Recent advances in β-catenin/BCL9 protein-protein interaction inhibitors
Hao Zhang1,2, Ya Bao1,3, Chenglong Liu2
1Novel Technology Center of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai, 201203, China.
Abstract:
Wnt/β-catenin signaling is crucial both in normal embryonic development and throughout the life of an organism. Moreover, aberrant Wnt signaling has been associated with various diseases, especially cancer and fibrosis. Recent research suggests that direct targeting of the β-catenin/BCL9 protein-protein interaction (PPI) is a promising strategy to block the Wnt pathway. Progress in understanding the cocrystalline complex and mechanism of action of the β-catenin/BCL9 interaction facilitates the discovery process of its inhibitors, but only a few inhibitors have been reported. In this review, the discovery and development of β-catenin/BCL9 PPI inhibitors in the areas of drug design, structure-activity relationships and biological and biochemical properties are summarized. In addition, perspectives for the future development of β-catenin/BCL9 PPI inhibitors are explored.
Insights
Targeting the Wnt/β-catenin pathway by inhibiting the β-catenin/BCL9 protein-protein interaction (PPI) shows promise for treating diseases like cancer. This review summarizes current progress and future directions for developing these crucial inhibitors.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Drug Discovery
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Wnt/β-catenin signaling is vital for embryonic development and organismal homeostasis.
- Dysregulation of Wnt signaling is implicated in various pathologies, including cancer and fibrosis.
- Targeting the β-catenin/BCL9 protein-protein interaction (PPI) offers a novel strategy to inhibit the Wnt pathway.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the discovery and development of β-catenin/BCL9 PPI inhibitors.
- To explore drug design, structure-activity relationships, and biological properties of these inhibitors.
- To provide perspectives on future research and development in this area.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of published research on β-catenin/BCL9 PPI inhibitors.
- Analysis of drug design strategies and structure-activity relationships.
- Evaluation of biological and biochemical data for identified inhibitors.
Main Results:
- Understanding the β-catenin/BCL9 complex structure and mechanism aids inhibitor discovery.
- Few β-catenin/BCL9 PPI inhibitors have been reported to date.
- This review consolidates existing knowledge on inhibitor development.
Conclusions:
- Directly targeting the β-catenin/BCL9 PPI is a viable therapeutic strategy.
- Further research is needed to expand the repertoire of β-catenin/BCL9 PPI inhibitors.
- Future development holds promise for novel treatments for Wnt-related diseases.
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