Discovery of quinazolinone and quinoxaline derivatives as potent and selective poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1/2 inhibitors

Two classes of quinazolinone derivatives and quinoxaline derivatives were identified as potent and selective poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 and 2 (PARP-1) and (PARP-2) inhibitors, respectively. In PARP enzyme assays using recombinant PARP-1 and PARP-2, quinazolinone derivatives displayed relatively high selectivity for PARP-1 and quinoxaline derivatives showed superior selectivity for PARP-2. SBDD analysis via a combination of X-ray structural study and homology modeling suggested distinct interactions of inhibitors with PARP-1 and PARP-2. These findings provide a new structural framework for the design of selective inhibitors for PARP-1 and PARP-2.     

Discovery of potent and selective PARP-1 and PARP-2 inhibitors: SBDD analysis via a combination of X-ray structural study and homology modeling

We disclose herein our efforts aimed at discovery of selective PARP-1 and PARP-2 inhibitors. We have recently discovered several novel classes of quinazolinones, quinazolidinones, and quinoxalines as potent PARP-1 inhibitors, which may represent attractive therapeutic candidates. In PARP enzyme assays using recombinant PARP-1 and PARP-2, the quinazolinone derivatives displayed relatively high selectivity for PARP-1 and quinoxaline derivatives showed superior selectivity for PARP-2, and the quinazolidinone derivatives did not have selectivity for PARP-1/2. Structure-based drug design analysis via a combination of X-ray structural study utilizing the complexes of inhibitors and human PARP-1 catalytic domain, and homology modeling using murine PARP-2 suggested distinct interactions of inhibitors with PARP-1 and PARP-2. These findings provide a new structural framework for the design of selective inhibitors for PARP-1 and PARP-2.     

In silico investigation of PARP-1 catalytic domains in holo and apo states for the design of high-affinity PARP-1 inhibitors

The rational design of high-affinity inhibitors of poly-ADP-ribose polymerase-1 (PARP-1) is at the heart of modern anti-cancer drug design. While relevance of enzyme to DNA repair processes in cellular environment is firmly established, the structural and functional understanding of the main determinants for high-affinity ligands controlling PARP-1 activity is still lacking. The conserved active site of PARP-1 represents an ideal target for inhibitors and may offer a novel target at the treatment of breast cancer. To fill the gap in the structural knowledge, we report on the combination of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, principal component analysis (PCA), and conformational analysis that analyzes in great details novel binding mode for a number of inhibitors at the PARP-1. While optimization of the binding affinity for original target is an important goal in the drug design, many of the promising molecules for treatment of the breast cancer are plagued by significant cardiotoxicity. One of the most common side-effects reported for a number of polymerase inhibitors is its off-target interactions with cardiac ion channels and hERG1 channel, in particular. Thus, selected candidate PARP-1 inhibitors were also screened in silico at the central cavities of hERG1 potassium ion channel.     

Design and synthesis of novel PARP-1 inhibitors based on pyridopyridazinone scaffold

Various pyridopyridazinone derivatives were designed as Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) inhibitors. The pyridopyridazinone scaffold was used as an isostere of the phthalazine nucleus of the lead compound Olaparib in addition to some modifications in the tail part of the molecule. Preliminary biological evaluation indicated that most compounds possessed inhibitory potencies comparable to Olaparib in nanomolar level. The best PARP-1 inhibitory activity was observed for compound 8a with (IC₅₀ = 36 nM) compared to Olaparib as a reference drug (IC₅₀ = 34 nM). Molecular modeling simulation revealed that, the designed compounds docked well into PARP-1 active site and their complexes are stabilized by three key hydrogen bond interactions with both Gly863 and Ser904 as well as other favorable π-π and hydrogen-π stacking interactions with Tyr907 and Tyr896, respectively. Computational ADME study predicted that the target compounds 8a and 8e have proper pharmacokinetic and drug-likeness properties. These outcomes afford a new structural framework for the design of novel inhibitors for PARP-1.     

Molecular docking and 3D-QSAR studies on inhibitors of DNA damage signaling enzyme human PARP-1

Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) operates in a DNA damage signaling network. Molecular docking and three dimensional-quantitative structure activity relationship (3D-QSAR) studies were performed on human PARP-1 inhibitors. Docked conformation obtained for each molecule was used as such for 3D-QSAR analysis. Molecules were divided into a training set and a test set randomly in four different ways, partial least square analysis was performed to obtain QSAR models using the comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA) and comparative molecular similarity indices analysis (CoMSIA). Derived models showed good statistical reliability that is evident from their r2, q2(loo) and r2(pred) values. To obtain a consensus for predictive ability from all the models, average regression coefficient r2(avg) was calculated. CoMFA and CoMSIA models showed a value of 0.930 and 0.936, respectively. Information obtained from the best 3D-QSAR model was applied for optimization of lead molecule and design of novel potential inhibitors.     

Pharmacological inhibition of PARP-1 reduces alpha-synuclein- and MPP+-induced cytotoxicity in Parkinson's disease in vitro models

Treatments based on pharmacological inhibition of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) have been suggested for a broad variety of human disorders, including Parkinson's disease (PD). The neuroprotective effects underlying the efficacy of PARP-1 inhibitors in PD models suggest a role for PARP-1 in neurodegeneration. In this study, we assessed the efficacy of PARP-1 inhibition in two distinct PD models. First, we tested a panel of small molecule PARP-1 inhibitors in alpha-synuclein (aSyn) cytotoxicity assay, where we observed compound-dependent ameliorating effects. Next, we tested the same panel in primary ventral mesencephalic neuronal cultures, treated with MPP(+). Dopaminergic neurons, the primary cells affected in PD, were selected and subjected to analysis. A significant ameliorating effect was achieved only with a highly potent PARP-1 inhibitor. Our data implicates aberrant PARP-1 function in different pathways of neurodegeneration. Further, our results suggest a rationale for the development of highly potent, bio-available, brain-penetrable PARP-1 inhibitors to provide therapeutic benefits for Parkinson's patients.     

PARP inhibitors for cancer therapy

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP-1) is a zinc-finger DNA-binding enzyme that is activated by binding to DNA breaks. Poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation of nuclear proteins by PARP-1 converts DNA damage into intracellular signals that activate either DNA repair by the base-excision pathway or cell death. A family of 18 PARPs has been identified, but only the most abundant, PARP-1 and PARP-2, which are both nuclear enzymes, are activated by DNA damage. PARP inhibitors of ever-increasing potency have been developed in the 40 years since the discovery of PARP-1, both as tools for the investigation of PARP-1 function and as potential modulators of DNA-repair-mediated resistance to cytotoxic therapy. Owing to the high level of homology between the catalytic domains of PARP-1 and PARP-2, the inhibitors probably affect both enzymes. Convincing biochemical evidence, which has been corroborated by genetic manipulation of PARP-1 activity, shows that PARP inhibition is associated with increased sensitivity to DNA-alkylating agents, topoisomerase I poisons and ionising radiation. Novel PARP inhibitors of sufficient potency and suitable pharmacokinetic properties to allow evaluation in animal models have been shown to enhance the antitumour activity of temozolomide (a DNA-methylating agent), topoisomerase poisons and ionising radiation; indeed, the combination with temozolomide resulted in complete tumour regression in two independent studies. The combination of a PARP inhibitor and temozolomide is currently undergoing clinical evaluation for the first time.     

Identification of ring-fused pyrazolo pyridin-2-ones as novel poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase-1 inhibitors

A novel class of PARP-1 inhibitors was identified containing a non-aromatic heterocycle or carbocycle fused to a pyrazolo pyridin-2-one. Compounds displayed low nanomolar binding activity in the PARP-1 binding assay and submicromolar activity in a cell based chemosensitization assay.     

Virtual screening of small molecules databases for discovery of novel PARP-1 inhibitors: combination of in silico and in vitro studies

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) enzyme has critical roles in DNA replication repair and recombination. Thus, PARP-1 inhibitors play an important role in the cancer therapy. In the current study, we have performed combination of in silico and in vitro studies in order to discover novel inhibitors against PARP-1 target. Structure-based virtual screening was carried out for an available small molecules database. A total of 257,951 ligands from Otava database were screened at the binding pocket of PARP-1 using high-throughput virtual screening techniques. Filtered structures based on predicted binding energy results were then used in more sophisticated molecular docking simulations (i.e. Glide/standard precision, Glide/XP, induced fit docking – IFD, and quantum mechanics polarized ligand docking – QPLD). Potential high binding affinity compounds that are predicted by molecular simulations were then tested by in vitro methods. Computationally proposed compounds as PARP-1 inhibitors (Otava Compound Codes: 7111620047 and 7119980926) were confirmed by in vitro studies. In vitro results showed that compounds 7111620047 and 7119980926 have IC₅₀ values of 0.56 and 63 μM against PARP-1 target, respectively. The molecular mechanism analysis, free energy perturbation calculations using long multiple molecular dynamics simulations for the discovered compounds which showed high binding affinity against PARP-1 enzyme, as well as structure-based pharmacophore development (E-pharmacophore) studies were also studied.     

Positions of His-64 and a bound water in human carbonic anhydrase II upon binding three structurally related inhibitors.

The 3-dimensional structure of human carbonic anhydrase II (HCAII; EC 4.2.1.1) complexed with 3 structurally related inhibitors, 1a, 1b, and 1c, has been determined by X-ray crystallographic methods. The 3 inhibitors (1a = C8H12N2O4S3) vary only in the length of the substituent on the 4-amino group: 1a, proton; 1b, methyl; and 1c, ethyl. The binding constants (Ki's) for 1a, 1b, and 1c to HCAII are 1.52, 1.88, and 0.37 nM, respectively. These structures were solved to learn if any structural cause could be found for the difference in binding. In the complex with inhibitors 1a and 1b, electron density can be observed for His-64 and a bound water molecule in the native positions. When inhibitor 1c is bound, the side chain attached to the 4-amino group is positioned so that His-64 can only occupy the alternate position and the bound water is absent. While a variety of factors contribute to the observed binding constants, the major reason 1c binds tighter to HCAII than does 1a or 1b appears to be entropy: the increase in entropy when the bound water molecule is released contributes to the increase in binding and overcomes the small penalty for putting the His-64 side chain in a higher energy state.     

PARP-2 and PARP-3 are selectively activated by 5′ phosphorylated DNA breaks through an allosteric regulatory mechanism shared with PARP-1

PARP-1, PARP-2 and PARP-3 are DNA-dependent PARPs that localize to DNA damage, synthesize poly(ADP-ribose) (PAR) covalently attached to target proteins including themselves, and thereby recruit repair factors to DNA breaks to increase repair efficiency. PARP-1, PARP-2 and PARP-3 have in common two C-terminal domains—Trp-Gly-Arg (WGR) and catalytic (CAT). In contrast, the N-terminal region (NTR) of PARP-1 is over 500 residues and includes four regulatory domains, whereas PARP-2 and PARP-3 have smaller NTRs (70 and 40 residues, respectively) of unknown structural composition and function. Here, we show that PARP-2 and PARP-3 are preferentially activated by DNA breaks harboring a 5′ phosphate (5′P), suggesting selective activation in response to specific DNA repair intermediates, in particular structures that are competent for DNA ligation. In contrast to PARP-1, the NTRs of PARP-2 and PARP-3 are not strictly required for DNA binding or for DNA-dependent activation. Rather, the WGR domain is the central regulatory domain of PARP-2 and PARP-3. Finally, PARP-1, PARP-2 and PARP-3 share an allosteric regulatory mechanism of DNA-dependent catalytic activation through a local destabilization of the CAT. Collectively, our study provides new insights into the specialization of the DNA-dependent PARPs and their specific roles in DNA repair pathways.     

The sequence-specific DNA binding of NF-kappa B is reversibly regulated by the automodification reaction of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1

Recent studies suggest that the synthesis of protein-bound ADP-ribose polymers catalyzed by poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) regulates eucaryotic gene expression, including the NF-kappaB-dependent pathway. Here, we report the molecular mechanism by which PARP-1 activates the sequence-specific binding of NF-kappaB to its oligodeoxynucleotide. We co-incubated pure recombinant human PARP-1 and the p50 subunit of NF-kappaB (NF-kappaB-p50) in the presence or absence of betaNAD+ in vitro. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays showed that, when PARP-1 was present, NF-kappaB-p50 DNA binding was dependent on the presence of betaNAD+. DNA binding by NF-kappaB-p50 was not efficient in the absence of betaNAD+. In fact, the binding was not efficient in the presence of 3-aminobenzamide (3-AB) either. Thus, we conclude that NF-kappaB-p50 DNA binding is protein-poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation dependent. Co-immunoprecipitation and immunoblot analysis revealed that PARP-1 physically interacts with NF-kappaB-p50 with high specificity in the absence of betaNAD+. Because NF-kB-p50 was not an efficient covalent target for poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation, our results are consistent with the conclusion that the auto-poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation reaction catalyzed by PARP-1 facilitates the binding of NF-kappaB-p50 to its DNA by inhibiting the specific protein.protein interactions between NF-kappaB-p50 and PARP-1. We also report the activation of NF-kappaB DNA binding by the automodification reaction of PARP-1 in cultured HeLa cells following exposure to H(2)O(2). In these experiments, preincubation of HeLa cells with 3-AB, prior to oxidative damage, strongly inhibited NF-kappaB activation in vivo as well.     

Evaluation of candidate biomarkers to predict cancer cell sensitivity or resistance to PARP-1 inhibitor treatment

Impaired DNA damage response pathways may create vulnerabilities of cancer cells that can be exploited therapeutically. One such selective vulnerability is the sensitivity of BRCA1- or BRCA2-defective tumors (hence defective in DNA repair by homologous recombination, HR) to inhibitors of the poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1), an enzyme critical for repair pathways alternative to HR. While promising, treatment with PARP-1 inhibitors (PARP-1i) faces some hurdles, including (1) acquired resistance, (2) search for other sensitizing, non-BRCA1/2 cancer defects and (3) lack of biomarkers to predict response to PARP-1i. Here we addressed these issues using PARP-1i on 20 human cell lines from carcinomas of the breast, prostate, colon, pancreas and ovary. Aberrations of the Mre11-Rad50-Nbs1 (MRN) complex sensitized cancer cells to PARP-1i, while p53 status was less predictive, even in response to PARP-1i combinations with camptothecin or ionizing radiation. Furthermore, monitoring PARsylation and Rad51 foci formation as surrogate markers for PARP activity and HR, respectively, supported their candidacy for biomarkers of PARP-1i responses. As to resistance mechanisms, we confirmed the role of the multidrug resistance efflux transporters and its reversibility. More importantly, we demonstrated that shRNA lentivirus-mediated depletion of 53BP1 in human BRCA1-mutant breast cancer cells increased their resistance to PARP-1i. Given the preferential loss of 53BP1 in BRCA-defective and triple-negative breast carcinomas, our findings warrant assessment of 53BP1 among candidate predictive biomarkers of response to PARPi. Overall, this study helps characterize genetic and functional determinants of cellular responses to PARP-1i and contributes to the search for biomarkers to exploit PARP inhibitors in cancer therapy.     

Evaluation of candidate biomarkers to predict cancer cell sensitivity or resistance to PARP-1 inhibitor treatment

Impaired DNA damage response pathways may create vulnerabilities of cancer cells that can be exploited therapeutically. One such selective vulnerability is the sensitivity of BRCA1- or BRCA2-defective tumors (hence defective in DNA repair by homologous recombination, HR) to inhibitors of the poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1), an enzyme critical for repair pathways alternative to HR. While promising, treatment with PARP-1 inhibitors (PARP-1i) faces some hurdles, including (1) acquired resistance, (2) search for other sensitizing, non-BRCA1/2 cancer defects and (3) lack of biomarkers to predict response to PARP-1i. Here we addressed these issues using PARP-1i on 20 human cell lines from carcinomas of the breast, prostate, colon, pancreas and ovary. Aberrations of the Mre11-Rad50-Nbs1 (MRN) complex sensitized cancer cells to PARP-1i, while p53 status was less predictive, even in response to PARP-1i combinations with camptothecin or ionizing radiation. Furthermore, monitoring PARsylation and Rad51 foci formation as surrogate markers for PARP activity and HR, respectively, supported their candidacy for biomarkers of PARP-1i responses. As to resistance mechanisms, we confirmed the role of the multidrug resistance efflux transporters and its reversibility. More importantly, we demonstrated that shRNA lentivirus-mediated depletion of 53BP1 in human BRCA1-mutant breast cancer cells increased their resistance to PARP-1i. Given the preferential loss of 53BP1 in BRCA-defective and triple-negative breast carcinomas, our findings warrant assessment of 53BP1 among candidate predictive biomarkers of response to PARPi. Overall, this study helps characterize genetic and functional determinants of cellular responses to PARP-1i and contributes to the search for biomarkers to exploit PARP inhibitors in cancer therapy.