Acetyl-lysine binding site of bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) interacts with diverse kinase inhibitors

ACS Chem Biol. 2014 May 16;9(5):1160-71. doi: 10.1021/cb500072z. Epub 2014 Mar 13.

Abstract

Members of the bromodomain and extra terminal (BET) family of proteins are essential for the recognition of acetylated lysine (KAc) residues in histones and have emerged as promising drug targets in cancer, inflammation, and contraception research. In co-crystallization screening campaigns using the first bromodomain of BRD4 (BRD4-1) against kinase inhibitor libraries, we identified and characterized 14 kinase inhibitors (10 distinct chemical scaffolds) as ligands of the KAc binding site. Among these, the PLK1 inhibitor BI2536 and the JAK2 inhibitor TG101209 displayed strongest inhibitory potential against BRD4 (IC50=25 nM and 130 nM, respectively) and high selectivity for BET bromodomains. Comparative structural analysis revealed markedly different binding modes of kinase hinge-binding scaffolds in the KAc binding site, suggesting that BET proteins are potential off-targets of diverse kinase inhibitors. Combined, these findings provide a new structural framework for the rational design of next-generation BET-selective and dual-activity BET-kinase inhibitors.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Acetylation
  • Binding Sites
  • Cell Cycle Proteins
  • Humans
  • Lysine / analogs & derivatives*
  • Lysine / metabolism*
  • Molecular Docking Simulation
  • Nuclear Proteins / chemistry
  • Nuclear Proteins / metabolism*
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors / chemistry*
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors / pharmacology*
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Transcription Factors / chemistry
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism*

Substances

  • BRD4 protein, human
  • Cell Cycle Proteins
  • Nuclear Proteins
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors
  • Transcription Factors
  • Lysine