The design and synthesis of a novel nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) enhancer is reported. Using a structure‐based virtual screening approach, several commercially available compounds were identified as having high probability to interact with the Nrf2‐binding pocket in the Kelch‐like ECH‐associated protein 1 (Keap1). Keap1 is an adaptor protein that recruits Nrf2 to a cullin‐3‐dependent ubiquitin ligase complex. The identified compounds were tested against rat pheochromocytoma PC‐12 cells for their cytoprotective activity, and one compound (SKT359126) demonstrated an Nrf2‐mediated cell‐protective effect. Based on the structure of SKT359126, 23 novel derivatives were synthesized and evaluated. Of the screened derivatives, 1‐{4‐[(3,4‐dihydroxybenzylidene)amino]phenyl}‐5‐oxopyrrolidine‐3‐carboxylic acid demonstrated better activity than the parent molecules in activating the Nrf2 transduction pathway in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. This compound represents a promising starting point for the development of therapeutics for the treatment of oxidative‐stress‐related diseases.
Invited for this month's cover is Prof. Arie Gruzman (Bar‐Ilan University) and collaborators who have developed an Nrf2 enhancer. This compound activated the Nrf2 transduction pathway and because of this the translation of dozens of antioxidant cytoprotective proteins in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner and protected PC‐12 cells against oxidative stress. Considering the imbalance between production and elimination of oxidative species involved in the pathophysiology of many human diseases, this compound is a promising starting point for the development of novel therapeutics for the treatment of oxidative‐stress‐related diseases. Read the full text of the article at https://doi.org/10.1002/cplu.201700539.
Background: Fibrinogen-like protein 2 (FGL2) is a serine protease capable of converting prothrombin into thrombin (i.e., prothrombinase activity) while bypassing the classic coagulation cascade. It has been reported to be expressed by mononuclear blood cells and endothelial cells. There are multiple reports that FGL2 supports tumor development and metastasis. However, in the blood, the origin or functional significance has not been established.Objective: To identify the origin of the FGL2 prothrombinase, a malignancy related enzyme, in peripheral blood cells.Methods: Peripheral blood samples were collected in complete blood count tubes. Blood cells and platelets were thoroughly washed to produce plasma-free samples. Procoagulant activity was measured in the samples' extracts using a thrombin generation test or an adjusted prothrombin time (PT) test in plasma deficient factor X. Results were further supported by confocal microscopy, immunoprecipitation, flow cytometry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and specific inhibition assays. Results: The pro-coagulant activity of FGL2 was detected in purified platelets but not in white blood cells. FGL2 protein was readily detected in platelets. Quiescent platelets were shown to store FGL2 protein in an active form. Upon activation, platelets secreted the active FGL2 into the milieu. Conclusions: Active FGL2 prothrombinase is stored in platelets. This suggests the involvement of platelets in malignancies.
The front cover shows translocation of nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) enhancer to the nuclei that was induced by its novel enhancer: 1‐(4‐((3,4‐dihydroxybenzylidene)amino)phenyl)‐5‐oxopyrrolidine‐3‐carboxylic acid. This compound showed potent antioxidant properties through activation of genes related to antioxidative cellular response. Details are given in the Full Paper by Arie Gruzman and co‐workers on page 320 in Issue 5, 2018 (DOI: 10.1002/cplu.201700539).
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