Targeting apoptosis via chemical design: inhibition of bid-induced cell death by small organic molecules.
Bid is a key member of the Bcl-2 family proteins involved in the control of the apoptotic cascade in cells, leading to cell death. Uncontrolled cell death is associated with several human pathologies, such as neurodegenerative diseases and ischemic injuries. Therefore, Bid represents a potential yet unexplored and challenging target for strategies aimed at the development of therapeutic agents. Here we show that a multidisciplinary NMR-based approach that we named SAR by ILOEs (structure activity relationships by interligand nuclear Overhauser effect) allowed us to rationally design a series of 4-phenylsulfanyl-phenylamine derivatives that are capable of occupying a deep hydrophobic crevice on the surface of Bid. These compounds represent the first antiapoptotic small molecules targeting a Bcl-2 protein as shown by their ability to inhibit tBid-induced SMAC release, caspase-3 activation, and cell death.
Becattini
Barbara
B
The Burnham Institute, 10901 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037, USA.
Sareth
Sina
S
Zhai
Dayong
D
Crowell
Kevin J
KJ
Leone
Marilisa
M
Reed
John C
JC
Pellecchia
Maurizio
M
D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects*; D051023:BH3 Interacting Domain Death Agonist Protein; D001665:Binding Sites; D001681:Biological Assay; D002352:Carrier Proteins / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D002460:Cell Line; D015195:Drug Design; D006801:Humans; D008024:Ligands; D009682:Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; D008958:Models, Molecular; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000737:chemistry; D017434:Protein Structure, Tertiary
D051023:BH3 Interacting Domain Death Agonist Protein; C494814:BID protein, human; D002352:Carrier Proteins; D008024:Ligands; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations