1
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Eum DY, Jeong M, Park SY, Kim J, Jin Y, Jo J, Shim JW, Lee SR, Park SJ, Heo K, Yun H, Choi YJ. AM-18002, a derivative of natural anmindenol A, enhances radiosensitivity in mouse breast cancer cells. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0296989. [PMID: 38625901 PMCID: PMC11020960 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0296989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Natural anmindenol A isolated from the marine-derived bacteria Streptomyces sp. caused potent inhibition of inducible nitric oxide synthase without any significant cytotoxicity. This compound consists of a structurally unique 3,10-dialkylbenzofulvene skeleton. We previously synthesized and screened the novel derivatives of anmindenol A and identified AM-18002, an anmindenol A derivative, as a promising anticancer agent. The combination of AM-18002 and ionizing radiation (IR) improved anticancer effects, which were exerted by promoting apoptosis and inhibiting the proliferation of FM3A mouse breast cancer cells. AM-18002 increased the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and was more effective in inducing DNA damage. AM-18002 treatment was found to inhibit the expansion of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC), cancer cell migration and invasion, and STAT3 phosphorylation. The AM-18002 and IR combination synergistically induced cancer cell death, and AM-18002 acted as a potent anticancer agent by increasing ROS generation and blocking MDSC-mediated STAT3 activation in breast cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Da-Young Eum
- Research Center, Dongnam Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences, Busan, Republic of Korea
- College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Myeonggyo Jeong
- College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
- Research Institute for Drug Development, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Soon-Yong Park
- Research Center, Dongnam Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Jisu Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Yunho Jin
- Research Center, Dongnam Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeyun Jo
- College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Woong Shim
- Research Center, Dongnam Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Seoung Rak Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
- Research Institute for Drug Development, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong-Joon Park
- Research Center, Dongnam Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyu Heo
- Research Center, Dongnam Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Hwayoung Yun
- College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
- Research Institute for Drug Development, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoo-Jin Choi
- Research Center, Dongnam Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences, Busan, Republic of Korea
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2
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Hu Y, Dong Z, Liu K. Unraveling the complexity of STAT3 in cancer: molecular understanding and drug discovery. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2024; 43:23. [PMID: 38245798 PMCID: PMC10799433 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-024-02949-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is a transcriptional factor involved in almost all cancer hallmark features including tumor proliferation, metastasis, angiogenesis, immunosuppression, tumor inflammation, metabolism reprogramming, drug resistance, cancer stemness. Therefore, STAT3 has become a promising therapeutic target in a wide range of cancers. This review focuses on the up-to-date knowledge of STAT3 signaling in cancer. We summarize both the positive and negative modulators of STAT3 together with the cancer hallmarks involving activities regulated by STAT3 and highlight its extremely sophisticated regulation on immunosuppression in tumor microenvironment and metabolic reprogramming. Direct and indirect inhibitors of STAT3 in preclinical and clinical studies also have been summarized and discussed. Additionally, we highlight and propose new strategies of targeting STAT3 and STAT3-based combinations with established chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy and combination therapy. These efforts may provide new perspectives for STAT3-based target therapy in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yamei Hu
- Tianjian Laboratory for Advanced Biomedical Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China
- Medical Research Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Zigang Dong
- Tianjian Laboratory for Advanced Biomedical Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China.
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, 450008, Henan, China.
- Cancer Chemoprevention International Collaboration Laboratory, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
| | - Kangdong Liu
- Tianjian Laboratory for Advanced Biomedical Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China.
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, 450008, Henan, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
- Provincial Cooperative Innovation Center for Cancer Chemoprevention, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
- Cancer Chemoprevention International Collaboration Laboratory, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
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3
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Yue P, Zhu Y, Brotherton-Pleiss C, Fu W, Verma N, Chen J, Nakamura K, Chen W, Chen Y, Alonso-Valenteen F, Mikhael S, Medina-Kauwe L, Kershaw KM, Celeridad M, Pan S, Limpert AS, Sheffler DJ, Cosford NDP, Shiao SL, Tius MA, Lopez-Tapia F, Turkson J. Novel potent azetidine-based compounds irreversibly inhibit Stat3 activation and induce antitumor response against human breast tumor growth in vivo. Cancer Lett 2022; 534:215613. [PMID: 35276290 PMCID: PMC9867837 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2022.215613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Signal transducer and activator of transcription (Stat)3 is a valid anticancer therapeutic target. We have discovered a highly potent chemotype that amplifies the Stat3-inhibitory activity of lead compounds to levels previously unseen. The azetidine-based compounds, including H172 (9f) and H182, irreversibly bind to Stat3 and selectively inhibit Stat3 activity (IC50 0.38-0.98 μM) over Stat1 or Stat5 (IC50 > 15.8 μM) in vitro. Mass spectrometry detected the Stat3 cysteine peptides covalently bound to the azetidine compounds, and the key residues, Cys426 and Cys468, essential for the high potency inhibition, were confirmed by site-directed mutagenesis. In triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) models, treatment with the azetidine compounds inhibited constitutive and ligand-induced Stat3 signaling, and induced loss of viable cells and tumor cell death, compared to no effect on the induction of Janus kinase (JAK)2, Src, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and other proteins, or weak effects on cells that do not harbor aberrantly-active Stat3. H120 (8e) and H182 as a single agent inhibited growth of TNBC xenografts, and H278 (hydrochloric acid salt of H182) in combination with radiation completely blocked mouse TNBC growth and improved survival in syngeneic models. We identify potent azetidine-based, selective, irreversible Stat3 inhibitors that inhibit TNBC growth in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peibin Yue
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Blvd, Los Angenes, CA, 90048, USA,Cancer Biology Program, Cedars-Sinai Cancer, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Yinsong Zhu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Blvd, Los Angenes, CA, 90048, USA,Cancer Biology Program, Cedars-Sinai Cancer, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Christine Brotherton-Pleiss
- Cancer Biology Program, University of Hawaii Cancer Center, 701 Ilalo St, Honolulu, HI, 96813, USA,Department of Chemistry, University of Hawaii, Manoa, 2545 McCarthy Mall, Honolulu, HI, 96825, USA
| | - Wenzhen Fu
- Cancer Biology Program, University of Hawaii Cancer Center, 701 Ilalo St, Honolulu, HI, 96813, USA,Department of Chemistry, University of Hawaii, Manoa, 2545 McCarthy Mall, Honolulu, HI, 96825, USA
| | - Nagendra Verma
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Blvd, Los Angenes, CA, 90048, USA,Cancer Biology Program, Cedars-Sinai Cancer, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Jasmine Chen
- Cancer Biology Program, University of Hawaii Cancer Center, 701 Ilalo St, Honolulu, HI, 96813, USA
| | - Kayo Nakamura
- Department of Chemistry, University of Hawaii, Manoa, 2545 McCarthy Mall, Honolulu, HI, 96825, USA
| | - Weiliang Chen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Hawaii, Manoa, 2545 McCarthy Mall, Honolulu, HI, 96825, USA
| | - Yue Chen
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Blvd, Los Angenes, CA, 90048, USA,Cancer Biology Program, Cedars-Sinai Cancer, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Felix Alonso-Valenteen
- Cancer Biology Program, Cedars-Sinai Cancer, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Simoun Mikhael
- Cancer Biology Program, Cedars-Sinai Cancer, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Lali Medina-Kauwe
- Cancer Biology Program, Cedars-Sinai Cancer, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Kathleen M. Kershaw
- Cancer Biology Program, Cedars-Sinai Cancer, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA,Department of Radiation Oncology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Maria Celeridad
- Cell and Molecular Biology of Cancer Program, Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, 10901 N. Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Songqin Pan
- W. M. Keck Proteomics Laboratory, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Allison S. Limpert
- Cell and Molecular Biology of Cancer Program, Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, 10901 N. Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Douglas J. Sheffler
- Cell and Molecular Biology of Cancer Program, Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, 10901 N. Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Nicholas D. P. Cosford
- Cell and Molecular Biology of Cancer Program, Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, 10901 N. Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Stephen L. Shiao
- Cancer Biology Program, Cedars-Sinai Cancer, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA,Department of Radiation Oncology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Marcus A. Tius
- Cancer Biology Program, University of Hawaii Cancer Center, 701 Ilalo St, Honolulu, HI, 96813, USA,Department of Chemistry, University of Hawaii, Manoa, 2545 McCarthy Mall, Honolulu, HI, 96825, USA
| | - Francisco Lopez-Tapia
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Blvd, Los Angenes, CA, 90048, USA,Cancer Biology Program, Cedars-Sinai Cancer, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA,Corresponding author. Cancer Biology Program, Cedars-Sinai Cancer, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA. (J. Turkson)
| | - James Turkson
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Blvd, Los Angenes, CA, 90048, USA; Cancer Biology Program, Cedars-Sinai Cancer, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA.
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4
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Wang L, Astone M, Alam SK, Zhu Z, Pei W, Frank DA, Burgess SM, Hoeppner LH. Suppressing STAT3 activity protects the endothelial barrier from VEGF-mediated vascular permeability. Dis Model Mech 2021; 14:272222. [PMID: 34542605 PMCID: PMC8592016 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular permeability triggered by inflammation or ischemia promotes edema, exacerbates disease progression and impairs tissue recovery. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent inducer of vascular permeability. VEGF plays an integral role in regulating vascular barrier function physiologically and in pathologies, including cancer, stroke, cardiovascular disease, retinal conditions and COVID-19-associated pulmonary edema, sepsis and acute lung injury. Understanding temporal molecular regulation of VEGF-induced vascular permeability will facilitate developing therapeutics to inhibit vascular permeability, while preserving tissue-restorative angiogenesis. Here, we demonstrate that VEGF signals through signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) to promote vascular permeability. We show that genetic STAT3 ablation reduces vascular permeability in STAT3-deficient endothelium of mice and VEGF-inducible zebrafish crossed with CRISPR/Cas9-generated Stat3 knockout zebrafish. Intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) expression is transcriptionally regulated by STAT3, and VEGF-dependent STAT3 activation is regulated by JAK2. Pyrimethamine, an FDA-approved antimicrobial agent that inhibits STAT3-dependent transcription, substantially reduces VEGF-induced vascular permeability in zebrafish, mouse and human endothelium. Collectively, our findings suggest that VEGF/VEGFR-2/JAK2/STAT3 signaling regulates vascular barrier integrity, and inhibition of STAT3-dependent activity reduces VEGF-induced vascular permeability. This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper. Summary: Genetic STAT3 ablation in mice and VEGF-inducible zebrafish reveals that VEGF signals through STAT3 to promote vascular permeability. Pyrimethamine reduces VEGF-induced permeability in animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Wang
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN 55912, USA
| | - Matteo Astone
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN 55912, USA
| | - Sk Kayum Alam
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN 55912, USA
| | - Zhu Zhu
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN 55912, USA
| | - Wuhong Pei
- Translational and Functional Genomics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - David A Frank
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Shawn M Burgess
- Translational and Functional Genomics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Luke H Hoeppner
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN 55912, USA.,Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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5
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Li WZ, Xi HZ, Wang YJ, Ma HB, Cheng ZQ, Yang Y, Wu ML, Liu TM, Yang W, Wang Q, Liao MY, Xia Y, Zhang YW. Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of benzo[b]thiophene 1,1-dioxide derivatives as potent STAT3 inhibitors. Chem Biol Drug Des 2021; 98:835-849. [PMID: 34416096 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.13939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
As a member of the signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) family, STAT3 plays a critical role in several biological pathways such as cell proliferation, migration, survival, and differentiation. Due to abnormal continuous activation in tumors, inhibition of STAT3 has emerged as an attractive approach for the treatment of various cancer cells. Herein, we report a series of novel STAT3 inhibitors based on benzo[b]thiophene 1,1-dioxide scaffold and evaluated their anticancer potency. Among them, compound 8b exhibited the best activity against cancer cells. Compound 8b induced apoptosis and blocked the cell cycle. Meanwhile, 8b reduced intracellular ROS content and caused the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. Further research revealed that 8b significantly blocked STAT3 phosphorylation and STAT3-dependent dual-luciferase reporter gene experiments showed that compound 8b has a marked inhibition of STAT3-mediated Firefly luciferase activity. Molecular modeling studies revealed compound 8b occupied the pocket well with the SH2 domain in a favorable conformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Zhen Li
- Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hui-Zhi Xi
- Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yi-Jie Wang
- Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hong-Bo Ma
- West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhi-Qiang Cheng
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Yu Yang
- Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Meng-Ling Wu
- Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ting-Mei Liu
- Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wen Yang
- Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qin Wang
- Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Meng-Ya Liao
- Center of Gerontology and Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yong Xia
- Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yi-Wen Zhang
- Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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6
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Dantas-Pereira L, Cunha-Junior EF, Andrade-Neto VV, Bower JF, Jardim GAM, da Silva Júnior EN, Torres-Santos EC, Menna-Barreto RFS. Naphthoquinones and Derivatives for Chemotherapy: Perspectives and Limitations of their Anti-trypanosomatids Activities. Curr Pharm Des 2021; 27:1807-1824. [PMID: 33167829 DOI: 10.2174/1381612826666201109111802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2020] [Revised: 08/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Chagas disease, Sleeping sickness and Leishmaniasis, caused by trypanosomatids Trypanosoma cruzi, Trypanosoma brucei and Leishmania spp., respectively, are considered neglected tropical diseases, and they especially affect impoverished populations in the developing world. The available chemotherapies are very limited, and a search for alternatives is still necessary. In folk medicine, natural naphthoquinones have been employed for the treatment of a great variety of illnesses, including parasitic infections. This review is focused on the anti-trypanosomatid activity and mechanistic analysis of naphthoquinones and derivatives. Among all the series of derivatives tested in vitro, naphthoquinone-derived 1,2,3-triazoles were very active on T. cruzi infective forms in blood bank conditions, as well as in amastigotes of Leishmania spp. naphthoquinones containing a CF3 on a phenyl amine ring inhibited T. brucei proliferation in the nanomolar range, and naphthopterocarpanquinones stood out for their activity on a range of Leishmania species. Some of these compounds showed a promising selectivity index (SI) (30 to 1900), supporting further analysis in animal models. Indeed, high toxicity to the host and inactivation by blood components are crucial obstacles to be overcome to use naphthoquinones and/or their derivatives for chemotherapy. Multidisciplinary initiatives embracing medicinal chemistry, bioinformatics, biochemistry, and molecular and cellular biology need to be encouraged to allow the optimization of these compounds. Large scale automated tests are pivotal for the efficiency of the screening step, and subsequent evaluation of both the mechanism of action in vitro and pharmacokinetics in vivo is essential for the development of a novel, specific and safe derivative, minimizing adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luíza Dantas-Pereira
- Laboratorio de Biologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundacao Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Edézio F Cunha-Junior
- Laboratorio de Bioquimica de Tripanosomatideos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundacao Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Valter V Andrade-Neto
- Laboratorio de Bioquimica de Tripanosomatideos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundacao Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - John F Bower
- School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Guilherme A M Jardim
- Departamento de Quimica, Instituto de Ciencias Exatas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Eufrânio N da Silva Júnior
- Departamento de Quimica, Instituto de Ciencias Exatas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Eduardo C Torres-Santos
- Laboratorio de Bioquimica de Tripanosomatideos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundacao Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Rubem F S Menna-Barreto
- Laboratorio de Biologia Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundacao Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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7
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Chen X, Pan L, Wei J, Zhang R, Yang X, Song J, Bai RY, Fu S, Pierson CR, Finlay JL, Li C, Lin J. LLL12B, a small molecule STAT3 inhibitor, induces growth arrest, apoptosis, and enhances cisplatin-mediated cytotoxicity in medulloblastoma cells. Sci Rep 2021; 11:6517. [PMID: 33753770 PMCID: PMC7985203 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-85888-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3) is a transcription factor and an oncogene product, which plays a pivotal role in tumor progression. Therefore, targeting persistent STAT3 signaling directly is an attractive anticancer strategy. The aim of this study is to test the efficacy of a novel STAT3 small molecule inhibitor, LLL12B, in suppressing medulloblastoma cells in vitro and tumor growth in vivo. LLL12B selectively inhibited the induction of STAT3 phosphorylation by interleukin-6 but not induction of STAT1 phosphorylation by INF-γ. LLL12B also induced apoptosis in human medulloblastoma cells. In addition, LLL12B exhibited good oral bioavailability in vivo and potent suppressive activity in tumor growth of medulloblastoma cells in vivo. Besides, combining LLL12B with cisplatin showed greater inhibition of cell viability and tumorsphere formation as well as induction of apoptosis comparing to single agent treatment in medulloblastoma cells. Furthermore, LLL12B and cisplatin combination exhibited greater suppression of medulloblastoma tumor growth than monotherapy in vivo. The present study supported that LLL12B is a novel therapeutic agent for medulloblastoma and the combination of LLL12B with a chemotherapeutic agent cisplatin may be an effective approach for medulloblastoma therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Li Pan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Jia Wei
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Ruijie Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Xiaozhi Yang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, The University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Jinhua Song
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, The University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Ren-Yuan Bai
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21231, USA
| | - Shengling Fu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Christopher R Pierson
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Department of Pathology and Department of Biomedical Education and Anatomy, The College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43205, USA
| | - Jonathan L Finlay
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and BMT, Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, The Research Institute At Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43205, USA
| | - Chenglong Li
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, The University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA.
| | - Jiayuh Lin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA.
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8
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Ríos-Malváez ZG, Cano-Herrera MA, Dávila-Becerril JC, Mondragón-Solórzano G, Ramírez-Apan MT, Morales-Morales D, Barroso-Flores J, Santillán-Benítez JG, Unnamatla MB, García-Eleno MA, González-Rivas N, Cuevas-Yañez E. Synthesis, characterization and cytotoxic activity evaluation of 4-(1,2,3-triazol-1-yl) salicylic acid derivatives. J Mol Struct 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2020.129149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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9
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Wang L, Astone M, Alam SK, Zhu Z, Pei W, Frank DA, Burgess SM, Hoeppner LH. Suppressing STAT3 activity protects the endothelial barrier from VEGF-mediated vascular permeability. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2020. [PMID: 33140053 PMCID: PMC7605565 DOI: 10.1101/2020.10.27.358374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Vascular permeability triggered by inflammation or ischemia promotes edema, exacerbates disease progression, and impairs tissue recovery. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent inducer of vascular permeability. VEGF plays an integral role in regulating vascular barrier function physiologically and in pathologies, such as cancer, ischemic stroke, cardiovascular disease, retinal conditions, and COVID-19-associated pulmonary edema and sepsis, which often leads to acute lung injury, including acute respiratory distress syndrome. However, after initially stimulating permeability, VEGF subsequently mediates angiogenesis to repair damaged tissue. Consequently, understanding temporal molecular regulation of VEG-Finduced vascular permeability will facilitate developing therapeutics that achieve the delicate balance of inhibiting vascular permeability while preserving tissue repair. Here, we demonstrate that VEGF signals through signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) to promote vascular permeability. Specifically, we show that genetic STAT3 ablation reduces vascular permeability in STAT3-deficient endothelium of mice and VEGF-inducible zebrafish crossed with CRISPR/Cas9 generated genomic STAT3 knockout zebrafish. Importantly, STAT3 deficiency does not impair vascular development and function in vivo. We identify intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) as a STAT3-dependent transcriptional regulator and show VEGF-dependent STAT3 activation is regulated by JAK2. Pyrimethamine, an FDA-approved antimicrobial agent that inhibits STAT3-dependent transcription, substantially reduces VEGF-induced vascular permeability in zebrafish, mouse, and human endothelium. Indeed, pharmacologically targeting STAT3 increases vascular barrier integrity using two additional compounds, atovaquone and C188-9. Collectively, our findings suggest that the VEGF, VEGFR-2, JAK2, and STAT3 signaling cascade regulates vascular barrier integrity, and inhibition of STAT3-dependent activity reduces VEGF-induced vascular permeability in vertebrate models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Wang
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN, USA
| | - Matteo Astone
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN, USA
| | - Sk Kayum Alam
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN, USA
| | - Zhu Zhu
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN, USA
| | - Wuhong Pei
- Translational and Functional Genomics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - David A Frank
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Shawn M Burgess
- Translational and Functional Genomics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Luke H Hoeppner
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN, USA.,Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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10
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Li N, Ou J, Bao N, Chen C, Shi Z, Chen L, Sun J. Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of novel plumbagin derivatives as potent antitumor agents with STAT3 inhibition. Bioorg Chem 2020; 104:104208. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2020.104208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 08/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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11
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Chen L, Xie YZ, Luo ZY, Liu LJ, Zou ZZ, Liu HD, Kong FR, Hao Y, Gao JL, Wang LL, Ma DY, Liu SY. Synthesis and biological evaluation of novel isothiazoloquinoline quinone analogues. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2020; 30:127286. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2020.127286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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12
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Markov AV, Sen’kova AV, Salomatina OV, Logashenko EB, Korchagina DV, Salakhutdinov NF, Zenkova MA. Trioxolone Methyl, a Novel Cyano Enone-Bearing 18βH-Glycyrrhetinic Acid Derivative, Ameliorates Dextran Sulphate Sodium-Induced Colitis in Mice. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25102406. [PMID: 32455822 PMCID: PMC7287650 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25102406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Semi-synthetic triterpenoids, bearing cyano enone functionality in ring A, are considered to be novel promising therapeutic agents with complex inhibitory effects on tissue damage, inflammation and tumor growth. Previously, we showed that the cyano enone-containing 18βH-glycyrrhetinic acid derivative soloxolone methyl (SM) effectively suppressed the inflammatory response of macrophages in vitro and the development of influenza A-induced pneumonia and phlogogen-stimulated paw edema in vivo. In this work, we reported the synthesis of a novel 18βH-glycyrrhetinic acid derivative trioxolone methyl (TM), bearing a 2-cyano-3-oxo-1(2)-en moiety in ring A and a 12,19-dioxo-9(11),13(18)-dien moiety in rings C, D, and E. TM exhibited a high inhibitory effect on nitric oxide (II) production by lipopolysaccharide-stimulated J774 macrophages in vitro and dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice, displaying higher anti-inflammatory activity in comparison with SM. TM effectively suppressed the DSS-induced epithelial damage and inflammatory infiltration of colon tissue, the hyperproduction of colonic neutral mucin and TNFα and increased glutathione synthesis. Our in silico analysis showed that Akt1, STAT3 and dopamine receptor D2 can be considered as mediators of the anti-colitic activity of TM. Our findings provided valuable information for a better understanding of the anti-inflammatory activity of cyano enone-bearing triterpenoids and revealed TM as a promising anti-inflammatory candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrey V. Markov
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Lavrent’ev ave., 8, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (A.V.S.); (O.V.S.); (E.B.L.); (M.A.Z.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +7-383-363-51-61
| | - Aleksandra V. Sen’kova
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Lavrent’ev ave., 8, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (A.V.S.); (O.V.S.); (E.B.L.); (M.A.Z.)
| | - Oksana V. Salomatina
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Lavrent’ev ave., 8, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (A.V.S.); (O.V.S.); (E.B.L.); (M.A.Z.)
- N.N. Vorozhtsov Novosibirsk Institute of Organic Chemistry, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Lavrent’ev ave., 9, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (D.V.K.); (N.F.S.)
| | - Evgeniya B. Logashenko
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Lavrent’ev ave., 8, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (A.V.S.); (O.V.S.); (E.B.L.); (M.A.Z.)
| | - Dina V. Korchagina
- N.N. Vorozhtsov Novosibirsk Institute of Organic Chemistry, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Lavrent’ev ave., 9, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (D.V.K.); (N.F.S.)
| | - Nariman F. Salakhutdinov
- N.N. Vorozhtsov Novosibirsk Institute of Organic Chemistry, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Lavrent’ev ave., 9, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (D.V.K.); (N.F.S.)
| | - Marina A. Zenkova
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Lavrent’ev ave., 8, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (A.V.S.); (O.V.S.); (E.B.L.); (M.A.Z.)
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13
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Arnold KM, Opdenaker LM, Flynn NJ, Appeah DK, Sims-Mourtada J. Radiation induces an inflammatory response that results in STAT3-dependent changes in cellular plasticity and radioresistance of breast cancer stem-like cells. Int J Radiat Biol 2020; 96:434-447. [PMID: 31850822 DOI: 10.1080/09553002.2020.1705423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Purpose: Pro-inflammatory cytokines within the tumor microenvironment, such as IL-6, contribute to the maintenance of stem cells and promote their survival following treatment. The IL-6/STAT3 pathway is a key regulator of genes involved in cancer progression. Activation of STAT3 promotes expansion of cancer stem cells in triple negative breast cancer. Radiation has also been shown to expand cancer stem cell populations and can induce stemness in nonstem cells. However, the role of IL-6/STAT3 in radiation-induced changes in cellular plasticity is unclear.Materials and methods: Expression and secretion of IL-6 from triple-negative breast cancer cell lines SUM159PT and MDA-MB-231 were determined after radiation treatment by real-time PCR and ELISA. Activation of STAT3 after radiation was determined by western blotting. Changes in cellular plasticity induced by radiation were determined by examining ALDEFLUOR activity, gene expression analysis of aldehyde dehydrogenase isoforms and mammosphere forming assays with and without the addition of STAT3 inhibitors. To determine the effect of radiation on nonstem cell populations, experiments were also carried out in ALDEFLUOR sorted cells.Results: Radiation induced an inflammatory response in both cell lines that resulted in activation of STAT3. Additionally, radiation induced a stem-like state as evidenced by an increased activity and expression of the ALDH isoforms ALDH1A1 and ALDH1A3, and increased self-renewal capabilities. Radiation increased ALDH activity and self-renewal in non-stem cell (ALDH-) populations, suggesting radiation-induced cellular reprograming. However, inhibition of STAT3 blocked the radiation-induced stem-like state in both ALDEFLUOR positive and negative populations, and enhanced radiosensitivity.Conclusions: Radiation-induced changes in cellular plasticity are STAT3 dependent and may be a potential target to reduce radioresistance in TNBC and improve treatment outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly M Arnold
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, Helen F Graham Cancer Center and Research Institute, Christiana Care Health Services, Inc, Newark, DE, USA.,Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, The University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | - Lynn M Opdenaker
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, Helen F Graham Cancer Center and Research Institute, Christiana Care Health Services, Inc, Newark, DE, USA.,Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | - Nicole J Flynn
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, Helen F Graham Cancer Center and Research Institute, Christiana Care Health Services, Inc, Newark, DE, USA.,Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | - Daniel Kwesi Appeah
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, Helen F Graham Cancer Center and Research Institute, Christiana Care Health Services, Inc, Newark, DE, USA.,Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | - Jennifer Sims-Mourtada
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, Helen F Graham Cancer Center and Research Institute, Christiana Care Health Services, Inc, Newark, DE, USA.,Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
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14
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STAT3 Activation and Oncogenesis in Lymphoma. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 12:cancers12010019. [PMID: 31861597 PMCID: PMC7016717 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12010019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Revised: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is an important and the most studied transcription factor in the Janus kinase (JAK)/STAT signaling pathway. STAT3 mediates the expression of various genes that play a critical role in many cellular and biological processes, such as cell proliferation, survival, differentiation, migration, angiogenesis, and inflammation. STAT3 and associated JAKs are activated and tightly regulated by a variety of cytokines and growth factors and their receptors in normal immune responses. However, abnormal expression of STAT3 leads to its constitutive activation, which promotes malignant transformation and tumor progression through oncogenic gene expression in numerous human cancers. Human lymphoma is a heterogeneous malignancy of T and B lymphocytes. Constitutive signaling by STAT3 is an oncogenic driver in several types of B-cell lymphoma and most of T-cell lymphomas. Aberrant STAT3 activation can also induce inappropriate expression of genes involved in tumor immune evasion such as PD-L1. In this review, we focus on the oncogenic role of STAT3 in human lymphoma and highlight potential therapeutic intervention by targeting JAK/STAT3 signaling.
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15
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Huang Q, Zhong Y, Dong H, Zheng Q, Shi S, Zhu K, Qu X, Hu W, Zhang X, Wang Y. Revisiting signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) as an anticancer target and its inhibitor discovery: Where are we and where should we go? Eur J Med Chem 2019; 187:111922. [PMID: 31810784 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.111922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2019] [Revised: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
As a transcription factor, STAT3 protein transduces extracellular signals to the nucleus and then activates transcription of target genes. STAT3 has been well validated as an attractive anticancer target due to its important roles in cancer initiation and progression. Identification of specific and potent STAT3 inhibitors has attracted much attention, while there has been no STAT3 targeted drug approved for clinical application. In this review, we will briefly introduce STAT3 protein and review its role in multiple aspects of cancer, and systematically summarize the recent advances in discovery of STAT3 inhibitors, especially the ones discovered in the past five years. In the last part of the review, we will discuss the possible new strategies to overcome the difficulties of developing potent and specific STAT3 inhibitors and hope to shed light on future drug design and inhibitor optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuyao Huang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Chiral Molecule and Drug Discovery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Yan Zhong
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Hui Dong
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Chiral Molecule and Drug Discovery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Qiyao Zheng
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Shuo Shi
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Kai Zhu
- Innovation Practice Center, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, 130117, China
| | - Xinming Qu
- Innovation Practice Center, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, 130117, China
| | - Wenhao Hu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Chiral Molecule and Drug Discovery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Xiaolei Zhang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Yuanxiang Wang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Chiral Molecule and Drug Discovery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
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16
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Gelain A, Mori M, Meneghetti F, Villa S. Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription Protein 3 (STAT3): An Update on its Direct Inhibitors as Promising Anticancer Agents. Curr Med Chem 2019; 26:5165-5206. [PMID: 30027840 DOI: 10.2174/0929867325666180719122729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2018] [Revised: 06/08/2018] [Accepted: 07/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3) is a transcription factor which plays an important role in multiple aspects of cancer, including progression and migration, and it is constitutively activated in various human tumors, STAT3 inhibition has emerged as a validated strategy for the treatment of several malignancies. The aim of this review is to provide an update on the identification of new promising direct inhibitors targeting STAT3 domains, as potential anticancer agents. METHODS A thorough literature search focused on recently reported STAT3 direct inhibitors was undertaken. We considered the relevant developments regarding the STAT3 domains, which have been identified as potential drug targets. RESULTS In detail, 135 peer-reviewed papers and 7 patents were cited; the inhibitors we took into account targeted the DNA binding domain (compounds were grouped into natural derivatives, small molecules, peptides, aptamers and oligonucleotides), the SH2 binding domain (natural, semi-synthetic and synthetic compounds) and specific residues, like cysteines (natural, semi-synthetic, synthetic compounds and dual inhibitors) and tyrosine 705. CONCLUSION The huge number of direct STAT3 inhibitors recently identified demonstrates a strong interest in the investigation of this target, although it represents a challenging task considering that no drug targeting this enzyme is currently available for anticancer therapy. Notably, many studies on the available inhibitors evidenced that some of them possess a dual mechanism of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Gelain
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Universita degli Studi di Milano, via L. Mangiagalli 25, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Matteo Mori
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Universita degli Studi di Milano, via L. Mangiagalli 25, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Fiorella Meneghetti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Universita degli Studi di Milano, via L. Mangiagalli 25, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Stefania Villa
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Universita degli Studi di Milano, via L. Mangiagalli 25, 20133 Milano, Italy
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17
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Hu YS, Han X, Liu XH. STAT3: A Potential Drug Target for Tumor and Inflammation. Curr Top Med Chem 2019; 19:1305-1317. [PMID: 31218960 DOI: 10.2174/1568026619666190620145052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2019] [Revised: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
STAT (Signal Transducers and Activators of Transcription) is a cellular signal transcription factor involved in the regulation of many cellular activities, such as cell differentiation, proliferation, angiogenesis in normal cells. During the study of the STAT family, STAT3 was found to be involved in many diseases, such as high expression and sustained activation of STAT3 in tumor cells, promoting tumor growth and proliferation. In the study of inflammation, it was found that it plays an important role in the anti-inflammatory and repairing of damage tissues. Because of the important role of STAT3, a large number of studies have been obtained. At the same time, after more than 20 years of development, STAT3 has also been used as a target for drug therapy. And the discovery of small molecule inhibitors also promoted the study of STAT3. Since STAT3 has been extensively studied in inflammation and tumor regulation, this review presents the current state of research on STAT3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Sheng Hu
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Xu Han
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Xin Hua Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
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18
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of PharmacyEast China University of Science and Technology Shanghai 200237 China
| | - Shiliang Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of PharmacyEast China University of Science and Technology Shanghai 200237 China
| | - Honglin Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of PharmacyEast China University of Science and Technology Shanghai 200237 China
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19
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Dias GG, Nascimento TAD, de Almeida AKA, Bombaça ACS, Menna-Barreto RFS, Jacob C, Warratz S, da Silva Júnior EN, Ackermann L. Ruthenium(II)-Catalyzed C-H Alkenylation of Quinones: Diversity-Oriented Strategy for Trypanocidal Compounds. European J Org Chem 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/ejoc.201900004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gleiston G. Dias
- Institute of Exact Sciences; Department of Chemistry; Federal University of Minas Gerais; UFMG 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, MG Brazil
- Institut für Organische und Biomolekulare Chemie; Georg-August-Universität Göttingen; Tammannstraße 2 37077 Göttingen Germany
| | - Tamires A. do Nascimento
- Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology; Federal University of Alagoas; UFMG 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, MG Brazil
| | - Andresa K. A. de Almeida
- Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology; Federal University of Alagoas; UFMG 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, MG Brazil
| | | | | | - Claus Jacob
- Division of Bioorganic Chemistry; School of Pharmacy; Saarland University; 66123 Saarbrücken Germany
| | - Svenja Warratz
- Institut für Organische und Biomolekulare Chemie; Georg-August-Universität Göttingen; Tammannstraße 2 37077 Göttingen Germany
| | - Eufrânio N. da Silva Júnior
- Institute of Exact Sciences; Department of Chemistry; Federal University of Minas Gerais; UFMG 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, MG Brazil
- Institut für Organische und Biomolekulare Chemie; Georg-August-Universität Göttingen; Tammannstraße 2 37077 Göttingen Germany
| | - Lutz Ackermann
- Institut für Organische und Biomolekulare Chemie; Georg-August-Universität Göttingen; Tammannstraße 2 37077 Göttingen Germany
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20
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Alcolea V, Karelia DN, Pandey MK, Plano D, Singh P, Palop JA, Amin S, Sanmartín C, Sharma AK. Identification of a Novel Quinoxaline-Isoselenourea Targeting the STAT3 Pathway as a Potential Melanoma Therapeutic. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20030521. [PMID: 30691132 PMCID: PMC6386884 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20030521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2019] [Revised: 01/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The prognosis for patients with metastatic melanoma remains very poor. Constitutive signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) activation has been correlated to metastasis, poor patient survival, larger tumor size, and acquired resistance against vemurafenib (PLX-4032), suggesting its potential as a molecular target. We recently designed a series of isoseleno- and isothio-urea derivatives of several biologically active heterocyclic scaffolds. The cytotoxic effects of lead isoseleno- and isothio-urea derivatives (compounds 1 and 3) were studied in a panel of five melanoma cell lines, including B-RAFV600E-mutant and wild-type (WT) cells. Compound 1 (IC50 range 0.8–3.8 µM) showed lower IC50 values than compound 3 (IC50 range 8.1–38.7 µM) and the mutant B-RAF specific inhibitor PLX-4032 (IC50 ranging from 0.4 to >50 µM), especially at a short treatment time (24 h). These effects were long-lasting, since melanoma cells did not recover their proliferative potential after 14 days of treatment. In addition, we confirmed that compound 1 induced cell death by apoptosis using Live-and-Dead, Annexin V, and Caspase3/7 apoptosis assays. Furthermore, compound 1 reduced the protein levels of STAT3 and its phosphorylation, as well as decreased the expression of STAT3-regulated genes involved in metastasis and survival, such as survivin and c-myc. Compound 1 also upregulated the cell cycle inhibitor p21. Docking studies further revealed the favorable binding of compound 1 with the SH2 domain of STAT3, suggesting it acts through STAT3 inhibition. Taken together, our results suggest that compound 1 induces apoptosis by means of the inhibition of the STAT3 pathway, non-specifically targeting both B-RAF-mutant and WT melanoma cells, with much higher cytotoxicity than the current therapeutic drug PLX-4032.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verónica Alcolea
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Chemistry, School of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Navarra, Irunlarrea 1, E-31008 Pamplona, Spain.
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Irunlarrea 3, E-31008 Pamplona, Spain.
| | - Deepkamal N Karelia
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State Cancer Institute, CH72, Penn State College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ 08103, USA.
| | - Manoj K Pandey
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State Cancer Institute, CH72, Penn State College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ 08103, USA.
| | - Daniel Plano
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Chemistry, School of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Navarra, Irunlarrea 1, E-31008 Pamplona, Spain.
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Irunlarrea 3, E-31008 Pamplona, Spain.
| | - Parvesh Singh
- School of Chemistry and Physics, University of Kwa-Zulu Natal (UKZN), Westville Campus, Durban 4000, South Africa.
| | - Juan Antonio Palop
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Chemistry, School of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Navarra, Irunlarrea 1, E-31008 Pamplona, Spain.
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Irunlarrea 3, E-31008 Pamplona, Spain.
| | - Shantu Amin
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State Cancer Institute, CH72, Penn State College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ 08103, USA.
| | - Carmen Sanmartín
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Chemistry, School of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Navarra, Irunlarrea 1, E-31008 Pamplona, Spain.
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Irunlarrea 3, E-31008 Pamplona, Spain.
| | - Arun K Sharma
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State Cancer Institute, CH72, Penn State College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ 08103, USA.
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Kim M, Baek M, Kim DJ. Protein Tyrosine Signaling and its Potential Therapeutic Implications in Carcinogenesis. Curr Pharm Des 2018. [PMID: 28625132 DOI: 10.2174/1381612823666170616082125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Protein tyrosine phosphorylation is a crucial signaling mechanism that plays a role in epithelial carcinogenesis. Protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs) control various cellular processes including growth, differentiation, metabolism, and motility by activating major signaling pathways including STAT3, AKT, and MAPK. Genetic mutation of PTKs and/or prolonged activation of PTKs and their downstream pathways can lead to the development of epithelial cancer. Therefore, PTKs became an attractive target for cancer prevention. PTK inhibitors are continuously being developed, and they are currently used for the treatment of cancers that show a high expression of PTKs. Protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs), the homeostatic counterpart of PTKs, negatively regulate the rate and duration of phosphotyrosine signaling. PTPs initially were considered to be only housekeeping enzymes with low specificity. However, recent studies have demonstrated that PTPs can function as either tumor suppressors or tumor promoters, depending on their target substrates. Together, both PTK and PTP signal transduction pathways are potential therapeutic targets for cancer prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihwa Kim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, TX, USA
| | - Minwoo Baek
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, TX, USA
| | - Dae Joon Kim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, TX, USA
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22
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Chen L, Lv D, Chen X, Liu M, Wang D, Liu Y, Hong Z, Zhu Z, Hu X, Cao Y, Yang J, Chai Y. Biosensor-Based Active Ingredients Recognition System for Screening STAT3 Ligands from Medical Herbs. Anal Chem 2018; 90:8936-8945. [PMID: 29953204 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.8b01103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Langdong Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, PR China
| | - Diya Lv
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, PR China
| | - Xiaofei Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, PR China
| | - Mingdong Liu
- Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, PR China
| | - Dongyao Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, PR China
| | - Yue Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, PR China
| | - Zhanying Hong
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, PR China
| | - Zhenyu Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, PR China
| | - Xiaoxia Hu
- Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, PR China
| | - Yan Cao
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, PR China
| | - Jianmin Yang
- Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, PR China
| | - Yifeng Chai
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, PR China
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Zhou Q, Peng C, Du F, Zhou L, Shi Y, Du Y, Liu D, Sun W, Zhang M, Chen G. Design, synthesis and activity of BBI608 derivatives targeting on stem cells. Eur J Med Chem 2018; 151:39-50. [PMID: 29604543 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2018.03.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2018] [Revised: 03/13/2018] [Accepted: 03/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
STAT3 plays a vital role in maintaining the self-renewal of tumor stem cells. BBI608, a small molecule identified by its ability to inhibit gene transcription driven by STAT3 and cancer stemness properties, can inhibit stemness gene expression and kill stemness-high cancer cells isolated from a variety of cancer types. In order to improve the pharmacokinetic properties of BBI608 and the antitumor activity, a series of BBI608 derivatives were designed and synthesized here. Most of these compounds were more potent than BBI608 on HepG2 cells, compound LD-8 had the most potent inhibitory activity among them and was 5.4-fold more potent than BBI608 (IC50 = 11.2 μM), but had considerable activity on normal liver cells L-02. Compounds LD-17 (IC50 = 3.5 μM) and LD-19 (IC50 = 2.9 μM) were found to possess significant inhibitory activities and good selectivity. The results showed that compound LD-19 was worthy to investigate further as a lead compound according to its potent inhibitory activity, ideal ClogP value and better water solubility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qifan Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, No. 103 Wenhua Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang 110016, People's Republic of China
| | - Chen Peng
- Institute of Metabolic Disease Research and Drug Development, China Medical University, 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang 110122, People's Republic of China
| | - Fangyu Du
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, No. 103 Wenhua Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang 110016, People's Republic of China
| | - Linbo Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, No. 103 Wenhua Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang 110016, People's Republic of China
| | - Yajie Shi
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, No. 103 Wenhua Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang 110016, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Du
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, No. 103 Wenhua Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang 110016, People's Republic of China
| | - Dongdong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, No. 103 Wenhua Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang 110016, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenjiao Sun
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, No. 103 Wenhua Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang 110016, People's Republic of China
| | - Meixia Zhang
- Institute of Metabolic Disease Research and Drug Development, China Medical University, 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang 110122, People's Republic of China.
| | - Guoliang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drugs Design & Discovery of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, No. 103 Wenhua Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang 110016, People's Republic of China.
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N -Arylsulfonylsubstituted- 1H indole derivatives as small molecule dual inhibitors of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and tubulin. Bioorg Med Chem 2018; 26:96-106. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2017.11.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2017] [Revised: 11/01/2017] [Accepted: 11/12/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Qiu HY, Wang PF, Lin HY, Tang CY, Zhu HL, Yang YH. Naphthoquinones: A continuing source for discovery of therapeutic antineoplastic agents. Chem Biol Drug Des 2017; 91:681-690. [PMID: 29130595 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.13141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2017] [Revised: 10/10/2017] [Accepted: 11/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Naturally occurring naphthoquinones, usually in forms of botanical extracts, have been implicated with human life since ancient time, far earlier than their isolation and identification in modern era. The long use history of naphthoquinones has witnessed their functional shift from the original purposes as dyes and ornaments toward medicinal benefits. Hitherto, numerous studies have been carried out to elucidate the pharmacological profile of both natural and artificial naphthoquinones. A number of entities have been identified with promising therapeutic potential. Apart from the traditional effects of wound healing, anti-inflammatory, hemostatic, antifertility, insecticidal and antimicrobial, etc., the anticancer potential of naphthoquinones either in combination with other treatment approaches or on their own is being more and more realized. The molecular mechanisms of naphthoquinones in cells mainly fall into two categories as inducing oxidant stress by ROS (reactive oxygen species) generation and directly interacting with traditional therapeutic targets in a non-oxidant mechanism. Based on this knowledge, optimized agents with naphthoquinones scaffold have been acquired and further tested. Hereby, we summarize the explored biological mechanisms of naphthoquinones in cells and review the application perspective of promising naphthoquinones in cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han-Yue Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Institute of Plant Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Peng-Fei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Institute of Plant Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hong-Yan Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Institute of Plant Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Cheng-Yi Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Institute of Plant Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hai-Liang Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Institute of Plant Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yong-Hua Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Institute of Plant Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
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Son DJ, Zheng J, Jung YY, Hwang CJ, Lee HP, Woo JR, Baek SY, Ham YW, Kang MW, Shong M, Kweon GR, Song MJ, Jung JK, Han SB, Kim BY, Yoon DY, Choi BY, Hong JT. MMPP Attenuates Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Growth by Inhibiting the STAT3 DNA-Binding Activity via Direct Binding to the STAT3 DNA-Binding Domain. Am J Cancer Res 2017; 7:4632-4642. [PMID: 29158850 PMCID: PMC5695154 DOI: 10.7150/thno.18630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2016] [Accepted: 02/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT3) plays a pivotal role in cancer biology. Many small-molecule inhibitors that target STAT3 have been developed as potential anticancer drugs. While designing small-molecule inhibitors that target the SH2 domain of STAT3 remains the leading focus for drug discovery, there has been a growing interest in targeting the DNA-binding domain (DBD) of the protein. Methods: We demonstrated the potential antitumor activity of a novel, small-molecule (E)-2-methoxy-4-(3-(4-methoxyphenyl)prop-1-en-1-yl)phenol (MMPP) that directly binds to the DBD of STAT3, in patient-derived non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) xenograft model as well as in NCI-H460 cell xenograft model in nude mice. Results: MMPP effectively inhibited the phosphorylation of STAT3 and its DNA binding activity in vitro and in vivo. It induced G1-phase cell cycle arrest and apoptosis through the regulation of cell cycle- and apoptosis-regulating genes by directly binding to the hydroxyl residue of threonine 456 in the DBD of STAT3. Furthermore, MMPP showed a similar or better antitumor activity than that of docetaxel or cisplatin. Conclusion: MMPP is suggested to be a potential candidate for further development as an anticancer drug that targets the DBD of STAT3.
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27
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de Sousa JR, de Sousa RPM, de Souza Aarão TL, Dias LB, Oliveira Carneiro FR, Simões Quaresma JA. Response of iNOS and its relationship with IL-22 and STAT3 in macrophage activity in the polar forms of leprosy. Acta Trop 2017; 171:74-79. [PMID: 28327412 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2017.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2016] [Revised: 03/12/2017] [Accepted: 03/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Leprosy is a chronic granulomatous infection that manifests as different clinical forms related to the immunological response. The aim of the study was to evaluated the response of IL-22, STAT3, CD68 and iNOS in leprosy skin lesions. The mean number IL-22 positive cells was 12.12±1.90cells/field in the TT form and 31.31±2.91cells/field in the LL form. STAT3 positive cells was 5.29±1.96 cells/field in the TT form, while this number was 11.13±3.48cells/field in the LL form. The mean number of CD68 positive cells was 25.18±6.21cells/field in the TT form and 62.81±8.13cells/field in the LL form. Quantitative analysis of iNOS revealed a significant difference, with the mean number of cells expressing the enzyme being 30.24±2.88cells/field in the TT form compared to 35.44±4.69cells/field in the LL form. Linear correlations in lesions of TT patients showed a moderate positive correlations between CD68 and iNOS, STAT3 and Inos, IL-22 and STAT3, and IL-22 and iNOS. Our results demonstrate that these factors can act synergistically to induce a microbicidal activity in the population of macrophages in the leprosy lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Tinara Leila de Souza Aarão
- Nucleo de Medicina Tropical, Universidade Federal do Para, Belem, Brazil; Centro de ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade do Estado do Para, Belem, Brazil
| | - Leonidas Braga Dias
- Centro de ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade do Estado do Para, Belem, Brazil
| | | | - Juarez Antonio Simões Quaresma
- Nucleo de Medicina Tropical, Universidade Federal do Para, Belem, Brazil; Centro de ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade do Estado do Para, Belem, Brazil.
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Vanlandingham PA, Nuno DJ, Quiambao AB, Phelps E, Wassel RA, Ma JX, Farjo KM, Farjo RA. Inhibition of Stat3 by a Small Molecule Inhibitor Slows Vision Loss in a Rat Model of Diabetic Retinopathy. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2017; 58:2095-2105. [PMID: 28395025 PMCID: PMC5386345 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.16-20641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of vision loss. Previous studies have shown signaling pathways mediated by Stat3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 3) play a primary role in diabetic retinopathy progression. This study tested CLT-005, a small molecule inhibitor of Stat3, for its dose-dependent therapeutic effects on vision loss in a rat model of diabetic retinopathy. Methods Brown Norway rats were administered streptozotocin (STZ) to induce diabetes. CLT-005 was administered daily by oral gavage for 16 weeks at concentrations of 125, 250, or 500 mg/kg, respectively, beginning 4 days post streptozotocin administration. Systemic and ocular drug concentration was quantified with mass spectrometry. Visual function was monitored at 2-week intervals from 6 to 16 weeks using optokinetic tracking to measure visual acuity and contrast sensitivity. The presence and severity of cataracts was visually monitored and correlated to visual acuity. The transcription and translation of multiple angiogenic factors and inflammatory cytokines were measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction and Multiplex immunoassay. Results Streptozotocin-diabetic rats sustain progressive vision loss over 16 weeks, and this loss in visual function is rescued in a dose-dependent manner by CLT-005. This positive therapeutic effect correlates to the positive effects of CLT-005 on vascular leakage and the presence of inflammatory cytokines in the retina. Conclusions The present study indicates that Stat3 inhibition has strong therapeutic potential for the treatment of vision loss in diabetic retinopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Didier J Nuno
- Charlesson LLC, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States
| | | | - Eric Phelps
- Charlesson LLC, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States
| | - Ronald A Wassel
- Charlesson LLC, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States 2EyeCRO, LLC, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States
| | - Jian-Xing Ma
- Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States
| | - Krysten M Farjo
- Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States
| | - Rafal A Farjo
- Charlesson LLC, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States 2EyeCRO, LLC, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States
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29
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Bharadwaj U, Kasembeli MM, Tweardy DJ. STAT3 Inhibitors in Cancer: A Comprehensive Update. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-42949-6_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Furtek SL, Backos DS, Matheson CJ, Reigan P. Strategies and Approaches of Targeting STAT3 for Cancer Treatment. ACS Chem Biol 2016; 11:308-18. [PMID: 26730496 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.5b00945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 287] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is a transcription factor that regulates the expression of genes related to cell cycle, cell survival, and immune response associated with cancer progression and malignancy in a number of cancer types. Once activated, STAT3 forms a homodimer and translocates to the nucleus where it binds DNA promoting the translation of target genes associated with antiapoptosis, angiogenesis, and invasion/migration. In normal cells, levels of activated STAT3 remain transient; however, STAT3 remains constitutively active in approximately 70% of human solid tumors. The pivotal role of STAT3 in tumor progression has promoted a campaign in drug discovery to identify small molecules that disrupt the function of STAT3. A range of approaches have been used to identify novel small molecule inhibitors of STAT3, including high-throughput screening of chemical libraries, computational-based virtual screening, and fragment-based design strategies. The most common approaches in targeting STAT3 activity are either via the inhibition of tyrosine kinases capable of phosphorylating and thereby activating STAT3 or by preventing the formation of functional STAT3 dimers through disruption of the SH2 domains. However, the targeting of the STAT3 DNA-binding domain and disruption of binding of STAT3 to its DNA promoter have not been thoroughly examined, mainly due to the lack of adequate assay systems. This review summarizes the development of STAT3 inhibitors organized by the approach used to inhibit STAT3, the current inhibitors of each class, and the assay systems used to evaluate STAT3 inhibition and offers an insight into future approaches for small molecule STAT3 inhibitor development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steffanie L. Furtek
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12850 East Montview Boulevard, Aurora, Colorado 80045, United States
| | - Donald S. Backos
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12850 East Montview Boulevard, Aurora, Colorado 80045, United States
| | - Christopher J. Matheson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12850 East Montview Boulevard, Aurora, Colorado 80045, United States
| | - Philip Reigan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12850 East Montview Boulevard, Aurora, Colorado 80045, United States
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Zhao C, Li H, Lin HJ, Yang S, Lin J, Liang G. Feedback Activation of STAT3 as a Cancer Drug-Resistance Mechanism. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2015; 37:47-61. [PMID: 26576830 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2015.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 173] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2015] [Revised: 10/08/2015] [Accepted: 10/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) plays crucial roles in several cellular processes such as cell proliferation and survival, and has been found to be aberrantly activated in many cancers. Much research has explored the leading mechanisms for regulating the STAT3 pathway and its role in promoting tumorigenesis. We focus here on recent evidence suggesting that feedback activation of STAT3 plays a prominent role in mediating drug resistance to a broad spectrum of targeted cancer therapies and chemotherapies. We highlight the potential of co-targeting STAT3 and its primary target to overcome drug resistance, and provide perspective on repurposing clinically approved drugs as STAT3 pathway inhibitors, in combination with the FDA-approved receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) inhibitors, to improve clinical outcome of cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengguang Zhao
- School of Environmental and Biological Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210094, People's Republic of China; Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43205, USA; Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, University Town, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, People's Republic of China
| | - Huameng Li
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, University Town, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, People's Republic of China
| | - Huey-Jen Lin
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Shulin Yang
- School of Environmental and Biological Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210094, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jiayuh Lin
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43205, USA.
| | - Guang Liang
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, University Town, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, People's Republic of China
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Novel aminotetrazole derivatives as selective STAT3 non-peptide inhibitors. Eur J Med Chem 2015; 103:163-74. [PMID: 26352675 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2015.08.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2015] [Revised: 08/25/2015] [Accepted: 08/27/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The development of inhibitors blocking STAT3 transcriptional activity is a promising therapeutic approach against cancer and inflammatory diseases. In this context, the selectivity of inhibitors against the STAT1 transcription factor is crucial as STAT3 and STAT1 play opposite roles in the apoptosis of tumor cells and polarization of the immune response. A structure-based virtual screening followed by a luciferase-containing promoter assay on STAT3 and STAT1 signaling were used to identify a selective STAT3 inhibitor. An important role of the aminotetrazole group in modulating STAT3 and STAT1 inhibitory activities has been established. Optimization of the hit compound leads to 23. This compound inhibits growth and survival of cells with STAT3 signaling pathway while displaying a minimal effect on STAT1 signaling. Moreover, it prevents lymphocyte T polarization into Th17 and Treg without affecting their differentiation into Th1 lymphocyte.
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Abstract
Breast cancer is among the most commonly diagnosed cancer types in women worldwide and is the second leading cause of cancer-related disease in the USA. SH2 domains recruit signaling proteins to phosphotyrosine residues on aberrantly activated growth factor and cytokine receptors and contribute to cancer cell cycling, metastasis, angiogenesis and so on. Herein we review phosphopeptide mimetic and small-molecule approaches targeting the SH2 domains of Grb2, Grb7 and STAT3 that inhibit their targets and reduce proliferation in in vitro breast cancer models. Only STAT3 inhibitors have been evaluated in in vivo models and have led to tumor reduction. Taken together, these studies suggest that targeting SH2 domains is an important approach to the treatment of breast cancer.
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Yue P, Lopez-Tapia F, Paladino D, Li Y, Chen CH, Namanja AT, Hilliard T, Chen Y, Tius MA, Turkson J. Hydroxamic Acid and Benzoic Acid-Based STAT3 Inhibitors Suppress Human Glioma and Breast Cancer Phenotypes In Vitro and In Vivo. Cancer Res 2015; 76:652-63. [PMID: 26088127 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-14-3558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2014] [Accepted: 05/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
STAT3 offers an attractive target for cancer therapy, but small-molecule inhibitors with appealing pharmacologic properties have been elusive. Here, we report hydroxamic acid-based and benzoic acid-based inhibitors (SH5-07 and SH4-54, respectively) with robust bioactivity. Both inhibitors blocked STAT3 DNA-binding activity in vitro and in human glioma, breast, and prostate cancer cells and in v-Src-transformed murine fibroblasts. STAT3-dependent gene transcription was blocked along with Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, Mcl-1, cyclin D1, c-Myc, and survivin expression. Nuclear magnetic resonance analysis of STAT3-inhibitor complexes defined interactions with the SH2 and DNA-binding domains of STAT3. Ectopic expression of the SH2 domain in cells was sufficient to counter the STAT3-inhibitory effects of SH4-54. Neither compound appreciably affected STAT1 or STAT5 DNA-binding activities, STAT3-independent gene transcription, or activation of a panel of oncogenic kinases in malignant cells. Each compound decreased the proliferation and viability of glioma, breast, and prostate cancer cells and v-Src-transformed murine fibroblasts harboring constitutively active STAT3. Further, in mouse xenograft models of glioma and breast cancer, administration of SH5-07 or SH4-54 effectively inhibited tumor growth. Our results offer preclinical proof of concept for SH5-07 and SH4-54 as candidates for further development as cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peibin Yue
- Natural Products and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Hawaii Cancer Center, University of Hawaii, Manoa, Honolulu, Hawaii. Cancer Biology Program, University of Hawaii Cancer Center, University of Hawaii, Manoa, Honolulu, Hawaii
| | - Francisco Lopez-Tapia
- Natural Products and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Hawaii Cancer Center, University of Hawaii, Manoa, Honolulu, Hawaii. Cancer Biology Program, University of Hawaii Cancer Center, University of Hawaii, Manoa, Honolulu, Hawaii. Department of Chemistry, University of Hawaii, Manoa, Honolulu, Hawaii
| | - David Paladino
- Natural Products and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Hawaii Cancer Center, University of Hawaii, Manoa, Honolulu, Hawaii. Cancer Biology Program, University of Hawaii Cancer Center, University of Hawaii, Manoa, Honolulu, Hawaii
| | - Yifei Li
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, California
| | - Chih-Hong Chen
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, California
| | - Andrew T Namanja
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, California
| | - Tyvette Hilliard
- Natural Products and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Hawaii Cancer Center, University of Hawaii, Manoa, Honolulu, Hawaii. Cancer Biology Program, University of Hawaii Cancer Center, University of Hawaii, Manoa, Honolulu, Hawaii
| | - Yuan Chen
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, California
| | - Marcus A Tius
- Natural Products and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Hawaii Cancer Center, University of Hawaii, Manoa, Honolulu, Hawaii. Cancer Biology Program, University of Hawaii Cancer Center, University of Hawaii, Manoa, Honolulu, Hawaii. Department of Chemistry, University of Hawaii, Manoa, Honolulu, Hawaii
| | - James Turkson
- Natural Products and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Hawaii Cancer Center, University of Hawaii, Manoa, Honolulu, Hawaii. Cancer Biology Program, University of Hawaii Cancer Center, University of Hawaii, Manoa, Honolulu, Hawaii.
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35
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Wellington KW. Understanding cancer and the anticancer activities of naphthoquinones – a review. RSC Adv 2015. [DOI: 10.1039/c4ra13547d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 200] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Naphthoquinone moieties are present in drugs such as doxorubicin which are used clinically to treat solid cancers.
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36
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Dual-inhibitors of STAT5 and STAT3: studies from molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations. J Mol Model 2014; 20:2399. [PMID: 25098340 DOI: 10.1007/s00894-014-2399-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2014] [Accepted: 07/23/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Although molecularly targeted therapy with imatinib has improved treatments of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), clinical resistance gradually develops in patients with accelerated or blast phase CML. The inability of imatinib to cure CML suggests that inactivation of BCR-ABL kinase activity alone is not sufficient to control the disease. Aberrant STAT signaling and constitutive STAT5 or STAT3 activation are frequently found in both acute and chronic leukemia. Constitutive activation of STAT5 and STAT3 are associated with imatinib resistance on leukemia cells. Development of drugs targeting SH2 domains of STAT5 and STAT3 provides a novel strategy for the treatment of the imatinib-resistant CML. Here, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations were used to investigate the interactions of the drugs targeting STAT3 and STAT5 receptors at molecular level. The calculated binding free energies are consistent with the ranking of the experimental affinities and our simulations also explained their differences in binding energy. Then virtual screening based on molecular docking and molecular dynamics was applied to screen a set of ~1500 compounds for dual inhibitors of the SH2 domains of STAT5 and STAT3. Three top score compounds obtained in virtual screening were compound 660, 304, and 561. Results show that the three predicted dual-inhibitors are well fitted within the two binding domains and are predicted to present improved STAT5 and STAT3 SH2 inhibitory activity.
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Chatzimpaloglou A, Kolosov M, Eckols TK, Tweardy DJ, Sarli V. Synthetic and Biological Studies of Phaeosphaerides. J Org Chem 2014; 79:4043-54. [DOI: 10.1021/jo500545d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anthoula Chatzimpaloglou
- Faculty
of Chemistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, University Campus, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Mikhail Kolosov
- Department
of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - T. Kris Eckols
- Department
of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - David J. Tweardy
- Department
of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Vasiliki Sarli
- Faculty
of Chemistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, University Campus, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
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The Multifaceted Roles of STAT3 Signaling in the Progression of Prostate Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2014; 6:829-59. [PMID: 24722453 PMCID: PMC4074806 DOI: 10.3390/cancers6020829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2014] [Revised: 03/11/2014] [Accepted: 03/17/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)3 governs essential functions of epithelial and hematopoietic cells that are often dysregulated in cancer. While the role for STAT3 in promoting the progression of many solid and hematopoietic malignancies is well established, this review will focus on the importance of STAT3 in prostate cancer progression to the incurable metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Indeed, STAT3 integrates different signaling pathways involved in the reactivation of androgen receptor pathway, stem like cells and the epithelial to mesenchymal transition that drive progression to mCRPC. As equally important, STAT3 regulates interactions between tumor cells and the microenvironment as well as immune cell activation. This makes it a major factor in facilitating prostate cancer escape from detection of the immune response, promoting an immunosuppressive environment that allows growth and metastasis. Based on the multifaceted nature of STAT3 signaling in the progression to mCRPC, the promise of STAT3 as a therapeutic target to prevent prostate cancer progression and the variety of STAT3 inhibitors used in cancer therapies is discussed.
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Genetic Interactions of STAT3 and Anticancer Drug Development. Cancers (Basel) 2014; 6:494-525. [PMID: 24662938 PMCID: PMC3980611 DOI: 10.3390/cancers6010494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2013] [Revised: 02/18/2014] [Accepted: 02/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) plays critical roles in tumorigenesis and malignant evolution and has been intensively studied as a therapeutic target for cancer. A number of STAT3 inhibitors have been evaluated for their antitumor activity in vitro and in vivo in experimental tumor models and several approved therapeutic agents have been reported to function as STAT3 inhibitors. Nevertheless, most STAT3 inhibitors have yet to be translated to clinical evaluation for cancer treatment, presumably because of pharmacokinetic, efficacy, and safety issues. In fact, a major cause of failure of anticancer drug development is lack of efficacy. Genetic interactions among various cancer-related pathways often provide redundant input from parallel and/or cooperative pathways that drives and maintains survival environments for cancer cells, leading to low efficacy of single-target agents. Exploiting genetic interactions of STAT3 with other cancer-related pathways may provide molecular insight into mechanisms of cancer resistance to pathway-targeted therapies and strategies for development of more effective anticancer agents and treatment regimens. This review focuses on functional regulation of STAT3 activity; possible interactions of the STAT3, RAS, epidermal growth factor receptor, and reduction-oxidation pathways; and molecular mechanisms that modulate therapeutic efficacies of STAT3 inhibitors.
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Lin L, Hutzen B, Lee HF, Peng Z, Wang W, Zhao C, Lin HJ, Sun D, Li PK, Li C, Korkaya H, Wicha MS, Lin J. Evaluation of STAT3 signaling in ALDH+ and ALDH+/CD44+/CD24- subpopulations of breast cancer cells. PLoS One 2013; 8:e82821. [PMID: 24376586 PMCID: PMC3871589 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0082821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2012] [Accepted: 11/06/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND STAT3 activation is frequently detected in breast cancer and this pathway has emerged as an attractive molecular target for cancer treatment. Recent experimental evidence suggests ALDH-positive (ALDH(+)), or cell surface molecule CD44-positive (CD44(+)) but CD24-negative (CD24(-)) breast cancer cells have cancer stem cell properties. However, the role of STAT3 signaling in ALDH(+) and ALDH(+)/CD44(+)/CD24(-) subpopulations of breast cancer cells is unknown. METHODS AND RESULTS We examined STAT3 activation in ALDH(+) and ALDH(+)/CD44(+)/CD24(-) subpopulations of breast cancer cells by sorting with flow cytometer. We observed ALDH-positive (ALDH(+)) cells expressed higher levels of phosphorylated STAT3 compared to ALDH-negative (ALDH(-)) cells. There was a significant correlation between the nuclear staining of phosphorylated STAT3 and the expression of ALDH1 in breast cancer tissues. These results suggest that STAT3 is activated in ALDH(+) subpopulations of breast cancer cells. STAT3 inhibitors Stattic and LLL12 inhibited STAT3 phosphorylation, reduced the ALDH(+) subpopulation, inhibited breast cancer stem-like cell viability, and retarded tumorisphere-forming capacity in vitro. Similar inhibition of STAT3 phosphorylation, and breast cancer stem cell viability were observed using STAT3 ShRNA. In addition, LLL12 inhibited STAT3 downstream target gene expression and induced apoptosis in ALDH(+) subpopulations of breast cancer cells. Furthermore, LLL12 inhibited STAT3 phosphorylation and tumor cell proliferation, induced apoptosis, and suppressed tumor growth in xenograft and mammary fat pad mouse models from ALDH(+) breast cancer cells. Similar in vitro and tumor growth in vivo results were obtained when ALDH(+) cells were further selected for the stem cell markers CD44(+) and CD24(-). CONCLUSION These studies demonstrate an important role for STAT3 signaling in ALDH(+) and ALDH(+)/CD44(+)/CD24(-) subpopulations of breast cancer cells which may have cancer stem cell properties and suggest that pharmacologic inhibition of STAT3 represents an effective strategy to selectively target the cancer stem cell-like subpopulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Lin
- Divison of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
- Center for Childhood Cancer, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
- * E-mail: (JL); (LL)
| | - Brian Hutzen
- Center for Childhood Cancer, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
- Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Hsiu-Fang Lee
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Zhengang Peng
- Medical Technology Division, School of Allied Medical Professions, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Wenlong Wang
- Divison of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Chongqiang Zhao
- Divison of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Huey-Jen Lin
- Medical Technology Division, School of Allied Medical Professions, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, United States of America
| | - Duxin Sun
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Pui-Kai Li
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Chenglong Li
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Hasan Korkaya
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Max S. Wicha
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Jiayuh Lin
- Center for Childhood Cancer, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
- Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
- * E-mail: (JL); (LL)
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Bhasin D, Etter JP, Chettiar SN, Mok M, Li PK. Antiproliferative activities and SAR studies of substituted anthraquinones and 1,4-naphthoquinones. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2013; 23:6864-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2013.09.098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2013] [Revised: 09/25/2013] [Accepted: 09/30/2013] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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Yu W, Xiao H, Lin J, Li C. Discovery of Novel STAT3 Small Molecule Inhibitors via in Silico Site-Directed Fragment-Based Drug Design. J Med Chem 2013; 56:4402-12. [DOI: 10.1021/jm400080c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Wenying Yu
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry
and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University,
Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Hui Xiao
- Center for Childhood Cancer,
The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Department
of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus,
Ohio 43205, United States
| | - Jiayuh Lin
- Center for Childhood Cancer,
The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Department
of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus,
Ohio 43205, United States
| | - Chenglong Li
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry
and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University,
Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
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Ho Y, Tsao SW, Zeng M, Lui VWY. STAT3 as a therapeutic target for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) – associated nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Cancer Lett 2013; 330:141-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2012.11.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2012] [Revised: 11/28/2012] [Accepted: 11/28/2012] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Fan Y, Kong R, Tweardy DJ, Wong ST. WITHDRAWN: Intrinsic molecular characteristics of inhibiting STAT3 activation and dimerization through targeting the phosphotyrosine binding site within the SH2 domain-A molecular dynamics study. J Struct Biol 2013:S1047-8477(13)00042-7. [PMID: 23428430 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsb.2013.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2012] [Revised: 01/24/2013] [Accepted: 02/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
This article has been withdrawn at the request of the author(s) and/or editor. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. The full Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal can be found at http://www.elsevier.com/locate/withdrawalpolicy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yubo Fan
- The Methodist Hospital Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medical College, Houston, TX 77030, United States.
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Kraskouskaya D, Duodu E, Arpin CC, Gunning PT. Progress towards the development of SH2 domain inhibitors. Chem Soc Rev 2013; 42:3337-70. [DOI: 10.1039/c3cs35449k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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Dhanik A, McMurray JS, Kavraki LE. Binding modes of peptidomimetics designed to inhibit STAT3. PLoS One 2012; 7:e51603. [PMID: 23251591 PMCID: PMC3520966 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0051603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2012] [Accepted: 11/08/2012] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
STAT3 is a transcription factor that has been found to be constitutively activated in a number of human cancers. Dimerization of STAT3 via its SH2 domain and the subsequent translocation of the dimer to the nucleus leads to transcription of anti-apoptotic genes. Prevention of the dimerization is thus an attractive strategy for inhibiting the activity of STAT3. Phosphotyrosine-based peptidomimetic inhibitors, which mimic pTyr-Xaa-Yaa-Gln motif and have strong to weak binding affinities, have been previously investigated. It is well-known that structures of protein-inhibitor complexes are important for understanding the binding interactions and designing stronger inhibitors. Experimental structures of inhibitors bound to the SH2 domain of STAT3 are, however, unavailable. In this paper we describe a computational study that combined molecular docking and molecular dynamics to model structures of 12 peptidomimetic inhibitors bound to the SH2 domain of STAT3. A detailed analysis of the modeled structures was performed to evaluate the characteristics of the binding interactions. We also estimated the binding affinities of the inhibitors by combining MMPB/GBSA-based energies and entropic cost of binding. The estimated affinities correlate strongly with the experimentally obtained affinities. Modeling results show binding modes that are consistent with limited previous modeling studies on binding interactions involving the SH2 domain and phosphotyrosine(pTyr)-based inhibitors. We also discovered a stable novel binding mode that involves deformation of two loops of the SH2 domain that subsequently bury the C-terminal end of one of the stronger inhibitors. The novel binding mode could prove useful for developing more potent inhibitors aimed at preventing dimerization of cancer target protein STAT3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankur Dhanik
- Department of Computer Science, Rice University, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - John S. McMurray
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Lydia E. Kavraki
- Department of Computer Science, Rice University, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Wang X, Crowe PJ, Goldstein D, Yang JL. STAT3 inhibition, a novel approach to enhancing targeted therapy in human cancers (review). Int J Oncol 2012; 41:1181-91. [PMID: 22842992 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2012.1568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2011] [Accepted: 02/10/2012] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) regulates many critical functions in human normal and malignant tissues, such as differentiation, proliferation, survival, angiogenesis and immune function. Constitutive activation of STAT3 is implicated in a wide range of human cancers. As such, STAT3 has been studied as a tumour therapeutic target. This review aimed principally to summarise the updated research on STAT3 inhibition studies and their therapeutic potential in solid tumours. Recent literature associated with STAT3 inhibition was reviewed through PubMed and Medline database, followed by critical comparison and analysis. Constitutive activation of STAT3 has been identified as abnormal and oncogenic. The pathway of STAT3 activation and signal transduction identifies 3 approaches for inhibition: modulating upstream positive or negative regulators, regulating RNA (DN-STAT3, anti-sense RNA, siRNA and microRNA) or targeting STAT3 protein at different domains. The last approach using small molecule STAT3 inhibitors has been the most examined so far with both preclinical and clinical studies. Targeting STAT3 using a specific inhibitor may be a useful cancer treatment approach, with the potential for a broad clinical impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaochun Wang
- Sarcoma Research Group, Adult Cancer Program, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Randwick, NSW, Australia
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Debnath B, Xu S, Neamati N. Small molecule inhibitors of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3) protein. J Med Chem 2012; 55:6645-68. [PMID: 22650325 DOI: 10.1021/jm300207s] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bikash Debnath
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California , 1985 Zonal Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90089, United States
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Lin L, Liu A, Peng Z, Lin HJ, Li PK, Li C, Lin J. STAT3 is necessary for proliferation and survival in colon cancer-initiating cells. Cancer Res 2011; 71:7226-37. [PMID: 21900397 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-10-4660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 240] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
STAT3 is constitutively activated in colon cancer but its contributions in cancer-initiating cells have not been explored. In this study, we characterized STAT3 in aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH)-positive (ALDH(+)) and CD133-positive (CD133(+)) subpopulations of human colon tumor cells that exhibited more potent tumor-initiating ability than ALDH(-)/CD133(-) cells in tumor xenograft assays in mice. We found that ALDH(+)/CD133(+) cells expressed higher levels of the active phosphorylated form of STAT3 than either ALDH(-)/CD133(-) or unfractionated colon cancer cells. STAT3 inhibition by RNA interference-mediated knockdown or small-molecule inhibitors LLL12 or Stattic blocked downstream target gene expression, cell viability, and tumorsphere-forming capacity in cancer-initiating cells. Similarly, treatment of mouse tumor xenografts with STAT3 short hairpin RNA (shRNA), interleukin 6 shRNA, or LLL12 inhibited tumor growth. Our results establish that STAT3 is constitutively activated in colon cancer-initiating cells and that these cells are sensitive to STAT3 inhibition. These findings establish a powerful rationale to develop STAT3 inhibitory strategies for treating advanced colorectal cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Lin
- Center for Childhood Cancer, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43205, USA.
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Lin L, Benson DM, DeAngelis S, Bakan CE, Li PK, Li C, Lin J. A small molecule, LLL12 inhibits constitutive STAT3 and IL-6-induced STAT3 signaling and exhibits potent growth suppressive activity in human multiple myeloma cells. Int J Cancer 2011; 130:1459-69. [PMID: 21520044 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.26152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2010] [Accepted: 03/31/2011] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
We characterized the effects of a newly developed signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3) inhibitor, LLL12 in multiple myeloma (MM) cells. LLL12 specifically inhibited STAT3 phosphorylation, nuclear localization, DNA binding activity, down-regulated STAT3 downstream genes, and induced apoptosis in MM cells. Importantly, LLL12 significantly inhibited STAT3 phosphorylation, induced apoptosis in primary MM cells which came from patients that were clinically resistant to lenalidomide and bortezomib. LLL12 is a potent inhibitor of cell proliferation with IC50 values ranging between 0.26 and 1.96 μM in MM and primary MM cells. LLL12 also inhibited STAT3 phosphorylation induced by interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interferon-α but not STAT1, STAT2, STAT4 and STAT6 phosphorylation induced by interferon-α, interferon-γ and IL-4 indicating the selectivity of LLL12 for STAT3. The selectively of LLL12 on STAT3 was further demonstrated on 21 protein kinases, which LLL12 had IC50 values ≥ 73.92 μM. In addition, the pretreatment of LLL12 blocked the promotion of the cell proliferation and resistance to lenalidomide by IL-6. Furthermore, LLL12 significantly blocked tumor growth of MM cells in mouse model. Our results indicate that LLL12 blocks constitutive STAT3 and IL-6 induced STAT3 signaling and may be a potential therapeutic agent for MM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Lin
- Department of Pediatrics, Center for Childhood Cancer, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA.
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