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Wang X, Li N, Liu YH, Wu J, Liu QG, Niu JB, Xu Y, Huang CZ, Zhang SY, Song J. Targeting focal adhesion kinase (FAK) in cancer therapy: A recent update on inhibitors and PROTAC degraders. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 276:116678. [PMID: 39029337 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2024] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024]
Abstract
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is considered as a pivotal intracellular non-receptor tyrosine kinase, and has garnered significant attention as a promising target for anticancer drug development. As of early 2024, a total of 12 drugs targeting FAK have been approved for clinical or preclinical studies worldwide, including three PROTAC degraders. In recent three years (2021-2023), significant progress has been made in designing targeted FAK anticancer agents, including the development of a novel benzenesulfofurazan type NO-releasing FAK inhibitor and the first-in-class dual-target inhibitors simultaneously targeting FAK and HDACs. Given the pivotal role of FAK in the discovery of anticancer drugs, as well as the notable advancements achieved in FAK inhibitors and PROTAC degraders in recent years, this review is underbaked to present a comprehensive overview of the function and structure of FAK. Additionally, the latest findings on the inhibitors and PROTAC degraders of FAK from the past three years, along with their optimization strategies and anticancer activities, were summarized, which might help to provide novel insights for the development of novel targeted FAK agents with promising anticancer potential and favorable pharmacological profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Na Li
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Yun-He Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Ji Wu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Drug Discovery & Development, Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies (Ministry of Education), Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Qiu-Ge Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Jin-Bo Niu
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Yan Xu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Chen-Zheng Huang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Sai-Yang Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China; State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention &Treatment, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
| | - Jian Song
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
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Li Y, Zhang Y, Zhang J, Zhan Z, Mao W. Development of novel focal adhesion kinase (FAK) inhibitors for targeting cancer: Structural insights and therapeutic potential. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 279:116913. [PMID: 39357313 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2024] [Revised: 09/18/2024] [Accepted: 09/24/2024] [Indexed: 10/04/2024]
Abstract
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a non-receptor tyrosine kinase frequently overexpressed in various cancer cells, facilitating tumor growth through the regulation of cell adhesion, migration, and proliferation. Consequently, targeting FAK is considered a promising anti-tumor strategy, particularly for invasive cancers. Numerous potent small-molecule inhibitors have progressed to clinical trials. Among these, Defactinib is under evaluation for regulatory approval as a treatment for ovarian serous tumors. Furthermore, novel FAK inhibitors, including PROTACs, have emerged as key research focuses, anticipated to overcome the limitations of traditional inhibitors. In this Perspective, we highlight the protein structure, biological functions, relevant signaling pathways, and associations of FAK with cancer development. We also analyze the clinical status of FAK inhibitors, paying special attention to the various classes of FAK inhibitors, with detailed analyses of their chemical structures, structure-activity relationships (SARs), bioactivity profiles, selectivity profiles, and therapeutic potentials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingnan Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Neuro-system and Multimorbidity Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuming Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Neuro-system and Multimorbidity Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 610041, Sichuan, China; West China College of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Jifa Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Neuro-system and Multimorbidity Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Zixuan Zhan
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Neuro-system and Multimorbidity Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 610041, Sichuan, China.
| | - Wuyu Mao
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Neuro-system and Multimorbidity Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 610041, Sichuan, China.
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Chen J, Fan S, Guo J, Yang J, Pan L, Xia Y. Discovery of anticancer function of Febrifugine: Inhibition of cell proliferation, induction of apoptosis and suppression steroid synthesis in bladder cancer cells. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2024; 484:116878. [PMID: 38431229 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2024.116878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Bladder cancer is a prevalent malignancy affecting the urinary system, which presents a significant global health concern. Although there are many treatments for bladder cancer, identifying more effective drugs and methods remains an urgent problem. As a pivotal component of contemporary medical practice, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) assumes a crucial role in the realm of anti-tumor therapy, especially with the identification of active ingredients and successful exploration of pharmacological effects. Febrifugine, identified as a quinazoline-type alkaloid compound extracted from the Cytidiaceae family plant Huangchangshan, exhibits heightened sensitivity to bladder cancer cells in comparison to control cells (non-cancer cells) group. The proliferation growth of bladder cancer cells T24 and SW780 was effectively inhibited by Febrifugine, and the IC50 was 0.02 and 0.018 μM respectively. Febrifugine inhibits cell proliferation by suppressing DNA synthesis and induces cell death by reducing steroidogenesis and promoting apoptosis. Combined with transcriptome analysis, Febrifugine was found to downregulate low density lipoprotein receptor-associated protein, lanosterol synthase, cholesterol biosynthesis second rate-limiting enzyme, 7-dehydrocholesterol reductase, flavin adenine dinucleotide dependent oxidoreductase and other factors to inhibit the production of intracellular steroids in bladder cancer T24 cells. The results of animal experiments showed that Febrifugine could inhibit tumor growth. In summary, the effect of Febrifugine on bladder cancer is mainly through reducing steroid production and apoptosis. Therefore, this study contributes to the elucidation of Febrifugine's potential as an inhibitor of bladder cancer and establishes a solid foundation for the future development of novel therapeutic agents targeting bladder cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyuan Chen
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi 830052, China; Precision Medicine Laboratory for Chronic Non-communicable Diseases of Shandong Province, Jining 272067, China
| | - Shuhao Fan
- Precision Medicine Laboratory for Chronic Non-communicable Diseases of Shandong Province, Jining 272067, China
| | - Jianhua Guo
- Precision Medicine Laboratory for Chronic Non-communicable Diseases of Shandong Province, Jining 272067, China
| | - Jian Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-di Herbs, National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Le Pan
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi 830052, China.
| | - Yong Xia
- Precision Medicine Laboratory for Chronic Non-communicable Diseases of Shandong Province, Jining 272067, China.
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Gong C, Meng K, Sun Z, Zeng W, An Y, Zou H, Qiu Y, Liu D, Xue W. Flavonol Derivatives Containing a Quinazolinone Moiety: Design, Synthesis, and Antiviral Activity. Chem Biodivers 2024; 21:e202301737. [PMID: 38204291 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202301737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
A series of flavonol derivatives containing quinazolinone were designed and synthesized, and their antiviral activities against tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) were evaluated. The results of the half maximal effective concentration (EC50 ) test against TMV showed that the EC50 value of curative activity of K5 was 139.6 μg/mL, which was better than that of the commercial drug ningnanmycin (NNM) 296.0 μg/mL, and the EC50 value of protective activity of K5 was 120.6 μg/mL, which was superior to that of NNM 207.0 μg/mL. The interaction of K5 with TMV coat protein (TMV-CP) was investigated using microscale thermophoresis (MST) and molecular docking and the results showed that K5 can combine with TMV-CP more strongly to TMV-CP than that NNM can. Furthermore, the assay measuring malondialdehyde (MDA) content indicated that K5 had the ability to improve the disease resistance of tobacco. Hence, this study offers strong evidence that flavonol derivatives have potential as novel antiviral agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenyu Gong
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Kaini Meng
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Zhiling Sun
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Wei Zeng
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Youshan An
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Hongqian Zou
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Yujiao Qiu
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Da Liu
- Hunan Engineering Laboratory for Preparation Technology of Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) Fiber Material, Huaihua University, Huaihua, 418008, China
| | - Wei Xue
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China
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Zheng D, Yang C, Li X, Liu D, Wang Y, Wang X, Zhang X, Tan Y, Zhang Y, Li Y, Xu J. Design, Synthesis, Antitumour Evaluation, and In Silico Studies of Pyrazolo-[1,5- c]quinazolinone Derivatives Targeting Potential Cyclin-Dependent Kinases. Molecules 2023; 28:6606. [PMID: 37764382 PMCID: PMC10536637 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28186606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
An efficient, straightforward, and metal-free methodology to rapidly access functionalised pyrazolo-[1,5-c]quinazolinones via a [3 + 2] dipolar cycloaddition and regioselective ring expansion process was developed. The synthesised compounds were characterised by methods such as NMR, HRMS, and HPLC. The in vitro antiproliferative activity against A549 cells (non-small cell lung cancer) was significant for compounds 4i, 4m, and 4n with IC50 values of 17.0, 14.2, and 18.1 μM, respectively. In particular, compounds 4t and 4n showed inhibitory activity against CDK9/2. Predicted biological target and molecular modelling studies suggest that the compound 4t may target CDKs for antitumour effects. The synthesised derivatives were considered to have moderate drug-likeness and sufficient safety in silico. In summary, a series of pyrazolo-[1,5-c]quinazolinone derivatives with antitumour activity is reported for the first time. We provide not only a simple and efficient synthetic method but also helpful lead compounds for the further development of novel cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Youbin Li
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, Hainan Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Tropical Herbs, Haikou Key Laboratory of Li Nationality Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Hainan Medical University, Haikou 571199, China; (D.Z.); (C.Y.); (X.L.)
| | - Junyu Xu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, Hainan Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Tropical Herbs, Haikou Key Laboratory of Li Nationality Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Hainan Medical University, Haikou 571199, China; (D.Z.); (C.Y.); (X.L.)
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