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Updated: Apr 18, 2026

Reverse Yeast Two-hybrid System to Identify Mammalian Nuclear Receptor Residues that Interact with Ligands and/or Antagonists
Published on: November 15, 2013
Developing Adnectins that target SRC co-activator binding to PXR: a structural approach toward understanding
Javed A Khan1, Daniel M Camac1, Simon Low2
1Bristol-Myers Squibb Research and Development, PO Box 4000, Princeton, NJ 08543-4000, USA.
Abstract:
The human pregnane X receptor (PXR) is a promiscuous nuclear receptor that functions as a sensor to a wide variety of xenobiotics and regulates expression of several drug metabolizing enzymes and transporters. We have generated "Adnectins", derived from 10th fibronectin type III domain ((10)Fn3), that target the PXR ligand binding domain (LBD) interactions with the steroid receptor co-activator-1 (SRC-1) peptide, displacing SRC-1 binding. Adnectins are structurally homologous to the immunoglobulin superfamily. Three different co-crystal structures of PXR LBD with Adnectin-1 and CCR1 (CC chemokine receptor-1) antagonist Compound-1 were determined. This structural information was used to modulate PXR affinity for a related CCR1 antagonist compound that entered into clinical trials for rheumatoid arthritis. The structures of PXR with Adnectin-1 reveal specificity of Adnectin-1 in not only targeting the interface of the SRC-1 interactions but also engaging the same set of residues that are involved in binding of SRC-1 to PXR. Substituting SRC-1 with Adnectin-1 does not alter the binding conformation of Compound-1 in the ligand binding pocket. The structure also reveals the possibility of using Adnectins as crystallization chaperones to generate structures of PXR with compounds of interest.
Insights
Researchers developed Adnectins, which block the pregnane X receptor (PXR) from interacting with coactivator SRC-1. These Adnectins maintain the binding of other compounds, offering new structural insights and therapeutic potential.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Structural Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- The human pregnane X receptor (PXR) is a nuclear receptor that senses xenobiotics and regulates drug-metabolizing enzymes and transporters.
- PXR plays a crucial role in drug metabolism and detoxification pathways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop novel molecules (Adnectins) targeting the PXR ligand binding domain (LBD) and its interaction with steroid receptor coactivator-1 (SRC-1).
- To elucidate the structural basis of Adnectin binding to PXR and its impact on coactivator interaction and ligand binding.
Main Methods:
- Generation of Adnectins derived from the 10th fibronectin type III domain ((10)Fn3).
- Determination of co-crystal structures of PXR LBD with Adnectin-1 and a CCR1 antagonist (Compound-1).
- Structural analysis to understand the molecular interactions at the PXR-SRC-1 interface.
Main Results:
- Adnectins were shown to displace SRC-1 binding to the PXR LBD.
- Co-crystal structures revealed that Adnectin-1 specifically targets the SRC-1 interaction interface on PXR.
- Adnectin-1 binding did not alter the conformation of Compound-1 within the PXR ligand binding pocket.
- Structural data facilitated modulation of PXR affinity for a related CCR1 antagonist.
Conclusions:
- Adnectins represent a novel class of PXR modulators that specifically disrupt coactivator recruitment.
- The determined structures provide valuable insights into PXR-ligand and PXR-coactivator interactions.
- Adnectins show potential as tools for structural studies of PXR and as therapeutic agents, including use as crystallization chaperones.
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