Identification of substituted 3-[(4,5,6, 7-tetrahydro-1H-indol-2-yl)methylene]-1,3-dihydroindol-2-ones as growth factor receptor inhibitors for VEGF-R2 (Flk-1/KDR), FGF-R1, and PDGF-Rbeta tyrosine kinases

Evaluation of Indole Esters As Inhibitors of p60c-Src Receptor Tyrosine Kinase and Investigation of the Inhibition Using Receptor Docking Studies

Several indole esters were tested as inhibitors of tyrosine kinase p60(c-Src). Compound (4) was found fairly active against the enzyme with IC50 = 1.34 microM. DOCK methodology was used to asses our inhibitors for their inhibitory potency against tyrosine kinase. The docking results showed that compounds (4), (25) and (26) were bound to the active site of the enzyme Lys 295 of p60(c-Src) tyrosine kinase. Both activity and docking studies showed a parallel result, with compound (4) having a better interaction with the enzyme active site and also greater activity than the other compounds, indicating a potential role as new lead inhibitor.

The discovery of novel vascular endothelial growth factor receptor tyrosine kinases inhibitors: pharmacophore modeling, virtual screening and docking studies

We have applied pharmacophore generation, database searching and docking methodologies to discover new structures for the design of vascular endothelial growth factor receptors, the tyrosine kinase insert domain-containing receptor kinase inhibitors. The chemical function based pharmacophore models were built for kinase insert domain-containing receptor kinase inhibitors from a set of 10 known inhibitors using the algorithm HipHop, which is implemented in the CATALYST software. The highest scoring HipHop model consists of four features: one hydrophobic, one hydrogen bond acceptor, one hydrogen bond donor and one ring aromatic function. Using the algorithm CatShape within CATALYST, the bound conformation of 4-amino-furo [2, 3-d] pyrimidine binding to kinase insert domain-containing receptor kinase was used to generate a shape query. A merged shape and hypothesis query that is in an appropriate alignment was then built. The combined shape and hypothesis model was used as a query to search Maybridge database for other potential lead compounds. A total of 39 compounds were retrieved as hits. The hits obtained were docked into kinase insert domain-containing receptor kinase active site. One novel potential lead was proposed based on CATALYST fit value, LigandFit docking scores, and examination of how the hit retain key interactions known to be required for kinase binding. This compound inhibited vascular endothelial growth factor stimulated kinase insert domain-containing receptor phosphorylation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells.

Potent platelet-derived growth factor-beta receptor (PDGF-betaR) inhibitors: Synthesis and structure-activity relationships of 7-[3-(cyclohexylmethyl)ureido]-3-{1-methyl-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridin-3-yl}quinoxalin-2(1H)-one derivatives

We found previously that 7-[3-(cyclohexylmethyl)ureido]-3-{1-methyl-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridin-3-yl}quinoxalin-2(1H)-one (7d-6) has considerable potency as a PDGF inhibitor. This compound showed potent inhibitory activity in a PDGF-induced CPA (Cell Proliferation Assay) and APA (Auto-Phosphorylation Assay) (IC50 = 0.05 micromol/l in CPA, 0.03 micromol/l in APA). Therefore, we tried to develop a novel and effective PDGF-betaR inhibitor by optimizing a series of its derivatives. We found that trifluoroacetic acid (TFA)-catalyzed coupling of pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridines with quinoxalin-2-ones proceeded efficiently under mild oxidation condition with manganese(IV) oxide (MnO2) in situ, so this method was applied to prepare a series of derivatives. Results of in vitro screening of newly synthesized derivatives identified compound 7d-9 as having potent (IC50 = 0.014 micromol/l in CPA, 0.007 micromol/l in APA) and selective [IC50 values against vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2, kinase domain region, KDR), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), c-Met (hepatocyte growth factor receptor) and insulin growth factor I receptor (IGF-IR)/IC50 against PDGFR were each >1000] inhibitory activity. Moreover, in this series of derivatives, 7b-2 showed potent inhibitory activity toward both PDGF- and VEGF-induced signaling (PDGFR: IC50 = 0.004 micromol/l in CPA, 0.0008 micromol/l in APA, KDR: IC50 = 0.008 micromol/l in APA). Herein we report a new and convenient synthetic method for this series of derivatives and its SAR study.

Pharmacophore modeling and in silico screening for new KDR kinase inhibitors

In order to elucidate the essential structural features for KDR kinase inhibitors, three-dimensional pharmacophore hypotheses were built on the basis of a set of known KDR kinase inhibitors selected from the literature with CATALYST program. Several methods tools used in validation of pharmacophore hypothsis were presented, and the first hypothesis (Hypo1) was considered to be the best pharmacophore hypothesis. The model (Hypo1) was then employed as 3D search query to screen the Traditional Chinese Medicine Database (TCMD) for other potential lead compounds. One hit illustrated high binding affinity with KDR kinase measured by the surface plasmon resonance biosensor. Docking studies may help elucidate the mechanisms of KDR kinase receptor-ligand interactions.

Comparison of some 3-(substituted-benzylidene)-1, 3-dihydro-indolin derivatives as ligands of tyrosine kinase based on binding mode studies and biological assay

A series of 3-(substituted-benylidene)-1, 3-dihydro- indolin-2-one, 3-(substituted-benylidene)-1, 3-dihydro- indolin-2-thione and 2, 2'-dithiobis 3-(substituted-benylidene)-1, 3-dihydro-indole derivatives was investigated as inhibitor of p60c-Src tyrosine kinase by performing receptor docking studies and inhibitory activity toward tyrosine phosphorylation. Some compounds were shown to be docked at the site, where the selective inhibitor PP1 [1-tert-Butyl-3-p-tolyl-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine-4-yl-amine] was embedded at the enzyme active site. Evaluation of all compounds for the interactions with the parameters of lowest binding energy levels, capability of hydrogen bond formations and superimposibility on enzyme active site by docking studies, it can be assumed that 3-(substituted- benzylidene)-1, 3-dihydro-indolin-2-one and thione derivatives have better interaction with enzyme active site then 2, 2'-dithiobis 3-(substituted-benzylidene)-1, 3-dihydro indole derivatives. The test results for the inhibitory activity against tyrosine kinase by Elisa method revealed that 3-(substituted-benylidene)-1, 3-dihydro- indolin-2-thione derivatives have more activity then 3-(substituted-benylidene)-1, 3-dihydro- indolin-2-one derivatives.

SU14813: a novel multiple receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor with potent antiangiogenic and antitumor activity

Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK), such as vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR), platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR), stem cell factor receptor (KIT), and fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3), are expressed in malignant tissues and act in concert, playing diverse and major roles in angiogenesis, tumor growth, and metastasis. With the exception of a few malignancies, seemingly driven by a single genetic mutation in a signaling protein, most tumors are the product of multiple mutations in multiple aberrant signaling pathways. Consequently, simultaneous targeted inhibition of multiple signaling pathways could be more effective than inhibiting a single pathway in cancer therapies. Such a multitargeted strategy has recently been validated in a number of preclinical and clinical studies using RTK inhibitors with broad target selectivity. SU14813, a small molecule identified from the same chemical library used to isolate sunitinib, has broad-spectrum RTK inhibitory activity through binding to and inhibition of VEGFR, PDGFR, KIT, and FLT3. In cellular assays, SU14813 inhibited ligand-dependent and ligand-independent proliferation, migration, and survival of endothelial cells and/or tumor cells expressing these targets. SU14813 inhibited VEGFR-2, PDGFR-beta, and FLT3 phosphorylation in xenograft tumors in a dose- and time-dependent fashion. The plasma concentration required for in vivo target inhibition was estimated to be 100 to 200 ng/mL. Used as monotherapy, SU14813 exhibited broad and potent antitumor activity resulting in regression, growth arrest, or substantially reduced growth of various established xenografts derived from human or rat tumor cell lines. Treatment in combination with docetaxel significantly enhanced both the inhibition of primary tumor growth and the survival of the tumor-bearing mice compared with administration of either agent alone. In summary, SU14813 inhibited target RTK activity in vivo in association with reduction in angiogenesis, target RTK-mediated proliferation, and survival of tumor cells, leading to broad and potent antitumor efficacy. These data support the ongoing phase I clinical evaluation of SU14813 in advanced malignancies.

Complex formation between tissue transglutaminase II (tTG) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR-2): Proposed mechanism for modulation of endothelial cell response to VEGF

We have recently demonstrated that thrombin-activated FXIII (FXIIIA-subunit), a plasma transglutaminase, activates VEGFR-2 by crosslinking it with the alpha(v)beta(3) integrin on the surface of endothelial cells (EC), thereby stimulating angiogenesis. Tissue transglutaminase (tTG), which is functionally and structurally related to FXIIIA, is expressed by numerous cell types, among them EC. However, its role in EC function has not been fully characterized. In the present study, we investigated the potential involvement of tTG in angiogenesis. Using co-immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescent staining experiments, we observed that tTG forms a complex with VEGFR-2 on the cell surface and within the cytoplasm of EC. Stimulation of EC with VEGF resulted in translocation of the tTG-VEGFR-2 complex from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. In VEGF-treated cells, tTG-VEGFR-2 interaction resulted in incorporation of VEGFR-2 into high molecular weight crosslinked complex (es), as revealed by an antibody against gamma-glutamyl-epsilon-lysine isopeptide bond. tTG -VEGFR-2 association was inhibited by a specific VEGFR-2 protein tyrosine kinase inhibitor (PTKI ), as well as by cystamine, inhibitor of the transglutaminase activity of tTG, but not by bacitracin which inhibits the protein-disulfide isomerase (PDI) activity of tTG. Furthermore, cystamine completely abolished the VEGF-induced nuclear translocation of the tTG-VEGFR-2 complex. Blockade of the crosslinking activity of tTG by cystamine enhanced VEGF-induced migration of EC in Boyden chamber by 31% (P < 0.02), and prolonged VEGF-induced signaling response, as demonstrated by sustained activation of the MAP kinase ERK. Taken together, our findings suggest that endothelial cell tTG might be involved in modulation of the cellular response to VEGF by forming an intracellular complex with VEGFR-2, and mediating its translocation into the nucleus upon VEGF stimulation.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of benzamides and benzamidines as selective inhibitors of VEGFR tyrosine kinases

A series of benzamidines and benzamides was synthesized as selective inhibitors of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) tyrosine kinases, and tested for inhibitory activity toward autophosphorylation by the enzyme assay. Selective inhibition of VEGFR-2 tyrosine kinase was observed in the salicylic amide 4e and the anthranilic amidine 5a, and their percent inhibitions of VEGFR-2 tyrosine kinase were 44-60% at a 10 microM concentration of compounds. The salicylic amide 4a showed inhibition of both VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2 tyrosine kinases at a 10 microM concentration.

The history of the angiogenic switch concept

Spontaneously arising tumor cells are not usually angiogenic at first. The phenotypic switch to angiogenesis is usually accomplished by a substet that induces new capillaries that then converge toward the tumor. The switch clearly involves more than simple upregulation of angiogenic activity and is thought to be the result of a net balance of positive and negative regulators. Tumor growth is although to require disruption of this balance and hence this switch must turned on for cancer progression. Progenitor endothelial cells, the crosstalk between angiogenic factors and their receptors and the interaction between vasculogenesis and lymphangiogenesis are all factors that may contribute to the switch. Its promotion is also the outcome of genetic instability resulting in the emergence of tumor cell lines. This review describes the history of the angiogenic switch illustrated in the literature and with particular reference to the three transgenic mouse models, namely RIP1-TAG2, keratin-14 (K14) (human papilloma virus) HPV16 and papilloma virus, used for stage-specific assessment of the effects of antiangiogenic and antitumorigenic agents.

Structure-guided identification of novel VEGFR-2 kinase inhibitors via solution phase parallel synthesis

Structural analysis of the essential binding elements of the oxindole-based kinase inhibitor (1) led to the identification of a novel class of heterocyclic-substituted pyrazolones. Knoevenagel condensation of a variety of activated methylene nucleophiles with indole or pyrrole carboxaldehydes provided a focused library of molecules, each containing elements of kinase pharmacophore probe. Initial screening for VEGFR-2 kinase inhibition eliminated several of the probes. Identification of an active pyrazolone motif and further optimization resulted in several highly potent VEGFR-2 inhibitors with cellular efficacy, anti-angiogenic activity ex vivo in rat aortic ring explant cultures, and oral anti-tumor efficacy in nude mice.

Stereoselective Synthesis of 3-Alkylideneoxindoles via Palladium-Catalyzed Domino Reactions

We have developed efficient catalytic methods for the stereoselective and diversity synthesis of various (E)-, (Z)-, and disubstituted 3-alkylideneoxindoles and 3-alkylidenebenzofuran-2-ones via palladium-catalyzed Heck/Suzuki-Miyaura, Heck/Heck, and Heck/carbonylation/Suzuki-Miyaura domino reactions.

Synthesis and anti-tyrosine kinase activity of 3-(substituted-benzylidene)-1, 3-dihydro-indolin derivatives: investigation of their role against p60c-Src receptor tyrosine kinase with the application of receptor docking studies

A series of 3-(substituted-benzylidene)-1, 3-dihydro-indolin-2-thione derivatives were synthesized as modified congeners of 3-(substituted-benzylidene)-1, 3-dihydro-indolin-2-one series. All the synthesized compounds were examined for their in vitro anti-tyrosine kinase activity against p60c-Src. The activity results revealed that compounds (Z)-3-(4'-Dimethylamino-benzylidene)-1, 3-dihydro-indolin-2-thione (12) (E)-3-(2', 6'-Dichloro-benzylidene)-1, 3-dihydro-indolin-2-thione (13) and (E)-3-(3'-Hydroxy-4'-methoxy-benzylidene)-1, 3-dihydro-indolin-2-thione (19) exhibited anti-tyrosine kinase activity with IC50 value of 21.91, 21.20 and 30.92 microM, respectively. These results are comparable to PP1 [1-tert-Butyl-3-p-tolyl-1H-pyrazolo[3, 4-d]pyrimidine-4-yl-amine] (IC50=0.17 microM), which is reported as a potent and selective p60c-Src tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Some thio congeners are found to be more potent than oxo derivatives; however, no significant correlation was observed between the activity profiles of these two series. Docking program was used to investigate the docking mode of each compound at the active site. Among all of the compounds, only (Z)-3-(2'-Chloro-benzylidene)-1, 3-dihydro-indolin-2-one (8) and (E)-3-(3'-Nitro-benzylidene)-1, 3-dihydro-indolin-2-thione (16) were docked at the active site where the PP1 was embedded.

Inhibition of neuronal apoptosis by the cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor GW8510: Identification of 3′ substituted indolones as a scaffold for the development of neuroprotective drugs

Increasing evidence suggests that neuronal apoptosis is triggered by the inappropriate activation of cyclin-dependent kinases leading to an abortive re-entry of neurons into the cell cycle. Pharmacological inhibitors of cell-cycle progression may therefore have value in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases in humans. GW8510 is a 3' substituted indolone that was developed recently as an inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2). We found that GW8510 inhibits the death of cerebellar granule neurons caused by switching them from high potassium (HK) medium to low potassium (LK) medium. Although GW8510 inhibits CDK2 and other CDKs when tested in in vitro biochemical assays, when used on cultured neurons it only inhibits CDK5, a cytoplasmic CDK that is not associated with cell-cycle progression. Treatment of cultured HEK293T cells with GW8510 does not inhibit cell-cycle progression, consistent with its inability to inhibit mitotic CDKs in intact cells. Neuroprotection by GW8510 is independent of Akt and MEK-ERK signaling. Furthermore, GW8510 does not block the LK-induced activation of Gsk3beta and, while inhibiting c-jun phosphorylation, does not inhibit the increase in c-jun expression observed in apoptotic neurons. We also examined the effectiveness of other 3' substituted indolone compounds to protect against neuronal apoptosis. We found that like GW8510, the VEGF Receptor 2 Kinase Inhibitors [3-(1H-pyrrol-2-ylmethylene)-1,3-dihydroindol-2-one], {(Z)-3-[2,4-Dimethyl-3-(ethoxycarbonyl)pyrrol-5-yl)methylidenyl]indol-2-one} and [(Z)-5-Bromo-3-(4,5,6,6-tetrahydro-1H-indol-2-ylmethylene)-1,3-dihydroindol-2-one], the Src family kinase inhibitor SU6656 and a commercially available inactive structural analog of an RNA-dependent protein kinase inhibitor 5-Chloro-3-(3,5-dichloro-4-hydroxybenzylidene)-1,3-dihydro-indol-2-one, are all neuroprotective when tested on LK-treated neurons. Along with our recent identification of the c-Raf inhibitor GW5074 (also a 3' substituted indolone) as a neuroprotective compound, our findings identify the 3' substituted indolone as a core structure for the designing of neuroprotective drugs that may be used to treat neurodegenerative diseases in humans.

Antiangiogenic Drugs Synergize with a Membrane Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor-Based Tumor Vaccine to Therapeutically Treat Rats with an Established Malignant Intracranial Glioma

Combining a T9/9L glioma vaccine, expressing the membrane form of M-CSF, with a systemic antiangiogenic drug-based therapy theoretically targeted toward growth factor receptors within the tumor's vasculature successfully treated >90% of the rats bearing 7-day-old intracranial T9/9L gliomas. The antiangiogenic drugs included (Z)-3-[4-(dimethylamino)benzylidenyl]indolin-2-one (a platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta and a fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 kinase inhibitor) and oxindole (a vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 kinase inhibitor). A total of 20-40% of the animals treated with the antiangiogenic drugs alone survived, while all nontreated controls and tumor vaccine-treated rats died within 40 days. In vitro, these drugs inhibited endothelial cells from proliferating in response to the angiogenic factors produced by T9/9L glioma cells and prevented endothelial cell tubulogenesis. FITC-labeled tomato lectin staining demonstrated fewer and constricted blood vessels within the intracranial tumor after drug therapy. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated that the intracranial T9 glioma grew much slower in the presence of these antiangiogenic drugs. These drugs did not affect in vitro glioma cell growth nor T cell mitogenesis. Histological analysis revealed that the tumor destruction occurred at the margins of the tumor, where there was a heavy lymphocytic infiltrate. Real-time PCR showed more IL-2-specific mRNA was present within the gliomas in the vaccinated rats treated with the drugs. Animals that rejected the established T9/9L glioma by the combination therapy proved immune against an intracranial rechallenge by T9/9L glioma, but showed no resistance to an unrelated MADB106 breast cancer.

Identifying the binding mode of a molecular scaffold

We describe a method for docking of a scaffold-based series and present its advantages over docking of individual ligands, for determining the binding mode of a molecular scaffold in a binding site. The method has been applied to eight different scaffolds of protein kinase inhibitors (PKI). A single analog of each of these eight scaffolds was previously crystallized with different protein kinases. We have used FlexX to dock a set of molecules that share the same scaffold, rather than docking a single molecule. The main mode of binding is determined by the mode of binding of the largest cluster among the docked molecules that share a scaffold. Clustering is based on our 'nearest single neighbor' method [J. Chem. Inf. Comput. Sci., 43 (2003) 208-217]. Additional criteria are applied in those cases in which more than one significant binding mode is found. Using the proposed method, most of the crystallographic binding modes of these scaffolds were reconstructed. Alternative modes, that have not been detected yet by experiments, could also be identified. The method was applied to predict the binding mode of an additional molecular scaffold that was not yet reported and the predicted binding mode has been found to be very similar to experimental results for a closely related scaffold. We suggest that this approach be used as a virtual screening tool for scaffold-based design processes.

Molecular mechanisms underlying the proangiogenic effect of factor XIII

OBJECTIVE

Coagulation Factor XIII (FXIII) was previously shown by us to induce angiogenesis. The aim of this study was to elucidate the molecular events underlying the proangiogenic effects of activated FXIII (FXIIIa) on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs).

METHODS AND RESULTS

As shown by coimmunoprecipitation studies, FXIIIa crosslinked alpha(v)beta3 with vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR-2) and enhanced the noncovalent interaction between the 2 receptors. In addition, FXIIIa induced tyrosine phosphorylation of VEGFR-2 in both the crosslinked high-molecular-weight and the noncovalent VEGFR-2/alpha(v)beta3 complexes. These effects as well as FXIIIa-induced proliferation and migration of HUVECs were abolished by iodoacetamide treatment of FXIIIa (I-FXIII) or by PTKI, an inhibitor of VEGFR-2. FXIIIa induced upregulation of c-Jun and Egr-1 as revealed by quantitative RT-PCR. Electrophoretic mobility-shift assay experiments showed that FXIIIa treatment of HUVECs enhanced binding of Wilm's tumor-1 (WT-1) but not of early growth response (Egr)-1 to the thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) promoter sequence, suggesting that WT-1 but not Egr-1 is involved in downregulation of TSP-1 expression.

CONCLUSIONS

The proangiogenic effect of FXIIIa is mediated by (1) enhancement of crosslinked and noncovalent alpha(v)beta3/VEGFR-2 complex formation; (2) tyrosine phosphorylation and activation of VEGFR-2; (3) upregulation of c-Jun and Egr-1; and (4) downregulation of TSP-1 induced indirectly by c-Jun through WT-1. These processes may clarify FXIII role in vascular remodeling and tissue repair.

Discovery and in vitro evaluation of potent TrkA kinase inhibitors: oxindole and aza-oxindoles

The discovery, synthesis, potential binding mode, and in vitro kinase profile of 3-(3-bromo-4-hydroxy-5-(2'-methoxyphenyl)-benzylidene)-5-bromo-1,3-dihydro-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridin-2-one, 3-[(1-methyl-1H-indol-3-yl)methylene]-1,3-dihydro-2H-pyrrolo[3,2-b]-pyridin-2-one as potent TrkA inhibitors are discussed.

Design and synthesis of aminopropyl tetrahydroindole-based indolin-2-ones as selective and potent inhibitors of Src and Yes tyrosine kinase

A novel series of substituted 3-[3-(aminopropyl)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-1H-indol-2-ylmethylene]-1,3-dihydro-indole-2-ones was discovered as potent inhibitors of the non-receptor tyrosine kinase Src and Yes. A structure-activity relationship was developed in order to optimize their potency and selectivity. Syntheses of these compounds are also described herein.

Web-based tools for mining the NCI databases for anticancer drug discovery

In this paper, we describe the development of a set of integrated Web-based tools for mining the National Cancer Institute's (NCI) anticancer databases for anticancer drug discovery. For data mining, three different correlation algorithms were implemented, which included the commonly used Pearson's correlation algorithm available from the NCI's COMPARE program, the Spearman's and Kendall's correlation algorithms. In addition, we implemented the p-value test to evaluate the significance of the correlation results. These Web-based data mining tools allow robust analysis of the correlation between the in vitro anticancer activity of the drugs in the NCI anticancer database, the protein levels and mRNA levels of molecular targets (genes) in the NCI 60 human cancer cell lines for identification of potential lead compounds for a specific molecular target and for study of the molecular mechanism action of a drug. Examples were provided to identify PKC ligands using a lead compound and to identify potential ErbB-2 inhibitors using the mRNA levels of ErbB-2 in the NCI 60 tumor cell lines.

VEGF(121) and VEGF(165) regulate blood vessel diameter through vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 in an in vitro angiogenesis model

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is essential for the induction of angiogenesis and drives both endothelial cell (EC) proliferation and migration. It has been suggested that VEGF also regulates vessel diameter, although this has not been tested explicitly. The two most abundant isoforms, VEGF(121) and VEGF(165), both signal through VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR-2). We recently optimized a three-dimensional in vitro angiogenesis assay using HUVECs growing on Cytodex beads and embedded in fibrin gels. Fibroblasts provide critical factors that promote sprouting, lumen formation, and vessel stability. Using this assay, we have examined the role of VEGF in setting vessel diameter. Low concentrations of both VEGF(121) and VEGF(165) promote growth of long, thin vessels, whereas higher concentrations of VEGF remarkably enhance vessel diameter. Placental growth factor, which binds to VEGFR-1 but not VEGFR-2, does not promote capillary sprouting. Moreover, specific inhibition of VEGFR-2 signaling results in a dramatic reduction of EC sprouting in response to VEGF, indicating the critical importance of this receptor. The increase in vessel diameter is the result of cell proliferation and migration, rather than cellular hypertrophy, and likely depends on MEK1-ERK1/2 signaling. Both phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and p38 activity are required for cell survival. We conclude that the diameter of new capillary sprouts can be determined by the local concentration of VEGF and that the action of VEGF on angiogenic EC in this assay is critically dependent on signaling through VEGFR-2.

Vascular endothelial growth factor and its receptors in multiple myeloma

Multiple myeloma (MM) progresses from an avascular to a vascular phase (active MM) accompanied by a significant increase in microvessel density in the bone marrow. This article summarizes the literature concerning the specific role played by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in this process. Recent applications of antiangiogenic agents that interfere with VEGF signaling and block MM progression are also described.

A selective and oral small molecule inhibitor of vascular epithelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR)-2 and VEGFR-1 inhibits neovascularization and vascular permeability

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a key driver of the neovascularization and vascular permeability that leads to the loss of visual acuity in diabetic retinopathy and neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Our aim was to identify an orally active, selective small molecule kinase inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR)-2 with activity against both VEGF-induced angiogenesis and vascular permeability. We used a biochemical assay to identify 3-[5-methyl-2- (2-oxo-1,2-dihydro-indol-3-ylidenemethyl)-1H-pyrrol-3-yl]-proprionic acid (SU10944), a pyrrole indolinone, which is a potent ATP-competitive inhibitor of VEGFR-2 (Ki of 21 +/- 5 nM). In cellular assays, SU10944 inhibited VEGF-induced receptor autophosphorylation (IC50 of 227 +/- 80 nM) as well as downstream signaling (IC50 of 102 +/- 27 nM). In biochemical assays, SU10944 exhibits potent inhibitory activity against VEGFR-1; weak activity against other related subgroup members, including stem cell factor receptor (SCFR), platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta (PDGFRbeta), and fibroblast growth factor receptor-1 (FGFR-1); and no detectable activity against other protein tyrosine kinases such as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), Src, and hepatocyte growth factor receptor. In cellular assays, the selectivity for SU10944 to inhibit VEGFR is maintained compared with other tyrosine kinases (IC50 for SCFR of 1.6 +/- 0.3 microM, for PDGFRbeta of 30.6 +/- 13.3 microM, for FGFR-1 of >50 microM, and for EGFR of >50 microM). Upon oral administration, SU10944 gave a clear dose response in the corneal micropocket model with an ED50 value for inhibition of neovascularization of approximately 30 mg/kg and a maximum inhibition of 95% at 300 mg/kg. Similarly, upon oral administration in the Miles assay, SU10944 potently inhibited VEGF-induced vascular permeability. Our data indicate that small molecule inhibitors of VEGFR signaling have the potential to ameliorate VEGF-induced neovascularization as well as vascular permeability.

Novel pyrrolyllactone and pyrrolyllactam indolinones as potent cyclin-dependent kinase 2 inhibitors

Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) are essential in the control of cell cycle progression. Inhibition of CDKs represents a new approach for pharmacological intervention in the treatment of a variety of proliferative diseases, especially cancer. Based on the crystal structure of CDK2 in complex with an imidazole indolinone compound 1 (SU9516), lead optimization through modeling, synthesis, and SAR studies has led to the discovery of a novel series of pyrrolyllactone and pyrrolyllactam indolinones as potent CDK2 inhibitors.

PDGFRA activating mutations in gastrointestinal stromal tumors

Most gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) have activating mutations in the KIT receptor tyrosine kinase, and most patients with GISTs respond well to Gleevec, which inhibits KIT kinase activity. Here we show that approximately 35% (14 of 40) of GISTs lacking KIT mutations have intragenic activation mutations in the related receptor tyrosine kinase, platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRA). Tumors expressing KIT or PDGFRA oncoproteins were indistinguishable with respect to activation of downstream signaling intermediates and cytogenetic changes associated with tumor progression. Thus, KIT and PDGFRA mutations appear to be alternative and mutually exclusive oncogenic mechanisms in GISTs.

Rational design of 4,5-disubstituted-5,7-dihydro-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-6-ones as a novel class of inhibitors of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-R) and Her2(p185(erbB)) tyrosine kinases

A novel class of 4,5-disubstituted-5,7-dihydro-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-6-ones has been discovered as potent and selective inhibitors of the EGF-R tyrosine kinase family. These compounds selectively inhibit EGF-R kinase activity at low nanomolar concentration and tyrosine autophosphorylation in cells expressing EGF-R or Her2 (p185(erbB)). Structure-activity relationships (SARs) for this class of compounds are presented.

A strategy for the design of multiplex inhibitors for kinase-mediated signalling in angiogenesis

Tumour growth is dependent on multiple factors, including the physiological process of angiogenesis. Several opportunities for inhibiting angiogenesis with targeted therapies have been identified and are currently being evaluated for clinical efficacy. Some of the most promising approaches include small-molecule inhibitors for the tyrosine receptor kinase VEGFR2. Other signal-transduction pathways have also been shown to regulate angiogenesis, including FGFR, PDGFR, Tie and EphB.

Inhibition of constitutively active forms of mutant kit by multitargeted indolinone tyrosine kinase inhibitors

Mutations in the proto-oncogene c-kit, including point mutations, deletions, or duplications in the negative regulatory juxtamembrane (JM) domain or point mutations in the catalytic domain, have been observed in human and canine cancers and often result in constitutive activation of Kit in the absence of ligand binding. To identify a receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) inhibitor capable of blocking the function of mutant Kit, we evaluated 3 indolinones (SU11652, SU11654, and SU11655) that act as competitive inhibitors of adenosine triphosphate binding to several members of the split kinase family of RTKs, including VEGFR, FGFR, PDGFR, and Kit. Mast cell lines expressing either wild-type (WT) Kit, a point mutation in the JM domain, a tandem duplication in the JM domain, or a point mutation in the catalytic domain were used for these studies. All 3 indolinones inhibited phosphorylation of WT Kit in the presence of stem cell factor at concentrations as low as 0.01 microM. Autophosphorylation of both JM mutants was inhibited at 0.01 to 0.1 microM, resulting in cell cycle arrest within 24 hours, whereas autophosphorylation of the catalytic domain mutant was inhibited at 0.25 to 0.5 microM, resulting in cell death within 24 hours. poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage was noted in all Kit mutant lines after indolinone treatment. In summary, SU11652, SU11654, and SU11655 are effective RTK inhibitors capable of disrupting the function of all forms of mutant Kit. Because the concentrations of drug necessary for receptor inhibition are readily achievable and nontoxic in vivo, these compounds may be useful in the treatment of spontaneous cancers expressing Kit mutations.

VEGF antagonists

The majority of cancer have an absolute requirement for angiogenesis, the process by which new blood vessels are formed. The most potent angiogenic cytokine is vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and there has been substantial research into the development of VEGF/VEGF receptor (VEGFR) antagonists. To date these strategies have included gene therapy techniques that deliver antisense oligonucleotides, soluble VEGFRs that function in a dominant negative fashion and ribozymes. Additional strategies have included the development of receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) directed against VEGF or the signalling receptor. The most promising agents appear to be the monoclonal anti-VEGF antibodies and the RTK inhibitors as these have demonstrated broad spectrum antitumour activity in vivo and single agent activity in early phase clinical trials in patients with advanced pre-treated breast and colorectal carcinoma and Kaposi's sarcoma. The RTK inhibitors are of particular interest as they can be administered by mouth. Collation of the early clinical trial data suggests that VEGF antagonists are largely well-tolerated but may be associated with vascular toxicities such as haemorrhage and thromboembolic events. Combination studies of chemotherapy and VEGF antagonists are underway but the benefit of these regimens will need to be established in adequately powered Phase III studies. Potentially these agents may play a role in the treatment of both early (adjuvant) and advanced cancer. The efficacy of the drugs will be explored in a number of non-malignant conditions including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriasis, diabetic retinopathy and possibly as non-steroidal contraceptives but the overall clinical development of these agents can only be optimised if appropriate biological end points are identified and incorporated into clinical trials.

MOLECULES

Monitor provides an insight into the latest developments in drug discovery through brief synopses of recent presentations and publications together with expert commentaries on the latest technologies. There are two sections: Molecules summarizes the chemistry and the pharmacological significance and biological relevance of new molecules reported in the literature and on the conference scene; Profiles offers commentary on promising lines of research, emerging molecular targets, novel technology, advances in synthetic and separation techniques and legislative issues.