Lac-l-TTA, a novel lactose-based amino acid–sugar conjugate for anti-metastatic applications

Analysis of carbohydrates and glycoconjugates by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry: An update for 2017-2018

This review is the tenth update of the original article published in 1999 on the application of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI) mass spectrometry to the analysis of carbohydrates and glycoconjugates and brings coverage of the literature to the end of 2018. Also included are papers that describe methods appropriate to glycan and glycoprotein analysis by MALDI, such as sample preparation techniques, even though the ionization method is not MALDI. Topics covered in the first part of the review include general aspects such as theory of the MALDI process, new methods, matrices, derivatization, MALDI imaging, fragmentation and the use of arrays. The second part of the review is devoted to applications to various structural types such as oligo- and poly-saccharides, glycoproteins, glycolipids, glycosides, and biopharmaceuticals. Most of the applications are presented in tabular form. The third part of the review covers medical and industrial applications of the technique, studies of enzyme reactions, and applications to chemical synthesis. The reported work shows increasing use of combined new techniques such as ion mobility and highlights the impact that MALDI imaging is having across a range of diciplines. MALDI is still an ideal technique for carbohydrate analysis and advancements in the technique and the range of applications continue steady progress.

Synthesis and in Vitro Cytotoxicity Evaluation of Phenanthrene Linked 2,4- Thiazolidinediones as Potential Anticancer Agents

OBJECTIVE

To synthesize a series of phenanthrene-thiazolidinedione hybrids and explore their cytotoxic potential against human cancer cell lines of A-549 (lung cancer), HCT-116 and HT-29 (colon cancer), MDA MB-231 (triple-negative breast cancer), BT-474 (breast cancer) and (mouse melanoma) B16F10 cells.

METHODS

A new series of phenanthrene-thiazolidinedione hybrids was synthesized via Knoevenagel condensation of phenanthrene-9-carbaldehyde and N-alkylated thiazolidinediones. The cytotoxicity (IC₅₀) of the synthesized compounds was determined by MTT assay. Apoptotic assays like (AO/EB) and DAPI staining, cell cycle analysis, JC-1 staining and Annexin V binding assay studies were performed for the most active compound (Z)- 3-(4-bromobenzyl)-5-((2,3,6,7-tetramethoxyphenanthren-9-yl)methylene)thiazolidine-2,4-dione (17b). Molecular docking, dynamics and evaluation of pharmacokinetic (ADME/T) properties were also carried out by using Schrödinger.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

From the series of tested compounds, 17b unveiled promising cytotoxic action with an IC₅₀ value of 0.985±0.02μM on HCT-116 human colon cancer cells. The treatment of HCT-116 cells with 17b demonstrated distinctive apoptotic morphology like shrinkage of cells, horseshoe-shaped nuclei formation and chromatin condensation. The flow-cytometry analysis revealed the G0/G1 phase cell cycle arrest in a dosedependent fashion. The AO/EB, DAPI, DCFDA, Annexin-V and JC-1 staining studies were performed in order to determine the effect of the compound on cell viability. Computational studies were performed by using Schrödinger to determine the stability of the ligand with the DNA.

CONCLUSION

The current study provides an insight into developing a series of phenanthrene thiazolidinedione derivatives as potential DNA interactive agents which might aid in colon cancer therapy.

Apoptosis-Inducing Activity and Antiproliferative Effect of Gossypin on PC-3 Prostate Cancer Cells

AIM

The rapid growth, morbidity and mortality of prostate cancer, and the lack of effective treatment have attracted great interest of researchers to find novel cancer therapies aiming at the effect of gossypin on cell proliferation and apoptosis of PC-3 cells.

METHODS

The effect of gossypin on cell viability was determined using MTT assay at 5-100μg/ml and cisplatin (50μM) in a time-dependent manner in PC-3 cell lines. The expression levels of caspase-3 (CASP3) and caspase-9 (CASP9) for apoptosis and Nuclear Factor Kappa B (NFKB1) for survival, inflammation, and growth were evaluated by real-time PCR. Hoechst staining was used to analyze apoptosis.

RESULTS

Gossypin showed an anti-proliferative effect on PC3 cell line in a time- and dose-dependent manner. In addition, gossypin led to a significant increase in apoptosis genes (CASP3, CASP9) when compared to control while it caused a decrease in the level of NFKB1, which is accepted as apoptosis inhibitor (p<0.05) (cisplatin-like). Gossypin 50 and 100μM significantly induced apoptotic mechanism in PC-3 cells. However, no apoptotic or commonly stained nuclei have been observed in control group cells.

CONCLUSION

The results indicated that gossypin can be defined as a promising anticancer agent for PC-3 human prostate cancer cell line.

A rice bran phytochemical, cyanidin 3-glucoside, inhibits the progression of PC3 prostate cancer cell

Prostate cancer is one of the high incidences and the most invasive cancer that is also highly resistant to chemotherapy. Currently, several natural products have been considering using as the supplements for anti-cancer therapy. This study aims to identify the potential active anti-cancer ingredients in the bran extracts of the native Thai rice (Luempua cultivar). Rice bran fraction enriched in anthocyanins was successively isolated and processed until the major purified compound obtained. The sub-fractions and the purified, rice bran, cyanidin 3-glucoside (RBC3G), were studied for biological effects (cell viability, migration, and invasion assays) on human prostatic cancer (PC3) cells using immunohistochemical-staining and immuno-blotting approaches. The sub-fractions and the purified RBC3G inhibited epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) characteristics of PC3 cells by blocking the expression of several cytoskeletal associate proteins in a concentration dependent manner, leading to decreasing of the cancer cell motility. RBC3G reduced the expression of Smad/Snail signaling molecules but enhanced the expression of cell surface protein, E-cadherin, leading to a delay tumor transformation. The RBC3G also inhibited matrix metalloproteinase-9 and nuclear factor-kappa B expression levels and the enzymes activity in PC3 cells, leading to a slow cell migration/invasion process. The results suggested that RBC3G blunt and/or delay the progressive cancer cell behaviors by inhibit EMT through Smad signaling pathway(s) mediating Snail/E-cadherin expression.

Biological macromolecule binding and anticancer activity of synthetic alkyne-containing L-phenylalanine derivatives

Herein, we described the synthesis of two L-phenylalanines α-derivatized with a terminal alkyne moiety whose structures differed by phenyl ring halogen substitution (two o-Cl in 1 vs. one p-Br in 2) and investigated their effect on biological macromolecules and living cells. We explored their interaction with quadruplex DNA (G4 DNA), using tel₂₆ and c-myc as models, and bovine serum albumin (BSA). By CD spectroscopy, we found that 1 caused minor tel26 secondary structure changes, leading also to a slight thermal stabilization of this hybrid antiparallel/parallel G4 structure, while the c-myc parallel topology remained essentially unchanged upon 1 binding. Other CD evidences showed the ability of 1 to bind BSA, while molecular docking studies suggested that the same molecule could be housed into the hydrophobic cavity between sub-domains IIA, IIB, and IIIA of the protein. Furthermore, preliminary aggregation studies, based on concentration-dependent spectroscopic experiments, suggested the ability of 1 to aggregate forming noncovalent polymeric systems in aqueous solution. Differently from 1, the bromine-modified compound was able to bind Cu(II) ion, likely with the formation of a CuL₂ complex, as found by UV spectroscopy. Finally, cell tests excluded any cytotoxic effect of both compounds toward normal cells, but showed slight antiproliferative effects of 2 on PC3 cancerous cells at 24 h, and of 1 on both T98G and MDA-MB-231 cancer cells at 48 h.

Spectroscopic and SEM evidences for G4-DNA binding by a synthetic alkyne-containing amino acid with anticancer activity

Herein, we present a spectroscopic (CD and UV) and SEM study of a phenylalanine derivative carrying a terminal alkyne moiety and indicated by us CF3IIIPhe, with particular attention to its interaction with Cu(II) cation and some biological macromolecules, as well as a preliminary evaluation of its effect on cancerous cells. CD spectroscopy evidenced the ability of CF3IIIPhe to interact with tel₂₆ and c-myc, two quadruplex DNA (G4 DNA) models explored in this study. Other CD and UV studies revealed the ability of the unnatural amino acid to form aggregates in aqueous solution, to bind Cu(II) cation, and to interact with bovine serum albumin (BSA). Cellular studies demonstrated CF3IIIPhe antiproliferative activity on PC3 cells. Its ability to bind telomeric DNA was verified with tel₂₆ by CD investigation and SEM analysis, that revealed a noteworthy change in DNA morphology (mainly based on nanosphere structures) by CF3IIIPhe, confirming its G4-DNA binding ability already evidenced by spectroscopy.

Synthetic Optimization of Ellipticine and Antitumor Activity of Novel Hexacyclic Derivatives of Ellipticine

Background:

For decades, a great deal of research work has been done to synthesize ellipticine and its derivatives because of their potential antitumor properties and anti-HIV activities. However, the resonance structures in different media, a low level of solubility at physiological pH and systemic toxicity have prevented the use of ellipticine as a therapeutic agent. Besides, the low yield and complex steps of ellipticine synthesis limit its application.

Methods:

A high-yield synthetic procedure of ellipticine has been optimized, and the total yield was up to 50% without silica gel column chromatography. Novel hexacyclic ellipticine derivatives were synthesized by coupling ellipticine with o-aminobenzoic acid. Their cytotoxicities against HCT116, MGC803, HT29 and MCF-7 tumor cells were evaluated.

Results:

The synthesis process of ellipticine was optimized, and the total yield of the synthetic route was increased to 50% through several operation steps optimization. Fourteen ellipticine hexacyclic derivatives were synthesized. The synthetic compounds were screened for anti-tumor activity in vivo and in vitro, and some of the derivatives had good anti-tumor activity.

Conclusion:

Compared with ellipticine, the compound 1l showed higher antitumor activity and better tolerance to tumor models. The compound 1l treatment increased the percentage of late apoptotic cells from 3.1% (DMSO) to 21.6% (20.0 μM) in NCI-H460 cells. It also was observed the effect of 1l on G2 phase arrest was similar as that of ellipticine. The mechanism of action indicated compound 1l could be a topoisomerase IIα poison. These studies provided the basis for the pharmacodynamics and toxicology of ellipticine, and further clarifies the structureactivity relationship of antitumor activity of ellipticine.

Design, Synthesis, Anti-Proliferative Evaluation and Cell Cycle Analysis of Hybrid 2-Quinolones

Background:

Quinolones are a significant group of nitrogen heterocyclic compounds that exist in therapeutic agents, alkaloids, and synthetic small molecules that have important biological activities. A wide range of quinolones have been used as antituberculosis, antibacterial, anti-malarial, antifungal, anticonvulsant, anticancer agents and urease inhibitors.

Methods:

Ethyl 3,3-disubstituted-2-cyano propionates containing hybride quinolones derivatives were synthesized by the reaction of 1-amino-7-hydroxy-4-methylquinolin-2(1H)-one and its dibromo derivative with α, β-unsaturated carbonyl in ethanol.

Results:

A novel series of hybrid 2-quinolone derivatives was designed and synthesized. The compounds structures were confirmed using different spectroscopic methods and elemental analysis. The cytotoxic activities of all the compounds were assessed against HepG2 cell line in comparison with doxorubicin as a standard drug.

Conclusion:

Most compounds revealed superior anti-proliferative activity than the standard. Compound 4b, is the most active compound (IC50 = 0.39mM) compared with doxorubicin (IC50 = 9.23mM). DNA flow cytometric analysis of compound 4b showed cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase with a concomitant increase of cells in apoptotic phase. Dual annexin-V/ propidium iodide staining assay of compound 4b revealed that the selected candidate increased the apoptosis of HepG-2 cells more than control.

Benzodifurans for biomedical applications: BZ4, a selective anti-proliferative and anti-amyloid lead compound

AIM

Our goal is to evaluate benzodifuran-based scaffolds for biomedical applications.

METHODOLOGY

We here explored the anticancer and anti-amyloid activities of a novel compound (BZ4) in comparison with other known benzodifuran analogs, previously studied in our group, and we have explored its ability to interact with different DNA model systems.

RESULTS

BZ4 shows antiproliferative activity on different cancer cells; does not affect noncancerous control cells and alters the aggregation properties of β-amyloid, as ascertained by circular dichroism, fluorescence spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy analysis. An overall, qualitative picture on the mechanistic aspects related to the biological activities is discussed in light of the dynamic light scattering, UV, circular dichroism and fluorescence data, as well as of the metal ion-binding properties of BZ4.