Covalent inhibition of NSD1 histone methyltransferase.

The nuclear receptor-binding SET domain (NSD) family of histone methyltransferases is associated with various malignancies, including aggressive acute leukemia with NUP98-NSD1 translocation. While NSD proteins represent attractive drug targets, their catalytic SET domains exist in autoinhibited conformation, presenting notable challenges for inhibitor development. Here, we employed a fragment-based screening strategy followed by chemical optimization, which resulted in the development of the first-in-class irreversible small-molecule inhibitors of the nuclear receptor-binding SET domain protein 1 (NSD1) SET domain. The crystal structure of NSD1 in complex with covalently bound ligand reveals a conformational change in the autoinhibitory loop of the SET domain and formation of a channel-like pocket suitable for targeting with small molecules. Our covalent lead-compound BT5-demonstrates on-target activity in NUP98-NSD1 leukemia cells, including inhibition of histone H3 lysine 36 dimethylation and downregulation of target genes, and impaired colony formation in an NUP98-NSD1 patient sample. This study will facilitate the development of the next generation of potent and selective inhibitors of the NSD histone methyltransferases.

Utilization of alkyne bioconjugations to modulate protein function.

The ability to introduce or modify protein function has widespread application to multiple scientific disciplines. The introduction of unique unnatural amino acids represents an excellent mechanism to incorporate new functionality; however, this approach is limited by ability of the translational machinery to recognize and incorporate the chemical moiety. To overcome this potential limitation, we aimed to exploit the functionality of existing unnatural amino acids to perform bioorthogonal reactions to introduce the desired protein modification, altering its function. Specifically, via the introduction of a terminal alkyne containing unnatural amino acid, we demonstrated chemically programmable protein modification through the Glaser-Hay coupling to other terminal alkynes, altering the function of a protein. In a proof-of-concept experiment, this approach has been utilized to modify the fluorescence spectrum of green fluorescent protein.

Site-specific protein immobilization using unnatural amino acids.

Protein immobilization confers the advantages of biological systems to a more chemical setting and has applications in catalysis, sensors, and materials development. While numerous immobilization techniques exist, it is optimal to develop a well-defined and chemically stable methodology to allow for full protein function. This paper describes the utilization of unnatural amino acid technologies to introduce bioorthogonal handles in a site-specific fashion for protein immobilization. To develop this approach a range of solid-supports, organic linkers, and protein immobilization sites have been investigated using a GFP reporter system. Overall, a sepharose resin derivatized with propargyl alcohol has afforded the highest yields of immobilized protein. Moreover, an unnatural amino acid residue protein context has been demonstrated, signifying a necessity to consider the protein site of immobilization. Finally, a resin-conferred stabilization was demonstrated in several organic solvents.

Employing non-canonical amino acids towards the immobilization of a hyperthermophilic enzyme to increase protein stability.

A carboxylesterase derived from Sulfolobus solfataricus P1 was immobilized onto an epoxy-activated Sepharose resin via non-canonical amino acids. The immobilized enzyme exhibited heightened performance in organic solvents, recyclability, and stability at room temperature for over two years. The incorporation of a non-canonical amino acid afforded a high degree of control over the bioorthogonal immobilization reaction. These results indicate that the specificity conferred by genetic code expansion produces advantages in protein immobilization and broadens the utility of such proteins to non-biological settings.

Protein Modification Employing Non-Canonical Amino Acids to Prepare SUMOylation Detecting Bioconjugates.

Protein modification with non-canonical amino acids (ncAAs) represents a useful technology to afford homogenous samples of bioconjugates with site-specific modification. This technique can be directly applied to the detection of aberrant SUMOylation patterns, which are often indicative of disease states. Modified SUMO-trapping proteins, consisting of a catalytically inactive ULP1 fragment (UTAG) fused to the maltose-binding protein MBP, are useful reagents for the binding and labeling of SUMOylated proteins. Mutation of this UTAG fusion protein to facilitate amber suppression technologies for the genetic incorporation of ncAAs was assessed to provide a functional handle for modification. Ultimately, two sites in the maltose-binding protein (MBP) fusion were identified as ideal for incorporation and bioconjugation without perturbation to the SUMO-trapping ability of the UTAG protein. This functionality was then employed to label SUMOylated proteins in HeLa cells and demonstrate their enrichment in the nucleus. This modified UTAG-MBP-ncAA protein has far-reaching applications for both diagnostics and therapeutics.