Phenotypic Identification of a Novel Autophagy Inhibitor Chemotype Targeting Lipid Kinase VPS34.

Autophagy is a critical regulator of cellular homeostasis and metabolism. Interference with this process is considered a new approach for the treatment of disease, in particular cancer and neurological disorders. Therefore, novel small-molecule autophagy modulators are in high demand. We describe the discovery of autophinib, a potent autophagy inhibitor with a novel chemotype. Autophinib was identified by means of a phenotypic assay monitoring the formation of autophagy-induced puncta, indicating accumulation of the lipidated cytosolic protein LC3 on the autophagosomal membrane. Target identification and validation revealed that autophinib inhibits autophagy induced by starvation or rapamycin by targeting the lipid kinase VPS34.

Insight into the Inhibition of Drug-Resistant Mutants of the Receptor Tyrosine Kinase EGFR.

Targeting acquired drug resistance represents the major challenge in the treatment of EGFR-driven non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Herein, we describe the structure-based design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of a novel class of covalent EGFR inhibitors that exhibit excellent inhibition of EGFR-mutant drug-resistant cells. Protein X-ray crystallography combined with detailed kinetic studies led to a deeper understanding of the mode of inhibition of EGFR-T790M and provided insight into the key principles for effective inhibition of the recently discovered tertiary mutation at EGFR-C797S.

A bead-based GPCR phosphorylation immunoassay for high-throughput ligand profiling and GRK inhibitor screening.

Analysis of agonist-driven phosphorylation of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) can provide valuable insights into the receptor activation state and ligand pharmacology. However, to date, assessment of GPCR phosphorylation using high-throughput applications has been challenging. We have developed and validated a bead-based immunoassay for the quantitative assessment of agonist-induced GPCR phosphorylation that can be performed entirely in multiwell cell culture plates. The assay involves immunoprecipitation of affinity-tagged receptors using magnetic beads followed by protein detection using phosphorylation state-specific and phosphorylation state-independent anti-GPCR antibodies. As proof of concept, five prototypical GPCRs (MOP, C5a1, D1, SST2, CB2) were treated with different agonizts and antagonists, and concentration-response curves were generated. We then extended our approach to establish selective cellular GPCR kinase (GRK) inhibitor assays, which led to the rapid identification of a selective GRK5/6 inhibitor (LDC8988) and a highly potent pan-GRK inhibitor (LDC9728). In conclusion, this versatile GPCR phosphorylation assay can be used extensively for ligand profiling and inhibitor screening.

Characterization of Covalent Pyrazolopyrimidine-MKK7 Complexes and a Report on a Unique DFG-in/Leu-in Conformation of Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinase 7 (MKK7).

Pyrazolopyrimidines are well-established as covalent inhibitors of protein kinases such as the epidermal growth factor receptor or Bruton's tyrosine kinase, and we recently described their potential in targeting mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 7 (MKK7). Herein, we report the structure-activity relationship of pyrazolopyrimidine-based MKK7 inhibitors and solved several complex crystal structures to gain insights into their binding mode. In addition, we present two structures of apo-MKK7, exhibiting a DFG-out and an unprecedented DFG-in/Leu-in conformation.

Targeting the MKK7-JNK (Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinase 7-c-Jun N-Terminal Kinase) Pathway with Covalent Inhibitors.

The protein kinase MKK7 is linked to neuronal development and the onset of cancer. The field, however, lacks high-quality functional probes that would allow for the dissection of its detailed functions. Against this background, we describe an effective covalent inhibitor of MKK7 based on the pyrazolopyrimidine scaffold.

Inhibition of osimertinib-resistant epidermal growth factor receptor EGFR-T790M/C797S.

Precision medicine has revolutionized the treatment of patients in EGFR driven non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Targeted drugs show high response rates in genetically defined subsets of cancer patients and markedly increase their progression-free survival as compared to conventional chemotherapy. However, recurrent acquired drug resistance limits the success of targeted drugs in long-term treatment and requires the constant development of novel efficient inhibitors of drug resistant cancer subtypes. Herein, we present covalent inhibitors of the drug resistant gatekeeper mutant EGFR-L858R/T790M based on the pyrrolopyrimidine scaffold. Biochemical and cellular characterization, as well as kinase selectivity profiling and western blot analysis, substantiate our approach. Moreover, the developed compounds possess high activity against multi drug resistant EGFR-L858R/T790M/C797S in biochemical assays due to their highly reversible binding character, that was revealed by characterization of the binding kinetics. In addition, we present the first X-ray crystal structures of covalent inhibitors in complex with C797S-mutated EGFR which provide detailed insight into their binding mode.

Characterization of Covalent-Reversible EGFR Inhibitors.

Within the spectrum of kinase inhibitors, covalent-reversible inhibitors (CRIs) provide a valuable alternative approach to classical covalent inhibitors. This special class of inhibitors can be optimized for an extended drug-target residence time. For CRIs, it was shown that the fast addition of thiols to electron-deficient olefins leads to a covalent bond that can break reversibly under proteolytic conditions. Research groups are just beginning to include CRIs in their arsenal of compound classes, and, with that, the understanding of this interesting set of chemical warheads is growing. However, systems to assess both characteristics of the covalent-reversible bond in a simple experimental setting are sparse. Here, we have developed an efficient methodology to characterize the covalent and reversible properties of CRIs and to investigate their potential in targeting clinically relevant variants of the receptor tyrosine kinase EGFR.

Trisubstituted Pyridinylimidazoles as Potent Inhibitors of the Clinically Resistant L858R/T790M/C797S EGFR Mutant: Targeting of Both Hydrophobic Regions and the Phosphate Binding Site.

Inhibition of the epidermal growth factor receptor represents one of the most promising strategies in the treatment of lung cancer. Acquired resistance compromises the clinical efficacy of EGFR inhibitors during long-term treatment. The recently discovered EGFR-C797S mutation causes resistance against third-generation EGFR inhibitors. Here we present a rational approach based on extending the inhibition profile of a p38 MAP kinase inhibitor toward mutant EGFR inhibition. We used a privileged scaffold with proven cellular potency as well as in vivo efficacy and low toxicity. Guided by molecular modeling, we synthesized and studied the structure-activity relationship of 40 compounds against clinically relevant EGFR mutants. We successfully improved the cellular EGFR inhibition down to the low nanomolar range with covalently binding inhibitors against a gefitinib resistant T790M mutant cell line. We identified additional noncovalent interactions, which allowed us to develop metabolically stable inhibitors with high activities against the osimertinib resistant L858R/T790M/C797S mutant.

Indazole-Based Covalent Inhibitors To Target Drug-Resistant Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor.

The specific targeting of oncogenic mutant epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a breakthrough in targeted cancer therapy and marks a drastic change in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The recurrent emergence of resistance to these targeted drugs requires the development of novel chemical entities that efficiently inhibit drug-resistant EGFR. Herein, we report the optimization process for a hit compound that has emerged from a phenotypic screen resulting in indazole-based compounds. These inhibitors are conformationally less flexible, target gatekeeper mutated drug-resistant EGFR-L858R/T790M, and covalently alkylate Cys797. Western blot analysis, as well as characterization of the binding kinetics and kinase selectivity profiling, substantiates our approach of targeting drug-resistant EGFR-L858R/T790M with inhibitors incorporating the indazole as hinge binder.

Structure-Guided Development of Covalent and Mutant-Selective Pyrazolopyrimidines to Target T790M Drug Resistance in Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor.

Reversible epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors prompt a beneficial clinical response in non-small cell lung cancer patients who harbor activating mutations in EGFR. However, resistance mutations, particularly the gatekeeper mutation T790M, limit this efficacy. Here, we describe a structure-guided development of a series of covalent and mutant-selective EGFR inhibitors that effectively target the T790M mutant. The pyrazolopyrimidine-based core differs structurally from that of aminopyrimidine-based third-generation EGFR inhibitors and therefore constitutes a new set of inhibitors that target this mechanism of drug resistance. These inhibitors exhibited strong inhibitory effects toward EGFR kinase activity and excellent inhibition of cell growth in the drug-resistant cell line H1975, without significantly affecting EGFR wild-type cell lines. Additionally, we present the in vitro ADME/DMPK parameters for a subset of the inhibitors as well as in vivo pharmacokinetics in mice for a candidate with promising activity profile.

Drugging the catalytically inactive state of RET kinase in RET-rearranged tumors.

Oncogenic fusion events have been identified in a broad range of tumors. Among them, RET rearrangements represent distinct and potentially druggable targets that are recurrently found in lung adenocarcinomas. We provide further evidence that current anti-RET drugs may not be potent enough to induce durable responses in such tumors. We report that potent inhibitors, such as AD80 or ponatinib, that stably bind in the DFG-out conformation of RET may overcome these limitations and selectively kill RET-rearranged tumors. Using chemical genomics in conjunction with phosphoproteomic analyses in RET-rearranged cells, we identify the CCDC6-RETI788N mutation and drug-induced mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway reactivation as possible mechanisms by which tumors may escape the activity of RET inhibitors. Our data provide mechanistic insight into the druggability of RET kinase fusions that may be of help for the development of effective therapies targeting such tumors.

Hope and Disappointment: Covalent Inhibitors to Overcome Drug Resistance in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.

In the last five years, the detailed understanding of how to overcome T790M drug resistance in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has culminated in the development of a third-generation of covalent EGFR inhibitors with excellent clinical outcomes. However, the emergence of a newly discovered acquired drug resistance challenges the concept of small molecule targeted cancer therapy in NSCLC.

Identification and further development of potent TBK1 inhibitors.

The cytosolic Ser/Thr kinase TBK1 was discovered to be an essential element in the mediation of signals that lead to tumor migration and progression. These findings meet the need for the identification of novel tool compounds and potential therapeutics to gain deeper insights into TBK1 related signaling and its relevance in tumor progression. Herein, we undertake the activity-based screening for unique inhibitors of TBK1 and their subsequent optimization. Initial screening approaches identified a selection of TBK1 inhibitors that were optimized using methods of medicinal chemistry. Variations of the structural characteristics of a representative 2,4,6-substituted pyrimidine scaffold resulted in improved potency. Prospective use as tool compounds or basic contributions to drug design approaches are anticipated for our improved small molecules.

Targeting Drug Resistance in EGFR with Covalent Inhibitors: A Structure-Based Design Approach.

Receptor tyrosine kinases represent one of the prime targets in cancer therapy, as the dysregulation of these elementary transducers of extracellular signals, like the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), contributes to the onset of cancer, such as non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Strong efforts were directed to the development of irreversible inhibitors and led to compound CO-1686, which takes advantage of increased residence time at EGFR by alkylating Cys797 and thereby preventing toxic effects. Here, we present a structure-based approach, rationalized by subsequent computational analysis of conformational ligand ensembles in solution, to design novel and irreversible EGFR inhibitors based on a screening hit that was identified in a phenotype screen of 80 NSCLC cell lines against approximately 1500 compounds. Using protein X-ray crystallography, we deciphered the binding mode in engineered cSrc (T338M/S345C), a validated model system for EGFR-T790M, which constituted the basis for further rational design approaches. Chemical synthesis led to further compound collections that revealed increased biochemical potency and, in part, selectivity toward mutated (L858R and L858R/T790M) vs nonmutated EGFR. Further cell-based and kinetic studies were performed to substantiate our initial findings. Utilizing proteolytic digestion and nano-LC-MS/MS analysis, we confirmed the alkylation of Cys797.

Identification of type II and III DDR2 inhibitors.

Discoidin domain-containing receptors (DDRs) exhibit a unique mechanism of action among the receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) because their catalytic activity is induced by extracellular collagen binding. Moreover, they are essential components in the assimilation of extracellular signals. Recently, DDRs were reported to be significantly linked to tumor progression in breast cancer by facilitating the processes of invasion, migration, and metastasis. Here, we report the successful development of a fluorescence-based, direct binding assay for the detection of type II and III DFG-out binders for DDR2. Using sequence alignments and homology modeling, we designed a DDR2 construct appropriate for fluorescent labeling. Successful assay development was validated by sensitive detection of a reference DFG-out binder. Subsequent downscaling led to convenient application to high-throughput screening formats. Screening of a representative compound library identified high-affinity DDR2 ligands validated by orthogonal activity-based assays, and a subset of identified compounds was further investigated with respect to DDR1 inhibition.