Discovery of Novel Cyclic Peptides as SMAD2–SMAD4 Interaction Inhibitors for the Treatment of Hepatic Fibrosis

Hepatic fibrosis, characterized by the excessive deposition of the extracellular matrix, represents a common consequence of various chronic liver disorders. However, no specific drugs are available for antifibrotic therapy to date. SMAD2 is phosphorylated by transforming growth factor-β and subsequently binds to SMAD4 to generate a heteromeric complex, which then translocates into the nucleus and aggravates liver fibrosis. Herein, based on molecular docking simulation and structure-activity relationship study, we report the discovery of a novel cyclic peptide CMF9 that targets SMAD2 and potently interferes with the SMAD2-SMAD4 interaction. The subsequent in vivo and in vitro pharmacological studies demonstrated that CMF9 dramatically suppressed hepatic stellate cells activation and collagen synthesis, alleviating CCl4-induced hepatic inflammation and fibrosis. Overall, we first demonstrated that the novel cyclic peptide CMF9 could efficiently block the SMAD2-SMAD4 interaction via selectively inhibiting SMAD2 phosphorylation, providing a promising therapeutic strategy for targeting SMAD2 and an alternative candidate for the treatment of liver fibrosis.