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With over 200 million cases and close to half a million deaths each year, malaria is a threat to global health, particularly in developing countries.

Treatment of tuberculosis (TB) currently takes at least 6 months. Latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is phenotypically tolerant to most anti-TB drugs. A key hypothesis is that drugs that kill nonreplicating (NR) Mtb may shorten treatment when used in combination with conventional drugs. The Mtb proteasome (Mtb20S) could be such a target because its pharmacological inhibition kills NR Mtb and its genetic deletion renders Mtb unable to persist in mice. Here, we report a series of macrocyclic peptides that potently and selectively target the Mtb20S over human proteasomes, including macrocycle 6. The cocrystal structure of macrocycle 6 with Mtb20S revealed structural bases for the species selectivity. Inhibition of 20S within Mtb by 6 dose dependently led to the accumulation of Pup-tagged GFP that is degradable but resistant to depupylation and death of nonreplicating Mtb under nitrosative stress. These results suggest that compounds of this class have the potential to develop as anti-TB therapeutics.

The Hippo signaling pathway acts as a brake on regeneration in many tissues. This cascade of kinases culminates in the phosphorylation of the transcriptional cofactors Yap and Taz, whose concentration in the nucleus consequently remains low. Various types of cellular stress can reduce phosphorylation, however, resulting in the accumulation of Yap and Taz in the nucleus and subsequently in mitosis. We earlier identified a small molecule, TRULI, that blocks the final kinases in the pathway, Lats1 and Lats2, and thus elicits proliferation of several cell types that are ordinarily post-mitotic and aids regeneration in mammals. In the present study we present the results of chemical modification of the original compound and demonstrate that a derivative, TDI-011536, is an effective blocker of Lats kinases in vitro at nanomolar concentrations. The compound fosters extensive proliferation in retinal organoids derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells. Intraperitoneal administration of the substance to mice suppresses Yap phosphorylation for several hours and induces transcriptional activation of its target genes in the heart, liver, and skin. Moreover, the compound initiates the proliferation of cardiomyocytes in adult mice following cardiac cryolesions. After further chemical refinement, related compounds might prove useful in protective and regenerative therapies.Significance StatementIn humans and other mammals, many organs regenerate through the proliferation of cells that replace those that have succumbed to aging or injury. However, proliferation is largely absent in certain critical organs, including the heart, the central nervous system, and sensory organs such as the inner ear and retina. The Hippo-Yap biochemical signaling pathway, a cascade of proteins that—when active—inhibits cell division, constitutes one impediment to proliferation. We earlier identified a small molecule that interrupts Hippo-Yap signaling and thus relieves this block for some non-proliferating cells in vitro. In the present investigation, we have chemically modified the original substance to yield a more potent analog that is effective for several hours in mammalian tissues in vivo and initiates the proliferation of heart-muscle cells after cryolesioning. After further refinements, compounds of this family might prove useful in regenerative therapies.

The Plasmodium proteasome (Pf20S) emerged as a target for antimalarials. Pf20S inhibitors are active at multiple stages of the parasite life cycle and synergize with artemisinins, suggesting that Pf20S inhibitors have potential to be prophylactic, therapeutic, and transmission blocking as well as are useful for combination therapy. We recently reported asparagine ethylenediamines (AsnEDAs) as immunoproteasome inhibitors and modified AsnEDAs as selective Pf20S inhibitors. Here, we report further a structure-activity relationship study of AsnEDAs for selective inhibition of Pf20S over human proteasomes. Additionally, we show new mutation that conferred resistance to AsnEDAs and collateral sensitivity to an inhibitor of the Pf20S β2 subunit, the same as previously identified resistant mutation. This resistance could be overcome through the use of the structure-guided inhibitor design. Collateral sensitivity to inhibitors among respective proteasome subunits underscores the potential value of treating malaria with combinations of inhibitors of different proteasome subunits to minimize the emergence of drug resistance.

[Image: see text] Aberrant gene-silencing through dysregulation of polycomb protein activity has emerged as an important oncogenic mechanism in cancer, implicating polycomb proteins as important therapeutic targets. Recently, an inhibitor targeting EZH2, the methyltransferase component of PRC2, received U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval following promising clinical responses in cancer patients. However, the current array of EZH2 inhibitors have poor brain penetrance, limiting their use in patients with central nervous system malignancies, a number of which have been shown to be sensitive to EZH2 inhibition. To address this need, we have identified a chemical strategy, based on computational modeling of pyridone-containing EZH2 inhibitor scaffolds, to minimize P-glycoprotein activity, and here we report the first brain-penetrant EZH2 inhibitor, TDI-6118 (compound 5). Additionally, in the course of our attempts to optimize this compound, we discovered TDI-11904 (compound 21), a novel, highly potent, and peripherally active EZH2 inhibitor based on a 7 member ring structure.

Aberrant gene-silencing through dysregulation of polycomb protein activity has emerged as an important oncogenic mechanism in cancer, implicating polycomb proteins as important therapeutic targets. Recently, an inhibitor targeting EZH2, the methyltransferase component of PRC2, received FDA approval following promising clinical responses in cancer patients. However, the current array of EZH2 inhibitors have poor brain-penetrance limiting their use in patients with CNS malignancies, a number of which have been shown to be sensitive to EZH2 inhibition. To address this need, we have identified a chemical strategy, based on computational modeling of pyridone-containing EZH2 inhibitor scaffolds, to minimize P-glycoprotein activity and here we report the first brain-penetrant EZH2 inhibitor, TDI-6118 (compound 5). Additionally, in the course of our attempts to optimize this compound we discovered TDI-11904 (compound 21); a novel, highly-potent, and peripherally active EZH2 inhibitor based on a 7 member ring structure.

Treatment of tuberculosis (TB) currently takes at least 6 months. Latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) are phenotypically tolerant to most anti-TB drugs. A key hypothesis is that drugs that kill non-replicating (NR) Mtb may shorten treatment when used in combination with conventional drugs. The Mtb proteasome (Mtb20S) could be such a target, because its pharmacological inhibition kills NR Mtb and its genetic deletion renders Mtb unable to persist in mice. Here we report a series of macrocyclic peptides that potently and selectively target the Mtb20S over human proteasomes, including macrocycle 6. The co-crystal structure of macrocycle 6 with Mtb20S revealed structural bases for the species selectivity. Inhibition of 20S within Mtb by 6 dose-dependently led to accumulation of Pup-tagged GFP that is degradable but resistant to depupylation., and death of non-replicating Mtb under nitrosative stress. These results suggest that compounds of this class have the potential to develop as anti-TB therapeutics.

[Image: see text] Tuberculosis remains a leading cause of death from a single bacterial infection worldwide. Efforts to develop new treatment options call for expansion into an unexplored target space to expand the drug pipeline and bypass resistance to current antibiotics. Lipoamide dehydrogenase is a metabolic and antioxidant enzyme critical for mycobacterial growth and survival in mice. Sulfonamide analogs were previously identified as potent and selective inhibitors of mycobacterial lipoamide dehydrogenase in vitro but lacked activity against whole mycobacteria. Here we present the development of analogs with improved permeability, potency, and selectivity, which inhibit the growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in axenic culture on carbohydrates and within mouse primary macrophages. They increase intrabacterial pyruvate levels, supporting their on-target activity within mycobacteria. Distinct modalities of binding between the mycobacterial and human enzymes contribute to improved potency and hence selectivity through induced-fit tight binding interactions within the mycobacterial but not human enzyme, as indicated by kinetic analysis and crystallography.

Introduction Accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) seeks to reduce irradiated volumes and radiation exposure for patients while maintaining acceptable clinical outcomes. Magnetic resonance image-guided radiotherapy (MRgRT) provides excellent soft-tissue contrast for treatment localization, which can reduce setup uncertainty, thus reducing margins in the external beam setting. Additionally, stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT)-style regimens with high gradients can also be executed. This MR-guided stereotactic APBI (MRgS-APBI) approach can be utilized for a lower number of fractions and spare a greater volume of healthy tissues compared to conventional 3D external beam APBI. Methods Our MRgS-APBI program was developed for two prospective non-randomized phase I/II clinical trials (20Gyx1 and 8.5Gyx3). Both breast SBRT treatment planning and MRgRT delivery techniques were described in this study. Simulation included both CT and MRI with specialized immobilization to accommodate MR-guided setup and cine-MRI treatment gating. Dosimetry data from 48 single-fraction and 19 three-fraction patients were collected and evaluated. This included planning objectives and SBRT-specific indices. During treatment, setup errors were calculated to evaluate setup reproducibility and duty cycle was calculated using cine-MRI data during gated delivery. Results In both the single- and three- fraction trials combined, 88.5% of the possible dosimetric objectives across all patients were met during planning. The majority of the planning objectives were easily achievable indicating the potential for stricter objectives for subsequent S-APBI treatments. The average magnitude of setup uncertainties was 1.0 cm ± 0.6 cm across all treatments. In the three-fraction trial, the average beam-on duty-cycle for the MRI-gated delivery was 83.0 ± 13.0%. There were no technical MRgS-APBI related issues that resulted in discontinuation of treatment across all patients. Conclusion SBRT-style dosimetry and delivery for APBI is feasible using MR-guidance. The program development and dosimetric outcomes reported here can serve as a guide for other institutions considering the clinical implementation of MR-guided stereotactic APBI.

Plasmodium falciparum proteasome (Pf20S) inhibitors are active against Plasmodium at multiple stages - erythrocytic stages, gametocyte stages, liver stages and gamete activation, indicating that selective Pf20S inhibitors possess the potential to be therapeutic, prophylactic and transmission-blocking antimalarials. Starting from a reported compound, we developed a noncovalent, macrocyclic peptide inhibitor of the malarial proteasome with high species selectivity and improved pharmacokinetic properties. The compound demonstrates specific, time-dependent inhibition of the b5 subunit of the Plasmodium falciparum proteasome, kills artemisinin-sensitive and artemisinin-resistant P. falciparum isolates in vitro and reduces parasitemia in humanized, P. falciparum -infected mice.

The purpose of this article is to explore customer retention strategies and tactics implemented by firms in recession. Our investigations show just how big a challenge many organizations face in their ability to manage customer retention effectively. While leading organizations have embedded real-time customer life cycle management, developed accurate early warning systems, price elasticity models and ‘deal calculators’, the organizations we spoke to have only gone as far as calculating the value at risk and building simple predictive models.