WO2011014299A2 - Identification et utilisation de petites molécules visant à moduler le fonctionnement des facteurs de transcription et à traiter les maladies associées aux facteurs de transcription - Google Patents

Identification et utilisation de petites molécules visant à moduler le fonctionnement des facteurs de transcription et à traiter les maladies associées aux facteurs de transcription Download PDF

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WO2011014299A2
WO2011014299A2 PCT/US2010/037664 US2010037664W WO2011014299A2 WO 2011014299 A2 WO2011014299 A2 WO 2011014299A2 US 2010037664 W US2010037664 W US 2010037664W WO 2011014299 A2 WO2011014299 A2 WO 2011014299A2
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optionally substituted
compound
ets
transcription factor
dna
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PCT/US2010/037664
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WO2011014299A3 (fr
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Peter Oettgen
Alan C. Rigby
Towia Libermann
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Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K31/00—Medicinal preparations containing organic active ingredients
    • A61K31/33—Heterocyclic compounds
    • A61K31/335—Heterocyclic compounds having oxygen as the only ring hetero atom, e.g. fungichromin
    • A61K31/357—Heterocyclic compounds having oxygen as the only ring hetero atom, e.g. fungichromin having two or more oxygen atoms in the same ring, e.g. crown ethers, guanadrel
    • A61K31/36—Compounds containing methylenedioxyphenyl groups, e.g. sesamin
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G16—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SPECIFIC APPLICATION FIELDS
    • G16C—COMPUTATIONAL CHEMISTRY; CHEMOINFORMATICS; COMPUTATIONAL MATERIALS SCIENCE
    • G16C20/00—Chemoinformatics, i.e. ICT specially adapted for the handling of physicochemical or structural data of chemical particles, elements, compounds or mixtures
    • G16C20/60—In silico combinatorial chemistry
    • G16C20/64—Screening of libraries
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K31/00—Medicinal preparations containing organic active ingredients
    • A61K31/33—Heterocyclic compounds
    • A61K31/395—Heterocyclic compounds having nitrogen as a ring hetero atom, e.g. guanethidine or rifamycins
    • A61K31/495—Heterocyclic compounds having nitrogen as a ring hetero atom, e.g. guanethidine or rifamycins having six-membered rings with two or more nitrogen atoms as the only ring heteroatoms, e.g. piperazine or tetrazines
    • A61K31/505—Pyrimidines; Hydrogenated pyrimidines, e.g. trimethoprim
    • A61K31/519—Pyrimidines; Hydrogenated pyrimidines, e.g. trimethoprim ortho- or peri-condensed with heterocyclic rings
    • A61K31/52—Purines, e.g. adenine
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N33/00—Investigating or analysing materials by specific methods not covered by groups G01N1/00 - G01N31/00
    • G01N33/48—Biological material, e.g. blood, urine; Haemocytometers
    • G01N33/50—Chemical analysis of biological material, e.g. blood, urine; Testing involving biospecific ligand binding methods; Immunological testing
    • G01N33/68—Chemical analysis of biological material, e.g. blood, urine; Testing involving biospecific ligand binding methods; Immunological testing involving proteins, peptides or amino acids
    • G01N33/6803—General methods of protein analysis not limited to specific proteins or families of proteins
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N33/00—Investigating or analysing materials by specific methods not covered by groups G01N1/00 - G01N31/00
    • G01N33/48—Biological material, e.g. blood, urine; Haemocytometers
    • G01N33/50—Chemical analysis of biological material, e.g. blood, urine; Testing involving biospecific ligand binding methods; Immunological testing
    • G01N33/68—Chemical analysis of biological material, e.g. blood, urine; Testing involving biospecific ligand binding methods; Immunological testing involving proteins, peptides or amino acids
    • G01N33/6872—Intracellular protein regulatory factors and their receptors, e.g. including ion channels
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G16—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SPECIFIC APPLICATION FIELDS
    • G16B—BIOINFORMATICS, i.e. INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR GENETIC OR PROTEIN-RELATED DATA PROCESSING IN COMPUTATIONAL MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
    • G16B35/00—ICT specially adapted for in silico combinatorial libraries of nucleic acids, proteins or peptides
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G16—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SPECIFIC APPLICATION FIELDS
    • G16C—COMPUTATIONAL CHEMISTRY; CHEMOINFORMATICS; COMPUTATIONAL MATERIALS SCIENCE
    • G16C20/00—Chemoinformatics, i.e. ICT specially adapted for the handling of physicochemical or structural data of chemical particles, elements, compounds or mixtures
    • G16C20/60—In silico combinatorial chemistry

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the identification and use of small molecules which modulate the interaction between transcription factors and DNA, and thereby affecting gene regulation and downstream protein expression or function.
  • a transcription factor is a protein that regulates the activation of transcription in the eukaryotic nucleus. Transcription factors localise to regions of promoter and enhancer sequence elements either through direct binding to DNA or through binding other DNA- bound proteins. They act by promoting the formation of the preinitiation complex (PIC) that recruits and activates RNA polymerase.
  • PIC preinitiation complex
  • TF-DNA recognition is an intricate process involving spatial and temporal intermolecular contacts that are requisite for regulating downstream biological processes including; replication, DNA repair and initiation of transcription. These sequence specific TF-DNA interactions are mediated by a series of chronological, conformational perturbations by both the TF and DNA that facilitate molecular recognition and complex assembly on a dynamic time scale.
  • ETS family of transcription factors is comprised of 28 members that share a highly conserved DBD that is responsible for interacting with core EBSs containing the GGA(A/T) sequence. As previously mentioned the sequence flanking this core EBS also possesses critical descriptors that contribute to the specificity and selectivity of individual family members (18, 31-34).
  • ETS TFs are autoregulated TF' s involved in both the activation and repression of downstream target genes that are critical in a variety of disease pathologies including; inflammation, oncogenesis, apoptosis and angiogenesis (19, 20, 32, 35). It is well established that this DNA binding specificity is mediated by P- P interactions involving the ETS DBD and other domains within the ETS proteins including the pointed domain (21).
  • TF-DNA interface which is comprised of both conserved and non-conserved amino acids arranged in a winged helix-turn-helix (w- HTH) structure (36) composed of 3 ⁇ -helicies (Hl, H2, H3), 4 ⁇ -strands and "wing-like structures" that are believed to be responsible for critical contacts with the DNA minor groove (18, 29, 37, 38).
  • w- HTH winged helix-turn-helix
  • Ets-1 Although the expression of Ets-1 was originally believed to be restricted to lymphoid tissues in both T- and B-cells during their development (21) it is also expressed in endothelial cells (EC's) and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). The level of Ets-1 expression, which is upregulated in several invasive and metastatic solid tumors, is associated with the grade of malignancy and prognosis in several tumor types including breast, lung and colorectal cancer (16, 17, 21). Ets-1 has been shown to regulate genes involved in endothelial cell (EC) function, enhanced endothelial migration and angiogenesis (42, 43). In angiogenesis Ets-1 regulates the expression of other genes including the VEGF receptors, FIt-I and Angiopoietin-2 (44-48). Although a role for
  • Ets-1 in vascular development and angiogenesis in ECs has been shown, only recently did this group and others define a role for ETS TFs family, including Ets-1 in regulating vascular-specific gene expression.
  • Ets-1 is a critical mediator of vascular inflammation that is responsible for mediating inflammatory responses in a number of vascular diseases (49).
  • Ets-1 is a critical modulator of inflammatory responses in VSMCs in response to inflammatory stimuli that are upregulated in response to PDGF, Angiotensin II, and thrombin.
  • Ets-1 appears to be a promising target for selective therapeutic strategies since targeting this protein not only inhibits proliferation and resistance to apoptosis directly, but also inhibits tumor growth, invasion and metastasis indirectly through angiogenesis (17).
  • HTS high throughput docking
  • Ets-1 This specific transcription factor appears to be involved in diseases involving inflammation, including arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease and vascular inflammation.
  • Ets-1 also appears to act as an angiogenic mediator in several types of cancer and optical diseases.
  • methods of screening compounds that are capable of modulating the function and/or expression of the transcription factors involved in disease.
  • the present invention relates to an alternative strategy for small molecule discovery by virtual screening or in silico high throughput docking (HTD), which is ideally suited for the rapid exploration of novel target space allowing uncharted biochemical and thus potentially therapeutic territory including that represented by the TF-DNA interaction interface to be explored in a cost effective manner (84-86).
  • TF-DNA interactions Molecular recognition that is governed by TF-DNA interactions is the cornerstone of cellular function, mechanistic signal transduction and gene expression. These interfaces represent therapeutically interesting and commercially lucrative target space ((5, 6) and references therein). Although these interfaces were believed to be refractory to small molecule intervention, an improved understanding of these complex surfaces and the relative energetic contributions bestowed by;
  • TF-DNA interfaces are comprised of "interaction hot spots", these important localized regions of interest differ in their compositional arrangement and type of determinants.
  • the notion of "interaction hot spots”, which suggests that critical contact regions contribute a disproportionate amount of binding energy to the interaction, has provided a unique target strategy for the identification of small molecule "hits" for this chemical space which have been validated for P-P interactions (5, 23, 24, 63). These hot spots tend to be clustered within the interaction interface, thereby contributing in a manner to the formation of the complex through surface complementary, protein and DNA flexibility (89, 90).
  • Structure-based virtual screening or HTD of large publicly accessible chemical repositories into a well-defined TF-DNA interface that is critical for regulating aberrant gene transcription offers a unique strategy for the identification and development of transcriptional therapies (4, 6, 76).
  • the methods of the present invention involve computational evaluation of publicly accessible chemical repositories using the HTD approach in an attempt to identify small molecule "hits" that are able to disrupt the Ets-1 MCP-I promoter interaction (29).
  • NCI National Cancer Institute
  • Diversity Set library and its parent NCI library of approximately 140,000 compounds has been screened in silico using our pharmacophore driven HTD approach (other libraries are also available), which has provided proof of concept data demonstrating that the interaction between Ets-1 and its cognate DNA sequence can be targeted and inhibited.
  • the present invention relates to methods of identifying small molecule candidate agents capable of modulating transcription factor function such that the
  • function/expression of a target transcription factor and/or proteins downstream of this target protein comprises the screening of small molecule libraries using in silico high throughput docking for candidate small molecules/agents that are selectively identified for their ability to target and disrupt the transcription factor-DNA interface through unique transcription factor and/or DNA descriptors that are defined within a pharmacophore, and then testing/evaluating the candidate agents identified above through one or more in vitro assays for their ability to modulate transcription factor function including expression of this target protein and/or proteins that are downstream of the target transcription factor.
  • the candidate agents comprised of unique chemical scaffolds as identified above are optimized for their ability to modulate the function and/or expression of the transcription factor target protein and/or proteins downstream of this transcription factor comprising testing the candidate agents in assays such as: 1) in silico quantitative structure activity relationships; 2) similarity fingerprint searching; and 3) NMR spectroscopy driven structural chemistry, wherein optimization results in greater modulation of the expression or function of target proteins that are downstream of the target transcription factor and/or improved pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic properties.
  • the modulation can be represented by protein expression down-regulation or up -regulation.
  • the transcription factor is a member of the ETS family of transcription factors and, in particular, Ets-1.
  • the methods of identifying small molecule candidate agents capable of modulating transcription factor function can employ the initial selection of candidate agents selected from databases such as the Znc Database, National Cancer Institute's Diversity Set, the National Cancer Institute's Open Chemical Repository the Chembridge Library DIVERSet, the Maybridge Library, the Platinum Collection from Asinex and Natural Product Libraries.
  • the pharmacophore descriptors included for the transcription factor protein can comprise of hydrogen bond acceptors, hydrogen bond donors, hydrophobic disposition and the geometry of the protein's molecular scaffold (DBD backbone) and critical amino acids within the DNA binding domain of the transcription factor target.
  • the pharmacophore definitions for the protein can be computationally determined using a genetic algorithm and have been demonstrated to be critical through mutagenesis data, DNA binding data and/or other in vitro assays as identified within the supporting documentation.
  • Still other embodiments of the present invention relate to methods of preventing or treating a patient with a disease/disorder or susceptibility to a disease/disorder involving a transcription factor comprising the administration to the patient in need of such treatment or prevention a therapeutically effective amount of a compound identified by a methods described above.
  • diseases and/or disorders can involve inflammation such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, atherosclerosis, bacterial sepsis and other diseases involving the immune system.
  • the present invention includes treatment of diseases and/or disorders involving angiogenesis, such as various types of cancer (e.g., prostate, breast, colon, ovarian, lung and/or stomach cancers) and ocular diseases.
  • the invention also includes treatment of cancer including e.g. prostate, breast, colon, ovarian, lung and/or stomach cancer.
  • the present invention also includes the use of a compound described herein (e.g., a compound identified by a method described herein) for treating diseases and/or disorders as also described above.
  • a compound described herein e.g., a compound identified by a method described herein
  • These compounds include compounds of Formulae I-XII and salts thereof.
  • Compound 5b is a compound described herein (e.g., a compound identified by a method described herein) for treating diseases and/or disorders as also described above.
  • NCI 371777 ' 2- ⁇ [l-(l,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-2-nitroethyl]thio ⁇ aniline, can be used in the methods of treatment of the present invention.
  • Additional compounds useful in the compositions and methods of the invention include the compounds provided below, those provided in Table 1 and in U.S. Application No. 12/436,685, incorporated herein by reference:
  • NCI 166360 also known as l-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-3-[2- methoxyphenyl)amino]propane- 1 ,2-dinone
  • esters, salts, and prodrugs of these compounds are also contemplated for use in the compositions and methods of the invention.
  • these compounds can be non-peptidic and have a molecular weight of less than 500.
  • the present invention includes the use of compounds represented by the formula A-D, in which A is an aromatic moiety or other molecular fragment capable of interacting with a DNA Binding Domain of a Transcription Factor involved in inflammation and or angiogenesis (and all related disease indications); and D is a moiety capable of interacting with a nucleic acid to which the transcription factor binds; wherein the compound is capable of modulating the ability of the transcription factor to bind to the nucleic acid; and pharmaceutically acceptable esters, salts, and prodrugs thereof, wherein the compounds are capable of modulating the function and/or expression of the transcription factor target and subsequent downstream proteins.
  • compositions comprising a compound identified by the methods of the present invention or a pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carriers. Also included are pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound of the invention (e.g., a compound listed hereinabove), or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carriers.
  • the present invention includes a compound described herein (e.g., a compound of Formula XI) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
  • the present invention also relates to methods of using a compound described herein, for example, for modulating transcription factor function or treating a transcription factor associated disease such as a disease described above (e.g., cancer).
  • a transcription factor associated disease such as a disease described above (e.g., cancer).
  • L is a linker
  • Cy 1 and Cy 2 are independently optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl or optionally substituted heteroaryl.
  • linker L is as defined in Formula I:
  • n 0 or 1 ;
  • k 0, 1 or 2;
  • n 0 or 1 ;
  • 1 is 0 or 1 ;
  • Y is O, NR 1 , S or an optionally substituted Ci_ 4 alkylenyl or a chemical bond;
  • B is NR 1 , S or an optionally substituted C 1-4 alkylenyl
  • R 1 is H, optionally substituted C 1-6 alkyl, optionally substituted C2-6 alkenyl, optionally substituted C2-6 alkynyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, hydroxyl, optionally substituted Ci_ 6 alkoxy, optionally substituted C 1-6 alkenyloxy, cyano, halo, acyl, amino, optionally substituted alkylamino, aminoalkyl, amido, acylamino, alkylurea, alkylcarbamoyl, carboxyl, optionally substituted alkylcarboxyl, thioyl, optionally substituted alkylthioyl, SO 3 H, optionally substituted alkylsulfinyl, optionally substituted alkylsulfonyl, or nitro.
  • L is linked to Cy 1 via X.
  • L is linked to Cy 2 via B.
  • L is linked to Cy 2 via Y.
  • L is linked to Cy 2 via A.
  • L is linked to Cy 2 via X.
  • L is represented by Formulas XIa - XIo:
  • Cy 1 is selected from optionally substituted phenyl, optionally substituted napthyl, N-containing heterocyclyl, N-containing heteroaryl, bicyclic N-containing heterocyclyl, bicyclic N-containing heteroaryl, S -containing heterocyclyl, S -containing heteroaryl, bicyclic S -containing heterocyclyl, bicyclic S -containing heteroaryl, O-containing hetercyclyl, bicyclic, O-containing heterocyclyl, O-containing heteroaryl, and bicyclic O-containing heteroaryl.
  • Cy 1 is selected from N-containing heterocyclyl, bicyclic N-containing heterocyclyl, N-containing heteroaryl, bicyclic N-containing heteroaryl, phenyl, napthyl, and bicyclic O-containing heterocyclyl.
  • Cy 1 is phenyl. In some embodiments, Cy 1 is napthyl.
  • Cy 1 is bicyclic O-containing heteroaryl. In some embodiments, Cy 1 is an optionally substituted moiety represented below:
  • Cy 1 is an optionally substituted moiety represented below:
  • Cy 1 is bicyclic N-containing heteroaryl. In some embodiments, Cy 1 is benzo[ ⁇ i]thiazole. In some embodiments, Cy 1 is pyridyl. In some embodiments, Cy 1 is pyrimidyl. In some embodiments, Cy 1 is purinyl.
  • Cy 1 is bicyclic N-containing heteroaryl. In some embodiments, Cy 1 is an optionally substituted moiety represented below:
  • Cy 1 is an optionally substituted moiety represented below:
  • Cy is selected from optionally substituted phenyl, optionally substituted napthyl, N-containing heterocyclyl, N-containing heteroaryl, bicyclic N-containing heterocyclyl, bicyclic N-containing heteroaryl, S -containing heterocyclyl, S -containing heteroaryl, bicyclic S -containing heterocyclyl, bicyclic S -containing heteroaryl, O-containing hetercyclyl, bicyclic, O-containing heterocyclyl, O-containing heteroaryl, and bicyclic O-containing heteroaryl.
  • Cy 2 is selected from N-containing heterocyclyl, bicyclic N-containing heterocyclyl, N-containing heteroaryl, bicyclic N-containing heteroaryl, phenyl, napthyl, and bicyclic O-containing heterocyclyl.
  • Cy 2 is phenyl. In some embodiments, Cy 2 is napthyl.
  • Cy 2 is bicyclic O-containing heteroaryl. In some embodiments, Cy 2 is an optionally substituted moiety represented below:
  • Cy is an optionally substituted moiety represented below:
  • Cy 2 is bicyclic N-containing heteroaryl. In some embodiments, Cy 2 is benzo[ ⁇ i]thiazole. In some embodiments, Cy 2 is pyridyl. In some embodiments, Cy 2 is pyrimidyl. In some embodiments, Cy 2 is purinyl.
  • Cy 2 is bicyclic N-containing heteroaryl. In some embodiments, Cy 2 is an optionally substituted moiety represented below:
  • Cy is an optionally substituted moiety represented below:
  • the compound is of Formula II
  • g is an integer from 0 to 3;
  • Cy 2 is optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl or optionally substituted heteroaryl
  • R 2 is optionally substituted Ci_ 6 alkylenyl, optionally substituted C 2 - 6 alkenyl, optionally substituted C 2 -
  • the compound is of Formula Ha
  • R 2a and R 2b are independently H, optionally substituted C 1-6 alkylenyl, optionally substituted C 2 - 6 alkenyl, optionally substituted C 2 - 6 alkynyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, hydroxyl, optionally substituted C 1-6 alkoxy, optionally substituted Ci_ 6 alkenyloxy, cyano, halo, acyl, amino, optionally substituted alkylamino, aminoalkyl or when taken together form a 5-7 membered heteroaromatic or heterocyclic ring; and
  • R 2c is H, optionally substituted C 1-6 alkyl, optionally substituted C 2 - 6 alkenyl, optionally substituted C 2 -
  • alkynyl cyano, halo, acyl, amino, optionally substituted alkylamino, aminoalkyl, an optionally substituted thioalkyl, an optionally substituted thioaryl, or sulfamoyl.
  • X is sulfur (S). In some embodiments, X is NR 1 . In some
  • X is NH
  • R 2c is an amino group.
  • R 2a and R 2b are taken together to form a five-membered heteroaromatic ring. In some embodiments, R 2a and R 2b are taken together to form an imidazole ring.
  • Cy 2 is a substituted heteroaromatic group.
  • Cy 2 is a substituted pyrimidine ring. In some embodiments, Cy 2 is
  • the compound is of Formula III
  • f is an integer from 0 to 5;
  • Cy 1 is optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl or optionally substituted heteroaryl;
  • R 2 is optionally substituted C 1-6 alkylenyl, optionally substituted C 2 _ 6 alkenyl, optionally substituted C 2 .
  • R 5 is defined as optionally substituted Ci_ 6 alkyl, optionally substituted C 2 _ 6 alkenyl, optionally substituted C 2 _ 6 alkynyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, hydroxyl, optionally substituted Ci_ 6 alkoxy, optionally substituted C 1-6 alkenyloxy, cyano, halo, acyl, amino, optionally substituted alkylamino, aminoalkyl, amido, acylamino, alkylurea, alkylcarbamoyl, arylcarbamoyl, carboxyl, optionally substituted alkylcarboxyl, thioyl, optionally substituted alkylthioyl, optionally substituted alkylsulfinyl, optionally substituted alkylsulfonyl, nitro, an optionally substituted thioalkyl, an optionally substituted thioaryl, an optionally substituted aryl, an optionally substituted heterocyclic or optionally
  • the compound is of Formula Ilia:
  • R 2a and R 2b are independently H, optionally substituted C 1-6 alkylenyl, optionally substituted C 2 - 6 alkenyl, optionally substituted C 2 - 6 alkynyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, hydroxyl, optionally substituted C 1-6 alkoxy, optionally substituted Ci_ 6 alkenyloxy, cyano, halo, acyl, amino, optionally substituted alkylamino, aminoalkyl or when taken together form a 5-7 membered heteroaromatic or heterocyclic ring; and
  • R 2c is H, optionally substituted Ci_ 6 alkyl, optionally substituted C 2 - 6 alkenyl, optionally substituted C 2 -
  • alkynyl cyano, halo, acyl, amino, optionally substituted alkylamino, aminoalkyl, an optionally substituted thioalkyl, an optionally substituted thioaryl, or sulfamoyl.
  • R 2c is H. In some embodiments, R 2c is an amino group. In some embodiments, R 2c is NH 2 . In some embodiments, R 2c is OH.
  • R 2a is H.
  • R 2b is H.
  • R 2a and R 2b are taken together to form a five-membered heterocyclic ring. In some embodiments, R 2a and R 2b are taken together to form an optionally substituted moiety as described below:
  • X is sulfur (S). In some embodiments, X is NR 1 . In some
  • R 1 is H.
  • R 5 is an optionally substituted Ci_ 6 alkyl. In some embodiments R 5 is an optionally substituted methylene. In some embodiments, R 5 is
  • R 5 is an optionally substituted aryl. In some embodiments, R 5 is an optionally substituted phenyl group. In some embodiments R 5 is
  • Cy 1 is a substituted aryl group. In some embodiments, Cy 1 is substituted phenyl. In some embodiments Cy 1 is 4-ethoxyphenyl. In some embodiments, Cy 1 is an optionally substituted heteroaromatic group. In some embodiments, Cy 1 is pyridyl (e.g., 2-pyridyl).
  • the compound is of Formula IV
  • f is an integer from 0 to 5;
  • Y is O, NR 1 , S or an optionally substituted C 1-4 alkylenyl or a chemical bond;
  • B is NR 1 , S or an optionally substituted C 1-4 alkylenyl
  • Cy 2 is optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl or optionally substituted heteroaryl
  • R 3 is optionally substituted C 1-6 alkyl, optionally substituted C 1-6 alkyl, optionally substituted C 1-6 alkoxy, optionally substituted C 1-6 alkenyloxy, cyano, halo, acyl, amino, optionally substituted alkylamino, or aminoalkyl.
  • the compound is of Formula IVa
  • R 2a and R 2b are independently H, optionally substituted C 1-6 alkylenyl, optionally substituted C 2 - 6 alkenyl, optionally substituted C 2 - 6 alkynyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, hydroxyl, optionally substituted C 1-6 alkoxy, optionally substituted Ci_ 6 alkenyloxy, cyano, halo, acyl, amino, optionally substituted alkylamino, aminoalkyl or when taken together form a 5-7 membered heteroaromatic or heterocyclic ring; and
  • R 2c is H, optionally substituted C 1-6 alkyl, optionally substituted C 2 - 6 alkenyl, optionally substituted C 2 -
  • alkynyl cyano, halo, acyl, amino, optionally substituted alkylamino, aminoalkyl, an optionally substituted thioalkyl, an optionally substituted thioaryl, or sulfamoyl.
  • R 2a , R 2b and R 2c are each independently H, optionally substituted C 1-6 alkyl, optionally substituted C 1-6 alkyl, optionally substituted C 1-6 alkoxy, optionally substituted C 1-6 alkenyloxy, cyano, halo, acyl, amino, optionally substituted alkylamino, or aminoalkyl.
  • R 2b is halo. In some embodiments, R 2b is bromine (Br). In some embodiments, R 2b is an optionally substituted alkoxy. In some embodiments, R 2b is methoxy.
  • R 2a and R 2c are H. In some embodiments, R 2a and R 2c are optionally substituted alkoxy. In some embodiments, R 2a and R 2c are methoxy.
  • Y is an optionally substituted Ci_ 4 alkylenyl. In some embodiments, Y is an optionally substituted methylene group. In some embodiments Y is CH 2 . In some embodiments Y is an optionally substituted ethylene group. In some embodiments, Y is an unsubstituted ethylene group. In some embodiments, Y is a substituted ethylene group. In some embodiments, Y is an ethylene group substituted by Formula (a).
  • B is sulfur (S). In other embodiments, B is a chemical bond.
  • Cy 2 is an optionally substituted heteroaromatic ring. In some embodiments, Cy 2 is an optionally substituted moiety represented below:
  • Cy 2 is an optionally substituted heterocyclyl. In some embodiments, Cy 2 is an optionally substituted moiety represented below:
  • Cy is an optionally substituted phenyl. In some embodiments Cy is optionally substituted 3-phenylacetamide.
  • the compound is of Formula V
  • g is an integer from 0 to 3;
  • f is an integer from 0 to 5;
  • Y is O, NR 1 , S or an optionally substituted C 1-4 alkylenyl or a chemical bond;
  • B is NR 1 , S or an optionally substituted C 1-4 alkylenyl
  • R 2 is optionally substituted C 1-6 alkylenyl, optionally substituted C 2 _ 6 alkenyl, optionally substituted C 2 .
  • the compound is of Formula Va
  • R and R >2b are independently H, optionally substituted C 1-6 alkylenyl, optionally substituted C 2 _ 6 alkenyl, optionally substituted C 2 _ 6 alkynyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, hydroxyl, optionally substituted C 1-6 alkoxy, optionally substituted Ci_ 6 alkenyloxy, cyano, halo, acyl, amino, optionally substituted alkylamino, aminoalkyl or when taken together form a 5-7 membered heteroaromatic or heterocyclic ring; and R 2c is H, optionally substituted C 1-6 alkyl, optionally substituted C 2 - 6 alkenyl, optionally substituted C 2 - 6 alkynyl, cyano, halo, acyl, amino, optionally substituted alkylamino, aminoalkyl, an optionally substituted thioalkyl, an optionally substituted thioaryl, or sulfamoyl.
  • B is an optionally substituted Ci_ 4 alkyl. In some embodiments, B is an optionally substituted methylene group. In some embodiments, B is CH 2 . In some embodiments, B is NR 1 . In some embodiments, B is N-SO 2 -Me.
  • Y is NR 1 . In some embodiments, Y is NH. In some embodiments, Y is an optionally substituted Ci_ 4 alkylenyl. In some embodiments, Y is an optionally substituted methylene. In some embodiments, Y is CH 2 .
  • X is NR 1 . In some embodiments, X is NH.
  • R 2a is halo. In some embodiments, R 2a is chlorine (Cl) or bromine (Br). In some embodiments, R 2a is H.
  • R 2b is halo. In some embodiments, R 2b is chlorine (Cl) or bromine (Br). In some embodiments, R 2b is H. In some embodiments, R 2b is sulfamoyl. In some embodiments, R 2b is diethylsulfonamide.
  • R 2a and R 2b taken together form a 5-7 membered heteroaromatic ring. In some embodiments, R 2a and R 2b taken together form a 5-membered heteroaromatic ring. In some embodiments, R 2a and R 2b taken together form a thiazole ring of Formula (b):
  • R 2a is an optionally substituted thioaryl. In some embodiments, R 2a is an optionally substituted phenylsulfane.
  • the compound is of Formula VI
  • f is an integer from 0 to 5;
  • C and D are each independently O, NR 1 , S, or CH 2 ;
  • B is NR 1 , S or an optionally substituted C 1-4 alkylenyl
  • R 2 is optionally substituted C 1-6 alkylenyl, optionally substituted C 2 _ 6 alkenyl, optionally substituted C 2 . 6 alkynyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, hydroxyl, optionally substituted C 1-6 alkoxy, optionally substituted C 1-6 alkenyloxy, cyano, halo, acyl, amino, optionally substituted alkylamino, aminoalkyl, thioyl, optionally substituted alkylthioyl, optionally substituted alkylsulfinyl, optionally substituted alkylsulfonyl, nitro, an optionally substituted thioalkyl, an optionally substituted thioaryl, an optionally substituted aryl, or when taken together with a moiety on an adjacent carbon forms a 5-7 membered heteroaromatic or heterocyclic ring; and
  • Cy 2 is optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl or optionally substituted heteroaryl.
  • the compound is of formula Via
  • D is sulfur (S).
  • C is NR 1 . In some embodiments, C is NH. In some embodiments, B is NR 1 . In some embodiments, B is NH.
  • Cy 2 is an optionally substituted aryl. In some embodiments, Cy 2 is an optionally substituted phenyl group. In some embodiments, Cy 2 is 4-ethoxy phenyl. In some embodiments, Cy 2 is 2-methyl-3-chloro phenyl.
  • the compound is of Formula VII
  • f is an integer from 0 to 5;
  • Y is O, NR 1 , S or an optionally substituted C 1-4 alkylenyl or a chemical bond;
  • B is NR 1 , S or an optionally substituted C 1-4 alkylenyl
  • R 2 is optionally substituted C 1-6 alkylenyl, optionally substituted C 2 _ 6 alkenyl, optionally substituted C 2 .
  • Cy 2 is optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl or optionally substituted heteroaryl.
  • the compound is of Formula Vila
  • R and R >2b are independently H, optionally substituted C 1-6 alkylenyl, optionally substituted C 2 - 6 alkenyl, optionally substituted C 2 - 6 alkynyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, hydroxyl, optionally substituted Ci_ 6 alkoxy, optionally substituted Ci_ 6 alkenyloxy, cyano, halo, acyl, amino, optionally substituted alkylamino, aminoalkyl or when taken together form a 5-7 membered heteroaromatic or heterocyclic ring; and
  • R 2c is H, optionally substituted Ci_ 6 alkyl, optionally substituted C 2 - 6 alkenyl, optionally substituted C 2 - 6 alkynyl, cyano, halo, acyl, amino, optionally substituted alkylamino, aminoalkyl, an optionally substituted thioalkyl, an optionally substituted thioaryl, or sulfamoyl.
  • R 2a is H. In some embodiments R 2a is OH. In some embodiments, R 2a is an optionally substituted alkoxy. In some embodiments, R 2a is OMe.
  • R 2b is H. In some embodiments, R 2b is an optionally substituted alkoxy. In some embodiments, R 2b is OMe.
  • R 2c is H. In some embodiments, R 2c is OH. In some embodiments, R 2c is an optionally substituted alkoxy. In some embodiments, R 2c is OMe.
  • Y is an optionally substituted Ci_ 4 alkylenyl. In some embodiments, Y is an optionally substituted methylene. In some embodiments, Y is CH 2 .
  • B is NR 1 . In some embodiments, B is NH.
  • Cy 2 is an optionally substituted aryl. In some embodiments, Cy 2 is an optionally substituted phenyl group. In some embodiments, Cy 2 is optionally substituted 2-methoxy phenyl. In some embodiments, Cy 2 is optionally substituted 3-methyl-4-methyl phenyl.
  • the compound is of Formula VIII
  • f is an integer from O to 5;
  • Y is O, NR 1 , S or an optionally substituted C 1-4 alkylenyl or a chemical bond;
  • B is NR 1 , S or an optionally substituted C 1-4 alkylenyl
  • R 2 is optionally substituted C 1-6 alkylenyl, optionally substituted C 2 - 6 alkenyl, optionally substituted C 2 -
  • R 5 is defined as optionally substituted C 1-6 alkyl, optionally substituted C 2 - 6 alkenyl, optionally substituted C 2 - 6 alkynyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, hydroxyl, optionally substituted Ci_ 6 alkoxy, optionally substituted Q_ 6 alkenyloxy, cyano, halo, acyl, amino, optionally substituted alkylamino, aminoalkyl, amido, acylamino, alkylurea, alkylcarbamoyl, arylcarbamoyl, carboxyl, optionally substituted alkylcarboxyl, thioyl, optionally substituted alkylthioyl, optionally substituted alkylsulfinyl, optionally substituted alkylsulfonyl, nitro, an optionally substituted thioalkyl, an optionally substituted thioaryl, an optionally substituted aryl, an optionally substituted heterocyclic or optionally
  • Cy 2 is optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl or optionally substituted heteroaryl.
  • the compound is of Formula Villa
  • R 2c is H, optionally substituted C 1-6 alkyl, optionally substituted C 2 - 6 alkenyl, optionally substituted C 2 - 6 alkynyl, cyano, halo, acyl, amino, optionally substituted alkylamino, aminoalkyl, an optionally substituted thioalkyl, an optionally substituted thioaryl, or sulfamoyl.
  • Y is NR 1 .
  • Y is NH.
  • Y is oxygen (O).
  • B is oxygen (O). In some embodiments, B is NR 1 . In some
  • B is NH
  • R 2 is an optionally substituted alkoxy. In some embodiments, R 2 is methoxy.
  • R 5 is acyl. In some embodiments, R 5 is arylcarbamoyl. In some embodiments, R 5 is phenylcarbamate.
  • Cy 2 is an optionally substituted aryl. In some embodiments, Cy 2 is an optionally substituted phenyl. In some embodiments, Cy 2 is phenyl.
  • the compound is of Formula IX
  • f is an integer from 0 to 5;
  • C and D are each independently O, NR 1 , S, or CH 2 ;
  • B is NR 1 , S or an optionally substituted C 1-4 alkylenyl
  • R 2 is optionally substituted C 1-6 alkylenyl, optionally substituted C 2 _ 6 alkenyl, optionally substituted C 2 .
  • R 5 is defined as optionally substituted C 1-6 alkyl, optionally substituted C 2 - 6 alkenyl, optionally substituted C 2 - 6 alkynyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, hydroxyl, optionally substituted C 1-6 alkoxy, optionally substituted C 1-6 alkenyloxy, cyano, halo, acyl, amino, optionally substituted alkylamino, aminoalkyl, thioyl, optionally substituted alkylthioyl, optionally substituted alkylsulfinyl, optionally substituted alkylsulfonyl, nitro, an optionally substituted thioalkyl, an optionally substituted thioaryl, an optionally substituted aryl, or when taken together with a moiety on an adjacent carbon forms a 5-7 membered heteroaromatic or heterocyclic ring;
  • R 5 is defined as optionally substituted C 1-6 alkyl, optionally substituted C 2 - 6 alkeny
  • Cy 2 is optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl or optionally substituted heteroaryl.
  • the compound is of Formula IXa
  • C is NR 1 . In some embodiments C is NH.
  • D is sulfur (S).
  • B is NR 1 . In some embodiments, B is NH.
  • R 5 is optionally substituted C 1-6 alkyl. In some embodiments, R 5 is optionally substituted methyl. In some embodiments, R 5 is CH 3 . In some embodiments, Cy 2 is an optionally substituted aryl. In some embodiments, Cy 2 is an optionally substituted phenyl. In some embodiments, Cy 2 is 4-ethoxyphenyl.
  • the compound is of Formula X
  • e is an integer from 0 to 7;
  • f is an integer from 0 to 5;
  • Y is O, NR 1 , S or an optionally substituted Ci_ 4 alkylenyl or a chemical bond;
  • R 2 is optionally substituted C 1-6 alkylenyl, optionally substituted C 2 _ 6 alkenyl, optionally substituted C 2 .
  • the compound is of Formula Xa
  • R 2d is H, optionally substituted C 1-6 alkyl, optionally substituted C 2 _ 6 alkenyl, optionally substituted C 2 - 6 alkynyl, optionally substituted C 1-6 alkoxy, optionally substituted C 1-6 alkenyloxy, sulfamoyl, cyano, halo, acyl, or amino.
  • X and Y are NR 1 . In some embodiments, X and Y are NH.
  • R 2d is sulfamoyl. In some embodiments, R 2d is sulfonamide.
  • the compound is of Formula XII
  • g is an integer from 0 to 3;
  • Y is O, NR 1 , S or an optionally substituted Ci_ 4 alkylenyl or a chemical bond;
  • B is NR 1 , S or an optionally substituted C 1-4 alkylenyl
  • R 2 is optionally substituted C 1-6 alkylenyl, optionally substituted C 2 - 6 alkenyl, optionally substituted C 2 -
  • Cy 2 is optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl or optionally substituted heteroaryl.
  • the compound is of Formula XIIa
  • A, Y and B are NR 1 . In some embodiments A, Y and B are NH.
  • Cy 2 is an optionally substituted aryl group. In some embodiments, Cy 2 is an optionally substituted phenyl group. In some embodiments, Cy is a 4-chlorophenyl moiety.
  • kits for treating diseases and/or disorders involving inflammation or angiogenesis in a subject are comprised of a compound identified by the methods of the present invention, pharmaceutically acceptable esters, salts, and prodrugs thereof, and instructions for use.
  • Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of Ets-1 bound to its high affinity DNA sequences.
  • FIG. 2 presents schematic illustrations of using the X-ray structure of Ets-1 DBD in complex with its high affinity core sequence; ETS peptides were synthesized (A-E) and assessed their ability to block ETS/DNA gel mobility and transactivation assays.
  • Figure 3 A illustrates that by using the crystal structure of the Ets-1 DBD in complex with DNA, the theoretical secondary structure and sequential position of peptides can be ascertained;
  • B-C illustrates the ability of the synthetic ETS peptides to compete with and/or block DNA binding in EMSAs and reporter gene transactivation assays.
  • Figure 4 illustrates that the addition of the HIV-TAT protein-transducing domain to a peptide facilitated peptide transduction across the membrane of human primary endothelial cells and interestingly nuclear accumulation of the peptide in endothelial cells.
  • Figure 5 illustrates A) Ets-1 DBD bound to promoter sequence, with separated surface illustrated in red, B) the P-D interface that we are targeting illustrated as a translucent Connolly surface and C) rotation of figure B (90° toward you) with a solid surface illustrating the hydrophobic interface (yellow), with compound #28 docked.
  • Figure 6 illustrates that Compound 28 inhibits transactivation assays 8-fold.
  • Figure 7 illustrates the expression and subsequent nickel column purification of the Ets-1 DBD fusion protein by SDS PAGE.
  • FIG 8 illustrates that when human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were preincubated with lO ⁇ M of our NCI “hit” compound (#28), it inhibits Ets-1 DNA binding.
  • HUVECs human umbilical vein endothelial cells
  • Figure 9 illustrates the overall steps involved in the methods of the present invention in identifying small molecules (candidate agents) which modulate the interaction between transcription factors and DNA.
  • Figure 10 illustrates the structural domains of the Ets-1 protein which include the PNT, transactivation domain (TAD), ETS DNA binding domain and inhibitory domains (ID); reversible activity of the inhibitory domains is regulated through phosphorylation and protein-protein interactions.
  • TAD transactivation domain
  • ID inhibitory domains
  • FIG 11 is a schematic of the structural domains of different ETS family members including the Ets domain (Ets); Pointed domain (PNT); Transactivation domain (TAD); Inhibitory domain (ID); A/T hook domain (A/T) and repressor domain (RD).
  • Ets Ets domain
  • PNT Pointed domain
  • TAD Transactivation domain
  • ID Inhibitory domain
  • A/T hook domain A/T
  • RD repressor domain
  • Figure 12 illustrates the phylo genetic tree demonstrating the evolutionary relationship between ETS factor family members, based on the relative conservation of the Ets domain, linking members with closely homologous amino acid sequences; only human and drosophila ETS members are shown, with drosophila ETS family members (D-Ets-3, D-Ets-6, ELF, POINTED, D-Ets-4, E74 and YAN.
  • FIG 13 illustrates the role of selected ETS family members (ESE-I), Ets-1, Elk-3) in the regulation of vascular inflammation in various cell types including endothelial cells (EC), vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) and mononuclear cells (MNC), in response to a variety of inflammatory stimuli.
  • EES-I ETS family members
  • Ets-1 Elk-3
  • EC endothelial cells
  • VSMC vascular smooth muscle cells
  • MNC mononuclear cells
  • Figure 14 illustrates the role of selected ETS family members in innate and adaptive immunity with corresponding gene targets regulated by the particular ETS factors.
  • alkenyl refers to an aliphatic group containing at least one double bond and is intended to include both "unsubstituted alkenyls" and “substituted alkenyls", the latter of which refers to alkenyl moieties having substituents replacing a hydrogen on one or more carbons of the alkenyl group. Such substituents may occur on one or more carbons that are included or not included in one or more double bonds. Moreover, such substituents include all those contemplated for alkyl groups, as discussed below, except where stability is prohibitive. For example, substitution of alkenyl groups by one or more alkyl, carbocyclyl, aryl, heterocyclyl, or heteroaryl groups is contemplated.
  • Alkoxyl or “alkoxy” as used herein refers to an alkyl group, as defined below, having an oxygen radical attached thereto. Representative alkoxyl groups include methoxy, ethoxy, propyloxy, tert- butoxy and the like. An “ether” is two hydrocarbons covalently linked by an oxygen.
  • Alkyl refers to the radical of saturated aliphatic groups, including straight-chain alkyl groups, branched-chain alkyl groups, cycloalkyl (alicyclic) groups, alkyl- substituted cycloalkyl groups, and cycloalkyl-substituted alkyl groups.
  • a straight chain or branched chain alkyl has 30 or fewer carbon atoms in its backbone (e.g., C 1 -C 30 for straight chains, C 3 -C 30 for branched chains), and more preferably 20 or fewer, and most preferably 10 or fewer.
  • preferred cycloalkyls have from 3-10 carbon atoms in their ring structure, and more preferably have 5, 6 or 7 carbons in the ring structure.
  • Alkylthio refers to an alkyl group, as defined above, having a sulfur radical attached thereto.
  • alkylthio groups include methylthio, ethylthio, and the like.
  • Alkynyl refers to an aliphatic group containing at least one triple bond and is intended to include both "unsubstituted alkynyls" and “substituted alkynyls", the latter of which refers to alkynyl moieties having substituents replacing a hydrogen on one or more carbons of the alkynyl group. Such substituents may occur on one or more carbons that are included or not included in one or more triple bonds. Moreover, such substituents include all those contemplated for alkyl groups, as discussed above, except where stability is prohibitive. For example, substitution of alkynyl groups by one or more alkyl, carbocyclyl, aryl, heterocyclyl, or heteroaryl groups is contemplated.
  • R 20 , R 21 and R 22 each independently represent a hydrogen, an alkyl, an alkenyl, or when taken together with the N atom to which they are attached complete a heterocycle having from 4 to 8 atoms in the ring structure.
  • R 20 , R 21 or R 22 can be a carbonyl, e.g.,
  • R20, R21 and R22 are attached to N by a carbonyl, e.g., the amine is not an amide or imide, and the amine is preferably basic, e.g., its conjugate acid has a pK a above 7.
  • R20, R21 and R22 each independently represent a hydrogen, an alkyl, or an alkenyl.
  • alkylamine as used herein means an amine group, as defined above, having a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl attached thereto, i.e., at least one of R 20 R 21 or R 22 is an alkyl group.
  • Aryl as used herein includes 5-, 6-, and 7-membered single-ring aromatic groups that may include from zero to four heteroatoms, for example, benzene, pyrrole, furan, thiophene, imidazole, oxazole, thiazole, triazole, pyrazole, pyridine, pyrazine, pyridazine and pyrimidine, and the like.
  • aryl groups having heteroatoms in the ring structure may also be referred to as "aryl heterocycles" or “heteroaromatics.”
  • the aromatic ring can be substituted at one or more ring positions with such substituents as described above, for example, halogen, azide, alkyl, aralkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, polycyclyl, hydroxyl, alkoxyl, amino, nitro, sulfhydryl, imino, amido, phosphate, phosphonate, phosphinate, carbonyl, carboxyl, silyl, ether, alkylthio, sulfonyl, sulfonamido, ketone, aldehyde, ester, heterocyclyl, aromatic or heteroaromatic moieties, -CF3, -CN, or the like.
  • aryl also includes polycyclic ring systems having two or more cyclic rings in which two or more carbons are common to two adjoining rings (the rings are "fused rings") wherein at least one of the rings is aromatic, e.g., the other cyclic rings can be cycloalkyls, cycloalkenyls, cycloalkynyls, aryls and/or heterocyclyls.
  • Antisense RNA refers to a single- stranded polynucleotide that is complementary to the mRNA produced from a gene. Antisense RNA hybridizes with and inactivates mRNA.
  • Carbocycle or cyclyl refers to an aromatic or non-aromatic ring in which each atom of the ring is carbon.
  • “Chemically synthesized,” as related to a sequence of DNA, means that the component nucleotides are assembled in vitro. Chemical synthesis of DNA may be accomplished using known procedures in the art. For example, automated chemical synthesis of DNA can be performed using one of a number of commercially available apparatus or vendors.
  • Coding region is the polynucleotide or that portion of a gene that codes for a specific RNA (sense or antisense) or polypeptide (i.e. a specific amino acid sequence), and excludes the 5' sequence which drives the initiation of transcription.
  • the coding region is typically the first polynucleotide(s) or the target polynucleotide ⁇ ) of the first nucleic acid and second nucleic acid, respectively.
  • DNA refers to deoxyribonucleic acid.
  • DNA binding domain refers to the region of a polynucleotide that encodes for the polypeptide portion of the transcription factor (TF) protein that enables the TF to bind to a DNA sequence.
  • Downstream refers to any element to the right of, or 3' to, the coding region for a polynucleotide.
  • Enhancer is a DNA sequence which can stimulate promoter activity and may be an innate element of the promoter or a heterologous element inserted to enhance the level or specificity of a promoter.
  • ETS-mediated Transcriptional Diseases/Disorders refers to any condition involving TF-DNA interactions which result in or contribute to a disease or disorder including inflammation, angiogenesis, autoimmunity, arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, cancer (e.g., prostate, breast, colon, ovarian, lung and/or stomach cancer), artherosclerosis, bacterial sepsis, hypertension, restenosis, psoriasis and multiple sclerosis.
  • ETS mediated Transcriptional Therapy refers to sequence- specific TF-DNA interactions are spatially and temporally regulated, resulting in refined specificity/selectivity at the TF-DNA interface.
  • TF- DNA interactions are critical mediators of gene expression that are regulated by extracellular signals that propagate information from the cell surface to the nucleus.
  • the use of small molecule inhibits of the TF-DNA interaction interface provide a mechanism of transcriptional therapy through pathway specific transcriptional regulation.
  • “Expression” refers to the transcription of a gene or its polynucleotide region to yield sense RNA (i.e. mRNA) or antisense RNA encoded by the coding region. Expression also refers to the translation of mRNA into a polypeptide or protein.
  • Gene refers to a unit composed of a promoter region, a polynucleotide coding region and a transcription termination region, including any regulatory elements preceding or following the polynucleotide coding region.
  • Haloalkyl refers to an alkyl in which one or more hydrogen atoms are replaced by halo, and includes alkyl moieties in which all hydrogens have been replaced by halo (e.g., perfluoroalkyl).
  • Halo and halogen as used herein means halogen and includes chloro, fluoro, bromo, and iodo.
  • Heteroaryl includes substituted or unsubstituted aromatic single ring structures, preferably 5- to 7- membered rings, more preferably 5- to 6-membered rings, whose ring structures include at least one heteroatom, preferably one to four heteroatoms, more preferably one or two heteroatoms.
  • the term “heteroaryl” also includes polycyclic ring systems having two or more cyclic rings in which two or more carbons are common to two adjoining rings wherein at least one of the rings is heteroaromatic, e.g., the other cyclic rings can be cycloalkyls, cycloalkenyls, cycloalkynyls, aryls, heteroaryls, and/or heterocyclyls.
  • Heteroaryl groups include, for example, pyrrole, furan, thiophene, imidazole, oxazole, thiazole, pyrazole, pyridine, pyrazine, pyridazine, and pyrimidine, and the like.
  • Heteroatom as used herein means an atom of any element other than carbon or hydrogen. Preferred heteroatoms are nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur.
  • Heterocyclyl or “heterocyclic group” refer to 3- to 10-membered ring structures, more preferably 3- to 7-membered rings, whose ring structures include one to four heteroatoms. Heterocycles can also be polycycles.
  • Heterocyclyl groups include, for example, thiophene, thianthrene, furan, pyran, isobenzofuran, chromene, xanthene, phenoxathiin, pyrrole, imidazole, pyrazole, isothiazole, isoxazole, pyridine, pyrazine, pyrimidine, pyridazine, indolizine, isoindole, indole, indazole, purine, quinolizine, isoquinoline, quinoline, phthalazine, naphthyridine, quinoxaline, quinazoline, cinnoline, pteridine, carbazole, carboline, phenanthridine, acridine, pyrimidine, phenanthroline, phenazine, phenarsazine, phenothiazine, furazan, phenoxazine, pyrrolidine, o
  • the heterocyclic ring can be substituted at one or more positions with such substituents as described above, as for example, halogen, alkyl, aralkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, hydroxyl, amino, nitro, sulfhydryl, imino, amido, phosphate, phosphonate, phosphinate, carbonyl, carboxyl, silyl, ether, alkylthio, sulfonyl, ketone, aldehyde, ester, a heterocyclyl, an aromatic or heteroaromatic moiety, - CF3, -CN, or the like.
  • substituents as described above, as for example, halogen, alkyl, aralkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, hydroxyl, amino, nitro, sulfhydryl, imino, amido, phosphate, phosphonate, phosphinate
  • Heterologous is used to indicate that a nucleic acid sequence (e.g., a gene) or a protein has a different natural origin or source with respect to its current host. Heterologous is also used to indicate that one or more of the domains present in a protein differ in their natural origin with respect to other domains present. In cases where a portion of a heterologous gene originates from a different organism the heterologous gene is also known as a chimera.
  • Homologous is used to indicate that a nucleic acid sequence (e.g. a gene) or a protein has a similar or the same natural origin or source with respect to its current host.
  • Immuno-related Diseases/Disorders refer to health conditions for which the immune system is a component of the disease/disorder process, such as autoimmunity.
  • isolated means altered “by the hand of man” from its natural state; i.e., that, if it occurs in nature, it has been changed or removed from its original environment, or both.
  • a naturally occurring polynucleotide or a polypeptide naturally present in a living animal in its natural state is not “isolated,” but the same polynucleotide or polypeptide separated from the coexisting materials of its natural state is “isolated”, as the term is employed herein.
  • isolated means that it is separated from the chromosome and cell in which it naturally occurs.
  • polynucleotides can be joined to other polynucleotides, such as DNAs, for mutagenesis, to form fusion proteins, and for propagation or expression in a host, for instance.
  • the isolated polynucleotides, alone or joined to other polynucleotides such as vectors, can be introduced into host cells, in culture or in whole organisms. Introduced into host cells in culture or in whole organisms, such DNAs still would be isolated, as the term is used herein, because they would not be in their naturally occurring form or environment.
  • polypeptides may occur in a composition, such as a media, formulations, solutions for introduction of polynucleotides or polypeptides, for example, into cells, compositions or solutions for chemical or enzymatic reactions, for instance, which are not naturally occurring compositions, and, therein remain isolated polynucleotides or polypeptides within the meaning of that term as it is employed herein.
  • a composition such as a media, formulations, solutions for introduction of polynucleotides or polypeptides, for example, into cells, compositions or solutions for chemical or enzymatic reactions, for instance, which are not naturally occurring compositions, and, therein remain isolated polynucleotides or polypeptides within the meaning of that term as it is employed herein.
  • Misger RNA also known as “mRNA” or “Sense RNA,” refers to a single stranded RNA molecule that specifies the amino acid sequence of one or more polypeptide chains.
  • Minimal promoter refers the minimal oligonucleotide or polynucleotide element necessary for transcription that contains a TATA-box.
  • Nucleic acid refers to DNA or RNA of genomic or synthetic origin which may be single- or double- stranded containing at least one gene that can encode for sense RNA or antisense RNA.
  • Olionucleotide refers to a linear sequence of about 20 nucleotides or less joined by phosphodiester bonds.
  • “Operatively linked” generally refers to the association of various polynucleotide sequences of differing functions on a single nucleic acid or nucleic acid fragment so that the function of one polynucleotide sequence is affected by other sequence(s).
  • the first polynucleotide(s) with respect to the first polynucleotide(s), the first polynucleotide(s), the first promoter, the UAS1/UAS2, its optional terminator sequence and any optional regulatory elements are connected in such a way that the transcription of the first polynucleotide is controlled and regulated by the UAS 1 and the first promoter.
  • a promoter is operably linked with a coding sequence (i.e. the coding sequence is under the transcriptional control of the promoter). Coding sequences can be operably linked to regulatory sequences in sense or antisense orientation.
  • “Pharmaceutically acceptable salts” includes salts of the active compounds which are prepared with relatively nontoxic acids or bases, depending on the particular substituents found on the compounds described herein.
  • base addition salts can be obtained by contacting the neutral form of such compounds with a sufficient amount of the desired base, either neat or in a suitable inert solvent.
  • pharmaceutically acceptable base addition salts include sodium, potassium, calcium, ammonium, organic amino, or magnesium salt, or a similar salt.
  • acid addition salts can be obtained by contacting the neutral form of such compounds with a sufficient amount of the desired acid, either neat or in a suitable inert solvent.
  • pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts include those derived from inorganic acids like hydrochloric, hydrobromic, nitric, carbonic, monohydrogencarbonic, phosphoric,
  • salts of amino acids such as arginate and the like, and salts of organic acids like glucuronic or galactunoric acids and the like (see, for example, Berge et al., "Pharmaceutical Salts", Journal of Pharmaceutical Science, 1977, 66, 1-19).
  • Certain specific compounds of the present invention contain both basic and acidic functionalities that allow the compounds to be converted into either base or acid addition salts.
  • the neutral forms of the compounds are preferably regenerated by contacting the salt with a base or acid and isolating the parent compound in the conventional manner.
  • the parent form of the compound differs form the various salt forms in certain physical properties, such as solubility in polar solvents, but otherwise the salts are equivalent to the parent form of the compound for the purposes of the present invention.
  • Polynucleotide also known as a “DNA sequence” refers to a linear sequence of about 20 or more nucleotides joined by phosphodiester bonds.
  • the sugar is deoxyribose and in RNA, ribose.
  • the polynucleotide may be single stranded or double stranded.
  • Promoter refers to the nucleotide sequences at the 5' end of a gene or polynucleotide which direct the initiation of transcription. Generally, promoter sequences are necessary to drive the expression of a downstream gene. The promoter binds RNA polymerase and accessory proteins, forming a complex that initiates transcription of the downstream polynucleotide sequence.
  • the promoter can include a minimal promoter that is a short DNA sequence comprised of a TATA-box and other sequences that serve to specify the site of transcription initiation, to which regulatory elements can be added for control of expression.
  • the promoters for ETS factors do not contain a TATA-box.
  • the promoter can also include a minimal promoter plus regulatory sequences that are capable of controlling the expression of a coding sequence or antisense RNA that is not translated.
  • This type of promoter sequence consists of proximal and more distal upstream elements often referred to as "enhancers.” Promoters may be derived in their entirety from a native gene, or be composed of different elements derived from different promoters found in nature or even comprise synthetic DNA segments or oligonucleotides. It is understood by those skilled in the art that different promoters may direct the expression of a gene in different tissues or cell types, or at different stages of development, or in response to different environmental conditions (i.e. are inducible). Promoters which cause a gene to be expressed in most cell types at most times are referred to as constitutive promoters.
  • regulatory element refers to polynucleotide(s) or DNA sequence(s) that play a role in determining promoter activity, i.e. a regulatory element can play a role in determining the activity of a regulatory sequence. Regulatory elements may affect the level, tissue/cell type specificity and/or developmental timing of expression.
  • a regulatory element may be part of a promoter, or it may be located upstream or downstream of a minimal promoter.
  • Polynucleotide sequences considered to be regulatory elements include sequences that have been shown to be target sites for binding of transcription factors, as well as sequences whose properties have not been defined but are known to have a function because their deletion from a promoter affects the expression.
  • Restriction site refers to a polynucleotide sequence at which a specific restriction endonuclease cleaves the plasmid, vector or DNA molecule.
  • RNA refers to ribonucleic acid
  • Small Molecule refers to a compound with a molecular weight of up to approximately 1000 Da, including natural products and peptidomimetics.
  • substitution refers to moieties having substituents replacing a hydrogen on one or more carbons of the backbone. It will be understood that “substitution” or “substituted with” includes the implicit proviso that such substitution is in accordance with permitted valence of the substituted atom and the substituent, and that the substitution results in a stable compound, e.g., which does not spontaneously undergo transformation such as by rearrangement, cyclization, elimination, etc. As used herein, the term “substituted” is contemplated to include all permissible substituents of organic compounds.
  • the permissible substituents include acyclic and cyclic, branched and unbranched, carbocyclic and heterocyclic, aromatic and non-aromatic substituents of organic compounds.
  • the permissible substituents can be one or more and the same or different for appropriate organic compounds.
  • the heteroatoms such as nitrogen may have hydrogen substituents and/or any permissible substituents of organic compounds described herein which satisfy the valences of the heteroatoms.
  • Substituents can include any substituents described herein, for example, a halogen, a hydroxyl, a carbonyl (such as a carboxyl, an alkoxycarbonyl, a formyl, or an acyl), a thiocarbonyl (such as a thioester, a thioacetate, or a thioformate), an alkoxyl, a phosphoryl, a phosphate, a phosphonate, a phosphinate, an amino, an amido, an amidine, an imine, a cyano, a nitro, an azido, a sulfhydryl, an alkylthio, a sulfate, a sulfonate, a sulfamoyl, a sulfonamido, a sulfonyl, a heterocyclyl, an aralkyl, or an aromatic or heteroaromatic mo
  • substitution or “substituted with” includes the implicit proviso that such substitution is in accordance with permitted valence of the substituted atom and the substituent, and that the substitution results in a stable compound, e.g., which does not spontaneously undergo transformation such as by rearrangement, cyclization, elimination, etc.
  • Target polynucleotide refers to a polynucleotide which encodes for sense RNA (mRNA), antisense RNA, a polypeptide or a protein of interest.
  • Terminal sequence refers to a DNA sequence downstream of, or 3' to, a coding sequence that causes RNA polymerase to stop transcription.
  • the terminator sequence can include a polyadenylation sequence.
  • Transgenic is an adjective describing an organism (usually a plant or animal) that contains a transgene.
  • Transgene is a gene or DNA fragment that has been stably incorporated into the genome of an organism, such as a plant or an animal.
  • Transcription is the process by which a downstream nucleotide sequence is "read” to produce either messenger RNA (mRNA) or antisense RNA.
  • mRNA messenger RNA
  • antisense RNA The mRNA is the molecule that is “read” by the translational machinery to produce that protein.
  • Variable regions at the beginning, i.e., 5' end, and the end, i.e., 3' end of the gene may or may not code for amino acids. Regions such as these are referred to as 5' untranslated region (5' UTR) and 3' untranslated region (3' UTR) respectively.
  • a portion of the 5' UTR serves as the binding region for the translational machinery (e.g., ribosomes and accessory proteins) required to synthesize a polypeptide encoded by an mRNA.
  • TAD Transcription Activation Domain
  • TF transcription factor
  • UASl Upstream Activation Sequence
  • Transcription factor refers to a protein required for recognition by RNA polymerases of specific stimulatory sequences in eukaryotic genes. Such proteins activate transcription by RNA polymerase when bound to upstream promoters.
  • Transformation refers to any a process by which nucleic acids are inserted into a recipient cell to effect change. Transformation may rely on known methods for the insertion of foreign nucleic acid sequences into a eukaryotic host cell.
  • transformed cells include stably transformed cells in which the inserted DNA is capable of replication either as an autonomously replicating plasmid or as part of the host chromosome. They also include cells which transiently express the inserted DNA or RNA for limited periods of time.
  • Upstream refers to any element to the left of, or 5' to, the coding region for a polynucleotide.
  • Upstream Activation Sequence or “UASl” or “UAS2” refers to a nucleotide sequence (activation sequence) which can bind with a corresponding TF to activate transcription of a gene.
  • the upstream activation sequence is located “upstream” or 5' to the coding region for a polynucleotide.
  • transcription factors are found to contain several functional domains, however one of theses is the DNA-binding domain and another one is for transcriptional activation.
  • Transcription factors bind to and modulate the function of DNA. First, they bind specifically to their DNA-binding site, and secondly, they activate transcription. In addition, many transcription factors occur as homo- or heterodimers, held together by dimerization domains. For example, mutagenesis of the yeast transcription factors Gal4 and Gcn4 showed that their DNA-binding and transcription activation domains were in separate parts of the proteins.
  • Structure-based virtual screening or high throughput docking in which small molecules are docked into a target and scored on the basis of the energetic contributions of complimentarity, pocket shape, pocket size, geometrical complexity, polarity and roughness is an approach that has recently reemerged in preclinical development groups (111).
  • This computationally powerful approach uses high resolution structural data of the target to guide the in silico virtual screening approaches (HTD), and provides an excellent opportunity for the discovery of small molecule "hits” that often require further in vitro characterization and/or optimization through QSAR or other approaches as previously defined (112, 113).
  • Ets-1 was chosen for investigation due to its pivotal relationship in cancer and inflammatory diseases (17, 106).
  • pharmacophores are comprised of a collection of discrete, critical physiochemical and structural attributes that are either directly connected through bonds (continuous) or are juxtaposed in 3D space by a molecular scaffold (discontinuous) (115, 116).
  • Critical features of the pharmacophore such as hydrogen bond acceptors, hydrogen bond donors, and hydrophobic disposition are often easily identified by the superimposition of currently available ligands (the DNA) or can be computationally predicted using a genetic algorithm similarity program such as GASP (117- 120).
  • GASP Genetic algorithm similarity program
  • Another critical feature of successful pharmacophore design is the geometry of the molecular scaffold as it contributes to the structural rigidity and thus 3D presentation of the pharmacophore descriptors.
  • the molecular scaffold geometry imparts additional conformational constraints upon the a- ⁇ bond vector (between the alpha carbon (Ca) and beta carbon (CB.) of the amino acid side chains that are critical for binding.
  • Ca alpha carbon
  • CB. beta carbon
  • ETS family members including the prostate specific ETS factor
  • PDEF critical pharmacophoric descriptors that are specific and thus selective for Ets-1, PDEF and ESE-I have been defined.
  • ETS family members are highly homologous at the amino acid level
  • specificity is mediated through limited degeneracy at the amino acid level within the TF-DNA interface of the Ets TFs.
  • the atomic details afforded by the crystal structures of the Ets-1 -DNA interface and recent elegant NMR experiments provide a mechanistic foundation for sequence specific DNA interactions.
  • These pharmacophoric "hot spots" are used as structure-guided descriptors for structure-based HTD, in silico screens that are designed to identify small molecules that selectively target the Ets-1-DNA interface.
  • the HTD approach of the present invention uses the SYBYL suite of programs including FlexX (TRIPOS, St Louis, MN), which considers the conformational flexibility within the target interface in combination with a powerful incremental construction algorithm that allows the complexity and size of the ligand to be iteratively constructed from a predefined base fragment (122).
  • FlexX is based on the model of molecular interactions defined by Bohm (123) and Klebe (124) and is divided into three segments: core or base selection, core placement, and incremental complex construction (125). Briefly, the small molecule to be docked (from the chemical library being screened) is initially fragmented resulting in the generation of several base fragments.
  • This incremental construction method provides a tree search, with unproductive (energetically unfavorable) branches being pruned as quickly as possible within this iterative stage.
  • the ligand is then ranked and the best ranked solutions or poses are kept at each level of the tree's growth ensuring that the energy of the ligand is minimized, while pose clustering removes similar configurations.
  • pose clustering removes similar configurations.
  • scoring functions are available to assess the energy of each calculated pose, which takes into account the forces involved in this interaction and the affinity between the interacting compounds.
  • This in silico, "virtual" approach to library selection is comprised of three main steps; virtual filtering, virtual profiling and virtual screening (112, 113, 126).
  • the application of virtual filtering takes into account preferred ADME (adsorption, distribution, metabolism, expression) properties as defined by the Lipinski "rule of five" pharmacological guidelines that include molecular mass, lipophilicity, hydrogen bond
  • NCI Diversity Set is a compound collection representing a universally diverse group of "drug-like" small molecules chosen on the basis of their 3D pharmacophore scaffolds, which represent diverse, biologically relevant pharmacophore scaffolds from within the NCI parent library.
  • This 1900 compound library was selected from a parental 140,000 compound library that has been created within the Developmental Therapeutics Program at the NCI http://dtp.nci.nih.gov/index.html.
  • Chembridge library http://chembridge.com/chembridge/
  • This library has been selected from their master database of (> 5 million compounds) ensuring computational diversity of the discrete chemical moieties, drug-like properties, as well as medicinal chemistry pharmacokinetics.
  • One important advantage is that compounds that match our pharmacophore query are available for purchase, are pure and have been subjected to NMR and mass spectrometry analysis to validate chemical composition and purity.
  • Our preliminary Chembridge screens identified 138 compounds from a compound collection of 50,080.
  • the Maybridge library is another alternative collection that is comprised of 60,000 organic compounds, produced by innovative synthetic techniques, representing -400,000 pharmacophores identified within the world drug index -87% (*calculations carried out by Oxford Molecular using Chem-X definition, i.e. triplets of H-bond acceptors, H-bond donors, aromatic ring centers and positive nitrogen atoms).
  • Alternative compound libraries are available and a very recent compilation of one million commercially
  • molecular fingerprints for similarity searching is a widely accepted approach to identify novel active compounds based on their similarity to one or more established, functional small molecule scaffolds (131). Briefly, this substructure searching compares a bit string representation of the "hit" structure with other small molecules within a database in search of overlap using various metrics. Although the Tanimoto coefficient is the most popular similarity metric, the inclusion of 2D and 3D structural and molecular descriptors are important (132).
  • MP-MFP median partitioning mini- fingerprint
  • MP-MFP similarity search encodes 61 property descriptors with 110 structural fragment-type descriptors and transforms these property descriptors into binary easy to translate descriptors will be used for our similarity searches due to its low false positive rate (0.04%), its effectiveness in several benchmark calculations and its accessibility (it is publicly available) (133- 135).
  • the present invention employs similarity searches for compounds that have structural or descriptor overlap (Tanimoto coefficient >0.65-0.85) with those NCI "hits" that are functionally validated in our in vitro studies.
  • the fingerprints of these "hits” are used to perform a MP-MFP similarity search with the parental NCI 140,000 compound library from which the Diversity Set of compounds originates (131, 135-138).
  • the ability of MP-MFP to correlate bit string similarity to biological activity, while distinguishing inactive compounds has been recently validated for several biological targets (131). This approach can be used to screen the zinc repositories.
  • Structure-based and ligand-based HTD is dependent on the docking and subsequent scoring algorithm used to; 1) accurately predict the correct pose of the active/"hit” and 2) reproducibly rank or score this active for correctness or tightness of fit, while simultaneously optimizing this
  • NMR Nuclear Magnetic Resonance
  • the molecular mass range amenable to structure determination by NMR has increased significantly (> 50 kDa) with the development of triple resonance pulse sequence technologies, increased magnetic field strengths and heteronuclear recombinant protein expression methodologies (91, 93-95).
  • NMR spectroscopy provides a robust platform to characterize both the ligand binding site and affinity, while simultaneously providing a window through which the entire target protein(s) can be structurally observed without the need of an assay to detect this interaction.
  • Successful small molecule screening and subsequent "hit" validation requires a biophysical approach that is capable of detecting relatively weak
  • NMR-based approaches supports an increasingly important role for NMR in both ligand and target validation, which will become increasingly significant as we extend the boundaries of conventional target space (101).
  • the methods of the present invention involve extensive use of NMR knowledge to monitor the small molecule-binding site within Ets-1 and subsequently use these data for structure-guided validation and lead optimization.
  • Ets-1 -DNA binding using electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs). These are performed as described previously (142).
  • ESAs electrophoretic mobility shift assays
  • in vitro translated Ets-1 protein is generated using a rabbit reticulolysate system (Promega) and a mammalian expression plasmid encoding the Ets-1 protein, l ⁇ l of the in vitro translation reaction and 0.1-0.2 ng [32P]dATP-labeled double- stranded oligonucleotide probe (5,000- 10,000 cpm) will be run on 4% polyacrylamide gels containing 0.5x TBE buffer.
  • Ets-1 antibody (SantaCruz) will be used to demonstrate the specificity of the band.
  • the small molecules identified are initially evaluated at a concentration of 1 mM, which is the concentration used in high throughput fraganomic approaches for evaluating the interaction of weak-binding small molecules (143, 144).
  • Those small molecules that inhibit the Ets-1 -DNA interaction will be re-evaluated over a concentration range of lO ⁇ M-lmM.
  • Solutions containing DMSO alone will be used as a vehicle control.
  • a non-specific promoter is included as well as a control small molecule that is not selected as a "hit" by our HTD screen.
  • EMSAs will be performed with other members of the ETS family. Ethidium bromide displacement assays could also be used to confirm that the small molecules are not nonspecifically targeting the DNA sequence (145). The most potent small molecules identified will be evaluated further for their ability to inhibit the transactivation of several promoters by Ets-1.
  • Ets-1 include the MCP-I gene, PAIl, and FIt-I (49, 142) have been identified.
  • MCP-I the MCP-I gene
  • PAIl the MCP-I gene
  • FIt-I FIt-I promoters
  • their ability is evaluated with regard to inhibiting transactivation of the MCP-I, PAI-I, and FIt-I promoters by Ets-1, without affecting the basal activity of the promoter.
  • the endothelial- specific promoters Tiel and Tie2 are used, that have been previously shown as targets of the Ets factors NERF2 and EIf-I, but not Ets-1 or Ets-2 (142, 146).
  • the promoters of these genes have previously been subcloned into the PGL2 luciferase reporter (Promega). Similarly, we have previously subcloned the cDNAs encoding the ETS factors Ets-1, Ets-2, NERF2, and EIf-I into the PCI mammalian expression plasmid.
  • HEK 293 Human embryonic kidney cells (HEK 293) are cultured as previously described (147).
  • HEK 293 cells are kidney epithelial cells that express low basal levels of Ets-1, and are easily transfected.
  • Cotransfections of 2 X 105 HEK 293 cells are carried out with 0.3 ⁇ g of the reporter gene construct DNA and 0.15 ⁇ g of the mammalian expression vector encoding the selected Ets factors using 4 ⁇ l LipofectAMINE (Invitrogen, San Diego, CA) as described (148). Small molecules that inhibit DNA binding are tested, for their ability to inhibit transactivation of several different promoters by Ets-1.
  • Those small molecules that also inhibit Ets-1 transactivation is further investigated for specificity by evaluating their ability to inhibit the transactivation of the Tiel and Tie2 promoters, two promoters that are transactivated by other Ets transcription factors, NERF2 and EIf-I (1). All experiments are performed in triplicate.
  • Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP).
  • Chromatin Immunoprecipitation is performed as previously described to determine if Ets-1 interacts with specific EBS within the MCP-I, PAI-I and FIt-I promoters (49, 149, 150). Briefly, the TF-DNA complex in 2 X 106 primary HEK293 cells cotransfected with the mammalian expression plasmid encoding Ets-1. The transfection is carried in the presence of the small molecules or vehicle (DMSO at the same concentration that is used to dissolve the compounds). DNA-protein complexes are crosslinked by 1% formaldehyde for 10 min in the culture medium and the reaction is stopped by the addition of 0.1M glycine.
  • DMSO small molecules or vehicle
  • the cells are collected by centrifugation and washed in cold PBS plus 0.5mM phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride. Cells are collected by centrifugation and washed as above and then swelled/lysed in 5mM pipes (pH 8.0), 85mM KCl, 0.5% NP-40, 0.5mM phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride, and 100ng/ml leupeptin and aprotinin, by incubation on ice for 20 min.
  • Nuclei are collected by microcentrifugation at 5,000 rpm, resuspended in sonication buffer [1% SDS, 1OmM EDTA, 5OmM Tris-HCl (pH 8.1), 0.5mM phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride, and 100ng/ml leupeptin and aprotinin] and incubated on ice for 10 min. The DNA is then sheared by sonication on ice to an average length of 500-1,000 bp and then microfuged at 14,000 rpm.
  • sonication buffer 1% SDS, 1OmM EDTA, 5OmM Tris-HCl (pH 8.1), 0.5mM phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride, and 100ng/ml leupeptin and aprotinin
  • Immunoprecipitation, washing, and elution of the immunoprecipitated complexes are carried out as described using an Ets-1 polyclonal antibody (SantaCruz) (151). Before the first wash, the supernatant from the reaction lacking primary antibody for each time point is saved as total input of chromatin and is processed with the eluted
  • the transcriptional profile of the RNAs isolated in the experiment above is determined. 2 ⁇ g of total RNA from duplicate experiments as detailed (Preliminary data, C. 1.4) is used to generate the probes and hybridized to the Affymetrix U133 Plus 2.0 GeneChip that contains the whole human genome (>56,000 transcripts).
  • An in-depth bioinformatic analysis will identify the set of genes that are; 1) induced or repressed by the pro -inflammatory cytokines in HUVEC cells at the different time points, 2) the genes that are induced or repressed by the small molecules in the absence of proinflammatory cytokines and 3) the genes whose induction or repression by pro-inflammatory cytokines is prevented by these compounds.
  • Data is compared to data that identities the set of genes affected by the Ets-1 siRNA in order to determine the specificity of the different compounds for Ets-1 ⁇ Jung, 2005 #749 ⁇ .
  • the compounds that indeed inhibit Ets-1 DNA binding will also affect many genes that are affected by the Ets-1 specific siRNA.
  • SYBR Green I-based real-time PCR is carried out on an Opticon Monitor (MJ Research, Inc, Waltham, MA). All PCR mixtures contain PCR buffer [final concentration: 10 mM Tris-HCl (pH9.0), 50 niM KCl, 2mM MgC12 and 0.1% TritonX-100], 250 ⁇ M deoxy-NTP (Roche), 0.5 ⁇ M of each PCR primer, 0.5X SYBR Green I, 5% DMSO, and IU Taq DNA polymerase (Promega, Madison, WI) with 2 ⁇ l cDNA in a 25 ⁇ l final volume of reaction mix.
  • the fluorescence signal is measured immediately following incubation at 78 oC for 5s that follows each extension step, which eliminates possible primer dimer detection.
  • a melting curve will be generated to identify specificity of the PCR product.
  • serial dilutions of human GAPDH plasmids are used as standards for quantitative measurement of the amount of amplified cDNA.
  • GAPDH primers are used to measure the GAPDH cDNA levels.
  • Cells are plated in 50 ⁇ L of growth medium in a 96-well plate format. After adhesion, the cells are treated with an additional 50 ⁇ L growth medium containing compound or DMSO only. Each analysis is performed in triplicate. Following compound treatment (22 hours with HEK 293 cells and 6 hours with HUVECs), the media is replaced and 2OuL CellTiter 96 AQueous One Solution Reagent (Promega), which contains a MTS tetrazolium compound that is soluble in tissue culture and reduced in cells into a colored formazan product is added to each well. The absorbance at 490nm will be recorded using a 96-well plate reader immediately and every thirty minutes for two hours. Comparing the change in absorbance between treated cells and untreated control cells over the same time period will allow evaluation of the cytotoxicity of the HTD identified "hits".
  • bioinformatics Sophisticated bioinformatics is necessary to interpret these expression data, which can be carried out by a bioinformatics specialist.
  • the microarray data is analyzed in various aspects.
  • the online annotation tool www.bidmcgenomics.org
  • This annotation software is a web-based interface that allows investigators to query a database providing information on gene accession numbers and to convert gene accession numbers into meaningful values.
  • This annotation tool enables import of the whole data set of genes identified by transcriptional profiling and provides meaningful values including annotations from multiple databases such as the Gene Ontology annotations of the NCBI, biological function, cellular location, molecular function, biological pathways, disease relationship as well as whole summaries describing various aspects about the gene.
  • This annotation tool rapidly determines the biological significance of the correlations, and clusters computed from the microarray measurements.
  • TF-DNA recognition is an intricate process involving the formation of specific spatial and temporal intermolecular contacts that result in conformational perturbations in both the cognate DNA sequence and the TF.
  • the intricacies of the TF-DNA interface have been used previously to develop compounds such as intercalating agents, minor groove binders and triple helix
  • oligonucleotides in an attempt to inhibit these critical interactions and thus regulate transcriptional activation (70, 71).
  • NMR spectroscopy is used, which is an excellent approach for characterizing protein-ligand complexes (ie. Ets-1 -Compound #28) over a large affinity range (96).
  • NMR resonance frequencies for individual nuclei represent what is known as the
  • Ets-1 DBD construct in M9 minimal media that contains 15N-ammonium chloride and/or 13C-glucose as the sole nitrogen and carbon source respectively.
  • this gene construct comprised of residues Gly331-Asp440 of the Ets-1 DBD, will be PCR amplified from human Ets-1 cDNA using primers: 5'-gcctcgacgccatgggcggcagtggaccaatc-3' and 5'cgggacctcggatccctagtcggcatctggctt-3' designed to facilitate directional cloning into the pET-19b expression vector (Novagen, Inc.). Then this new construct is overexpressed in E. coli BLR(DE3) cells cultured in M9 minimal media supplemented with carbenicilin (50 ⁇ g/mL) at 37 0 C until an optical density (A600nm) of 0.5 is reached.
  • Isopropyl b-D-thiogalacopyranoside IPTG will then added (1 mM) to induce expression from the bacteriophage T7/lac promoter for 4-6 hours (growth is typically slower in this minimal media).
  • Cells from these induced cultures are harvested by centrifugation and resuspended in 50OmM NaCl, 5mM DTT, 0.1% IGEPAL, ImM EDTA, 10OmM Tris (pH 8.0) and subsequently lysed via a microfluidizer.
  • the filtered lysate is extensively dialyzed into 10OmM KCl, 5mM DTT, 2OmM citrate buffer (pH 5.3) prior to ion exchange and size exclusion FPLC purification as has been detailed previously (2, 154).
  • the Ets-1 DBD protein is concentrated to -0.5-1 mM using a centrifugal concentrator device (Amicon Ultrafree, Millipore).
  • Nanoelectrospray ionization (NanoESI) mass spectrometry of the recombinant Ets-1 DBD Prior to commencing the structure/ function investigation of the 15N and/or 15N/13C-labeled Ets-1 DBD domain the recombinant protein is ensured to be monomeric with a molecular mass that is in agreement with the known theoretical mass.
  • NanoESI mass spectra can be acquired at the Tuft University School of Medicine Core Facility (service fee) on an API QSTAR Pulsar-i quadrapole TOF mass spectrometer in both the positive and negative ion mode. The acquisition and the deconvolution of these data is performed using the AnalystQS Windows PC data system, while offline analysis of these mass spectra is accomplished using Bioanalyst version 1.0 software (Applied
  • ITC isothermal titration calorimetry
  • NMR spectroscopy is the preferred method for characterizing the structural perturbations resulting from P-DNA and/or P-ligand interactions over several affinity ranges.
  • Ligand- induced localized changes of the chemical environment of nuclei that are within the recognition/binding site result in chemical shift perturbations (CSP) of those resonances involved in binding (91, 96, 156).
  • CSP chemical shift perturbations
  • the ITC experiments provide Kd information for the Ets-1 small molecule complex that will guide our NMR experiments.
  • the ligand binding exchange rate is likely to be in the fast regime (-108-109 M) on the NMR chemical shift timescale.
  • Typical sample conditions include; 0.1-0.4 mM 15N-labeled or 15N/13C-labeled Ets-1 (determined using amino acid analysis), 50 mM NaPO4 (pH 6.5), 100 mM NaCl, 10 mM NaS2O4 and 1 mM DSS (internal proton reference) in 90%: 10% (H2O:2H2O). Should it be necessary, we will optimize the sample conditions (salt, buffer, pH, metal-ions and temperature) using micro-drop screening (158) to ensure NMR data of the highest quality is obtained for the Ets-1 DBD protein.
  • deuterium exchange can be used to probe intermolecular TF-DNA contacts and gain insight into the conformational flexibility of the complex as was recently used to identify a phosphorylation-dependent conformational perturbation of Ets-1 (121).
  • Slow intrinsic rates of amide proton (NH) exchange for deuterium (NH. ND) are indicative of reduced solvent accessibility and/or imposed structural constraints. The largest protection from proton chemical exchange with deuterium will occur where the protein is buried at the DNA interface or where helices are closely packed against one another.
  • Residue protection factors will be extrapolated from the measured 15N- IH peaks intensities over time and compared with those collected in D2O without the small molecule. These atomic details will provide additional information pertaining to the critical determinants within the Ets-1 DBD that are responsible for interacting with small molecule "hits" and for characterizing the mechanism of action, both of which are important in the optimization stage.
  • structure determination of biological macromolecules by NMR spectroscopy involves the complete resonance assignments of all (IH, 15N and 13C) atoms made using a suite of two- dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) triple resonance (IH, 15N and 13C) experiments.
  • Compounds (candidate agents) that have been identified by the methods of the present invention and can be used for treatment of inflammation and angiogenesis related diseases and/or disorders are represented (in certain embodiments) by the formula A-D, in which A is a moiety capable of interacting with a DNA binding domain of a transcription factor, and D is a moiety capable of interacting with a nucleic acid to which the transcription factor binds; wherein the compound is capable of modulating the ability of the transcription factor to bind to the nucleic acid, and
  • esters, salts, and prodrugs thereof It has been reported that several amino acids are preferentially localized at the TF-DNA interface of the ETS family including; Arg, Lys, Asn, GIn and aromatic residues. This cluster of residues functions as a tactile sensor that undergoes DNA- dependent conformational changes that are used to distinguish between DNA sequences, providing an additional level of specificity. Accordingly, in certain embodiments, the compounds of the invention are capable of binding to a TF-DNA interface of a transcription factor of the ETS family.
  • the compounds can be non-peptidic.
  • the A moiety or the D moiety can be an aromatic group, an optionally substituted phenyl group, an optionally substituted heteroaryl group wherein the heteroaryl group is an optionally substituted purine group.
  • the A moiety or the D moiety is a hydrogen bond donor.
  • the compound is a compound described herein (e.g., a compound described generically such as a compound of Formula I- XII) or specifically (e.g., a compound described above or in Table I).
  • Other compounds that can be used in the methods of treatment of the present invention can selectively bind to a loop region of Ets-1 (e.g., a loop region of Ets-1 which contains residues or sequences characteristic of Ets-1) or do not bind in the major groove of the nucleic acid or bind in a binding pocket defined by the nucleic acid and a loop region of Ets-1.
  • a loop region of Ets-1 e.g., a loop region of Ets-1 which contains residues or sequences characteristic of Ets-1
  • the compounds for use in the treatment methods of the present invention can be selected from those described herein (e.g., a compound of formula I-XII or a compound provided below or as described in Table 1):
  • esters are also included are the pharmaceutically-acceptable esters, salts, and prodrugs of these compounds.
  • a particular enantiomer of a compound of the present invention may be prepared by asymmetric synthesis, or by derivation with a chiral auxiliary, where the resulting diastereomeric mixture is separated and the auxiliary group cleaved to provide the pure desired enantiomers.
  • diastereomeric salts may be formed with an appropriate optically active acid or base, followed by resolution of the diastereomers thus formed by fractional
  • enantiomerically enriched mixtures and pure enantiomeric compounds can be prepared by using synthetic intermediates that are enantiomerically pure in combination with reactions that either leave the stereochemistry at a chiral center unchanged or result in its complete inversion. Techniques for inverting or leaving unchanged a particular stereocenter, and those for resolving mixtures of stereoisomers are well known in the art, and it is well within the ability of one of skill in the art to choose an appropriate method for a particular situation. See, generally, Furniss et al. (eds.), Vogel's Encyclopedia of Practical Organic Chemistry 5 l Ed., Longman Scientific and
  • the compounds of the present invention may also contain unnatural proportions of atomic isotopes at one or more of the atoms that constitute such compounds.
  • the compounds may be radiolabeled with radioactive isotopes, such as for example tritium ( 3 H), iodine-125 ( 125 I) or carbon-14 ( 14 C). All isotopic variations of the compounds of the present invention, whether radioactive or not, are intended to be encompassed within the scope of the present invention.
  • Certain compounds of the present invention can exist in unsolvated forms as well as solvated forms, including hydrated forms. In general, the solvated forms are equivalent to unsolvated forms and are encompassed within the scope of the present invention. Certain compounds of the present invention may exist in multiple crystalline or amorphous forms. In general, all physical forms are equivalent for the uses contemplated by the present invention and are intended to be within the scope of the present invention.
  • triflyl, tosyl, mesyl, and nonaflyl are art-recognized and refer to
  • triflate, tosylate, mesylate, and nonaflate are art-recognized and refer to trifluoromethanesulfonate ester, p-toluenesulfonate ester, methanesulfonate ester, and
  • Me, Et, Ph, Tf, Nf, Ts, Ms represent methyl, ethyl, phenyl
  • Certain compounds of the present invention may exist in particular geometric or stereoisomeric forms.
  • the present invention contemplates all such compounds, including cis- and trans-isomers, R- and S-enantiomers, diastereomers, (d)-isomers, (l)-isomers, the racemic mixtures thereof, and other mixtures thereof, as falling within the scope of the invention.
  • Additional asymmetric carbon atoms may be present in a substituent such as an alkyl group. All such isomers, as well as mixtures thereof, are intended to be included in this invention.
  • compositions suitable for administration typically comprise the active compounds and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
  • pharmaceutically acceptable carrier is intended to include any and all solvents, dispersion media, coatings, antibacterial and antifungal agents, isotonic and absorption delaying agents, and the like, compatible with
  • a pharmaceutical composition of the invention is formulated to be compatible with its intended route of administration.
  • routes of administration include, but are not limited to, parenteral, e.g., intravenous, intradermal, intramuscular, intraosseous, subcutaneous, oral, intranasal, inhalation, transdermal (topical), transmucosal, and rectal administration.
  • Solutions or suspensions used for parenteral, intradermal, or subcutaneous application can include the following components: a sterile diluent such as water for injection, saline solution, fixed oils, polyethylene glycols, glycerine, propylene glycol or other synthetic solvents; antibacterial agents such as benzyl alcohol or methyl parabens; antioxidants such as ascorbic acid or sodium bisulfite; chelating agents such as
  • ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid
  • buffers such as acetates, citrates or phosphates
  • agents for the adjustment of tonicity such as sodium chloride or dextrose.
  • pH can be adjusted with acids or bases, such as hydrochloric acid or sodium hydroxide.
  • the parenteral preparation can be enclosed in ampoules, disposable syringes or multiple dose vials made of glass or plastic.
  • compositions suitable for injectable use include sterile aqueous solutions (where water soluble) or dispersions and sterile powders for the extemporaneous preparation of sterile injectable solutions or dispersion.
  • suitable carriers include
  • the composition preferably is sterile and should be fluid to the extent that easy syringability exists.
  • the compositions suitably should be stable under the conditions of manufacture and storage and preserved against the contaminating action of microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi.
  • the carrier can be a solvent or dispersion medium containing, for example, water, ethanol, polyol (for example, glycerol, propylene glycol, and liquid polyetheylene glycol, and the like), and suitable mixtures thereof.
  • the proper fluidity can be maintained, for example, by the use of a coating such as lecithin, by the maintenance of the required particle size in the case of dispersion and by the use of surfactants.
  • Prevention of the action of microorganisms can be achieved by various antibacterial and antifungal agents, for example, parabens, chlorobutanol, phenol, ascorbic acid, thimerosal, and the like.
  • isotonic agents for example, sugars, polyalcohols such as manitol, sorbitol, sodium chloride in the composition.
  • Prolonged absorption of the injectable compositions can be brought about by including in the composition an agent which delays absorption, for example, aluminum monostearate and gelatin.
  • Sterile injectable solutions can be prepared by incorporating the active compound in a therapeutically effective or beneficial amount in an appropriate solvent with one or a combination of ingredients enumerated above, as required, followed by filtered sterilization.
  • dispersions are prepared by incorporating the active compound into a sterile vehicle which contains a basic dispersion medium and the required other ingredients from those enumerated above.
  • the preferred methods of preparation are vacuum drying and freeze-drying which yields a powder of the active ingredient plus any additional desired ingredient from a previously sterile-filtered solution thereof.
  • Oral compositions generally include an inert diluent or an edible carrier. Suitable oral compositions may be e.g. enclosed in gelatin capsules or compressed into tablets. For the purpose of oral therapeutic administration, the active compound can be incorporated with excipients and used in the form of tablets, troches, or capsules. Oral compositions can also be prepared using a fluid carrier for use as a mouthwash, wherein the compound in the fluid carrier is applied orally and swished and expectorated or swallowed. Pharmaceutically compatible binding agents, and/or adjuvant materials can be included as part of the composition.
  • the tablets, pills, capsules, troches and the like can contain any of the following ingredients, or compounds of a similar nature: a binder such as microcrystalline cellulose, gum tragacanth or gelatin; an excipient such as starch or lactose, a disintegrating agent such as alginic acid, Primogel, or corn starch; a lubricant such as magnesium stearate or Sterotes; a glidant such as colloidal silicon dioxide; a sweetening agent such as sucrose or saccharin; or a flavoring agent such as peppermint, methyl salicylate, or orange flavoring.
  • a binder such as microcrystalline cellulose, gum tragacanth or gelatin
  • an excipient such as starch or lactose, a disintegrating agent such as alginic acid, Primogel, or corn starch
  • a lubricant such as magnesium stearate or Sterotes
  • a glidant such as colloidal silicon dioxide
  • the compounds are delivered in the form of an aerosol spray from pressured container or dispenser which contains a suitable propellant, e.g., a gas such as hydroxyfluoroalkane (HFA), or a nebulizer.
  • a suitable propellant e.g., a gas such as hydroxyfluoroalkane (HFA), or a nebulizer.
  • intranasal preparations may be comprised of dry powders with suitable propellants such as HFA.
  • Systemic administration can also be by transmucosal or transdermal means.
  • penetrants appropriate to the barrier to be permeated are used in the formulation. Such penetrants are generally known in the art, and include, for example, for
  • transmucosal administration detergents, bile salts, and fusidic acid derivatives.
  • Transmucosal administration can be accomplished through the use of nasal sprays or suppositories.
  • the active compounds are formulated into ointments, salves, gels, or creams as generally known in the art.
  • the compounds can also be prepared in the form of suppositories (e.g., with conventional suppository bases such as cocoa butter and other glycerides) or retention enemas for rectal delivery.
  • suppositories e.g., with conventional suppository bases such as cocoa butter and other glycerides
  • retention enemas for rectal delivery.
  • the active compounds are prepared with carriers that will protect the compound against rapid elimination from the body, such as a controlled release formulation, including implants and microencapsulated delivery systems.
  • a controlled release formulation including implants and microencapsulated delivery systems.
  • Biodegradable, biocompatible polymers can be used, such as ethylene vinyl acetate, polyanhydrides, polyglycolic acid, collagen, polyorthoesters, and polylactic acid. Methods for preparation of such formulations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The materials can also be obtained commercially e.g. from Alza Corporation and Nova
  • Liposomal suspensions (including liposomes targeted to infected cells with monoclonal antibodies to viral antigens) can also be used as pharmaceutically acceptable carriers. These can be prepared according to methods known to those skilled in the art, for example, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,522,811.
  • Dosage unit form refers to physically discrete units suited as unitary dosages for the subject to be treated; each unit containing a predetermined quantity of active compound calculated to produce the desired therapeutic effect in association with the required pharmaceutical carrier.
  • the specification for the dosage unit forms of the invention are dictated by and directly dependent on the unique characteristics of the active compound and the particular therapeutic effect to be achieved, and the limitations inherent in the art of compounding such an active compound for the treatment of individuals.
  • Toxicity and therapeutic efficacy of such compounds can be determined by standard pharmaceutical procedures in cell cultures or experimental animals, e.g., for determining the LD 50 (the dose lethal to 50% of the population) and the ED50 (the dose therapeutically effective in 50% of the population).
  • the dose ratio between toxic and therapeutic effects is the therapeutic index and it can be expressed as the ratio LD 50 /ED 50 .
  • Compounds which exhibit large therapeutic indices are preferred. While compounds that exhibit toxic side effects may be used, care should be taken to design a delivery system that targets such compounds to the site of affected tissue in order to minimize potential damage to uninfected cells and, thereby, reduce side effects.
  • the dosage of such compounds lies preferably within a range of circulating concentrations that include the ED50 with little or no toxicity.
  • the dosage may vary within-this range depending upon the dosage form employed and the route of administration utilized.
  • the therapeutically effective dose can be estimated initially from cell culture assays.
  • a dose may be formulated in animal models to achieve a circulating plasma concentration range that includes the IC 50 (i.e., the concentration of the test compound which achieves a half-maximal inhibition of symptoms) as determined in cell culture.
  • IC 50 i.e., the concentration of the test compound which achieves a half-maximal inhibition of symptoms
  • levels in plasma may be measured, for example, by high performance liquid chromatography.
  • compositions can be included in a container, pack, or dispenser together with instructions (e.g. written) for administration, particularly such instructions for use of the active agent to treat against a disorder or disease as disclosed herein, including diseases or disorders associated with transcription factors, particularly Est-1.
  • the present invention is further illustrated by the following Examples.
  • the Examples are provided to aid in the understanding of the invention and are not construed as a limitation thereof. All examples are carried out using standard techniques, which are well known and routine to those of skill in the art, except where otherwise described in detail. Routine molecular biology techniques of the following examples can be carried out as described in standard laboratory manuals.
  • EXAMPLE 1 Peptide Inhibitors of ETS TF ELF-I and NRF
  • ETSpeptides (A-E) and assessed their ability to block ETS/DNA gel mobility shift and transactivation assays (1). recognition of the flanking regions within the EBS [(2, 29, 39) and references therein].
  • Figure 2 (A-E) To understand if isolated fragments of the ETS domain that include DNA contact residues located in the recognition helix (H3 or alpha-3) could abrogate DNA binding and transactivation, we chemically synthesized several peptides [Figure 2 (A-E)]. These peptides are 10-34 amino acids in length and correspond to sequentially juxtaposed regions within the highly conserved ETS domain of ETS factors NERF2 and ELF-I ( Figure 2) (53).
  • This peptide was also able to potently block transactivation of the Tie2 promoter in a dose dependent manner (1).
  • a peptide variant in which three amino acids at positions Thr388, Arg391 and Arg394 (T388R391R394, rendered and illustrated in blue ( Figure 2)) that are required for mediating the DNA major groove interaction of the ETS domain were mutated. Mutation of these amino acids to glycine resulted in a peptide that did not block ELF-I binding to DNA (1).
  • Ets-1 is an excellent target for this approach due to its critical role in inducing the expression of a number of genes involved in VSMC growth and proliferation, endothelial cell activation vascular inflammation and cancer ((16, 17, 106) and references therein). Furthermore, we chose this target due to the extensive structural knowledge provided by several crystal structures of Ets-1 in complex with different DNA sequences and/or protein partners (2). In defining the Ets-1 "hotspot" or cavity to be targeted in our HTD studies we actually identified two plausible TF- DNA interfaces that were amenable to this approach ( Figure 5A, white arrows).
  • the TF-DNA interface being targeted is comprised of residues from the canonical third helix, H3, which anchors Ets-1 to the DNA major groove as well as residues that are unique Ets-1 but are involved minor groove interactions at the 3' end of the EBS, thus contributing to DNA binding specificity.
  • H3 canonical third helix
  • NNA Neural Network Analysis
  • a gene insert for the human Ets-1 DNA binding domain (DBD), residues Ile335-Ser420, has been PCR amplified from full-length human Ets-1 cDNA using primers designed to facilitate directional cloning into the pET-32b expression vector (Novagen).
  • the Ets-1 DBD sequence was inserted downstream of a thioredoxin fusion sequence comprised, a six- residue histidine affinity tag and an enterokinase (EK) recognition site in pET-32b.
  • Ligated vector containing the Ets-1 DBD gene insert was used to 1 2 3 4 5 6 2-Pre-column transform chemically competent E. coli BL21(DE3) cells (Novagen).
  • Human umbilical vein endothelial cells were preincubated with lO ⁇ M of our NCI "hit” compound (#28, NCI 371777, 2- ⁇ [l-(l,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-2-nitroethyl]thio ⁇ aniline), that we have demonstrated inhibits Ets-1 DNA binding (Figure 6), and an equivalent amount of DMSO (vehicle) for Ih prior to addition of the inflammatory cytokine Interleukin 1 (IL-I) (10ng/ml).
  • NCI "hit” compound #28, NCI 371777, 2- ⁇ [l-(l,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-2-nitroethyl]thio ⁇ aniline
  • IL-I induced Ets-1 expression ⁇ 4 fold at 2hr, however compound #28 reduced Ets-1 induction by greater than 50% during this time frame. This is consistent with the known positive auto-regulation of Ets-1 gene expression by Ets-1 itself.
  • induction of MCP-I was induced up to 45 fold by the addition of the cytokine IL-I, and again Figure 8. compound #28 reduced MCP-I expression by greater than 40%.
  • Vassilev L. T., Vu, B. T., Graves, B., Carvajal, D., Podlaski, F., Filipovic, Z., Kong, N.,
  • TCF ternary complex factor

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Abstract

La présente invention concerne des procédés d'identification d'agents d'intérêt potentiel se présentant sous la forme de petites molécules et capables de moduler le fonctionnement des facteurs de transcription, par exemple le fonctionnement/l'expression d'un facteur de transcription cible et/ou de protéines situées en aval de ladite protéine cible. Lesdits procédés d'identification comprennent le criblage de banques de petites molécules grâce à l'arrimage moléculaire in silico à haut rendement de petites molécules/agents d'intérêt potentiel qui sont sélectivement identifiés pour leur capacité à cibler et à perturber l'interface facteur de transcription-ADN grâce à un unique facteur de transcription et/ou à des descripteurs d'ADN définis au sein d'un pharmacophore, cela étant suivi de l'essai/évaluation des agents d'intérêt potentiel identifiés ci-dessus grâce à un ou plusieurs dosages in vitro visant à évaluer leur capacité à moduler le fonctionnement des facteurs de transcription, dont l'expression de cette protéine et/ou de ces protéines cibles situées en aval du facteur de transcription cible. La présente invention concerne également divers composés décrits ici (par exemple un composé de formule XI), leurs sels pharmaceutiquement acceptables et des procédés d'utilisation des composés tels que décrits ici.
PCT/US2010/037664 2009-06-05 2010-06-07 Identification et utilisation de petites molécules visant à moduler le fonctionnement des facteurs de transcription et à traiter les maladies associées aux facteurs de transcription WO2011014299A2 (fr)

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CN108872442A (zh) * 2018-08-17 2018-11-23 无限极（中国）有限公司 一种基于谱效关系的骨胶原肽质量检测方法
WO2019183373A1 (fr) * 2018-03-21 2019-09-26 Northwestern University Petites molécules permettant de perturber le complexe de super-allongement et d'inhiber l'allongement de la transcription pour une cancérothérapie
WO2020080960A1 (fr) * 2018-10-19 2020-04-23 Auckland Uniservices Limited Composés pour le traitement du diabète et/ou d'états apparentés
CN111072652A (zh) * 2018-10-19 2020-04-28 暨南大学 用于治疗糖尿病和/或相关病症的化合物

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WO2008057555A2 (fr) * 2006-11-06 2008-05-15 Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Identification et utilisation de petites molécules pour moduler la fonction du facteur de transcription pdef et pour traiter les maladies associées au facteur de transcription pdef
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WO2008057556A2 (fr) * 2006-11-06 2008-05-15 Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Identification et utilisation de petites molécules pour moduler la fonction du facteur de transcription ese-1 et pour traiter les maladies associées au facteur de transcription ese-1
WO2008057555A2 (fr) * 2006-11-06 2008-05-15 Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Identification et utilisation de petites molécules pour moduler la fonction du facteur de transcription pdef et pour traiter les maladies associées au facteur de transcription pdef
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WO2019183373A1 (fr) * 2018-03-21 2019-09-26 Northwestern University Petites molécules permettant de perturber le complexe de super-allongement et d'inhiber l'allongement de la transcription pour une cancérothérapie
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CN108872442A (zh) * 2018-08-17 2018-11-23 无限极（中国）有限公司 一种基于谱效关系的骨胶原肽质量检测方法
WO2020080960A1 (fr) * 2018-10-19 2020-04-23 Auckland Uniservices Limited Composés pour le traitement du diabète et/ou d'états apparentés
CN111072652A (zh) * 2018-10-19 2020-04-28 暨南大学 用于治疗糖尿病和/或相关病症的化合物
CN111072652B (zh) * 2018-10-19 2023-05-23 暨南大学 用于治疗糖尿病和/或相关病症的化合物

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