Identification of NQO2 As a Protein Target in Small Molecule Modulation of Hepatocellular Function

ACS Chem Biol. 2021 Sep 17;16(9):1770-1778. doi: 10.1021/acschembio.1c00503. Epub 2021 Aug 24.

Abstract

The utility of in vitro human disease models is mainly dependent on the availability and functional maturity of tissue-specific cell types. We have previously screened for and identified small molecules that can enhance hepatocyte function in vitro. Here, we characterize the functional effects of one of the hits, FH1, on primary human hepatocytes in vitro, and also in vivo on primary hepatocytes in a zebrafish model. Furthermore, we conducted an analogue screen to establish the structure-activity relationship of FH1. We performed affinity-purification proteomics that identified NQO2 to be a potential binding target for this small molecule, revealing a possible link between inflammatory signaling and hepatocellular function in zebrafish and human hepatocyte model systems.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biomarkers / metabolism*
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / chemistry*
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / metabolism
  • Gene Expression Regulation / drug effects
  • Hepatocytes / metabolism*
  • High-Throughput Screening Assays
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-6 / genetics
  • Liver
  • Molecular Docking Simulation
  • Protein Binding
  • Quinone Reductases / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • STAT3 Transcription Factor / genetics
  • Signal Transduction
  • Structure-Activity Relationship
  • Tumor Necrosis Factors / genetics
  • Zebrafish

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Interleukin-6
  • STAT3 Transcription Factor
  • Tumor Necrosis Factors
  • NRH - quinone oxidoreductase2
  • Quinone Reductases