High-Confidence Protein–Ligand Complex Modeling by NMR-Guided Docking Enables Early Hit Optimization

Structure-based drug design is an integral part of modern day drug discovery and requires detailed structural characterization of protein–ligand interactions, which is most commonly performed by X-ray crystallography. However, the success rate of generating these costructures is often variable, in particular when working with dynamic proteins or weakly binding ligands. As a result, structural information is not routinely obtained in these scenarios, and ligand optimization is challenging or not pursued at all, representing a substantial limitation in chemical scaffolds and diversity. To overcome this impediment, we have developed a robust NMR restraint guided docking protocol to generate high-quality models of protein–ligand complexes. By combining the use of highly methyl-labeled protein with experimentally determined intermolecular distances, a comprehensive set of protein–ligand distances is generated which then drives the docking process and enables the determination of the correct ligand conformation in the bound state. For the first time, the utility and performance of such a method is fully demonstrated by employing the generated models for the successful, prospective optimization of crystallographically intractable fragment hits into more potent binders

High-Confidence Protein–Ligand Complex Modeling by NMR-Guided Docking Enables Early Hit Optimization

Structure-based drug design is an integral part of modern day drug discovery and requires detailed structural characterization of protein–ligand interactions, which is most commonly performed by X-ray crystallography. However, the success rate of generating these costructures is often variable, in particular when working with dynamic proteins or weakly binding ligands. As a result, structural information is not routinely obtained in these scenarios, and ligand optimization is challenging or not pursued at all, representing a substantial limitation in chemical scaffolds and diversity. To overcome this impediment, we have developed a robust NMR restraint guided docking protocol to generate high-quality models of protein–ligand complexes. By combining the use of highly methyl-labeled protein with experimentally determined intermolecular distances, a comprehensive set of protein–ligand distances is generated which then drives the docking process and enables the determination of the correct ligand conformation in the bound state. For the first time, the utility and performance of such a method is fully demonstrated by employing the generated models for the successful, prospective optimization of crystallographically intractable fragment hits into more potent binders

Phosphorylation of a Borealin Dimerization Domain Is Required for Proper Chromosome Segregation

The chromosomal passenger complex (CPC) has been identified as a master regulator of mitosis. In particular, proper chromosome segregation and cytokinesis depend on the correct localization and function of the CPC. Within the complex, the kinase Aurora B associates with Incenp, Survivin, and Borealin. The stoichiometry of the complex as well as a complete understanding of how these four components interact with each other remains to be elucidated. Here, we identify a new domain of Borealin. We determined its structure using NMR spectroscopy and discovered a novel dimerization motif. Interestingly, we found that substitutions at Borealin T230, recently identified as an Mps1 phosphorylation site, can modulate the dimerization state of Borealin. Mutation of this single residue to alanine or valine impairs Aurora B activity during mitosis and causes chromosome segregation defects. This study reveals that Mps1 regulates the CPC through a novel Borealin domain

Fast and Efficient Fragment-Based Lead Generation by Fully Automated Processing and Analysis of Ligand-Observed NMR Binding Data

NMR binding assays are routinely applied in hit finding and validation during early stages of drug discovery, particularly for fragment-based lead generation. To this end, compound libraries are screened by ligand-observed NMR experiments such as STD, T1ρ, and CPMG to identify molecules interacting with a target. The analysis of a high number of complex spectra is performed largely manually and therefore represents a limiting step in hit generation campaigns. Here we report a novel integrated computational procedure that processes and analyzes ligand-observed proton and fluorine NMR binding data in a fully automated fashion. A performance evaluation comparing automated and manual analysis results on ¹⁹F- and ¹H-detected data sets shows that the program delivers robust, high-confidence hit lists in a fraction of the time needed for manual analysis and greatly facilitates visual inspection of the associated NMR spectra. These features enable considerably higher throughput, the assessment of larger libraries, and shorter turn-around times

Intrinsically Disordered Regions in the Transcription Factor MYC:MAX Modulate DNA Binding via Intramolecular Interactions

The basic helix–loop–helix leucine zipper (bHLH-LZ) transcription factor (TF) MYC is in large part an intrinsically disordered oncoprotein. In complex with its obligate heterodimerization partner MAX, MYC preferentially binds E-Box DNA sequences (CANNTG). At promoters containing these sequence motifs, MYC controls fundamental cellular processes such as cell cycle progression, metabolism, and apoptosis. A vast network of proteins in turn regulates MYC function via intermolecular interactions. In this work, we establish another layer of MYC regulation by intramolecular interactions. We used nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to identify and map multiple binding sites for the C-terminal MYC:MAX DNA-binding domain (DBD) on the intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) in the MYC N-terminus. We find that these binding events in trans are driven by electrostatic attraction, that they have distinct affinities, and that they are competitive with DNA binding. Thereby, we observe the strongest effects for the N-terminal MYC box 0 (Mb0), a conserved motif involved in MYC transactivation and target gene induction. We prepared recombinant full-length MYC:MAX complex and demonstrate that the interactions identified in this work are also relevant in cis, i.e., as intramolecular interactions. These findings are supported by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) experiments, which revealed that intramolecular IDR:DBD interactions in MYC decelerate the association of MYC:MAX complexes to DNA. Our work offers new insights into how bHLH-LZ TFs are regulated by intramolecular interactions, which open up new possibilities for drug discovery

Discovery and Optimization of Phosphopantetheine Adenylyltransferase Inhibitors with Gram-Negative Antibacterial Activity

In the preceding manuscript [Moreau et al. 2018, 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.7b01691] we described a successful fragment-based lead discovery (FBLD) strategy for discovery of bacterial phosphopantetheine adenylyltransferase inhibitors (PPAT, CoaD). Following several rounds of optimization two promising lead compounds were identified: triazolopyrimidinone <b>3</b> and 4-azabenzimidazole <b>4</b>. Here we disclose our efforts to further optimize these two leads for on-target potency and Gram-negative cellular activity. Enabled by a robust X-ray crystallography system, our structure-based inhibitor design approach delivered compounds with biochemical potencies 4–5 orders of magnitude greater than their respective fragment starting points. Additional optimization was guided by observations on bacterial permeability and physicochemical properties, which ultimately led to the identification of PPAT inhibitors with cellular activity against wild-type <i>E. coli.</i

JDQ443, a Structurally Novel, Pyrazole-Based, Covalent Inhibitor of KRAS^G12C for the Treatment of Solid Tumors

Rapid emergence of tumor resistance via RAS pathway reactivation has been reported from clinical studies of covalent KRASG12C inhibitors. Thus, inhibitors with broad potential for combination treatment and distinct binding modes to overcome resistance mutations may prove beneficial. JDQ443 is an investigational covalent KRASG12C inhibitor derived from structure-based drug design followed by extensive optimization of two dissimilar prototypes. JDQ443 is a stable atropisomer containing a unique 5-methylpyrazole core and a spiro-azetidine linker designed to position the electrophilic acrylamide for optimal engagement with KRASG12C C12. A substituted indazole at pyrazole position 3 results in novel interactions with the binding pocket that do not involve residue H95. JDQ443 showed PK/PD activity in vivo and dose-dependent antitumor activity in mouse xenograft models. JDQ443 is now in clinical development, with encouraging early phase data reported from an ongoing Phase Ib/II clinical trial (NCT04699188)

Fragment-Based Drug Discovery of Inhibitors of Phosphopantetheine Adenylyltransferase from Gram-Negative Bacteria

The discovery and development of new antibiotics capable of curing infections due to multidrug-resistant and pandrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria are a major challenge with fundamental importance to our global healthcare system. Part of our broad program at Novartis to address this urgent, unmet need includes the search for new agents that inhibit novel bacterial targets. Here we report the discovery and hit-to-lead optimization of new inhibitors of phosphopantetheine adenylyltransferase (PPAT) from Gram-negative bacteria. Utilizing a fragment-based screening approach, we discovered a number of unique scaffolds capable of interacting with the pantetheine site of E. coli PPAT and inhibiting enzymatic activity, including triazolopyrimidinone 6. Structure-based optimization resulted in the identification of two lead compounds as selective, small molecule inhibitors of bacterial PPAT: triazolopyrimidinone 53 and azabenzimidazole 54 efficiently inhibited E. coli and P. aeruginosa PPAT and displayed modest cellular potency against the efflux-deficient E. coli ΔtolC mutant strain

EED inhibitors compete with H3K27me3 peptide in both enzymatic and binding assays.

a. EED inhibitors compete with H3K27me3 in NCP based PRC2 enzymatic assays. The assay was carried out at 1 x and 10 x Kact for the stimulatory H3K27me3 peptide and the concentration of SAM and nucleosome were kept at Km. Inhibitors demonstrated significantly reduced potency at a higher concentration of H3K27me3 peptide. b. EED inhibitors compete with H3K27me3 in EED-H3K27me3 AlphaScreen binding assay (competition mode). All compounds reduced the AlphaScreen signal in a dose dependent-manner.</p

Discovery and Optimization of Phosphopantetheine Adenylyltransferase Inhibitors with Gram-Negative Antibacterial Activity

In the preceding manuscript [Moreau et al. 2018, 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.7b01691] we described a successful fragment-based lead discovery (FBLD) strategy for discovery of bacterial phosphopantetheine adenylyltransferase inhibitors (PPAT, CoaD). Following several rounds of optimization two promising lead compounds were identified: triazolopyrimidinone <b>3</b> and 4-azabenzimidazole <b>4</b>. Here we disclose our efforts to further optimize these two leads for on-target potency and Gram-negative cellular activity. Enabled by a robust X-ray crystallography system, our structure-based inhibitor design approach delivered compounds with biochemical potencies 4–5 orders of magnitude greater than their respective fragment starting points. Additional optimization was guided by observations on bacterial permeability and physicochemical properties, which ultimately led to the identification of PPAT inhibitors with cellular activity against wild-type <i>E. coli.</i