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Publication Abstract from PubMed

Targeting the protein-protein interaction (PPI) between the transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and its repressor, Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), constitutes a promising strategy for treating diseases involving oxidative stress and inflammation. Here, a fragment-based drug discovery (FBDD) campaign resulted in novel, high-affinity (Ki = 280 nM), and cell-active noncovalent small-molecule Keap1-Nrf2 PPI inhibitors. We screened 2500 fragments using orthogonal assays horizontal line fluorescence polarization (FP), thermal shift assay (TSA), and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) horizontal line and validated the hits by saturation transfer difference (STD) NMR, leading to 28 high-priority hits. Thirteen co-structures showed fragments binding mainly in the P4 and P5 subpockets of Keap1's Kelch domain, and three fluorenone-based fragments featuring a novel binding mode were optimized by structure-based drug discovery. We thereby disclose several fragment hits, including their binding modes, and show how FBDD can be performed to find new small-molecule Keap1-Nrf2 PPI inhibitors.

Development of Noncovalent Small-Molecule Keap1-Nrf2 Inhibitors by Fragment-Based Drug Discovery.,Narayanan D, Tran KT, Pallesen JS, Solbak SMO, Qin Y, Mukminova E, Luchini M, Vasilyeva KO, Gonzalez Chichon D, Goutsiou G, Poulsen C, Haapanen N, Popowicz GM, Sattler M, Olagnier D, Gajhede M, Bach A J Med Chem. 2022 Oct 20. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00830. PMID:36263945^[3]

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.