Calixarene-based phosphinic acids as inhibitors of protein tyrosine phosphatases

In the present work, the derivatives of calix[4]arene, thiacalix[4]arene, and sulfonylcalix[4]arene bearing four methylene(phenyl)phosphinic acid groups on the upper rim of the macrocycle were synthesized and studied as inhibitors of human protein tyrosine phosphatases. The inhibitory capacities of the three compounds towards PTP1B were higher than those for protein tyrosine phosphatases TC–PTP, MEG1, MEG2, and SHP2. The most potent sulfonylcalix[4]arene phosphinic acid displayed K_i value of 32?nM. The thiacalix[4]arene phosphinic acid was found to be a low micromolar inhibitor of PTP1B with selectivity over the other PTPs. The kinetic experiments showed that the inhibitors compete with the substrate for the active site of the enzyme. Molecular docking was performed to explain possible binding modes of the calixarene-based phosphinic inhibitors of PTP1B.     

4-Quinolone-3-carboxylic acids as cell-permeable inhibitors of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B

Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B is a negative regulator in the insulin and leptin signaling pathways, and has emerged as an attractive target for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity. However, the essential pharmacophore of charged phosphotyrosine or its mimetic confer low selectivity and poor cell permeability. Starting from our previously reported aryl diketoacid-based PTP1B inhibitors, a drug-like scaffold of 4-quinolone-3-carboxylic acid was introduced for the first time as a novel surrogate of phosphotyrosine. An optimal combination of hydrophobic groups installed at C-6, N-1 and C-3 positions of the quinolone motif afforded potent PTP1B inhibitors with low micromolar IC₅₀ values. These 4-quinolone-3-carboxylate based PTP1B inhibitors displayed a 2–10 fold selectivity over a panel of PTP’s. Furthermore, the bidentate inhibitors of 4-quinolone-3-carboxylic acids conjugated with aryl diketoacid or salicylic acid were cell permeable and enhanced insulin signaling in CHO/hIR cells. The kinetic studies and molecular modeling suggest that the 4-quinolone-3-carboxylates act as competitive inhibitors by binding to the PTP1B active site in the WPD loop closed conformation. Taken together, our study shows that the 4-quinolone-3-carboxylic acid derivatives exhibit improved pharmacological properties over previously described PTB1B inhibitors and warrant further preclinical studies.     

Benzo[c][1,2,5]thiadiazole derivatives: A new class of potent Src homology-2 domain containing protein tyrosine phosphatase-2 (SHP2) inhibitors

The Src homology-2 domain containing protein tyrosine phosphatase-2 (SHP2) is an oncogenic phosphatase linked to various kinds of cancers. Consequently, SHP2 has emerged as a promising target for novel anti-cancer agents. Using scaffold-hopping strategy, a series of benzo[c][1,2,5]thiadiazole derivatives was designed from PTP1B inhibitors with 1H-2,3-Dihydroperimidine motif, synthesized and evaluated their biological activities against PTP1B and SHP2. Among them, the representative compound 11g displayed SHP2 inhibitory activity with IC₅₀ of 2.11?±?0.99?μM, exhibited 2.02-fold and 25-fold selectivity for SHP2 over SHP1 and PTP1B respectively and had no visible activity against TCPTP. These preliminary results could provide a possible opportunity for the development of novel SHP2 inhibitors with optimal potency and improved pharmacological properties.     

Synthesis and PTP1B inhibition of novel 4-aryl-1-oxa-9-thiacyclopenta[b]fluorenes

Novel 4-aryl-1-oxa-9-thiacyclopenta[b]fluorenes were designed, synthesized, and evaluated as inhibitors of the protein tyrosine phosphatase, PTP1B. Compounds 3 (IC50 = 284 nM) and 4 (IC50 = 74 nM), showed nanomolar potency against PTP1B (TRDI(P)YETD(P)Y(P)YRK as substrate). Compound 4 also lowered insulin in the diabetic ob/ob mouse at a dose of 10 mg/kg/day, p.o.     

Inhibitory effect of 2-arylbenzofurans from Erythrina addisoniae on protein tyrosine phosphatase-1B

Bioassay-guided fractionation of an EtOAc-soluble extract of the stem bark of Erythrina addisoniae (Leguminosae), using an in vitro PTP1B inhibitory assay, resulted in the isolation of three new (1-3) and three known (4-6) 2-arylbenzofuran derivatives. The new compounds were identified as 2-[2',4'-dihydroxy-3'-(3-methylbut-2-enyl)phenyl]-6-hydroxybenzofuran (1), 2-[2'-methoxy-4'-hydroxy-5'-(3-methylbut-2-enyl)phenyl]-6-hydroxybenzofuran (2), and 2-(2'-methoxy-4'-hydroxyphenyl)-5-(3-methylbut-2-enyl)-6-hydroxybenzofuran (3). The new 2-arylbenzofurans 1-3 inhibited PTP1B activity with IC(50) values ranging from 13.6+/-1.1 to 17.5+/-1.2 microM in vitro assay. On the basis of the data obtained, 2-arylbenzofurans with prenyl group may be considered as a new class of PTP1B inhibitors.     

Identification and characterization of potent and selective inhibitors targeting protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B)

Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) plays an important role in the negative regulation of insulin and leptin signaling. The development of small molecular inhibitors targeting PTP1B has been validated as a potential therapeutic strategy for Type 2 diabetes (T2D). In this work, we have identified a series of compounds containing dihydropyridine thione and particular chiral structure as novel PTP1B inhibitors. Among those, compound 4b showed moderate activity with IC₅₀ value of 3.33 μM and meanwhile with good selectivity (>30-fold) against TCPTP. The further MOA study of PTP1B demonstrated that compounds 4b is a substrate-competitive inhibitor. The binding mode analysis suggested that compound 4b simultaneously occupies the active site and the second phosphotyrosine (pTyr) binding site of PTP1B. Furthermore, the cell viability assay of compound 4b showed tolerable cytotoxicity in L02 cells, thus 4b may be prospectively used to further in vivo study.     

Enzyme occupancy measurement of intracellular protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B using photoaffinity probes

Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) is believed to be one of the enzymes involved in down-regulating the insulin receptor and is a drug target for the treatment of type II diabetes. To better understand the in vitro and in vivo behavior of PTP1B inhibitors, a cell-based assay to directly measure enzyme occupancy of PTP1B by inhibitors using photoaffinity labeling was developed. Two photoaffinity probes were synthesized containing the photolabile diazirine moiety. These photoprobes were specific for PTP1B and T-cell protein tyrosine phosphatase over CD45, with the most potent photoprobe having an IC(50) value of 0.2nM for PTP1B. Activation of the photoprobes with a 40-W UV lamp in the presence of purified AspTyrLysAspAspAspAspLys (Flag)-PTP1B formed a 1:1 irreversible adduct with the enzyme. The photolabeling was competed by known PTP1B inhibitors, vanadate, and the peptide inhibitor N-benzoyl-l-glutamyl-[4-phosphono(difluoromethyl)]-l-phenylalanyl-[4-phosphono(difluoromethyl)]l-phenylalanineamide (BzN-EJJ-amide). In HepG2 (human hepatoma cell line) cells, endogenous PTP1B was labeled by the UV-activated photoprobes in both lysed and intact cells. Enzyme occupancy measurements were conducted with a series of PTP1B inhibitors using the photoprobe affinity assay. Several compounds were shown to bind to endogenous PTP1B in the HepG2 intact cells.     

Inhibition of Yersinia protein tyrosine phosphatase by phosphonate derivatives of calixarenes

Inhibition of Yersinia protein tyrosine phosphatase by calix[4]arene mono-, bis-, and tetrakis(methylenebisphosphonic) acids as well as calix[4]arene and thiacalix[4]arene tetrakis(methylphosphonic) acids have been investigated. The kinetic studies revealed that some compounds in this class are potent competitive inhibitors of Yersinia PTP with inhibition constants in the low micromolar range. The binding modes of macrocyclic phosphonate derivatives in the enzyme active center have been explained using computational docking approach. The results obtained indicate that calix[4]arenes are promising scaffolds for the development of inhibitors of Yersinia PTP.     

Synthesis and characterization of 5,7-dihydroxyflavanone derivatives as novel protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B inhibitors

A series of 5,7-dihydroxyflavanone derivatives were synthesized and identified as reversible and competitive protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) 1B inhibitors with IC₅₀ values in the micromolar range. Compound 4k had the most potent in vitro inhibition activity against PTP1B (IC₅₀ = 2.37?±?0.37 μM) and the greatest selectivity (3.7-fold) for PTP1B relative to T-cell protein tyrosine phosphatase. Cell-based studies revealed that 4k was membrane-permeable and enhanced insulin receptor tyrosine phosphorylation in CHO/hIR cells.     

The insulin-mimetic effect of Morin: A promising molecule in diabetes treatment

Background

Type-2 diabetes is a worldwidely diffuse disease characterized by insulin resistance that arises from alterations of receptor and/or post-receptor events of insulin signalling. Studies performed with PTP1B-deficent mice demonstrated that PTP1B is the main negative regulator of insulin signalling. Inhibition or down regulation of this enzyme causes enhanced insulin sensitivity. Hence this enzyme represents the most attractive target for development of innovative anti-diabetic drugs.

Methods

Selection of new PTP1B inhibitors among an in house library of polyphenolic compounds was carried out screening their activity. The inhibition mechanism of Morin was determined by kinetic analyses. The cellular action of Morin was assayed on HepG2 cells. Analyses of the insulin signalling pathways was carried out by Western blot methods, glycogen synthesis was estimated by measuring the incorporation of [³H]-glucose, gluconeogenesis rate was assayed by measuring the glucose release in the cell medium. Cell growth was estimated by cell count. Docking analysis was conducted with SwissDock program.

Results

We demonstrated that Morin: i) is a non-competitive inhibitor of PTP1B displaying a K_i in the μM range; ii) increases the phosphorylation of the insulin receptor and Akt; iii) inhibits gluconeogenesis and enhances glycogen synthesis. Morin does not enhance cell growth.

Conclusions

We have identified Morin as a new small molecular non-competitive inhibitor of PTP1B, which behaves as an activator and sensitizer of the insulin receptor stimulating the metabolic pathways only.

General significance

Our study suggests that Morin is a useful lead for development of new low Mr compounds potentially active as antidiabetic drugs.     

One-step partial synthesis of (±)-asperteretone B and related hPTP1B1–400 inhibitors from butyrolactone I

Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) is a validated target for developing antiobesity, antidiabetic and anticancer drugs. Over the past years, several inhibitors of PTP1B have been discovered; however, none has been approved by the drug regulatory agencies. Interestingly, the research programs focused on discovering PTP1B inhibitors typically use truncated structures of the protein (PTP1B_1-300, 1–300 amino acids), leading to the loss of valuable information about the inhibition and selectivity of ligands and repeatedly misleading the optimization of putative drug leads. Up to date, only six inhibitors of the full-length protein (hPTP1B_1-400), with affinity constants ranging from 1.3 × 10⁴ to 3.3 × 10⁶ M⁻¹, have been reported. Towards the discovery of new ligands of the full-length human PTP1B (hPTP1B_1-400) from natural sources, herein we describe the isolation of a γ-lactone (1, butyrolactone I) from the fungus Aspergillus terreus, as well as the semisynthesis, inhibitory properties (in vitro and in silico), and the structure-activity relationship of a set of butyrolactone derivatives (1 and 2, and 6–12) as hPTP1B_1-400 inhibitors, as well as the affinity constant (k_a = 2.2 × 10⁵ M⁻¹) of the 1-hPTP1B₁–₄₀₀ complex, which was determined by fluorescence quenching experiments, after the inner filter effect correction.     

Dinuclear copper complexes of organic claw: potent inhibition of protein tyrosine phosphatases

Three dinuclear copper complexes of organic claw ligands (2,2′,2″,2?-(5-R-2-hydroxy-1,3-phenylene)bis(methylene)bis(azanetriyl)tetraacetic acid, R = methyl (H₅L1), chloro (H₅L2) and bromo (H₅L3)): [Cu₂NaL1(H₂O)₂] (1), [Cu₂HL2(H₂O)₂] (2), [Cu₂NaL3(H₂O)₂] (3), have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, infrared spectra, thermo-gravimetric analyses, X-ray diffraction analysis, electrospray ionization mass spectra, pH-potentiometric titration, molar conductivity. Their inhibitory effects against human protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B), T cell protein tyrosine phosphatase (TCPTP), Megakaryocyte protein tyrosinephosphatase 2 (PTP-MEG2), srchomology phosphatase 1 (SHP-1) and srchomology phosphatase 2 (SHP-2) are evaluated in vitro. The three copper complexes exhibit potent and almost same inhibition against PTP1B and SHP-1 with IC₅₀ values ranging from 0.15 to 0.31 μM, about 2-fold stronger inhibition than against PTP-MEG2, 10-fold stronger inhibition than against TCPTP, but almost no inhibition against SHP-2. Kinetic analysis indicates that they are reversible competitive inhibitors of PTP1B. Molecular docking analyses confirm the inhibition model. Fluorescence titration studies suggest that the complexes bond to PTP1B with the formation of a 1:1 complex. The results demonstrate that copper complexes that are potent PTPs inhibitors but have different inhibitory effects over different PTPs, may be explored as new practical inhibitors towards individual PTP with some specificity.     

Synthesis, characterization, and protein tyrosine phosphatases inhibition activities of oxovanadium(IV) complexes with Schiff base and polypyridyl derivatives

Seven new mixed-ligand vanadyl complexes, [V^IVO(5-Br-SAA)(NN)] and [V^IVO(2-OH-NAA)(NN)] (1-7) (5-Br-SAA for 5-bromosalicylidene anthranilic acid, 2-OH-NAA for 2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehyde anthranilic acid and NN for N,N′-donor heterocyclic base, namely, 2,2′-bipyridine (bpy, 1 and 5), 1,10-phenanthroline (phen, 2 and 6), dipyrido[3,2-d:2′,3′-f]quinoxaline (dpq, 3 and 7), dipyrido[3,2-a:2′,3′-c]phenazine (dppz, 4)), were synthesized and characterized. X-ray crystal structure of [V^IVO(5-Br-SAA)(phen)] revealed a distorted octahedral geometry with the Schiff base ligand coordinated in a tridentate ONO-fashion and the phenanthroline ligand in a bidentate fashion. Density-functional theory (DFT) calculations suggest a similar structure and the same coordination mode for all the other oxovanadium complexes synthesized. Biochemical assays demonstrate that the mixed-ligand oxovanadium(IV) complexes are potent inhibitors of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B), with IC₅₀ values approximately 41-75 nM. Kinetics assays suggest that the complexes inhibit PTP1B in a competitive manner. Notably, they had moderate selectivity of PTP1B over T-cell protein tyrosine phosphatase (TCPTP) (about 2-fold) and good selectivity over Src homology phosphatase 1 (SHP-1) (about 4∼7-fold). Thus, these mixed-ligand complexes represent a promising class of PTP1B inhibitors for future development as anti-diabetic agents.     

Identification of flavonolignans from Silybum marianum seeds as allosteric protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B inhibitors

Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) is an attractive molecular target for anti-diabetes, anti-obesity, and anti-cancer drug development. From the seeds of Silybum marianum, nine flavonolignans, namely, silybins A, B (1, 2), isosilybins A, B (3, 4), silychristins A, B (5, 6), isosilychristin A (7), dehydrosilychristin A (8), and silydianin (11) were identified as a novel class of natural PTP1B inhibitors (IC₅₀ 1.3 7–23.87?µM). Analysis of structure–activity relationship suggested that the absolute configurations at C-7" and C-8" greatly affected the PTP1B inhibitory activity. Compounds 1–5 were demonstrated to be non-competitive inhibitors of PTP1B based on kinetic analyses. Molecular docking simulations resulted that 1–5 docked into the allosteric site, including α3, α6, and α7 helix of PTP1B. At a concentration inhibiting PTP1B completely, compounds 1–5 moderately inhibited VHR and SHP-2, and weakly inhibited TCPTP and SHP-1. These results suggested the potentiality of these PTP1B inhibitors as lead compounds for further drug developments.     

Discovery of 1,3-diphenyl-1H-pyrazole derivatives containing rhodanine-3-alkanoic acid groups as potential PTP1B inhibitors

Two series of 1,3-diphenyl-1H-pyrazole derivatives containing rhodanine-3-alkanoic acid groups were identified as competitive protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) inhibitors. Among the compounds studied, IIIv was found to have the best in vitro inhibition activity against PTP1B (IC₅₀?=?0.67?±?0.09?µM) and the best selectivity (9-fold) between PTP1B and T-cell protein tyrosine phosphatase (TCPTP). Molecular docking studies demonstrated that compounds IIIm, IIIv and IVg could occupy simultaneously at both the catalytic site and the adjacent pTyr binding site. These results provide novel lead compounds for the design of inhibitors of PTP1B as well as other PTPs.     

Design,synthesis and insulin-sensitising effects of novel PTP1B inhibitors

Fifteen novel sulfathiazole-related compounds were designed as PTP1B inhibitors based on a previously reported allosteric inhibitor (1) of PTP1B. These compounds were synthesized and evaluated against human recombinant PTP1B. Six compounds (3, 4, 8 and 14–16) exhibited significant inhibitory activity against PTP1B. The most active compound (16) showed IC₅₀ value of 3.2 μM and kinetic analysis indicated that it is a non-competitive inhibitor of PTP1B. Furthermore, compound 16 demonstrated excellent selectivity to PTP1B over other PTPs. It also displayed in vivo insulin sensitizing effect in the insulin resistant mice.     

Inhibition of protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP1B) and α-glucosidase by geranylated flavonoids from Paulownia tomentosa

Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) and α-glucosidase are important targets to treat obesity and diabetes, due to their deep correlation with insulin and leptin signalling, and glucose regulation. The methanol extract of Paulownia tomentosa fruits showed potent inhibition against both enzymes. Purification of this extract led to eight geranylated flavonoids (1–8) displaying dual inhibition of PTP1B and α-glucosidase. The isolated compounds were identified as flavanones (1–5) and dihydroflavonols (6–8). Inhibitory potencies of these compounds varied accordingly, but most of the compounds were highly effective against PTP1B (IC₅₀?=?1.9–8.2?μM) than α-glucosidase (IC₅₀?=?2.2–78.9?μM). Mimulone (1) was the most effective against PTP1B with IC₅₀?=?1.9?μM, whereas 6-geranyl-3,3′,5,5′,7-pentahydroxy-4′-methoxyflavane (8) displayed potent inhibition against α-glucosidase (IC₅₀?=?2.2?μM). All inhibitors showed mixed type Ι inhibition toward PTP1B, and were noncompetitive inhibitors of α-glucosidase. This mixed type behavior against PTP1B was fully demonstrated by showing a decrease in V_max, an increase of K_m, and K_ik/K_iv ratio ranging between 2.66 and 3.69.     

Design and evaluation of non-carboxylate 5-arylidene-2-thioxo-4-imidazolidinones as novel non-competitive inhibitors of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B

Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) acts as a negative regulator of insulin and leptin signalling and is crucially involved in the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus, obesity, cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Pursuing our efforts to identify PTP1B inhibitors endowed with drug-like properties, we designed and evaluated 3-aryl-5-arylidene-2-thioxo-4-imidazolidinones (7) as a novel class of non-carboxylate PTP1B inhibitors. In agreement with our design, kinetic studies demonstrated that selected compounds 7 act as reversible, non-competitive inhibitors of the target enzyme at low micromolar concentrations. Accordingly, molecular docking experiments suggested that these inhibitors can fit an allosteric site of PTP1B that we previously individuated. Moreover, cellular assays demonstrated that compound 7e acts as a potent insulin-sensitizing agent in human liver HepG2 cells. Taken together, our results showed that these non-competitive PTP1B inhibitors can be considered promising lead compounds aimed to enhance druggability of the target enzyme and identify novel antidiabetic drugs.     

Protein phosphatases: possible bisphosphonate binding sites mediating stimulation of osteoblast proliferation

We investigated the existence of a bisphosphonate (BP) target site in osteoblasts. Binding assays using [³H]-olpadronate ([³H]OPD) in whole cells showed the presence of specific, saturable and high affinity binding for OPD (K_d = 1.39 ± 0.33 μM) in osteoblasts. [³H]OPD was displaced from its binding site by micromolar concentrations of lidadronate, alendronate and etidronate (K_d = 1.42 ± 0.15 μM, 2.00 ± 0.2 μM and 2.4 ± 0.4 μM, respectively), and by millimolar concentrations of the non-permeant protein phosphatase (PP) substrates p-nitrophenylphosphate and α-naphtylphosphate. PP inhibitors orthovanadate, NaF or vpb(bipy) did not displace [³H]OPD.As expected, specific OPD binding was detected in the plasma membrane of ROS 17/2.8 cells, although significant BP binding was also found intracellularly. Moreover, OPD increased DNA synthesis in these cells with a temporal profile similar to the protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) inhibitors, Na₃VO₄ and vpb(bipy); but different from a general PP inhibitor (NaF). The stimulatory effect of OPD and PTP inhibitors on osteoblast proliferation was inhibited by the protein tyrosine kinase inhibitors genistein and geldanamycin. These results provide new evidence on the existence of a BP target in osteoblastic cells, presumably a PTP, which may be involved in the stimulatory action of BPs on osteoblast proliferation.