High-Throughput Covalent Modifier Screening with Acoustic Ejection Mass Spectrometry.

Interests in covalent drugs have grown in modern drug discovery as they could tackle challenging targets traditionally considered "undruggable". The identification of covalent binders to target proteins typically involves directly measuring protein covalent modifications using high-resolution mass spectrometry. With a continually expanding library of compounds, conventional mass spectrometry platforms such as LC-MS and SPE-MS have become limiting factors for high-throughput screening. Here, we introduce a prototype high-resolution acoustic ejection mass spectrometry (AEMS) system for the rapid screening of a covalent modifier library comprising ∼10,000 compounds against a 50 kDa-sized target protein─Werner syndrome helicase. The screening samples were arranged in a 1536-well format. The sample buffer containing high-concentration salts was directly analyzed without any cleanup steps, minimizing sample preparation efforts and ensuring protein stability. The entire AEMS analysis process could be completed within a mere 17 h. An automated data analysis tool facilitated batch processing of the sample data and quantitation of the formation of various covalent protein-ligand adducts. The screening results displayed a high degree of fidelity, with a Z' factor of 0.8 and a hit rate of 2.3%. The identified hits underwent orthogonal testing in a biochemical activity assay, revealing that 75% were functional antagonists of the target protein. Notably, a comparative analysis with LC-MS showcased the AEMS platform's low risk of false positives or false negatives. This innovative platform has enabled robust high-throughput covalent modifier screening, featuring a 10-fold increase in library size and a 10- to 100-fold increase in throughput when compared with similar reports in the existing literature.

Quantitation of wall teichoic acid in Staphylococcus aureus by direct measurement of monomeric units using LC-MS/MS.

The emergence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has created an urgent need for new therapeutic agents capable of combating this threat. We have previously reported on the discovery of novel inhibitors targeting enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of wall teichoic acid (WTA) and demonstrated that these agents can restore ß-lactam efficacy against MRSA. In those previous reports pathway engagement of inhibitors was demonstrated by reduction in WTA levels measured by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. To enable a more rigorous analysis of these inhibitors we sought to develop a quantitative method for measuring whole-cell reductions in WTA. Herein we describe a robust methodology for hydrolyzing polymeric WTA to the monomeric component ribitol-N-acetylglucosamine coupled with measurement by LC-MS/MS. Critical elements of the protocol were found to include the time and temperature of hydrofluoric acid-mediated hydrolysis of polymeric WTA and optimization of these parameters is fully described. Most significantly, the assay enabled accurate and reproducible measurement of depletion EC50s for tunicamycin and representatives from the novel class of TarO inhibitors, the tarocins. The method described can readily be adapted to quantifying levels of WTA in tissue homogenates from a murine model of infection, highlighting the applicability for both in vitro and in vivo characterizations.

Novel, highly potent systemic glucokinase activators for the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Glucokinase (GK, hexokinase IV) is a unique hexokinase that plays a central role in mammalian glucose homeostasis. Glucose phosphorylation by GK in the pancreatic ß-cell is the rate-limiting step that controls glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. Similarly, GK-mediated glucose phosphorylation in hepatocytes plays a major role in increasing hepatic glucose uptake and metabolism and possibly lowering hepatic glucose output. Small molecule GK activators (GKAs) have been identified that increase enzyme activity by binding to an allosteric site. GKAs offer a novel approach for the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and as such have garnered much attention. We now report the design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of a novel series of 2,5,6-trisubstituted indole derivatives that act as highly potent GKAs. Among them, Compound 1 was found to possess high in vitro potency, excellent physicochemical properties, and good pharmacokinetic profile in rodents. Oral administration of Compound 1 at doses as low as 0.03mg/kg led to robust blood glucose lowering efficacy in 3week high fat diet-fed mice.

Discovery of orally active hepatoselective glucokinase activators for treatment of Type II Diabetes Mellitus.

Systemically acting glucokinase activators (GKA) have been demonstrated in clinical trials to effectively lower blood glucose in patients with type II diabetes. However, mechanism-based hypoglycemia is a major adverse effect that limits the therapeutic potential of these agents. We hypothesized that the predominant mechanism leading to hypoglycemia is GKA-induced excessive insulin secretion from pancreatic ß-cells at (sub-)euglycemic levels. We further hypothesized that restricting GK activation to hepatocytes would maintain glucose-lowering efficacy while significantly reducing hypoglycemic risk. Here we report the discovery of a novel series of carboxylic acid substituted GKAs based on pyridine-2-carboxamide. These GKAs exhibit preferential distribution to the liver versus the pancreas in mice. SAR studies led to the identification of a potent and orally active hepatoselective GKA, compound 6. GKA 6 demonstrated robust glucose lowering efficacy in high fat diet-fed mice at doses ⩾10mpk, with ⩾70-fold liver:pancreas distribution, minimal effects on plasma insulin levels, and significantly reduced risk of hypoglycemia.

PCSK9 is not involved in the degradation of LDL receptors and BACE1 in the adult mouse brain.

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is a secreted protein that regulates hepatic low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) levels in humans. PCSK9 has also been shown to regulate the levels of additional membrane-bound proteins in vitro, including the very low-density lipoprotein receptor (VLDLR), apolipoprotein E receptor 2 (ApoER2) and the beta-site amyloid precursor protein (APP)-cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1), which are all highly expressed in the CNS and have been implicated in Alzheimer's disease. To better understand the role of PCSK9 in regulating these additional target proteins in vivo, their steady-state levels were measured in the brain of wild-type, PCSK9-deficient, and human PCSK9 overexpressing transgenic mice. We found that while PCSK9 directly bound to recombinant LDLR, VLDLR, and apoER2 protein in vitro, changes in PCSK9 expression did not alter the level of these receptors in the mouse brain. In addition, we found no evidence that PCSK9 regulates BACE1 levels or APP processing in the mouse brain. In conclusion, our results suggest that while PCSK9 plays an important role in regulating circulating LDL cholesterol levels by reducing the number of hepatic LDLRs, it does not appear to modulate the levels of LDLR and other membrane-bound proteins in the adult mouse brain.

Characterization of recombinant human acetyl-CoA carboxylase-2 steady-state kinetics.

Acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) catalyzes the carboxylation of acetyl-CoA to form malonyl-CoA, a key metabolite in the fatty acid synthetic and oxidation pathways. The present study describes the steady-state kinetic analysis of a purified recombinant human form of the enzyme, namely ACC2, using a novel LC/MS/MS assay to directly measure malonyl-CoA formation. Four dimensional matrices, in which bicarbonate (HCO(3)(-)), ATP, acetyl-CoA, and citrate were varied, and global data fitting to appropriate steady-state equations were used to generate kinetic constants. Product inhibition studies support the notion that the enzyme proceeds through a hybrid (two-site) random Ter Ter mechanism, one that likely involves a two-step reaction at the biotin carboxylase domain. Citrate, a known activator of animal forms of ACC, activates both by increasing k(cat) and k(cat)/K(M) for ATP and acetyl-CoA.

From Screening to Targeted Degradation: Strategies for the Discovery and Optimization of Small Molecule Ligands for PCSK9.

Proprotein convertase substilisin-like/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is a serine protease involved in a protein-protein interaction with the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor that has both human genetic and clinical validation. Blocking this protein-protein interaction prevents LDL receptor degradation and thereby decreases LDL cholesterol levels. Our pursuit of small-molecule direct binders for this difficult to drug PPI target utilized affinity selection/mass spectrometry, which identified one confirmed hit compound. An X-ray crystal structure revealed that this compound was binding in an unprecedented allosteric pocket located between the catalytic and C-terminal domain. Optimization of this initial hit, using two distinct strategies, led to compounds with high binding affinity to PCSK9. Direct target engagement was demonstrated in the cell lysate with a cellular thermal shift assay. Finally, ligand-induced protein degradation was shown with a proteasome recruiting tag attached to the high-affinity allosteric ligand for PCSK9.

Synthesis and characterization of a BODIPY-labeled derivative of Soraphen A that binds to acetyl-CoA carboxylase.

BODIPY-labeled Soraphen A derivative 4 was synthesized and characterized as an acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) binder. Biophysical measurements indicate that the molecule binds in the biotin carboxylase domain where Soraphen A has been shown to bind. The fluorescent label of the BODIPY can be used to biophysically identify a compound that binds to the Soraphen A site of the biotin carboxylase domain versus the carboxytransferase domain of ACC.

Label-Free, LC-MS-Based Assays to Quantitate Small-Molecule Antagonist Binding to the Mammalian BLT1 Receptor.

We have developed and validated label-free, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS)-based equilibrium direct and competition binding assays to quantitate small-molecule antagonist binding to recombinant human and mouse BLT1 receptors expressed in HEK 293 cell membranes. Procedurally, these binding assays involve (1) equilibration of the BLT1 receptor and probe ligand, with or without a competitor; (2) vacuum filtration through cationic glass fiber filters to separate receptor-bound from free probe ligand; and (3) LC-MS analysis in selected reaction monitoring mode for bound probe ligand quantitation. Two novel, optimized probe ligands, compounds 1 and 2, were identified by screening 20 unlabeled BLT1 antagonists for direct binding. Saturation direct binding studies confirmed the high affinity, and dissociation studies established the rapid binding kinetics of probe ligands 1 and 2. Competition binding assays were established using both probe ligands, and the affinities of structurally diverse BLT1 antagonists were measured. Both binding assay formats can be executed with high specificity and sensitivity and moderate throughput (96-well plate format) using these approaches. This highly versatile, label-free method for studying ligand binding to membrane-associated receptors should find broad application as an alternative to traditional methods using labeled ligands.

Spectroscopic and electronic structure studies of the role of active site interactions in the decarboxylation reaction of alpha-keto acid-dependent dioxygenases.

The alpha-ketoglutate (alpha-KG)-dependent dioxygenases are a large class of mononuclear non-heme iron enzymes that require Fe(II), alpha-KG and dioxygen for catalysis, with the alpha-KG cosubstrate supplying the two additional electrons required for dioxygen activation. A sub-class of these enzymes exists in which the alpha-keto acid is covalently attached to the substrate, including (4-hydroxy)mandelate synthase (HmaS) and (4-hydroxyphenyl)pyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD) which utilize the same substrate but exhibit two different general reactivities (H-atom abstraction and electrophilic attack). Previous kinetic studies of Streptomyces avermitilis HPPD have shown that the substrate analog phenylpyruvate (PPA), which only differs from the normal substrate (4-hydroxyphenyl)pyruvate (HPP) by the absence of a para-hydroxyl group on the aromatic ring, does not induce a reaction with dioxygen. While an Fe(IV)O intermediate is proposed to be the reactive species in converting substrate to product, the key step utilizing O(2) to generate this species is the decarboxylation of the alpha-keto acid. It has been generally proposed that the two requirements for decarboxylation are bidentate coordination of the alpha-keto acid to Fe(II) and the presence of a 5C Fe(II) site for the O(2) reaction. Circular dichroism and magnetic circular dichroism studies have been performed and indicate that both enzyme complexes with PPA are similar with bidentate alpha-KG coordination and a 5C Fe(II) site. However, kinetic studies indicate that while HmaS reacts with PPA in a coupled reaction similar to the reaction with HPP, HPPD reacts with PPA in an uncoupled reaction at an approximately 10(5)-fold decreased rate compared to the reaction with HPP. A key difference is spectroscopically observed in the n-->pi( *) transition of the HPPD/Fe(II)/PPA complex which, based upon correlation to density functional theory calculations, is suggested to result from H-bonding between a nearby residue and the carboxylate group of the alpha-keto acid. Such an interaction would disfavor the decarboxylation reaction by stabilizing electron density on the carboxylate group such that the oxidative cleavage to yield CO(2) is disfavored.

Quantitative Measure of Receptor Agonist and Modulator Equi-Response and Equi-Occupancy Selectivity.

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are an important class of drug targets. Quantitative analysis by global curve fitting of properly designed dose-dependent GPCR agonism and allosterism data permits the determination of all affinity and efficacy parameters based on a general operational model. We report here a quantitative and panoramic measure of receptor agonist and modulator equi-response and equi-occupancy selectivity calculated from these parameters. The selectivity values help to differentiate not only one agonist or modulator from another, but on-target from off-target receptor or functional pathway as well. Furthermore, in conjunction with target site free drug concentrations and endogenous agonist tones, the allosterism parameters and selectivity values may be used to predict in vivo efficacy and safety margins.

Moderate to high throughput in vitro binding kinetics for drug discovery.

This review provides a concise summary for state of the art, moderate to high throughput in vitro technologies being employed to study drug-target binding kinetics. These technologies cover a wide kinetic timescale spanning up to nine orders of magnitude from milliseconds to days. Automated stopped flow measures transient and (pre)steady state kinetics from milliseconds to seconds. For seconds to hours timescale kinetics we discuss surface plasmon resonance-based biosensor, global progress curve analysis for high throughput kinetic profiling of enzyme inhibitors and activators, and filtration plate-based radioligand or fluorescent binding assays for receptor binding kinetics. Jump dilution after pre-incubation is the preferred method for very slow kinetics lasting for days. The basic principles, best practices and simulated data for these technologies are described. Finally, the application of a universal label-free technology, liquid chromatography coupled tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS), is briefly reviewed. Select literature references are highlighted for in-depth understanding. A new reality is dawning wherein binding kinetics is an integral and routine part of mechanism of action elucidation and translational, quantitative pharmacology for drug discovery.

In Vitro Assays for the Discovery of PCSK9 Autoprocessing Inhibitors.

PCSK9 plays a significant role in regulating low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels and has become an important drug target for treating hypercholesterolemia. Although a member of the serine protease family, PCSK9 only catalyzes a single reaction, the autocleavage of its prodomain. The maturation of the proprotein is an essential prerequisite for the secretion of PCSK9 to the extracellular space where it binds the LDL receptor and targets it for degradation. We have found that a construct of proPCSK9 where the C-terminal domain has been truncated has sufficient stability to be expressed and purified from Escherichia coli for the in vitro study of autoprocessing. Using automated Western analysis, we demonstrate that autoprocessing exhibits the anticipated first-order kinetics. A high-throughput time-resolved fluorescence resonance energy transfer assay for autocleavage has been developed using a PCSK9 monoclonal antibody that is sensitive to the conformational changes that occur upon maturation of the proprotein. Kinetic theory has been developed that describes the behavior of both reversible and irreversible inhibitors of autocleavage. The analysis of an irreversible lactone inhibitor validates the expected relationship between potency and the reaction end point. An orthogonal liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry assay has also been implemented for the confirmation of hits from the antibody-based assays.

Quantitative analysis of receptor allosterism and its implication for drug discovery.

INTRODUCTION: G protein-coupled receptors represent the largest class of druggable targets and are known to be modulated by both orthosteric agonists and positive/negative allosteric modulators (PAMs/NAMs). Proper experimental design and data analysis for the dose matrix between an agonist and PAM or NAM are critical to elucidate the key parameters for understanding molecular mechanism and structure-activity relationship (SAR) in drug discovery. AREAS COVERED: The authors provide an overview and best practice recommendations on the quantitative analysis of receptor allosterism. The authors propose a simple classification system for receptor modulators on the basis of their efficacy and affinity modifiers. The authors also outline the optimal assay designs for both fixed dose screening and dose matrix study of receptor modulators. EXPERT OPINION: The authors recommend the global curve fitting approach to reliably yield system- and modulator-specific parameters for SAR ranking. Furthermore, the authors suggest that the uncertainty in maximal system response has insignificant impact on SAR ranking. The authors anticipate that systems pharmacology models integrating both binding kinetics and functional allosterism will be needed to address the inherent limitations of current allosterism models.

Investigation of functionally liver selective glucokinase activators for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes is a polygenic disease which afflicts nearly 200 million people worldwide and is expected to increase to near epidemic levels over the next 10-15 years. Glucokinase (GK) activators are currently under investigation by a number of pharmaceutical companies with only a few reaching early clinical evaluation. A GK activator has the promise of potentially affecting both the beta-cells of the pancreas, by improving glucose sensitive insulin secretion, as well as the liver, by reducing uncontrolled glucose output and restoring post-prandial glucose uptake and storage as glycogen. Herein, we report our efforts on a sulfonamide chemotype with the aim to generate liver selective GK activators which culminated in the discovery of 3-cyclopentyl-N-(5-methoxy-thiazolo[5,4-b]pyridin-2-yl)-2-[4-(4-methyl-piperazine-1-sulfonyl)-phenyl]-propionamide (17c). This compound activated the GK enzyme (alphaK(a) = 39 nM) in vitro at low nanomolar concentrations and significantly reduced glucose levels during an oral glucose tolerance test in normal mice.

Resveratrol inhibits firefly luciferase.

The potential therapeutic value of resveratrol in age-related disease settings including cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimer's has emerged from a rapidly growing body of experimental evidence. Protection from oxidative stress appears to be a common feature of resveratrol that may be mediated through SirT1, though more specific molecular mechanisms by which resveratrol mediates its effects remain unclear. This has prompted an upsurge in cell-based mechanistic studies, often incorporating reporter assays for pathway elucidation in response to resveratrol treatment. Here, we report that resveratrol potently inhibits firefly luciferase with a K(i) value of 2microM, and caution that this confounding element may lead to compromised data interpretation.

Spectroscopic and electronic structure studies of aromatic electrophilic attack and hydrogen-atom abstraction by non-heme iron enzymes.

(4-Hydroxy)mandelate synthase (HmaS) and (4-hydroxyphenyl)pyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD) are two alpha-keto acid dependent mononuclear non-heme iron enzymes that use the same substrate, (4-hydroxyphenyl)pyruvate, but exhibit two different general reactivities. HmaS performs hydrogen-atom abstraction to yield benzylic hydroxylated product (S)-(4-hydroxy)mandelate, whereas HPPD utilizes an electrophilic attack mechanism that results in aromatic hydroxylated product homogentisate. These enzymes provide a unique opportunity to directly evaluate the similarities and differences in the reaction pathways used for these two reactivities. An Fe(II) methodology using CD, magnetic CD, and variable-temperature, variable-field magnetic CD spectroscopies was applied to HmaS and compared with that for HPPD to evaluate the factors that affect substrate interactions at the active site and to correlate these to the different reactivities exhibited by HmaS and HPPD to the same substrate. Combined with density functional theory calculations, we found that HmaS and HPPD have similar substrate-bound complexes and that the role of the protein pocket in determining the different reactivities exhibited by these enzymes (hydrogen-atom abstraction vs. aromatic electrophilic attack) is to properly orient the substrate, allowing for ligand field geometric changes along the reaction coordinate. Elongation of the Fe(IV) O bond in the transition state leads to dominant Fe(III) O(*-) character, which significantly contributes to the reactivity with either the aromatic pi-system or the C H sigma-bond.

Spectroscopic and computational studies of NTBC bound to the non-heme iron enzyme (4-hydroxyphenyl)pyruvate dioxygenase: active site contributions to drug inhibition.

(4-Hydroxyphenyl)pyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD) is an alpha-keto-acid-dependent dioxygenase which catalyzes the conversion of (4-hydroxyphenyl)pyruvate (HPP) to homogentisate as part of tyrosine catabolism. While several di- and tri-ketone alkaloids are known as inhibitors of HPPD and used commercially as herbicides, one such inhibitor, [2-nitro-4-(trifluoromethyl)benzoyl]-1,3-cyclohexanedione (NTBC), has also been used therapeutically to treat type I tyrosinemia and alkaptonuria in humans. To gain further insight into the mechanism of inhibition by NTBC, a combination of CD/MCD spectroscopy and DFT calculations of HPPD/Fe(II)/NTBC has been performed to evaluate the contribution of the Fe(II)-NTBC bonding interaction to the high affinity of this drug for the enzyme. The results indicate that the bonding of NTBC to Fe(II) is very similar to that for HPP, both involving similar pi-backbonding interactions between NTBC/HPP and Fe(II). Combined with the result that the calculated binding energy of NTBC is, in fact, approximately 3 kcal/mol less than that for HPP, the bidentate coordination of NTBC to Fe(II) is not solely responsible for its extremely high affinity for the enzyme. Thus, the pi-stacking interactions between the aromatic rings of NTBC and two phenyalanine residues, as observed in the crystallography of the HPPD/Fe(II)/NTBC complex, appear to be responsible for the observed high affinity of drug binding.