Epigenetics
Epigenetics research delves into the molecular mechanisms that control gene expression and cellular traits without altering the underlying DNA sequence. One crucial aspect of this field is the role of small molecules, which act as powerful regulators of epigenetic modifications. These small compounds, typically comprising a few dozen to a few hundred atoms, have emerged as essential tools in understanding and manipulating the epigenome.
- DNA Methylation Inhibitors: Small molecules like 5-azacytidine and 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine are DNA methyltransferase inhibitors. They block the addition of methyl groups to DNA, leading to DNA demethylation. This can reactivate silenced genes, potentially offering therapeutic avenues for conditions like cancer.
- HDAC inhibitors: HDACs remove acetyl groups from histone proteins, contributing to gene repression. Small molecule HDAC inhibitors, such as Vorinostat and Romidepsin, can reverse this process by increasing histone acetylation, allowing genes to be more accessible for transcription. These inhibitors are being explored for cancer therapy and other conditions.
- Histone Methyltransferase Inhibitors: Small molecules like GSK126 inhibit specific histone methyltransferases, affecting histone methylation patterns. This can alter gene expression, making them promising candidates for cancer and other diseases with epigenetic dysregulation.
- RNA Modulators: Small molecules can also target non-coding RNAs involved in epigenetic regulation. For instance, small molecules called small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) can be designed to target and degrade specific long non-coding RNAs, influencing gene expression.
- Epigenetic Reader Domain Inhibitors: These small molecules target proteins that recognize and bind to specific epigenetic marks. Examples include inhibitors of bromodomain-containing proteins (BET inhibitors), which can disrupt gene regulation by interfering with protein-DNA interactions.
Small molecules in epigenetics research not only provide insights into the fundamental biology of gene regulation but also hold immense promise for developing novel therapeutics. Their ability to selectively modulate specific epigenetic marks and pathways has led to ongoing clinical trials and drug development efforts for various diseases, including cancer, neurological disorders, and inflammatory conditions. Understanding and harnessing the power of these small molecules is at the forefront of modern epigenetics research, offering new hope for precision medicine and targeted therapies.
3 key components involved in the regulation of epigenetic modifications
Epigenetics Writer
Epigenetics writers are enzymes responsible for adding chemical marks or modifications to DNA or histone proteins. These marks include DNA methylation (addition of methyl groups to DNA) and histone modifications (such as acetylation, methylation, phosphorylation, etc.).
Epigenetics Reader
Function: Epigenetics readers are proteins that can recognize and bind to specific epigenetic marks on DNA or histones. These reader proteins interpret the epigenetic code and facilitate downstream cellular processes, such as gene activation or repression.
Epigenetics Eraser
Function: Epigenetics erasers are enzymes responsible for removing or reversing epigenetic marks on DNA or histones. This process allows for the dynamic regulation of gene expression and the resetting of epigenetic states during various stages of development and in response to environmental changes.
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ABL/c-KIT dual kinase inhibitor
CHMFL-ABL/KIT-155 (CHMFL-ABL-KIT-155; compound 34) is a highly potent and orally active type II ABL/c-KIT dual kinase inhibitor. -
BCR-ABL inhibitor
CHMFL-ABL-039 is a type II native ABL kinase and drug-resistant V299L mutant BCR-ABL inhibitor with the IC50s of 7.9 nM and 27.9 nM, respectively. CHMFL-ABL-039 is used in the research of chronic myeloid leukemia. -
Bcr-Abl inhibitor
NRC-AN-019 is an orally administered tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) of the Bcr-Abl protein-tyrosine kinase. NRC-AN-019 is more effective in inhibiting angiogenic potential and proliferation of both MDAMB231 and HTB20/BT474 cells. -
ABL inhibitor
SNIPER(ABL)-062, in which an ABL inhibitor is linked to a ligand of cIAP1 via a linker containing a variable polyethylene glycol (PEG) unit, shows a potent activity to degrade the BCR-ABL protein. -
ABL2 inhibitor
CHMFL-ABL-121 is a highly potent type II ABL kinase inhibitor with IC50s of 2 nM and 0.2 nM against purified inactive ABL wt and T315I kinase protein, respectively. - SNIPER(ABL)-024, conjugating GNF5 (ABL inhibitor) to LCL161 derivative (IAP ligand) with a linker, induces the reduction of BCR-ABL protein with a DC50 of 5μM.
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BCR-ABL inhibitor
BCR-ABL-IN-2 is an inhibitor of BCR-ABL1 tyrosine kinase, with IC50s of 57 nM, 773 nm for ABL1native and ABL1T315I, respectively. -
multi-kinase inhibitor
Multi-kinase inhibitor 1 is a potent multi-kinase inhibitor. Multi-kinase inhibitor 1 has the potential for diseases or disorders associated with abnormal or deregulated tyrosine kinase activity, particularly diseases associated with the activity of PDGF-R, c-Kit and Bcr-abl.
