Targeting the SARS-CoV-2 RNA Translation Initiation Element SL1 by Molecules of Low Molecular Weight.

We present the development of low molecular weight inhibitors that target the 5'-terminal RNA stem-loop 1 (SL1) of the SARS-CoV-2 genome. SL1 is crucial for allowing viral protein synthesis in the context of global translational repression in infected cells. We applied compound- and RNA-detected nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) experiments to guide a fragment-growth strategy based on two primary NMR screening hits from a diverse fragment library poised for follow-up chemistry.

Synthetic Analogs of the Alkaloid Cassiarin A with Enhanced Antimalarial Activity.

Among the alkaloids from , cassiarin A has outstanding antiprotozoal activity, but structure-activity relationships for this chemotype were only poorly understood until now. We worked out efficient approaches to hitherto underexplored analogs (12 examples) on three synthesis routes which mainly comprised variations in the methyl groups at C-2 and C-5. The new compounds were tested for antiprotozoal and cytotoxic activities.

TRPML2 channel modulation by PI(3,5)P₂ and small-molecule agonists controls endosomal vesicle dynamics.

TRPML2 is an endolysosomal calcium-permeable channel gated by phosphatidylinositol 3,5-bisphosphate (PI(3,5)P₂). However, its subcellular localization and functional contribution to compartment-specific vesicle trafficking remain incompletely defined. In this study, we identify Rab4-positive recycling endosomes as a key site of TRPML2 activity and regulation.

Serendipitous and Systematic Chemoproteomic Discovery of MBLAC2, HINT1, and NME1-4 Inhibitors from Histone Deacetylase-Targeting Pharmacophores.

Metalloenzyme inhibitors often incorporate a hydroxamic acid moiety to bind the bivalent metal ion cofactor within the enzyme's active site. Recently, inhibitors of Zn-dependent histone deacetylases (HDACs), including clinically advanced drugs, have been identified as potent inhibitors of the metalloenzyme MBLAC2. However, selective chemical probes for MBLAC2, which are essential for studying its inhibitory effects, have not yet been reported.

Lead-Structure-Based Rigidization Approach to Optimize SirReal-Type Sirt2 Inhibitors.

Sirtuins are involved in cellular processes in multiple ways. Therefore, the development of potent and selective Sirt2 inhibitors provides an important contribution to understanding physiological and pathophysiological mechanisms, particularly for the research and treatment of cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Based on established SirReal-type lead inhibitors, further selective Sirt2 inhibitors were synthesized in a docking-guided rigidization approach, and the knowledge regarding requirements and properties of the Sirt2-binding pocket was expanded by means of a comprehensive SAR study.

Lysosomal TPC2 channels disrupt Ca2+ entry and dopaminergic function in models of LRRK2-Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's disease results from degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the midbrain, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Here, we identify novel crosstalk between depolarization-induced entry of Ca2+ and lysosomal cation release in maintaining dopaminergic neuronal function. The common disease-causing G2019S mutation in LRRK2 selectively exaggerated Ca2+ entry in vitro.

Inhibition of DYRK1B BY C81 impedes inflammatory processes in leukocytes by reducing STAT3 activity.

Chronic inflammatory diseases are a significant global burden and are associated with dysregulated resolution of inflammation. Therefore, promoting the process of resolution is a promising therapeutic approach. This study presents the potent anti-inflammatory and pro-resolving effects of a natural product-derived compound called C81.

Zephycandidine A and Synthetic Analogues-Synthesis and Evaluation of Biological Activity.

A convenient total synthesis of the imidazo[1,2-f]phenanthridine-type Amaryllidaceae alkaloid zephycandidine A () was developed, which further allowed us to perform modifications of substituents on benzenoid ring A and imidazole ring D. The biological activities of all synthesized compounds were evaluated, and it was reported that activities against cancer cells of the parent alkaloid were poorly reproducible, while the closely related analogue THK-121 () showed a strong inhibitory effect on proliferation. Additionally, our novel analogue significantly induced cell death via the intrinsic apoptosis pathway, evident by the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, increased mitochondrial oxidative stress, and disrupted mitochondrial structure in the same cells.

Sirtuin2 blockade inhibits replication of Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1 and in macrophages and humanized mice.

Coinfections with (Mtb) and HIV-1 present a critical health challenge and require treatment for survival. We found that human M1 macrophages inhibit Mtb growth, while M2 macrophages, characterized by elevated Sirt2 expression, permit Mtb growth. Further, we found that HIV-1 augmented Sirt2 gene expression in MФs.

Aromatic Amino Acid Hydroxylases as Off-Targets of Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors.

The aromatic amino acid hydroxylases (AAAHs) phenylalanine hydroxylase, tyrosine hydroxylase, and tryptophan hydroxylases 1 and 2 are structurally related enzymes that contain an active site iron atom and depend on tetrahydrobiopterin (BH) as cosubstrate. Due to their important roles in synthesis of serotonin, dopamine, noradrenaline, and adrenaline and their involvement in cardiovascular, neurological, and endocrine disorders, AAAHs have been targeted by substrate analogs, iron chelators, and allosteric ligands. Phenylalanine hydroxylase is also off-target of the histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor panobinostat.

Structural basis for inhibition of the lysosomal two-pore channel TPC2 by a small molecule antagonist.

Two pore channels are lysosomal cation channels with crucial roles in tumor angiogenesis and viral release from endosomes. Inhibition of the two-pore channel 2 (TPC2) has emerged as potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of cancers and viral infections, including Ebola and COVID-19. Here, we demonstrate that antagonist SG-094, a synthetic analog of the Chinese alkaloid medicine tetrandrine with increased potency and reduced toxicity, induces asymmetrical structural changes leading to a single binding pocket at only one intersubunit interface within the asymmetrical dimer.

Synthesis of a Side Chain Alkyne Analogue of Sitosterol as a Chemical Probe for Imaging in Plant Cells.

Clickable chemical tools are essential for studying the localization and role of biomolecules in living cells. For this purpose, alkyne-based close analogs of the respective biomolecules are of outstanding interest. Here, in the field of phytosterols, we present the first alkyne derivative of sitosterol, which fulfills the crucial requirements for such a chemical tool as follows: very similar in size and lipophilicity to the plant phytosterols, and correct absolute configuration at C-24.

Coordinating activation of endo-lysosomal two-pore channels and TRP mucolipins.

Two-pore channels and TRP mucolipins are ubiquitous endo-lysosomal cation channels of pathophysiological relevance. Both are Ca-permeable and regulated by phosphoinositides, principally PI(3,5)P. Accumulating evidence has uncovered synergistic channel activation by PI(3,5)P and endogenous metabolites such as the Ca mobilizing messenger NAADP, synthetic agonists including approved drugs and physical cues such as voltage and osmotic pressure.

Potent hydroxamate-derived compounds arrest endodyogeny of Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites.

Toxoplasmosis is a zoonosis that is a worldwide health problem, commonly affecting fetal development and immunodeficient patients. Treatment is carried out with a combination of pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine, which can cause cytopenia and intolerance and does not lead to a parasitological cure of the infection. Lysine deacetylases (KDACs), which remove an acetyl group from lysine residues in histone and non-histone proteins are found in the Toxoplasma gondii genome.

Correction: Synthesis of highly substituted fluorenones via metal-free TBHP-promoted oxidative cyclization of 2-(aminomethyl)biphenyls. Application to the total synthesis of nobilone.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3762/bjoc.17.

Two-pore channel-2 and inositol trisphosphate receptors coordinate Ca signals between lysosomes and the endoplasmic reticulum.

Lysosomes and the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) are Ca stores mobilized by the second messengers NAADP and IP, respectively. Here, we establish Ca signals between the two sources as fundamental building blocks that couple local release to global changes in Ca. Cell-wide Ca signals evoked by activation of endogenous NAADP-sensitive channels on lysosomes comprise both local and global components and exhibit a major dependence on ER Ca despite their lysosomal origin.

P-selectin-dependent leukocyte adhesion is governed by endolysosomal two-pore channel 2.

Upon proinflammatory challenges, endothelial cell surface presentation of the leukocyte receptor P-selectin, together with the stabilizing co-factor CD63, is needed for leukocyte capture and is mediated via demand-driven exocytosis from the Weibel-Palade bodies that fuse with the plasma membrane. We report that neutrophil recruitment to activated endothelium is significantly reduced in mice deficient for the endolysosomal cation channel TPC2 and in human primary endothelial cells with pharmacological TPC2 block. We observe less CD63 signal in whole-mount stainings of proinflammatory-activated cremaster muscles from TPC2 knockout mice.

Aza Analogs of the TRPML1 Inhibitor Estradiol Methyl Ether (EDME).

Estradiol methyl ether () has recently been described by us as a very potent and subtype-specific inhibitor of the lysosomal cation channel TRPML1. Following the principle of bioisosteres, we worked out efficient synthetic approaches to ring-A aza-analogs of EDME, namely a methoxypyridine and a methoxypyrimidine analog. Both target compounds were obtained in good overall yields in six and eight steps starting from 19-nortestosterone via the oxidative cleavage of ring A followed over several intermediates and with the use of well-selected protective groups by re-cyclization to provide the desired hetero-analogs.

Convergent activation of Ca permeability in two-pore channel 2 through distinct molecular routes.

TPC2 is a pathophysiologically relevant lysosomal ion channel that is activated directly by the phosphoinositide PI(3,5)P and indirectly by the calcium ion (Ca)-mobilizing molecule NAADP through accessory proteins that associate with the channel. TPC2 toggles between PI(3,5)P-induced, sodium ion (Na)-selective and NAADP-induced, Ca-permeable states in response to these cues. To address the molecular basis of polymodal gating and ion-selectivity switching, we investigated the mechanism by which NAADP and its synthetic functional agonist, TPC2-A1-N, induced Ca release through TPC2 in human cells.

Clorgyline Analogs Synergize with Azoles against Drug Efflux in .

Concern about the global emergence of multidrug-resistant fungal pathogens led us to explore the use of combination therapy to combat azole resistance in . Clorgyline had previously been shown to be a multi-target inhibitor of Cdr1 and Mdr1 efflux pumps of and . A screen for antifungal sensitizers among synthetic analogs of Clorgyline detected interactions with the efflux pump azole substrates Posaconazole and Voriconazole.

Inhibition of DHCR24 activates LXRα to ameliorate hepatic steatosis and inflammation.

Liver X receptor (LXR) agonism has theoretical potential for treating NAFLD/NASH, but synthetic agonists induce hyperlipidemia in preclinical models. Desmosterol, which is converted by Δ24-dehydrocholesterol reductase (DHCR24) into cholesterol, is a potent endogenous LXR agonist with anti-inflammatory properties. We aimed to investigate the effects of DHCR24 inhibition on NAFLD/NASH development.

Asthma-protective agents in dust from traditional farm environments.

Background: Growing up on traditional European or US Amish dairy farms in close contact with cows and hay protects children against asthma, and airway administration of extracts from dust collected from cowsheds of those farms prevents allergic asthma in mice.

Objectives: This study sought to begin identifying farm-derived asthma-protective agents.

Methods: Our work unfolded along 2 unbiased and independent but complementary discovery paths.

Iron-induced cytotoxicity mediated by endolysosomal TRPML1 channels is reverted by TFEB.

Increased brain iron content has been consistently reported in sporadic Parkinson's disease (PD) patients, and an increase in cytosolic free iron is known to cause oxidative stress and cell death. However, whether iron also accumulates in susceptible brain areas in humans or in mouse models of familial PD remains unknown. In addition, whilst the lysosome functions as a critical intracellular iron storage organelle, little is known about the mechanisms underlying lysosomal iron release and how this process is influenced by lysosome biogenesis and/or lysosomal exocytosis.