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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PKC inhibitor
Chelerythrine affects translocation of PKC from cytosol to plasma membrane. Shown to prevent neurite growth. Induces apoptosis in a concentration- and schedule-dependent manner.
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EGFR, PKA,PKC inhibitor
Daphnetin is a coumarin analog that acts as an inhibitor of several protein kinases. It inhibits EGFR kinase (IC50 = 7.67 μM), PKA (IC50 = 9.33 μM), and PKC (IC50 = 25 μM), in vitro. The inhibition of EGFR kinase by daphnetin was competitive to ATP and non-competitive to the peptide substrate. Also acts as a potent antioxidant and anti-malarial agent. -
PKCβ inhibitor
LY317615 (Enzastaurin) is a potent and selective inhibitor of PKCβ with antiproliferative activity (IC50= ~6 nM). -
MAO-B inhibitor
Quercetin inhibits many enzyme systems including tyrosine protein kinase, phospholipase A2, phosphodiesterases, mitochondrial ATPase, PI 3-kinase and protein kinase C. -
PKC inhibitor
Sotrastaurin is a protein kinase C inhibitor for the prevention of transplant rejection and treatment of psoriasis. -
PKC inhibitor
Verbascoside is isolated from Lantana camara, acts as an ATP-competitive inhibitor of PKC, with an IC50 of 25 μM, and has antitumor, anti-inflammatory and antineuropathic pain activity. -
PKC inhibitor
Ruboxistaurin (LY333531) is a potent, selective inhibitor of Protein Kinase C isozymes, PKC β I(IC50=4.7 nM) and PKC β II (IC50=5.9 nM). -
PKC inhibitor
PKC 412 is a broad spectrum protein kinase inhibitor. Inhibits conventional PKC isoforms α/β/γ, PDFRβ, VEGFR2, Syk, Flk-1, Flt3, Cdk1/B, PKA, c-Kit, c-Fgr, c-Src, VEGFR1 and EGFR. Displays potent antitumor activity. -
PKC inhibitor
GF 109203X is a potent and selective inhibitor of protein kinase C, selective for the α and β1 isoforms (IC50 values are 0.0084, 0.0180, 0.210, 0.132, and 5.8 μM for α, β1, δ, ε and ζ isoforms respectively). Selective over MLCK, PKG and PKA (IC50 values are 0.6, 4.6, and 33 μM respectively). Potent antagonist at the 5-HT3 receptor (Ki = 29.5 nM). -
PKC inhibitor
GO6983 is a potent protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor. It reduces polymorphonuclear leukocyte adherence and infiltration following myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury.- Kouki Kawakami, .et al. , Nat Commun, 2022, 13: 487 PMID: 35078997
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PKC inhibitor
PKC (19-36), pseudosubstrate peptide inhibitor of protein kinase C (IC50 = 0.18 uM). -
PKCβ1 and PKCβ2 inhibitor
LY333531 is a β-specific protein kinase C inhibitor. It competitively and reversibly inhibits PKCβ1 and PKCβ2 with IC50 values of 4.7 and 5.9 nM respectively. -
PKs inhibitor
HA-100 is an isoquinoline compound with an added piperazinylsulfonyl group that acts as an inhibitor of protein kinases (PKs), including PKA, PKC, and PKG (IC50 = 8, 12, and 4 μM, respectively). -
PKC inhibitor
Iso-H7 dihydrochloride is an inhibitor of phosphokinase C.