Reversible tyrosine phosphorylation, regulated by the coordinated actions of protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs) and protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs), is of critical importance to signaling events that underlie virtually all essential cellular processes. Not surprisingly, disturbance of the balance between PTK and PTP activity leads to aberrant tyrosine phosphorylation, causing many human diseases, including cancer. The long-term objective of the proposed research program is to develop small molecule therapeutics targeting SHP2 (Src homology 2 domain-containing phosphatase 2), which is the first bona fide oncogene identified in the PTP superfamily. SHP2 is required for Ras/ERK1/2 activation downstream of most receptor tyrosine kinases, cytokine receptors, and integrins. In addition, gain-of-function SHP2 mutations are known to cause the autosomal dominant disorder Noonan Syndrome, multiple forms of leukemia and solid tumors. Consequently, SHP2 represents an attractive anti-cancer and anti-leukemia target. Unfortunately, PTPs are exceptionally challenging targets for drug discovery, due primarily to the highly positively charged nature of the PTP active site. Indeed, almost all existing PTP inhibitors contain negatively charged nonhydrolyzable phosphotyrosine mimetics, and suffer poor membrane permeability and cellular efficacy. In order to overcome the bioavailability issue, we have developed a breakthrough chemistry platform based on bicyclic salicylic acid pharmacophores that are sufficiently polar to bind the PTP active site, yet remain capable of efficiently crossing cell membranes. We have acquired an indole salicylic acid based SHP2 inhibitor II-B08, with a low 5M affinity for SHP2 and several fold preference for SHP2 over a panel of mammalian PTPs. Moreover, II-B08 exhibits outstanding cellular activity. However, the potency and selectivity displayed by II-B08 are relatively modest, and are inadequate for chemical biological investigation and therapeutic development. To move forward, we have obtained a three-dimensional structure of SHP2 in complex with II-B08, which reveals molecular determinants that can be exploited for the acquisition of SHP2 inhibitors with enhanced properties. In this proposal, we will apply a structure-guided focused library synthesis strategy to optimize II-B08 into highly potent and selective SHP2 inhibitors. We will also evaluate the cellular efficacy, therapeutic potential, as well as mechanism of action of the SHP2 inhibitory agents. The multidisciplinary research program utilizes techniques in synthetic and combinatorial chemistry, high-throughput screening, enzyme kinetics, cell biology, signal transduction, site-directed mutagenesis, and X-ray crystallography. Successful completion of this project will create a solid foundation upon which novel agents targeted to SHP2 can be developed for individuals with hematologic malignancies and cancer. In addition, potent and selective SHP2 inhibitors will also serve as powerful research tools to delineate the function of SHP2 in normal physiology and to elucidate the events underlying SHP2-evoked transformation.

Public Health Relevance

The SHP2 protein tyrosine phosphatase is an oncogene responsible for the autosomal dominant disorder Noonan Syndrome, multiple forms of leukemia and solid tumors and thus represents an attractive target for anti-cancer and anti-leukemia therapy. The goals of this application are to develop potent and selective small molecule SHP2 inhibitors and to evaluate their potential to be used as anti-hematologic malignancies and cancer agents.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01CA152194-04
Application #
8490684
Study Section
Drug Discovery and Molecular Pharmacology Study Section (DMP)
Program Officer
Knowlton, John R
Project Start
2010-07-01
Project End
2015-05-31
Budget Start
2013-06-01
Budget End
2014-05-31
Support Year
4
Fiscal Year
2013
Total Cost
$291,367
Indirect Cost
$102,168
Name
Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis
Department
Biochemistry
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
603007902
City
Indianapolis
State
IN
Country
United States
Zip Code
46202
Zhang, Zhong-Yin (2017) Drugging the Undruggable: Therapeutic Potential of Targeting Protein Tyrosine Phosphatases. Acc Chem Res 50:122-129
Wang, Jianxun; Mizui, Masayuki; Zeng, Li-Fan et al. (2016) Inhibition of SHP2 ameliorates the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus. J Clin Invest 126:2077-92
Zeng, Li-Fan; Zhang, Ruo-Yu; Yu, Zhi-Hong et al. (2014) Therapeutic potential of targeting the oncogenic SHP2 phosphatase. J Med Chem 57:6594-609
He, Rongjun; Bai, Yunpeng; Yu, Zhi-Hong et al. (2014) Diversity-Oriented Synthesis for Novel, Selective and Drug-like Inhibitors for a Phosphatase from Mycobacterium Tuberculosis. Medchemcomm 5:1496-1499
Campbell, Amanda M; Zhang, Zhong-Yin (2014) Phosphatase of regenerating liver: a novel target for cancer therapy. Expert Opin Ther Targets 18:555-69
Sharma, Namit; Everingham, Stephanie; Zeng, Li-Fan et al. (2014) Oncogenic KIT-induced aggressive systemic mastocytosis requires SHP2/PTPN11 phosphatase for disease progression in mice. Oncotarget 5:6130-41
Paudyal, Mahesh P; Wu, Li; Zhang, Zhong-Yin et al. (2014) A new class of salicylic acid derivatives for inhibiting YopH of Yersinia pestis. Bioorg Med Chem 22:6781-8
Zeng, Li-Fan; Zhang, Ruo-Yu; Bai, Yunpeng et al. (2014) Hydroxyindole carboxylic acid-based inhibitors for receptor-type protein tyrosine protein phosphatase beta. Antioxid Redox Signal 20:2130-40
Xu, Jie; Zeng, Li-Fan; Shen, Weihua et al. (2013) Targeting SHP2 for EGFR inhibitor resistant non-small cell lung carcinoma. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 439:586-90
He, Yantao; Xu, Jie; Yu, Zhi-Hong et al. (2013) Discovery and evaluation of novel inhibitors of mycobacterium protein tyrosine phosphatase B from the 6-Hydroxy-benzofuran-5-carboxylic acid scaffold. J Med Chem 56:832-42

Showing the most recent 10 out of 25 publications