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Espinosa-Bustos C, Bertrand J, Villegas-Menares A, Guerrero S, Di Marcotullio L, Navacci S, Schulte G, Kozielewicz P, Bloch N, Villela V, Paulino M, Kogan MJ, Cantero J, Salas CO. New Smoothened ligands based on the purine scaffold as potential agents for treating pancreatic cancer. Bioorg Chem 2024; 151:107681. [PMID: 39106711 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2024.107681] [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: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/27/2024] [Indexed: 08/09/2024]
Abstract
Aberrant activation of the Hedgehog (Hh) signalling pathway has been associated with the development and progression of pancreatic cancer. For this reason, blockade of Hh pathway by inhibitors targeting the G protein-coupled receptor Smoothened (SMO) has been considered as a therapeutic target for the treatment of this cancer. In our previous work, we obtained a new SMO ligand based on a purine scaffold (compound I), which showed interesting antitumor activity in several cancer cell lines. In this work, we report the design and synthesis of 17 new purine derivatives, some of which showed high cytotoxic effect on Mia-PaCa-2 (Hh-dependent pancreatic cancer cell lines) and low toxicity on non-neoplastic HEK-293 cells compared with gemcitabine, such as 8f, 8g and 8h (IC50 = 4.56, 4.11 and 3.08 μM, respectively). Two of these purines also showed their ability to bind to SMO through NanoBRET assays (pKi = 5.17 for 8f and 5.01 for 8h), with higher affinities to compound I (pKi = 1.51). In addition, docking studies provided insight the purine substitution pattern is related to the affinity on SMO. Finally, studies of Hh inhibition for selected purines, using a transcriptional functional assay based on luciferase activity in NIH3T3 Shh-Light II cells, demonstrated that 8g reduced GLI activity with a IC50 = 6.4 μM as well as diminished the expression of Hh target genes in two specific Hh-dependent cell models, Med1 cells and Ptch1-/- mouse embryonic fibroblasts. Therefore, our results provide a platform for the design of SMO ligands that could be potential selective cytotoxic agents for the treatment of pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Espinosa-Bustos
- Departamento de Farmacia, Facultad de Química y de Farmacia, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, 702843 Santiago, Chile
| | - Jeanluc Bertrand
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Química y de Farmacia, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, 702843 Santiago, Chile
| | - Alondra Villegas-Menares
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Química y de Farmacia, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, 702843 Santiago, Chile
| | - Simón Guerrero
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Atacama, 153601 Copiapó, Chile
| | - Lucia Di Marcotullio
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty Pharmacy and Medicine, Sapienza University, 00161 Rome, Italy; Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Shirin Navacci
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty Pharmacy and Medicine, Sapienza University, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Gunnar Schulte
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institute, 17165 Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Pawel Kozielewicz
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institute, 17165 Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nicolas Bloch
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Química y de Farmacia, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, 702843 Santiago, Chile
| | - Valentina Villela
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Química y de Farmacia, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, 702843 Santiago, Chile
| | - Margot Paulino
- Departamento DETEMA, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, 11800 Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Marcelo J Kogan
- Departamento de Química Farmacológica y Toxicológica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad de Chile, 8380492 Santiago, Chile; Advanced Center of Chronic Diseases (ACCDiS), Universidad de Chile, 8380492 Santiago, Chile
| | - Jorge Cantero
- Departamento DETEMA, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, 11800 Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Cristian O Salas
- Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Química y de Farmacia, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, 702843 Santiago, Chile.
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Abstract
Background: The hedgehog pathway (HH) is one of the key regulators involved in many biological events. Malfunction of this pathway is associated with a variety of diseases including several types of cancers. Methods: We collected data from public databases and conducted a comprehensive search linking the HH pathway with female cancers. In addition, we overviewed clinical trials of targeting HH pathway in female cancers. Results: The activation of HH pathway and its role in female cancers, including breast cancer, ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, endometrial cancer, and uterine leiomyosarcoma were summarized. Treatment options targeting SMO and GLI in HH pathway were reviewed and discussed. Conclusions: The hedgehog pathway was shown to be activated in several types of female cancers. Therefore, targeting HH pathway may be considered as a therapeutic option to be acknowledged in the treatment of female cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Qiwei Yang
- Corresponding Author: Dr. Qiwei Yang, Department of Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA, Tel: 312-996-5689;
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Zaucha J, Heinzinger M, Kulandaisamy A, Kataka E, Salvádor ÓL, Popov P, Rost B, Gromiha MM, Zhorov BS, Frishman D. Mutations in transmembrane proteins: diseases, evolutionary insights, prediction and comparison with globular proteins. Brief Bioinform 2020; 22:5872174. [PMID: 32672331 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbaa132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Membrane proteins are unique in that they interact with lipid bilayers, making them indispensable for transporting molecules and relaying signals between and across cells. Due to the significance of the protein's functions, mutations often have profound effects on the fitness of the host. This is apparent both from experimental studies, which implicated numerous missense variants in diseases, as well as from evolutionary signals that allow elucidating the physicochemical constraints that intermembrane and aqueous environments bring. In this review, we report on the current state of knowledge acquired on missense variants (referred to as to single amino acid variants) affecting membrane proteins as well as the insights that can be extrapolated from data already available. This includes an overview of the annotations for membrane protein variants that have been collated within databases dedicated to the topic, bioinformatics approaches that leverage evolutionary information in order to shed light on previously uncharacterized membrane protein structures or interaction interfaces, tools for predicting the effects of mutations tailored specifically towards the characteristics of membrane proteins as well as two clinically relevant case studies explaining the implications of mutated membrane proteins in cancer and cardiomyopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Zaucha
- Department of Bioinformatics of the TUM School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan in Freising, Germany
| | - Michael Heinzinger
- Department of Informatics, Bioinformatics and Computational Biology of the TUM Faculty of Informatics in Garching, Germany
| | - A Kulandaisamy
- Department of Biotechnology of the IIT Bhupat and Jyoti Mehta School of BioSciences in Madras, India
| | - Evans Kataka
- Department of Bioinformatics of the TUM School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan in Freising, Germany
| | - Óscar Llorian Salvádor
- Department of Informatics, Bioinformatics and Computational Biology of the TUM Faculty of Informatics in Garching, Germany
| | - Petr Popov
- Center for Computational and Data-Intensive Science and Engineering of the Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology in Moscow, Russia
| | - Burkhard Rost
- Department of Informatics, Bioinformatics and Computational Biology at the TUM Faculty of Informatics in Garching, Germany
| | | | - Boris S Zhorov
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University in Hamilton, Canada
| | - Dmitrij Frishman
- Department of Bioinformatics at the TUM School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan in Freising, Germany
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4
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State of the art of Smo antagonists for cancer therapy: advances in the target receptor and new ligand structures. Future Med Chem 2019; 11:617-638. [PMID: 30912670 DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2018-0497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the Hedgehog signaling pathway has been associated with cancer, it has emerged as a therapeutic target for cancer therapy. The main target among the key Hedgehog proteins is the GPCR-like Smo receptor. Therefore, some Smo antagonists that have entered clinical trials, including the US FDA-approved drugs vismodegib and sonidegib, to treat basal cell carcinoma and medulloblastoma. However, early resistance of these drugs has spawned the need to understand the molecular bases of this phenomena. We therefore reviewed details about Smo receptor structures and the best Smo antagonist chemical structures. In addition, we discussed strategies that should be considered to develop new, safer generations of Smo antagonists that avoid current clinical limitations.
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5
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Role of tumor microenvironment in cancer stem cell chemoresistance and recurrence. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2018; 103:115-124. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2018.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Revised: 08/16/2018] [Accepted: 08/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Chen Q, Zhang H, Wu M, Wang Q, Luo L, Ma H, Zhang X, He S. Discovery of a potent hedgehog pathway inhibitor capable of activating caspase8-dependent apoptosis. J Pharmacol Sci 2018; 137:256-264. [PMID: 30064819 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphs.2018.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2018] [Revised: 05/08/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant activation of Hedgehog (Hh) signaling is associated with the development of numerous human cancers. Vismodegib is the first Hh inhibitor approved for anti-cancer therapy by targeting Smoothened (SMO), a critical regulator of the Hh pathway. However, acquisition of drug resistance to vismodegib occurs overtime. Apoptosis is a prevalent form of programmed cell death that is executed by caspases. Induction of tumor cell apoptosis represents an attractive therapeutic strategy to eliminate tumor cells. To explore new Hh antagonists with apoptosis-inducing activity, we screened a set of ∼300 potential SMO antagonists with novel scaffold structures. Hh003 was found to induce caspase-dependent apoptosis while vismodegib did not activate apoptotic response in human colon and pancreatic cancer cells. Compared to vismodegib, Hh003 exerted similar inhibitory effects on the Hh pathway. Hh003 could induce caspase8 activation and the silence of caspase8 significantly inhibited Hh003-induced apoptosis. Remarkably, Hh003 showed stronger inhibitory effects on the formation of tumor colonies in vitro and colorectal tumor growth in vivo than vismodegib. These findings suggest that Hh003 exerts enhanced anti-tumor effects by activating caspase8-dependent apoptosis compared to vismodegib. The combined property of Hh inhibition and apoptosis induction of Hh003 presents great potential for the development of novel anti-cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Chen
- Cyrus Tang Hematology Center and Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China; Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Biomedical Materials of Jiangsu Province and Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
| | - Haoran Zhang
- Cyrus Tang Hematology Center and Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China; Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Biomedical Materials of Jiangsu Province and Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
| | - Meng Wu
- Cyrus Tang Hematology Center and Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China; Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Biomedical Materials of Jiangsu Province and Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
| | - Qin Wang
- BeiGene (Beijing) Co., Ltd., No. 30 Science Park Road, Zhongguancun Life Science Park, Beijing, 102206, PR China
| | - Lusong Luo
- BeiGene (Beijing) Co., Ltd., No. 30 Science Park Road, Zhongguancun Life Science Park, Beijing, 102206, PR China
| | - Haikuo Ma
- Cyrus Tang Hematology Center and Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China.
| | - Xiaohu Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China.
| | - Sudan He
- Cyrus Tang Hematology Center and Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China; Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Biomedical Materials of Jiangsu Province and Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China.
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7
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Jin G, Sivaraman A, Lee K. Development of taladegib as a sonic hedgehog signaling pathway inhibitor. Arch Pharm Res 2017; 40:1390-1393. [PMID: 29159582 DOI: 10.1007/s12272-017-0987-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2017] [Accepted: 11/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Guanghai Jin
- College of Pharmacy, Dongguk University, Goyang, 10326, Korea
| | | | - Kyeong Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Dongguk University, Goyang, 10326, Korea.
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8
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Lu W, Liu Y, Ma H, Zheng J, Tian S, Sun Z, Luo L, Li J, Zhang H, Yang ZJ, Zhang X. Design, Synthesis, and Structure-Activity Relationship of Tetrahydropyrido[4,3-d]pyrimidine Derivatives as Potent Smoothened Antagonists with in Vivo Activity. ACS Chem Neurosci 2017; 8:1980-1994. [PMID: 28618224 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.7b00153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Medulloblastoma is one of the most prevalent brain tumors in children. Aberrant hedgehog (Hh) pathway signaling is thought to be involved in the initiation and development of medulloblastoma. Vismodegib, the first FDA-approved cancer therapy based on inhibition of aberrant hedgehog signaling, targets smoothened (Smo), a G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) central to the Hh pathway. Although vismodegib exhibits promising therapeutic efficacy in tumor treatment, concerns have been raised from its nonlinear pharmacokinetic (PK) profiles at high doses partly due to low aqueous solubility. Many patients experience adverse events such as muscle spasms and weight loss. In addition, drug resistance often arises among tumor cells during treatment with vismodegib. There is clearly an urgent need to explore novel Smo antagonists with improved potency and efficacy. Through a scaffold hopping strategy, we have identified a series of novel tetrahydropyrido[4,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives, which exhibited effective inhibition of Hh signaling. Among them, compound 24 is three times more potent than vismodegib in the NIH3T3-GRE-Luc reporter gene assay. Compound 24 has a lower melting point and much greater solubility compared with vismodegib, resulting in linear PK profiles when dosed orally at 10, 30, and 100 mg/kg in rats. Furthermore, compound 24 showed excellent PK profiles with a 72% oral bioavailability in beagle dogs. Compound 24 demonstrated overall favorable in vitro safety profiles with respect to CYP isoform and hERG inhibition. Finally, compound 24 led to significant regression of subcutaneous tumor generated by primary Ptch1-deficient medulloblastoma cells in SCID mouse. In conclusion, tetrahydropyrido[4,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives represent a novel set of Smo inhibitors that could potentially be utilized to treat medulloblastoma and other Hh pathway related malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenfeng Lu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory
of Translational Research and Therapy for Neuro-Psychiatric-Diseases
and College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215021, P. R. China
| | - Yongqiang Liu
- Cancer Biology Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Temple University Health System, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19111, United States
| | - Haikuo Ma
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory
of Translational Research and Therapy for Neuro-Psychiatric-Diseases
and College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215021, P. R. China
| | - Jiyue Zheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory
of Translational Research and Therapy for Neuro-Psychiatric-Diseases
and College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215021, P. R. China
| | - Sheng Tian
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory
of Translational Research and Therapy for Neuro-Psychiatric-Diseases
and College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215021, P. R. China
| | - Zhijian Sun
- BeiGene (Beijing) Co., Ltd., No. 30 Science Park Road, Zhongguancun Life Science Park, Beijing 102206, P. R. China
| | - Lusong Luo
- BeiGene (Beijing) Co., Ltd., No. 30 Science Park Road, Zhongguancun Life Science Park, Beijing 102206, P. R. China
| | - Jiajun Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory
of Translational Research and Therapy for Neuro-Psychiatric-Diseases
and College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215021, P. R. China
| | - Hongjian Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory
of Translational Research and Therapy for Neuro-Psychiatric-Diseases
and College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215021, P. R. China
| | - Zeng-Jie Yang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory
of Translational Research and Therapy for Neuro-Psychiatric-Diseases
and College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215021, P. R. China
- Cancer Biology Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Temple University Health System, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19111, United States
| | - Xiaohu Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory
of Translational Research and Therapy for Neuro-Psychiatric-Diseases
and College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215021, P. R. China
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9
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Lappano R, Maggiolini M. Pharmacotherapeutic Targeting of G Protein-Coupled Receptors in Oncology: Examples of Approved Therapies and Emerging Concepts. Drugs 2017; 77:951-965. [PMID: 28401445 DOI: 10.1007/s40265-017-0738-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are involved in numerous physio-pathological processes, including the stimulation of cancer progression. In this regard, it should be mentioned that although GPCRs may represent major pharmaceutical targets, only a few drugs acting as GPCR inhibitors are currently used in anti-tumor therapies. For instance, certain pro-malignancy effects mediated by GPCRs are actually counteracted by the use of small molecules and peptides that function as receptor antagonists or inverse agonists. Recently, humanized monoclonal antibodies targeting GPCRs have also been developed. Here, we review the current GPCR-targeted therapies for cancer treatment, summarizing the clinical studies that led to their official approval. We provide a broad overview of the mechanisms of action of the available anti-cancer drugs targeting gonadotropin-releasing hormone, somatostatin, chemokine, and Smoothened receptors. In addition, we discuss the anti-tumor potential of novel non-approved molecules and antibodies able to target some of the aforementioned GPCRs in different experimental models and clinical trials. Likewise, we focus on the repurposing in cancer patients of non-oncological GPCR-based drugs, elucidating the rationale behind this approach and providing clinical evidence on their safety and efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosamaria Lappano
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy.
| | - Marcello Maggiolini
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy.
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10
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Merchant JL, Ding L. Hedgehog Signaling Links Chronic Inflammation to Gastric Cancer Precursor Lesions. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2017; 3:201-210. [PMID: 28275687 PMCID: PMC5331830 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2017.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2016] [Accepted: 01/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Since its initial discovery in Drosophila, Hedgehog (HH) signaling has long been associated with foregut development. The mammalian genome expresses 3 HH ligands, with sonic hedgehog (SHH) levels highest in the mucosa of the embryonic foregut. More recently, interest in the pathway has shifted to improving our understanding of its role in gastrointestinal cancers. The use of reporter mice proved instrumental in our ability to probe the expression pattern of SHH ligand and the cell types responding to canonical HH signaling during homeostasis, inflammation, and neoplastic transformation. SHH is highly expressed in parietal cells and is required for these cells to produce gastric acid. Furthermore, myofibroblasts are the predominant cell type responding to HH ligand in the uninfected stomach. Chronic infection caused by Helicobacter pylori and associated inflammation induces parietal cell atrophy and the expansion of metaplastic cell types, a precursor to gastric cancer in human subjects. During Helicobacter infection in mice, canonical HH signaling is required for inflammatory cells to be recruited from the bone marrow to the stomach and for metaplastic development. Specifically, polarization of the invading myeloid cells to myeloid-derived suppressor cells requires the HH-regulated transcription factor GLI1, thereby creating a microenvironment favoring wound healing and neoplastic transformation. In mice, GLI1 mediates the phenotypic shift to gastric myeloid-derived suppressor cells by directly inducing Schlafen 4 (slfn4). However, the human homologs of SLFN4, designated SLFN5 and SLFN12L, also correlate with intestinal metaplasia and could be used as biomarkers to predict the subset of individuals who might progress to gastric cancer and benefit from treatment with HH antagonists.
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Key Words
- ATPase, adenosine triphosphatase
- DAMP, damage-associated molecular pattern
- DAMPs
- GLI, glioma-associated protein
- GLI1
- Gr-MDSC, granulocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cell
- HH, hedgehog
- HHIP, hedgehog-interacting protein
- IFN, interferon
- IL, interleukin
- MDSC, myeloid-derived suppressor cell
- MDSCs
- Metaplasia
- Mo-MDSC, monocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cell
- PTCH, Patched
- SHH
- SHH, sonic hedgehog
- SLFN4, Schlafen 4
- SMO, Smoothened
- SP, spasmolytic polypeptide
- SPEM
- SPEM, spasmolytic polypeptide–expressing mucosa
- SST, somatostatin
- TLR, Toll-like receptor
- mRNA, messenger RNA
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Affiliation(s)
- Juanita L. Merchant
- Department of Internal Medicine-Gastroenterology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan,Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan,Correspondence Address correspondence to: Juanita L. Merchant, MD, PhD, University of Michigan, 109 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-2200. fax: (734) 763-4686.University of Michigan109 Zina Pitcher PlaceAnn ArborMichigan 48109-2200
| | - Lin Ding
- Department of Internal Medicine-Gastroenterology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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11
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Konstantinou D, Bertaux-Skeirik N, Zavros Y. Hedgehog signaling in the stomach. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2016; 31:76-82. [PMID: 27750091 PMCID: PMC5154826 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2016.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2016] [Accepted: 09/21/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway not only plays a key part in controlling embryonic development, but in the adult stomach governs important cellular events such as epithelial cell differentiation, proliferation, gastric disease, and regeneration. In particular, Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) signaling has been well studied for its role in gastric physiology and pathophysiology. Shh is secreted from the gastric parietal cells and contributes to the regeneration of the epithelium in response to injury, or the development of gastritis during Helicobacter pylori infection. Dysregulation of the Shh signaling pathway leads to the disruption of gastric differentiation, loss of gastric acid secretion and the development of cancer. In this chapter, we will review the most recent findings that reveal the role of Shh as a regulator of gastric physiology, regeneration, and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Konstantinou
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Nina Bertaux-Skeirik
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Yana Zavros
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
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12
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Zhou X, Zhou LF, Yang B, Zhao HJ, Wang YQ, Li XY, Ye YP, Chen FY. The Loss of a Sugar Chain at C(3) Position Enhances Stemucronatoside K-Induced Apoptosis, Cell Cycle Arrest, and Hedgehog Pathway Inhibition in HT-29 Cells. Chem Biodivers 2016; 13:1484-1492. [PMID: 27449706 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.201600054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2016] [Accepted: 06/03/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Xia Zhou
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital; Hangzhou 310022 P. R. China
| | - Li-Fei Zhou
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital; Hangzhou 310022 P. R. China
| | - Bo Yang
- Zhejiang Chinese Medical University; 548 Binwen Road Hangzhou 310053 P. R. China
| | - Hua-Jun Zhao
- Zhejiang Chinese Medical University; 548 Binwen Road Hangzhou 310053 P. R. China
| | - Yi-Qi Wang
- Zhejiang Chinese Medical University; 548 Binwen Road Hangzhou 310053 P. R. China
| | - Xiao-Yu Li
- Institute of Materia Medica; Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences; Tianmushan Road 182 Hangzhou 310013 P. R. China
| | - Yi-Ping Ye
- Institute of Materia Medica; Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences; Tianmushan Road 182 Hangzhou 310013 P. R. China
| | - Feng-Yang Chen
- Institute of Materia Medica; Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences; Tianmushan Road 182 Hangzhou 310013 P. R. China
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13
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Li H, Li J, Feng L. Hedgehog signaling pathway as a therapeutic target for ovarian cancer. Cancer Epidemiol 2015; 40:152-7. [PMID: 26724464 DOI: 10.1016/j.canep.2015.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2015] [Revised: 10/03/2015] [Accepted: 11/05/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is the most lethal cause of death among gynecological malignancies. Despite advancements in surgery and chemotherapy treatment strategies, the prognosis of ovarian cancer patients remains poor; a majority of patients relapse and eventually succumb to this disease. Therefore, novel therapeutic approaches to improve patient outcome are urgently needed. The hedgehog signaling pathway is vital for embryonic development and tissue homeostasis, and its deregulation is implicated in cancer cell growth, survival, differentiation, and metastasis. The critical role of hedgehog signaling in multiple biologic processes raises concerns about its potential therapeutic use in cancer. Consequently, many studies are focusing on hedgehog signaling as an attractive target in cancer treatment. In this review, we present an overview of the hedgehog pathway and its pathological aberrations in ovarian cancer. We also discuss inhibitors of the hedgehog signaling pathway that are currently being investigated in the laboratory and in early clinical trials; as well as the clinical challenges these inhibitors face.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haixia Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing TianTan Hospital, Capital Medical University, China
| | - Jinghua Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing TianTan Hospital, Capital Medical University, China
| | - Limin Feng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing TianTan Hospital, Capital Medical University, China.
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14
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Gustafson TL, Kitchell BE, Biller B. Hedgehog signaling is activated in canine transitional cell carcinoma and contributes to cell proliferation and survival. Vet Comp Oncol 2015; 15:174-183. [PMID: 25864514 DOI: 10.1111/vco.12149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2014] [Revised: 02/11/2015] [Accepted: 03/04/2015] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) is the most commonly diagnosed tumor of the canine urinary system. Hedgehog (HH) signaling represents one possible novel therapeutic target, based on its recently identified central role in human urothelial carcinoma. The purpose of this study was to determine if HH mediators are expressed in canine TCC and the effect of inhibition of this pathway on cell growth and survival. HH pathway mediators were found to be expressed in five canine TCC cell lines. Indian HH was expressed in tumor cells in five canine bladder tumor tissues, but not in normal canine bladder tissue. Inhibition of HH signaling with cyclopamine and GANT61 led to significantly decreased cell proliferation but had a smaller effect on apoptosis. These results support future investigation of inhibitors of HH signaling in the treatment of canine TCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- T L Gustafson
- Colorado State University, Animal Cancer Center, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - B E Kitchell
- VCA Veterinary Care Animal Hospital and Referral Center, Oncology, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - B Biller
- Colorado State University, CVMBS-VTH, Animal Cancer Center, Fort Collins, CO, USA
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15
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Subbarayan PR, Ardalan B. In the war against solid tumors arsenic trioxide needs partners. J Gastrointest Cancer 2015; 45:363-71. [PMID: 24825822 DOI: 10.1007/s12029-014-9617-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
In the past decade, the therapeutic potential of arsenic trioxide (ATO) in the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) was recognized. This encouraged other investigators to test the efficacy of ATO in the management of other hematological and solid tumor malignancies. Notably, as a single agent, arsenic trioxide did not benefit patients diagnosed with solid tumors. However, when it was combined with other agents, treatment benefit emerged. In this article, we have summarized the outcome of clinical trials that used arsenic trioxide as a single agent as well as in combination settings in patients diagnosed with solid tumors. We have also reviewed possible additional mechanisms by which ATO may be useful as a chemosensitizer in combination therapy. We hope that our review will encourage clinical investigators to rationally combine ATO with additional chemotherapeutic agents in treating patients diagnosed with solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pochi R Subbarayan
- Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1550 NW 10th Avenue, FOX 431A, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
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16
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Abstract
Hedgehog ligands control tissue development and homeostasis by alleviating repression of Smoothened, a seven-pass transmembrane protein. The Hedgehog receptor, Patched, is thought to regulate the availability of small lipophilic Smoothened repressors whose identity is unknown. Lipoproteins contain lipids required to repress Smoothened signaling in vivo. Here, using biochemical fractionation and lipid mass spectrometry, we identify these repressors as endocannabinoids. Endocannabinoids circulate in human and Drosophila lipoproteins and act directly on Smoothened at physiological concentrations to repress signaling in Drosophila and mammalian assays. Phytocannabinoids are also potent Smo inhibitors. These findings link organismal metabolism to local Hedgehog signaling and suggest previously unsuspected mechanisms for the physiological activities of cannabinoids.
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Bai L, Mao R, Wang J, Ding L, Jiang S, Gao C, Kang H, Chen X, Sun X, Xu J. ERK1/2 promoted proliferation and inhibited apoptosis of human cervical cancer cells and regulated the expression of c-Fos and c-Jun proteins. Med Oncol 2015; 32:57. [PMID: 25647783 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-015-0490-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2014] [Accepted: 01/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Small-molecule inhibitors targeted MAPK have been wildly used for some cancer therapeutics as a biologically viable model, but no one has been used for cervical caner. ERK1/2, one of MAPK kinases, is expressed high in cervical cancer tissue. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of ERK1/2 inhibitor U0126 on proliferation and apoptosis of cervical cancer cells and appraise the correlated mechanism of the effects. In this study, the cell proliferation of Hela and C33A cervical cancer cells was tested by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8) assay and cell counting after treated with ERK1/2 inhibitor U0126. The cell cycle and apoptosis were evaluated by flow cytometry (FCM). The protein levels of ERK1/2 and c-Fos and c-Jun were detected by Western blot. The results indicated that after down-regulating ERK1/2 proteins with the inhibitor U0126, Hela and C33A cells proliferation was inhibited, cell apoptosis was promoted, the proportions of G0/G1 stage in cell cycle increased, and G2/M stages decreased. After down-regulating ERK1/2 proteins of Hela and C33A cells, the expression levels of p-c-Fos protein decreased, while p-c-Jun protein increased. The results of this study indicated that ERK1/2 may promote the development of cervical cancer cells, suggesting ERK1/2 inhibitor may be used as an effective target for cervical cancer therapies working for. It might inhibit cervical cancer cells growth via regulating the transcription factors expression of c-Fos and c-Jun.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lixia Bai
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, China,
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18
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Ma H, Lu W, Sun Z, Luo L, Geng D, Yang Z, Li E, Zheng J, Wang M, Zhang H, Yang S, Zhang X. Design, synthesis, and structure–activity-relationship of tetrahydrothiazolopyridine derivatives as potent smoothened antagonists. Eur J Med Chem 2015; 89:721-32. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2014.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2014] [Revised: 11/01/2014] [Accepted: 11/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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19
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Song Y, Zuo Y. Occurrence of HHIP gene CpG island methylation in gastric cancer. Oncol Lett 2014; 8:2340-2344. [PMID: 25295121 PMCID: PMC4186611 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2014.2518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2014] [Accepted: 08/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to observe the methylation status of the CpG islands at the human hedgehog interacting protein (HHIP) gene in gastric cancer tissues, peritumoral tissues and the AGS cell line, to analyze the association between the methylation status of the CpG islands and the tumorigenesis of gastric cancer. The HHIP mRNA expression in 60 human gastric carcinnoma tissues, peritumoral tissues and the gastric carcinoma AGS cell line were detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The HHIP methylation status of the promoter region in the gastric carcinnoma tissues and peritumoral tissues was detected by methylation-specific PCR (MSP). Prior to and following treatment with methyl transferase inhibitor 5-aza-2'-deoxycitydine (5-aza-dc), the HHIP mRNA expression level, the methylation status of the promoter region and the methylation site loci on the CpG islands in the AGS cells were detected by RT-PCR, MSP and bisulfite sequencing PCR (BSP), respectively. The correlation between the methylation status of the CpG islands at the HHIP promoter region and the HHIP mRNA expression level were analyzed. It was found that the expression level of the HHIP mRNA in the gastric carcinoma tissues was significantly lower than that in the adjacent tissues (0.82±0.38 vs. 1.60±0.26, respectively; P<0.001). No significant correlations were observed between the expression of HHIP mRNA and age, gender, tumor-node-metastasis stage, differentiation degree and presence of lymph node metastasis (P>0.05). The degree of methylation of the HHIP gene promotor in the peritumoral tissues (17.7±3.59%) was significantly lower than that in the gastric cancer tissues (62.9±6.14%) and in the AGS cells (99.7±0.67%) (P<0.05). Compared with prior to 5-aza-dc intervention, the HHIP mRNA expression level in the AGS cells was significantly increased subsequent to intervention (0.21±0.12 vs. 4.68±0.22; P<0.01), while the degree of methylation in the AGS cells was significantly decreased (90.2±0.67 vs. 10.1±0.21%; P<0.01), and the methylation sites in CpG islands were significantly reduced. The degree of HHIP methylation showed a negative correlation with the level of mRNA expression (r=-0.693; P<0.01). It can be hypothesized that a high degree of methylation of the HHIP gene promoter CpG islands in gastric cancer tissues and cells causes a decrease in HHIP mRNA expression, which may be involved in the carcinogenesis of gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Song
- Department of Oncology, Zhangjiagang First People's Hospital, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215600, P.R. China
| | - Yun Zuo
- Department of Oncology, Zhangjiagang First People's Hospital, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215600, P.R. China
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Chandler CM, McDougal OM. Medicinal history of North American Veratrum.. PHYTOCHEMISTRY REVIEWS : PROCEEDINGS OF THE PHYTOCHEMICAL SOCIETY OF EUROPE 2014; 13:671-694. [PMID: 25379034 PMCID: PMC4217314 DOI: 10.1007/s11101-013-9328-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Plants belonging to the genus Veratrum have been used throughout history for their medicinal properties. During the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, phytochemical investigations revealed a host of steroidal alkaloids in Veratrum species, some of which are potent bioactives. This review discusses Veratrum species that grow in North America with a focus on the medicinal history of these plants and the steroidal alkaloids they contain. While significant reviews have been devoted to singularly describing the plant species within the genus Veratrum (botany), the staggering breadth of alkaloids isolated from these and related plants (phytochemistry), and the intricacies of how the various alkaloids act on their biological targets (physiology and biochemistry), this review will straddle the margins of the aforementioned disciplines in an attempt to provide a unified, coherent picture of the Veratrum plants of North America and the medicinal uses of their bioactive steroidal alkaloids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher M. Chandler
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Boise State, University, 1910 University Drive, Boise, ID 83725-1520, USA
| | - Owen M. McDougal
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Boise State, University, 1910 University Drive, Boise, ID 83725-1520, USA
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21
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Yoon C, Park DJ, Schmidt B, Thomas NJ, Lee HJ, Kim TS, Janjigian YY, Cohen DJ, Yoon SS. CD44 expression denotes a subpopulation of gastric cancer cells in which Hedgehog signaling promotes chemotherapy resistance. Clin Cancer Res 2014; 20:3974-88. [PMID: 24947926 PMCID: PMC4135312 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-14-0011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 150] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Gastric cancers may harbor a subset of cells with cancer stem cell (CSC) properties, including chemotherapy resistance, and CD44 is a gastric CSC marker. The Hedgehog (HH) pathway is a key developmental pathway that can be subverted by CSCs during tumorigenesis. Here, we examine the role of HH signaling in CD44(+) gastric cancer cells. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Gastric cancer cell lines, tumor xenografts, and patient tumors were examined. RESULTS Gastric cancer cell lines AGS, MKN-45, and NCI-N87 grown as spheroids or sorted for CD44(+) were found to have upregulation of HH pathway proteins. HH inhibition using Smoothened (Smo) shRNA or vismodegib (VIS) decreased spheroid formation and colony formation. CD44(+) cells, compared with unselected cells, were also resistant to 5-fluorouracil and cisplatin chemotherapy, and this resistance was reversed in vitro and in xenografts with Smo shRNA or VIS. CD44(+) cells also had significantly more migration, invasion, and anchorage-independent growth, and these properties could all be blocked with HH inhibition. Clinical tumor samples from a phase II trial of chemotherapy with or without VIS for advanced gastric cancer were analyzed for CD44 expression. In the chemotherapy alone group, high CD44 expression was associated with decreased survival, whereas in the chemotherapy plus VIS group, high CD44 expression was associated with improved survival. CONCLUSIONS HH signaling maintains CSC phenotypes and malignant transformation phenotypes in CD44(+) gastric cancer cells, and HH inhibition can reverse chemotherapy resistance in CD44(+) cells. Gastric cancer is a heterogeneous disease, and the strategy of combining chemotherapy with HH inhibition may only be effective in tumors with high CD44 levels.
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MESH Headings
- Adenocarcinoma/drug therapy
- Adenocarcinoma/metabolism
- Adenocarcinoma/mortality
- Adenocarcinoma/pathology
- Anilides/administration & dosage
- Animals
- Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/pharmacology
- Apoptosis/drug effects
- Blotting, Western
- Cell Movement/drug effects
- Cell Proliferation/drug effects
- Cisplatin/administration & dosage
- Drug Resistance, Neoplasm
- Female
- Flow Cytometry
- Fluorescent Antibody Technique
- Fluorouracil/administration & dosage
- Hedgehog Proteins/antagonists & inhibitors
- Hedgehog Proteins/metabolism
- Humans
- Hyaluronan Receptors/metabolism
- Leucovorin/administration & dosage
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Mice, Nude
- Neoplastic Stem Cells/drug effects
- Neoplastic Stem Cells/pathology
- Prognosis
- Pyridines/administration & dosage
- RNA, Small Interfering/genetics
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/genetics
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/metabolism
- Signal Transduction/drug effects
- Smoothened Receptor
- Spheroids, Cellular/drug effects
- Stomach Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Stomach Neoplasms/metabolism
- Stomach Neoplasms/mortality
- Stomach Neoplasms/pathology
- Survival Rate
- Tumor Cells, Cultured
- Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Benjamin Schmidt
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; and
| | | | - Hae-June Lee
- Departments of Surgery and Division of Radiation Effects, Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences, Seoul, Korea
| | | | | | - Deirdre J Cohen
- Department of Medicine, New York University Medical Center, New York, New York
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22
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Chatzopoulou M, Antoniou A, Pitsinos EN, Bantzi M, Koulocheri SD, Haroutounian SA, Giannis A. A fast entry to furanoditerpenoid-based Hedgehog signaling inhibitors: identifying essential structural features. Org Lett 2014; 16:3344-7. [PMID: 24895068 DOI: 10.1021/ol501370j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
New, small molecule Hedgehog (Hh) pathway inhibitors, such as the furanoditerpenoid taepeenin D, are of high medicinal importance. To establish key structure-activity relationships (SARs) for this lead, a synthetic sequence has been developed for the expedient preparation of several derivatives and their evaluation as Hh inhibitors exploiting its structural similarity to abietic acid. While C(14) substitution is not essential for biological activity, the presence of a hydrogen bond acceptor at C(6) and an intact benzofuran moiety are.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Chatzopoulou
- NCSR "Demokritos", P.O. Box 60228, GR-153 10 Ag. Paraskevi, Athens, Greece
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23
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Shahi MH, Holt R, Rebhun RB. Blocking signaling at the level of GLI regulates downstream gene expression and inhibits proliferation of canine osteosarcoma cells. PLoS One 2014; 9:e96593. [PMID: 24810746 PMCID: PMC4014515 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0096593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2013] [Accepted: 04/09/2014] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The Hedgehog-GLI signaling pathway is active in a variety of human malignancies and is known to contribute to the growth and survival of human osteosarcoma cells. In this study, we examined the expression and regulation of GLI transcription factors in multiple canine osteosarcoma cell lines and analyzed the effects of inhibiting GLI with GANT61, a GLI-specific inhibitor. Compared with normal canine osteoblasts, real-time PCR showed that GLI1 and GLI2 were highly expressed in two out of three cell lines and correlated with downstream target gene expression of PTCH1and PAX6. Treatment of canine osteosarcoma cells with GANT61 resulted in decreased expression of GLI1, GLI2, PTCH1, and PAX6. Furthermore, GANT61 inhibited proliferation and colony formation in all three canine osteosarcoma cell lines. The finding that GLI signaling activity is present and active in canine osteosarcoma cells suggests that spontaneously arising osteosarcoma in dogs might serve as a good model for future preclinical testing of GLI inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Hayat Shahi
- The Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, University of California Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Roseline Holt
- The Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, University of California Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Robert B. Rebhun
- The Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, University of California Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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24
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Lu W, Geng D, Sun Z, Yang Z, Ma H, Zheng J, Zhang X. Scaffold hopping approach to a new series of smoothened antagonists. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2014; 24:2300-4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2014.03.079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2013] [Revised: 03/13/2014] [Accepted: 03/25/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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25
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Zhang L, Chen FY, Xu SF, Ye YP, Li XY. Steroidal Aglycones from Stems of Marsdenia tenacissima that Inhibited the Hedgehog Signaling Pathway. Nat Prod Commun 2014. [DOI: 10.1177/1934578x1400900204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Two novel steroidal aglycones, together with four known ones, were isolated from the hydrolysis extract of the CHCl3 soluble extract of the stems of Marsdenia tenacissima. Their structures were determined on the basis of chemical evidence and extensive spectroscopic methods, including 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy. These compounds displayed inhibition of the Hedgehog signaling pathway in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Zhang
- Institute of Materia Medica, Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Hangzhou, 310013, P.R. China
| | - Feng-yang Chen
- Institute of Materia Medica, Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Hangzhou, 310013, P.R. China
| | - Shi-fang Xu
- Institute of Materia Medica, Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Hangzhou, 310013, P.R. China
| | - Yi-ping Ye
- Institute of Materia Medica, Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Hangzhou, 310013, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-yu Li
- Institute of Materia Medica, Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Hangzhou, 310013, P.R. China
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26
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Manetti F, Taddei M, Petricci E. Structure–Activity Relationships and Mechanism of Action of Small Molecule Smoothened Modulators Discovered by High-Throughput Screening and Rational Design. TOPICS IN MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/7355_2014_61] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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27
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Hu B, Cai J, Chen J, Cao M, Wang P, Zong X, Zhang R, Ji M. An Efficient Synthesis of Erismodegib. JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL RESEARCH 2014. [DOI: 10.3184/174751914x13860924330499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
A highly efficient synthesis of Erismodegib (LDE225) is described. The chlorine of 2-chloro-5-nitropyridine was displaced by 2,6-dimethylmorpholine and the nitro group reduced to give 3-amino-6-(2’,6'-dimethylmorpholino)pyridine. The Suzuki coupling of methyl 3-bromo-2-methylbenzoate with 4-trifluoromethoxy phenylboronic acid gave methyl-4'-(trifluormethoxy) biphenyl-3-carboxylate. These two fragments were coupled through amide bond formation to give Erismodegib. This synthesis procedure which proceeded in high yield did not require special conditions and is suitable for industrial production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Hu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Institute of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210096, P.R. China
| | - Jin Cai
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Institute of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210096, P.R. China
| | - Junqing Chen
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Institute of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210096, P.R. China
| | - Meng Cao
- School of Biological Science & Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, P.R. China
| | - Peng Wang
- School of Biological Science & Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, P.R. China
| | - Xi Zong
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Institute of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210096, P.R. China
| | - Rui Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Institute of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210096, P.R. China
| | - Min Ji
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Institute of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210096, P.R. China
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28
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Proctor AE, Thompson LA, O'Bryant CL. Vismodegib: an inhibitor of the Hedgehog signaling pathway in the treatment of basal cell carcinoma. Ann Pharmacother 2013; 48:99-106. [PMID: 24259609 DOI: 10.1177/1060028013506696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To review vismodegib, the first Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway inhibitor, in the treatment of advanced basal cell carcinoma (BCC). DATA SOURCES MEDLINE and PubMed were searched using the terms vismodegib, GDC-0449, RG3616, and basal cell carcinoma for relevant clinical trials through September 2013. The FDA Web site, the National Clinical Trials registry, and abstracts from the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) were also evaluated to identify unpublished data and future clinical trials. STUDY SELECTION/DATA EXTRACTION All identified clinical and preclinical studies published in the English language were assessed, including selected references from the bibliographies of articles. DATA SYNTHESIS Activation of the Hh signaling pathway is well documented in BCC. Vismodegib is a small-molecule inhibitor of Hh signaling that acts by antagonizing the protein Smoothened (SMO), thereby preventing downstream transcriptional activation of genes involved in cell proliferation and survival. Vismodegib was approved by the FDA in January 2012 for the treatment of recurrent, locally advanced BCC (laBCC), or metastatic BCC (mBCC) for which surgery or radiation cannot be utilized. A pivotal phase 2 trial evaluating 104 patients demonstrated that treatment with vismodegib, 150 mg orally once daily, resulted in a 30% and 43% objective response rate in patients with mBCC and laBCC, respectively. The most common adverse effects from vismodegib were mild to moderate and included muscle spasms, dysgeusia, decreased weight, fatigue, alopecia, and diarrhea. However, clinical studies noted a high incidence of discontinuation of therapy by patients for reasons other than disease progression. CONCLUSIONS The approval of vismodegib represents the only targeted, prospectively studied treatment option for patients with advanced BCC. Further research assessing the utility of vismodegib in the treatment of other malignancies and the development of resistance patterns will more clearly define the role of Hedgehog inhibition in the broader scheme of oncological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber E Proctor
- University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Aurora, CO, USA
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29
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Merchant JL, Saqui-Salces M. Inhibition of Hedgehog signaling in the gastrointestinal tract: targeting the cancer microenvironment. Cancer Treat Rev 2013; 40:12-21. [PMID: 24007940 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2013.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2013] [Revised: 08/02/2013] [Accepted: 08/06/2013] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
This review summarizes emerging information regarding the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway during neoplastic transformation in the gastrointestinal tract. Although there is a role for the well-established canonical pathway in which Hedgehog ligands interact with their receptor Patched, there is sufficient evidence that downstream components of the Hh pathway, e.g., Gli1, are hijacked by non-Hh signaling pathways to promote the conversion of the epithelium to dysplasia and carcinoma. We review the canonical pathway and involvement of primary cilia, and then focus on current evidence for Hh signaling in luminal bowel cancers as well as accessory organs, i.e., liver, pancreas and biliary ducts. We conclude that targeting the Hh pathway with small molecules, nutriceuticals and other mechanisms will likely require a combination of inhibitors that target Gli transcription factors in addition to canonical modulators such as Smoothened.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juanita L Merchant
- Departments of Internal Medicine and Molecular and Integrative Physiology, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Michigan, United States.
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30
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Ibuki N, Ghaffari M, Pandey M, Iu I, Fazli L, Kashiwagi M, Tojo H, Nakanishi O, Gleave ME, Cox ME. TAK-441, a novel investigational smoothened antagonist, delays castration-resistant progression in prostate cancer by disrupting paracrine hedgehog signaling. Int J Cancer 2013; 133:1955-66. [PMID: 23564295 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.28193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2013] [Accepted: 03/20/2013] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Hedgehog (Hh) signaling is a highly conserved intercellular and intracellular communication mechanism that governs organogenesis and is dysregulated in cancers of numerous tissues, including prostate. Up-regulated expression of the Hh ligands, Sonic (Shh) and Desert (Dhh), has been reported in androgen-deprived and castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). In a cohort of therapy naive, short- and long-term neoadjuvant hormone therapy-treated (NHT), and CRPC specimens, we observed elevated Dhh expression predominantly in long-term NHT specimens and elevated Shh expression predominantly in CRPC specimens. Together with previously demonstrated reciprocal signaling between Shh-producing prostate cancer (PCa) cells and urogenital mesenchymal fibroblasts, these results suggest that castration-induced Hh expression promotes CRPC progression through reciprocal paracrine signaling within the tumor microenvironment. We tested whether the orally available Smoothened (Smo) antagonist, TAK-441, could impair castration-resistant progression of LNCaP PCa xenografts by disrupting paracrine Hh signaling. Although TAK-441 or cyclopamine did not affect androgen withdrawal-induced Shh up-regulation or viability of LNCaP cells, castration-resistant progression of LNCaP xenografts was significantly delayed in animals treated with TAK-441. In TAK-441-treated xenografts, expression of murine orthologs of the Hh-activated genes, Gli1, Gli2 and Ptch1, was substantially suppressed, while expression of the corresponding human orthologs was unaffected. As androgen-deprived LNCaP cells up-regulate Shh expression, but are not sensitive to Smo antagonists, these studies indicate that TAK-441 leads to delayed castration-resistant progression of LNCaP xenografts by disrupting paracrine Hh signaling with the tumor stroma. Thus, paracrine Hh signaling may offer unique opportunities for prognostic biomarker development, drug targeting and therapeutic response monitoring of PCa progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naokazu Ibuki
- The Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Targeted therapy for advanced Basal-cell carcinoma: vismodegib and beyond. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb) 2013; 3:17-31. [PMID: 23888252 PMCID: PMC3680638 DOI: 10.1007/s13555-013-0019-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2012] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Basal-cell carcinoma is a commonly occurring skin malignancy that has the potential to progress into locally invasive or resistant disease, as well as spread distantly. Due to advances in the molecular understanding of the disease over the last two decades, it has been discovered that the Hedgehog pathway plays an important role in the pathogenesis of this disease and can be exploited as a treatment target. Several agents that inhibit the Hedgehog pathway have reached clinical studies and one drug, vismodegib, has recently been US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved based on clinical activity and tolerability in patients with advanced basal-cell carcinoma. This review will describe the clinical development of vismodegib, as well as the proper application of the drug in clinical practice. Other important clinical questions, such as mechanisms of resistance to vismodegib and the role of other Hedgehog pathway inhibitors currently in development will also be discussed.
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