Design, synthesis and preliminary biological evaluation of acridine compounds as potential agents for a combined targeted chemo-radionuclide therapy approach to melanoma

Acid-promoted synthesis and photophysical properties of substituted acridine derivatives

A simple and efficient synthetic protocol for the preparation of acridinium esters and amides through the cyclization and esterification or amidation of isatins with alcohols or amines as nucleophiles in the presence of CF3SO3H is established. A series of polycyclic acridine derivatives bearing large π-conjugated systems were obtained in high yields, including some key intermediates for the synthesis of biologically active molecules. The photophysical properties of these synthesized acridines were investigated, demonstrating that the sulfur heterocyclic acridine 9w was obtained in a high quantum yield.

Hantzsch-like synthesis of novel bis(hexahydroacridine-1,8-diones), bis(tetrahydrodipyrazolo[3,4-b:4′,3′-e]pyridines), and bis(pyrimido[4,5-b]quinolines) incorporating thieno[2,3-b]thiophenes

A novel series of bis(hexahydroacridine-1,8-diones), bis(tetrahydrodipyrazolo[3,4- b:4′,3′- e]pyridines), and bis(pyrimido[4,5- b]quinolines) incorporating a thieno[2,3- b]thiophene core via ether or ester linkages is prepared via a Hantzsch-like reaction.

Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Novel Carbazole Hybrids as Promising Antimicrobial Agents

Two series of carbazole analogs of 8-methoxy-N-substituted-9H-carbazole-3-carboxamides (series 1) and carbazolyl substituted rhodanines (series 2) were synthesized through facile synthetic routes. All the final compounds from these two series were evaluated for their preliminary in vitro antifungal and antibacterial activity against four fungal (Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans, Cryptococcus tropicalis and Aspergillus niger) and four bacterial (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) strains, respectively. Among the tested compounds, three compounds of series 1 displayed promising antifungal and antibacterial activity, especially against C. neoformans and S. aureus. In addition, one compound of series 1 displayed notable antimicrobial activity (MIC: 6.25 μg/mL) against clinical isolates of C. albicans and C. neoformans (MIC: 12.5 μg/mL). From the second series, four compounds exhibited significant antifungal and antibacterial activity, especially against C. neoformans and S. aureus. The most active compound of series 2 displayed a prominent antimicrobial activity against C. neoformans (MIC: 3.125 μg/mL) and S. aureus (MIC: 1.56 μg/mL), respectively.

Auger electrons for cancer therapy - a review

Background

Auger electrons (AEs) are very low energy electrons that are emitted by radionuclides that decay by electron capture (e.g. ¹¹¹In, ⁶⁷Ga, ^99mTc, ^195mPt, ¹²⁵I and ¹²³I). This energy is deposited over nanometre-micrometre distances, resulting in high linear energy transfer (LET) that is potent for causing lethal damage in cancer cells. Thus, AE-emitting radiotherapeutic agents have great potential for treatment of cancer. In this review, we describe the radiobiological properties of AEs, their radiation dosimetry, radiolabelling methods, and preclinical and clinical studies that have been performed to investigate AEs for cancer treatment.

Results

AEs are most lethal to cancer cells when emitted near the cell nucleus and especially when incorporated into DNA (e.g. ¹²⁵I-IUdR). AEs cause DNA damage both directly and indirectly via water radiolysis. AEs can also kill targeted cancer cells by damaging the cell membrane, and kill non-targeted cells through a cross-dose or bystander effect. The radiation dosimetry of AEs considers both organ doses and cellular doses. The Medical Internal Radiation Dose (MIRD) schema may be applied. Radiolabelling methods for complexing AE-emitters to biomolecules (antibodies and peptides) and nanoparticles include radioiodination (¹²⁵I and ¹²³I) or radiometal chelation (¹¹¹In, ⁶⁷Ga, ^99mTc). Cancer cells exposed in vitro to AE-emitting radiotherapeutic agents exhibit decreased clonogenic survival correlated at least in part with unrepaired DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) detected by immunofluorescence for γH2AX, and chromosomal aberrations. Preclinical studies of AE-emitting radiotherapeutic agents have shown strong tumour growth inhibition in vivo in tumour xenograft mouse models. Minimal normal tissue toxicity was found due to the restricted toxicity of AEs mostly on tumour cells targeted by the radiotherapeutic agents. Clinical studies of AEs for cancer treatment have been limited but some encouraging results were obtained in early studies using ¹¹¹In-DTPA-octreotide and ¹²⁵I-IUdR, in which tumour remissions were achieved in several patients at administered amounts that caused low normal tissue toxicity, as well as promising improvements in the survival of glioblastoma patients with ¹²⁵I-mAb 425, with minimal normal tissue toxicity.

Conclusions

Proof-of-principle for AE radiotherapy of cancer has been shown preclinically, and clinically in a limited number of studies. The recent introduction of many biologically-targeted therapies for cancer creates new opportunities to design novel AE-emitting agents for cancer treatment. Pierre Auger did not conceive of the application of AEs for targeted cancer treatment, but this is a tremendously exciting future that we and many other scientists in this field envision.

C–H functionalization of azines. Anodic dehydroaromatization of 9-(hetero)aryl-9,10-dihydroacridines

A simple and efficient electrochemical method for the oxidative conversion of dihydroacridines into the corresponding 9-(hetero)aryl-N-methylacridinium salts has been developed. Current–voltage characteristics of dihydroacridines are given.

Melanoma-targeted delivery system (part 1): design, synthesis and evaluation of releasable disulfide drug by glutathione

Here we describe the design and synthesis of a prodrug developed for pigmented melanoma therapy, consisting of a Melanin-Targeting Probe (MTP) conjugated to 5-iodo-2'-deoxyuridine (IUdR) with a reduction-sensitive pre-determined breaking point. Compared with the non-cleavable conjugate (17b), prodrug (17a) bearing a self-immolative disulfide linker achieved complete release of IUdR within 20 min in the presence of reducing agents such as DTT or glutathione. Analytical results also showed that prodrug (17a) was more sensitive than parent non-cleavable conjugate (17b) for a concentration range of glutathione similar to that found in the intracellular compartment of tumours.

Fe3O4@silica Sulfonic Acid Nanocomposite as a Magnetically Separable Catalyst for the Synthesis of 2-Arylpyrrolo[2,3,4-kl]Acridin-1(2H)-Ones

The synthesis of a series of 2-arylpyrrolo[2,3,4-kl]acridin-1(2H)-ones, three of which are novel, though a one-pot three-component reaction of dimedone, various anilines, and isatin has been achieved in the presence of magnetite nanoparticles supported silica-sulfonic acid as catalyst under solvent-free conditions at 80 °C. The procedure avoids hazardous reagents/solvents and is more eco-friendly than existing methods. Fe3O4@silica-sulfonic acid is shown to be a highly efficient catalyst, and could be readily recovered using a simple external magnet and reused several times without any significant loss in activity. The catalyst was fully characterised by FTIR, SEM, XRD, EDX and VSM.

Simultaneous sonication assistance for the synthesis of pyrroloacridinones and its efficient catalyst HBF4 supported on uniform spherical silica nanoparticles

Fluoroboric acid (HBF4) adsorbed on mesoporous silica nanoparticles of 600nm dimension was synthesized and characterized by N2 adsorption, HRTEM, EDX, XPS. The applicability of silica-HBF4 was probed through the sonication assisted synthesis of pyrroloacridinones in ecofriendly solvent ethanol. Standard leaching experiment was performed to show that the reaction was heterogeneous with this recyclable catalyst.

Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of New Quinoxaline Derivatives of ICF01012 as Melanoma-Targeting Probes

The aim of this study was the synthesis and pharmacokinetic selection of a best melanin-targeting ligand for addressing anticancer agents to pigmented melanoma. Seven quinoxaline carboxamide derivatives were synthesized and radiolabeled with iodine-125. Biodistribution studies of compounds [ (125) I]1a-g performed in melanoma-bearing mice tumor showed significant tumor uptake (range 2.43-5.68%ID/g) within 1 h after i.v. injection. Fast clearance of the radioactivity from the nontarget organs mainly via the urinary system gave high tumor-to-blood and tumor-to-muscle ratios. Given its favorable clearance and high tumor-melanoma uptake at 72 h, amide 1d was the most promising melanoma-targeting ligand in this series. Compound 1d will be used as building block for the design of new melanoma-selective drug delivery systems.

Evaluation of two (125)I-radiolabeled acridine derivatives for Auger-electron radionuclide therapy of melanoma

We previously selected two melanin-targeting radioligands [(125)I]ICF01035 and [(125)I]ICF01040 for melanoma-targeted (125)I radionuclide therapy according to their pharmacological profile in mice bearing B16F0 tumors. Here we demonstrate in vitro that these compounds present different radiotoxicities in relation to melanin and acidic vesicle contents in B16F0, B16F0 PTU and A375 cell lines. ICF01035 is effectively observed in nuclei of achromic (A375) melanoma or in melanosomes of melanized melanoma (B16F0), while ICF01040 stays in cytoplasmic vesicles in both cells. [(125)I]ICF01035 induced a similar survival fraction (A50) in all cell lines and led to a significant decrease in S-phase cells in amelanotic cell lines. [(125)I]ICF01040 induced a higher A50 in B16 cell lines compared to [(125)I]ICF01035 ones. [(125)I]ICF01040 induced a G2/M blockade in both A375 and B16F0 PTU, associated with its presence in cytoplasmic acidic vesicles. These results suggest that the radiotoxicity of [(125)I]ICF01035 and [(125)I]ICF01040 are not exclusively reliant on DNA alterations compatible with γ rays but likely result from local dose deposition (Auger electrons) leading to toxic compound leaks from acidic vesicles. In vivo, [(125)I]ICF01035 significantly reduced the number of B16F0 lung colonies, enabling a significant increase in survival of the treated mice. Targeting melanosomes or acidic vesicles is thus an option for future melanoma therapy.

Development of gadolinium based nanoparticles having an affinity towards melanin

Small Rigid Platforms (SRPs) are sub-5 nanometre gadolinium based nanoparticles that have been developed for multimodal imaging and theranostic applications. They are composed of a polysiloxane network surrounded by gadolinium chelates. A covalent coupling with quinoxaline derivatives has been performed. Such derivatives have proven their affinity for melanin frequently expressed in primary melanoma cases. Three different quinoxaline derivatives have been synthesised and coupled to the nanoparticles. The affinity of the grafted nanoparticles for melanin has then been shown in vitro by surface plasmon resonance on a homemade melanin grafted gold chip.

Microwave-assisted improved synthesis of pyrrolo[2,3,4-kl]acridine and dihydropyrrolo[2,3,4-kl]acridine derivatives catalyzed by silica sulfuric acid

An improved synthesis of multifunctionalized pyrrolo[2,3,4-kl]acridine derivatives with different substituted patterns using silica sulfuric acid (SSA) as a heterogeneous catalyst under microwave irradiation conditions was developed. The reaction could be conducted by using readily available and inexpensive substrates within short periods of 12–15 min. under microwave irradiation. Compared with the conventional methods, the remarkable advantages of this method are milder reaction conditions, operational simplicity, higher yields, short reaction times, and an environmentally friendly procedure.

Synthesis and Radiosynthesis of a Novel PET Fluorobenzyl Piperazine for Melanoma Tumour Imaging; [18F]MEL054

2-{2-[4-(4-[18F]-Fluorobenzyl)piperazin-1-yl]-2-oxoethyl}isoindolin-1-one ([18F]MEL054), is a new potent indolinone-based melanin binder designed to target melanotic tumours. [18F]MEL054 was prepared by an automated two-step radiosynthesis, comprising of the preparation of 4-[18F]fluorobenzaldehyde from 4-formyl-N,N,N-trimethylanilinium triflate, followed by reductive alkylation with 2-(2-oxo-2-piperazin-1-ylethyl)isoindolin-1-one. 4-[18F]Fluorobenzaldehyde was prepared on a GE TRACERlab FXFN module in 68 ± 8 % radiochemical yield (RCY, non-decay corrected), purified by a Sep-Pak Plus C18 cartridge and eluted into the reactor of an in-house modified Nuclear Interface [18F]FDG synthesis module for the subsequent reductive alkylation reaction. HPLC purification produced [18F]MEL054 in a collected RCY of 34 ± 9 % (non-decay corrected), the total preparation time (including Sep-Pak Plus C18 and HPLC purification) did not exceed 105 min. The radiochemical purity of [18F]MEL054 was greater than 99 % with a specific radioactivity of 71–119 GBq μmol–1 and [18F]MEL054 remained stable in saline solution (>98 %) after 3 h.

Single photon emission computed tomography/positron emission tomography imaging and targeted radionuclide therapy of melanoma: new multimodal fluorinated and iodinated radiotracers

This study reports a series of 14 new iodinated and fluorinated compounds offering both early imaging ((123)I, (124)I, (18)F) and systemic treatment ((131)I) of melanoma potentialities. The biodistribution of each (125)I-labeled tracer was evaluated in a model of melanoma B16F0-bearing mice, using in vivo serial γ scintigraphic imaging. Among this series, [(125)I]56 emerged as the most promising compound in terms of specific tumoral uptake and in vivo kinetic profile. To validate our multimodality concept, the radiosynthesis of [(18)F]56 was then optimized and this radiotracer has been successfully investigated for in vivo PET imaging of melanoma in B16F0- and B16F10-bearing mouse model. The therapeutic efficacy of [(131)I]56 was then evaluated in mice bearing subcutaneous B16F0 melanoma, and a significant slow down in tumoral growth was demonstrated. These data support further development of 56 for PET imaging ((18)F, (124)I) and targeted radionuclide therapy ((131)I) of melanoma using a single chemical structure.

Evaluation of new iodinated acridine derivatives for targeted radionuclide therapy of melanoma using 125I, an Auger electron emitter

The increasing incidence of melanoma and the lack of effective therapy on the disseminated form have led to an urgent need for new specific therapies. Several iodobenzamides or analogs are known to possess specific affinity for melanoma tissue. New heteroaromatic derivatives have been designed with a cytotoxic moiety and termed DNA intercalating agents. These compounds could be applied in targeted radionuclide therapy using (125)I, which emits Auger electrons and gives high-energy, localized irradiation. Two iodinated acridine derivatives have been reported to present an in vivo kinetic profile conducive to application in targeted radionuclide therapy. The aim of the present study was to perform a preclinical evaluation of these compounds. The DNA intercalating property was confirmed for both compounds. After radiolabeling with (125)I, the two compounds induced in vitro a significant radiotoxicity to B16F0 melanoma cells. Nevertheless, the acridine compound appeared more radiotoxic than the acridone compound. While cellular uptake was similar for both compounds, SIMS analysis and in vitro protocol showed a stronger affinity for melanin with acridone derivative, which was able to induce a predominant scavenging process in the melanosome and restrict access to the nucleus. In conclusion, the acridine derivative with a higher nuclear localization appeared a better candidate for application in targeted radionuclide therapy using (125)I.

Preclinical evaluation of an 131I-labeled benzamide for targeted radiotherapy of metastatic melanoma

Radiolabeled benzamides are attractive candidates for targeted radiotherapy of metastatic melanoma as they bind melanin and exhibit high tumor uptake and retention. One such benzamide, N-(2-diethylamino-ethyl)-4-(4-fluoro-benzamido)-5-iodo-2-methoxy-benzamide (MIP-1145), was evaluated for its ability to distinguish melanin-expressing from amelanotic human melanoma cells, and to specifically localize to melanin-containing tumor xenografts. The binding of [(131)I]MIP-1145 to melanoma cells in vitro was melanin dependent, increased over time, and insensitive to mild acid treatment, indicating that it was retained within cells. Cold carrier MIP-1145 did not reduce the binding, consistent with the high capacity of melanin binding of benzamides. In human melanoma xenografts, [(131)I]MIP-1145 exhibited diffuse tissue distribution and washout from all tissues except melanin-expressing tumors. Tumor uptake of 8.82% injected dose per gram (ID/g) was seen at 4 hours postinjection and remained at 5.91% ID/g at 24 hours, with tumor/blood ratios of 25.2 and 197, respectively. Single photon emission computed tomography imaging was consistent with tissue distribution results. The administration of [(131)I]MIP-1145 at 25 MBq or 2.5 GBq/m(2) in single or multiple doses significantly reduced SK-MEL-3 tumor growth, with multiple doses resulting in tumor regression and a durable response for over 125 days. To estimate human dosimetry, gamma camera imaging and pharmacokinetic analysis was performed in cynomolgus monkeys. The melanin-specific binding of [(131)I]MIP-1145 combined with prolonged tumor retention, the ability to significantly inhibit tumor growth, and acceptable projected human dosimetry suggest that it may be effective as a radiotherapeutic pharmaceutical for treating patients with metastatic malignant melanoma.

Melanin-targeted preclinical PET imaging of melanoma metastasis

Dialkylamino-alkyl-benzamides possess an affinity for melanin, suggesting that labeling of such benzamides with (18)F could potentially produce melanin-targeted PET probes able to identify melanotic melanoma metastases in vivo with high sensitivity and specificity.

METHODS

In this study, N-[2-(diethylamino)ethyl]-4-(18)F-fluorobenzamide ((18)F-FBZA) was synthesized via a 1-step conjugation reaction. The sigma-receptor binding affinity of (19)F-FBZA was determined along with the in vitro cellular uptake of radiofluorinated (18)F-FBZA in B16F10 cells. In vivo distribution and small-animal PET studies were conducted on mice bearing B16F10 melanoma, A375M amelanotic melanoma, and U87MG tumors, and comparative studies were performed with (18)F-FDG PET in the melanoma models.

RESULTS

In vitro, uptake of (18)F-FBZA was significantly higher in B16F10 cells treated with l-tyrosine (P < 0.001). In vivo, (18)F-FBZA displayed significant tumor uptake; at 2 h, 5.94 +/- 1.83 percentage injected dose (%ID) per gram was observed in B16F10 tumors and only 0.75 +/- 0.09 %ID/g and 0.56 +/- 0.13 %ID/g was observed in amelanotic A375M and U87MG tumors, respectively. Lung uptake was significantly higher in murine lungs bearing melanotic B16F10 pulmonary metastases than in normal murine lungs (P < 0.01). Small-animal PET clearly identified melanotic lesions in both primary and pulmonary metastasis B16F10 tumor models. Coregistered micro-CT with small-animal PET along with biopsies further confirmed the presence of tumor lesions in the mouse lungs.

CONCLUSION

(18)F-FBZA specifically targets primary and metastatic melanotic melanoma lesions with high tumor uptake and may have translational potential.