NRF2 in dermo-cosmetic: From scientific knowledge to skin care products.

The skin is the organ that is most susceptible to the impact of the exposome. Located at the interface with the external environment, it protects internal organs through the barrier function of the epidermis. It must adapt to the consequences of the harmful effects of solar radiation, the various chemical constituents of atmospheric pollution, and wounds associated with mechanical damage: oxidation, cytotoxicity, inflammation, and so forth. In this biological context, a capacity to adapt to the various stresses caused by the exposome is essential; otherwise, more or less serious conditions may develop accelerated aging, pigmentation disorders, atopy, psoriasis, and skin cancers. Nrf2-controlled pathways play a key role at this level. Nrf2 is a transcription factor that controls genes involved in oxidative stress protection and detoxification of chemicals. Its involvement in UV protection, reduction of inflammation in processes associated with healing, epidermal differentiation for barrier function, and hair regrowth, has been demonstrated. The modulation of Nrf2 in the skin may therefore constitute a skin protection or care strategy for certain dermatological stresses and disorders initiated or aggravated by the exposome. Nrf2 inducers can act through different modes of action. Keap1-dependent mechanisms include modification of the cysteine residues of Keap1 by (pro)electrophiles or prooxidants, and disruption of the Keap1-Nrf2 complex. Indirect mechanisms are suggested for numerous phytochemicals, acting on upstream pathways, or via hormesis. While developing novel and safe Nrf2 modulators for skin care may be challenging, new avenues can arise from natural compounds-based molecular modeling and emerging concepts such as epigenetic regulation.

Divergent Entry to C-Glycosides from Unprotected Sugars.

An efficient, divergent, and straightforward access to novel C-glycosides has been developed, namely, α-hydroxy carboxamide and carboxylic acid derivatives, via a green and scalable process from unprotected carbohydrates. The method involves condensation of 1,3-dimethylbarbituric acid with unprotected sugars followed by subsequent barbiturate oxidative cleavage in the same pot. Further expanding of the chemistry led to the development of efficient entries to diastereoisomerically pure C-glycosyl-α-hydroxy esters or amides through nucleophilic attack on a readily available and versatile key lactone intermediate.

LIT-001, the First Nonpeptide Oxytocin Receptor Agonist that Improves Social Interaction in a Mouse Model of Autism.

Oxytocin (OT) and its receptor (OT-R) are implicated in the etiology of autism spectrum disorders (ASD), and OT-R is a potential target for therapeutic intervention. Very few nonpeptide oxytocin agonists have currently been reported. Their molecular and in vivo pharmacology remain to be clarified, and none of them has been shown to be efficient in improving social interaction in animal models relevant to ASD. In an attempt to rationalize the design of centrally active nonpeptide full agonists, we studied in a systematic way the structural determinants of the affinity and efficacy of representative ligands of the V1a and V2 vasopressin receptor subtypes (V1a-R and V2-R) and of the oxytocin receptor. Our results confirm the subtlety of the structure-affinity and structure-efficacy relationships around vasopressin/oxytocin receptor ligands and lead however to the first nonpeptide OT receptor agonist active in a mouse model of ASD after peripheral ip administration.

Spontaneous DNA damage to the nuclear genome promotes senescence, redox imbalance and aging.

Accumulation of senescent cells over time contributes to aging and age-related diseases. However, what drives senescence in vivo is not clear. Here we used a genetic approach to determine if spontaneous nuclear DNA damage is sufficient to initiate senescence in mammals. Ercc1-/∆ mice with reduced expression of ERCC1-XPF endonuclease have impaired capacity to repair the nuclear genome. Ercc1-/∆ mice accumulated spontaneous, oxidative DNA damage more rapidly than wild-type (WT) mice. As a consequence, senescent cells accumulated more rapidly in Ercc1-/∆ mice compared to repair-competent animals. However, the levels of DNA damage and senescent cells in Ercc1-/∆ mice never exceeded that observed in old WT mice. Surprisingly, levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were increased in tissues of Ercc1-/∆ mice to an extent identical to naturally-aged WT mice. Increased enzymatic production of ROS and decreased antioxidants contributed to the elevation in oxidative stress in both Ercc1-/∆ and aged WT mice. Chronic treatment of Ercc1-/∆ mice with the mitochondrial-targeted radical scavenger XJB-5-131 attenuated oxidative DNA damage, senescence and age-related pathology. Our findings indicate that nuclear genotoxic stress arises, at least in part, due to mitochondrial-derived ROS, and this spontaneous DNA damage is sufficient to drive increased levels of ROS, cellular senescence, and the consequent age-related physiological decline.

Benchmarking the DFT methodology for assessing antioxidant-related properties: quercetin and edaravone as case studies.

The overall objective was to identify an accurate computational electronic method to virtually screen phenolic compounds through their antioxidant and free-radical scavenging activity. The impact of a key parameter of the density functional theory (DFT) approach was studied. Performances of the 21 most commonly used exchange-correlation functionals are thus detailed in the evaluation of the main energetic parameters related to the activities of two prototype antioxidants, namely quercetin and edaravone, is reported. These functionals have been chosen among those belonging to three different families of hybrid functionals, namely global, range separated, and double hybrids. Other computational parameters have also been considered, such as basis set and solvent effects. The selected parameters, namely bond dissociation enthalpy (BDE), ionization potential (IP), and proton dissociation enthalpy (PDE) allow a mechanistic evaluation of the antioxidant activities of free radical scavengers. Our results show that all the selected functionals provide a coherent picture of these properties, predicting the same order of BDEs and PDEs. However, with respect to the reference values, the errors found at CBS-Q3 level significantly vary with the functional. Although it is difficult to evidence a global trend from the reported data, it clearly appears that LC-ωPBE, M05-2X, and M06-2X are the most suitable approaches for the considered properties, giving the lowest cumulative mean absolute errors. These methods are therefore suggested for an accurate and fast evaluation of energetic parameters related to an antioxidant activity via free radical scavenging.

Discovery and Characterization of ACT-451840: an Antimalarial Drug with a Novel Mechanism of Action.

More than 40 % of the world's population is at risk of being infected with malaria. Most malaria cases occur in the countries of sub-Saharan Africa, Central and South America, and Asia. Resistance to standard therapy, including artemisinin combinations, is increasing. There is an urgent need for novel antimalarials with new mechanisms of action. In a phenotypic screen, we identified a series of phenylalanine-based compounds that exhibit antimalarial activity via a new and yet unknown mechanism of action. Our optimization efforts culminated in the selection of ACT-451840 [(S,E)-N-(4-(4-acetylpiperazin-1-yl)benzyl)-3-(4-(tert-butyl)phenyl)-N-(1-(4-(4-cyanobenzyl)piperazin-1-yl)-1-oxo-3-phenylpropan-2-yl)acrylamide] for clinical development. Herein we describe our optimization efforts from the screening hit to the potential drug candidate with respect to antiparasitic activity, drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics (DMPK) properties, and in vivo pharmacological efficacy.

Synthesis of analogs of the radiation mitigator JP4-039 and visualization of BODIPY derivatives in mitochondria.

JP4-039 is a lead structure in a series of nitroxide conjugates that are capable of accumulating in mitochondria and scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS). To explore structure-activity relationships (SAR), new analogs with variable nitroxide moieties were prepared. Furthermore, fluorophore-tagged analogs were synthesized and provided the opportunity for visualization in mitochondria. All analogs were tested for radioprotective and radiomitigative effects in 32Dcl3 cells.

GS-nitroxide (JP4-039)-mediated radioprotection of human Fanconi anemia cell lines.

Fanconi anemia (FA) is an inherited disorder characterized by defective DNA repair and cellular sensitivity to DNA crosslinking agents. Clinically, FA is associated with high risk for marrow failure, leukemia and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Radiosensitivity in FA patients compromises the use of total-body irradiation for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and radiation therapy for HNSCC. A radioprotector for the surrounding tissue would therefore be very valuable during radiotherapy for HNSCC. Clonogenic radiation survival curves were determined for pre- or postirradiation treatment with the parent nitroxide Tempol or JP4-039 in cells of four FA patient-derived cell lines and two transgene-corrected subclonal lines. FancG(-/-) (PD326) and FancD2(-/-) (PD20F) patient lines were more sensitive to the DNA crosslinking agent mitomycin C (MMC) than their transgene-restored subclonal cell lines (both P < 0.0001). FancD2(-/-) cells were more radiosensitive than the transgene restored subclonal cell line (ñ = 2.0 ± 0.7 and 4.7 ± 2.2, respectively, P = 0.03). In contrast, FancG(-/-) cells were radioresistant relative to the transgene-restored subclonal cell line (ñ = 9.4 ± 1.5 and 2.2 ± 05, respectively, P = 0.001). DNA strand breaks measured by the comet assay correlated with radiosensitivity. Cell lines from a Fanc-C and Fanc-A patients showed radiosensitivity similar to that of Fanc-D2(-/-) cells. A fluorophore-tagged JP4-039 (BODIPY-FL) analog targeted the mitochondria of the cell lines. Preirradiation or postirradiation treatment with JP4-039 at a lower concentration than Tempol significantly increased the radioresistance and stabilized the antioxidant stores of all cell lines. Tempol increased the toxicity of MMC in FancD2(-/-) cells. These data provide support for the potential clinical use of JP4-039 for normal tissue radioprotection during chemoradiotherapy in FA patients.

Synthesis and Structure-Activity Relationships of Benzothienothiazepinone Inhibitors of Protein Kinase D.

Protein kinase D (PKD) is a member of a novel family of serine/threonine kinases that regulate fundamental cellular processes. PKD is implicated in the pathogenesis of several diseases, including cancer. Progress in understanding the biological functions and therapeutic potential of PKD has been hampered by the lack of specific inhibitors. The benzoxoloazepinolone CID755673 was recently identified as the first potent and selective PKD inhibitor. The study of structure-activity relationships (SAR) of this lead structure led to further improvements in PKD1 potency. We describe herein the synthesis and biological evaluation of novel benzothienothiazepinone analogs. We achieved a ten-fold increase in the in vitro PKD1 inhibitory potency for the second generation lead kb-NB142-70 and accomplished a transition to an almost equally potent novel pyrimidine scaffold, while maintaining excellent target selectivity. These promising results will guide the design of pharmacological tools to dissect PKD function and pave the way for the development of potential anti-cancer agents.

Large-scale asymmetric synthesis of the bioprotective agent JP4-039 and analogs.

JP4-039 is a novel nitroxide conjugate capable of crossing lipid bilayer membranes and scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS). An efficient and scalable one-pot hydrozirconation-transmetalation-imine addition methodology has been developed for its asymmetric preparation. Furthermore, this versatile methodology allows for the synthesis of cyclopropyl and fluorinated analogs of the parent lead structure.

Two strategies for the development of mitochondrion-targeted small molecule radiation damage mitigators.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness of mitigation of acute ionizing radiation damage by mitochondrion-targeted small molecules. METHODS AND MATERIALS: We evaluated the ability of nitroxide-linked alkene peptide isostere JP4-039, the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor-linked alkene peptide esostere MCF201-89, and the p53/mdm2/mdm4 protein complex inhibitor BEB55 to mitigate radiation effects by clonogenic survival curves with the murine hematopoietic progenitor cell line 32D cl 3 and the human bone marrow stromal (KM101) and pulmonary epithelial (IB3) cell lines. The p53-dependent mechanism of action was tested with p53(+/+) and p53(-/-) murine bone marrow stromal cell lines. C57BL/6 NHsd female mice were injected i.p. with JP4-039, MCF201-89, or BEB55 individually or in combination, after receiving 9.5 Gy total body irradiation (TBI). RESULTS: Each drug, JP4-039, MCF201-89, or BEB55, individually or as a mixture of all three compounds increased the survival of 32D cl 3 (p = 0.0021, p = 0.0011, p = 0.0038, and p = 0.0073, respectively) and IB3 cells (p = 0.0193, p = 0.0452, p = 0.0017, and p = 0.0019, respectively) significantly relative to that of control irradiated cells. KM101 cells were protected by individual drugs (p = 0.0007, p = 0.0235, p = 0.0044, respectively). JP4-039 and MCF201-89 increased irradiation survival of both p53(+/+) (p = 0.0396 and p = 0.0071, respectively) and p53(-/-) cells (p = 0.0007 and p = 0.0188, respectively), while BEB55 was ineffective with p53(-/-) cells. Drugs administered individually or as a mixtures of all three after TBI significantly increased mouse survival (p = 0.0234, 0.0009, 0.0052, and 0.0167, respectively). CONCLUSION: Mitochondrial targeting of small molecule radiation mitigators decreases irradiation-induced cell death in vitro and prolongs survival of lethally irradiated mice.

Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of PKD Inhibitors.

Protein kinase D (PKD) belongs to a family of serine/threonine kinases that play an important role in basic cellular processes and are implicated in the pathogenesis of several diseases. Progress in our understanding of the biological functions of PKD has been limited due to the lack of a PKD-specific inhibitor. The benzoxoloazepinolone CID755673 was recently reported as the first potent and kinase-selective inhibitor for this enzyme. For structure-activity analysis purposes, a series of analogs was prepared and their in vitro inhibitory potency evaluated.

Mitochondria as a target in treatment.

Mitochondria are key organelles that perform essential cellular functions and play pivotal roles in cell death and survival signaling. Hence, they represent an attractive target for drugs to treat metabolic, degenerative, and hyperproliferative diseases. Targeting mitochondria with organelle-specific agents or prodrugs has proven to be an effective therapeutic strategy. More specifically, controlling the cellular ROS balance via selective delivery of an antioxidant "payload" into mitochondria is an elegant emerging therapeutic concept. Herein, we review the recent medicinal chemistry and clinical data of these exploratory strategies, which should point the way for future generations of therapeutics.

Subtlety of the structure-affinity and structure-efficacy relationships around a nonpeptide oxytocin receptor agonist.

Very few nonpeptide oxytocin agonists have currently been reported, and none of them seem suitable for the in vivo investigation of the oxytocin mediated functions. In an attempt to rationalize the design of better tools, we have systematically studied the structural determinants of the affinity and efficacy of representative ligands of the V(1a), V(2), and OT receptor subtypes. Despite apparently obvious similarity between the ligand structures on one hand, and between the receptor subtypes on the other hand, the binding affinity and the functional activity profiles of truncated and hybrid ligands highlight the subtlety of ligand-receptor interactions for obtaining nonpeptide OT receptor agonists.

Biased agonist pharmacochaperones of the AVP V2 receptor may treat congenital nephrogenic diabetes insipidus.

X-linked congenital nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (cNDI) results from inactivating mutations of the human arginine vasopressin (AVP) V2 receptor (hV(2)R). Most of these mutations lead to intracellular retention of the hV(2)R, preventing its interaction with AVP and thereby limiting water reabsorption and concentration of urine. Because the majority of cNDI-hV(2)Rs exhibit protein misfolding, molecular chaperones hold promise as therapeutic agents; therefore, we sought to identify pharmacochaperones for hV(2)R that also acted as agonists. Here, we describe high-affinity nonpeptide compounds that promoted maturation and membrane rescue of L44P, A294P, and R337X cNDI mutants and restored a functional AVP-dependent cAMP signal. Contrary to pharmacochaperone antagonists, these compounds directly activated a cAMP signal upon binding to several cNDI mutants. In addition, these molecules displayed original functionally selective properties (biased agonism) toward the hV(2)R, being unable to recruit arrestin, trigger receptor internalization, or stimulate mitogen-activated protein kinases. These characteristics make these hV(2)R agonist pharmacochaperones promising therapeutic candidates for cNDI.

Solid-phase organic tagging resins for labeling biomolecules by 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition: application to the synthesis of a fluorescent non-peptidic vasopressin receptor ligand.

Two novel solid-phase organic tagging (SPOrT) resins were synthesized to facilitate the labeling of peptides and small organic compounds with a fluorescent probe. Both resins were obtained from the commercially available backbone amide linker (BAL) resin. Following the solid-phase synthesis of model compounds, a tripeptide and benzazepine, the fluorescent probe derived from Lissamine Rhodamine B was incorporated through CuI-catalyzed 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition. Final cleavage in acidic media enabled access to both types of molecules in good yield with high purity. The SPOrT resin was successfully applied to the preparation of the first non-peptidic fluorescent compound with a nanomolar affinity for the human vasopressin V2 receptor (V2R) subtype. This molecule will find application in binding assays that use polarization or fluorescence resonance energy-transfer (FRET) techniques. The SPOrT resins are also well suited for other tags and the parallel synthesis of a fluorescently tagged library for protein screening.