Research

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11 pages, 23515 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Novel Biphenyl Amines Inhibit Oestrogen Receptor (ER)-α in ER-Positive Mammary Carcinoma Cells

by Basappa Basappa, Baburajeev Chumadathil Pookunoth, Mamatha Shinduvalli Kempasiddegowda, Rangappa Knchugarakoppal Subbegowda, Peter E. Lobie and Vijay Pandey

Molecules 2021, 26(4), 783; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26040783 - 03 Feb 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2425

Abstract

Herein, the activity of adamantanyl-tethered-biphenyl amines (ATBAs) as oestrogen receptor alpha (ERα) modulating ligands is reported. Using an ERα competitor assay it was demonstrated that ATBA compound 3-(adamantan-1-yl)-4-methoxy-N-(4-(trifluoromethyl) phenyl) aniline (AMTA) exhibited an inhibitory concentration 50% (IC₅₀) value of 62.84 nM [...] Read more.

Herein, the activity of adamantanyl-tethered-biphenyl amines (ATBAs) as oestrogen receptor alpha (ERα) modulating ligands is reported. Using an ERα competitor assay it was demonstrated that ATBA compound 3-(adamantan-1-yl)-4-methoxy-N-(4-(trifluoromethyl) phenyl) aniline (AMTA) exhibited an inhibitory concentration 50% (IC₅₀) value of 62.84 nM and demonstrated better binding affinity compared to tamoxifen (IC_{50 =} 79.48 nM). Treatment of ERα positive (ER+) mammary carcinoma (MC) cells (Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 (MCF7)) with AMTA significantly decreased cell viability at an IC₅₀ value of 6.4 μM. AMTA treatment of MC cell-generated three-dimensional (3D) spheroids resulted in significantly decreased cell viability. AMTA demonstrated a superior inhibitory effect compared to tamoxifen-treated MC cell spheroids. Subsequently, by use of an oestrogen response element (ERE) luciferase reporter construct, it was demonstrated that AMTA treatment significantly deceased ERE transcriptional activity in MC cells. Concordantly, AMTA treatment of MC cells also significantly decreased protein levels of oestrogen-regulated CCND1 in a dose-dependent manner. In silico molecular docking analysis suggested that AMTA compounds interact with the ligand-binding domain of ERα compared to the co-crystal ligand, 5-(4-hydroxyphenoxy)-6-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-7- methylnaphthalen-2-ol. Therefore, an analogue of AMTA may provide a structural basis to develop a newer class of ERα partial agonists. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 25th Anniversary of Molecules—Recent Advances in Chemical Biology)

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20 pages, 3591 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The New Dipeptide TSPO Ligands: Design, Synthesis and Structure–Anxiolytic Activity Relationship

by Tatiana A. Gudasheva, Olga A. Deeva, Andrey S. Pantileev, Grigory V. Mokrov, Inna V. Rybina, Milada A. Yarkova and Sergei B. Seredenin

Molecules 2020, 25(21), 5132; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25215132 - 04 Nov 2020

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2319

Abstract

The translocator protein (TSPO, 18 kDa) plays an important role in the synthesis of neurosteroids by promoting the transport of cholesterol from the outer to the inner mitochondrial membrane, which is the rate-limiting step in neurosteroidogenesis. Stimulation of TSPO by appropriate ligands increases [...] Read more.

The translocator protein (TSPO, 18 kDa) plays an important role in the synthesis of neurosteroids by promoting the transport of cholesterol from the outer to the inner mitochondrial membrane, which is the rate-limiting step in neurosteroidogenesis. Stimulation of TSPO by appropriate ligands increases the level of neurosteroids. The present study describes the design, synthesis and investigation of anxiolytic-like effects of a series of N-acyl-tryptophanyl-containing dipeptides. These novel dipeptide TSPO ligands were designed with the original drug-based peptide design strategy using alpidem as non-peptide prototype. The anxiolytic activities were investigated in Balb/C mice using the illuminated open-field and elevated plus-maze tests in outbred laboratory mice ICR (CD-1). Dipeptide GD-102 (N-phenylpropionyl-l-tryptophanyl-l-leucine amide) in the dose range of 0.01–0.5 mg/kg intraperitoneally (i.p.) has a pronounced anxiolytic activity. The anxiolytic effect of GD-102 was abolished by PK11195, a specific TSPO antagonist. The structure–activity relationship study made it possible to identify a pharmacophore fragment for the dipeptide TSPO ligand. It was shown that l,d-diastereomer of GD-102 has no activity, and the d,l-isomer has less pronounced activity. The anxiolytic activity also disappears by replacing the C-amide group with the methyl ester, a free carboxyl group or methylamide. Consecutive replacement of each amino acid residue with glycine showed the importance of each of the amino acid residues in the structure of the ligand. The most active and technologically available compound GD-102, was selected for evaluation as a potential anxiolytic drug. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 25th Anniversary of Molecules—Recent Advances in Chemical Biology)

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Review

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12 pages, 19502 KiB

Open AccessReview

Interrogating Plant-Microbe Interactions with Chemical Tools: Click Chemistry Reagents for Metabolic Labeling and Activity-Based Probes

by Vivian S. Lin

Molecules 2021, 26(1), 243; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26010243 - 05 Jan 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4326

Abstract

Continued expansion of the chemical biology toolbox presents many new and diverse opportunities to interrogate the fundamental molecular mechanisms driving complex plant–microbe interactions. This review will examine metabolic labeling with click chemistry reagents and activity-based probes for investigating the impacts of plant-associated microbes [...] Read more.

Continued expansion of the chemical biology toolbox presents many new and diverse opportunities to interrogate the fundamental molecular mechanisms driving complex plant–microbe interactions. This review will examine metabolic labeling with click chemistry reagents and activity-based probes for investigating the impacts of plant-associated microbes on plant growth, metabolism, and immune responses. While the majority of the studies reviewed here used chemical biology approaches to examine the effects of pathogens on plants, chemical biology will also be invaluable in future efforts to investigate mutualistic associations between beneficial microbes and their plant hosts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 25th Anniversary of Molecules—Recent Advances in Chemical Biology)

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19 pages, 5327 KiB

Open AccessReview

Recent Advances in Organelle-Targeted Fluorescent Probes

by Na-Eun Choi, Ji-Yu Lee, Eun-Chae Park, Ju-Hee Lee and Jiyoun Lee

Molecules 2021, 26(1), 217; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26010217 - 04 Jan 2021

Cited by 43 | Viewed by 7177

Abstract

Recent advances in fluorescence imaging techniques and super-resolution microscopy have extended the applications of fluorescent probes in studying various cellular processes at the molecular level. Specifically, organelle-targeted probes have been commonly used to detect cellular metabolites and transient chemical messengers with high precision [...] Read more.

Recent advances in fluorescence imaging techniques and super-resolution microscopy have extended the applications of fluorescent probes in studying various cellular processes at the molecular level. Specifically, organelle-targeted probes have been commonly used to detect cellular metabolites and transient chemical messengers with high precision and have become invaluable tools to study biochemical pathways. Moreover, several recent studies reported various labeling strategies and novel chemical scaffolds to enhance target specificity and responsiveness. In this review, we will survey the most recent reports of organelle-targeted fluorescent probes and assess their general strategies and structural features on the basis of their target organelles. We will discuss the advantages of the currently used probes and the potential challenges in their application as well as future directions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 25th Anniversary of Molecules—Recent Advances in Chemical Biology)

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20 pages, 11073 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Structure and Function of Paraoxonase-1 and Its Comparison to Paraoxonase-2 and -3

by Ajda Taler-Verčič, Marko Goličnik and Aljoša Bavec

Molecules 2020, 25(24), 5980; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25245980 - 17 Dec 2020

Cited by 36 | Viewed by 3933

Abstract

Serum paraoxonase-1 (PON1) is the most studied member of the group of paraoxonases (PONs). This enzyme possesses three enzymatic activities: lactonase, arylesterase, and paraoxonase activity. PON1 and its isoforms play an important role in drug metabolism as well as in the prevention of [...] Read more.

Serum paraoxonase-1 (PON1) is the most studied member of the group of paraoxonases (PONs). This enzyme possesses three enzymatic activities: lactonase, arylesterase, and paraoxonase activity. PON1 and its isoforms play an important role in drug metabolism as well as in the prevention of cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Although all three members of the PON family have the same origin and very similar amino acid sequences, they have different functions and are found in different locations. PONs exhibit substrate promiscuity, and their true physiological substrates are still not known. However, possible substrates include homocysteine thiolactone, an analogue of natural quorum-sensing molecules, and the recently discovered derivatives of arachidonic acid—bioactive δ-lactones. Directed evolution, site-directed mutagenesis, and kinetic studies provide comprehensive insights into the active site and catalytic mechanism of PON1. However, there is still a whole world of mystery waiting to be discovered, which would elucidate the substrate promiscuity of a group of enzymes that are so similar in their evolution and sequence yet so distinct in their function. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 25th Anniversary of Molecules—Recent Advances in Chemical Biology)

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22 pages, 1644 KiB

Open AccessReview

From Phenotypic Hit to Chemical Probe: Chemical Biology Approaches to Elucidate Small Molecule Action in Complex Biological Systems

by Quentin T. L. Pasquer, Ioannis A. Tsakoumagkos and Sascha Hoogendoorn

Molecules 2020, 25(23), 5702; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25235702 - 03 Dec 2020

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 5916

Abstract

Biologically active small molecules have a central role in drug development, and as chemical probes and tool compounds to perturb and elucidate biological processes. Small molecules can be rationally designed for a given target, or a library of molecules can be screened against [...] Read more.

Biologically active small molecules have a central role in drug development, and as chemical probes and tool compounds to perturb and elucidate biological processes. Small molecules can be rationally designed for a given target, or a library of molecules can be screened against a target or phenotype of interest. Especially in the case of phenotypic screening approaches, a major challenge is to translate the compound-induced phenotype into a well-defined cellular target and mode of action of the hit compound. There is no “one size fits all” approach, and recent years have seen an increase in available target deconvolution strategies, rooted in organic chemistry, proteomics, and genetics. This review provides an overview of advances in target identification and mechanism of action studies, describes the strengths and weaknesses of the different approaches, and illustrates the need for chemical biologists to integrate and expand the existing tools to increase the probability of evolving screen hits to robust chemical probes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 25th Anniversary of Molecules—Recent Advances in Chemical Biology)

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30 pages, 2983 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Development of Maillard Reaction, and Advanced Glycation End Product (AGE)-Receptor for AGE (RAGE) Signaling Inhibitors as Novel Therapeutic Strategies for Patients with AGE-Related Diseases

by Chieh-Yu Shen, Cheng-Hsun Lu, Cheng-Han Wu, Ko-Jen Li, Yu-Min Kuo, Song-Chou Hsieh and Chia-Li Yu

Molecules 2020, 25(23), 5591; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25235591 - 27 Nov 2020

Cited by 109 | Viewed by 11328

Abstract

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are generated by nonenzymatic modifications of macromolecules (proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids) by saccharides (glucose, fructose, and pentose) via Maillard reaction. The formed AGE molecules can be catabolized and cleared by glyoxalase I and II in renal proximal [...] Read more.

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are generated by nonenzymatic modifications of macromolecules (proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids) by saccharides (glucose, fructose, and pentose) via Maillard reaction. The formed AGE molecules can be catabolized and cleared by glyoxalase I and II in renal proximal tubular cells. AGE-related diseases include physiological aging, neurodegenerative/neuroinflammatory diseases, diabetes mellitus (DM) and its complications, autoimmune/rheumatic inflammatory diseases, bone-degenerative diseases, and chronic renal diseases. AGEs, by binding to receptors for AGE (RAGEs), alter innate and adaptive immune responses to induce inflammation and immunosuppression via the generation of proinflammatory cytokines, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and reactive nitrogen intermediates (RNI). These pathological molecules cause vascular endothelial/smooth muscular/connective tissue-cell and renal mesangial/endothelial/podocytic-cell damage in AGE-related diseases. In the present review, we first focus on the cellular and molecular bases of AGE–RAGE axis signaling pathways in AGE-related diseases. Then, we discuss in detail the modes of action of newly discovered novel biomolecules and phytochemical compounds, such as Maillard reaction and AGE–RAGE signaling inhibitors. These molecules are expected to become the new therapeutic strategies for patients with AGE-related diseases in addition to the traditional hypoglycemic and anti-hypertensive agents. We particularly emphasize the importance of “metabolic memory”, the “French paradox”, and the pharmacokinetics and therapeutic dosing of the effective natural compounds associated with pharmacogenetics in the treatment of AGE-related diseases. Lastly, we propose prospective investigations for solving the enigmas in AGE-mediated pathological effects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 25th Anniversary of Molecules—Recent Advances in Chemical Biology)

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28 pages, 2114 KiB

Open AccessReview

From Differential Stains to Next Generation Physiology: Chemical Probes to Visualize Bacterial Cell Structure and Physiology

by Jonathan Hira, Md. Jalal Uddin, Marius M. Haugland and Christian S. Lentz

Molecules 2020, 25(21), 4949; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25214949 - 26 Oct 2020

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 5769

Abstract

Chemical probes have been instrumental in microbiology since its birth as a discipline in the 19th century when chemical dyes were used to visualize structural features of bacterial cells for the first time. In this review article we will illustrate the evolving design [...] Read more.

Chemical probes have been instrumental in microbiology since its birth as a discipline in the 19th century when chemical dyes were used to visualize structural features of bacterial cells for the first time. In this review article we will illustrate the evolving design of chemical probes in modern chemical biology and their diverse applications in bacterial imaging and phenotypic analysis. We will introduce and discuss a variety of different probe types including fluorogenic substrates and activity-based probes that visualize metabolic and specific enzyme activities, metabolic labeling strategies to visualize structural features of bacterial cells, antibiotic-based probes as well as fluorescent conjugates to probe biomolecular uptake pathways. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 25th Anniversary of Molecules—Recent Advances in Chemical Biology)

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