Methodology for the identification of small molecule inhibitors of the Fanconi Anaemia ubiquitin E3 ligase complex

Sci Rep. 2020 May 14;10(1):7959. doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-64868-7.

Abstract

DNA inter-strand crosslinks (ICLs) threaten genomic stability by creating a physical barrier to DNA replication and transcription. ICLs can be caused by endogenous reactive metabolites or from chemotherapeutics. ICL repair in humans depends heavily on the Fanconi Anaemia (FA) pathway. A key signalling step of the FA pathway is the mono-ubiquitination of Fanconi Anaemia Complementation Group D2 (FANCD2), which is achieved by the multi-subunit E3 ligase complex. FANCD2 mono-ubiquitination leads to the recruitment of DNA repair proteins to the site of the ICL. The loss of FANCD2 mono-ubiquitination is a common clinical feature of FA patient cells. Therefore, molecules that restore FANCD2 mono-ubiquitination could lead to a potential drug for the management of FA. On the other hand, in some cancers, FANCD2 mono-ubiquitination has been shown to be essential for cell survival. Therefore, inhibition of FANCD2 mono-ubiquitination represents a possible therapeutic strategy for cancer specific killing. We transferred an 11-protein FANCD2 mono-ubiquitination assay to a high-throughput format. We screened 9,067 compounds for both activation and inhibition of the E3 ligase complex. The use of orthogonal assays revealed that candidate compounds acted via non-specific mechanisms. However, our high-throughput biochemical assays demonstrate the feasibility of using sophisticated and robust biochemistry to screen for small molecules that modulate a key step in the FA pathway. The future identification of FA pathway modulators is anticipated to guide future medicinal chemistry projects with drug leads for human disease.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / pharmacology*
  • Fanconi Anemia Complementation Group D2 Protein / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Fanconi Anemia Complementation Group D2 Protein / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Small Molecule Libraries / pharmacology*
  • Ubiquitination / drug effects

Substances

  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Fanconi Anemia Complementation Group D2 Protein
  • Small Molecule Libraries