High-throughput Screening Assay Research Articles

Discovery and validation of a novel inhibitor of HYPE-mediated AMPylation.

Adenosyl monophosphate (AMP)ylation (the covalent transfer of an AMP from Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) onto a target protein) is catalyzed by the human enzyme Huntingtin Yeast Interacting Partner E (HYPE)/FicD to regulate its substrate, the heat shock chaperone binding immunoglobulin protein (BiP). HYPE-mediated AMPylation of BiP is critical for maintaining proteostasis in the endoplasmic reticulum and mounting a unfolded protein response in times of proteostatic imbalance. Thus, manipulating HYPE's enzymatic activity is a key therapeutic strategy towardthe treatment of various protein misfolding diseases, including neuropathy and early-onset diabetes associated with two recently identified clinical mutations of HYPE. Herein, we present an optimized, fluorescence polarization-based, high-throughput screening (HTS) assay to discover activators and inhibitors of HYPE-mediated AMPylation. After challenging our HTS assay with over 30,000 compounds, we discovered a novel AMPylase inhibitor, I2.10. We also determined a low micromolar IC50 for I2.10 and employed biorthogonal counter-screens to validate its efficacy against HYPE's AMPylation of BiP. Further, we report low cytotoxicity of I2.10 on human cell lines. We thus established an optimized, high-quality HTS assay amenable to tracking HYPE's enzymatic activity at scale, and provided the first novel small-molecule inhibitor capable of perturbing HYPE-directed AMPylation of BiP in vitro. Our HTS assay and I2.10 compound serve as a platform for further development of HYPE-specific small-molecule therapeutics.

Novel Scorpion Toxin ω-Buthitoxin-Hf1a Selectively Inhibits Calcium Influx via CaV3.3 and CaV3.2 and Alleviates Allodynia in a Mouse Model of Acute Postsurgical Pain.

Venom peptides have evolved to target a wide range of membrane proteins through diverse mechanisms of action and structures, providing promising therapeutic leads for diseases, including pain, epilepsy, and cancer, as well as unique probes of ion channel structure-function. In this work, a high-throughput FLIPR window current screening assay on T-type CaV3.2 guided the isolation of a novel peptide named ω-Buthitoxin-Hf1a from scorpion Hottentotta franzwerneri crude venom. At only 10 amino acid residues with one disulfide bond, it is not only the smallest venom peptide known to target T-type CaVs but also the smallest structured scorpion venom peptide yet discovered. Synthetic Hf1a peptides were prepared with C-terminal amidation (Hf1a-NH2) or a free C-terminus (Hf1a-OH). Electrophysiological characterization revealed Hf1a-NH2 to be a concentration-dependent partial inhibitor of CaV3.2 (IC50 = 1.18 μM) and CaV3.3 (IC50 = 0.49 μM) depolarized currents but was ineffective at CaV3.1. Hf1a-OH did not show activity against any of the three T-type subtypes. Additionally, neither form showed activity against N-type CaV2.2 or L-type calcium channels. The three-dimensional structure of Hf1a-NH2 was determined using NMR spectroscopy and used in docking studies to predict its binding site at CaV3.2 and CaV3.3. As both CaV3.2 and CaV3.3 have been implicated in peripheral pain signaling, the analgesic potential of Hf1a-NH2 was explored in vivo in a mouse model of incision-induced acute post-surgical pain. Consistent with this role, Hf1a-NH2 produced antiallodynia in both mechanical and thermal pain.

A robust high-throughput functional screening assay for plant pathogen effectors using the TMV-GFP vector.

Uncovering the function of phytopathogen effectors is crucial for understanding mechanisms of pathogen pathogenicity and for improving our ability to protect plants from diseases. An increasing number of effectors have been predicted in various plant pathogens. Functional characterization of these effectors has become a major focus in the study of plant-pathogen interactions. In this study, we designed a novel screening system that combines the TMV (tobacco mosaic virus)-GFP vector and Agrobacterium-mediated transient expression in the model plant Nicotiana benthamiana. This system enables the rapid identification of effectors that interfere with plant immunity. The biological function of these effectors can be easily evaluated by observing the GFP fluorescence signal using a UV lamp within just a few days. To evaluate the TMV-GFP system, we initially tested it with well-described virulence and avirulence type III effectors from the bacterial pathogen Ralstonia solanacearum. After proving the accuracy and efficiency of the TMV-GFP system, we successfully screened a novel virulence effector, RipS1, using this approach. Furthermore, using the TMV-GFP system, we reproduced consistent results with previously known cytoplasmic effectors from a diverse array of pathogens. Additionally, we demonstrated the effectiveness of the TMV-GFP system in identifying apoplastic effectors. The easy operation, time-saving nature, broad effectiveness, and low technical requirements of the TMV-GFP system make it a promising approach for high-throughput screening of effectors with immune interference activity from various pathogens.

Identification of Leishmania donovani PEX5-PTS1 Interaction Inhibitors through Fluorescence Polarization-Based High-Throughput Screening.

Leishmaniasis, an infectious disease caused by pathogenic Leishmania parasites, affects millions of people in developing countries, and its re-emergence in developed countries, particularly in Europe, poses a growing public health concern. The limitations of current treatments and the absence of effective vaccines necessitate the development of novel therapeutics. In this study, we focused on identifying small molecule inhibitors which prevents the interaction between peroxin 5 (PEX5) and peroxisomal targeting signal 1 (PTS1), pivotal for kinetoplastid parasite survival. The Leishmania donovani PEX5, containing a C-terminal tetratricopeptide repeat (TPR) domain, was expressed and purified, followed by the quantification of kinetic parameters of PEX5-PTS1 interactions. A fluorescence polarization-based high-throughput screening assay was developed and small molecules inhibiting the LdPEX5-PTS1 interaction were discovered through the screening of a library of 51,406 compounds. Based on the confirmatory assay, nine compounds showed half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values ranging from 3.89 to 24.50 µM. In silico docking using a homology model of LdPEX5 elucidated that the molecular interactions between LdPEX5 and the inhibitors share amino acids critical for PTS1 binding. Notably, compound P20 showed potent activity against the growth of L. donovani promastigotes, L. major promastigotes, and Trypanosoma brucei blood stream form, with IC50 values of 12.16, 19.21, and 3.06 μM, respectively. The findings underscore the potential of targeting LdPEX5-PTS1 interactions with small molecule inhibitors as a promising strategy for the discovery of new anti-parasitic compounds.

Abstract LB082: A high-throughput immune-oncology screen identifies immunostimulatory properties of low dose chemotherapy in triple negative breast cancer

Abstract Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a heterogeneous subtype broadly characterized by the lack of hormone receptor (HR) and HER2 expression. Compared to HR+ breast cancers, TNBCs typically have a greater immune cell infiltrate and are more likely to respond to immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI). The results from KEYNOTE-355 and KEYNOTE-522 trials led to the approvals of anti-PD-1 in combination with physician’s choice chemotherapy for the treatment of TNBC in adjuvant and neoadjuvant settings. However, few patients achieve a durable response, and there remains a need to optimize combination strategies to enhance the benefits of ICI in TNBC. Therefore, we developed a high-throughput co-culture screening assay to identify compounds enhancing T-cell-mediated cytotoxicity. Co-cultures included three cell types: mKate2-labeled PyMT tumor cells expressing the OVA antigen, BPF-labeled PyMT cells, and CD8+ OT-1 T-cells. The screening library included over 400 FDA-approved compounds or agents under investigation for oncology indications. Each compound was evaluated at five concentrations (3µM-12nM) and across three-time points (24hr, 48hr, and 72hr) to provide insight into the kinetics. Cell viability was assessed via image analysis at each time point, and enhanced cell death in the PyMT-OVA cells compared to the non-OVA PyMT cells was considered evidence of enhanced T-cell mediated cytotoxicity. Five chemotherapy agents were chosen as priority hits for mechanistic follow-up due to their ability to enhance T-cell mediated cytotoxicity at multiple doses and multiple timepoints: paclitaxel, bleomycin sulfate, kinesin-inhibitor, ABT-751, and etoposide. We are exploring the dose dependency of MHC-I and MHC-II induction, as well as the minimum dose required to cause immunogenic cell death. We further found that low doses of these agents do not negativity affect CD8+ T-cell proliferation, whereas high doses may have deleterious effects on CD8+ T-cell functioning. The results of these studies provide mechanistic insight into potential new chemotherapy partners to enhance anti-PD-1 efficacy in TNBC patients and suggest benefit to further investigating the immunostimulatory potential of low dose chemotherapy. Citation Format: Kennady K. Bullock, Thomas Hasaka, Emily Days, Joshua Bauer, Ann Richmond. A high-throughput immune-oncology screen identifies immunostimulatory properties of low dose chemotherapy in triple negative breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 2 (Late-Breaking, Clinical Trial, and Invited Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(7_Suppl):Abstract nr LB082.

Abstract LB027: Identifying natural inhibitors of androgen receptor (AR) and its variants from NCI Natural Product Repository

Abstract Second-generation androgen ablation therapies (ADT), enzalutamide, and abiraterone are initially effective on metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). However, nearly 30-40% of patients eventually become resistant to these treatments due to the presence of androgen-receptor variants (AR-V), which lack a ligand-binding domain. The grim reality that metastatic CRPC is virtually incurable for most patients poses a significant challenge for clinicians striving to enhance these individuals' quality of life and lifespan. Considering drug discovery efforts, we partnered with the National Cancer Institute's (NCI) Natural Product Repository, which possesses a diverse collection of natural product extracts derived from plant, marine, and microbial organisms. We developed high-throughput phenotypic screening assays to screen the crude natural product extract libraries on AR and AR-variants CRPC cell lines (C4-2B and 22Rv1). Several extracts inhibited the growth of both CRPC cell lines and were further confirmed for dose-dependent cell viability inhibition assays. Once we determined the IC50 dose, we performed a Western blot analysis that confirmed the inhibition of AR and AR-V7 expression in CRPC cells.In subsequent studies, we narrowed down by fractionating the most potent extracts and confirmed their ability to inhibit AR expression and signaling on CRPC cell lines. Currently, we are characterizing the potent compounds and their inhibitory activity on AR and AR-variants, in vitro and in vivo CRPC models. Many nutraceuticals have been shown to target AR signaling, synthesis, or degradation which effectively inhibited the growth of CRPC. Our collaborative efforts with NCI will permit us find N-terminal AR degrading molecules (AF-1), which are essential for the AR transcriptional activities of CRPC. In sum, discovery of ovel small molecules from our drug development program have the potential to translate these effective natural products into drugs with clinical benefits to treat CRPC. Citation Format: Neha Tyagi, Sepideh Hosseiniporgham, Ashish Tyagi, Balaji Chandrasekaran, Katherine Bonilla, Inna Kriger, James Saccchettini, Chendil Damodaran. Identifying natural inhibitors of androgen receptor (AR) and its variants from NCI Natural Product Repository [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 2 (Late-Breaking, Clinical Trial, and Invited Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(7_Suppl):Abstract nr LB027.

CYP46A1 inhibition and activation: an in vitro high throughput screening assay to assess possible drug interactions using FDA approved chemical library

CYP46A1 inhibition and activation: an in vitro high throughput screening assay to assess possible drug interactions using FDA approved chemical library

Abstract 3102: A high-throughput screening method for discovering potent P-glycoprotein modulators from the chemical library in Tohoku University

Abstract Background: Drug development is important for cancer therapy to improve patient outcomes. In most cases, drug development starts in discovering candidate compounds from a chemical library in high-throughput screening (HTS). Tohoku University Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Science owns the original chemical library consisting of thousands of original chemical compounds. P-glycoprotein (P-gp), a major drug efflux transporter mediates multi-drug resistance (MDR) in cancer cells. Therefore, P-gp modulators could revere MDR and increase chemosensitivity. The aim of this study is to reveal an adequate method of HTS for discovering potent P-gp modulators from the chemical library in Tohoku University. Methods: The chemical library in Tohoku University had 5861 compounds in the present study, and the collection contains over 7 thousand compounds in 2023. P-gp overexpressing KB-V1, human epidermal carcinoma cell lines were obtained, and calcein AM, P-gp substrate was employed for fluorescent substrate efflux assays. A plate reader-based calcein AM efflux assay for HTS was established to select candidate compounds as P-gp modulators. After the primary HTS, structures of the candidate compounds were analyzed, then several analogous compounds were extracted from the chemical library. For the validation of the hit compounds in HTS and the analogs, a flow cytometry-based calcein AM efflux assay was conducted. In addition, reversal effects of P-gp modulators on the cytotoxicity of paclitaxel were measured in a cell proliferation assay. Results: Of 5861 compounds in the chemical library, 53 compounds showed 2-fold or higher fluorescence intensity, and then 13 compounds showed 3-fold or higher fluorescence intensity in a plate reader-based assay for the HTS. Especially 2 candidate compounds showed over 5-fold fluorescence intensity. In the analysis for structures of the candidate compounds, 20 analogous compounds were extracted from the chemical library. To verify the result of the plate reader-based assay, a flow cytometry-based assay was conducted for 53 hits and 20 analogs. As a result, the 2 candidate compounds that selected in the plate reader-based assay showed 60-fold, the highest fluorescence intensity in a flow cytometry-based assay. The other compounds showed less fluorescence intensity than these 2 candidates. In addition, both candidates enhanced the paclitaxel-induced cytotoxicity in a cell proliferation assay. Conclusions: A plate reader-based calcein AM efflux assay in HTS was an adequate method for discovering potent P-gp modulators from the chemical library in Tohoku University. Citation Format: Norihiko Sugisawa, Shinobu Ohnuma, Takayuki Doi, Michiaki Unno. A high-throughput screening method for discovering potent P-glycoprotein modulators from the chemical library in Tohoku University [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 3102.

Abstract 4674: Reserpine analog modulates transport function of ABCG2

Abstract Backgrounds: Reserpine is an agent that is used for the treatment of hypertension. ABCG2 also known as breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) is a member of the ABC transporters associated with multidrug resistance (MDR). Our high-throughput screening assay has revealed that reserpine analog inhibits transport function of ABCG2. Aim: To investigate the effect of reserpine analog on ABCG2 function. Results: Flow cytometry assay showed that reserpine analog blocked the efflux of Pheophorbide a (PhA: fluorescent substrate of ABCG2) from ABCG2-expressing HCT-116/BCRP colon cancer cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, cell proliferation assay (MTS assay) revealed that 5 and 10 μM reserpine analog sensitized HCT-116/BCRP cells to SN38 with IC50 value 0.61 + 0.12 μM and 0.22 + 0.036 μM, respectively. Finally, reserpine analog did not stimulate ABCG2-mediated ATP hydrolysis, but rather inhibited it (concentration required for 50% inhibition = 2.7 μM), suggesting that reserpine analog might prevent conformational changes required for ATP hydrolysis. Conclusion: Reserpine analog could be developed as a potent modulator to overcome ABCG2-mediated MDR in cancer cells. Citation Format: Shinobu Ohnuma, Shoji Kokubo, Norihiko Sugisawa, Megumi Murakami, Yuuri Hatsuzawa, Minoru Kobayashi, Taiki Kajiwara, Hideyuki Suzuki, Hideaki Karasawa, Kazuhiro Watanabe, Takayuki Doi, Suresh V. Ambudkar, Takashi Kamei, Michiaki Unno. Reserpine analog modulates transport function of ABCG2 [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 4674.

Abstract 3905: Targeting RNA demethylase ALKBH5 blocks growth and improves therapy response in osteosarcoma

Abstract Background: Osteosarcoma (OS) arises primarily in children and adolescents, with a second peak in incidence in those over the age of 50. Unfortunately, outcomes of patients with metastatic or relapsed osteosarcoma have remained abysmal. Moreover, patients who survive have a highly compromised quality of life due to debilitating side effects associated with chemotherapy drugs. Virtually no new drug has been approved for treating OS in the last three decades. Recently our group showed that ALKBH5 is critical for promoting OS growth and metastasis and may thus serve as a unique driver of OS. We therefore hypothesized that epigenetic changes, specifically mRNA demethylation mediated by the RNA demethylase ALKBH5, play a pivotal role in OS growth and metastasis, and hence approaches aimed at inhibiting ALKBH5 activity could prove clinical utility for patients with OS. Methods: shRNA and CRISPR-Cas9-based knockout were used to study the effect of depleting ALKBH5 in osteosarcoma and the effect it has on growth and metastasis. Fluorescence-based high-throughput screening (HTS) assay was used to identify targets of ALKBH5. FDA-approved and LOPAC compound libraries were used. SPR analysis was used to determine the Mefloquine-ALKBH5 interaction. In vitro and In vivo intratibial orthotopic models were used to test the efficacy of Mefloquine for blocking OS growth. Experiments are currently underway to test the effect of combining Mefloquine and doxorubicin in inhibiting OS growth and metastasis. Results: We showed that upregulation of the ALKBH5 attenuates histone H2A monoubiquitination to result in the induction of key pro-tumorigenic genes and consequently unchecked cell cycle progression, incessant DNA replication, and upregulation of DSB repair. Unbiased high throughput screening using a LOPAC library identified mefloquine as a potential ALKBH5 inhibitor. SPR analysis showed the interaction of Mefloquine with ALKBH5 catalytic domain. M6A dot blot confirmed that mefloquine inhibits the catalytic activity of ALKBH5. Cell-based assays showed reduced short-term and long-term growth with the treatment of mefloquine. In vivo models showed a reduction in tumor volume upon mefloquine oral treatment. Conclusion: Our results establish RNA demethylase ALKBH5 as a novel driver of OS. This project has a direct translational relevance as an FDA-approved drug can be repurposed for treating OS patients as a monotherapy or in combination with doxorubicin and be formally tested in the clinic without much delay. Citation Format: Daisy Medina, Santosh Timilsina, Panneerdoss Subbarayalu, Prabhakar Pitta Venkata, Deepika Singh, Trong Phat Do, Shuo Zhou, Yogesh K. Gupta, Daohong Zhou, Manjeet K. Rao. Targeting RNA demethylase ALKBH5 blocks growth and improves therapy response in osteosarcoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 3905.

Establishment, optimization and validation of a fluorescence polarization-based high-throughput screening assay targeting cathepsin L inhibitors

Cathepsin L (CTSL), a lysosomal cysteine proteinase, is primarily dedicated to the metabolic turnover of intracellular proteins. It is involved in various physiological processes and contributes to pathological conditions such as viral infection, tumor invasion and metastasis, inflammatory status, atherosclerosis, renal disease, diabetes, bone diseases, and other ailments. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), with its rapid global spread and significant mortality, has been a worldwide epidemic since the late 2019s. Notably, CTSL plays a role in the processing of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike protein, providing a potential avenue to block coronavirus host cell entry and thereby inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infection in humans. In this study, we have developed a novel method using fluorescence polarization (FP) for screening CTSL inhibitors in a high-throughput format. The optimized assay demonstrated its appropriateness for high-throughput screening (HTS) with a Z-factor of 0.9 in a 96-well format. Additionally, the IC50 of the known inhibitor, Z-Phe-Tyr-CHO, was determined to be 188.50 ± 46.88 nM. Upon screening over 2000 small molecules, we identified, for the first time, the anti-CTSL properties of a benzothiazoles derivative named IMB 8015. This work presents a novel high-throughput approach and its application in discovering and evaluating CTSL inhibitors.

Versatile ferrous oxidation-xylenol orange assay for high-throughput screening of lipoxygenase activity.

Lipoxygenases (LOXs) catalyze dioxygenation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) into fatty acid hydroperoxides (FAHPs), which can be further transformed into a number of value-added compounds. LOXs have garnered interest as biocatalysts for various industrial applications. Therefore, a high-throughput LOX activity assay is essential to evaluate their performance under different conditions. This study aimed to enhance the suitability of the ferrous-oxidized xylenol orange (FOX) assay for screening LOX activity across a wide pH range with different PUFAs. The narrow linear detection range of the standard FOX assay restricts its utility in screening LOX activity. To address this, the concentration of perchloric acid in the xylenol orange reagent was adjusted. The modified assay exhibited a fivefold expansion in the linear detection range for hydroperoxides and accommodated samples with pH values ranging from 3 to 10. The assay could quantify various hydroperoxide species, indicating its applicability in assessing LOX substrate preferences. Due to sensitivity to pH, buffer types, and hydroperoxide species, the assay required calibration using the respective standard compound diluted in the same buffer as the measured sample. The use of correction factors is suggested when financial constraints limit the use of FAHP standard compounds in routine LOX substrate preference analysis. FAHP quantification by the modified FOX assay aligned well with results obtained using the commonly used conjugated diene method, while offering a quicker and broader sample pH range assessment. Thus, the modified FOX assay can be used as a reliable high-throughput screening method for determining LOX activity. KEY POINTS: • Modifying perchloric acid level in FOX reagent expands its linear detection range • The modified FOX assay is applicable for screening LOX activity in a wide pH range • The modified FOX assay effectively assesses substrate specificity of LOX.

Optimizing androgen receptor prioritization using high-throughput assay-based activity models.

Introduction: Computational models using data from high-throughput screening assays have promise for prioritizing and screening chemicals for testing under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program (EDSP). The purpose of this work was to demonstrate a data processing method for the determination of optimal minimal assay batteries from a larger comprehensive model, to provide a uniform method of evaluating the performance of future minimal assay batteries compared with the androgen receptor (AR) pathway model, and to incorporate chemical cluster analysis into this evaluation. Although several of the assays in the AR pathway model are no longer available through the original vendor, this approach could be used for future evaluations of minimal assay models for prioritization and screening. Methods: We compared two previously published models and found that an expanded 14-assay model had higher sensitivity for antagonists, whereas the original 11-assay model had slightly higher sensitivity for agonists. We then investigated subsets of assays in the original AR pathway model to optimize overall testing strategies that minimize cost while maintaining sensitivity across a broad chemical space. Results and Discussion: Evaluation of the critical assays across subset models derived from the 14-assay model identified three critical assays for predicting antagonism and two critical assays for predicting agonism. A minimum of nine assays is required for predicting agonism and antagonism with high sensitivity (95%). However, testing workflows guided by chemical structure-based clusters can reduce the average number of assays needed per chemical by basing the assays selected for testing on the likelihood of a chemical being an AR agonist, according to its structure. Our results show that a multi-stage testing workflow can provide 95% sensitivity while requiring only 48% of the resources required for running all assays from the original full models. The resources can be reduced further by incorporating in silico activity predictions. Conclusion: This work illustrates a data-driven approach that incorporates chemical clustering and simultaneous consideration of antagonism and agonism mechanisms to more efficiently screen chemicals. This case study provides a proof of concept for prioritization and screening strategies that can be utilized in future analyses to minimize the overall number of assays needed for predicting AR activity, which will maximize the number of chemicals that can be tested and allow data-driven prioritization of chemicals for further screening under the EDSP.

Beyond the Nucleus: Plastic Chemicals Activate G Protein-Coupled Receptors.

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are central mediators of cell signaling and physiological function. Despite their biological significance, GPCRs have not been widely studied in the field of toxicology. Herein, we investigated these receptors as novel targets of plastic chemicals using a high-throughput drug screening assay with 126 human non-olfactory GPCRs. In a first-pass screen, we tested the activity of triphenol phosphate, bisphenol A, and diethyl phthalate, as well as three real-world mixtures of chemicals extracted from plastic food packaging covering all major polymer types. We found 11 GPCR-chemical interactions, of which the chemical mixtures exhibited the most robust activity at adenosine receptor 1 (ADORA1) and melatonin receptor 1 (MTNR1A). We further confirm that polyvinyl chloride and polyurethane products contain ADORA1 or MTNRA1 agonists using a confirmatory secondary screen and pharmacological knockdown experiments. Finally, an analysis of the associated gene ontology terms suggests that ADORA1 and MTNR1A activation may be linked to downstream effects on circadian and metabolic processes. This work highlights that signaling disruption caused by plastic chemicals is broader than that previously believed and demonstrates the relevance of nongenomic pathways, which have, thus far, remained unexplored.

A short review on CRP synthesis inhibition in cardiovascular disease

C-reactive Protein (CRP) is synthesized in the liver. Synthesis is stimulated via the IL-1ß/IL6 pathway. CRP activates the complement system via C1q and macrophages via Fcγ receptors. Since elevated CRP plasma levels are associated with increased cardiovascular risk, CRP may play a causal role in cardiovascular disease. One approach to transfer these observations into standard medical care would be to generate hepatic CRP synthesis inhibitors and use them in controlled clinical trials. Despite huge pharmacological efforts, the search for CRP synthesis inhibitors proved to be difficult. First, the antisense oligonucleotide RNA technology, although a promising idea, has not yet led to results feasible for clinical practice. Secondly, high throughput screening assays in search for hepatic CRP inhibitors were limited by the fact that primary human hepatocytes do not adequately grow in vitro. Use of genetically engineered hepatoma cells led to the observation that cardiac glycosides are capable of inhibiting CRP synthesis. Because of patent law considerations, however, pharmaceutical companies had limited interest in further pursuing this possible path. Upstream inhibition of IL-1ß and IL-6 by antibodies has shown positive results in cardiovascular clinical trials, but because of side effects none of these antibodies has yet received FDA approval. In contrast, long-term colchicine treatment, though not being a CRP-specific approach, has recently been approved by the FDA. Taken together, there is no compelling evidence until today that hepatic CRP synthesis can specifically, effectively and safely be inhibited in vivo in human medicine. Currently, other avenues appear more promising. Here, we summarize contemporary approaches to inhibit CRP synthesis and potential goals for future clinical trials.

Improved fluorescence-based assay for rapid screening and evaluation of SARS-CoV-2 main protease inhibitors.

The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a global threat to human health. In parallel with vaccines, efficacious antivirals are urgently needed. SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) is an attractive drug target for antiviral development owing to its key roles in virus replication and host immune evasion. Due to the limitations of currently available methods, the development of novel high-throughput screeningassays is of the highest importance for the discovery of Mpro inhibitors. In this study, we first developed an improved fluorescence-based assay for rapid screening of Mpro inhibitors from an anti-infection compound library using a versatile dimerization-dependent red fluorescent protein (ddRFP) biosensor. Utilizing this assay, we identified MG-101 as a competitive Mpro inhibitor in vitro. Moreover, our results revealed that ensitrelvir is a potent Mpro inhibitor, but baicalein, chloroquine, ebselen, echinatin, and silibinin are not. Therefore, this robust ddRFP assay provides a faithful avenue for rapid screening and evaluation of Mpro inhibitors to fight against COVID-19.

Developing Aptamer-Based Colorimetric Opioid Tests.

Opioids collectively cause over 80,000 deaths in the United States annually. The ability to rapidly identify these compounds in seized drug samples on-site will be essential for curtailing trafficking and distribution. Chemical reagent-based tests are fast and simple but also notorious for giving false results due to poor specificity, whereas portable Raman spectrometers have excellent selectivity but often face interference challenges with impure drug samples. In this work, we develop on-site sensors for morphine and structurally related opioid compounds based on in vitro-selected oligonucleotide affinity reagents known as aptamers. We employ a parallel-and-serial selection strategy to isolate aptamers that recognize heroin, morphine, codeine, hydrocodone, and hydromorphone, along with a toggle-selection approach to isolate aptamers that bind oxycodone and oxymorphone. We then utilize a new high-throughput sequencing-based approach to examine aptamer growth patterns over the course of selection and a high-throughput exonuclease-based screening assay to identify optimal aptamer candidates. Finally, we use two high-performance aptamers with KD of ∼1 μM to develop colorimetric dye-displacement assays that can specifically detect opioids like heroin and oxycodone at concentrations as low as 0.5 μM with a linear range of 0-16 μM. Importantly, our assays can detect opioids in complex chemical matrices, including pharmaceutical tablets and drug mixtures; in contrast, the conventional Marquis test completely fails in this context. These aptamer-based colorimetric assays enable the naked-eye identification of specific opioids within seconds and will play an important role in combatting opioid abuse.

Structure-Based Discovery of High-Affinity Small Molecule Ligands and Development of Tool Probes to Study the Role of Chitinase-3-Like Protein 1.

Chitinase-3-like-1 (CHI3L1), also known as YKL-40, is a glycoprotein linked to inflammation, fibrosis, and cancer. This study explored CHI3L1's interactions with various oligosaccharides using microscale thermophoresis (MST) and AlphaScreen (AS). These investigations guided the development of high-throughput screening assays to assess interference of small molecules in binding between CHI3L1 and biotinylated small molecules or heparan sulfate-based probes. Small molecule binders of YKL-40 were identified in our chitotriosidase inhibitors library with MST and confirmed through X-ray crystallography. Based on cocrystal structures of potent hit compounds with CHI3L1, small molecule probes 19 and 20 were designed for an AS assay. Structure-based optimization led to compounds 30 and 31 with nanomolar activities and drug-like properties. Additionally, an orthogonal AS assay using biotinylated heparan sulfate as a probe was developed. The compounds' affinity showed a significant correlation in both assays. These screening tools and compounds offer novel avenues for investigating the role of CHI3L1.

Recapitulation of the Powassan virus life cycle in cell culture.

Powassan virus (POWV) is a tick-borne flavivirus known for causing fatal neuroinvasive diseases in humans. Recently, there has been a noticeable increase in POWV infections, emphasizing the urgency of understanding viral replication, pathogenesis, and developing interventions. Notably, there are no approved vaccines or therapeutics for POWV, and its classification as a biosafety level-3 (BSL-3) agent hampers research. To overcome these obstacles, we developed a replicon system, a self-replicating RNA lacking structural proteins, making it safe to operate in a BSL-2 environment. We constructed a POWV replicon carrying the Gaussia luciferase (Gluc) reporter gene and blasticidin (BSD) selectable marker. Continuous BSD selection led to obtain a stable POWV replicon-carrying Huh7 cell lines. We identified cell culture adaptive mutations G4079A, G4944T and G6256A, resulting in NS2AR195K, NS3G122G, and NS3V560M, enhancing RNA replication. We demonstrated the utility of the POWV replicon system for high-throughput screening (HTS) assay to identify promising antivirals against POWV replication. We further explored the applications of the POWV replicon system, generating single-round infectious particles (SRIPs) by transfecting Huh7-POWV replicon cells with plasmids encoding viral capsid (C), premembrane (prM), and envelope (E) proteins, and revealed the distinct antigenic profiles of POWV with ZIKV. In summary, the POWV replicon and SRIP systems represent crucial platforms for genetic and functional analysis of the POWV life cycle and facilitating the discovery of antiviral drugs.IMPORTANCEIn light of the recent surge in human infections caused by POWV, a biosafety level-3 (BSL-3) classified virus, there is a pressing need to understand the viral life cycle and the development of effective countermeasures. To address this, we have pioneered the establishment of a POWV RNA replicon system and a replicon-based POWV SRIP system. Importantly, these systems are operable in BSL-2 laboratories, enabling comprehensive investigations into the viral life cycle and facilitating antiviral screening. In summary, these useful tools are poised to advance our understanding of the POWV life cycle and expedite the development of antiviral interventions.

HIGH THROUGHPUT SCREENING IN DRUG DISCOVERY: PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS

World-wide introduction of high throughput screening (HTS) methods in drug discovery research did not result in the increased number of novel medications on the market. We discuss novel trends in drug discovery that came from the understanding that majority of diseases are multifactorial and that one enzyme has many protein substrates. Hence, new approaches are focused on development of drugs, which (1) trigger survival pathways to return the organism to homeostatic balance, and (2) inhibit enzymes modifying histones or transcription factors not at the active site, but by displacement of protein substrates from the enzyme complexes. A good example for both approaches comes from the development of activators of antioxidant defense. We analyze and illustrate problems of commonly used in vitro HTS assays, and briefl y discuss advantages and limitations of small animal models. The novel approaches are complementary to the standard HTS and do not substitute for testing in mammals. Development of transgenic reporter mice to monitor drug effects by means of in vivo imaging is extremely promising to select proper dosage and administration regimes for full-range PK studies.