scholarly journals Conserved lipid and small molecule modulation of COQ8 reveals regulation of the ancient UbiB family

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew G. Reidenbach ◽  
Zachary A. Kemmerer ◽  
Deniz Aydin ◽  
Adam Jochem ◽  
Molly T. McDevitt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Small Molecule ◽  
Coenzyme Q ◽  
Genetic System ◽  
Direct Role ◽  
Chemical Genetic ◽  
Evolutionarily Conserved ◽  
Endogenous Regulators ◽  
Endogenous Activity ◽  
Small Molecule Modulators

SummaryHuman COQ8A (ADCK3) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae Coq8p (collectively COQ8) are UbiB family proteins essential for mitochondrial coenzyme Q (CoQ) biosynthesis. However, the biochemical activity of COQ8 and its direct role in CoQ production remain unclear, in part due to lack of known endogenous regulators of COQ8 function and of effective small molecules for probing its activity in vivo. Here we demonstrate that COQ8 possesses evolutionarily conserved ATPase activity that is activated by binding to membranes containing cardiolipin and by phenolic compounds that resemble CoQ pathway intermediates. We further create an analog-sensitive version of Coq8p and reveal that acute chemical inhibition of its endogenous activity in yeast is sufficient to cause respiratory deficiency concomitant with CoQ depletion. Collectively, this work defines lipid and small molecule modulators of an ancient family of atypical kinase-like proteins and establishes a chemical genetic system for further exploring the mechanistic role of COQ8 in CoQ biosynthesis.

scholarly journals Development of a Testing Funnel for Identification of Small-Molecule Modulators Targeting Secretin Receptors

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-16
Author(s):  
Daniela G. Dengler ◽  
Qing Sun ◽  
John Holleran ◽  
Sirkku Pollari ◽  
Jannis Beutel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Small Molecule ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Peptide Ligand ◽  
Screening Assay ◽  
Obesity And Diabetes ◽  
Secretin Receptor ◽  
Class B ◽  
Combination Of Methods ◽  
Small Molecule Modulators

The secretin receptor (SCTR), a prototypical class B G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), exerts its effects mainly by activating Gαs proteins upon binding of its endogenous peptide ligand secretin. SCTRs can be found in a variety of tissues and organs across species, including the pancreas, stomach, liver, heart, lung, colon, kidney, and brain. Beyond that, modulation of SCTR-mediated signaling has therapeutic potential for the treatment of multiple diseases, such as heart failure, obesity, and diabetes. However, no ligands other than secretin and its peptide analogs have been described to regulate SCTRs, probably due to inherent challenges in family B GPCR drug discovery. Here we report creation of a testing funnel that allowed targeted detection of SCTR small-molecule activators. Pursuing the strategy to identify positive allosteric modulators (PAMs), we established a unique primary screening assay employing a mixture of three orthosteric stimulators that was compared in a screening campaign testing 12,000 small-molecule compounds. Beyond that, we developed a comprehensive set of secondary assays, such as a radiolabel-free target engagement assay and a NanoBiT (NanoLuc Binary Technology)-based approach to detect β-arrestin-2 recruitment, all feasible in a high-throughput environment as well as capable of profiling ligands and hits regarding their effect on binding and receptor function. This combination of methods enabled the discovery of five promising scaffolds, four of which have been validated and further characterized with respect to their allosteric activities. We propose that our results may serve as starting points for developing the first in vivo active small molecules targeting SCTRs.

scholarly journals Selective Small Molecule Targeting β-Catenin Function Discovered by In Vivo Chemical Genetic Screen

Cell Reports ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 4 (5) ◽  
pp. 898-904 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jijun Hao ◽  
Ada Ao ◽  
Li Zhou ◽  
Clare K. Murphy ◽  
Audrey Y. Frist ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Small Molecule ◽  
Genetic Screen ◽  
Chemical Genetic

120-LB: Small Molecule Activator of Pyruvate Kinase Regulates In Vivo Glucose Homeostasis

Diabetes ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 69 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 120-LB
Author(s):  
ABUDUKADIER ABULIZI ◽  
REBECCA L. CARDONE ◽  
STEPHAN SIEBEL ◽  
CHARLES KUNG ◽  
RICHARD KIBBEY
Keyword(s):  
Pyruvate Kinase ◽  
Small Molecule ◽  
Glucose Homeostasis

Quantitative Ranking of Ligand Binding Kinetics with a Multiscale Milestoning Simulation Approach

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin R. Jagger ◽  
Christoper T. Lee ◽  
Rommie Amaro
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Dynamics ◽  
Drug Discovery ◽  
Small Molecule ◽  
Brownian Dynamics ◽  
Model Simulation ◽  
Computational Cost ◽  
Lead Selection ◽  
Delta G ◽  
Dynamics Simulations

<p>The ranking of small molecule binders by their kinetic (kon and koff) and thermodynamic (delta G) properties can be a valuable metric for lead selection and optimization in a drug discovery campaign, as these quantities are often indicators of in vivo efficacy. Efficient and accurate predictions of these quantities can aid the in drug discovery effort, acting as a screening step. We have previously described a hybrid molecular dynamics, Brownian dynamics, and milestoning model, Simulation Enabled Estimation of Kinetic Rates (SEEKR), that can predict kon’s, koff’s, and G’s. Here we demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach for ranking a series of seven small molecule compounds for the model system, -cyclodextrin, based on predicted kon’s and koff’s. We compare our results using SEEKR to experimentally determined rates as well as rates calculated using long-timescale molecular dynamics simulations and show that SEEKR can effectively rank the compounds by koff and G with reduced computational cost. We also provide a discussion of convergence properties and sensitivities of calculations with SEEKR to establish “best practices” for its future use.</p>

Metabolism and Distribution of Novel Tumor Targeting Drugs In Vivo

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (13) ◽  
pp. 996-1008
Author(s):  
Mengli Wang ◽  
Qiuzheng Du ◽  
Lihua Zuo ◽  
Peng Xue ◽  
Chao Lan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Monoclonal Antibodies ◽  
Small Molecule ◽  
High Efficiency ◽  
Tumor Therapy ◽  
Research Progress ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Pharmacokinetic Parameters ◽  
Molecular Characteristics ◽  
Targeted Drugs

Background: As a new tumor therapy, targeted therapy is becoming a hot topic due to its high efficiency and low toxicity. Drug effects of targeted tumor drugs are closely related to pharmacokinetics, so it is important to understand their distribution and metabolism in vivo. Methods: A systematic review of the literature on the metabolism and distribution of targeted drugs over the past 20 years was conducted, and the pharmacokinetic parameters of approved targeted drugs were summarized in combination with the FDA's drug instructions. Targeting drugs are divided into two categories: small molecule inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies. Novel targeting drugs and their mechanisms of action, which have been developed in recent years, are summarized. The distribution and metabolic processes of each drug in the human body are reviewed. Results: In this review, we found that the distribution and metabolism of small molecule kinase inhibitors (TKI) and monoclonal antibodies (mAb) showed different characteristics based on the differences of action mechanism and molecular characteristics. TKI absorbed rapidly (Tmax ≈ 1-4 h) and distributed in large amounts (Vd > 100 L). It was mainly oxidized and reduced by cytochrome P450 CYP3A4. However, due to the large molecular diameter, mAb was distributed to tissues slowly, and the volume of distribution was usually very low (Vd < 10 L). It was mainly hydrolyzed and metabolized into peptides and amino acids by protease hydrolysis. In addition, some of the latest drugs are still in clinical trials, and the in vivo process still needs further study. Conclusion: According to the summary of the research progress of the existing targeting drugs, it is found that they have high specificity, but there are still deficiencies in drug resistance and safety. Therefore, the development of safer and more effective targeted drugs is the future research direction. Meanwhile, this study also provides a theoretical basis for clinical accurate drug delivery.

scholarly journals AB0069 LORECIVIVINT (SM04690), AN INTRA-ARTICULAR, SMALL-MOLECULE CLK/DYRK1A INHIBITOR THAT MODULATES THE WNT PATHWAY, AS A POTENTIAL TREATMENT FOR MENISCAL INJURIES

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 1335.2-1335
Author(s):  
T. Seo ◽  
V. Deshmukh ◽  
Y. Yazici
Keyword(s):  
Small Molecule ◽  
Rat Model ◽  
Wnt Pathway ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Meniscal Tear ◽  
Knee Oa ◽  
Meniscus Degeneration ◽  
Anti Inflammatory ◽  
Meniscal Damage

Background:Meniscal injuries, associated with pain, stiffness, and localized swelling, are the most common pathology of the knee with a prevalence of 61 per 100,000.1Meniscal damage is a frequent finding on MRI images of knee osteoarthritis (OA)2; while a meniscal tear can lead to knee OA, knee OA can also lead to a spontaneous meniscal tear.3Efforts to repair meniscal damage have been largely unsuccessful and do not prevent the progression of degenerative changes that lead to knee OA.4The Wnt signaling pathway has been shown to be regulated during meniscal development,5,6suggesting that manipulation of this pathway may influence the regenerative capacity of the meniscus. Lorecivivint (LOR; SM04690) is an intra-articular (IA), small-molecule CLK/DYRK1A inhibitor that modulates the Wnt pathway.Objectives:LOR was evaluated in preclinical studies to determine its protective and anabolic effects in ex vivo explants and in a rat model of chemically induced inflammatory meniscus degeneration.Methods:Effects of LOR (30 nM) on expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in cultured rat menisci treated with IL-1B were measured by qPCR. In vivo, LOR activity was evaluated in a rat model of monosodium iodoacetate (MIA) injection-induced inflammatory meniscus degeneration. A single IA injection of MIA was immediately followed by a single IA injection of LOR (0.3 ug) or vehicle. Knees were harvested on Days 1, 4, and 11 and menisci were isolated. Anti-inflammatory effects were evaluated by measuringTNFAandIL6expression by qPCR. Meniscus protection was evaluated by qPCR for MMPs and aggrecanase and anabolic effects by qPCR for collagens.Results:In ex vivo meniscal explants, LOR inhibited expression ofMMP1,MMP3, andMMP13compared to DMSO (P<0.01). In vivo, LOR significantly decreased expression of these MMPs and aggrecanase (P<0.05) compared to vehicle in the rat model of inflammatory meniscus degeneration at Day 4 after MIA injection. In addition, LOR reduced expression of inflammatory cytokinesTNFAandIL6at Day 4 compared to vehicle. Finally, LOR increased expression of collagen types I, II, and III at Day 11 after MIA injection.Conclusion:LOR exhibited protective effects in the meniscus ex vivo and in vivo by reducing the expression of catabolic enzymes compared to control. Anti-inflammatory effects of LOR were demonstrated by inhibition of inflammatory cytokine expression. Compared to vehicle, LOR increased expression of collagens in vivo, indicating potential meniscal anabolic effects. These data support further investigation of LOR as a potential disease-modifying therapy for meniscal injuries.References:[1]Logerstedt D and Snyder-Mackler L.J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2010[2]Englund M, et al.Rheum Dis Clin North Am. 2009[3]Englund M, et al.Radiol Clin North Am. 2009[4]von Lewinski, et al.Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2007[5]Pazin DE, et al.ORS 2012 Annual Meeting. Paper No. 0221[6]Pazin DE, et al.Dev Dyn. 2012Disclosure of Interests:Tim Seo Shareholder of: Samumed, LLC, Employee of: Samumed, LLC, Vishal Deshmukh Shareholder of: Samumed, LLC, Employee of: Samumed, LLC, Yusuf Yazici Shareholder of: Samumed, LLC, Grant/research support from: Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, and Genentech, Consultant of: Celgene and Sanofi, Employee of: Samumed, LLC

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