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Rossino G, Marra A, Listro R, Peviani M, Poggio E, Curti D, Pellavio G, Laforenza U, Dondio G, Schepmann D, Wünsch B, Bedeschi M, Marino N, Tesei A, Ha HJ, Kim YH, Ann J, Lee J, Linciano P, Di Giacomo M, Rossi D, Collina S. Discovery of RC-752, a Novel Sigma-1 Receptor Antagonist with Antinociceptive Activity: A Promising Tool for Fighting Neuropathic Pain. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:962. [PMID: 37513874 PMCID: PMC10386076 DOI: 10.3390/ph16070962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain (NP) is a chronic condition resulting from damaged pain-signaling pathways. It is a debilitating disorder that affects up to 10% of the world's population. Although opioid analgesics are effective in reducing pain, they present severe risks; so, there is a pressing need for non-opioid pain-relieving drugs. One potential alternative is represented by sigma-1 receptor (S1R) antagonists due to their promising analgesic effects. Here, we report the synthesis and biological evaluation of a series of S1R antagonists based on a 2-aryl-4-aminobutanol scaffold. After assessing affinity toward the S1R and selectivity over the sigma-2 receptor (S2R), we evaluated the agonist/antagonist profile of the compounds by investigating their effects on nerve growth factor-induced neurite outgrowth and aquaporin-mediated water permeability in the presence and absence of oxidative stress. (R/S)-RC-752 emerged as the most interesting compound for S1R affinity (Ki S1R = 6.2 ± 0.9) and functional antagonist activity. Furthermore, it showed no cytotoxic effect in two normal human cell lines or in an in vivo zebrafish model and was stable after incubation in mouse plasma. (R/S)-RC-752 was then evaluated in two animal models of NP: the formalin test and the spinal nerve ligation model. The results clearly demonstrated that compound (R/S)-RC-752 effectively alleviated pain in both animal models, thus providing the proof of concept of its efficacy as an antinociceptive agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Rossino
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Annamaria Marra
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Roberta Listro
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Marco Peviani
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "L. Spallanzani", University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Elena Poggio
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "L. Spallanzani", University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Daniela Curti
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "L. Spallanzani", University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Giorgia Pellavio
- Human Physiology Unit, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Umberto Laforenza
- Human Physiology Unit, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Giulio Dondio
- Aphad SrL, Via della Resistenza, 65, 20090 Buccinasco, Italy
| | - Dirk Schepmann
- Institut für Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Corrensstraße 48, D-48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Bernhard Wünsch
- Institut für Pharmazeutische und Medizinische Chemie, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Corrensstraße 48, D-48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Martina Bedeschi
- BioScience Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) "Dino Amadori", 47014 Meldola, Italy
| | - Noemi Marino
- BioScience Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) "Dino Amadori", 47014 Meldola, Italy
| | - Anna Tesei
- BioScience Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) "Dino Amadori", 47014 Meldola, Italy
| | - Hee-Jin Ha
- Medifron DBT, Seoul 08502, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Jihyae Ann
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
- JMackem Co. Ltd., Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeewoo Lee
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
- JMackem Co. Ltd., Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Pasquale Linciano
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Daniela Rossi
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Simona Collina
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
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Fallica AN, Ciaffaglione V, Modica MN, Pittalà V, Salerno L, Amata E, Marrazzo A, Romeo G, Intagliata S. Structure-activity relationships of mixed σ1R/σ2R ligands with antiproliferative and anticancer effects. Bioorg Med Chem 2022; 73:117032. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2022.117032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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In Vitro Confirmation of Siramesine as a Novel Antifungal Agent with In Silico Lead Proposals of Structurally Related Antifungals. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26123504. [PMID: 34201401 PMCID: PMC8230181 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26123504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The limited number of medicinal products available to treat of fungal infections makes control of fungal pathogens problematic, especially since the number of fungal resistance incidents increases. Given the high costs and slow development of new antifungal treatment options, repurposing of already known compounds is one of the proposed strategies. The objective of this study was to perform in vitro experimental tests of already identified lead compounds in our previous in silico drug repurposing study, which had been conducted on the known Drugbank database using a seven-step procedure which includes machine learning and molecular docking. This study identifies siramesine as a novel antifungal agent. This novel indication was confirmed through in vitro testing using several yeast species and one mold. The results showed susceptibility of Candida species to siramesine with MIC at concentration 12.5 µg/mL, whereas other candidates had no antifungal activity. Siramesine was also effective against in vitro biofilm formation and already formed biofilm was reduced following 24 h treatment with a MBEC range of 50-62.5 µg/mL. Siramesine is involved in modulation of ergosterol biosynthesis in vitro, which indicates it is a potential target for its antifungal activity. This implicates the possibility of siramesine repurposing, especially since there are already published data about nontoxicity. Following our in vitro results, we provide additional in depth in silico analysis of siramesine and compounds structurally similar to siramesine, providing an extended lead set for further preclinical and clinical investigation, which is needed to clearly define molecular targets and to elucidate its in vivo effectiveness as well.
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Ye N, Qin W, Tian S, Xu Q, Wold EA, Zhou J, Zhen XC. Small Molecules Selectively Targeting Sigma-1 Receptor for the Treatment of Neurological Diseases. J Med Chem 2020; 63:15187-15217. [PMID: 33111525 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The sigma-1 (σ1) receptor, an enigmatic protein originally classified as an opioid receptor subtype, is now understood to possess unique structural and functional features of its own and play critical roles to widely impact signaling transduction by interacting with receptors, ion channels, lipids, and kinases. The σ1 receptor is implicated in modulating learning, memory, emotion, sensory systems, neuronal development, and cognition and accordingly is now an actively pursued drug target for various neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. Evaluation of the five selective σ1 receptor drug candidates (pridopidine, ANAVEX2-73, SA4503, S1RA, and T-817MA) that have entered clinical trials has shown that reaching clinical approval remains an evasive and important goal. This review provides up-to-date information on the selective targeting of σ1 receptors, including their history, function, reported crystal structures, and roles in neurological diseases, as well as a useful collation of new chemical entities as σ1 selective orthosteric ligands or allosteric modulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Ye
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China
| | - Wangzhi Qin
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China
| | - Sheng Tian
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China
| | - Qingfeng Xu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China
| | - Eric A Wold
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, and Center for Addiction Research, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - Jia Zhou
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, and Center for Addiction Research, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - Xue-Chu Zhen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China
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Cortesi M, Zamagni A, Pignatta S, Zanoni M, Arienti C, Rossi D, Collina S, Tesei A. Pan-Sigma Receptor Modulator RC-106 Induces Terminal Unfolded Protein Response In In Vitro Pancreatic Cancer Model. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21239012. [PMID: 33260926 PMCID: PMC7734580 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21239012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) remains one of the most lethal cancers worldwide. Sigma receptors (SRs) have been proposed as cancer therapeutic targets. Their main localization suggests they play a potential role in ER stress and in the triggering of the unfolded protein response (UPR). Here, we investigated the mechanisms of action of RC-106, a novel pan-SR modulator, to characterize therapeutically exploitable role of SRs in tumors. Two PC cell lines were used in all the experiments. Terminal UPR activation was evaluated by quantifying BiP, ATF4 and CHOP by Real-Time qRT-PCR, Western Blot, immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy. Cell death was studied by flow cytometry. Post-transcriptional gene silencing was performed to study the interactions between SRs and UPR key proteins. RC-106 activated ER stress sensors in a dose- and time-dependent manner. It also induced ROS production accordingly with ATF4 upregulation at the same time reducing cell viability of both cell lines tested. Moreover, RC-106 exerted its effect through the induction of the terminal UPR, as shown by the activation of some of the main transducers of this pathway. Post-transcriptional silencing studies confirmed the connection between SRs and these key proteins. Overall, our data highlighted a key role of SRs in the activation of the terminal UPR pathway, thus indicating pan-SR ligands as candidates for targeting the UPR in pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Cortesi
- Biosciences Laboratory, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, 47014 Meldola, Italy; (A.Z.); (S.P.); (M.Z.); (C.A.)
- Correspondence: (M.C.); (A.T.)
| | - Alice Zamagni
- Biosciences Laboratory, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, 47014 Meldola, Italy; (A.Z.); (S.P.); (M.Z.); (C.A.)
| | - Sara Pignatta
- Biosciences Laboratory, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, 47014 Meldola, Italy; (A.Z.); (S.P.); (M.Z.); (C.A.)
| | - Michele Zanoni
- Biosciences Laboratory, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, 47014 Meldola, Italy; (A.Z.); (S.P.); (M.Z.); (C.A.)
| | - Chiara Arienti
- Biosciences Laboratory, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, 47014 Meldola, Italy; (A.Z.); (S.P.); (M.Z.); (C.A.)
| | - Daniela Rossi
- Department of Drug Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Technology Section, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (D.R.); (S.C.)
| | - Simona Collina
- Department of Drug Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Technology Section, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (D.R.); (S.C.)
| | - Anna Tesei
- Biosciences Laboratory, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, 47014 Meldola, Italy; (A.Z.); (S.P.); (M.Z.); (C.A.)
- Correspondence: (M.C.); (A.T.)
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Listro R, Stotani S, Rossino G, Rui M, Malacrida A, Cavaletti G, Cortesi M, Arienti C, Tesei A, Rossi D, Giacomo MD, Miloso M, Collina S. Exploring the RC-106 Chemical Space: Design and Synthesis of Novel ( E)-1-(3-Arylbut-2-en-1-yl)-4-(Substituted) Piperazine Derivatives as Potential Anticancer Agents. Front Chem 2020; 8:495. [PMID: 32695745 PMCID: PMC7338850 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2020.00495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the fact that significant advances in treatment of common cancers have been achieved over the years, orphan tumors still represent an important unmet medical need. Due to their complex multifactorial origin and limited number of cases, such pathologies often have very limited treatment options and poor prognosis. In the search for new anticancer agents, our group recently identified RC-106, a Sigma receptor modulator endowed with proteasome inhibition activity. This compound showed antiproliferative activity toward different cancer cell lines, among them glioblastoma (GB) and multiple myeloma (MM), two currently unmet medical conditions. In this work, we directed our efforts toward the exploration of chemical space around RC-106 to identify new active compounds potentially useful in cancer treatment. Thanks to a combinatorial approach, we prepared 41 derivatives of the compound and evaluated their cytotoxic potential against MM and GB. Three novel potential anticancer agents have been identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Listro
- Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Technology Section, Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Silvia Stotani
- Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Technology Section, Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.,Medicinal Chemistry, Taros Chemicals GmbH and Co. KG, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Giacomo Rossino
- Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Technology Section, Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Marta Rui
- Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Technology Section, Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Alessio Malacrida
- Experimental Neurology Unit, School of Medicine and Surgery & Milan Center for Neuroscience, University of Milan Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Guido Cavaletti
- Experimental Neurology Unit, School of Medicine and Surgery & Milan Center for Neuroscience, University of Milan Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Michela Cortesi
- Biosciences Laboratory, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRCCS), Meldola, Italy
| | - Chiara Arienti
- Biosciences Laboratory, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRCCS), Meldola, Italy
| | - Anna Tesei
- Biosciences Laboratory, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRCCS), Meldola, Italy
| | - Daniela Rossi
- Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Technology Section, Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Marcello Di Giacomo
- Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Technology Section, Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Mariarosaria Miloso
- Experimental Neurology Unit, School of Medicine and Surgery & Milan Center for Neuroscience, University of Milan Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Simona Collina
- Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Technology Section, Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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Velázquez-Libera JL, Rossino G, Navarro-Retamal C, Collina S, Caballero J. Docking, Interaction Fingerprint, and Three-Dimensional Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship (3D-QSAR) of Sigma1 Receptor Ligands, Analogs of the Neuroprotective Agent RC-33. Front Chem 2019; 7:496. [PMID: 31355187 PMCID: PMC6637851 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2019.00496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Accepted: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The human Sigma1 receptor (S1R), which has been identified as a target with an important role in neuropsychological disorders, was first crystallized 3 years ago. Since S1R structure has no relation with another previous crystallized structures, the presence of the new crystal is an important hallmark for the design of agonists and antagonists against this important target. Some years ago, our group identified RC-33, a potent and selective S1R agonist, endowed with neuroprotective properties. In this work, drawing on new structural information, we studied the interactions of RC-33 and its analogs with the S1R binding site by using computational methods such as docking, interaction fingerprints, and receptor-guided alignment three dimensional quantitative structure–activity relationship (3D-QSAR). We found that RC-33 and its analogs adopted similar orientations within S1R binding site, with high similitude with orientations of the crystallized ligands; such information was used for identifying the residues involved in chemical interactions with ligands. Furthermore, the structure-activity relationship of the studied ligands was adequately described considering classical QSAR tests. All relevant aspects of the interactions between the studied compounds and S1R were covered here, through descriptions of orientations, binding interactions, and features that influence differential affinities. In this sense, the present results could be useful in the future design of novel S1R modulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Luis Velázquez-Libera
- Centro de Bioinformática y Simulación Molecular, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad de Talca, Talca, Chile
| | - Giacomo Rossino
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry Section, Drug Sciences Department, Università di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Carlos Navarro-Retamal
- Centro de Bioinformática y Simulación Molecular, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad de Talca, Talca, Chile
| | - Simona Collina
- Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry Section, Drug Sciences Department, Università di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Julio Caballero
- Centro de Bioinformática y Simulación Molecular, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad de Talca, Talca, Chile
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Olson KM, Duron DI, Womer D, Fell R, Streicher JM. Comprehensive molecular pharmacology screening reveals potential new receptor interactions for clinically relevant opioids. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0217371. [PMID: 31170174 PMCID: PMC6553708 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0217371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Most clinically used opioids are thought to induce analgesia through activation of the mu opioid receptor (MOR). However, disparities have been observed between the efficacy of opioids in activating the MOR in vitro and in inducing analgesia in vivo. In addition, some clinically used opioids do not produce cross-tolerance with each other, and desensitization produced in vitro does not match tolerance produced in vivo. These disparities suggest that some opioids could be acting through other targets in vivo, but this has not been comprehensively tested. We thus screened 9 clinically relevant opioids (buprenorphine, hydrocodone, hydromorphone, morphine, O-desmethyl-tramadol, oxycodone, oxymorphone, tapentadol, tramadol) against 9 pain-related receptor targets (MOR, delta opioid receptor [DOR], kappa opioid receptor [KOR], nociceptin receptor [NOP], cannabinoid receptor type 1 [CB1], sigma-1 receptor [σ1R], and the monoamine transporters [NET/SERT/DAT]) expressed in cells using radioligand binding and functional activity assays. We found several novel interactions, including monoamine transporter activation by buprenorphine and σ1R binding by hydrocodone and tapentadol. Tail flick anti-nociception experiments with CD-1 mice demonstrated that the monoamine transporter inhibitor duloxetine selectively promoted buprenorphine anti-nociception while producing no effects by itself or in combination with the most MOR-selective drug oxymorphone, providing evidence that these novel interactions could be relevant in vivo. Our findings provide a comprehensive picture of the receptor interaction profiles of clinically relevant opioids, which has not previously been performed. Our findings also suggest novel receptor interactions for future investigation that could explain some of the disparities observed between opioid performance in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith M. Olson
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States of America
| | - David I. Duron
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States of America
| | - Daniel Womer
- Depomed, Inc., Newark, CA, United States of America
| | - Ryan Fell
- Depomed, Inc., Newark, CA, United States of America
| | - John M. Streicher
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Tesei A, Cortesi M, Pignatta S, Arienti C, Dondio GM, Bigogno C, Malacrida A, Miloso M, Meregalli C, Chiorazzi A, Carozzi V, Cavaletti G, Rui M, Marra A, Rossi D, Collina S. Anti-tumor Efficacy Assessment of the Sigma Receptor Pan Modulator RC-106. A Promising Therapeutic Tool for Pancreatic Cancer. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:490. [PMID: 31156430 PMCID: PMC6530361 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.00490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2019] [Accepted: 04/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the most lethal tumor worldwide, with no prognosis improvement over the past 20-years. The silent progressive nature of this neoplasia hampers the early diagnosis, and the surgical resection of the tumor, thus chemotherapy remains the only available therapeutic option. Sigma receptors (SRs) are a class of receptors proposed as new cancer therapeutic targets due to their over-expression in tumor cells and their involvement in cancer biology. The main localization of these receptors strongly suggests their potential role in ER unfolded protein response (ER-UPR), a condition frequently occurring in several pathological settings, including cancer. Our group has recently identified RC-106, a novel pan-SR modulator with good in vitro antiproliferative activities toward a panel of different cancer cell lines. In the present study, we investigated the in vitro properties and pharmacological profile of RC-106 in PC cell lines with the aim to identify a potential lead candidate for the treatment of this tumor. Methods: Pancreatic cancer cell lines Panc-1, Capan-1, and Capan-2 have been used in all experiments. S1R and TMEM97/S2R expression in PC cell lines was quantified by Real-Time qRT-PCR and Western Blot experiments. MTS assay was used to assess the antiproliferative effect of RC-106. The apoptotic properties of RC-106 was evaluated by TUNEL and caspase activation assays. GRP78/BiP, ATF4, and CHOP was quantified to evaluate ER-UPR. Proteasome activity was investigated by a specific fluorescent-based assay. Scratch wound healing assay was used to asses RC-106 effect on cell migration. In addition, we delineated the in vivo pharmacokinetic profile and pancreas distribution of RC-106 in male CD-1 mice. Results: Panc-1, Capan-1, and Capan-2 express both SRs. RC-106 exerts an antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic effect in all examined cell lines. Cells exposure to RC-106 induces the increase of the expression of ER-UPR related proteins, and the inhibition of proteasome activity. Moreover, RC-106 is able to decrease PC cell lines motility. The in vivo results show that RC-106 is more concentrated in pancreas than plasma. Conclusion: Overall, our data evidenced that the pan-SR modulator RC-106 is an optimal candidate for in vivo studies in animal models of PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Tesei
- Biosciences Laboratory, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRCCS), Meldola, Italy
| | - Michela Cortesi
- Biosciences Laboratory, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRCCS), Meldola, Italy
| | - Sara Pignatta
- Biosciences Laboratory, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRCCS), Meldola, Italy
| | - Chiara Arienti
- Biosciences Laboratory, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRCCS), Meldola, Italy
| | | | | | - Alessio Malacrida
- Experimental Neurology Unit, School of Medicine and Surgery, Milan Center for Neuroscience, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Mariarosaria Miloso
- Experimental Neurology Unit, School of Medicine and Surgery, Milan Center for Neuroscience, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Cristina Meregalli
- Experimental Neurology Unit, School of Medicine and Surgery, Milan Center for Neuroscience, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Alessia Chiorazzi
- Experimental Neurology Unit, School of Medicine and Surgery, Milan Center for Neuroscience, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Valentina Carozzi
- Experimental Neurology Unit, School of Medicine and Surgery, Milan Center for Neuroscience, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Guido Cavaletti
- Experimental Neurology Unit, School of Medicine and Surgery, Milan Center for Neuroscience, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Marta Rui
- Department of Drug Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Technology Section, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Annamaria Marra
- Department of Drug Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Technology Section, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Daniela Rossi
- Department of Drug Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Technology Section, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Simona Collina
- Department of Drug Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Technology Section, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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Yousefi R, Struble TJ, Payne JL, Vishe M, Schley ND, Johnston JN. Catalytic, Enantioselective Synthesis of Cyclic Carbamates from Dialkyl Amines by CO 2-Capture: Discovery, Development, and Mechanism. J Am Chem Soc 2018; 141:618-625. [PMID: 30582326 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.8b11793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Cyclic carbamates are a common feature of small-molecule therapeutics, offering a constrained hydrogen bond acceptor that is both polar and sterically small. Methods for their preparation most often focus first on amino alcohol synthesis and then reaction with phosgene or its equivalent. This report describes an enantioselective synthesis of cyclic carbamates in which carbon dioxide engages an unsaturated basic amine, facilitated by a bifunctional organocatalyst designed to stabilize a carbamic acid intermediate while activating it toward subsequent enantioselective carbon-oxygen bond formation. Six-membered cyclic carbamates are prepared in good yield with high levels of enantioselection, as constrained 1,3-amino alcohols featuring a chiral tertiary alcohol carbon. Spectroscopic analysis (NMR, DOSY) of various substrate-reagent combinations provides insight into the dominant species under the reaction conditions. Two peculiar requirements were identified to achieve highest consistency: a "Goldilocks" amount of water and the use of a noncrystalline form of the ligand. These atypical features of the final protocol notwithstanding, a diverse range of products could be prepared. Their functionalizations illustrate the versatility of the carbamates as precursors to enantioenriched small molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roozbeh Yousefi
- Department of Chemistry and Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology , Vanderbilt University , Nashville , Tennessee 37235 , United States
| | - Thomas J Struble
- Department of Chemistry and Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology , Vanderbilt University , Nashville , Tennessee 37235 , United States
| | - Jenna L Payne
- Department of Chemistry and Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology , Vanderbilt University , Nashville , Tennessee 37235 , United States
| | - Mahesh Vishe
- Department of Chemistry and Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology , Vanderbilt University , Nashville , Tennessee 37235 , United States
| | - Nathan D Schley
- Department of Chemistry and Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology , Vanderbilt University , Nashville , Tennessee 37235 , United States
| | - Jeffrey N Johnston
- Department of Chemistry and Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology , Vanderbilt University , Nashville , Tennessee 37235 , United States
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11
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Tesei A, Cortesi M, Zamagni A, Arienti C, Pignatta S, Zanoni M, Paolillo M, Curti D, Rui M, Rossi D, Collina S. Sigma Receptors as Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress "Gatekeepers" and their Modulators as Emerging New Weapons in the Fight Against Cancer. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:711. [PMID: 30042674 PMCID: PMC6048940 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the interest aroused by sigma receptors (SRs) in the area of oncology, their role in tumor biology remains enigmatic. The predominant subcellular localization and main site of activity of SRs are the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Current literature data, including recent findings on the sigma 2 receptor subtype (S2R) identity, suggest that SRs may play a role as ER stress gatekeepers. Although SR endogenous ligands are still unknown, a wide series of structurally unrelated compounds able to bind SRs have been identified. Currently, the identification of novel antiproliferative molecules acting via SR interaction is a challenging task for both academia and industry, as shown by the fact that novel anticancer drugs targeting SRs are in the preclinical-stage pipeline of pharmaceutical companies (i.e., Anavex Corp. and Accuronix). So far, no clinically available anticancer drugs targeting SRs are still available. The present review focuses literature advancements and provides a state-of-the-art overview of SRs, with emphasis on their involvement in cancer biology and on the role of SR modulators as anticancer agents. Findings from preclinical studies on novel anticancer drugs targeting SRs are presented in brief.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Tesei
- Biosciences Laboratory, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRCCS), Meldola, Italy
| | - Michela Cortesi
- Biosciences Laboratory, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRCCS), Meldola, Italy
| | - Alice Zamagni
- Biosciences Laboratory, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRCCS), Meldola, Italy
| | - Chiara Arienti
- Biosciences Laboratory, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRCCS), Meldola, Italy
| | - Sara Pignatta
- Biosciences Laboratory, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRCCS), Meldola, Italy
| | - Michele Zanoni
- Biosciences Laboratory, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRCCS), Meldola, Italy
| | - Mayra Paolillo
- Pharmacology Section, Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Daniela Curti
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neuropharmacology, Department of Biology and Biotechnology 'L. Spallanzani', University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Marta Rui
- Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Technology Section, Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Daniela Rossi
- Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Technology Section, Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Simona Collina
- Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Technology Section, Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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12
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Linkens K, Schmidt HR, Sahn JJ, Kruse AC, Martin SF. Investigating isoindoline, tetrahydroisoquinoline, and tetrahydrobenzazepine scaffolds for their sigma receptor binding properties. Eur J Med Chem 2018; 151:557-567. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2018.02.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2018] [Revised: 02/07/2018] [Accepted: 02/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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13
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Rossino G, Raimondi MV, Rui M, Di Giacomo M, Rossi D, Collina S. PEG 400/Cerium Ammonium Nitrate Combined with Microwave-Assisted Synthesis for Rapid Access to Beta-Amino Ketones. An Easy-to-Use Protocol for Discovering New Hit Compounds. Molecules 2018; 23:molecules23040775. [PMID: 29597271 PMCID: PMC6017047 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23040775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Revised: 03/22/2018] [Accepted: 03/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Compound libraries are important requirement in target-based drug discovery. In the present work, a small focused compound library based on β-aminoketone scaffold has been prepared combining microwave-assisted organic synthesis (MAOS) with polymer-assisted solution phase synthesis (PASPS) and replacing reaction workup standard purification procedures with solid phase extraction (SPE). Specifically, the effects of solvent, such as dioxane, dimethylformamide (DMF), polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG 400), temperature, irradiation time, stoichiometric ratio of reagents, and catalysts (HCl, acetic acid, cerium ammonium nitrate (CAN)) were investigated to maximize both conversion and yield. The optimized protocol generally afforded the desired products in satisfying yields and purities. The designed library is a part of our current research on sigma 1 receptor modulators, a valuable tool for the identification of novel potential hit compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Rossino
- Drug Sciences Department, Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Technology Section, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
| | - Maria Valeria Raimondi
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Technologies Section, University of Palermo, 90100 Palermo, Italy.
| | - Marta Rui
- Drug Sciences Department, Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Technology Section, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
| | - Marcello Di Giacomo
- Drug Sciences Department, Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Technology Section, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
| | - Daniela Rossi
- Drug Sciences Department, Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Technology Section, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
| | - Simona Collina
- Drug Sciences Department, Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Technology Section, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
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