Structural modeling of GSK3ß implicates the inactive (DFG-out) conformation as the target bound by TDZD analogs.

Glycogen synthase kinase-3ß (GSK3ß) controls many physiological pathways, and is implicated in many diseases including Alzheimer's and several cancers. GSK3ß-mediated phosphorylation of target residues in microtubule-associated protein tau (MAPTAU) contributes to MAPTAU hyperphosphorylation and subsequent formation of neurofibrillary tangles. Inhibitors of GSK3ß protect against Alzheimer's disease and are therapeutic for several cancers. A thiadiazolidinone drug, TDZD-8, is a non-ATP-competitive inhibitor targeting GSK3ß with demonstrated efficacy against multiple diseases. However, no experimental data or models define the binding mode of TDZD-8 with GSK3ß, which chiefly reflects our lack of an established inactive conformation for this protein. Here, we used metadynamic simulation to predict the three-dimensional structure of the inactive conformation of GSK3ß. Our model predicts that phosphorylation of GSK3ß Serine9 would hasten the DFG-flip to an inactive state. Molecular docking and simulation predict the TDZD-8 binding conformation of GSK3ß to be inactive, and are consistent with biochemical evidence for the TDZD-8-interacting residues of GSK3ß. We also identified the pharmacophore and assessed binding efficacy of second-generation TDZD analogs (TDZD-10 and Tideglusib) that bind GSK3ß as non-ATP-competitive inhibitors. Based on these results, the predicted inactive conformation of GSK3ß can facilitate the identification of novel GSK3ß inhibitors of high potency and specificity.

Aspirin downregulates angiotensin type 1 receptor transcription implications in capillary formation from endothelial cells.

Aspirin [acetyl salicylic acid (ASA)] inhibits nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase and reactive oxygen species generation, a pathway that underlies formation of new capillaries (angiogenesis). Angiotensin II (Ang II) participates in angiogenesis by activating type 1 receptor (AT1R). We examined if ASA would inhibit AT1R transcription, which requires NADPH oxidase, and thereby new capillary formation. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells were cultured in Matrigel and treated with Ang II with and without ASA. Expression of AT1R and NADPH oxidase was measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Ang II in low concentrations induced AT1R messenger RNA and new capillary formation. ASA and its salicylic acid (SA) moiety both suppressed Ang II-mediated AT1R and vascular endothelial growth factor expression and the subsequent new capillary formation. Of note, the AT1R blocker losartan prevented new capillary formation. ASA and SA also suppressed NADPH oxidase (p22, p47, p67, and gp91 messenger RNA) expression. These observations suggest that ASA can inhibit Ang II-induced capillary formation in part via blocking NADPH oxidase and AT1R transcription. Because SA moiety had similar effect as ASA on AT1R expression, we suggest that the effect of ASA on new capillary formation is mediated by its SA moiety.