Front Cover: Development and Characterization of Selective FAK Inhibitors and PROTACs with In Vivo Activity (ChemBioChem 19/2023)

Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is an attractive drug target due to its overexpression in cancer. FAK functions as a non-receptor tyrosine kinase and scaffolding protein, coordinating several downstream signaling effectors and cellular processes. While drug discovery efforts have largely focused on targeting FAK kinase activity, FAK inhibitors have failed to show efficacy as single agents in clinical trials. Here, using structure-guided design, we report the development of a selective FAK inhibitor (BSJ-04-175) and degrader (BSJ-04-146) to evaluate the consequences and advantages of abolishing all FAK activity in cancer models. BSJ-04-146 achieves rapid and potent FAK degradation with high proteome-wide specificity in cancer cells and induces durable degradation in mice. Compared to kinase inhibition, targeted degradation of FAK exhibits pronounced improved activity on downstream signaling and cancer cell viability and migration. Together, BSJ-04-175 and BSJ-04-146 are valuable chemical tools to dissect the specific consequences of targeting FAK through small-molecule inhibition or degradation.     

Cullin 1 (CUL1) Promotes Primary Ciliogenesis through the Induction of Ubiquitin-Proteasome-Dependent Dvl2 Degradation

Primary cilia are nonmotile cellular signal-sensing antenna-like structures composed of microtubule-based structures that distinguish them from motile cilia in structure and function. Primary ciliogenesis is regulated by various cellular signals, such as Wnt, hedgehog (Hh), and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF). The abnormal regulation of ciliogenesis is closely related to developing various human diseases, including ciliopathies and cancer. This study identified a novel primary ciliogenesis factor Cullin 1 (CUL1), a core component of Skp1-Cullin-F-box (SCF) E3 ubiquitin ligase complex, which regulates the proteolysis of dishevelled 2 (Dvl2) through the ubiquitin-proteasome system. Through immunoprecipitation-tandem mass spectrometry analysis, 176 Dvl2 interacting candidates were identified, of which CUL1 is a novel Dvl2 modulator that induces Dvl2 ubiquitination-dependent degradation. Neddylation-dependent CUL1 activity at the centrosomes was essential for centrosomal Dvl2 degradation and primary ciliogenesis. Therefore, this study provides a new mechanism of Dvl2 degradation by CUL1, which ultimately leads to primary ciliogenesis, and suggest a novel target for primary cilia-related human diseases.     

HaloTag-Targeted Sirtuin-Rearranging Ligand (SirReal) for the Development of Proteolysis-Targeting Chimeras (PROTACs) against the Lysine Deacetylase Sirtuin 2 (Sirt2)**

We have discovered the sirtuin-rearranging ligands (SirReals) as a novel class of highly potent and selective inhibitors of the NAD⁺-dependent lysine deacetylase sirtuin 2 (Sirt2). In previous studies, conjugation of a SirReal with a ligand for the E3 ubiquitin ligase cereblon to form a so-called proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC) enabled small-molecule-induced degradation of Sirt2. Herein, we report the structure-based development of a chloroalkylated SirReal that induces the degradation of Sirt2 mediated by Halo-tagged E3 ubiquitin ligases. Using this orthogonal approach for Sirt2 degradation, we show that other E3 ligases than cereblon, such as the E3 ubiquitin ligase parkin, can also be harnessed for small-molecule-induced Sirt2 degradation, thereby emphasizing the great potential of parkin to be used as an E3 ligase for new PROTACs approaches. Thus, our study provides new insights into targeted protein degradation in general and Sirt2 degradation in particular.     

Targeting the Water Network in Cyclin G-Associated Kinase (GAK) with 4-Anilino-quin(az)oline Inhibitors

Water networks within kinase inhibitor design and more widely within drug discovery are generally poorly understood. The successful targeting of these networks prospectively has great promise for all facets of inhibitor design, including potency and selectivity for the target. Herein, we describe the design and testing of a targeted library of 4-anilinoquin(az)olines for use as inhibitors of cyclin G-associated kinase (GAK). GAK cellular target engagement assays, ATP binding-site modelling and extensive water mapping provide a clear route to access potent inhibitors for GAK and beyond.     

Progress in the Development of Eukaryotic Elongation Factor 2 Kinase (eEF2K) Natural Product and Synthetic Small Molecule Inhibitors for Cancer Chemotherapy

Eukaryotic elongation factor 2 kinase (eEF2K or Ca²⁺/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase, CAMKIII) is a new member of an atypical α-kinase family different from conventional protein kinases that is now considered as a potential target for the treatment of cancer. This protein regulates the phosphorylation of eukaryotic elongation factor 2 (eEF2) to restrain activity and inhibit the elongation stage of protein synthesis. Mounting evidence shows that eEF2K regulates the cell cycle, autophagy, apoptosis, angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis in several types of cancers. The expression of eEF2K promotes survival of cancer cells, and the level of this protein is increased in many cancer cells to adapt them to the microenvironment conditions including hypoxia, nutrient depletion, and acidosis. The physiological function of eEF2K and its role in the development and progression of cancer are here reviewed in detail. In addition, a summary of progress for in vitro eEF2K inhibitors from anti-cancer drug discovery research in recent years, along with their structure–activity relationships (SARs) and synthetic routes or natural sources, is also described. Special attention is given to those inhibitors that have been already validated in vivo, with the overall aim to provide reference context for the further development of new first-in-class anti-cancer drugs that target eEF2K.     

Prediction of the structure of human Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) comprising JAK homology domains 1 through 7

A theoretical model of human Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) comprisingall seven Janus homology domains is presented. The model wasgenerated by application of homology modelling approaches. Thethree-dimensional structure contains, starting from the N-terminus,FERM (4.1, ezrin, radixin, moesin), SH2 (Src homology region2), tyrosine kinase-like, and tyrosine kinase domains. The predictedinter-domain orientation in JAK2 is discussed and the currentlyexisting mutational data for Janus kinases are evaluated. Structuraldetails of the SH2 and the FERM domains are presented. The predictionsindicate that the SH2 domain is not fully functional. A numberof hydrophobic amino acids of the FERM domain that are predictedto be involved in the constitutive association with the cytokinereceptors are highlighted. The model gives new insights intothe structure–function relationship of this importantprotein, and areas that could be investigated by mutation studiesare highlighted.     

Prediction of the structure of human Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) comprising the two carboxy-terminal domains reveals a mechanism for autoregulation

The structure of human Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) comprising thetwo C-terminal domains (JH1 and JH2) was predicted by applicationof homology modelling techniques. JH1 and JH2 represent thetyrosine kinase and tyrosine kinase-like domains, respectively,and are crucial for function and regulation of the protein.A comparison between the structures of the two domains is madeand structural differences are highlighted. Prediction of therelative orientation of JH1 and JH2 was aided by a newly developedmethod for the detection of correlated amino acid mutations.Analysis of the interactions between the two domains led toa model for the regulatory effect of JH2 on JH1. The predictionsare consistent with available experimental data on JAK2 or relatedproteins and provide an explanation for inhibition of JH1 tyrosinekinase activity by the adjacent JH2 domain.     

Solubility determination and thermodynamic modeling of bis-2-hydroxyethyl terephthalate (BHET) in different solvents

Studies on the degradation process of waste polyethylene terephthalate (PET) have become increasingly mature, but there are relatively few studies on the separation of degradation products. The products contain many components and the separation of which is difficult. Therefore, the study on phase equilibrium thermodynamics of bis-2-hydroxyethyl terephthalate (BHET) is of great theoretical significance and practical value to provide basic data for the BHET crystallization separation. In this work, the degraded products were purified and characterized. The solubility of BHET in methanol, ethanol, ethylene glycol, water and the mixture of ethylene glycol + water were determined by static method. The experimental results were correlated with different models, such as ideal solution (IS) model, λh equation, Apelblat equation and NRTL model. Based on the van't Hoff equation, the mixing Gibbs energy, enthalpy and entropy were calculated. From this work, the basic data which can be used to guide the crystallization process of BHET were obtained, including solubility data, correlation model and thermodynamic properties.     

Biodegradable polymers for use in surgery — poly(ethylene oxide)/poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PEO/PET) copolymers: 2. In vitro degradation

The degradation mechanism of a series of poly(ethylene oxide)/poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PEO/PET) copolymers, synthesized as described in Part 1¹, has been studied in vitro. The need for the development of in vitro test methods for candidate biomaterials is set down. The effect of time, temperature, pH and selected enzymes on the rate and mechanism of degradation is elucidated. The degradation products are identified. The degree of degradation was monitored molecularly by gel permeation chromatography (g.p.c.) and end-group titration techniques. The composition of the copolymers was obtained using infra-red (i.r.) and nuclear magnetic resonance (n.m.r.) spectroscopy. Mass loss and water uptake data are also given. The mechanism of degradation is shown to be by hydrolysis. The effect of ethylene oxide (EO) and ⁶⁰Co γ-irradiation sterilization on the copolymers was investigated.     

Kinetic investigation of ZrO2, Y2O3, and Ni on poly(vinyl butyral) thermal degradation using nonlinear heating functions

The effects of zirconia (ZrO₂), yttria (Y₂O₃), and nickel (Ni) on poly(vinyl butyral) (PVB) thermal degradation were evaluated using kinetic analysis of TGA data and nonlinear heating rates. An exact solution derived from the Arrhenius equation in an integration form was used for the kinetic analysis. The kinetic parameters of the thermal degradation reaction were determined utilizing the solution and the isoconversional principle. Results show that the reaction pathway of the PVB thermal degradation was altered by the presence of these inorganic materials except ZrO₂. The strong catalytic effects of Y₂O₃, and Ni on the PVB degradation were found and discussed according to the analytical results. The reaction rate was accelerated faster in lower temperatures in the presence of Y₂O₃, and Ni. The degradation period of the PVB/Ni sample appeared the shortest for these cases. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 2552–2559, 2006     

Tetrabromocinnamic acid (TBCA) and related compounds represent a new class of specific protein kinase CK2 inhibitors

Abnormally high constitutive activity of protein kinase CK2, levels of which are elevated in a variety of tumours, is suspected to underlie its pathogenic potential. The most widely employed CK2 inhibitor is 4,5,6,7-tetrabromobenzotriazole (TBB), which exhibits a comparable efficacy toward another kinase, DYRK1 a. Here we describe the development of a new class of CK2 inhibitors, conceptually derived from TBB, which have lost their potency toward DYRK1 a. In particular, tetrabromocinnamic acid (TBCA) inhibits CK2 five times more efficiently than TBB (IC50 values 0.11 and 0.56 microM, respectively), without having any comparable effect on DYRK1 a (IC50 24.5 microM) or on a panel of 28 protein kinases. The usefulness of TBCA for cellular studies has been validated by showing that it reduces the viability of Jurkat cells more efficiently than TBB through enhancement of apoptosis. Collectively taken, the reported data support the view that suitably derivatized tetrabromobenzene molecules may provide powerful reagents for dissecting the cellular functions of CK2 and counteracting its pathogenic potentials.     

Thermal stability of poly(2-ethylhexyl acrylates) used as plasticizers for medical application

This article discusses thermal analysis of different molecular weight poly(2-ethylhexyl acrylates) synthesized by radical polymerization of 2-ethylhexyl acrylate. The main aim of this work was to investigate the thermal properties and degradation process of synthesized acrylic homopolymers and forming of thermal degradation products during their pyrolysis. As investigated method pyrolysis combined with gas chromatography was used. Poly(2-ethylhexyl acrylates) are used as plasticizers for pressure-sensitive adhesives applied in medical area.     

ZnO与Mg(OH)_2在软PVC中的协同阻燃消烟作用

用热分析的方法研究了ZnO和Mg(OH)2复合阻燃剂对软PVC的协同阻燃消烟作用,考察了经阻燃处理的软PVC从室温到800℃的热降解过程,用Kissinger方程给出了热降解反应的活化能。通过极限氧指数(LOI)、剩炭率、烟密度等级(SDR)和最大烟密度(MSD)的测定以及用电子扫描显微镜(SEM)对燃烧后所生成炭层的观察,探讨了协同体系阻燃抑烟的机理。结果表明:经阻燃处理的样品尤其是加入适量ZnO和Mg(OH)2复合阻燃剂的样品具有较高的极限氧指数(LOI)和剩炭率、较低的烟密度等级(SDR)和最大烟密度(MSD),与未处理的样品相比具有较好的阻燃和消烟性能。ZnO的加入可改变PVC的热降解过程,使起始降解温度降低,并且使反应的活化能增大,可能属于固相Lewis酸催化机理。     

The Serine/Threonine Protein Phosphatase 2A (PP2A) Regulates Syk Activity in Human Platelets

Distinct membrane receptors activate platelets by Src-family-kinase (SFK)-, immunoreceptor-tyrosine-based-activation-motif (ITAM)-dependent stimulation of spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk). Recently, we reported that platelet activation via glycoprotein (GP) VI or GPIbα stimulated the well-established Syk tyrosine (Y)-phosphorylation, but also stoichiometric, transient protein kinase C (PKC)-mediated Syk serine(S)297 phosphorylation in the regulatory interdomain-B, suggesting possible feedback inhibition. The transient nature of Syk S297 phosphorylation indicated the presence of an unknown Syk pS297 protein phosphatase. In this study, we hypothesize that the S-protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is responsible for Syk pS297 dephosphorylation, thereby affecting Syk Y-phosphorylation and activity in human washed platelets. Using immunoblotting, we show that specific inhibition of PP2A by okadaic acid (OA) alone leads to stoichiometric Syk S297 phosphorylation, as analyzed by Zn²⁺-Phos-tag gels, without affecting Syk Y-phosphorylation. Pharmacological inhibition of Syk by PRT060318 or PKC by GF109203X only minimally reduced OA-induced Syk S297 phosphorylation. PP2A inhibition by OA preceding GPVI-mediated platelet activation induced by convulxin extended Syk S297 phosphorylation but inhibited Syk Y-phosphorylation. Our data demonstrate a novel biochemical and functional link between the S-protein phosphatase PP2A and the Y-protein kinase Syk in human platelets, and suggest that PP2A represents a potential enhancer of GPVI-mediated Syk activity caused by Syk pS297 dephosphorylation.     

Effect of aluminum chloride and Pt/ TiO2 on the thermal degradation of poly(vinyl chloride) in solution

The effect of two catalysts, Pt/TiO₂ and aluminum chloride, on the degradation of poly (vinyl chloride) (PVC) in solution was investigated at various temperatures. The molecular weight distribution of the polymer was obtained by analyzing the samples by gel permeation chromatography. Experimental data indicated that the catalysts enhanced the degradation rate of PVC compared to the thermal degradation of PVC. Continuous distribution kinetic models were used to evaluate the degradation rate coefficients. The activation energy, calculated from the temperature dependence of rate coefficients, was 26.5, 31.5, and 43.7 kcal/mol for the thermal degradation of PVC in solution, in the presence of Pt/TiO₂ and in the presence of AlCl₃, respectively. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 90: 3532–3535, 2003     

3-碘-N1-(2-甲基-4-七氟异丙基苯基)-N2-(1,1-二甲基-2-甲砜基乙基)-1,2-苯二甲酰胺的合成

以邻苯二甲酸酐为原料,经酰胺化、氧化、碘化反应制得3-碘-N1-(2-甲基-4-七氟异丙基苯基)-N2-(1,1-二甲基-2-甲砜基乙基)-1,2-苯二甲酰胺。讨论了反应物料摩尔比、催化剂用量、反应温度、反应时间等因素对产品收率的影响。优化后4步反应总收率61.1%,产物HPLC纯度96.5%。产物及中间体结构经1HNMR和ESI-MS确证。通过对钯碳的回收套用降低了成本,该合成路线具有原料易得,操作简便,收率高等优点,具有较好的工业化应用前景。     

Antioxidant and Hepatoprotective Effects of the Red Ginseng Essential Oil in H(2)O(2)-Treated HepG2 Cells and CCl(4)-Treated Mice

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant mechanisms of red ginseng essential oil (REO) in cells as well as in an animal model. REO was prepared by a supercritical CO(2) extraction of waste-products generated after hot water extraction of red ginseng. In HepG2 cells, REO diminished the H(2)O(2)-mediated oxidative stress and also restored both the activity and expression of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase. Administration of REO inhibited the phosphorylation of upstream mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) such as c-Jun N-terminal kinase, extracellular signal-regulated kinase, and p38. In mice, the CCl(4)-mediated elevation of serum aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase as well as the induction of hepatic lipid peroxidation were decreased by REO administration. REO treatments also resulted in up-regulation of the antioxidant enzyme expression in the liver. Moreover, increased phosphorylations of MAPKs were inhibited after REO administration. Overall, REO seems to protect the liver from oxidative stress through the activation and induction of antioxidant enzymes via inhibition of MAPKs pathways.     

Fe2+/H2O2体系降解MB机制及影响因素研究

以亚甲基蓝（MB）作为目标污染物，实验研究了Fe²⁺/H₂O₂体系降解MB的活性物质，明确了主要反应条件对MB降解的影响特性。结果表明：HO₂?没有直接降解MB的能力；Fe²⁺/H₂O₂体系对MB的降解能力主要来自于?OH；Fe²⁺/H₂O₂体系降解MB可分为快速反应阶段和匀速反应阶段。快速反应阶段的MB降解率随温度升高而下降。体系对MB降解能力随H₂O₂初始浓度增加呈现先升高后减弱的趋势，本实验条件下，最佳H₂O₂初始浓度为5 mmol·L^-1。体系对MB降解能力随Fe²⁺初始浓度的增加而单调增加。MB降解速率随MB初始浓度的增加而增加，但MB降解率随其初始浓度呈现先增大后减小的趋势。保证?OH生成速率及其有效利用是提高体系氧化能力及H₂O₂利用率的关键。     

3-碘-N1-(2-甲基-4-七氟异丙基苯基)-N2-(1,1-二甲基-2-甲砜基乙基)-1,2-苯二甲酰胺的合成

以邻苯二甲酸酐为原料,经酰胺化、氧化、碘化反应制得3-碘-N1-(2-甲基-4-七氟异丙基苯基)-N2-(1,1-二甲基-2-甲硫基乙基)-1,2-苯二甲酰胺。讨论了反应物料摩尔比、催化剂用量、反应温度、反应时间等因素对产品收率的影响。优化后四步反应总收率61.1%,含量96.5%。产物及中间体结构经1HNMR和ESI-MS确证。通过对钯碳的回收套用大大降低了成本。该合成路线具有原料易得,操作简便,收率高等优点,具有较好的工业化应用前景。