1
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Miah AH, Smith IED, Rackham M, Mares A, Thawani AR, Nagilla R, Haile PA, Votta BJ, Gordon LJ, Watt G, Denyer J, Fisher DT, Dace P, Giffen P, Goncalves A, Churcher I, Scott-Stevens P, Harling JD. Optimization of a Series of RIPK2 PROTACs. J Med Chem 2021; 64:12978-13003. [PMID: 34432979 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Receptor-interacting serine/threonine protein kinase 2 (RIPK2) is an important kinase of the innate immune system. Herein, we describe the optimization of a series of RIPK2 PROTACs which recruit members of the inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) family of E3 ligases. Our PROTAC optimization strategy focused on reducing the lipophilicity of the early lead which resulted in the identification of analogues with improved solubility and increased human and rat microsomal stability. We identified a range of IAP binders that were successfully incorporated into potent RIPK2 PROTACs with attractive pharmacokinetic profiles. Compound 20 possessed the best overall profile with good solubility, potent degradation of RIPK2, and associated inhibition of TNFα release. A proof-of-concept study utilizing a slow release matrix demonstrated the feasibility of a long-acting parenteral formulation with >1 month duration. This represents an attractive alternative dosing paradigm to oral delivery, especially for chronic diseases where compliance can be challenging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afjal H Miah
- Medicine Design, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Ian E D Smith
- Medicine Design, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Mark Rackham
- Medicine Design, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Alina Mares
- Medicine Design, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Aditya R Thawani
- Medicine Design, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Rakesh Nagilla
- Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, GlaxoSmithKline, 1250 South Collegeville Road, Collegeville, Pennsylvania 19426, United States
| | - Pamela A Haile
- Innate Immunity Research Unit, GlaxoSmithKline, 1250 South Collegeville Road, Collegeville, Pennsylvania 19426, United States
| | - Bartholomew J Votta
- Clinical Biomarkers, GlaxoSmithKline, 1250 South Collegeville Road, Collegeville, Pennsylvania 19426, United States
| | - Laurie J Gordon
- Medicine Design, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Gillian Watt
- Medicine Design, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Jane Denyer
- Medicine Design, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Don T Fisher
- Drug Design and Selection, GlaxoSmithKline, 1250 South Collegeville Road, Collegeville, Pennsylvania 19426, United States
| | - Phoebe Dace
- Medicine Design, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Paul Giffen
- Medicine Design, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Andrea Goncalves
- Medicine Design, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Ian Churcher
- Medicine Design, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Paul Scott-Stevens
- Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - John D Harling
- Medicine Design, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
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2
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Chung CW, Dai H, Fernandez E, Tinworth CP, Churcher I, Cryan J, Denyer J, Harling JD, Konopacka A, Queisser MA, Tame CJ, Watt G, Jiang F, Qian D, Benowitz AB. Structural Insights into PROTAC-Mediated Degradation of Bcl-xL. ACS Chem Biol 2020; 15:2316-2323. [PMID: 32697072 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.0c00266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The Bcl-2 family of proteins, such as Bcl-xL and Bcl-2, play key roles in cancer cell survival. Structural studies of Bcl-xL formed the foundation for the development of the first Bcl-2 family inhibitors and FDA approved drugs. Recently, Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras (PROTACs) that degrade Bcl-xL have been proposed as a therapeutic modality with the potential to enhance potency and reduce toxicity versus antagonists. However, no ternary complex structures of Bcl-xL with a PROTAC and an E3 ligase have been successfully determined to guide this approach. Herein, we report the design, characterization, and X-ray structure of a VHL E3 ligase-recruiting Bcl-xL PROTAC degrader. The 1.9 Å heterotetrameric structure, composed of (ElonginB:ElonginC:VHL):PROTAC:Bcl-xL, reveals an extensive network of neo-interactions, between the E3 ligase and the target protein, and between noncognate parts of the PROTAC and partner proteins. This work illustrates the challenges associated with the rational design of bifunctional molecules where interactions involve composite interfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-wa Chung
- Protein, Cellular & Structural Sciences, GlaxoSmithKline, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, SG1 2NY, United Kingdom
| | - Han Dai
- Protein Degradation Group, GlaxoSmithKline, 1250 South Collegeville Road, Collegeville, Pennsylvania 19426, United States
| | - Esther Fernandez
- Protein Degradation Group, GlaxoSmithKline, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, SG1 2NY, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher P. Tinworth
- Protein Degradation Group, GlaxoSmithKline, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, SG1 2NY, United Kingdom
| | - Ian Churcher
- Protein Degradation Group, GlaxoSmithKline, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, SG1 2NY, United Kingdom
| | - Jenni Cryan
- Protein Degradation Group, GlaxoSmithKline, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, SG1 2NY, United Kingdom
| | - Jane Denyer
- Protein Degradation Group, GlaxoSmithKline, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, SG1 2NY, United Kingdom
| | - John D. Harling
- Protein Degradation Group, GlaxoSmithKline, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, SG1 2NY, United Kingdom
| | - Agnieszka Konopacka
- Protein Degradation Group, GlaxoSmithKline, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, SG1 2NY, United Kingdom
| | - Markus A. Queisser
- Protein Degradation Group, GlaxoSmithKline, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, SG1 2NY, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher J. Tame
- Protein Degradation Group, GlaxoSmithKline, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, SG1 2NY, United Kingdom
| | - Gillian Watt
- Protein Degradation Group, GlaxoSmithKline, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, SG1 2NY, United Kingdom
| | - Fan Jiang
- Viva Biotech, Ltd., 334 Aidisheng Rd., Zhangjiang High-tech Park, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Dongming Qian
- Viva Biotech, Ltd., 334 Aidisheng Rd., Zhangjiang High-tech Park, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Andrew B. Benowitz
- Protein Degradation Group, GlaxoSmithKline, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, SG1 2NY, United Kingdom
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3
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Mares A, Miah AH, Smith IED, Rackham M, Thawani AR, Cryan J, Haile PA, Votta BJ, Beal AM, Capriotti C, Reilly MA, Fisher DT, Zinn N, Bantscheff M, MacDonald TT, Vossenkamper A, Dace P, Churcher I, Benowitz AB, Watt G, Denyer J, Scott-Stevens P, Harling JD. Extended pharmacodynamic responses observed upon PROTAC-mediated degradation of RIPK2. Commun Biol 2020; 3:140. [PMID: 32198438 PMCID: PMC7083851 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-020-0868-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Proteolysis-Targeting Chimeras (PROTACs) are heterobifunctional small-molecules that can promote the rapid and selective proteasome-mediated degradation of intracellular proteins through the recruitment of E3 ligase complexes to non-native protein substrates. The catalytic mechanism of action of PROTACs represents an exciting new modality in drug discovery that offers several potential advantages over traditional small-molecule inhibitors, including the potential to deliver pharmacodynamic (PD) efficacy which extends beyond the detectable pharmacokinetic (PK) presence of the PROTAC, driven by the synthesis rate of the protein. Herein we report the identification and development of PROTACs that selectively degrade Receptor-Interacting Serine/Threonine Protein Kinase 2 (RIPK2) and demonstrate in vivo degradation of endogenous RIPK2 in rats at low doses and extended PD that persists in the absence of detectable compound. This disconnect between PK and PD, when coupled with low nanomolar potency, offers the potential for low human doses and infrequent dosing regimens with PROTAC medicines. Mares et al. develop Proteolysis-Targeting Chimeras (PROTACs) that degrade its target RIPK2 in vivo at low doses for a prolonged period of time. This study suggests that PROTAC has a therapeutic potential that is superior to traditional RIPK2 small-molecule inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina Mares
- Medicine Design, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 2NY, UK
| | - Afjal H Miah
- Medicine Design, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 2NY, UK
| | - Ian E D Smith
- Medicine Design, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 2NY, UK
| | - Mark Rackham
- Medicine Design, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 2NY, UK
| | - Aditya R Thawani
- Medicine Design, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 2NY, UK
| | - Jenni Cryan
- Medicine Design, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 2NY, UK
| | - Pamela A Haile
- Innate Immunity Research Unit, GlaxoSmithKline, 1250 South Collegeville Road, Collegeville, PA, 19426, USA
| | - Bartholomew J Votta
- Innate Immunity Research Unit, GlaxoSmithKline, 1250 South Collegeville Road, Collegeville, PA, 19426, USA
| | - Allison M Beal
- Innate Immunity Research Unit, GlaxoSmithKline, 1250 South Collegeville Road, Collegeville, PA, 19426, USA
| | - Carol Capriotti
- Innate Immunity Research Unit, GlaxoSmithKline, 1250 South Collegeville Road, Collegeville, PA, 19426, USA
| | - Michael A Reilly
- Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, GlaxoSmithKline, 1250 South Collegeville Road, Collegeville, PA, 19426, USA
| | - Don T Fisher
- Drug Design and Selection, GlaxoSmithKline, 1250 South Collegeville Road, Collegeville, PA, 19426, USA
| | - Nico Zinn
- Cellzome, a GSK company, Meyerhofstrasse 1, 69117, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Marcus Bantscheff
- Cellzome, a GSK company, Meyerhofstrasse 1, 69117, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas T MacDonald
- Centre for Immunobiology, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, E1 2AT, London, UK
| | - Anna Vossenkamper
- Centre for Immunobiology, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, E1 2AT, London, UK
| | - Phoebe Dace
- Medicine Design, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 2NY, UK
| | - Ian Churcher
- Medicine Design, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 2NY, UK
| | - Andrew B Benowitz
- Medicine Design, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 2NY, UK
| | - Gillian Watt
- Medicine Design, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 2NY, UK
| | - Jane Denyer
- Medicine Design, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 2NY, UK
| | - Paul Scott-Stevens
- Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 2NY, UK
| | - John D Harling
- Medicine Design, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 2NY, UK.
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4
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Bassi ZI, Fillmore MC, Miah AH, Chapman TD, Maller C, Roberts EJ, Davis LC, Lewis DE, Galwey NW, Waddington KE, Parravicini V, Macmillan-Jones AL, Gongora C, Humphreys PG, Churcher I, Prinjha RK, Tough DF. Modulating PCAF/GCN5 Immune Cell Function through a PROTAC Approach. ACS Chem Biol 2018; 13:2862-2867. [PMID: 30200762 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.8b00705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
P300/CBP-associated factor (PCAF) and general control nonderepressible 5 (GCN5) are closely related epigenetic proteins, each containing an acetyltransferase domain and a bromodomain. Consistent with reported roles for these proteins in immune function, we find that PCAF-deficient macrophages exhibit a markedly reduced ability to produce cytokines upon stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Investigating the potential to target this pathway pharmacologically, we show that chemical inhibition of the PCAF/GCN5 bromodomains is insufficient to recapitulate the diminished inflammatory response of PCAF-deficient immune cells. However, by generating the first PCAF/GCN5 proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC), we identify small molecules able to degrade PCAF/GCN5 and to potently modulate the expression of multiple inflammatory mediators in LPS-stimulated macrophages and dendritic cells. Our data illustrate the power of the PROTAC approach in the context of multidomain proteins, revealing a novel anti-inflammatory therapeutic opportunity for targeting PCAF/GCN5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuni I. Bassi
- Protein Degradation DPU, Future Pipelines Discovery, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage SG1 2NY, United Kingdom
| | - Martin C. Fillmore
- NCE-MD Medicinal Chemistry UK Team, R&D Platform Technology & Science, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage SG1 2NY, United Kingdom
| | - Afjal H. Miah
- Protein Degradation DPU, Future Pipelines Discovery, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage SG1 2NY, United Kingdom
| | - Trevor D. Chapman
- Epigenetics DPU, Immuno-Inflammation and Oncology Therapy Area, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage SG1 2NY, United Kingdom
| | - Claire Maller
- Epigenetics DPU, Immuno-Inflammation and Oncology Therapy Area, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage SG1 2NY, United Kingdom
| | - Emma J. Roberts
- Epigenetics DPU, Immuno-Inflammation and Oncology Therapy Area, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage SG1 2NY, United Kingdom
| | - Lauren C. Davis
- Epigenetics DPU, Immuno-Inflammation and Oncology Therapy Area, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage SG1 2NY, United Kingdom
| | - Darcy E. Lewis
- Epigenetics DPU, Immuno-Inflammation and Oncology Therapy Area, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage SG1 2NY, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas W. Galwey
- Target Sciences Statistics, R&D Target Sciences, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage SG1 2NY, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Abigail L. Macmillan-Jones
- Protein Degradation DPU, Future Pipelines Discovery, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage SG1 2NY, United Kingdom
| | - Celine Gongora
- Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier, INSERM U1194, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier F-34298, France
| | - Philip G. Humphreys
- Epigenetics DPU, Immuno-Inflammation and Oncology Therapy Area, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage SG1 2NY, United Kingdom
| | | | - Rab K. Prinjha
- Epigenetics DPU, Immuno-Inflammation and Oncology Therapy Area, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage SG1 2NY, United Kingdom
| | - David F. Tough
- Epigenetics DPU, Immuno-Inflammation and Oncology Therapy Area, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage SG1 2NY, United Kingdom
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5
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Abstract
Targeted protein degradation, using bifunctional small molecules (Protacs) to remove specific proteins from within cells, has emerged as a novel drug discovery strategy with the potential to offer therapeutic interventions not achievable with existing approaches. In this Perspective, the brief history of the field is surveyed from a drug discovery perspective with a focus on the key advances in knowledge which have led to the definition and exemplification of protein degradation concepts and their resulting applications to medicine discovery. The approach has the potential to bring disruptive change to drug discovery; the many potential advantages and outstanding challenges which lie ahead of this technology are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian Churcher
- BenevolentBio , 40 Churchway, London NW1 1LW, U.K
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6
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Foley DJ, Craven PGE, Collins PM, Doveston RG, Aimon A, Talon R, Churcher I, von Delft F, Marsden SP, Nelson A. Synthesis and Demonstration of the Biological Relevance of sp 3 -rich Scaffolds Distantly Related to Natural Product Frameworks. Chemistry 2017; 23:15227-15232. [PMID: 28983993 PMCID: PMC5703167 DOI: 10.1002/chem.201704169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [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: 09/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The productive exploration of chemical space is an enduring challenge in chemical biology and medicinal chemistry. Natural products are biologically relevant, and their frameworks have facilitated chemical tool and drug discovery. A "top-down" synthetic approach is described that enabled a range of complex bridged intermediates to be converted with high step efficiency into 26 diverse sp3 -rich scaffolds. The scaffolds have local natural product-like features, but are only distantly related to specific natural product frameworks. To assess biological relevance, a set of 52 fragments was prepared, and screened by high-throughput crystallography against three targets from two protein families (ATAD2, BRD1 and JMJD2D). In each case, 3D fragment hits were identified that would serve as distinctive starting points for ligand discovery. This demonstrates that frameworks that are distantly related to natural products can facilitate discovery of new biologically relevant regions within chemical space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J. Foley
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular BiologyUniversity of LeedsLeedsLS2 9JTUK
- School of ChemistryUniversity of LeedsLeedsLS2 9JTUK
| | - Philip G. E. Craven
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular BiologyUniversity of LeedsLeedsLS2 9JTUK
- School of ChemistryUniversity of LeedsLeedsLS2 9JTUK
| | - Patrick M. Collins
- Diamond Light Source LtdHarwell Science and Innovation CampusDidcotOX11 0QXUK
| | - Richard G. Doveston
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular BiologyUniversity of LeedsLeedsLS2 9JTUK
- School of ChemistryUniversity of LeedsLeedsLS2 9JTUK
| | - Anthony Aimon
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular BiologyUniversity of LeedsLeedsLS2 9JTUK
- School of ChemistryUniversity of LeedsLeedsLS2 9JTUK
| | - Romain Talon
- Structural Genomics Consortium, Nuffield Department of MedicineUniversity of Oxford, Roosevelt DriveOxfordOX3 7DQUK
| | - Ian Churcher
- GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research CentreStevenageSG1 2NYUK,BenevolentBio, ChurchwayLondonNW1 1LWUK
| | - Frank von Delft
- Diamond Light Source LtdHarwell Science and Innovation CampusDidcotOX11 0QXUK
- Structural Genomics Consortium, Nuffield Department of MedicineUniversity of Oxford, Roosevelt DriveOxfordOX3 7DQUK
| | | | - Adam Nelson
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular BiologyUniversity of LeedsLeedsLS2 9JTUK
- School of ChemistryUniversity of LeedsLeedsLS2 9JTUK
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7
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Flanagan JJ, Rossi AK, Anderoli M, Willard RR, Gordon D, Harling J, Churcher I, Smith I, Zinn N, Bantscheff M, Crews CM, Crew A, Coleman KG, Winkler JD, Qian Y. Abstract S4-03: Targeted and selective degradation of estrogen receptor (ER) alpha by PROTACs. Cancer Res 2017. [DOI: 10.1158/1538-7445.sabcs16-s4-03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
ERα-positive breast cancers comprise approximately 80% of all newly diagnosed cases. Current treatment approaches targeting ER signaling include antagonizing and/or downregulating ER or reducing estrogen levels. Faslodex (fulvestrant) is the only clinically-approved agent that is both a potent ER antagonist and downregulator but has limitations given its pharmacokinetics and route of administration. Over the past several years, targeted ER therapies have focused on developing selective estrogen receptor downregulators (SERDs, i.e, GDC-0810, GDC-0927, AZD9496, RAD1901). The mechanisms involved in ER downregulation by SERD binding are not completely understood, but evidence suggests that conformational changes in the receptor upon ligand binding combined with specific co-regulator interactions destabilize the receptor making it a target for passive proteasomal degradation. We hypothesized that the complex ER pharmacology required for SERD-based passive degradation might be different across various ER-positive cell lines and that targeted degradation of the receptor by actively recruiting the ubiquitin-proteasome machinery would provide a better approach for reducing ER levels. To test this hypothesis, we developed potent molecules directed against ER using our pioneering technology—proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs). PROTACs are heterobifunctional molecules that actively recruit specific E3 ligases resulting in ubiquitylation and degradation of target proteins. When testing for ER degradation using several SERDs and ER PROTACs, we discovered that both fulvestrant and ER PROTACs provided robust degradation in all ER-positive lines (<1 nM 50% degradation; >90% reduction) whereas other SERDs did not degrade or only modestly degraded the receptor. Importantly, MCF-7 cells were uniquely sensitive to SERD-based degradation of ER compared to other cell lines. Subcutaneous administration of fulvestrant (1mpk) or ER PROTACs (10 mpk) reduced uterine ER alpha levels in immature rats (>65% reduction). PROTAC-mediated degradation of ER was also achieved in breast cancer xenografts. To further validate the PROTAC mechanism, incubation of ER-positive cells with ER PROTACs resulted in increased levels of poly-ubiquitylated ERα when compared to SERDs. Lastly, to demonstrate the specificity of PROTAC-mediated ERα degradation, we utilized a cellular expression proteomics-based approach to examine over 7,000 proteins. In this experiment, only ERα and several known proteins whose genes are regulated by ERα, were significantly reduced by PROTACs. It remains to be seen how the current class of investigational downregulators will perform in the clinic. More importantly, a better understanding of the therapeutic potential and benefit of degrading the receptor instead of inhibiting the receptor needs to be explored. To that end, we continue to develop and characterize novel ER PROTACs with the anticipation that targeted ERα degradation will provide a greater clinical benefit than receptor antagonism.
Citation Format: Flanagan JJ, Rossi AK, Anderoli M, Willard RR, Gordon D, Harling J, Churcher I, Smith I, Zinn N, Bantscheff M, Crews CM, Crew A, Coleman KG, Winkler JD, Qian Y. Targeted and selective degradation of estrogen receptor (ER) alpha by PROTACs [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2016 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2016 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(4 Suppl):Abstract nr S4-03.
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Affiliation(s)
- JJ Flanagan
- Arvinas LLC, New Haven, CT; GSK Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, United Kingdom; Yale University, New Haven, CT
| | - AK Rossi
- Arvinas LLC, New Haven, CT; GSK Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, United Kingdom; Yale University, New Haven, CT
| | - M Anderoli
- Arvinas LLC, New Haven, CT; GSK Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, United Kingdom; Yale University, New Haven, CT
| | - RR Willard
- Arvinas LLC, New Haven, CT; GSK Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, United Kingdom; Yale University, New Haven, CT
| | - D Gordon
- Arvinas LLC, New Haven, CT; GSK Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, United Kingdom; Yale University, New Haven, CT
| | - J Harling
- Arvinas LLC, New Haven, CT; GSK Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, United Kingdom; Yale University, New Haven, CT
| | - I Churcher
- Arvinas LLC, New Haven, CT; GSK Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, United Kingdom; Yale University, New Haven, CT
| | - I Smith
- Arvinas LLC, New Haven, CT; GSK Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, United Kingdom; Yale University, New Haven, CT
| | - N Zinn
- Arvinas LLC, New Haven, CT; GSK Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, United Kingdom; Yale University, New Haven, CT
| | - M Bantscheff
- Arvinas LLC, New Haven, CT; GSK Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, United Kingdom; Yale University, New Haven, CT
| | - CM Crews
- Arvinas LLC, New Haven, CT; GSK Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, United Kingdom; Yale University, New Haven, CT
| | - A Crew
- Arvinas LLC, New Haven, CT; GSK Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, United Kingdom; Yale University, New Haven, CT
| | - KG Coleman
- Arvinas LLC, New Haven, CT; GSK Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, United Kingdom; Yale University, New Haven, CT
| | - JD Winkler
- Arvinas LLC, New Haven, CT; GSK Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, United Kingdom; Yale University, New Haven, CT
| | - Y Qian
- Arvinas LLC, New Haven, CT; GSK Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, United Kingdom; Yale University, New Haven, CT
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8
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Moragas T, Liffey RM, Regentová D, Ward JPS, Dutton J, Lewis W, Churcher I, Walton L, Souto JA, Stockman RA. Sigmatropic Rearrangement of Vinyl Aziridines: Expedient Synthesis of Cyclic Sulfoximines from Chiral Sulfinimines. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2016. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201604188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Toni Moragas
- School of Chemistry; University of Nottingham; University Park Nottingham NG7 2RD UK
| | - Ryan M. Liffey
- School of Chemistry; University of Nottingham; University Park Nottingham NG7 2RD UK
| | - Dominika Regentová
- School of Chemistry; University of Nottingham; University Park Nottingham NG7 2RD UK
| | - Jon-Paul S. Ward
- School of Chemistry; University of Nottingham; University Park Nottingham NG7 2RD UK
| | - Justine Dutton
- School of Chemistry; University of Nottingham; University Park Nottingham NG7 2RD UK
| | - William Lewis
- School of Chemistry; University of Nottingham; University Park Nottingham NG7 2RD UK
| | - Ian Churcher
- GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre; Gunnels Wood Road Stevenage SG1 2NY UK
| | | | - José A. Souto
- School of Chemistry; University of Nottingham; University Park Nottingham NG7 2RD UK
- Departamento de Química Orgánica; Universidade de Vigo; 36310 Vigo Spain
| | - Robert A. Stockman
- School of Chemistry; University of Nottingham; University Park Nottingham NG7 2RD UK
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9
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Moragas T, Liffey RM, Regentová D, Ward JPS, Dutton J, Lewis W, Churcher I, Walton L, Souto JA, Stockman RA. Sigmatropic Rearrangement of Vinyl Aziridines: Expedient Synthesis of Cyclic Sulfoximines from Chiral Sulfinimines. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2016; 55:10047-51. [DOI: 10.1002/anie.201604188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2016] [Revised: 06/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Toni Moragas
- School of Chemistry; University of Nottingham; University Park Nottingham NG7 2RD UK
| | - Ryan M. Liffey
- School of Chemistry; University of Nottingham; University Park Nottingham NG7 2RD UK
| | - Dominika Regentová
- School of Chemistry; University of Nottingham; University Park Nottingham NG7 2RD UK
| | - Jon-Paul S. Ward
- School of Chemistry; University of Nottingham; University Park Nottingham NG7 2RD UK
| | - Justine Dutton
- School of Chemistry; University of Nottingham; University Park Nottingham NG7 2RD UK
| | - William Lewis
- School of Chemistry; University of Nottingham; University Park Nottingham NG7 2RD UK
| | - Ian Churcher
- GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre; Gunnels Wood Road Stevenage SG1 2NY UK
| | | | - José A. Souto
- School of Chemistry; University of Nottingham; University Park Nottingham NG7 2RD UK
- Departamento de Química Orgánica; Universidade de Vigo; 36310 Vigo Spain
| | - Robert A. Stockman
- School of Chemistry; University of Nottingham; University Park Nottingham NG7 2RD UK
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10
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Borthwick JA, Ancellin N, Bertrand SM, Bingham RP, Carter PS, Chung CW, Churcher I, Dodic N, Fournier C, Francis PL, Hobbs A, Jamieson C, Pickett SD, Smith SE, Somers DO, Spitzfaden C, Suckling CJ, Young RJ. Structurally Diverse Mitochondrial Branched Chain Aminotransferase (BCATm) Leads with Varying Binding Modes Identified by Fragment Screening. J Med Chem 2016; 59:2452-67. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.5b01607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A. Borthwick
- Medicines Research Centre, GlaxoSmithKline R&D, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 2NY, U.K
- Department
of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, 295 Cathedral
Street, Glasgow, G1 1XL, U.K
| | - Nicolas Ancellin
- Les Ulis, Centre de Recherche, GlaxoSmithKline R&D, 25,27 Avenue du Québec, 91140 Villebon sur Yvette, France
| | - Sophie M. Bertrand
- Medicines Research Centre, GlaxoSmithKline R&D, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 2NY, U.K
- Department
of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, 295 Cathedral
Street, Glasgow, G1 1XL, U.K
| | - Ryan P. Bingham
- Medicines Research Centre, GlaxoSmithKline R&D, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Paul S. Carter
- Medicines Research Centre, GlaxoSmithKline R&D, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Chun-wa Chung
- Medicines Research Centre, GlaxoSmithKline R&D, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Ian Churcher
- Medicines Research Centre, GlaxoSmithKline R&D, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Nerina Dodic
- Les Ulis, Centre de Recherche, GlaxoSmithKline R&D, 25,27 Avenue du Québec, 91140 Villebon sur Yvette, France
| | - Charlène Fournier
- Medicines Research Centre, GlaxoSmithKline R&D, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Peter L. Francis
- Medicines Research Centre, GlaxoSmithKline R&D, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Andrew Hobbs
- Medicines Research Centre, GlaxoSmithKline R&D, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Craig Jamieson
- Department
of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, 295 Cathedral
Street, Glasgow, G1 1XL, U.K
| | - Stephen D. Pickett
- Medicines Research Centre, GlaxoSmithKline R&D, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Sarah E. Smith
- Medicines Research Centre, GlaxoSmithKline R&D, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Donald O’N. Somers
- Medicines Research Centre, GlaxoSmithKline R&D, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Claus Spitzfaden
- Medicines Research Centre, GlaxoSmithKline R&D, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Colin J. Suckling
- Department
of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, 295 Cathedral
Street, Glasgow, G1 1XL, U.K
| | - Robert J. Young
- Medicines Research Centre, GlaxoSmithKline R&D, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG1 2NY, U.K
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11
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Colomer I, Empson CJ, Craven P, Owen Z, Doveston RG, Churcher I, Marsden SP, Nelson A. A divergent synthetic approach to diverse molecular scaffolds: assessment of lead-likeness using LLAMA, an open-access computational tool. Chem Commun (Camb) 2016; 52:7209-12. [DOI: 10.1039/c6cc03244c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
LLAMA was used to assess the lead-likeness of scaffolds prepared via complementary cyclisations of hex-2-ene-1,6-diamine derivatives.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christopher J. Empson
- School of Chemistry
- University of Leeds
- Leeds
- UK
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology
| | - Philip Craven
- School of Chemistry
- University of Leeds
- Leeds
- UK
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology
| | | | - Richard G. Doveston
- School of Chemistry
- University of Leeds
- Leeds
- UK
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology
| | - Ian Churcher
- GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre
- Stevenage
- UK
| | | | - Adam Nelson
- School of Chemistry
- University of Leeds
- Leeds
- UK
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology
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12
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Abstract
Research into degradation of cellular proteins induced by small molecule agents known as Protacs has gathered pace recently. This article reviews recent progress and assesses the challenges to be addressed to enable clinical evaluation of agents.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hannah Lithgow
- GlaxoSmithKline
- Medicines Research Centre
- Stevenage
- UK
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry
| | - Ian Churcher
- GlaxoSmithKline
- Medicines Research Centre
- Stevenage
- UK
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13
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Bondeson DP, Mares A, Smith IED, Ko E, Campos S, Miah AH, Mulholland KE, Routly N, Buckley DL, Gustafson JL, Zinn N, Grandi P, Shimamura S, Bergamini G, Faelth-Savitski M, Bantscheff M, Cox C, Gordon DA, Willard RR, Flanagan JJ, Casillas LN, Votta BJ, den Besten W, Famm K, Kruidenier L, Carter PS, Harling JD, Churcher I, Crews CM. Catalytic in vivo protein knockdown by small-molecule PROTACs. Nat Chem Biol 2015; 11:611-7. [PMID: 26075522 PMCID: PMC4629852 DOI: 10.1038/nchembio.1858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 772] [Impact Index Per Article: 85.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2015] [Accepted: 06/03/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The current predominant therapeutic paradigm is based on maximizing drug-receptor occupancy to achieve clinical benefit. This strategy, however, generally requires excessive drug concentrations to ensure sufficient occupancy, often leading to adverse side effects. Here, we describe major improvements to the proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) method, a chemical knockdown strategy in which a heterobifunctional molecule recruits a specific protein target to an E3 ubiquitin ligase, resulting in the target's ubiquitination and degradation. These compounds behave catalytically in their ability to induce the ubiquitination of super-stoichiometric quantities of proteins, providing efficacy that is not limited by equilibrium occupancy. We present two PROTACs that are capable of specifically reducing protein levels by >90% at nanomolar concentrations. In addition, mouse studies indicate that they provide broad tissue distribution and knockdown of the targeted protein in tumor xenografts. Together, these data demonstrate a protein knockdown system combining many of the favorable properties of small-molecule agents with the potent protein knockdown of RNAi and CRISPR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel P Bondeson
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Alina Mares
- GSK Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, UK
| | | | - Eunhwa Ko
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Dennis L Buckley
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Jeffrey L Gustafson
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Nico Zinn
- Cellzome, a GSK company, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Carly Cox
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | | | | | | | - Linda N Casillas
- Pattern Recognition Receptor Discovery Performance Unit, GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Bartholomew J Votta
- Pattern Recognition Receptor Discovery Performance Unit, GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Willem den Besten
- Division of Biology & Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Craig M Crews
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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14
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Bertrand SM, Ancellin N, Beaufils B, Bingham RP, Borthwick JA, Boullay AB, Boursier E, Carter PS, Chung CW, Churcher I, Dodic N, Fouchet MH, Fournier C, Francis PL, Gummer LA, Herry K, Hobbs A, Hobbs CI, Homes P, Jamieson C, Nicodeme E, Pickett SD, Reid IH, Simpson GL, Sloan LA, Smith SE, Somers DO, Spitzfaden C, Suckling CJ, Valko K, Washio Y, Young RJ. The Discovery of in Vivo Active Mitochondrial Branched-Chain Aminotransferase (BCATm) Inhibitors by Hybridizing Fragment and HTS Hits. J Med Chem 2015; 58:7140-63. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.5b00313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sophie M. Bertrand
- GlaxoSmithKline R&D, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
- Department
of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, 295 Cathedral
Street, Glasgow, G1 1XL, U.K
| | - Nicolas Ancellin
- Centre de Recherche, GlaxoSmithKline R&D, Les Ulis, 25, 27 Avenue du Québec, 91140 Villebon sur Yvette, France
| | - Benjamin Beaufils
- Centre de Recherche, GlaxoSmithKline R&D, Les Ulis, 25, 27 Avenue du Québec, 91140 Villebon sur Yvette, France
| | - Ryan P. Bingham
- GlaxoSmithKline R&D, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Jennifer A. Borthwick
- GlaxoSmithKline R&D, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
- Department
of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, 295 Cathedral
Street, Glasgow, G1 1XL, U.K
| | - Anne-Bénédicte Boullay
- Centre de Recherche, GlaxoSmithKline R&D, Les Ulis, 25, 27 Avenue du Québec, 91140 Villebon sur Yvette, France
| | - Eric Boursier
- Centre de Recherche, GlaxoSmithKline R&D, Les Ulis, 25, 27 Avenue du Québec, 91140 Villebon sur Yvette, France
| | - Paul S. Carter
- GlaxoSmithKline R&D, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Chun-wa Chung
- GlaxoSmithKline R&D, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Ian Churcher
- GlaxoSmithKline R&D, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Nerina Dodic
- Centre de Recherche, GlaxoSmithKline R&D, Les Ulis, 25, 27 Avenue du Québec, 91140 Villebon sur Yvette, France
| | - Marie-Hélène Fouchet
- Centre de Recherche, GlaxoSmithKline R&D, Les Ulis, 25, 27 Avenue du Québec, 91140 Villebon sur Yvette, France
| | - Charlène Fournier
- GlaxoSmithKline R&D, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Peter L. Francis
- GlaxoSmithKline R&D, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Laura A. Gummer
- GlaxoSmithKline R&D, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Kenny Herry
- Centre de Recherche, GlaxoSmithKline R&D, Les Ulis, 25, 27 Avenue du Québec, 91140 Villebon sur Yvette, France
| | - Andrew Hobbs
- GlaxoSmithKline R&D, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Clare I. Hobbs
- GlaxoSmithKline R&D, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Paul Homes
- GlaxoSmithKline R&D, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Craig Jamieson
- Department
of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, 295 Cathedral
Street, Glasgow, G1 1XL, U.K
| | - Edwige Nicodeme
- Centre de Recherche, GlaxoSmithKline R&D, Les Ulis, 25, 27 Avenue du Québec, 91140 Villebon sur Yvette, France
| | - Stephen D. Pickett
- GlaxoSmithKline R&D, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Iain H. Reid
- GlaxoSmithKline R&D, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Graham L. Simpson
- GlaxoSmithKline R&D, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Lisa A. Sloan
- GlaxoSmithKline R&D, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Sarah E. Smith
- GlaxoSmithKline R&D, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Donald O’N. Somers
- GlaxoSmithKline R&D, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Claus Spitzfaden
- GlaxoSmithKline R&D, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Colin J. Suckling
- Department
of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, 295 Cathedral
Street, Glasgow, G1 1XL, U.K
| | - Klara Valko
- GlaxoSmithKline R&D, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Yoshiaki Washio
- GlaxoSmithKline R&D, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
| | - Robert J. Young
- GlaxoSmithKline R&D, Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2NY, U.K
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15
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Bondeson D, Pancevac C, Kruidenier L, Carter P, Churcher I, Crews C. Small molecule‐induced catalytic ubiquitination of non‐natural substrates. FASEB J 2015. [DOI: 10.1096/fasebj.29.1_supplement.573.43] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Bondeson
- Molecular, Cellular, Developmental BiologyYale UniversityUnited States
| | | | | | - Paul Carter
- Medicines Research CentreGlaxoSmithKlineUnited Kingdom
| | - Ian Churcher
- Medicines Research CentreGlaxoSmithKlineUnited Kingdom
| | - Craig Crews
- Molecular, Cellular, Developmental BiologyYale UniversityUnited States
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16
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Foley DJ, Doveston RG, Churcher I, Nelson A, Marsden SP. A systematic approach to diverse, lead-like scaffolds from α,α-disubstituted amino acids. Chem Commun (Camb) 2015; 51:11174-7. [DOI: 10.1039/c5cc03002a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
A strategy for the efficient lead-oriented synthesis of novel molecular scaffolds is demonstrated. Twenty two scaffolds were prepared from four quaternary α-amino acid building blocks in only 49 synthetic operations, using six connective reactions. The ability of each scaffold to specifically target leadlike chemical space was demonstrated computationally.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ian Churcher
- GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre
- Stevenage
- UK
| | - Adam Nelson
- School of Chemistry
- University of Leeds
- Leeds
- UK
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology
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17
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Doveston RG, Tosatti P, Dow M, Foley DJ, Li HY, Campbell AJ, House D, Churcher I, Marsden SP, Nelson A. A unified lead-oriented synthesis of over fifty molecular scaffolds. Org Biomol Chem 2015; 13:859-65. [DOI: 10.1039/c4ob02287d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Sourcing large numbers of lead-like compounds is a major challenge; a unified synthetic approach enabled the efficient synthesis of 52 diverse lead-like molecular scaffolds from just 13 precursors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mark Dow
- School of Chemistry
- University of Leeds
- Leeds
- UK
| | | | - Ho Yin Li
- School of Chemistry
- University of Leeds
- Leeds
- UK
| | | | - David House
- GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre
- Stevenage
- UK
| | - Ian Churcher
- GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre
- Stevenage
- UK
| | | | - Adam Nelson
- School of Chemistry
- University of Leeds
- Leeds
- UK
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology
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18
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Moragas T, Churcher I, Lewis W, Stockman RA. Asymmetric Synthesis of Trisubstituted Aziridines via Aza-Darzens Reaction of Chiral Sulfinimines. Org Lett 2014; 16:6290-3. [DOI: 10.1021/ol502967x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Toni Moragas
- School
of Chemistry, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, U.K
| | - Ian Churcher
- GlaxoSmithKline, Gunnels
Wood Road, Stevenage, 2SG1
2NY, U.K
| | - William Lewis
- School
of Chemistry, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, U.K
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19
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Kaur R, Sloan LA, Blanchard AD, Smith JL, Churcher I, Wayne GJ, Ludbrook SB. A Phenotypic Screening Approach in Cord Blood–Derived Mast Cells to Identify Anti-Inflammatory Compounds. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 18:1223-33. [DOI: 10.1177/1087057113500073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Mast cells are unique hematopoietic cells that are richly distributed in the skin and mucosal surfaces of the respiratory and gastrointestinal tract. They play a key role in allergic inflammation by releasing a cocktail of granular constituents, including histamine, serine proteases, and various eicosanoids and cytokines. As such, a number of drugs target either inhibition of mast cell degranulation or the products of degranulation. To identify potential novel drugs and mechanisms in mast cell biology, assays were developed to identify inhibitors of mast cell degranulation and activation in a phenotypic screen. Due to the challenges associated with obtaining primary mast cells, cord blood–derived mononuclear cells were reproducibly differentiated to mast cells and assays developed to monitor tryptase release and prostaglandin D2 generation. The tryptase assay was particularly sensitive, requiring only 500 cells per data point, which permitted a set of approximately 12,000 compounds to be screened robustly and cost-effectively. Active compounds were tested for concomitant inhibition of prostaglandin D2 generation. This study demonstrates the robustness and effectiveness of this approach in the identification of potential novel compounds and mechanisms targeting mast cell–driven inflammation, to enable innovative drug discovery efforts to be prosecuted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rejbinder Kaur
- GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Lisa A. Sloan
- GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Andy D. Blanchard
- GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Janet L. Smith
- GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Ian Churcher
- GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Gareth J. Wayne
- GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, UK
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20
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Churcher I. Therapeutic Targets: Modulation, Inhibition, and Activation. Edited by Luis M. Botana and Mabel Loza. ChemMedChem 2013. [DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201300110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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21
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Nadin A, Hattotuwagama C, Churcher I. Lead-oriented synthesis: a new opportunity for synthetic chemistry. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2012; 51:1114-22. [PMID: 22271624 DOI: 10.1002/anie.201105840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 307] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2011] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The pharmaceutical industry remains solely reliant on synthetic chemistry methodology to prepare compounds for small-molecule drug discovery programmes. The importance of the physicochemical properties of these molecules in determining their success in drug development is now well understood but we present here data suggesting that much synthetic methodology is unintentionally predisposed to producing molecules with poorer drug-like properties. This bias may have ramifications to the early hit- and lead-finding phases of the drug discovery process when larger numbers of compounds from array techniques are prepared. To address this issue we describe for the first time the concept of lead-oriented synthesis and the opportunity for its adoption to increase the range and quality of molecules used to develop new medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan Nadin
- GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, SG1 2NY, UK
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22
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23
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Roe C, Solá TM, Sasraku-Neequaye L, Hobbs H, Churcher I, MacPherson D, Stockman RA. On the utility of S-mesitylsulfinimines for the stereoselective synthesis of chiral amines and aziridines. Chem Commun (Camb) 2011; 47:7491-3. [DOI: 10.1039/c1cc11870f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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24
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Solá TM, Churcher I, Lewis W, Stockman RA. Stereoselective aza-Darzens reactions of tert-butanesulfinimines: convenient access to chiral aziridines. Org Biomol Chem 2011; 9:5034-5. [DOI: 10.1039/c1ob05561e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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25
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Sloan LA, Fillmore MC, Churcher I. Small-molecule modulation of cellular chaperones to treat protein misfolding disorders. Curr Opin Drug Discov Devel 2009; 12:666-681. [PMID: 19736625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The correct folding of proteins is a fundamental process in the normal physiological functioning of cells, and is mediated by cellular chaperones including members of the Hsp70 family. Many diseases are caused by a failure of cellular chaperones to adequately maintain correct protein folding, and has led to the development of a therapeutic strategy to upregulate the activity of cellular chaperones in order to ameliorate intrinsic folding deficits. A large range of pharmacological agents that can induce cellular chaperones and correct deficits associated with misfolded proteins are known. This review surveys the mechanisms and compounds that have been used to modulate cellular chaperones, and discusses the continuing challenges in translating this approach into clinical improvements in the treatment of protein misfolding disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa A Sloan
- Department of Discovery Medicinal Chemistry, GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, UK.
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26
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Best JD, Smith DW, Reilly MA, O'Donnell R, Lewis HD, Ellis S, Wilkie N, Rosahl TW, Laroque PA, Boussiquet-Leroux C, Churcher I, Atack JR, Harrison T, Shearman MS. The novel gamma secretase inhibitor N-[cis-4-[(4-chlorophenyl)sulfonyl]-4-(2,5-difluorophenyl)cyclohexyl]-1,1,1-trifluoromethanesulfonamide (MRK-560) reduces amyloid plaque deposition without evidence of notch-related pathology in the Tg2576 mouse. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2006; 320:552-8. [PMID: 17099072 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.106.114330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a substantial body of evidence indicating that beta-amyloid peptides (Abeta) are critical factors in the onset and development of Alzheimer's disease (AD). One strategy for combating AD is to reduce or eliminate the production of Abeta through inhibition of the gamma-secretase enzyme, which cleaves Abeta from the amyloid precursor protein (APP). We demonstrate here that chronic treatment for 3 months with 3 mg/kg of the potent, orally bioavailable and brain-penetrant gamma-secretase inhibitor N-[cis-4-[(4-chlorophenyl)-sulfonyl]-4-(2,5-difluorophenyl)cyclohexyl]-1,1,1-trifluoromethanesulfonamide (MRK-560) attenuates the appearance of amyloid plaques in the Tg2576 mouse. These reductions in plaques were also accompanied by a decrease in the level of reactive gliosis. The morphometric and histological measures agreed with biochemical analysis of Abeta(40) and Abeta(42) in the cortex. Interestingly, the volume of the plaques across treatment groups did not change, indicating that reducing Abeta levels does not significantly alter deposit growth once initiated. Furthermore, we demonstrate that these beneficial effects can be achieved without causing histopathological changes in the ileum, spleen, or thymus as a consequence of blockade of the processing of alternative substrates, such as the Notch family of receptors. This indicates that in vivo a therapeutic window between these substrates seems possible--a key concern in the development of this approach to AD. An understanding of the mechanisms whereby MRK-560 shows differentiation between the APP and Notch proteolytic pathway of gamma-secretase should provide the basis for the next generation of gamma-secretase inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan D Best
- Department of In Vivo Neuroscience, Merck Sharp And Dohme, Neurosciene Research Centre, Harlow, UK.
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27
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Clarke EE, Churcher I, Ellis S, Wrigley JD, Lewis HD, Harrison T, Shearman MS, Beher D. Intra- or Intercomplex Binding to the γ-Secretase Enzyme. J Biol Chem 2006. [DOI: 10.1016/s0021-9258(19)84040-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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28
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Abstract
The two classical pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease are deposits of aggregated beta-amyloid (Abeta) peptide and neurofibrillary tangles composed of hyperphosphorylated tau protein. In addition to Abeta pathology, an invariant trait of Alzheimer's disease, disruption of tau processing is a necessary event in the neurotoxic cascade which eventually leads to neuronal death and subsequent dementia. Tau is a neuronal, microtubule-bound protein which becomes hyperphosphorylated as a result of an imbalance of the kinase and phosphatase activities which normally tightly regulate its phosphorylation. In addition to this pathogenic hyperphosphorylation, tau dissociates from microtubules and self-aggregates to form insoluble oligomers which progress to the macroscopic tangles evident in post mortem Alzheimer's disease tissue. Subsequent toxicity may ensue either as a direct toxic effect of free tau oligomers or as a result of altered microtubule-dependent processes. In order to intervene pharmacologically in this disease process, much effort has been expended in order to identify and inhibit the kinases responsible for pathogenic hyperphosphorylation and many candidate kinases have been investigated including glycogen synthase kinase (GSK-3), cyclin-dependant kinase-5 (Cdk-5), MAPK family members (extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 [Erk-1 and 2], MEK [MAP kinase kinase], c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinases (JNKs) and p38), casein kinase, calcium calmodulin-dependant kinase II (CaMK-II), microtubule affinity regulating kinase (MARK), protein kinase A (PKA/cAMP-dependant protein kinase) and others. Focus has also fallen upon the role of the phosphatases responsible for dephosphorylation of tau. This review will describe the tau-related etiology of Alzheimer's disease and other tauopathies as well as the therapeutic strategies to inhibit the hyperphosphorylation of tau.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian Churcher
- Department of Discovery Research, GlaxoSmithKline Medicines Research Centre, Stevenage, Herts SG1 2NY, UK.
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29
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Clarke EE, Churcher I, Ellis S, Wrigley JDJ, Lewis HD, Harrison T, Shearman MS, Beher D. Intra- or intercomplex binding to the gamma-secretase enzyme. A model to differentiate inhibitor classes. J Biol Chem 2006; 281:31279-89. [PMID: 16899457 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m605051200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Gamma-secretase is one of the critical enzymes required for the generation of amyloid-beta peptides from the beta-amyloid precursor protein. Because amyloid-beta peptides are generally accepted to play a key role in Alzheimer disease, gamma-secretase inhibition holds the promise for a disease-modifying therapy for this neurodegenerative condition. Although recent progress has enhanced the understanding of the biology and composition of the gamma-secretase enzyme complex, less information is available on the actual interaction of various inhibitor classes with the enzyme. Here we show that the two principal classes of inhibitor described in the scientific and patent literature, aspartyl protease transition state analogue and small molecule non-transition state inhibitors, display fundamental differences in the way they interact with the enzyme. Taking advantage of a gamma-secretase enzyme overexpressing cellular system and different radiolabeled gamma-secretase inhibitors, we observed that the maximal binding of non-transition state gamma-secretase inhibitors accounts only for half the number of catalytic sites of the recombinant enzyme complex. This characteristic stoichiometry can be best accommodated with a model whereby the non-transition state inhibitors bind to a unique site at the interface of a dimeric enzyme. Subsequent competition studies confirm that this site appears to be targeted by the main classes of small molecule gamma-secretase inhibitor. In contrast, the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug gamma-secretase modulator sulindac sulfide displayed noncompetitive antagonism for all types of inhibitor. This finding suggests that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug-type gamma-secretase modulators target an alternative site on the enzyme, thereby changing the conformation of the binding sites for gamma-secretase inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Earl E Clarke
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, Merck Sharp and Dohme Research Laboratories, the Neuroscience Research Centre, Terlings Park, Harlow, Essex CM20 2QR, United Kingdom
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30
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Best JD, Jay MT, Otu F, Churcher I, Reilly M, Morentin-Gutierrez P, Pattison C, Harrison T, Shearman MS, Atack JR. In Vivo Characterization of Aβ(40) Changes in Brain and Cerebrospinal Fluid Using the Novel γ-Secretase Inhibitor N-[cis-4-[(4-Chlorophenyl)sulfonyl]-4-(2,5-difluorophenyl)cyclohexyl]-1,1,1-trifluoromethanesulfonamide (MRK-560) in the Rat. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2006; 317:786-90. [PMID: 16443723 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.105.100271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Plaques in the parenchyma of the brain containing Abeta peptides are one of the hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease. These Abeta peptides are produced by the final proteolytic cleavage of the amyloid precursor protein by the intramembraneous aspartyl protease gamma-secretase. Thus, one approach to lowering levels of Abeta has been via the inhibition of the gamma-secretase enzyme. Here, we report a novel, bioavailable gamma-secretase inhibitor, N-[cis-4-[(4-chlorophenyl)sulfonyl]-4-(2,5-difluorophenyl)cyclohexyl]-1,1,1-trifluoromethanesulfonamide (MRK-560) that displayed oral pharmacokinetics suitable for once-a-day dosing. It was able to markedly reduce Abeta in the brain and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the rat, with ED(50) values of 6 and 10 mg/kg, respectively. Time-course experiments using MRK-560 demonstrated these reductions in Abeta could be maintained for 24 h, and comparable temporal reductions in rat brain and CSF Abeta(40) further suggested that these two pools of Abeta are related. This relationship between the brain and CSF Abeta was maintained when MRK-560 was dosed once a day for 2 weeks, and accordingly, when all the data for the dose-response curve and time courses were correlated, a strong association was observed between the brain and CSF Abeta levels. These results demonstrate that MRK-560 is an orally bioavailable gamma-secretase inhibitor with the ability to markedly reduce Abeta peptide in the brain and CSF of the rat and confirm the utility of the rat for assessing the effects of gamma-secretase inhibitors on central nervous system Abeta(40) levels in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan D Best
- Departmentsof In Vivo Neuroscience, The Neuroscience Research Centre, Merck Sharp and Dohme Research Laboratories, Terlings Park, Harlow, Essex, United Kingdom
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31
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Churcher I, Beher D, Best JD, Castro JL, Clarke EE, Gentry A, Harrison T, Hitzel L, Kay E, Kerrad S, Lewis HD, Morentin-Gutierrez P, Mortishire-Smith R, Oakley PJ, Reilly M, Shaw DE, Shearman MS, Teall MR, Williams S, Wrigley JDJ. 4-substituted cyclohexyl sulfones as potent, orally active gamma-secretase inhibitors. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2005; 16:280-4. [PMID: 16275079 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2005.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2005] [Revised: 10/03/2005] [Accepted: 10/04/2005] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The protease gamma-secretase plays a pivotal role in the synthesis of pathogenic amyloid-beta in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Here, we report a further extension to a series of cyclohexyl sulfone-based gamma-secretase inhibitors which has allowed the preparation of highly potent compounds which also demonstrate robust Abeta(40) lowering in vivo (e.g., compound 32, MED 1mg/kg p.o. in APP-YAC mice).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian Churcher
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, The Neuroscience Research Centre, Merck Sharp and Dohme Research Laboratories, Terlings Park, Eastwick Road, Harlow, Essex CM20 2QR, UK.
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32
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Abstract
An effective, disease-modifying treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) remains one of the most significant unmet needs in modern medicine. As a result of the extensive research in the area, the mechanisms underlying the disease are now much better understood than at any time before. A significant amount of evidence points to the central role of beta-amyloid (Abeta) peptide-mediated toxicity in the disease etiology and strategies to remove this species from the central nervous system (CNS) have been actively pursued. The enzyme responsible for the final step in Abeta synthesis, gamma-secretase, has emerged as an attractive drug target and intensive research has transformed this enzyme from shadowy beginnings into a well characterised member of a new family of intramembrane-cleaving aspartyl proteases. Many inhibitors across diverse structural classes have been discovered and have demonstrated a lowering of central Abeta levels in preclinical models of AD. It has also become increasingly evident more recently that gamma-secretase also mediates a range of cleavages of alternative transmembrane peptides most notably the Notch receptor and the functional consequences of this activity have attracted much attention. The ultimate therapeutic benefit of gamma-secretase inhibitors and the effect of alternative, mechanism-based activities can only be judged when clinical data is forthcoming. In this review we describe the literature regarding the discovery of the nature of gamma-secretase, the development of small molecule inhibitors and their in vivo profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian Churcher
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Merck Sharp & Dohme, The Neuroscience Research Centre, Terlings Park, Harlow, Essex, CM20 2QR, UK.
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33
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Smith DW, Best J, Lewis H, Ellis S, Rosahl T, Boussiquet-Leroux C, Churcher I, Harrison T, Shearman M. [P‐211]: Chronic γ secretase inhibition can reduce amyloid load without evidence of Notch related pathology in the Tg2576 mouse. Alzheimers Dement 2005. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jalz.2005.06.269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jonathan Best
- Merck Sharp & DohmeThe Neuroscience Research CentreHarlowUnited Kingdom
| | - Huw Lewis
- Merck Sharp & DohmeThe Neuroscience Research CentreHarlowUnited Kingdom
| | - Semantha Ellis
- Merck Sharp & DohmeThe Neuroscience Research CentreHarlowUnited Kingdom
| | - Thomas Rosahl
- Merck Sharp & DohmeThe Neuroscience Research CentreHarlowUnited Kingdom
| | | | - Ian Churcher
- Merck Sharp & DohmeThe Neuroscience Research CentreHarlowUnited Kingdom
| | - Timothy Harrison
- Merck Sharp & DohmeThe Neuroscience Research CentreHarlowUnited Kingdom
| | - Mark Shearman
- Merck Sharp & DohmeThe Neuroscience Research CentreHarlowUnited Kingdom
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34
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Harrison T, Churcher I, Beher D. gamma-Secretase as a target for drug intervention in Alzheimer's disease. Curr Opin Drug Discov Devel 2004; 7:709-19. [PMID: 15503873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
gamma-Secretase is a critical enzyme involved in the production of amyloid-beta (Abeta) peptide, one of the main pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease. gamma-Secretase cleaves the beta-amyloid precursor protein (betaAPP) at a position predicted to be within the membrane. In addition to betaAPP, gamma-secretase cleaves a range of other substrates. Thus, a key question in the development of gamma-secretase inhibitors for preventing Abeta production is whether undesired mechanism-based side effects may result from inhibition of cleavage of other substrates, and if so whether a suitable window exists to reduce brain Abeta. In this review, progress in the development of small-molecule inhibitors will be described, and potential toxicity issues associated with the development of gamma-secretase inhibitors discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy Harrison
- Merck Sharp & Dohme Research Laboratories, The Neuroscience Research Centre, Terlings Park, Harlow Essex CM20 2QR, UK.
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35
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Beher D, Clarke EE, Wrigley JDJ, Martin ACL, Nadin A, Churcher I, Shearman MS. Selected non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and their derivatives target gamma-secretase at a novel site. Evidence for an allosteric mechanism. J Biol Chem 2004; 279:43419-26. [PMID: 15304503 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m404937200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Gamma-secretase is a multi-component enzyme complex that performs an intramembranous cleavage, releasing amyloid-beta (Abeta) peptides from processing intermediates of the beta-amyloid precursor protein. Because Abeta peptides are thought to be causative for Alzheimer's disease, inhibiting gamma-secretase represents a potential treatment for this neurodegenerative condition. Whereas inhibitors directed at the active center of gamma-secretase inhibit the cleavage of all its substrates, certain non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been shown to selectively reduce the production of the more amyloidogenic Abeta(1-42) peptide without inhibiting alternative cleavages. In contrast to the majority of previous studies, however, we demonstrate that in cell-free systems the mode of action of selected NSAIDs and their derivatives, depending on the concentrations used, can either be classified as modulatory or inhibitory. At modulatory concentrations, a selective and, with respect to the substrate, noncompetitive inhibition of Abeta(1-42) production was observed. At inhibitory concentrations, on the other hand, biochemical readouts reminiscent of a nonselective gamma-secretase inhibition were obtained. When these compounds were analyzed for their ability to displace a radiolabeled, transition-state analog inhibitor from solubilized enzyme, noncompetitive antagonism was observed. The allosteric nature of radioligand displacement suggests that NSAID-like inhibitors change the conformation of the gamma-secretase enzyme complex by binding to a novel site, which is discrete from the binding site for transition-state analogs and therefore distinct from the catalytic center. Consequently, drug discovery efforts aimed at this site may identify novel allosteric inhibitors that could benefit from a wider window for inhibition of gamma (42)-cleavage over alternative cleavages in the beta-amyloid precursor protein and, more importantly, alternative substrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dirk Beher
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, Merck Sharp & Dohme Research Laboratories, The Neuroscience Research Centre, Terlings Park, Harlow, Essex CM20 2QR, UK.
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36
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Auty JM, Churcher I, Hayes CJ. An Enantioselective Formal Total Synthesis of (-)-TAN1251A. Synlett 2004. [DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-829092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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37
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Churcher I, Williams S, Kerrad S, Harrison T, Castro JL, Shearman MS, Lewis HD, Clarke EE, Wrigley JDJ, Beher D, Tang YS, Liu W. Design and synthesis of highly potent benzodiazepine gamma-secretase inhibitors: preparation of (2S,3R)-3-(3,4-difluorophenyl)-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-4- hydroxy-N-((3S)-1-methyl-2-oxo-5- phenyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-benzo[e][1,4]-diazepin-3-yl)butyramide by use of an asymmetric Ireland-Claisen rearrangement. J Med Chem 2003; 46:2275-8. [PMID: 12773031 DOI: 10.1021/jm034058a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Novel benzodiazepine-containing gamma-secretase inhibitors for potential use in Alzheimer's disease have been designed that incorporate a substituted hydrocinnamide C-3 side chain. A syn combination of alpha-alkyl or aryl and beta-hydroxy or hydroxymethyl substituents was shown to give highly potent compounds. In particular, (2S,3R)-3-(3,4-difluorophenyl)-2-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-hydroxy-N-((3S)-2-oxo-5-phenyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-benzo[e][1,4]diazepin-3-yl)butyramide (34) demonstrated excellent in vitro potency (IC(50) = 0.06 nM). 34 could also be selectively methylated to give [(3)H]-28, which is of use in radioligand binding assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian Churcher
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, The Neuroscience Research Centre, Merck Sharp & Dohme Research Laboratories, Terlings Park, Eastwick Road, Harlow, Essex, CM20 2QR, UK.
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38
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Churcher I, Ashton K, Butcher JW, Clarke EE, Harrison T, Lewis HD, Owens AP, Teall MR, Williams S, Wrigley JDJ. A new series of potent benzodiazepine gamma-secretase inhibitors. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2003; 13:179-83. [PMID: 12482419 DOI: 10.1016/s0960-894x(02)00909-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
A new series of benzodiazepine-containing gamma-secretase inhibitors with potential use in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease is disclosed. Structure-activity relationships of the pendant hydrocinnamate side-chain which led to the preparation of highly potent inhibitors are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian Churcher
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, The Neuroscience Research Centre, Merck, Sharp and Dohme Research Laboratories, Terlings Park, Eastwick Road, Essex Harlow, CM20 2QR, UK.
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39
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Churcher I, Hallett D, Magnus P. Dimerization of o-hydroxycyclohexadienones related to calicheamicinone: SN2 displacement of the 12α-hydroxyl group. Tetrahedron 1999. [DOI: 10.1016/s0040-4020(98)01204-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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40
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian Churcher
- Contribution from the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712
| | - David Hallett
- Contribution from the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712
| | - Philip Magnus
- Contribution from the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712
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41
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian Churcher
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry University of Texas at Austin Austin, Texas 78712
| | - David Hallett
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry University of Texas at Austin Austin, Texas 78712
| | - Philip Magnus
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry University of Texas at Austin Austin, Texas 78712
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42
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Uno H, Baldwin J, Churcher I, Russell A. Stereocontrolled Mukaiyama-type Aldol Reaction of Siloxypyrroles Derived from (S)-Glutamic Acid. Synlett 1997. [DOI: 10.1055/s-1997-798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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43
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Attwood MR, Churcher I, Dunsdon RM, David N H, Philip S J. Synthesis of the potent potassium channel opener Ro 31-6930 via claisen rearrangement and tandem regiocontrolled cyclisation. Tetrahedron Lett 1991. [DOI: 10.1016/s0040-4039(00)74894-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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