Novel and selective DNA methyltransferase inhibitors: Docking-based virtual screening and experimental evaluation. 2010

Dirk Kuck, and Narender Singh, and Frank Lyko, and Jose L Medina-Franco
Division of Epigenetics, Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, Im Neuenheimer Feld 580, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.

The DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) enzyme family consists of four members with diverse functions and represents one of the most promising targets for the development of novel anticancer drugs. However, the standard drugs for DNMT inhibition are non-selective cytosine analogues with considerable cytotoxic side-effects that have been developed several decades ago. In this work, we conducted a virtual screening of more than 65,000 lead-like compounds selected from the National Cancer Institute collection using a multistep docking approach with a previously validated homology model of the catalytic domain of human DNMT1. Experimental evaluation of top-ranked molecules led to the discovery of novel small molecule DNMT1 inhibitors. Virtual screening hits were further evaluated for DNMT3B inhibition revealing several compounds with selectivity towards DNMT1. These are the first small molecules reported with biochemical selectivity towards an individual DNMT enzyme capable of binding in the same pocket as the native substrate cytosine, and are promising candidates for further rational optimization and development as anticancer drugs. The availability of enzyme-selective inhibitors will also be of great significance for understanding the role of individual DNMT enzymes in epigenetic regulation.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D008958 Models, Molecular Models used experimentally or theoretically to study molecular shape, electronic properties, or interactions; includes analogous molecules, computer-generated graphics, and mechanical structures. Molecular Models,Model, Molecular,Molecular Model
D003001 Cloning, Molecular The insertion of recombinant DNA molecules from prokaryotic and/or eukaryotic sources into a replicating vehicle, such as a plasmid or virus vector, and the introduction of the resultant hybrid molecules into recipient cells without altering the viability of those cells. Molecular Cloning
D004248 DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferases Enzymes that catalyzes the transfer of a methyl group from S-ADENOSYLMETHIONINE to the 5-position of CYTOSINE residues in DNA. DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferase,DNA Cytosine-5-Methylase,DNA (Cytosine 5) Methyltransferase,Cytosine-5-Methylase, DNA,DNA Cytosine 5 Methylase
D004305 Dose-Response Relationship, Drug The relationship between the dose of an administered drug and the response of the organism to the drug. Dose Response Relationship, Drug,Dose-Response Relationships, Drug,Drug Dose-Response Relationship,Drug Dose-Response Relationships,Relationship, Drug Dose-Response,Relationships, Drug Dose-Response
D004353 Drug Evaluation, Preclinical Preclinical testing of drugs in experimental animals or in vitro for their biological and toxic effects and potential clinical applications. Drug Screening,Evaluation Studies, Drug, Pre-Clinical,Drug Evaluation Studies, Preclinical,Drug Evaluations, Preclinical,Evaluation Studies, Drug, Preclinical,Evaluation, Preclinical Drug,Evaluations, Preclinical Drug,Medicinal Plants Testing, Preclinical,Preclinical Drug Evaluation,Preclinical Drug Evaluations,Drug Screenings,Screening, Drug,Screenings, Drug
D004791 Enzyme Inhibitors Compounds or agents that combine with an enzyme in such a manner as to prevent the normal substrate-enzyme combination and the catalytic reaction. Enzyme Inhibitor,Inhibitor, Enzyme,Inhibitors, Enzyme
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000076123 DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferase 1 A DNA (cytosine-5-)-methyltransferase that contains a central CxxC type zinc finger motif. It binds poly(ADP)-ribose and its expression is regulated by POLY (ADP-RIBOSE) POLYMERASE-1. DNMT1 methylates CpG residues, with a preference for hemimethylated DNA, and associates with DNA replication sites in S PHASE to maintain the methylation pattern in the newly synthesized strand, which is essential for EPIGENETIC PROCESSES. It also associates with CHROMATIN during G2 PHASE and MITOSIS to maintain DNA methylation independently of replication. It is responsible for maintaining methylation patterns established in development; mutations in the DNMT1 gene are associated with HEREDITARY SENSORY NEUROPATHY TYPE 1 class E. DNMT1 Enzyme,Enzyme, DNMT1
D000097584 DNA Methyltransferase 3B A DNA (cytosine 5) Methyltransferase that has an essential role in the establishment of DNA methylation patterns during development.
D013329 Structure-Activity Relationship The relationship between the chemical structure of a compound and its biological or pharmacological activity. Compounds are often classed together because they have structural characteristics in common including shape, size, stereochemical arrangement, and distribution of functional groups. Relationship, Structure-Activity,Relationships, Structure-Activity,Structure Activity Relationship,Structure-Activity Relationships

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