Overcoming the Pregnane X Receptor Liability: Rational Design to Eliminate PXR-Mediated CYP Induction.

The pregnane X receptor (PXR) regulates expression of proteins responsible for all three phases required for the detoxification mechanism, which include CYP450 enzymes, phase II enzymes, and multidrug efflux pumps. Therefore, PXR is a prominent receptor that is responsible for xenobiotic excretion and drug-drug interactions. Pyrimidinone 1 is an antagonist of the calcium sensing receptor (CaSR) and a strong activator of PXR. Repeat oral administration revealed diminished exposures over time, which prohibited further progression. A medicinal chemistry campaign was initiated to understand and abolish activation of PXR in order to increase systemic exposures. Rational structure-activity relationship investigations utilizing cocrystal structures and a de novo pharmacophore model resulted in compounds devoid of PXR activation. These studies culminated in the first orally active CaSR antagonist 8 suitable for progression. Cocrystallography, the pharmacophore model employed, and additional observations reported herein supported rational elimination of PXR activation and have applicability across diverse chemical classes to help erase PXR-driven drug-drug interactions.

Correction to Identification of Quinoline-Based RIP2 Kinase Inhibitors with an Improved Therapeutic Index to the hERG Ion Channel.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.8b00344.].

Discovery of Pyrazolocarboxamides as Potent and Selective Receptor Interacting Protein 2 (RIP2) Kinase Inhibitors.

Herein we report the discovery of pyrazolocarboxamides as novel, potent, and kinase selective inhibitors of receptor interacting protein 2 kinase (RIP2). Fragment based screening and design principles led to the identification of the inhibitor series, and X-ray crystallography was used to inform key structural changes. Through key substitutions about the N1 and C5 N positions on the pyrazole ring significant kinase selectivity and potency were achieved. Bridged bicyclic pyrazolocarboxamide 11 represents a selective and potent inhibitor of RIP2 and will allow for a more detailed investigation of RIP2 inhibition as a therapeutic target for autoinflammatory disorders.

Structure-Activity and Structure-Conformation Relationships of Aryl Propionic Acid Inhibitors of the Kelch-like ECH-Associated Protein 1/Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2-Related Factor 2 (KEAP1/NRF2) Protein-Protein Interaction.

The KEAP1-NRF2-mediated cytoprotective response plays a key role in cellular homoeostasis. Insufficient NRF2 signaling during chronic oxidative stress may be associated with the pathophysiology of several diseases with an inflammatory component, and pathway activation through direct modulation of the KEAP1-NRF2 protein-protein interaction is being increasingly explored as a potential therapeutic strategy. Nevertheless, the physicochemical nature of the KEAP1-NRF2 interface suggests that achieving high affinity for a cell-penetrant druglike inhibitor might be challenging. We recently reported the discovery of a highly potent tool compound which was used to probe the biology associated with directly disrupting the interaction of NRF2 with the KEAP1 Kelch domain. We now present a detailed account of the medicinal chemistry campaign leading to this molecule, which included exploration and optimization of protein-ligand interactions in three energetic "hot spots" identified by fragment screening. In particular, we also discuss how consideration of ligand conformational stabilization was important to its development and present evidence for preorganization of the lead compound which may contribute to its high affinity and cellular activity.

Identification of Quinoline-Based RIP2 Kinase Inhibitors with an Improved Therapeutic Index to the hERG Ion Channel.

RIP2 kinase was recently identified as a therapeutic target for a variety of autoimmune diseases. We have reported previously a selective 4-aminoquinoline-based RIP2 inhibitor GSK583 and demonstrated its effectiveness in blocking downstream NOD2 signaling in cellular models, rodent in vivo models, and human ex vivo disease models. While this tool compound was valuable in validating the biological pathway, it suffered from activity at the hERG ion channel and a poor PK/PD profile thereby limiting progression of this analog. Herein, we detail our efforts to improve both this off-target liability as well as the PK/PD profile of this series of inhibitors through modulation of lipophilicity and strengthening hinge binding ability. These efforts have led to inhibitor 7, which possesses high binding affinity for the ATP pocket of RIP2 (IC50 = 1 nM) and inhibition of downstream cytokine production in human whole blood (IC50 = 10 nM) with reduced hERG activity (14 µM).

Approaches to target tractability assessment - a practical perspective.

The assessment of the suitability of novel targets to intervention by different modalities, e.g. small molecules or antibodies, is increasingly seen as important in helping to select the most progressable targets at the outset of a drug discovery project. This perspective considers differing aspects of tractability and how it can be assessed using in silico and experimental approaches. We also share some of our experiences in using these approaches.

3,5-Disubstituted-indole-7-carboxamides as IKKß Inhibitors: Optimization of Oral Activity via the C3 Substituent.

IκB kinase ß (IKKß or IKK2) is a key regulator of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and has received attention as a therapeutic target. Herein we report on the optimization of a series of 3,5-disubstituted-indole-7-carboxamides for oral activity. In doing so, we focused attention on potency, ligand efficiency (LE), and physicochemical properties and have identified compounds 24 and (R)-28 as having robust in vivo activity.

The Identification and Pharmacological Characterization of 6-(tert-Butylsulfonyl)-N-(5-fluoro-1H-indazol-3-yl)quinolin-4-amine (GSK583), a Highly Potent and Selective Inhibitor of RIP2 Kinase.

RIP2 kinase is a central component of the innate immune system and enables downstream signaling following activation of the pattern recognition receptors NOD1 and NOD2, leading to the production of inflammatory cytokines. Recently, several inhibitors of RIP2 kinase have been disclosed that have contributed to the fundamental understanding of the role of RIP2 in this pathway. However, because they lack either broad kinase selectivity or strong affinity for RIP2, these tools have only limited utility to assess the role of RIP2 in complex environments. We present, herein, the discovery and pharmacological characterization of GSK583, a next-generation RIP2 inhibitor possessing exquisite selectivity and potency. Having demonstrated the pharmacological precision of this tool compound, we report its use in elucidating the role of RIP2 kinase in a variety of in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo experiments, further clarifying our understanding of the role of RIP2 in NOD1 and NOD2 mediated disease pathogenesis.

DNA-Encoded Library Screening Identifies Benzo[b][1,4]oxazepin-4-ones as Highly Potent and Monoselective Receptor Interacting Protein 1 Kinase Inhibitors.

The recent discovery of the role of receptor interacting protein 1 (RIP1) kinase in tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-mediated inflammation has led to its emergence as a highly promising target for the treatment of multiple inflammatory diseases. We screened RIP1 against GSK's DNA-encoded small-molecule libraries and identified a novel highly potent benzoxazepinone inhibitor series. We demonstrate that this template possesses complete monokinase selectivity for RIP1 plus unique species selectivity for primate versus nonprimate RIP1. We elucidate the conformation of RIP1 bound to this benzoxazepinone inhibitor driving its high kinase selectivity and design specific mutations in murine RIP1 to restore potency to levels similar to primate RIP1. This series differentiates itself from known RIP1 inhibitors in combining high potency and kinase selectivity with good pharmacokinetic profiles in rodents. The favorable developability profile of this benzoxazepinone template, as exemplified by compound 14 (GSK'481), makes it an excellent starting point for further optimization into a RIP1 clinical candidate.

An efficient and highly diastereoselective synthesis of GSK1265744, a potent HIV integrase inhibitor.

A novel synthesis of GSK1265744, a potent HIV integrase inhibitor, is described. The synthesis is highlighted by an efficient construction of the densely functionalized pyridinone core as well as a highly diastereoselective formation of the acyl oxazolidine moiety. The latter exploits the target molecule's ability to chelate to Mg(2+), a key feature in the integrase inhibitor's mechanism of action.

RIP3 induces apoptosis independent of pronecrotic kinase activity.

Receptor-interacting protein kinase 3 (RIP3 or RIPK3) has emerged as a central player in necroptosis and a potential target to control inflammatory disease. Here, three selective small-molecule compounds are shown to inhibit RIP3 kinase-dependent necroptosis, although their therapeutic value is undermined by a surprising, concentration-dependent induction of apoptosis. These compounds interact with RIP3 to activate caspase 8 (Casp8) via RHIM-driven recruitment of RIP1 (RIPK1) to assemble a Casp8-FADD-cFLIP complex completely independent of pronecrotic kinase activities and MLKL. RIP3 kinase-dead D161N mutant induces spontaneous apoptosis independent of compound, whereas D161G, D143N, and K51A mutants, like wild-type, only trigger apoptosis when compound is present. Accordingly, RIP3-K51A mutant mice (Rip3(K51A/K51A)) are viable and fertile, in stark contrast to the perinatal lethality of Rip3(D161N/D161N) mice. RIP3 therefore holds both necroptosis and apoptosis in balance through a Ripoptosome-like platform. This work highlights a common mechanism unveiling RHIM-driven apoptosis by therapeutic or genetic perturbation of RIP3.

Druggability Assessment of Allosteric Proteins by Dynamics Simulations in the Presence of Probe Molecules.

Druggability assessment of a target protein has emerged in recent years as an important concept in hit-to-lead optimization. A reliable and physically relevant measure of druggability would allow informed decisions on the risk of investing in a particular target. Here, we define "druggability" as a quantitative estimate of binding sites and affinities for a potential drug acting on a specific protein target. In the present study, we describe a new methodology that successfully predicts the druggability and maximal binding affinity for a series of challenging targets, including those that function through allosteric mechanisms. Two distinguishing features of the methodology are (i) simulation of the binding dynamics of a diversity of probe molecules selected on the basis of an analysis of approved drugs and (ii) identification of druggable sites and estimation of corresponding binding affinities on the basis of an evaluation of the geometry and energetics of bound probe clusters. The use of the methodology for a variety of targets such as murine double mutant-2, protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B), lymphocyte function-associated antigen 1, vertebrate kinesin-5 (Eg5), and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase provides examples for which the method correctly captures the location and binding affinities of known drugs. It also provides insights into novel druggable sites and the target's structural changes that would accommodate, if not promote and stabilize, drug binding. Notably, the ability to identify high affinity spots even in challenging cases such as PTP1B or Eg5 shows promise as a rational tool for assessing the druggability of protein targets and identifying allosteric or novel sites for drug binding.

Evaluation of the tubulin-bound paclitaxel conformation: synthesis, biology, and SAR studies of C-4 to C-3' bridged paclitaxel analogues.

The important anticancer drug paclitaxel binds to the beta-subunit of the alphabeta-tubulin dimer in the microtubule in a stoichiometric ratio, promoting microtubule polymerization and stability. The conformation of microtubule-bound drug has been the subject of intense study, and various suggestions have been proposed. In previous work we presented experimental and theoretical evidence that paclitaxel adopts a T-shaped conformation when it is bound to tubulin. In this study we report additional experimental data and calculations that delineate the allowable parameters for effective paclitaxel-tubulin interactions.

Demonstration of a genetic therapeutic index for tumors expressing oncogenic BRAF by the kinase inhibitor SB-590885.

Oncogenic BRAF alleles are both necessary and sufficient for cellular transformation, suggesting that chemical inhibition of the activated mutant protein kinase may reverse the tumor phenotype. Here, we report the characterization of SB-590885, a novel triarylimidazole that selectively inhibits Raf kinases with more potency towards B-Raf than c-Raf. Crystallographic analysis revealed that SB-590885 stabilizes the oncogenic B-Raf kinase domain in an active configuration, which is distinct from the previously reported mechanism of action of the multi-kinase inhibitor, BAY43-9006. Malignant cells expressing oncogenic B-Raf show selective inhibition of mitogen-activated protein kinase activation, proliferation, transformation, and tumorigenicity when exposed to SB-590885, whereas other cancer cell lines and normal cells display variable sensitivities or resistance to similar treatment. These studies support the validation of oncogenic B-Raf as a target for cancer therapy and provide the first evidence of a correlation between the expression of oncogenic BRAF alleles and a positive response to a selective B-Raf inhibitor.

The bioactive Taxol conformation on beta-tubulin: experimental evidence from highly active constrained analogs.

The important anticancer drug Taxol (paclitaxel) binds to tubulin in a stoichiometric ratio and promotes its assembly into microtubules. The conformation of microtubule-bound drug has been the subject of intense study, and various suggestions have been made. In this work we present experimental and theoretical evidence that Taxol adopts a T-shaped conformation when it is bound to tubulin.

A target site for template-based design of measles virus entry inhibitors.

Measles virus (MV) constitutes a principal cause of worldwide mortality, accounting for almost 1 million deaths annually. Although a live-attenuated vaccine protects against MV, vaccination efficiency of young infants is low because of interference by maternal antibodies. Parental concerns about vaccination safety further contribute to waning herd immunity in developed countries, resulting in recent MV outbreaks. The development of novel antivirals that close the vaccination gap in infants and silence viral outbreaks is thus highly desirable. We previously identified a microdomain in the MV fusion protein (F protein) that is structurally conserved in the paramyxovirus family and constitutes a promising target site for rationally designed antivirals. Here we report the template-based development of a small-molecule MV inhibitor, providing proof-of-concept for our approach. This lead compound specifically inhibits fusion and spread of live MV and MV glycoprotein-induced membrane fusion. The inhibitor induces negligible cytotoxicity and does not interfere with receptor binding or F protein biosynthesis or transport but prevents F protein-induced lipid mixing. Mutations in the postulated target site alter viral sensitivity to inhibition. In silico docking of the compound in this microdomain suggests a binding model that is experimentally corroborated by a structure-activity analysis of the compound and the inhibition profile of mutated F proteins. A second-generation compound designed on the basis of the interaction model shows a 200-fold increase in antiviral activity, creating the basis for novel MV therapeutics. This template-based design approach for MV may be applicable to other clinically relevant members of the paramyxovirus family.

Alpha-turn mimetics: short peptide alpha-helices composed of cyclic metallopentapeptide modules.

Alpha-Helices are key structural components of proteins and important recognition motifs in biology. Short peptides (

Structural features of paramyxovirus F protein required for fusion initiation.

On the basis of the coordinates of the related Newcastle disease virus (NDV) F protein, Valine-94, a determinant of measles virus (MV) cytopathicity, is predicted to lie in a cylindrical cavity with 10 A diameter located at the F neck. A 16-residue domain around V94 is functionally interchangeable between NDV and MV F, supporting our homology model. Features of the cavity are conserved within the Paramyxovirinae. A hydrophobic base and a hydrophilic residue at the rim are required for surface expression. Small residue substitutions predicted to open the cavity were found to disrupt transport or limit fusogenicity of transport-competent mutants but can be compensated for by simultaneous insertion of larger residues at the opposing wall. Variants containing histidine substitutions mediate fusion at pH 8.5, while at pH 7.2 fusion is blocked, suggesting that functionality requires low charge in the cavity. These results indicate that specific structural features of the cavity are essential for paramyxovirus fusion initiation.

On the stability of a single-turn alpha-helix: the single versus multiconformation problem.

The pentapeptide Ac-HAAAH-NH2, cyclized through its imidazoles by PdII to give [Pd(en)(peptide)]2+, has recently been evaluated by 2-D NMR and simulated annealing as a single alpha-helix conformation in solution. In the present work, we have questioned this assumption by developing Pd2+ parameters for AMBER*, performing an extensive conformational search for the [Pd(en)(peptide)]2+, and deconvoluting the averaged NMR data into eight rapidly equilibrating conformations with populations ranging from 2 to 55%. None of the latter correspond to the alpha-helix, although a 3% form possesses a related structure. As a critical component of interpreting an averaged NMR spectrum in terms of a single conformation, we advise testing this assumption with a method that permits conformational deconvolution.