Design of an Ultralow Molecular Weight Heparin That Resists Heparanase Biodegradation

J Med Chem. 2023 Feb 9;66(3):2194-2203. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c02118. Epub 2023 Jan 27.

Abstract

Heparanase, an endo-β-d-glucuronidase produced by a variety of cells and tissues, cleaves the glycosidic linkage between glucuronic acid (GlcA) and a 3-O- or 6-O-sulfated glucosamine, typified by the disaccharide -[GlcA-GlcNS3S6S]-, which is found within the antithrombin-binding domain of heparan sulfate or heparin. As such, all current forms of heparin are susceptible to degradation by heparanase with neutralization of anticoagulant properties. Here, we have designed a heparanase-resistant, ultralow molecular weight heparin as the structural analogue of fondaparinux that does not contain an internal GlcA residue but otherwise displays potent anticoagulant activity. This heparin oligosaccharide was synthesized following a chemoenzymatic scheme and displays nanomolar anti-FXa activity yet is resistant to heparanase digestion. Inhibition of thrombus formation was further demonstrated after subcutaneous administration of this compound in a murine model of venous thrombosis. Thrombus inhibition was comparable to that observed for enoxaparin with a similar effect on bleeding time.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anticoagulants / pharmacology
  • Glucuronidase*
  • Heparin* / metabolism
  • Heparin* / pharmacology
  • Heparitin Sulfate / chemistry
  • Heparitin Sulfate / pharmacology
  • Mice
  • Molecular Weight

Substances

  • heparanase
  • Heparin
  • Glucuronidase
  • Heparitin Sulfate
  • Anticoagulants