shared with clathrin-independent endocytosis pathways or by interfering with other cellular processes that indirectly affect CME.Clathrin, via interactions of endocytic proteins with its terminal domain (TD), serves as a central interaction hub for coat assembly in CME. Here, we describe an ELISA-based, high-throughput screening method used to identify small molecules that inhibit these interactions. In addition, we provide protocols for the purification of recombinant protein domains used for screening, e.g., the clathrin TD and the amphiphysin B/C domain. The screen has been applied successfully in the past, and ultimately led to the discovery of the Pitstop® family of inhibitors, but remains in use to evaluate the inhibitory potency of derivatives of these compounds, and to screen for completely novel inhibitor families.
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