Tumor-targeted delivery of a STING agonist improvescancer immunotherapy.

The cGAS-STING pathway is essential for immune defense against microbial pathogens and malignant cells; as such, STING is an attractive target for cancer immunotherapy. However, systemic administration of STING agonists poses safety issues while intratumoral injection is limited by tumor accessibility. Here, we generated antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) by conjugating a STING agonist through a cleavable linker to antibodies targeting tumor cells. Systemic administration of these ADCs was well tolerated and exhibited potent antitumor efficacy in syngeneic mouse tumor models. The STING ADC further synergized with an anti-PD-L1 antibody to achieve superior antitumor efficacy. The STING ADC promoted multiple aspects of innate and adaptive antitumor immune responses, including activation of dendritic cells, T cells, natural killer cells and natural killer T cells, as well as promotion of M2 to M1 polarization of tumor-associated macrophages. These results provided the proof of concept for clinical development of the STING ADCs.

Necroptosis-blocking compound NBC1 targets heat shock protein 70 to inhibit MLKL polymerization and necroptosis.

Necroptosis is a regulated necrotic cell death pathway involved in development and disease. Its signaling cascade results in the formation of disulfide bond-dependent amyloid-like polymers of mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein (MLKL), which mediate proinflammatory cell membrane disruption. We screened compound libraries provided by the National Cancer Institute and identified a small-molecule inhibitor of necroptosis named necroptosis-blocking compound 1 (NBC1). Biotin-labeled NBC1 specifically conjugates to heat shock protein Hsp70. NBC1 and PES-Cl, a known Hsp70 substrate-binding inhibitor, block the formation of MLKL polymers, but not MLKL tetramers in necroptosis-induced cells. In vitro, recombinant Hsp70 interacts with the N-terminal domain (NTD) of MLKL and promotes NTD polymerization, which has been shown to mediate the cell killing activity. Furthermore, the substrate-binding domain (SBD) of Hsp70 is sufficient to promote MLKL polymerization. NBC1 covalently conjugates cysteine 574 and cysteine 603 of the SBD to block its function. In addition, an SBD mutant with both cysteines mutated to serines loses its ability to promote MLKL polymerization. Interestingly, knockdown of Hsp70 in cells leads to MLKL destabilization, suggesting that MLKL might also be a client protein of Hsp70. In summary, using NBC1, an inhibitor of necroptosis, we identified Hsp70 as a molecular chaperone performing dual functions in necroptosis. It stabilizes MLKL protein under normal condition and promotes MLKL polymerization through its substrate-binding domain during necroptosis.

Repurposing Iron- and 2-Oxoglutarate-Dependent Oxygenases to Catalyze Olefin Hydration.

Mononuclear nonheme iron(II) and 2-oxoglutarate (Fe/2OG)-dependent oxygenases and halogenases are known to catalyze a diverse set of oxidative reactions, including hydroxylation, halogenation, epoxidation, and desaturation in primary metabolism and natural product maturation. However, their use in abiotic transformations has mainly been limited to C-H oxidation. Herein, we show that various enzymes of this family, when reconstituted with Fe(II) or Fe(III), can catalyze Mukaiyama hydration-a redox neutral transformation. Distinct from the native reactions of the Fe/2OG enzymes, wherein oxygen atom transfer (OAT) catalyzed by an iron-oxo species is involved, this nonnative transformation proceeds through a hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) pathway in a 2OG-independent manner. Additionally, in contrast to conventional inorganic catalysts, wherein a dinuclear iron species is responsible for HAT, the Fe/2OG enzymes exploit a mononuclear iron center to support this reaction. Collectively, our work demonstrates that Fe/2OG enzymes have utility in catalysis beyond the current scope of catalytic oxidation.

Identification of TRAMs as sphingolipid-binding proteins using a photoactivatable and clickable short-chain ceramide analog.

Ceramide is a lipid molecule that regulates diverse physiological and pathological reactions in part through inverting the topology of certain transmembrane proteins. This topological inversion is achieved through regulated alternative translocation (RAT), which reverses the direction by which membrane proteins are translocated across the endoplasmic reticulum during translation. However, owing to technical challenges in studying protein-ceramide interaction, it remains unclear how ceramide levels are sensed in cells to trigger RAT. Here, we report the synthesis of pac-C7-Cer, a photoactivatable and clickable short-chain ceramide analog that can be used as a probe to study protein-ceramide interactions. We demonstrate that translocating chain-associated membrane protein 2 (TRAM2), a protein known to control RAT of transmembrane 4 L6 subfamily member 20, and TRAM1, a homolog of TRAM2, interacted with molecules derived from pac-C7-Cer. This interaction was competed by naturally existing long-chain ceramide molecules. We showed that binding of ceramide and its analogs to TRAM2 correlated with their ability to induce RAT of transmembrane 4 L6 subfamily member 20. In addition to probing ceramide-TRAM interactions, we provide evidence that pac-C7-cer could be used for proteome-wide identification of ceramide-binding proteins. Our study provides mechanistic insights into RAT by identifying TRAMs as potential ceramide-binding proteins and establishes pac-C7-Cer as a valuable tool for future study of ceramide-protein interactions.

Uncoupling of PARP1 trapping and inhibition using selective PARP1 degradation.

PARP1 inhibitors (PARPi) are known to kill tumor cells via two mechanisms (PARP1 catalytic inhibition and PARP1 trapping). The relative contribution of these two pathways in mediating the cytotoxicity of PARPi, however, is not well understood. Here we designed a series of small molecule PARP degraders. Treatment with one such compound iRucaparib-AP6 results in highly efficient and specific PARP1 degradation. iRucaparib-AP6 blocks the enzymatic activity of PARP1 in vitro, and PARP1-mediated poly-ADP-ribosylation signaling in intact cells. This strategy mimics PARP1 genetic depletion, which enables the pharmacological decoupling of PARP1 inhibition from PARP1 trapping. Finally, by depleting PARP1, iRucaparib-AP6 protects muscle cells and primary cardiomyocytes from DNA-damage-induced energy crisis and cell death. In summary, these compounds represent 'non-trapping' PARP1 degraders that block both the catalytic activity and scaffolding effects of PARP1, providing an ideal approach for the amelioration of the various pathological conditions caused by PARP1 hyperactivation.

Cyclic GMP-AMP containing mixed phosphodiester linkages is an endogenous high-affinity ligand for STING.

The presence of microbial or self DNA in the cytoplasm of mammalian cells is a danger signal detected by the DNA sensor cyclic-GMP-AMP (cGAMP) synthase (cGAS), which catalyzes the production of cGAMP that in turn serves as a second messenger to activate innate immune responses. Here we show that endogenous cGAMP in mammalian cells contains two distinct phosphodiester linkages, one between 2'-OH of GMP and 5'-phosphate of AMP, and the other between 3'-OH of AMP and 5'-phosphate of GMP. This molecule, termed 2'3'-cGAMP, is unique in that it binds to the adaptor protein STING with a much greater affinity than cGAMP molecules containing other combinations of phosphodiester linkages. The crystal structure of STING bound to 2'3'-cGAMP revealed the structural basis of this high-affinity binding and a ligand-induced conformational change in STING that may underlie its activation.

Stereoselective fatty acylation is essential for the release of lipidated WNT proteins from the acyltransferase Porcupine (PORCN).

The maintenance of adult animal tissues depends upon highly conserved intercellular signaling molecules that include the secreted WNT proteins. Although it is generally accepted that lipidation of WNTs by the acyltransferase Porcupine (PORCN) and their subsequent recognition by the Wntless (WLS) protein is essential for their cellular secretion, the molecular understanding of this process remains limited. Using structurally diverse fatty acyl donor analogs and mouse embryonic fibroblasts expressing PORCN protein from different metazoan phyla, we demonstrate here that PORCN active-site features, which are conserved across the animal kingdom, enforce cis-Δ9 fatty acylation of WNTs. Aberrant acylation of a WNT with an exogenously supplied trans-Δ9 fatty acid induced the accumulation of WNT-PORCN complexes, suggesting that the fatty acyl species is critical for the extrication of lipidated WNTs from PORCN. Our findings reveal a previously unrecognized fatty acyl-selective checkpoint in the manufacturing of a lipoprotein that forms a basis for WNT signaling sensitivity to trans fats and to PORCN inhibitors in clinical development.

cGAS is essential for the antitumor effect of immune checkpoint blockade.

cGMP-AMP (cGAMP) synthase (cGAS) is a cytosolic DNA sensor that activates innate immune responses. cGAS catalyzes the synthesis of cGAMP, which functions as a second messenger that binds and activates the adaptor protein STING to induce type I interferons (IFNs) and other immune modulatory molecules. Here we show that cGAS is indispensable for the antitumor effect of immune checkpoint blockade in mice. Wild-type, but not cGAS-deficient, mice exhibited slower growth of B16 melanomas in response to a PD-L1 antibody treatment. Consistently, intramuscular delivery of cGAMP inhibited melanoma growth and prolonged the survival of the tumor-bearing mice. The combination of cGAMP and PD-L1 antibody exerted stronger antitumor effects than did either treatment alone. cGAMP treatment activated dendritic cells and enhanced cross-presentation of tumor-associated antigens to CD8 T cells. These results indicate that activation of the cGAS pathway is important for intrinsic antitumor immunity and that cGAMP may be used directly for cancer immunotherapy.

Rapid access to the core skeleton of the [3 + 2]-type dimeric pyrrole-imidazole alkaloids by triplet ketone-mediated C-H functionalization.

The ability of triplet ketones to abstract a hydrogen atom from hydrocarbons is reminiscent of that of the high-spin metal-oxo complexes in C-H oxidation enzymes. In practice, the reactivity of triplet ketones is easier to control and applicable to promoting a wider range of reactions. We demonstrate herein the synthetic utility of triplet ketone-mediated C-addition of methanol to cyclopentenone derivatives with an expedient synthesis of the core skeleton of the [3+2]-type dimeric pyrrole-imidazole alkaloids. Remarkably, this photochemical C-H functionalization reaction is highly regioselective and can tolerate a good range of functional groups.

Molecular basis for the specific recognition of the metazoan cyclic GMP-AMP by the innate immune adaptor protein STING.

Cyclic GMP-AMP containing a unique combination of mixed phosphodiester linkages (2'3'-cGAMP) is an endogenous second messenger molecule that activates the type-I IFN pathway upon binding to the homodimer of the adaptor protein STING on the surface of endoplasmic reticulum membrane. However, the preferential binding of the asymmetric ligand 2'3'-cGAMP to the symmetric dimer of STING represents a physicochemical enigma. Here we show that 2'3'-cGAMP, but not its linkage isomers, adopts an organized free-ligand conformation that resembles the STING-bound conformation and pays low entropy and enthalpy costs in converting into the active conformation. Our results demonstrate that analyses of free-ligand conformations can be as important as analyses of protein conformations in understanding protein-ligand interactions.

Natural products as inspiration for the development of new synthetic methods.

Natural products have played an important role in shaping modern synthetic organic chemistry. In particular, their complex molecular skeletons have stimulated the development of many new synthetic methods. We highlight in this article some recent examples of synthetic design inspired by the biosynthesis of natural products.

Stereocontrolled Formation of a [4.4]Heterospiro Ring System with Unexpected Inversion of Configuration at the Spirocenter.

Stereoselective construction of the 1,3-diazaspiro[4.4]nonane core skeleton of massadine and related dimeric pyrrole-imidazole alkaloids is a synthetic challenge. We describe herein the synthesis of all C13/14 diastereomers of this spiro molecule through controlled oxidation and epimerization of the C13 spirocenter under mild acidic conditions.

Ketone-catalyzed photochemical C(sp3)-H chlorination.

Photoexcited arylketones catalyze the direct chlorination of C(sp3)-H groups by N-chlorosuccinimide. Acetophenone is the most effective catalyst for functionalization of unactivated C-H groups while benzophenone provides better yields for benzylic C-H functionalization. Activation of both acetophenone and benzophenone can be achieved by irradiation with a household compact fluorescent lamp. This light-dependent reaction provides a better control of the reaction as compared to the traditional chlorination methods that proceed through a free radical chain propagation mechanism.

Development of a triazole class of highly potent Porcn inhibitors.

The acyltransferase Porcupine (Porcn) is essential for the secretion of Wnt proteins which contribute to embryonic development, tissue regeneration, and tumorigenesis. We have previously discovered four molecular scaffolds harboring Porcn-inhibitory activity. Comparison of their structures led to the identification of a general scaffold that can be readily assembled by modular synthesis. We report herein the development of a triazole version of this new class of Porcn inhibitors. This study yielded IWP-O1, a Porcn inhibitor with an EC50 value of 80pM in a cultured cell reporter assay of Wnt signaling. Additionally, IWP-O1 has significantly improved metabolic stability over our previously reported Porcn inhibitors.

The past, present, and future of the Yang reaction.

Photoexcited ketones have diradical characteristics and are functionally similar to high-spin metal-oxo species that are frequently used to catalyze C-H oxidation. First discovered by Yang in 1958, photoexcited ketones can abstract a hydrogen atom from hydrocarbons inter- or intramolecularly. Coupling with atom-transfer, group-transfer, or radical addition, the Yang reaction can be used to achieve various types of C-H functionalization. We provide in this article an overview of triplet ketone-mediated or catalyzed C-H functionalization reactions.

Palladium-Catalyzed C-H Arylation of 1,2,3-Triazoles.

Palladium(II) acetate, in combination with triphenylphosphine, catalyzes direct arylation of 1,4-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazoles effectively. This C-H arylation reaction provides facile access to fully substituted triazoles with well-defined regiochemistry.

Asymmetric Synthesis of Axinellamines A and B.

Axinellamines A and B are broad-spectrum antibacterial pyrrole-imidazole alkaloids that have a complex polycyclic skeleton. A new asymmetric synthesis of these marine sponge metabolites is described herein, featuring an oxidative rearrangement and an anchimeric chlorination reaction.

Identification and characterization of ß-sitosterol target proteins.

ß-Sitosterol is the most abundant plant sterol in the human diet. It is also the major component of several traditional medicines, including saw palmetto and devil's claw. Although ß-sitosterol is effective against enlarged prostate in human clinical trials and has anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory activities, the mechanisms of action are poorly understood. Here, we report the identification of two new binding proteins for ß-sitosterol that may underlie its beneficial effects.

An approach for the synthesis of nakamuric acid.

The biosynthesis of dimeric pyrrole-imidazole alkaloids is likely mediated by enzyme-catalyzed reversible single-electron transfer (SET) cycloaddition. We now show that Ir(ppy)3 can promote SET-mediated formal [2+2] and [4+2] cycloaddition reactions of pyrrole-imidazole alkaloids-related substrates under photolytic conditions. This biomimetic approach is useful for the construction of the core skeleton of nakamuric acid and sceptrin.

Syntheses of Cyclic Guanidine-Containing Natural Products.

Naturally occurring guanidine derivatives frequently display medicinally useful properties. Among them, the higher order pyrrole-imidazole alkaloids, the dragmacidins, the crambescidins/batzelladines, and the saxitoxins/tetradotoxins have stimulated the development of many new synthetic methods over the past decades. We provide here an overview of the syntheses of these cyclic guanidine-containing natural products.